Chapter XIV: Part I (3)

The average young Canadian is more devoted to outdoor sports in all kinds of weather than his American neighbor. Even those among the Canucks whose hair is silver-sabled, as well as they whose locks are sable-silvered--to quote a phrase from that delightful old boy, the Autocrat, of Boston, as true a sportsman as ever breathed or wrote--are more devoted to almost all kinds of vigorous exercise, driving, perhaps, excepted, than those who live in the dominions of Uncle Sam. Not only do cricket, baseball, tennis and curling find thousands of enthusiastic players in Canada, but shinty, golf, and bowls have their adherents. The game last mentioned has of late taken an extraordinary hold in Ontario. Its great recommendation is that it is found to give just the degree of exercise in the open air to make it especially agreeable to those of middle age or to those

“Whose age is as a lusty youth,
Frosty, but kindly.”

Lawn bowls resembles curling somewhat. In fact it consists in trying to do on level grass what it is the object of curlers to accomplish on smooth ice, _i. e._, to get one side’s bowls near a central object and to cut out those of the other side. Another point of resemblance is that the “in-turn” or “out-turn” of the curling-stone is initiated by the “fore-hand” or “back-hand” bias of the _lignum-vitæ_ bowl. There is, however, no sweeping at bowls, so that the assistance, real or imaginary, toward the progress of a stone that a roaring and perspiring curler derives from his efforts with the broom, is denied to the bowler.

In former days the game was played, in Canada, at least, with balls much biased, so as to draw as much as six to ten feet in a run of sixty. The best players in Scotland, however, have discarded these extremely weighted bowls. The Pioneer rink of Toronto was the first to import bowls of the best Glasgow make, notwithstanding that a very fair article is made in Canada. Since Scotland has been mentioned, it may be as well to say just here that a correspondent, Mr. Samuel Gunn, of Glasgow, a fine bowler, and an undeniable Scotchman, inveighs, in a recent letter, against those who term bowls an English game, and declares that Scotland is its great exemplar to-day. This probably may be the case; but even Mr. Gunn will admit that the cyclopedias call it “a British game,” and they are not particular to say anything about North Britain either. He should also remember that in the fine picture illustrative of the game in the time of Elizabeth, it is Sir Francis Drake and a group of Englishmen whose game upon an English green was sought to be interrupted by a messenger bringing tidings that the Spanish Armada was in sight.

Be it Scotch or English, it is a good game.

IS HE A 9 4-5 MAN?

The St. Louis _Globe-Democrat_ writes in the following way of the performance of Schifferstein, the Californian sprinter:

“At the meeting of the Missouri Athletic Club, at St. Louis, September 9, the feature of the day was the performance of Schifferstein, the Californian, in the 100-yard race. He won away off in the world’s record time of 9 4-5s. The amateur record is 10s., and the Californian lowered this. The professional record of 9 4-5s. is held by H. M. Johnson, who was one of the timers. The performance will go on record, and Schifferstein will receive a handsome medal for lowering the record. There can be no doubt of the performance, as he beat Joe Murphy, who is a 10¼. man, three yards. In the second heat Schifferstein, O. J. Fath and Geo. M. Fuchs, of the M. A. A. C., and Eli Thornish, of Chicago, competed. Schifferstein raced away from his field in the first fifty yards, and won easily by four yards of Thornish, second. Time, 13 1-5s. The Californian has the easiest of styles. He much resembles Sherrill, the champion, in his style of movement, and does not seem to exert himself a bit when in motion. He will win the national championship. In the final heat a good start was effected, but Schifferstein opened up a big gap on his field in the first fifty yards as before. Murphy then held him even, but could not gain an inch, and the Californian won by three yards in the record time of 9 4-5s.”

A PLEA FOR THE WHEELMEN.

As the days shorten, and the hours available for outdoor exercise grow fewer, more wheelmen are anxious to use the daylight they have at their own disposal for a reinvigorating run. No city is better provided with an exercise ground for cyclers than is New York with her beautiful park; but, nevertheless, there is a hitch. As things stand at present, one has, in order to reach the park, to take a car from the business parts of the city, and undergo all the tedium of the trip; then, hastily donning cycling clothes, take a hasty spin, a hurried bath, and resuming the garments of every-day life, run the risk of cold or pneumonia by taking a car down-town while still warm from the vigorous exercise.

The Board of Aldermen were apparently filled with good intentions, and went so far as to lay down in Madison Avenue, from Twenty-third to Thirty-second Street, a pavement which seems calculated to fill every wheelman’s heart with joy. This pavement is not the ordinary asphalt used for streets, but has an admixture of sand, which prevents extreme slipperiness. So far so good; but there remains the long stretch from Thirty-second to Fifty-ninth Street, over which no wheelman dare attempt to ride, and so many a man who pines for the refreshing run of an hour or so on his wheel is deterred by the thoughts of those trips on the cars and the other attendant discomforts. Surely the Board of Aldermen will take pity on such a good (and influential) class of citizens, and shortly remedy this real and considerable grievance.

A MASSACRE OF THE INNOCENTS.

At the present time, when the inevitable effect of the actions of so-called “trout-hogs,” dynamitards, and pot-hunters is evoking so much attention, the report that on August 30 Lord Walsingham killed in one day to his own gun, 1,058 head of grouse, on his small moor at Blubberhouse, Yorkshire, has attracted no slight attention. The feat, if such it can be called, was undertaken with a view to eclipsing the former record made by Lord Walsingham in 1872 of 842 head, on which performance no great reliance has ever been placed. The new and gigantic record is, however, undoubtedly authentic. The bag was made between 5.15 ~A. M.~ and 7.30 ~P. M.~ and twenty “drives” were made, which occupied seven hours and a half. During the last half hour (_i. e._, from 7 to 7.30) fourteen birds were killed, during the walk home, and by deducting these it is found that 1,044 were killed in 449 minutes, or nearly 2⅓ birds per minute. Once three birds were killed at one shot, and three times two birds at one shot. Lord Walsingham was the only person to fire, and used four guns, and employed two loaders. In this particular case, so far was the ground from being completely “shot out” that the reports say that two guns could readily get from 150 to 200 brace per day for two or three days during the next week over the same ground.

