The Pedestrian's Record

16 the pedestrian's record. must not associate with Sheffield, and why not ? The question is ripe for discussion ; there is much to be said on the amateur side, although it must be ad­ mitted that Vis unita fortior, whether it be applied to a school, a pastime, or a sport, is a motto which truly asserts that men being exponents of one and the same art or pastime should be bound together, so as to insure the force of united action. In the athletic world, one-half goes one way and half the other. The gold will not mix with alloy, and the coin bends, and similarly divided forces court weak­ ness. It is said that in throwing open the amateur cinder-tracks to the professional, anarchy and con­ fusion would be the result, and that the occupation of the amateur would be a thing of the past. We know well disgraceful scenes have taken place at profes­ sional meetings, but they have been few and far between, and have constantly been caused by squabbles over gambling transactions ; it is also well- known that large crowds comprise a heavy proportion of the rowdy element, who sometimes do go in for plunder, and riot ensues ; but these nuisances are just as likely to occur amid any large congregation of men collected together for any purpose other than that of witnessing a running match. We have seen a bad case or two of rowdyism under the shadow of the hustings, and have heard very foul language near the turres regcim. At the same time it must be admitted that clique has somewhat to do in dis-