The Book of Racquets. By J. R. Atkins. (Warne.)-01 coarse
the game of racquets can no more be learnt from a book than any other game can. Mr. Atkins gives rules and directions, as he is in duty bound to do ; but he is too well acquainted with his subject not to be aware that they will be of little use, or rather that they will be of more use the more the reader knows about the game. The most practically valuable part of his work is the suggestions which he makes for the *construction. of courts. These are very much to the purpose. We especially approve of what he says in favour of the "open" court. For all purposes of health, the " open " is ten times better than the " close " c mut. As for the objection that their utility is -too dependent on the weather, why should not a velarium be used? It would not render them available for an obstinately wet day, but it would protect them against casual showers,—no slight gain, as a few minutes of rain on a day otherwise fine will render the court useless, especially in a school, where only a fixed and limited time is available.
Previous page