A BELLED BUCK.

The New York _Sun_ recently published a letter from Alex. Moss, of Madoc, Miss. Mr. Moss writes: “A day or two ago I killed a deer, a buck, the largest ever seen in this country; gross weight, 347 pounds. The horns three inches from the head were 1¾ in. in diameter. There were six points on one horn and seven on the other--thirteen points. Around the neck of the deer was a bell attached to a wire rope. On the inside of the bell was plainly engraved: ‘J. S. Dunn, Lansing, Mich. June (or Jan.), 1881.’ The wire rope had been spliced in sailor fashion, and was no doubt done before it was put on the deer, and allowances made for the neck growing. There was but a small portion of the material of which the rope was made left, save the wire. It was very tight around the deer’s neck, and the hair was white where the rope touched. The bell had no clapper, and was made of brass and copper.”

A DRINK FOR CYCLISTS.

A writer in the _Bicycling World_ calls attention to a well-known injurious habit of wheelmen, as follows:

“The pernicious habit of imbibing large quantities of water at every stopping-place, so common among inexperienced wheelmen, not only aggravates the thirst, but, by promoting excessive perspiration, exhausts the rider. It is the perspiration that evaporates as fast as it appears, and not that which runs off the skin, that diminished the heat of the body. If the rider resists this desire to drink, the water for perspiration is taken from the fat--which is the dead weight--and he is benefited by the decrease in his avoirdupois.”

While the fault and result are very much as outlined above, the writer has failed to point out any remedy. A certain amount of liquid to assuage thirst must be taken by riders, and at the same time nourishment and mild stimulation are often essential. A harmless and satisfactory combination of all these may be secured by adding to a glass of milk a tablespoonful of Jamaica rum, and nothing but beneficial results will be secured, even if used in excess of moderation.

HINTS TO NEW YORK SPORTSMEN.

The query has more than once been put to ~Outing~: “Where can one obtain good shooting within Too miles of New York?” In reply, we wish to give the following advice to men who, while keen on sport, have not the time to seek it far afield.

In the first place, good shooting, with a variety of game (one correspondent mentions rabbit, quail, grouse, partridge, etc.), cannot be obtained within too miles of the city.

The rabbit, or American hare (_Lepus sylvaticus_) can be found everywhere outside and sometimes inside city limits. He seems to be a “pariah and an outcast” among sportsmen, although rabbit shooting with a couple of good dogs on a brisk, frosty morning, is a sport by no means to be despised. Rabbits are protected by the game laws during the close season. Quail (_Ortex Virginianus_, or, according to many ornithologists, _Perdix V._), are in many places still further protected by farmers upon whose lands they breed, most of the stubble fields being posted to keep off intruders. The right of shooting in such cases is reserved for themselves, or for city friends visiting them in the fall, although we have known of cases where the farms were posted so that the farmer’s boys might eke out a few pitiful pennies by snaring the birds for market. Good rabbit and fair quail shooting may be had early in the season on the line of the Southern Railroad of New Jersey, particularly in the neighborhood of Tom’s River. Also on Long Island, from South Oyster Bay eastward.

Ruffed grouse (_Tetrao umbellus_), improperly called “partridge” in the Eastern and some of the Middle States, and as improperly termed “pheasant” in the South, may still be found in fair numbers among the wooded slopes and swales of Sullivan County, N. Y., and Pike County, Penn. But the class of sportsmen whom we are specially addressing should try that migratory bird, the woodcock, finest of all our birds of the fall flight, the English snipe, most luscious of all for the table, and the shore birds, or _Limicolæ_, a large class comprehending the curlews, marlins, plovers, tattlers and sandpipers. It is unnecessary to say that, except with shore birds, good dogs are essential to success.

A WORD TO LAWN TENNIS PLAYERS.

Lawn Tennis has, within late years, taken so prominent a place in the list of our outdoor amateur sports that it behooves those who feel an interest in its future progress to guard well against the introduction of the semi-professional element. This influence has done much to injure and retard the growth of many outdoor amusements. It threw back amateur rowing for years, and at one time brought the open regattas into such ill-favor that it was feared that rowing would fall back into the position it was in before the establishment of the National Association of Amateur Oarsmen. Even after the establishment of that organization, it required the closest attention on the part of the executive committee of the association, with so active a man as Henry W. Garfield to keep it clear from the snags that beset it. It would be well for the lovers of lawn tennis to take this matter seriously in hand and take a lesson from the course laid down by the amateur oarsmen to keep the pastime clear from professional amateur players of this delightful outdoor amusement.

CYCLES IN THE RUSSIAN ARMY.

Mr. J. H. Block, of Moscow, who has been instrumental in obtaining the introduction of cycles into the Russian army, thus explains how he was able to bring the measure about:

“I was very kindly received,” says Mr. Block, “by the Commander-in-Chief here, and he took the greatest interest in all I had to say about cycling. An official test has been made here between a cyclist and a grenadier on horseback. A despatch of great importance had to be taken to a small town thirty-five miles outside of Moscow, and an answer to be received from there. One of our best and most ardent bicyclists, Colonel Firsoff, who is fifty years of age, undertook to start off with the grenadier at the same time, and try to receive the answer, and come back in less time than the horseman would. This he achieved in the best possible manner. He came back four hours sooner than did the grenadier, and it created quite a sensation. Since that time we have had very long and continuous conversations about this matter, and after two months, the official introduction has taken place.”

