24 AUGUST 1907, Page 24

A History of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St.

Andrews, 1754-1900. By H. S. C. Everard. (W. Blackwood and Sons. 21s. net.)—The book begins with an interesting chapter on "Dutch Golf" from the pen of Mr. James Cunningham. The game may be traced back to a remote time in Holland. Some of the implements used in it are to be seen in pictures. Unhappily for the Dutch, the game itself has passed away, the very memory of it being lost. The museum at Amsterdam does not contain. a club or a ball,—is there a specimen of " trap, bat, and ball" in the British Museum, or a cricket-bat of the hockey-stick type? After the Dutch chapter comes one devoted to old Scottish notices of the game. It is mentioned in a proclamation of James II. in 1457, being forbidden as interfering with shooting practice. (It sadly interferes with Volunteering nowadays.) As far as St. Andrews is concerned, it is mentioned for the first time in 1552. The document is a license to John, Archbishop of St. Andrews, to establish a rabbit warren on the links, the right of the citizens to play at golf and other games being reserved. Chaps. 3-28 are occupied with the history of the Royal and Ancient Club itself. This we may leave as technical and local, though it will not be found wanting in interest. There are many illustrations of persons and things, famous golfers, localities on the links, medals, &c.