The Athletes and Athletic Sports of Scotland

62 ATHLETIC SPORTS OF SCOTLAND. THROWING THE 56 LB. V/EIGHT.— Throwing the 56lb. weight is a comparatively recent introduction into the programmes of Scottish games, and is still left out at many of the leading gatherings. It is, however, a capital athletic exercise, and deserves more recognitionthan it has got. STYLE OF THROWING.—AS it was little practised until after the turning stylewith the hammer was given up in Scotland, the leading athletes have hitherto practised throwing it without a turn. Donald Dinnie and George Davidson, the two best at. this feat in the standing style, standwith the right foot on the stance, swingpendulum fashion and throwbackwards, as it were, with the right hand. Others stand with the left foot at the stance andturn round as they deliver the weight, bringing the right foot next the stance, as in hammer throwing.Since leaving Scotland Dinnie has practised swinging round the head while continuing the standing style, and has made better distances in that way. In Aberdeenshire turning with the body is allowed at some places whilecontinuing to throw with one hand. That swinging round the headwith one handin the standingstyle and using both hands, where the turn is allowed, have not become general shows how little this feat is practised, as both these methods are an improvement on the common style. There is no doubt but that in throwing this weight by the ring any style should be allowed, as there is always plenty of r om for it on any ground. By practising the standing style with the 56lb. weight, to be in conformity with the hammer style, Donald Dinnie has kept Scottish athletes far behind atthis feat,also, as regards the best distances. In America and elsewhere of recent years the weight thrown has not been an ordinary 56 lb. weight, as made for weighing purposes, but one with a rod or chain a foot or more in length between weight and ring, which gives an immense advantage, especially with the turn. If the 56 lb. weight is to become a recognised feat at Scottish gatherings, as it ought to be, there is no more reason for continuing the ordinary merchant's wei as a