Pen - skating, by N. and A. Goodman (Sampson Low), is at
all events a timely reminder that winter will soon be upon us. The practical part of this little work needs no commendation, as the art is one which enlists on its side the sympathies of almost all our young people, and, happily, of either sex, though little more than a quarter of a cautery ago skating was thought an exercise wholly unfit for ladies. In their chapter on the "History of Skating," the Messrs. Goodman show that it was practised in the northern latitudes in the old Scandinavian times, rude bones being made to serve instead of iron. We know, of course, from FitzStephen, that skating was a favourite exercise of the youths of London in Becket's time ; but we were not prepared for the claim of primitive antiquity now raised on its behalf. The map of the "Pen District "—which affords double the opportunities for skating that are to be enjoyed in the Western Counties—and the diagrams whioh are scattered over the book front first to last, will be found very useful to beginners ; and not only beginners, but good and experienced skaters also will be grateful for sundry practical hints, in the concluding chapter on "Geography and Travelling."
Previous page
