A Mom'. PURPOSE IN WUIST.—it teaches us, in a very
forcible and practical sort of way, that though fortune is a great deal, skill is still something ; that though good cards may for a time carry all before them, yet careful play is sure to have its reward in the long run; and that perseverance will sometimes tell with poor cards against those that are better,—the player's part being vigilance, whether good or bad. A little attention to your fellow-player's game ; a little caution in your own ; usually following the suits led, and a due sense of responsibility when that duty falls to yourself; showing your honours only when they can with pro- priety be brought forward ; using your trumps sparingly, but not niggardly, and not wasting your strength in idle cutting and ruffing; some consideration of your partner's circumstances as well as of those more particularly relating to yourself; with a little temper to meet the crosses that must occur ;—these are some of the requisites in a whist-player; these are surely some of the virtues which make the wise and good man.—Preface to Arnaud's Epitome of the Game of Whist.
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