THE HEROINE OF A YACHTING ACCIDENT.

A narrow Escape from drowning, and, at the same time, an admirable instance of the value of coolness and presence of mind in the face of danger is thus recorded by the Hamilton, Canada, _Spectator_. It gives an account of the rescue of Mr. Bunbury, of Hamilton, and his daughter. After showing how a passing vessel noticed the capsized sloop, the _Spectator_ goes on to say:

“Captain Irving was notified and got his glass set upon the object. He informed the passengers who had called his attention to it that it was a yacht on her side with two persons clinging to it. The steamer was headed for the yacht, and in a short time was alongside it. Then it was found that Miss Bunbury’s yacht had upset. The two passengers were picked up, and the young lady was rigged out in dry clothes and made comfortable. She did not appear to be the least bit concerned about the upset. ‘We were just three-quarters of an hour in the water,’ she said, looking at her watch, as she was lifted on deck.

“Mr. Bunbury had seen the squall coming, and was going to take in some of the canvas when the squall struck the boat. ‘Let go everything,’ he cried to his daughter, ‘and jump into the mainsail.’ The young lady obeyed with a promptness that perhaps saved her life. In a moment the boat was on her side, with the sail flat on the water, and the young lady on the sail. She picked herself up and stood on the centreboard, hanging on to the deck with both hands. The yacht was low in the water, and to raise it Mr. Bunbury dived into it and threw out the ballast. The young lady stood in the water up to her waist, while Mr. Bunbury was up to his neck, and when the boat lurched--a small sea having come up in the meantime--his head would go right under water.

“The young lady was made quite a heroine of by the passengers of the _Macassa_. She certainly deserves great credit for her pluck and presence of mind. Thomas Costen, one of the _Macassa’s_ deck hands jumped into the water and assisted in getting the young lady and Mr. Bunbury on board. The yacht was afterward towed in by a steam launch.”

FISH LIVING IN HOT WATER.

There is a pond on the hay ranch at Golconda, which is fed by the waters from the hot springs. This pond has an area of two or three acres, and the temperature of the water is about 85°, and in some places, where the hot water bubbles up from the bottom, the temperature is almost up to a boiling point. Recently the discovery has been made that this warm lake is literally alive with carp, some of which are more than a foot long. All efforts to catch them with a hook and line have failed, as they will not touch the most tempting bait. A few of them have been shot, and, contrary to the general supposition, the flesh was hard and palatable. How the fish got into the lake is a mystery unsolved. Within too feet of it are springs which are boiling hot, and the ranchers in the vicinity use the water to scald hogs in the butchering season.

CARP FISHING.

The New York _Herald_ recently gave some advice to a correspondent who inquired as to the best method of getting some carp-fishing, which is so practical that it will bear repetition. It says: “At Little Falls, N. Y., you can obtain boats, although carp may be caught also from the shore. Carp may be taken in large numbers anywhere within ten miles above Little Falls. There is no law protecting carp, and they may be taken whenever and wherever anybody can find them. Use No. 3 or 4 hook, and fish on the bottom. Let the fish get a good hold before striking, as carp take the hook like suckers. They are often caught on worms used in fishing for other fish. If nothing but carp are wanted, a better bait is made of dough, mixed with cotton to keep it on the hook, or boiled peas.”

BOAT-RACING IN THE DARK.

A number of times during the past rowing season we noticed that unsatisfactory results were reached at the conclusion of a regatta, which anything like thoughtful management might have avoided. In two or three instances which might be called to mind, contestants were summoned to the starting-line at so late an hour that the shades of evening had fallen on the water. To start a boat race under such conditions is not only absurd and ridiculous, but fraught with danger to the men engaged in it, not to say anything of the numberless disputes likely to arise regarding the final result. In the first place, the referee cannot discharge the duties of his office properly if he is unable to see what is going on between the contestants, or how can a judge at the finish determine who crosses the line first when it is absolutely impossible to see distinctly three boats’ lengths ahead of him? In the Bowery Bay, a place that may become popular for racing with rowing men, and in the waters about the Staten Island Athletic Club’s boat-house, occurrences similar to those above referred to had practical illustrations within the past few weeks. In other sections of the country the practice of delay in starting boat races at an hour later than announced has become a positive nuisance. We propose to watch all sins of this kind in the future, and place the blame of such mismanagement where it belongs.

OUR THEATRICAL PLAYGROUND.

The theatrical season in New York opened auspiciously about the first of September, and up to the present time shows no sign of in any way not keeping up to its early promise; and this despite the fact of an exciting presidential campaign, when mass meetings, torch-light processions and brass bands in the streets furnish all the elements of a free show outside the theatres. As a rule, a presidential year--at least the few weeks of the canvass preceding the election--seriously effects the attendance at all places of amusement. The past few weeks, however, seem to prove an exception. And no class of entertainment, so long as it is good, appears to be singled out for preference.

FAREWELL, WALLACK’S!

Colonel McCaull, with “Boccaccio,” easily led the comic opera patronage at Wallack’s. It was the best performance of the opera ever given in the city. Comedy and song are so happily blended in the work that it requires actors and singers to present it properly, and McCaull gave both. “Boccaccio,” by the McCaull Opera Company, will pass into the dramatic annals of this city as the last performance given in Wallack’s. October 6 Wallack’s ceased to exist, and a name which for more than a generation was a household word throughout the country passed away into a memory and becomes a tradition.

MEMORIES OF HOME.

