The Pedestrian's Record

the pedestrian's record 23 distances, and determine how often men should run when they are in health and fit—can put, as it were, the finishing strokes before a big race—but he is in­ capable of prescribing meat and drink for one who has never run a yard with intent ultimately to toe the path. No doubt such men have learnt from medical men certain facts which have assisted them in diagnosing the requirements of those they train, but due caution should always be exercised by those about to place themselves under the restrictions and advice of a person unacquainted with those sciences, namely, anatomy, physiology, and pathology, which alone can give a man assurance that he is capable of successfully tending the needs of the human frame when about to indulge in severe physical exertion. There is one mistaken idea that is somewhat common to the professional trainer; helikes to get his man fit, i.e., he strives to reduce weight, which has often been effected with physic and hard work. This system constantly produces baneful results; for in­ stance, W.G. George, a man 5 ft.1in. in height, and weighing over 11 stone, was reduced, while training to race W. Cummings, to 9 stone 4 lbs., and when he toed the mark for the ten mile race, on September 28, 1885, did not feel in the same robust condition that he did when he, self-trained, had beaten record at Stamford Bridge L. A. C. grounds. Honour to whom honour is due, and we do not for a momemt pretend to say that professional trainers have not brought out men very fit, and have by their