GV 731 ITT^ .T72 Copy 1 x^zTTT^OF ATHLETICS GENERAL RULES COMPELED FOR THE USE OF THE TROOPS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE PACIFIC. PRINTED AT THE PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. 1881. LAWS OF ATHLETICS GENERAL RULES T rr/ COMPILED FOE THE USE OF THE TKOOPS IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE PACIFIC. C". ■ c-^ FEINTED AT THE PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. 1881. '7 COPYSIGHT, 1881, By C. a. L. TOTTEN. ^ PREFACE, The following compilation has been made for the use of troops in the Military Division of the Pacific by 1st Lieutenant C. A. L. Totten, 4th Artillery, kindly assisted by Col. Horace Fletcher, Ordnance Officer, 1st Division C. N. G., and president of the Olympic Athletic Club of San Francisco, Cal. It has been chiefly drawn from the standard authorities mentioned below : " General Rules and Laws of Athletics of the Olympic Athletic Club of San Francisco, Cal.;" " Hand- book of Gymnastics and Athletics," Ravenstine and Hulley ; ^^Laws of Athletics," by William Wood; "Walker's Manly Exercises," by Craven; "A Mili- tary System of Exercises," by Archibald Maclaren. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. Athletic contests had their origin among those ancient nations whose principal incentive was war. The habitual and almost exclusive use of " hand- weapons" in the close combat of ancient days, rendered strength, skill, and endurance so necessary to the in- dividual soldier as to excite an universal interest in all athletic efforts. The celebrated Grecian games were the outcome of this interest. Their periodic recurrence drew together the finest types of human development, and not only attracted their audiences from all other countries, but, gave to Greece, soldiers whose pre- eminence in arms secured that incredibly swift con- quest of the world to Alexander the Great. Modern warfare employs a far different class of arms than those used upon ancient battle-fields. Inven- tion and discovery have put into the hands of the soldier of to-day weapons that hurl bolts as deadly and unerring as were those of fabled Jupiter. They store for him an energy, the exercise and expenditure of which in some respects limit the demand upon his personal supply. The great strength, required in close personal combat, can in a large measure be dispensed with by skillfully educating the faculties which particularly govern " long range fire." ISTevertheless, activity, endurance, and in- deed perfect bodily culture, too much neglected in our system of military training, are important requisites in a modern army. As elements, their possession must ever go far toward insuring success to that contestant havtiig their advantage, over an adversary without it. Considering the results depending upon the Army, the demands it is expected to meet, and the care bestowed upon it, there is no community in which the cultivation of athletics is more necessary, or can be better pro- moted. It is a small body of well provided, healthy men, living much in the open air, and, when active operations commence, is always called upon to do, and is expected to do well, an immense amount of work. Yet the supply of surplus strength that the ordinary military pursuits are able to store up, is seldom such as to meet at once and fully the sudden and long con- tinued demands so often put upon it. This, however, is only the fault of the present military system, and is open to an immediate correction by the Army itself. Let the skill with which the modern soldier has learned to use his rifle, be supplemented by a proper cultiva- tion of bodily strength, and endurance. These re- quisites to military achievements will be as inevitably demanded of him upon the modern field of battle, as they ever were, of his ancient predecessor in arms, in the personal encounter. In their possession he will accomplish results otherwise impossible, and have, moreover, an invaluable reserve wherewith to meet whatever drain may come upon his powers. It is therefore proposed to invite attention, as the War Department has so often done before in a general way, to practical methods for the hardier physical de- velopment of our troops. Interest in athletic games throughout the United States is greater than ever before, and it can not be doubted but that military competitors, for athletic honors, can secure brilliant reputations, which will redound to the credit of the Army and the country. An interest to the individual soldier, and advantage to the service as great and wide spread as that in target practice, may soon be expected to grow out of such contests. The field of competition is infinitely broader, and the opportunities of excelling all the greater; hence results as honorable to the sol- dier and as beneficial to the Army as those it has so quickly won at Creedmoor may also be expected. Since fine perceptive faculties and strong nerves al- ways accompany activity and endurance, it necessarily follows that skill in rifle practice will be promoted by physical training. It is suggested that each company should have its record of vital statistics. In it the initiatory efibrt of every man who enters any of the games and trials of strength that compose the list of amateur athletics, should be recorded. Drills, out-of-door exercise, and games, can then be so appointed as to become a pleasure and a continuous course of physical training. Under such a system each month would bring progressive improvements. One day each year might then be set aside with advantage for an athletic tournament, to be assisted in, and supervised by commissioned officers. The records of the successful competitors should be care- fully noted and published. For the best exhibition of activity and strength let the prize be a certificate of the fact, with the details of the particular feat excelled in. This, and the official publication and honorable mention of successful competitors by Department and Division Headquarters and in the Army papers, ought to be an unfailing incentive to take part in exercises the benefit of which can not but soon become self-evi- dent and satisfying. The post carpenter and black- smith can make in a day all of the simple apparatus needed at such a tournament. The arrangements for a meeting can be as readily effected, and if the interest of but a single commissioned officer can be enlisted at each post, the success and perpetuity of the under- taking will be insured. It is only by progressive training, culminating in contests, that men can know themselves, and thus find out what they can do ordinarily, and what in an emergency ; what expenditure of energy may be called for, what military achievements they may undertake without failing, and finally, what amount of training- is required to fit them for their best efforts. EXTRACTS FROM HANDBOOK OF ATHLETICS. Hygiene. The healthful influence of athletics^ carried on with prudence and discretion, is generally acknowledged. Exercises act beneficially by inc]:easing the circula- tion of the blood ; but when the beatings of the heart become excessively rapid and irregular, care should be taken to avoid those exercises which produce these symptoms. In a healthy man, the heart is felt to beat two fingers breadth below the nipple of the left breast. Persons suffering from organic disease of the heart, and those of apoplectic habits, with short necks and an inclination to corpulency, should be specially care- ful, and take medical advice before exercising violently or entering into any contest of endurence. The breath should be properly regulated whilst un- dergoing exertion. Breathe slowly; thus the muscles of the belly become tense and fortify the ribs and pelvis. Failures in exercises are frequent, in conse- quence of not keeping the muscles of chest and belly sufiiciently tense, and accidents — such as rupture — are produced by exhaling at an improper time. By pro- ceeding gradually from easy to difficult exercises, this danger is avoided, and the athlete learns to breath correctly by habit. Exercises should never be carried far enough to produce panting or a pain in the side. The benefits of exercise upon the lungs are greatly increased by carrying them on in the open air. The amount of exercise beneficial to each particular individual varies. Excessive exercise causes a feeling of pain in the muscles, a feverish excitement of the nerves, and generally disturbs the health. ^ # ^ But not only excessi^'e exercise, but one-sided exercise is also