As a contrast to the rollicking fun of comic opera let us see how the Academy of Music is doing with “The Old Homestead.” Here is a medley--it can hardly be called a play--which savors so strongly of country life that one almost feels the breath of the new-mown hay, or the genial warmth of a happy hearthstone while witnessing Den Thompson’s performance. It is a touch of nature, and thousands throng into the Academy to feel its influence.

A CHIP OF THE OLD BLOCK.

When young Sothern, at the Lyceum, came upon the stage as _Lord Chumley_, an indistinct something or other flashed through the minds of old theatre-goers. It was impossible at first to tell what produced that feeling, but as the play unraveled itself, and Mr. Sothern warmed to his work, it seemed as if the spirit of the elder Sothern animated the younger, and _Lord Chumley_ was a blood relative of the lamented _Lord Dundreary_. As was the case with _Dundreary_ so it was with _Chumley_--both sprung into popularity in a night. As in Laura Keene’s, crowds were drawn in days gone by to see the father, so now at the present day throngs fill the pretty Lyceum to look upon the son.

NOT OF THE FIRST WATER.

The handsome Broadway Theatre reopened with “The Queen’s Mate,” and the opera was followed by “The Kaffir Diamond.” Notwithstanding the admirable manner in which the drama was mounted and the magnificent performance of Mr. Aldrich as _Shoulders_, it failed to meet with public approval. The play is not a good one. It has some strong points and good situations, but it drags in places. It is claimed it will make a good road show. It may, but I doubt it. “Mr. Barnes of New York” succeeded “The Kaffir Diamond” on October 15.

CAB, SIR?

Edward Harrigan opened his theatre with another of those local admixtures which he calls “Waddy Googan.” _Waddy_ is a hack driver, and Mr. Harrigan draws him to life, and places him in scenes and situations so faithfully true that the theatre is unable to accommodate his patrons. “Waddy Googan’s” run promises to be a long one.

A SUCCESSFUL WRECK.

William Gillette has made another success with “A Legal Wreck.” When he first produced it at the Madison Square he did not expect it would do more than fill out a part of his season there. Its success, however, was such that the piece will hold possession until the 10th of this month, when A. M. Palmer’s company returns to begin the regular winter season.

JULES VERNE’S STORY IN TIGHTS.

At Niblo’s Garden “Mathias Sandorf” came in with the season, and brought a flock of the prettiest ballet girls that ever adorned Niblo’s stage. “Mathias Sandorf” was said to be written by Jules Verne. M. Verne may have written it, but the people who filled the theatre at every performance lost all recollection of the story in the bright smiles and entrancing movements of the fairies of the ballet. Some managers have a weakness for the antique in the selection of their coryphées, but the rare experience of E. G. Gilmore and Bolossy Kiralfy teaches them that the young have much more attractiveness in the present day.

UP-HILL WORK.

J. M. Hill has produced a play called “Philip Herne” at the Fifth Avenue Theatre. It was written by Mrs. Mary Fiske, a very bright writer, and a lady well known in journalistic and theatrical circles. “Philip Herne” has not yet come up to its manager’s expectations. The play has all the advantages of a good cast. After a four weeks’ run at the Fifth Avenue it went up to the Standard for a five weeks’ stay. Mr. Hill is a very plucky manager, and is not afraid to meet defeat. Sometimes he even turns defeat into victory. Who can tell? “Philip Herne” may yet result in the victory Mr. Hill believes it capable of achieving.

THE FASCINATION OF IMPROBABILITIES.

J. Wesley Rosenquest, one of the most enterprising and intelligent of our younger managers, has now two theatres to guide instead of one--the Bijou Opera House and the Fourteenth Street Theatre. At the latter place of amusement, Cora Tanner has made the success of her career in “Fascination.” “Fascination” is a comedy, written by Robert Buchanan, and is about as improbable a story as one can listen to. But what of that? The people throng to see the play, or Cora Tanner, or both; and in this way stamp its improbabilities with the brand of success.

~Richard Neville.~

For a writer of books on sporting subjects one qualification is absolutely indispensable if the result is to be a success, and this is that the author shall have his heart thoroughly in his work. In no other class of literature is the lack of such a qualification made so palpable to the reader. In “Wild Fowl Shooting” (Chicago: Rand, McNally & Co., 1888) Mr. William Bruce Leffingwell shows his love and knowledge of sport in a way which will give his work a high place in sporting literature. From the first to the last chapter the book is nothing if not practical, and the information is pleasantly interspersed with anecdotes and stories in such a way that the veteran will read with amusement and interest, and the tyro will gather instruction and pleasure at the same time. The scientific portions which are gleaned from the best sources are not unduly obtrusive, though of sufficient length to give any information required. The volume has the additional advantage of being illustrated.

* * * * *

It is not often that the writer of a book of travel gives such thorough attention to his subject as did William Eleroy Curtis (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1888) in “The Capitals of Spanish America.” In his position as Commissioner from the United States to the Governments of Central and South America, the author had an opportunity which he improved fully and with profit. President Arthur’s unsigned letter, sent after his death, accepting the dedication and consenting to write the Introduction, is an interesting memento. The accounts given by the author of the cities and peoples he visited are full of life and interest, while more serious points are by no means neglected. But even the dry facts are so pleasantly discussed in chatty fashion and interlarded by anecdote and tale that no dry bones are left. The book is very profusely and, for the most part, handsomely illustrated.

