The Cruise of the Branwen

THE WREATH OF OLIVE programme of these sports was allowed to be as long as it was in Athens, it is only fair to judge each nation by the sum total of its athletic powers in every direction. Germany comes fifth with 46, and Italy sixth with 44, having done well in rowing and bicycling ; the Swiss total of 35 was entirely composed of shooting successes. An extra five marks should be given to Denmark . for the wrestling championship, which went to her winner of the heavy weights, and to Norway for the shooting championship of Herr Skattebo, who won both standing and prone competitions; this would bring their totals to 2 5, which is also equalled by Sweden, with her highly creditable seconds in the five miles and Marathon Race, and by Hungary. Austria's" strong men events " scored her 24. Finland took two firsts, and the list closes with Belgium, Holland, and Smyrna in that order. My details are all taken from the official statement of results issued by the com– mittee on the spot. In considering the record of the various nations, it must be remembered that the English-speaking races have hitherto enjoyed one preponderant and vital advanrage, which is that athletic tradi– tions are in our blood, and athletic framework is constantly being bred into the best of our boys. Every Olympic meeting in Athens increases the possibility of similar advantages for modern Greece, but until she can claim them she will find that a four-yearly burst of enthusiasm will not suffice to win her the Marathon Race and the best prizes, even if that enthusiasm be felt 91