injurious. , For instance, if one group or set of muscles is exercised to the exclusion of the others, they will only grow to a certain point, and then waste away. Make it a rule to bring as many muscles as possible into play, and to develop them harmoniously. The amount of clothing necessary varies according to temperature and individual constitution. Less clothing is required when exercising ; but as soon as the exertion is over, the heat of the body rapidly de- clines, and additional clothing should be put on. The practice of pulling off the shirt after the exercises are over, and washing the body down to the waist with cold water, should not be encouraged, as it is liable to induce chills. When returning from a walk, and if very warm, put on additional clothing until the normal heat of the body is restored, to prevent taking cold. It is very important that clothing, worn next the body, should be washed and changed frequently. Tight belts are positively injurious, for they press upon intestines, stomach, and liver, and do more injury 10 to the organs of digestion than can be made good by exercise. But a belt with elastic side-springs, which expands easily to the extent of six and more inches, may be worn with safety. Food and drink should never be taken immediately after exercise, nor should exercise be taken for some time after each meal. Of all drinks, pure water is the most wholesome. Take it frequently when necessary, but in small quan- tities, and not too cold. Water is i^ot liable to injure if exercise is continued afterwards. When taken freely while in a copious state of perspiration, the exercise should not be suddenly stopped. At such times it should be used with caution, and only in small quan- tity. Cleanliness. Every man, while training, should sponge the body daily from head to foot. With a weak constitution, tepid water and the use of a flesh brush or rough towel, so as to produce reaction on the skin, is the safest. Training. For men in the ordinary vocations of life the severe system generally pursued is not only irksome, but often injures the health, instead of improving it. A man should always be in fair training. Let him lead a life of temperance, let him carry on bodily exercises regularly, but without excess, and he will be prepared 11 at all times to enter himself for competitions. The diet should be plain, mixed vegetable and animal (with a certain amount of fat). Drink tea in moderation, water in plenty, but avoid spirits. Cleanliness must be carefully attended to. Exercise should be taken regularly, and those things should be practiced most frequently in which the athlete desires to compete, though not to the exclusion of other exercises. A Rule for Daily Routine, Get up at seven; take a sponge-bath and rub weir with a coarse towel. Then take the clubs or dumb-bells, or some other apparatus at hand, and work away for some minutes, introducing occasionally some exercise for the legs. Do not carry these exercises far enough to perspire, but should perspiration come on, rub down with a dry towel before dressing completely. After a few minutes interval devoted to reading or conversation, have breakfast, consisting of tea or coffee, with stale bread and butter, a couple of eggs, a chop, chicken, or steak. After breakfast proceed to your daily duties. Dine at one or two. The food may be underdone or not, according to taste, and a certain amount of fat is advisable. Meat baked, roas.ted or stewed is the most nourishing, and beef or mutton preferable to other kinds, though in all these things man requires variety. Bread and vegetables are essential. 12 The daily duties performed, go home, and at about six o^clock have tea, with some toast or bread and butter, a few radishes, etc. At about half-past seven walk four or five miles, alternate quarters rapidly till the last half mile, or go through such room exercises as are specially needed to increase the strength of certain muscles, or reduce the weight, resting after each exercise, and avoiding too much fatigue. When done, refresh the hands and face with water, and cool off gradually without exposure to draft. Take a light supper at ten o'clock. At half -past eleven prepare for bed. Change, of course, the under shirt, and before lying down rub with a dry towel. Have blankets sufficient to keep warm, but not more. If this is done twice a week, or at most three times, it is all that is needful. Pedestrians frequently suffer from sore feet and blisters. ^ ^ ^ It is a good plan to dip the feet in very hot water for one or two minutes before the start, then wipe them dry and rub with soft soap until there is a lather. At the close of the day, should the feet be sore, wipe them with a wet cloth, and rub them with bears grease, deers fat, tallow, soap or spirits. If blistered, pass a thread of silk through each, and tie the ends together to allow the fluid to ooze out. "When making a long halt in the middle of the day, take off boots and socks, and wash the feet in cold water. 13 Soft corns between the toes are best cured by using lunar caustic. When on the march or a pedestrian tour be careful of the diet, and do not eat too much, or too often. Never take spirits when exhausted, unless it be to wards the close of the day's work, hut some warm tea or coffee. Onions or garlic, chewed, is a good remedy against thirst. Running, The double-step of the soldier is that kind of running of the greatest service, and ought to be practiced when- ever there is an opportunity. One hundred and sixty- five short leaps are made in a minute, and allowing three feet to each leap, a mile is run in less than ten minutes and a half. Men not carrying arms and accoutrements can do more with ease, as a matter of course. In running the chest is kept steady; the breathing should be slow, the mouth closed, the arms are bent, and assist in the forward movement by swinging forwards. The legs must be raised as little as possible. Men, to run long distances, should increase the prac- tice gradually from day to day. Let them run five minutes the first few days, then ten, and so on, until they are able to run an hour (six miles) or more with- out losing their breath. Any man feeling the least pain in the side should come to a walk or stop alto- gether. 14 After the run most men will be perspiring, and must not be allowed to stand still. They should then be made to march at an ordinary pace for some fifteen minutes, and to wear away the tediousness of such a walk they should sing a chorus, or perform tacto- . gymnastical exercises. The run should not take place round and round the same place, but on different roads, fairly marked off each quarter of a mile. EXTEACTS FROM A MILITARY SYSTEM OF EXERCISES. Course for Recruits. The athletic training of recruits should commence simultaneously with the squad-drill without arms ; and in order that this shall not interfere with the pre- scribed musketry course, under ordinary circumstances recruits should not be given the musket for the first month after joining. During that time the training exercises are to form a component portion of the ordi- nary recruit drill. Running Drill. During the first fortnight the distance run is not to exceed from 300 to 500 yards. For the second fort- night the distance may be increased to 600 and 800, 15 and for the third fortnight to 900, at the end of which time the practice is to be carried on daily at 1,000 yards, the men running, on alternate days, with arms and accoutrements. The pace is not to exceed six miles an hour. Care must be taken that men are not exercised at the full distance of 1,000 yards, until they shall have gone through from four to six weeks' preliminary prac- tice at the shorter distances. Where the ground will admit of it, the men may be run, 15 or 20 abreast, in single rank; otherwise by companies, in '' fours." Walking. A short course for walking and running should be formed, 100 yards long, and if possible 16 yards wide. There should be a permanent post at each end, and a permanent mark to ^^toe" at starting. The same course or practice ground will do for both walking and running, and the same manner and amount of instruction for the one, will in most instances be found suitable for the other. In all cases, as stated above, there should be a measured course of 100 yards, and, when practicable, a measured quarter, half, and whole mile. The first should be sufficiently broad for a squad of ten or fifteen men to walk or run abreast at open order, the second should be the breadth of an