* * * * *

Realistic fiction has in the last two years gained a strong foothold in this country. To-day twenty good writers might be named with whom this tendency has become a characteristic. There is undoubtedly an American school of fiction building up which will become distinctive of our day and country. But “Len Gansett,” by Opie P. Read (Boston: Ticknor & Co., 1888), is hardly calculated to reflect credit on this school. Realism is not all-sufficient, but must be ably seconded by literary merit to meet with general approbation. The plot of this work is so poor that one wonders at the finish why it should have ever been introduced. The characters are weak and quite devoid of originality, while the charms and picturesqueness which might have been introduced into such surroundings are conspicuous by their absence.

* * * * *

There are books that win favor by their very name. “Chris,” by W. E. Norris (London and New York: Macmillan & Co., 1888), is a volume that has more than a name to make a way for it. From the moment that one picks up this novel, one becomes intensely interested in the fortunes of the wayward heroine. The interest acquired in her various entanglements is almost personal, and when she is delivered from the clutches of the unscrupulous Val Richardson, one breathes a sigh of relief. Some of the prettiest touches are in connection with the faithful Peter, and when the faithful canine friend meets his untimely end, entire sympathy is felt with Chris in her wild and erratic flight. The characters are well drawn, though there is a tendency to overcoloring in some; but in spite of the interest of the book the plot can hardly be designated as original or deep.

* * * * *

Universal as has been the baseball mania, it is an astonishing fact how little literature has sprung up in connection with the game. This is well shown in the introduction to “Hygiene for Baseball Players,” by A. H. P. Leuf, M.D. (Philadelphia: A. J. Reach & Co. 1888)--a work which, though unpretentious in appearance, is a most valuable and timely publication. It discusses at considerable length the “physiology and philosophy of curve-pitching,” and, as might be gathered from its name, “the diseases and treatment of ball players.” In addition, the relation of human anatomy to the methods of play, proper exercises for players, and numerous other bearings of the game are fully discussed. Illustrations amplify the merits of the text.

* * * * *

A manual that will surely prove of real use to the yachtsman and canoeist is Captain Howard Patterson’s “Canal Guide” (New York Navigation School, New York). As the author truly remarks, it opens up a comparatively new field to yachtsmen, and offers a change to the annual cruise along the same coast line. The instructions given, and tables of depth of water, width of locks, etc., seem to be very complete and to furnish all necessary information.

* * * * *

Carp culture has of late come into much prominence among the pisciculturists of America. A valuable text-book on the subject reaches us, entitled, “Practical Carp Culture,” by L. P. Logan (Youngstown, O.: _Evening Herald_ Print, 1888). Every feature of the industry is fully discussed, and both those who intend to engage in it, and those who take an interest in it as a measure of public utility, should study this little work. Rather more care in preparation might have been advantageously expended on the preparation of the volume, as in a preface of thirty-seven words there are two spelled wrongly.

FUN FROM THE WHEEL.

~College Professor~: Mr. Wheeler, can you give me a definition of a philosopher?

~Mr. Wheeler~ (_A racing man, with a grudge against the handicapper_): A philosopher is a fellow who starts from scratch with a man ten seconds faster than he is, just to show the handicapper how little he knows about his business.

* * * * *

It is said to be a poor rule that does not work both ways. Messrs. Salmon Bros., of Denver, are trying to introduce the Fly Cycle Co.’s wheels to American riders. A fly has long been the bait used to land salmon, but this is the first case on record where the salmon has reversed this order of things, and himself used the fly for bait. It would seem odd to ask the rider of one of these machines what machine he rode, and have him reply a “fly-wheel,” wouldn’t it?

* * * * *

“I understand Headerboy has grown wealthy of late,” remarked the old member of the Whangdoodle Wheelers to the club captain.

“Yes, he’s making about fifty dollars a week now.”

“Doing what? Why he can’t even ride a wheel without falling of.”

“That’s just it.”

“What do you mean?”

“Why, you see, he carries two or three accident insurance policies, rides a fifty-four-inch wheel when he measures for a fifty inch, so he has only to ride and take headers, to combine pleasure with profit.”

* * * * *

It is said that Kluge, the well-known racing man of the Hudson County Wheelmen, owes his success upon the road and path to his profession as a paper-hanger. It teaches him to thoroughly “size up” the abilities of his opponents, and thus defeat them by taking advantage of their weaknesses.

* * * * *

RACING TERMS AND DEFINITIONS.

First--Adam.
Last--Cobblers.
Wins--Four aces.
Loses--A bluff when called.
The Field--Potter’s.
Beaten--A drum.
They’re off--Lunatics.
A False Tart--A mud pie.
A Driving Race--Trotting.
The Rail--A scolding wife.
Left at the Post--The starter.
A Foul--A duck-er chicken.
The judge’s Stand--On their feet.
Dead Heat--110 degrees in the shade.
A Tie--A four-in-hand.
A Handy-“capper”--A bunco steerer.
The Home Stretch--The one to get your hat on the morning after
an evening with “the boys.”

Editor’s Scrap Book

The boy who was “kept in” after school hours for bad orthography, and thus prevented from taking his place in the afternoon baseball match, explained to his captain that he was spell-bound.

* * * * *

~Excited Farmer~ (_to man with fishing tools_): Look here, you can’t catch fish in this stream!

~Piscatorious~: That’s all right. I won’t catch anything. I belong to the Washington Baseball Club.--_Puck._

* * * * *

~Woman~ (_to tramp_): If I give you a nice dinner will you help me put up some patent self-rolling window curtains?

~Tramp~: No, ma’am. I’ll saw wood, carry in coal, or dig post holes, but I wouldn’t help a woman on window curtains if she gave me a Delmonico spread.--_New York Sun._

* * * * *

_Ocean_ gives up the following as fun when it states that a vessel resembles a prisoner when she is put in the dock, a witness when she is bound to a-pier, and a judge when she makes a trial trip. This little joke from the _Ocean_ comes to us with the antique flavor of a chestnut.

