The Athletes and Athletic Sports of Scotland

TRAINING. materially hinder him from making splendid performances in feats of strength andendurance. To getthe full benefit ofwhat is eaten one should have few courses, and invariably leave off with a live appetite, that is, with the feeling that one could eat more without feeling satiety. When more is eaten than can be easily digested, there is a positive lossof strengthfrom the extra labour put upon the digestive organs. As regards drink there is one goldenrule thatought to be fol­ lowed by every one whether in training or not, that is never to drink immediately after a meal. The inclinationwhich one has to drink a tumblerful of water just after being done eating,if re­ sisted for fifteen to twenty minutes will generally befound to have ceased to exist, or only in a much less active state. As regards beer, wine,or spirits, iftaken at all they should be taken only during or immediately after a meal in very moderate quan- ties. As a rule an athlete is better without them altogether. Whenever taken in sufficient amount to raise the spirits, when­ ever, that is, their stimulating effects are felt, all intoxicants simply use up vital force anddraw upon reservesof strength. Coming now to the actual training of the body :all those whose daily duties do not include plenty ofoutdoor exercise, should dona light suit, sayknickers, thick jersey, hose, andstout shoes, and take asharp walk of from one to two or three miles, according to strength, time at disposal, and weather, the first thing in the morning. An occasional short run at half orthree quarter speed during the walk will add to the benefit derived derived from it. As soonas this is over the athlete should strip and take his morning bath. While ashower or plunge bath may not be within the reach of all, sponging or wet-towelling is. This followed by vigorous drying with a rough towel, should never be omitted a single morning. Light dumb bellexercise is a capital accompaniment. As we are not writing for those pro­ fessionals orso-called amateurs who make athletics their sole business, we take up thetraining after the ordinarywork of the day is over, when the evening practice comes on. The first