ordinary path. The initiatory practice in walking- should be on the first of these, and should be performed 16 quite irrespective of time, correct action and position being the sole points to be aimed at ; these acquired, the longer courses should be used. The mile has been walked in much less than seven minutes, but a mile in twelve minutes on the public highway is good walking. The same rules will apply to running; a correct action and position, quite irrespective of time, should first be obtained on the first course ; these should then be practised at half speed, and ultimately at the highest rate of speed. The race at half speed should be at the rate of about 35 seconds to the 100 yards. It would be difiicult to over-estimate the practical value of running at half speed or the double step. The race at speed should be restricted to the 100 yards, except in the free practice, which, after the necessary instruction, it is desirable to encourage. The race carrying weights or implements may be on any course, short or long, and with or without obstacles ; but in every case it must be undertaken carefully and thoughtfully, and only after practice at all the preceding. ^ * * But it should never be for- gotten that as this is essentially a practical exercise, the burden should be or should represent as closely as possible, an object likely to be used in the actual occu- pations of the soldier, such as a ladder, plank, pole, a round or other shot; and when fairly practiced in these, men should be taught to carry each other short 17 distances in the manner and positions causing the least fatigue and hindrance to progression. The race carrying arms and knapsack may be over a course of any length, and presenting obstacles of any kind, natural or artificial; in fact it should be prac- ticed o^er every course, and at all rates of speed, and should be. looked upon as the culminating exercise in walking and running, for in it may be represented the results of all previous practice and training. In the short or long walk or race on the level surface, the weapon should be borne at the " trail," and frequently changed from right to left ; in ascending an inclined ladder, in the right hand at the " carry;" and in vault- ing it should, previous to the vault, be carefully de- posited beyond the barrier, resting on the butt. The knapsack should never be moved from the back, but, in the long flat race, where its motion of rising and falling with the action of the body becomes oppressive, the hand not employed in carrying the weapon may be passed back under it to arrest this motion, or the sling of the rifle may be passed round the upper part of it, the butt upwards and the stock diagonally crossing it, the barrel being grasped near the muzzle. As in the race carrying weights, every change of position is a relief. 18 EXTRACTS FROM LAWS OF ATHLETICS. The important object of athletic education is not merely to furnish power to travel great distances, carry great burdens, or lift great weights; it is to develop that condition of body and amount of vital capacity which shall enable each man in his place to pursue his calling and work on in his working life, with the greatest amount of comfort to himself and usefulness to his fellow man. Physical Exercise and its Results upon Bodily Health. No man need at the present day apologize for the attention he may pay to athletic exercise. The time is past when men can be told that it is a needless waste of time to devote forty or sixty minutes out of the twenty-four hours in rowing, walking, running, or any other of the many exercises that will give tone and strength to the muscles. Preparation or training is to supply strength where there is weakness, not to develop any particular part of the system at the expense of the rest. It must be borne in mind that the true object of training is, and should be, not to afford proficiency in any one particu- lar kind of exercise, but to bring those important organs and muscles which are less directly engaged, in 19 the ordinary course of the exercise, into such a condi- tion as to enable them to support an unusual effort, or a strain such as they are quite unaccustomed to. That there may come great injury and permanent ailment from athletic games and exercises, when con- tinued beyond the power of endurance, there can be no doubt. But this arises only from inexcusable im- prudence. Fainting and pain in the heart or head, which comes at the very height of a severe strain upon endurance, does not come without premonition; and never when men have been properly trained and are in good condition. Athletics mean permanent health and strength, not lasting ailment and weakness; the former will surely come if only a progressive course of exercise is followed. Every thoughtful person must know that a sudden strain on the heart, particularly if the person is not in training (and here the great advantages of training are apparent), may be the cause of fatal trouble; the loss of blood from the lungs, which may occur, is the natural relief to the state of tension. There is also the important fact, that cannot be too often repeated, that long continued running or walking, if pursued to excess, can and will produce disease of the heart. In daily life we may be called upon at any moment to make an exertion which, if we are unprepared for, may be injurious. Therefore, every man should keep himself in such condition as to be prepared to bear the strains of ordinary life with indifference; and 20 though he may have no desire to be considered an athlete, he will perceive the salutary object which ath- letes have in view in training. Regimen, The food and fluids which are known to best im- prove the condition of the blood are beef, mutton, chicken, water, and tea, and as a rule they will agree with everyone's physical peculiarities. There are other requisites in training — sleep, air, bathing, clothing, etc. The duration of sleep must be left entirely to the demands of the system, and should not be inter- rupted. The want of physical exercise seems to pre- clude satisfactory sleep, while the athlete takes his eight hours, and awakes refreshed and strong. The necesssity of ventilation in the bedroom must be in- sisted upon by leaving the window open at the top at all seasons of the year. The cool or tepid bath has become essential to the comfort of most men; every athlete has some experience of its use after active exercise. Remember, this like other good things, must not be carried to excess. Cool water can generally be used with safety soon after walking, running, rowing, etc., while the body is warm and perspiring; but to guard against any danger, strip and rub dry, keeping up a brisk circulation — then the quick application of water. Sanitary Precaution, The dress should in every way be made to suit the freedom of movement which is required in w^alking, 21 running, rowing, etc. The principal point, and the one that demands your particular attention, is the prevention of cold directly after the exercise. A flan- nel wrapper, or overcoat, to wrap around the body and limbs, will answer. This is so important that no one in training should be without it. The sunlight exercises an important influence upon the growth and vigor of men. George SewardJs System of Training for Walking and Running, Rise between 6 and 7 a, m. — Sponge the body and rub dry. Exercise. — A brisk walk of from three to f[.ye miles according to the weather; wash, rub dry, and good hand friction. Breakfast at 8 or 8.30 — Oatmeal; mutton chop; broiled chicken; bread one day old; toast; tea. Exercise, 10.80. — Starting on a slow walk, increase the pace to a sharp run; go a good distance if the condition and weather will permit, always ending with a half mile at a moderate walk. Dinner at 1 p. m. — About the same as at breakfast, with the addition of some fresh vegetables, but spar- ingly. Exercise, 8.80. — Walking and running moderately, with a light dumb-bell in each hand ; occasionally drop the bells, and spurt a hundred yards or so. 22 Supper at 7. — Two fresh eggs, fresh berries or stewed gooseberries; with bread, toast and tea. Bed at 10. Swwiming. Swimming is not only useful in promoting great muscular strength, but has the happiest effect in tran- quilizing the nervous system. It is not only the most pleasurable exercise in sum- mer, but one of the most beneficial. A know^ledge of the art is so often important to the soldier in the discharge of his duties that it should be promoted by all in authority. While