THE BOY'S OWN BOOK.* In a happy moment, a caterer
for the public wants hit upon the idea of compiling a book of games, and he was still more felicitous
• The Boy's Own Book. New Edition. London: Lockwood and Co. when he devised a perfect title for his labours. The Boy's Own Book was a designation in itself capital, and bespoke a large audi- ence. As it happened that the pretensions of the volume were not overstated, and that the contents fully answered the expectation of the gamesome public, the venture was a success ; and year after year the editor and publisher have found it profitable not only to bring forth new editions, but to add largely to the interest and completeness of the work. The latest form of this manual of play-hours is fuller and better than any of its predecessors. Alive to the changes of fashion and the craving for novelty, the editor has not failed to note and describe the new games—some of them suitable for very big boys—and we find in this volume an account of the Indian Ball game, imported from Canada, and the showy game of Pallone, derived from Italy. Both these exercises, though inferior to cricket, are acceptable additions to our stock of out-door amusements, and both are excellent aids to muscular development, though scarcely fit for boys, because temptations to gambling, billiards, and bagatelle find a place. More com- mendable is the new section on drawing-room games, and it is one that the children will heartily welcome. The young folks are especially fond of acting, and charades and proverbs may be made both useful and entertaining. Going even further afield, we have additions to the chapters on natural history, science in its rudi- mentary forms, and conjuring. The riddles which had a place in anterior editions have been excluded, to make way for " metal more attractive."
But when all has been said, the loadstone of the Boy's Own Book will always be its chapters on the manly exer- cises. We have all been boys, and have more or less revelled, in the ruder pastimes that stir the blood, strengthen the limbs, develop quickness of sight, stimulate endurance, en- courage moral toughness, and try, often improve, the temper. Boys love swimming, cricket, rowing, football, running and leaping, fencing and broadsword play, are eager for horses, boats, guns, and find intense pleasure in the gratification of the instincts of savage life, tamed down by the rules of fair play. The popu- larity of the Boy's Own Book is due to the excellence of the instruction it imparts respecting the nature and rules of those games which inspire boyhood and youth with the greatest delight, and call forth boyish energy, pluck, skill, and cunning—the rougher pastimes enjoyed on and in the brimming river, on the smooth sward, in the playground, the gymnastic school, and up and down the country side. Here, in this latest edition of a volume familiar enough to old boys, and welcome to rising and risen generations, will be found the best guide and instructor, and with these almost needless commendations we heartily pass it on to the boy public.
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