The Cruise of the Branwen

THE OLYMPIC GAMES something like a national disgrace if we did not come up to the high standard of efficiency expected of us by the rest of the athletic world ; and our general reputation for open-hearted hospitality could scarcely be better exercised than on an occasion when some two thousand foreign sportsmen and their friends are visiting these shores. With these objects, the Olympic Council has arranged for the proper carrying out not only of athletics, cycling, swimming, wrestling, fencing, and gymnastics in the Shep– herd's Bush arena, but of a regatta at Henley on July 28, of a competition at Bisley on July 8, just before the National Rifle Association's meeting, of yacht races at Ryde on July 27, of a golf tournament on June 1, of polo at Hurling– ham on June 15, of lawn tennis at Queen's on May 1, and of other competitions, unsuitable to the arena, which are to be held in various parts of England. For all these gold, silver, and bronze prize medals are awarded. The only cups given are challenge prizes open for the whole series of future meetings, such as Count Brunetta d'Usseaux's statuette, or the fencing trophy reproduced from the Pourtales Vase by British fencers. The only trophies that can be kept by competitors are the medals, accompanied by certificates, which are awarded to the first, second, and third in each event. Special diplomas are also awarded to meritorious performances which have not obtained a prize. A very large number of badges had also to be provided for all the competitors and for the very numerous officials 16