* * * * *

~Larry~: Your governor said last night, Jack, that he was not at all satisfied with the result of your last year at college.

“Well, by George! I got on the eleven, and pitched for the nine, and won first in the singles. What on earth does he want?” Such is _Life_.

* * * * *

“You should be a baseball player,” said the beetle to the spider.

“Why so?” inquired the latter.

“You’re so good at catching flies.”

“True, but I’d fall a victim to the fowls.”

And he went behind the bat.--_Exchange._

* * * * *

Harvard _Lampoon_ informs its readers that “one of the girls, who pays part of her tuition by chasing the hens out of the Annex Garden, is thinking of entering the sprint races of Mott Haven next year, because she is such an adept in the ‘running shoes.’”

A BALLAD.

The shades of night were falling fast,
As from the tennis grounds there passed
A youth who bore his head with pride,
Because, there, walking by his side,
Was Imogene.

His step was light, his eye was bright,
His heart was thumping at the sight
That lit his soul with love’s bright beams,
And fired his brain with glorious dreams
Of Imogene.

In cottage homes they saw the light
Of household fires gleam warm and bright;
But while the silvery moonlight shone,
He much preferred it out alone
With Imogene.

“Beware the pass,” the old man said,
“’Tis dark within the woods ahead.”
He answered boldly, “Never fear,
For dark is light when she is near--
My Imogene!”

“Oh, stay,” the maiden said; “inside,
The parlor door is open wide.”
He spoke no word; his eyes aglow
Were to his comrade whispering low,
“Dear Imogene.”

He sat him down beside his love,
And spooned until papa above
Grew weary, and a step o’erhead
Gave rise to sudden, anxious dread
In Imogene.

“Beware the baseball bat of pine--
Beware my papa’s number nine!”
This was the maiden’s last good-night;
He answered as he shot from sight,
“Dear Imogene!”

--_Life._

~This~ department of ~Outing~ is specially devoted to paragraphs
of the doings of members of organized clubs engaged in the
reputable sports of the period, and also to the recording of the
occurrence of the most prominent events of the current season. On
the ball-fields it will embrace _Cricket_, _Baseball_, _Lacrosse_
and _Football_. On the bays and rivers, _Yachting_, _Rowing_ and
_Canoeing_. In the woods and streams, _Hunting_, _Shooting_ and
_Fishing_. On the lawns, _Archery_, _Lawn Tennis_ and _Croquet_.
Together with Ice-Boating, Skating, Tobogganing, Snowshoeing,
Coasting, and winter sports generally.

Secretaries of clubs will oblige by sending in the names of their
presidents and secretaries, with the address of the latter,
together with the general result of their most noteworthy contests
of the month, addressed, “Editor of ~Outing~,” 239 Fifth Avenue,
New York.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

_All communications intended for the Editorial Department should
be addressed to “The Editor,” and not to any person by name.
Advertisements, orders, etc., should be kept distinct, and
addressed to the manager. Letters and inquiries from anonymous
correspondents will not receive attention. All communications to be
written on one side of the paper only._

ATHLETICS.

~The~ fifth competition for the Linten and Scheiflin medal in the Brighton Athletic Club took place on the grounds at Pennsylvania Avenue, September 15. The results were as follows:

100-yard run--E. U. Torbett, 5 yds., 1st; W. J. Carr, 2 yds. Time, 11½ sec.

High jump--D. J. Cox, 5 ft. 3 in., 1st; W. J. Carr, 2d.

Half-mile run--W. J. Carr, 25 yds., 1st; A. C. Macgregor, 12 yds., 2d. Time, 2 min. 25 sec.

Broad jump--W. R. Hooper, scratch, 1st, 19 ft. 4¾. in.; H. H. Petit, 2d, 15 in., 18 ft. 11 in.

Hop, step and jump--W. B. Dunlap, 8 in., 1st, 38 ft. 5½ in.

One-mile run--G. U. Forbell, 110 yds., 1st; A. C. Macgregor, 25 yds., 2d. Time, 4 min. 25 sec.

* * * * *

~In~ the long-distance throwing match at Cincinnati, September 19, for the prize money of $100 offered by the Cincinnati Club and the _Enquirer_ diamond locket, Harry Vaughn’s record was broken by Stovey of the Athletics. He threw the ball 369 feet and 2 inches. Tebeau tried to beat it, but only reached 353 feet. Ned Williamson may make a trip here to see if he can go ahead of the best record. Corkhill has not yet thrown.

* * * * *

~Of~ the eleven records broken last May at Worcester, Mass., five are held by the students of Dartmouth.

* * * * *

~The~ formal opening of the New York Athletic Club’s grounds at Travers Island, took place September 22. The twentieth annual fall games of the club also took place. The day was all that could be desired.

Very little was done toward beating or even approaching previous records, the only exception being in putting the sixteen-pound shot, which Mr. George R. Gray managed to cast 44 ft. 5 in., some six inches beyond the existing limit, and Mr. W. L. Condon throwing a sixteen-pound hammer a distance of 117 ft. 9½ in., topping the previous “high-water mark” by some nine feet or more.

The 100-yard run was won by A. F. Copeland, in 10 2-5 secs. Fred Westing second.

The one-mile race was won by G. G. Gilbert, in 5 min. 10 4-5 sec. Second, W. F. Thompson.

T. P. Conneff came in first in the 880-yard run, with C. M. Smith a close second. The 440-yard run was won by J. P. Thornton, in 53 1-5 sec., A. W. S. Cochrane bringing up close in the rear. Fred Westing succeeded in getting first place in the 220-yard run, in 23 4-5 sec., A. W. S. Cochrane again a close second.

