The Pedestrian's Record

24 THE PEDESTRIAN'S RECORD. system of preparation made them run faster by yards after their manipulation. Under Nat Perry's care J. M. Cowie grew swifter; and C. G. Wood,following the in­ structions of C. Ransom, was brought out in such good form for the 440 yards English Championship of 1886 that he accomplished the task in 495 seconds, which time, before his professional tuition, he had never been able to record. The surgeon pure and simple lacks that practical knowledge of training which the pro­ fessional instructor possesses, and consequently the one assists the other ; at the same time, if the science of the one could be blended with the practical experi­ ence of the other in one individual, we should then be able to give the world assurance of a trainer. Medi­ cal students might with advantage educate themselves to this end, and in a very short time the athletic world would possess men capable of giving practical and scientific advice at training quarters. BEFORE COMMENCING TO TRAIN. F OR walking or running steady and gradual prepara­ tion is necessary. Some men only walk more than usual, trot on the road for half-a mile now and then, and fancy by such means they are "getting into con­ dition." A little extra exercise, of course, has its good effect in this direction, but it is not sufficiently workmanlike, is too spasmodic, and is not of that persistent nature which is all-important in producing