learning to swim with the sweep of the arm is with most persons attended with some difficulty, yet to swim by walking or treading the water demands no effort which the individual is not accustomed to make. There are but two requisites — confidence, and that the arms be kept under water. The mere act of swimming in itself is a perfectly simple operation, and can be acquired in a very few lessons. The pupil ought, in the first instance, to com- mence in water not deeper than his waist, into which he should walk gradually. The ordinary practice, and one which is unfortunately too often recommended and as often followed, of plunging in head-first, cannot be too severely condemned, for, apart from the danger of drowning, the shock to the system frequently produces an amount of discouragement and nervous trepida- 23 tion which require some time to overcome. When the pupil has advanced to the depth stated and there is no sense of fear, he may gradually immerse himself; this may be repeated a number of times. Next he should try to pick up some object from the bottom, and he will find this a very difficult task. The resistance of the water will, however, soon give him confidence in its buoyant properties. This experiment will soon prac- tically establish the fact in the mind of the pupil, that his body is lighter than water. After this he may ad- vance a little deeper, up to the armpits, and tread the water; after he feels how easy it is to do this, he must face the shore and place the hands, the fingers being close together, about four inches under water, leaning on the water with the palms, the hands being slightly concaved, and throw himself forward. He is im- mediately to sweep the hands around, forming a half circle, then drawing the elbows close to the body and the hands to the chest ; the legs, while doing this, must be drawn up ready for their next effort, the feet turned out; and again, as he projects his hands out in front, he must kick out the legs to their fullest extent, and wide apart ; then press them together at the end of the stroke and again draw up the feet. It is of the utmost importance, in striking out with the legs, that the feet be perpendiculur to the leg ; at the end of the kick the foot drops, so that in drawing the leg up again the insteps or upper part of the foot offers as little resist- ance as possible to the water. This action of the ankle 24 joint is absolutely necessary before perfection can be obtained. It is decidedly better to learn how to swim first in fresh water, because its buoyancy is less than that of salt-water, and thus a perfect confidence will be estab- lished under all contingencies. Treatment of the Apparently Drowned. Drain ofi*the water from chest and stomach. Strip the patient to the waist, and place him face downward, the pit of the stomach slightly raised above the level of the mouth; press forcibly upon the patient's back, to assist the discharge of the water. ' To create artificial breathing, turn the patient upon his back, with something beneath that will make the breast-bone the highest point of the body; kneel beside or astride the patient's hips, grasp the front part of his chest on either side of the pit of the stomach, resting the fingers along the spaces be- tween the short ribs, brace the elbows against the sides, and steadily grasping and pressing forward and upward, throw considerable weight upon the chest, gradually increasing the pressure while counting one — two — three — then suddenly let go with a final push. Hepeat these motions from five to ten times a minute. Use the same regularity as is seen in natural breath- ing. If another person be present, let him, with one hand, by means of a dry piece of linen, hold the tip of 25 the patient's tongue out of one corner of the mouth, and with the other hand grasp both wrists and pin them to the ground above the patient's head. Dry the patient as quickly as possible ; wrap him in blankets or woolen garments, and, as soon as he breathes, let him be kept perfectly quiet; provide free circulation of air; give weak brandy and water, a teaspoonful every five minutes during the first half- hour, and afterward occasionally as may seem ex- pedient. Avoid delay — a moment may turn the scale for life or for death. Prevent any crowding around the patient. Any time within two hours life may be restored, so do not be impatient. Beasons Against the Use of Tobacco. The tobacco habit is contagious; every smoker or chewer infects a number of others with a desire to follow his example ; thus the evil spreads. The aim and object of an athlete should be not only to promote his own health and strength, but also that of others, he should therefore discourage the use of tobacco in every way. t The habit injures the organs of respiration, disturbs the regular pulsation of the heart, and weakens to a very large extent the powers of endurance. The habit is a self-indulgence, and in direct conflict with the laws of physical training; it is inconsistent 26 with all rules and teachings upon health, strength, and lasting power. Those who indulge in it, know that it wastes time and money, affects the strength and voice, and leads to the violation of almost every one of Nature's laws. For these reasons it were best for men, whatever their duties may be, to give up the use of tobacco from this day forth and forever. Those who desire and whose duty it is, to excel in walking, run- ning, or rowing, or any other branch of athletics in which the chief essential of victory lies in the organs of respiration, Tnust give it up ; when once abandoned, they will never again desire to use the poison. By introducing the principle of " Handicapping " into amateur contests the interest in athletics has been greatly fostered. Few men can be induced to compete on equal terms with an athlete of marked superiority; but when a competent officer is authorized to handicap the competitors, each entry has a fair chance to win, and of the many who are thus induced to enter for thieir first public contest, not a few eventually become promising athletes. The athletic code is now so stringent as to exclude from the official "record^^ all irregular accomplishments. Great care must therefore be exercised in the arrange- ment of every athletic tournament, so as to leave no 27 doubt of the official recognition of such of its per- formances, as from their excellency might entitle a victor to a championship. In the following compilation the body of the rules are those that now govern all amateur competitions here and in England, and no deviation can be made from them without vitiating the " record." Those parts of the work that are included in brackets [ ], are explanatory, introduced for special military purposes, or are not yet formally adjudicated upon by the IS^ational Association. They are, however, drawn from standard athletic authorities, are recom- mended by the compilers, and, if they are hereafter made the received rules of each branch of the '' Ameri- can Army Athletic Association," all performances under them will be admitted, as such, into the athletic " record " alongside of those made by the National, Inter-Collegiate, Olympic, and other athletic Associa- tions. The adoption of the Creedmoor 100-yard target in base-ball, javelin, and grenade throwing for accuracy is an innovation, the fitness of Avhich, however, it is believed, will be apparent to all military men. It furnishes a direct standard of comparison with the ordinary target practice, is itself a well-known and authorized short range target, and carries into this class of games a system of marking the excellence of which has long been tlioroughly established. 