A. F. Copeland distinguished himself by winning two hurdle races, the first, 120 yards, in 17 3-5 sec., and the second, 220 yards, in 27 3-5 sec., C. M. Smith being second in the first and C. T. Wiegand behind the winner in the second race.

Mr. Copeland jumped into further fame by covering 22 ft. 0¾ in. in the running broad jump. This was the fourth prize captured by Mr. Copeland.

T. P. Conneff again showed his heels to his competitors in a five-mile run, beating Mr. S. T. Freeth, who came in second, over one-fifth of a mile. The time was 27 min. 4 4-5 sec.

A number of the solid men of the New York and other clubs then struggled with a 56-pound weight, which Mr. Condon, who had broken the record with the 16-pound hammer, succeeded in throwing 26 ft. 6¾ in. A. J. Queckberner just missed this mark by three-quarters of an inch.

Not much was done in the way of pole vaulting. G. P. Quinn managed to clear 10 feet after repeated trials. The record for this event is 11 feet 5 inches. In the running high jump, M. W. Ford, S. I. A. C., cleared 5 feet 10 inches. C. T. Wiegand and R. K. Pritchard managed to lift themselves 5 feet 3 inches in the high jump.

In the aquatic sports the first event, the junior singles, had the following starters: D. G. Smyth, A. W. Lublin and M. J. Austin. Austin won by a length, Lublin spoiling his chances in the race by capsizing.

The second race was for eight-oar shells, handicap. The Rathborne crew allowed the Freeman crew twenty seconds start, the Rathborne eight soon overhauling the other crew and winning easily.

“Jack” Lambden, the pride of the New Rochelle Rowing Club, sized up C. P. Psotta, the amateur champion, and concluded he’d stay out of the senior single race. F. G. McDougall thought it worth the trial, but Psotta was too much for him, winning the race easily in 7 min. 10 sec.

The pair-oared gigs event had four entries, but only two starters appeared, the crews being: E. Wrinacht, bow; J. Cremins, stroke, and D. G. Smyth, coxswain. W. O. Inglis, bow; E. J. Giannini, stroke, and G. D. Phillips, coxswain. The Phillips crew won. Time, 7 min. 55¼ sec.

The double-sculls had four entries and three starters, as follows: J. H. Miller, bow; F. H. Romain, stroke. G. D. Phillips, bow; P. W. Rathbone, stroke. F. J. McDougall, bow; J. M. Austin, stroke. As the boats neared the half mile two fishing boats ran across the course, which threatened disaster to all three of the racing boats. A new start was made, when McDougall and Austin won the race by a length.

The four-oared shells had three entries, and was among the most interesting events of the day. The Devlin crew were looked upon as sure winners, but to the surprise of everybody the Cremins crew won by two lengths, after an exciting and closely contested race. The time was not taken.

Music was furnished by the Davids Island Military Band. The grounds were illuminated at night, many of the visitors staying until a late hour.

* * * * *

~The~ Manhattan Athletic Club completed its annual members’ games, postponed from September 8, at the grounds, Eighty-sixth Street and Eighth Avenue, September 15. A feature of the afternoon was the presentation of a handsome gold watch to Fred Westing, by G. L. M. Sachs, for having made ten seconds in a 100-yard run in England, and having been the first American to win an English championship prize at that distance. Westing had just concluded a trial to break the record at seventy-five yards, 7¾s., when he was given the timepiece. He failed to break the record in his trial, doing the distance against a strong breeze in a shade worse than 7 4-5s., which, under the circumstances, was highly creditable. Another feature of the day was the running of T. P. Conneff, who, without anyone to “run him out,” did 9m. 44 1-5s. for two miles, or about 6¼s. worse than the American record, and 2m. 6s. in a half-mile run. The results of the events were as follows:

100-yard run--Final heat, A. F. Copeland (1½ yds.), 1st; C. Giet (8½ yds.), 2d; time, 10 3-5s. Two trial heats were run last Saturday.

Two-mile run against the record of 9m. 38⅜s., made by E. C. Carter, N. Y. A. C. The trial was made by T. P. Conneff, who had as pace-makers Messrs. Adams, Cooper, Devereaux, Wieners, Bogardus, Giet and Banks. He failed in his attempt, but broke records at 1⅓ miles, 1⅝ miles and 1¾ miles. His time for intermediate distances was, one-quarter, 1m. 7s.; one-half, 2m. 19 1-5s.; three-quarters, 3m. 32 4-5s.; mile, 4m. 48 1-5s.; one and one-third miles, 6m. 27s.; one and five-eighths miles, 7m. 55s.; one and three-quarters miles, 8m. 32 4-5s., and two miles, 9m. 44 1-5s. The best previous record at one and one-third miles was 6m. 38s., by E. C. Carter; at one and five-eighths miles, 8m. 39 2-5s., by W. G. George. There was no previous record in America for one and three-quarters miles, but in England W. G. George ran the distance in 8m. 8 1-5s.

Sixteen-pound hammer--F. V. Lambrecht (scratch) 1st, 107 ft. 10 in.; G. A. Whith, 2d.

120-yard hurdle race--A. F. Copeland (scratch), 1st; Z. A. Cooper (16 yds.), 2d; time, 16 2-5s.

Half-mile walk against Murray’s record of 3m. 2 2-5s.--E. D. Lange, 3m. 10½s.

Running broad jump--Z. A. Cooper (4 ft.), 1st, at 18 ft. 6¼ in.; A. F. Copeland (scratch), 2d, at 21 ft. 6 in.

350-yard run--J. C. Devereaux (16 yds.), 1st; H. M. Banks (scratch), 2d; time, 39 4-5s.

Quarter-mile run--Z. A. Cooper (40 yds.), 1st; G. A. S. Wieners, Jr. (40 yds.), 2d; won easily in 53 3-5s.

