6 AUGUST 1932, Page 15

THE ORIGIN OF LAWN TENNIS [To the Editor of the

SPEc-rATort.1

Sig,—In your issue of July 23rd, Sir W. Beach Thomas, in writing of the early days of lawn tennis, mentions that sonic persons believe (although he does not) that Badminton was the origin of that game. I therefore think you may care to have the following facts. " Sphairistike " (as the game in its infancy was called) was the invention of Major Minor Kingfield (whom I knew well), but this classic appellation being very ill-adapted to a game of any kind, after some discussion the novel pastime was re-named lawn tennis—Major Kingfield always firmly believed in its success. —I am, Sir, &c., Fontainebleau. BUCHAN.