28 RULES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF ATHLETIC MEETINGS. Officers. The officers of an athletic meeting shall be : One Clerk of the Course, with assistants if necessary. One Starter. One Judge of Walking, with assistants if necessary. Three Time-keepers. Three Judges at the finish. Three Measurers. One Referee. Clerk of the Course. He shall record the name of each competitor who shall report to him. Shall give him his number for each game in which he is entered, and notify him before the start of every event in which he is engaged. The assistants shall do such portions of his work as he may assign to them. Starter. He shall have entire control of competitors at their marks. Shall strictly enforce Law No. 3, and shall be the sole judge of the fact as to whether or no any man has 29 gone over his marks. His decision in such cases shall be final and without appeal. Judge of Walking, He shall have entire control of competitors during the race ; shall strictly enforce Law No. 8, and his decision as to unfair walking shall be final and without appeal. The assistants shall do such portions of his work as he may assign to them. Scorer, He shall record the laps made by each competitor, and call them aloud when tallied, for the information of these contestants. He shall record the order of finishing, and the times of the competitors in walking or running races. The assistants shall do such portions of his work as he may assign to them. Time-keepers, Each of the three Time-keepers shall time every event, and in case of disagreement the average of the three shall be the official time. Time shall be taken from the flash of the pistol. Judges at the finish. Two shall stand at one end of the tape, and the third at the other. One shall take the winner, another the second man, and the other the third man ; they shall 30 also note the distances between the first three as they finish. In case of disagreement, the majority shall decide. Their decision as to the order in which the men finish shall be final and without appeal. Measurers. They shall measure and record each trial of each competitor in all games whose record is one of distance or height. Their decision as to the performance of each man shall be final and without appeal. Referee. He shall, when appealed to, decide all questions whose settlement is not otheswise provided for in these rules, and his decision shall be final and without appeal. Competitors. Immediately on arriving at the grounds, each com- petitor shall report to the clerk of the course, and re- ceive his number for the games in which he is entered. He shall inform himself of the times at which he must compete, and will report promptly at the start, without waiting to be notified. No competitor allowed to start without his proper number. Protests. Verbal protests can be made at or before any athletic meeting against a competitor or team, by any com- 31 petit or or club competing, but such protests must be, subsequently and before action thereon, made in writ- ing and sworn to, and duly presented to the Qualifica- tion Committee, under whose auspices the meeting is held ; it is, however, provided, that this committee re- serve to itself the power to disqualify any and all competitors without such protests, at any time, for such reasons as may seem to said committee good and sufficient. Inner Ground, No person whatsoever shall be allowed inside the track except the officials and properly accredited repre- sentatives of the press. The outhorized persons will wear a badge, and in- truders will be promptly ejected. Competitors not engaged in the game actually taking place, will not be allowed inside or upon the track. Track, The measurement of tracks shall be eighteen inches from the edge, which edge shall be a solid curb raised three inches above the level of the track. [When curbs are not practicable, flags and ropes should mark their place at the curves.] Important Definitions. Full Equijoments, [In all military competitions this term shall mean the full outfit of regulation arms, ammunition, accoutre- 82 ments, etc. It is sometimes known as ^^ heavy march- ing order." It shall weigh, all told, not less than sixty pounds. Where the regulation equipment is of less or greater weight, the competitor shall have his load handicapped to the standard. Additional weights are to be carried in some approved military manner.] A Record. [" Only such feats as are accomplished in public matches, or meetings, and the genuineness of which is attested by properly constituted judges and officials, are entitled to a place on record."] — Laws of Athletics. Fair Heel-and-toe Walking. [^' Walking is a succession of steps not leaps, and with one foot always on the ground. By the term 'fair heel-and-toe' is meant that, as the foot of the rear leg leaves the ground, and before the toes have been lifted, the heel of the foremost foot should be on the ground."] —Chas. Westhall. An Amateur. ["An amateur is a person who never competed in any open competition, or for a stake, or for public money, or for gate money, or under a false name ; or with a professional, for a prize or where gate money is charged ; nor has ever, at any period of his life, taught or pursued athletic exercises as a means of livelihood."] — Laws of A thletics. 33 STAl^DAED ATHLETIC EXERCISES IN GENERAL. The 100-yards Dash. Running 220 yards. " 880 " " one mile. " three miles. Walking one mile. " three miles. High Jump, standing. " running. Broad Jump, standing. " running. The Window Leap. Three or more Standing Jumps. The Hop, Step, & Jump. The Hitch and Kick. Hurdle Racing, 120 yards, 10 hurdles. Vaulting. Pole Leaping, high. " broad. Putting the Shot, 161bs. Throwing the Hammer, 16 lbs. Throwing the 56-pound Weight. Throwing the Baseball, distance. Throwing the Baseball, accuracy. Climbing the Rope. Chinning the Bar. Putting up the 56-pound Weight. Tug of War. Miscellaneous Athletic Contests, Bag Race. Wheelbarrow Race. Obstacle Race. Three-legged Race. Hop Race. Tub Race. 34 Military. Throwing the Javelin, distance. " accuracy. Standing Jump, w ^ 'q \ f^H equipments Running Jump, w 'i 100-yards Dash, full equipments. 440-yards Race, " One-mile Race, " Obstacle Race (120 yards), full equipments. Rolling the Artillery Wheel (100-yards race). Push Ball. Club Ball. Base Ball. Foot Ball. Games. The Cock Fight. Prisoners' Base. Hare and Hounds. LAWS OF ATHLETICS. I. A tteMdants. No one shall accompany a competitor on the scratch or in the race. II. Starting Signals. All races (except time handicaps) shall be started 35 by report of pistol — the pistol to be fired so that its flash may be visible to the time-keepers. A snap cap shall be no start. There shall be no recall after the pistol is fired. Time handicaps shall be started by the word " go." III. Starting. When the Starter receives a signal from the Judges at the finish that everything is in readiness, he shall direct the competitors to get on their marks. Any competitor starting before the signal, shall be put back one yard. For the second ofiense, another yard, and for the third shall be disqualified. He shall be held to have started when any portion of his body touches the ground in front of his mark. Stations count from the inside. IV. Keeping proper Course. In all races on a straight track, each competitor shall keep his own position on the course from start to finish. V. Change of Course. In all races on other than a straight track, a com- petitor may change towards the inside whenever he is two steps ahead of the man whose path he crosses. 36 VI. Fouling, Any competitor shall be disqualified for willfully jostling, running across, or in any way impeding an- other. YII. Finish. A thread shall be streched across the track at the finish, four feet above the ground. It shall not be held by the judges, but fastened to the finish posts on either side, so that it may always be at right angles to to the course and parallel to the ground. The finish line is not this thread, but the line on the ground drawn across the track from post to post, and the thread is intended merely to assist the judges in their decision. The men shall be placed in the order in which they cross the finish line. VIII. Heats. [If races are run in heats, the two best in each trial heat shall run in the deciding heat.] IX. Walking. The judges shall caution for any unfair walking, and the third caution shall disqualify the ofiender. On the last lap an unfair walker shall be disqualified without previous caution. [Walking is not so acceptable for amateur com- 37 petitions as running, principally in consequence of the disputes likely to arise should one of the competitors begin to run.] X. Hurdles. The regular hurdle race shall be 120 yards over ten hurdles, each three feet six inches high. The first hurdle shall be placed fifteen yards from the scratch, and there shall be ten yards between each hurdle. There may be (by special announcement) hurdle races of different distances and different number and height of hurdles. [Hurdles must be cleared with a jump; touching the hands to the hurdle is a " foul," and disqualifies the offender.] XI. Military Races. [These shall be in " full equipments," and shall in- clude the 100-yard dash, the 440-yard run, and the one mile run ; they shall in other respects be governed by the laws for free racing.] XII. Rolling the Artillery Wheel. [The race shall be for 100 yards. The wheel shall be that of the 12-Pounder Field Carriage, and shall weigh 180 pounds. Competitors and wheels shall stand toeing and tan- 38 gent to the scratch at the start, and should be at 10 yard intervals. The wheels may be handled at will. The race should be governed by laws II, III, TV, and YL] XIII. Jumping. 