Half-mile run--T. P. Conneff (scratch), 1st; F. A. Ware (36 yds.), 2d; won in a walk in 2m. 6s.

* * * * *

~The~ Staten Island Athletic Club is considering the advisability of sending a representative lacrosse team to Europe next spring.

* * * * *

~At~ the annual election of the Olympic Athletic Club, of San Francisco, Cal., September 3, the following officers were elected: President, Wm. Greer Harrison; vice-president, R. P. Hammond, Jr.; treasurer, H. B. Russ; secretary, W. E. Holloway; leader, Geo. Dall; directors, A. C. Forsyth, E. J. Molera, A. R. Smith, B. Baldwin, E. A. Rix, Alfred B. Field. Ground for the new club building will be broken very soon. Among the novelties of its construction will be a cinder track on the roof.

* * * * *

~The~ second annual field day of the Y. M. C. A. of Pittsburgh was held September 22, at the Exposition grounds, Allegheny. A good-sized audience was present, and considerable dissatisfaction was manifest over some of the decisions. Geo. E. Painter acted as referee; B. G. Follansbee and Alfred Reed were the judges. The results:

100 yards (novice)--1st prize, silver goblet; 2d, tennis racket. Won by Frank J. Kron in 11 sec., with E. E. Hughes 2d.

100 yards (junior)--1st prize, silver pitcher; 2d, tennis coat. Won by R. M. Trimble, Sanford B. Evans, 2d.

100 yards (handicap)--1st prize, gold medal; 2d, steel engraving. Won by F. J. Kron (7 yds.), Harry Tinker (5 yds.) 2d. Time, 10¼ sec.

Walking match, one mile--1st prize, silver goblet; 2d, an album. Won by C. V. McLean in 7m. 52s., R. L. McLean 2d.

Standing high jump--1st prize, silver-headed cane; 2d, library lamp. Won by Joe Boggs, who cleared 4 ft. 6½ in.; Belitz was second with 4 ft. 2 in.

220 yards (handicap)--1st prize won by D. H. Barr, in 23s.; H. A. Davis 2d.

Putting the 16-pound shot--1st prize, pair gold sleeve buttons; 2d, traveling set. Won by S. E. Gordon, who threw 34 ft. 10 in.; J. H. Nicholson 2d.

440 yards (handicap)--1st prize, gold medal; 2d, pair Indian clubs. Won by H. A. Davis (20 yds.), in 55 sec.; W. H. Beazell (scratch) 2d.

Running high jump--1st prize, medal; 2d, tennis shoes. Won by Brown, who cleared 5 feet 4½ in.; Pitcairn was 2d.

Throwing the baseball was won by E. F. Schaffer, who threw 99 yds. 1 ft.

888 yards (handicap)--1st prize, gold chain; 2d, running shoes. Won by W. H. Beazell (scratch), in 2m. 12½s.; John McGren (40 yds.) 2d.

Pole vaulting, won by Professor Speer, with S. E. Gordon 2d.

In the hurdle race, H. C. Fry, Jr., beat N. S. Campbell and others.

The day’s sports ended with a three-legged race, which was won by D. A. Barr and W. J. Barr in 12¾s.

* * * * *

~The~ teams representing the Gaelic Athletic Association, which sailed from Queenstown, Ireland, September 16, arrived in this city on the 25th. The names of the Irish athletes are J. S. Mitchell, J. C. Daly, Pat Davin, P. O’Donnell, W. Real, D. Shanahan, J. McCarthy, M. Connery, J. Connery, W. McCarthy, T. J. O’Mahoney, W. Phibbs, T. M. O’Connor, J. Mooney, P. Looney, D. Powers and P. Keohan. The hurlers are G. Burgess, P. P. Sutton, J. Furlong, J. Hayes, Frank Coughlin, James Royce, P. J. Molohan, P. Fox, M. Curran, J. Dunne, J. Nolan, J. Cordial, P. Meleady, P. Davin, P. O’Donnell, T. O’Grady, I. O’Brien, J. Stapleton, T. Ryan, W. Prendergast, J. McCarthy, M. Connery, J. Connery, D. Godfrey, J. Mooney, P. Looney, D. Power, J. Coughlin, M. Hickey, and several others. It will be seen that several of the hurlers are also members of the team that will take part in the track and field events to be held during their stay here. President Maurice Davien, Treasurer R. J. Frewen, and Honorary Secretary W. Prendergast, of the Central Council of the G. A. A., accompany the team. John Cullinane, agent in advance, will have charge of the arrangements for the exhibitions proposed to be given by the Irish athletes in this country and Canada. The hurlers will appear in Irish costume--knee breeches, stockings, and shoes--and one team will wear bright green jerseys, marked with an Irish harp, while the other will wear orange and red jerseys. A game of football will be played. It is not a brutal exhibition, such as the Rugby rules bring out. In the Irish game the football cannot be lifted from the ground with the hands, and there is no throttling.

The Gaelic Association consists of 2,000 Irish athletic clubs, representing 20,000 members. The team consists of fifteen athletes who were winners in the contests in Ireland in August last. Thirty-five are hurlers. They are of all professions and business connections. Maurice Davin, the president, with one hand has thrown a 16-pound hammer 131 ft. 3 in. Pat Davin has a record for a standing high jump of 6 feet 2¾ inches, beating Page’s record. J. S. Mitchell has a record in throwing the 16-pound hammer of 136 ft. 1½ in. Mitchell has run in 4m. 36s. on a bad track. Pat Keohen has a record of 13 ft. 3 in. in a standing jump, beating Ford’s record. There is no captain in the ordinary acceptation of the term.

* * * * *