Handbook of Athletic Sports. Vols. IV. and V. Edited by
Ernest Bell, M.A. (Bell and Sons.)—We have here two volumes of a series which, for magnitude and, it should in fairness be added, general excellence, is not disproportionate to the im- portance of the subject,—one of the few things which, as some one has put it, " Englishmen really care about." Football, in its two branches, the " Rugby " and the "Association Game," occu- pies almost exactly half of the fourth volume. " Baseball," which is vindicated as English in its origin, is described at considerable length by the President of an important body which calls itself " The National Baseball League of Great Britain ; " and finally, a section is devoted to various minor sports, among which " Rounders," " Quoits," " Bowls," " Skittles," and " Curling " may be mentioned. Perhaps the "Baseball" section is the most in- teresting and important among all the contents of the volume. This is doubtless an excellent game, and though it can scarcely rival cricket, it has advantages of its own which should enable it to take root, or rather, considering its origin, spring up again. One interesting feature about it is the detailed interest of the score. Every player has his successes or failures credited to him, whereas in cricket a man may win or lose a match, and gain neither fame nor its contrary. Bowlers, batsmen, and wicket- keepers figure in the record ; but the most brilliant fieldsman may remain as undistinguished, for he may not have the chance of a catch, as the most awkward. The fifth volume is devoted to " Athletics " (including such subjects, in addition to " General Management," as " Throwing the Hammer," " Putting the Shot," " Flat Races," " Walking," " Jumping," and " Cross-Country Running "), " Cycling," and " Skating." As to the last, we see that the shortest time in which a mile has been done is 2 min. 53 sec. This was by G. See, a professional skater of Welney. Another professional of the same place comes next with a difference of four-fifths of a second ; while the third is a Friesland skater, who was slower than No. 2 by three-fifths of a second.
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