'No weights or artificial aid will be allowed in any jumping contests, except by special agreement or announcement. When weights are allowed there shall be no restric- tion as to size, shape or material. [The ground must be -^ level."] XIV. Running High Jumj). The height of the bar at starting and at each suc- cessive elevation, shall be determined by a majority of the qualified competitors. In case of a tie, the referee shall decide. Three tries allowed at each height. Each competitor shall make one attempt in the order of his name on the programme, and those who have failed, if any, shall have a second trial in regular order, and those failing on this trial, shall then take their final trial. Displacing the bar, counts as a ^^ try." Three balks shall count as a '^ try." A competitor may omit his trial at any height, but if he fail at the next height he shall not be allowed to go back and try the height which he omitted. 39 XV. Pole Leaping. The law for this game shall be the same as that for Running High Jump. [The uprights should be 9 feet apart, and the bar be placed upon pins that project two inches. Com- petitors may provide their own poles, which should be of good pine, iron shod at one end, 10 (30 12 feet long, and IJ inches thick.] XVI. Standing High Jump. The competitors may stand as they please, but must jump from the first spring. The height of the bar at starting and at each suc- cessive elevation, shall be determined by a majority of the qualified competitors. In case of a tie, the Heferee shall decide. Three tries allowed at each height. Each competitor shall make one attempt in the order of his name on the programme, then those who failed, if any, shall have a second trial in regular order, and those failing on this trial, shall then take their final trial. Displacing the bar and nothing else, counts as a ^*try." A competitor may omit his trial at any height, but if he fails at the next height, he shall not be allowed to go back and try the height which he omitted. 40 XVII. Running Broad JuTup. The competitor shall have unlimited run, but must take off behind the scratch. Stepping any part of the foot over the scratch in an attempt shall be "no jump," but shall count as a "try." Each competitor allowed three trials, and the best three men have three more trials each. Each competitor shall be credited with the best of all his jumps. The measurement shall be from the scratch line in front of the jumper's feet to the nearest break of the ground made by any part of his person. Three balks shall count as a " try." XVIII. Standing Broad Jump. Competitors must jump from the first spring. Stepping any part of the foot o^er the scratch in an attempt shall be " no jump," but shall count as a "try." Each competitor allowed three trials, and the best three men have three more trials each. Each competitor shall be credited with the best of all his jumps. The measurement shall be from the scratch line in front of the jumper's feet, to the nearest break of the ground made by any part of his person. 41 XIX. Three or more Consecutive Standing Jimips, [The law for this game shall be the same as that for the Standing Broad Jump.] XX. Hop, Stej), and Jump. [The law for this game shall be the same as that for the Running Broad Jump. In the hop the competitor must spring and alight on the same foot, pass to the other in making the step, and finally alight on both feet in terminating with the jump.l XXI. Vaulting. [This is best practiced at a wooden wall, the upper board sliding in grooves, and being pegged tightly at each height.] The wall must be fairly cleared. No part of the body save the hands may touch it. The law governing the game is in other respects similar to that for the Standing High Jump. XXII. The Window Leap. [This is a leap between two horizontal bars, the upper of which gradually closes towards the other. The height of the upper bar at starting, and at each successive variation, shall be determined by a majority of qualified competitors. In case of a tie, the Beferee 42 shall decide. The height of the lower bar shall remain at two feet. The law governing the trials is the same as that for the Running High Jump.] XXIII. Military Jumps. [These are Standing or Running, High and Broad, and shall always be in " full equipment." The laws governing them, shall be in all other respects the same as those for the corresponding free jumps.] XXIY. Hitch and Kick. [Same resonant object is suspended from the bar employed in the High Jumps, and kicked at suc- cessively by the competitors.] The height of the object at starting, and at each succeeding elevation, shall be decided by the majority of qualified competitors. In case of a tie, the Referee shall decide. Three tries allowed at each height. Each competitor shall make one attempt in the order of his name on the programme, then those who have failed, if any, shall have a second trial in regular order, and those failing on this trial shall then take their final trial. The competitors must spring, kick, and alight on the same foot. The run is unlimited. Springing and kicking without touching the object kicked at, counts as a ^^ try." 43 Three balks count as a ^^try." Touching the object with the foot or any part of the leg below the knee, counts as a fair kick, and nothing else. XXV. Putting the Shot. The shot shall be a solid iron sphere weighing six- teen pounds. It shall be put from the shoulder with one hand, from between two parallel lines seven feet apart. Touching the ground outside either line with any part of the person before the shot alights, shall make the attempt "no put," which counts as a "try." Each competitor allowed three trials, and the best three men have three more trials each. Each competitor shall be credited with the best of all his puts. The measurement shall be from the nearest break of the ground made by the ball, perpendicularly to the scratch line, extended, if necessary, to meet this per- pendicular. XXYI. Throwing the Hammer, The hammer head shall be a solid iron sphere, weigh- ing sixteen pounds; the handle shall be of hickory wood, and the length of the hammer and handle, over all, shall be three feet six inches. The competitor shall stand at, and behind the scratch, 44 facing as he please, and throw with either or both hands. Touching the ground in front of the scratch with any portion of the person before the hammer alights, shall make the attempt "no throw," which counts as a " try." Letting go of the hammer in an attempt, counts as a "try." Each competitor allowed three trials each. Each competitor shall be credited with the best of all his throws. If the head strike first, the measurement shall be from the nearest break of the ground made by it. If the handle strike, one length of the handle shall be allowed from the mark made by the end of the handle toward the mark made by the head of the ham- mer, and the measurement shall be from this point. The measurement shall be to the scratch line half way between the thrower's feet. [When a run is allowed, it shall not be limited either before or after the throw, and the distance shall be measured from the toe of the foremost foot immediately before, or at the time of the delivery, to the pitch of the hammer.] XXVII. Throwing Fifty-six Pound Weight. This shall be of solid iron, and any shape of weight and handle is allowed, provided, the whole weight is fifty-six pounds. The competitor shall stand at and behind the scratch, 45 facing as he please, grasping the weight by the handle, and shall throw it with one hand. Touching the ground in front of the scratch with any portion of the person before the weight alights, shall make the attempt " no throw," which counts as a "try.'' Letting go of the weight in an attempt shall count as a " try." Each competitor allowed three trials, and the best three men have three more trials each. Each competitor shall be credited with the best of all his throws. The measurement shall be from the scratch line in front of the thrower's left foot, to the nearest break of ground made by the weight exclusive of the handle. XXYIII. Throwing the Javelin, [The standard weight of the javelin or pilum shall be four pounds. The shaft shall be of ash ; it shall measure seven feet in length, and be one and one- quarter inches in diameter. The end of the shaft shall be finished with a brass cap or ferrule, beyond which a stout wrought iron pin or head shall project not more than one inch. The counterpoise shall be cylindrical, and shall be formed by wrapping a belt of sheet lead, five inches wide, around the staff. It shall be so located as to leave three clear inches of the staff be- tween it and the head, and only enough lead to raise 46 the finished pilum to the standard weight shallbe so employed.] XXIX. Throwing the Javelin for Accuracy. [The target shall be the 100-yard Creedmoor target. It shall be made of wood, and be located fifteen yards from the scratch. Each competitor is allowed a string of five throws, the results of which are to be scored in Creedmoor style. Passing beyond the scratch is " foul," and shall count as a "miss."] XXX. Throwing the Javelin for Distance. [An unlimited run is allowed, provided the pilum is delivered before crossing the scratch. Touching the ground in front of the scratch while holding the pilum is " no throw," and counts as a "try." Each competitor is allowed three trials, and the best three men have three more trials each. Each competitor is credited with the best of all his throws. Measures are from the fall of the head, perpen- dicularly back to the scratch.] XXXI. Throwing the Base Ball for Accuracy. The ball shall be of regulation size and weight. [The target shall be the 100-yard Creedmoor target. 47 It shall be made of wood, and be located one hundred feet from the scratch. A string of ten throws is allowed to each com- petitor, the result of which shall be scored in Creed- moor style. Passing beyond the scratch is '^ foul," and shall count as a "miss." Ties shall throw another string of ten balls.] XXXII. Throwing the Base Ball for Distance. An unlimited run is allowed, but the ball must be delivered before crossing the scratch, or the " foul " be regarded as a " t^'J-" Three trials are allowed to each competitor, the best three having three other and final trials. Each com- petitor is credited with the best of all his throws. The measure shall be from the point of fall to the scratch, and not from the dead ball, thereto. XXXIII. Throwing the Hand Grenade. [A grenade made on the principle of the '^ Ketchum Hand Grenade" (with the charge removed) shall be used. A small barb may be screwed into the fuse plug. It shall be thrown for accuracy and distance. The same rules shall govern the game as in throwing the base-ball. In throwing for accuracy the distance shall by thirty feet. The weight of the grenade shall be eight pounds over all.] 48 XXXIV. Climbing the Hope. [The rope, say fifty-seven feet long, should be sus- pended from the cross-trees of the flagstaff. Com- petitors are allowed to use hands and feet, but may not rest themselves by slinging the rope around any part of their person, nor can any competitor be per- mitted to ascend a second or third time if he puts his foot to the ground, or does not come down hand over hand. The staff is marked off in feet, beginning seven feet from the ground.] XXXV. Tug of War, 1. The ground shall be loosened to the width of three feet, and to a depth of not less than six inches. 2. The side crease shall be twelve feet from the centre. 3. The mark on the rope must be over the centre crease when the signal is given, and the team hauling that mark over the crease on its own side, shall win. 4. No footing holes shall be made before the start. 5. The contestants shall not wear spikes. 6. The rope shall be one and one-half inches in diameter. 7. Immediately before the contest, the captains of all the contesting teams shall draw their members. 8. Not less than five minutes shall be allowed each team between heats. 49 9. Captains shall toss for choice of sides before each pull, but if the same two teams pull more than once during any meeting, they shall change ends at each successive pull. 10. With two teams, they shall pull the best two in three. With three teams, one and two shall pull, then two and three and three and one. With four teams, one and two shall pull, then three and four, and the winners pull the final. With five teams — first round, one and two, three and four, five has a bye; second round, winner of first heat pulls with five, and the winner of this heat pulls the final with the winner of the second heat of first round. Where more than six teams are entered, the arrange- ment of trials shall be on the same principle as in the above examples. 11. No man shall be substituted for another who has already pulled in one trial, nor shall any man be allowed to pull with more than one team in any of the trials for the same prize. 12. A time limit may be made. 13. The weights in the tug of war shall be: Feather weight, 125 lbs. and under. Light weight, 150 lbs. and under. Middle weight, 175 lbs. and under. Heavy weight, over 175 lbs. 14. All weights shall be stripped. 50 XXXVI. Contests of Special Skill, Sparring, fencing, wrestling, etc., are arts requiring special instructors, and should generally be left to special competitions, and their exhibition governed by the standard amateur codes. XXXVII. Putting up the 56-pound Weight. [The weight shall be lifted from the ground in both hands, and raised to the height of the shoulder. It shall then be put up to the arm's full length with one hand (body erect), lowered to shoulder-height; and, without a rest, again put up, and so on, at the rate of not less than fifteen times per minute. Competitors shall have but one trial each, which shall be made in the order of their names upon the programme.] XXXVIII. Chinning the Bar, [The height of the bar shall be such that the tallest competitor will need a low stool to reach it. The sup- port will be removed at the first rise of each competi- tor, and an indicator set for his toes to touch when at arm's length. Each legitimate lift shall be from arm's full length to chin over the bar. Each competitor shall have but one trial, to be made in the order of his name on the programme. The weights of com- petitors shall be classified as in the Tug of War, and 51 may be stripped. Each competitor shall be credited with his number of full lifts.] XXXIX. Marking, [For the various purposes of classification, and gen- eral comparison, the following system of marking athletic performances is proposed. A simple examin- ation of this code will show that any one who has a rightful claim to more than ordinary skill at par- ticular athletic sports, should be able to score therein, upon this system, anywhere from one to five marks. A failure to score even a single mark at any partic- ular game is evidence of no special aptitude. A score of ten marks upon this system has never yet been made at any of the games below enumerated, and while such a score is certainly possible, it will be hard to attain, and it is highly improbable that it will ever be exceeded. Scores of eight, and in some games nearly nine, marks, are at present the highest that have ever been made, and correspond to the "best -in -the -world" records of champion athletes. Ten marks may, there- fore, be safely regarded as the "best possible" score at each of the following games, and two hundred marks, equal to one hundred per cent., the best at the whole twenty. It must be noticed that " marks " serve for a pur- pose entirely different from that accomplished by the 52 ''record^'' strictly so called; the latter is always im- perative, and from it scores can readily be obtained. When " full equipments " are carried, the limits given below from which the ''' marking " commences shall be one-half lower for distance or height compe- titions, and one-half greater for those of time. Scores will be estimated from the new limits on the regular scale. Pedestrianism, 100-yard dash. — 1 mark for every second short of 18 seconds. Half mile race. — 1 mark for every 8 seconds short of 3 minutes. 1 mile walk. — 1 mark for every 30 seconds short of 11 minutes. Jumping. High jump, standing, — 1 mark for every 3 J inches above 37 inches. High jump, running. — 1 mark for every 3|^ inches above 42 inches. Broad jump, standing. — 1 mark for every 9 inches beyond 7 feet. Broad jump, running. — 1 mark for every 18 inches beyond 11 feet. Pole jumping. — 1 mark for every 9 inches above 5 feet. Hop, step, and jump, running. — 1 mark for every 2 feet beyond 30 feet. 58 Hurdle race. — 1 mark for every second short of 24 seconds. Hitch and kick. — 1 mark for every 7 inches above 5 feet. Throwing. Putting the shot, 16 pounds. — 1 mark for every 3 feet beyond 25 feet. v Throwing the hammer, 16 pounds. — 1 mark for every 10 feet beyond 50 feet. Throwing the 56-pound weight. — 1 mark for every 18 inches beyond 18 feet. Throwing the base-ball. — 1 mark for every 18 feet beyond 250 feet. Accuracy. Throwing the base-ball. — 1 mark for every 2 points over 30 points (Creedmoor). Throwing the javelin. — 1 mark for every point over 15 points (Creedmoor). Climbing, 127 feet of rope. — 1 mark for each 10 feet beyond the first 27 feet. Lifting. Chinning the bar. — 1 mark for every 2 lifts after 10 lifts. Putting up the 56-pound weight. — 1 mark for every 8 puts after the first 10 puts.] 54 XL. Classification, The best score, in each game, obtained by any in- dividual member of a company, regiment, etc., shall be the score of that company, regiment, etc., in each game. Any individual who shall obtain in a regular tourna- ment or meeting a score of at least one mark in each of the above games, and a total score of 100 marks in all of them, shall be termed a ^' Champion of General Athletics," and be entitled, as such, to a '' Prize Cer- tificate." Champions of General Athletics shall rank according to their scores, the one having the highest score being " The Champion General Athlete." Any individual who, at a regular tournament or meeting, obtains a score of at least one mark, each, in any one of the Pedestrian, ^yq of the Jumping, two of the Throwing, one of the Accuracy, and in either one of the Climbing or Lifting games, and whose aggre- gate in such ten games shall equal 50 marks, shall be termed a " General Athlete," and be entitled, as such, to a " Prize Certificate." Any individual the aggregate of whose best scores at all the foregoing games shall equal or exceed 50 marks, made in regular tournament or meeting, shall be termed "An Athlete." " Athletes " shall be divided into classes as follows : 1st class Athletes. — Whose score is 100 marks or over. 65 2d class Athletes. — Whose score is 75 to 99 marks. 3d class Athletes. — Whose score is 50 to 74 marks. And members of each class shall be entitled, as such, to '^ Prize Certificates." OUT-OF-DOOR GYMNASIUM. We shall limit ourselves in this connection to the description of but four species of apparatus, viz: the horizontal bar, the parallel bars, the leaping pole, and vaulting horse. These are by far the most use- ful of the various gymnastic appliances Upon them some fifty or more standard and fundamental exer- cises, which range in their scope over the development of most all of the more important muscles of the body, may be practiced ; and with them, and the simple outfit for field athletics, already described, the soldier fitting himself for the perfect discharge of his duties, and the lover of manly sports, can find ample oppor- tunity for the highest physical improvement. The Horizontal Bar, The bar may be either permanently fixed, or be arranged for adjustment at any suitable height. When the bar is to be permanently fixed three posts will be found very convenient. In this case one post should be somewhat lower than the other two. These 56 posts should be in line and be fixed in the ground some six feet apart. The height of two of them may be from six to seven feet, and that of the third (which should be in the prolongation of the other two) from four to ^ve feet. A bar is extended across the tops of the two higher posts, and another from the top of the lower post to the corresponding height in the middle post. The bars may be of wrought iron, but hickory is generally employed, and upon the whole more suit- able. They should be smooth, round, and some two and three-quarter inches in diameter. The posts should be about eight inches square, and be so fixed as to with- stand any amount of work on the bars without being loosened in the ground. If the bar is to be adjustable, but two high posts are needed. They should be of the dimensions above given, and be fixed at the same distance apart. Pre- vious to being placed in position, a groove about six feet long should be cut through each post to about eighteen inches from the ground. About twelve or fourteen holes should be bored through the posts, for iron pins to keep the bar at the required height. The bar should have the same dimen- sions as in the first case, but be provided in addition with a shoulder at each end to rest firmly against each post. The Parallel Bars. Four posts should be fixed in the ground perpen- dicular on the inside, eighteen or twenty inches apart 57 at the ends, and about ^ve feet six inches apart length- ways, which will give the form of a parallelogram. These posts should be about four feet high, made strongly, and as near the same size as possible. The bars may be of elm, or other strong hard wood, free from knots, and should extend about a foot beyond the posts at each end, which will make them seven feet six inches long."^ They should not be perfectly round, but slightly flattened on both sides, and about two and one-half inches in the longest cross dimension ; their ends should be slightly rounded to lit the hollow of the hand. The Leaping Pole. This should be of a tough springy wood, about two inches in diameter and from 8 feet to 10 feet long, perfectly smooth, and shod with iron at the butt or lower end. The exercises with the leaping pole may almost be viewed as belonging to recreative rather than sys- tematized exercise, being essentially for the open air, and among the few which may be left for free practice, after the learner has acquired a knowledge of the action and position of the different exercises. They are valuable as giving precision to the eye and hand, the power of calculating distance, and of rapidly determining the moment for executing a complicated * [By introducing two additional posts in the prolongation of each side pair, the length of the apparatus may of course be doubled.] 58 movement, with the presence of mind to execute it, in addition to the physical exercise of the run and leap, the balance and descent. The Vaulting Horse. This machine should be formed from a block of hard wood, about 5 feet 3 inches long, 14 inches broad and 11 inches deep, the top being rounded off to a semi-circular shape and the section of the ends worked off to a semi-circle. The sides and top should both be hollowed out towards the centre, where a section would be a flattened semi-circle, 12 inches by 9 inches. The object is to make the body of such a shape, by care- fully rounding every possible angle and projection, that whether the horse be used from the sides or from the croup, nothing but the most convenient surfaces for the hands shall be presented. The body should be rubbed smooth with sand paper, and the top and sides should be covered with strong leather, the upper por- tion being slightly stufled with horsehair. The sup- ports or legs may be formed with two deal standards at each end, 3 J inches by 2 inches, and 10 inches apart from out to out at the top, under the end of the horse, spreading to 2 feet 4 inches at the bottom, and resting upon a plate 5 inches by 3 inches and 3 feet long, firmly screwed to the floor or pinned to the ground. The standards should also spread longitudinally beyond the ends of the body. 59 GAMES. In alluding to games, Ravenstein and Hulley, in their " Handbook of Gymnastics and Athletics," remark that " A course of physical education cannot be considered complete without a liberal introduction of games. The number of athletic games is large, but it is better to comfine one's self to a few, and to attain perfection in these than to practice many and remain a novice in all." We shall therefore limit our description to a few of the best, choosing, particularly, such as may be par- ticipated in by a large number of men at once. Besides the national game of base-ball, — the rules of which are too well known to require any repetition, — there are several other standard ones involving not only a considerable exercise of athletic skill, but the play of which is full of interest and healthy excite- ment. Among these the following may be noticed : Foot-hall [Sides having been chosen, the ball is delivered in the middle of the play ground, and each side then endeavours to drive it through the goal of the other side. The rules adopted by the Foot-ball Association are as follows. Toucli Line, 1. The maximum length of the ground shall be 200 yards ; the maximum breadth shall be 100 yards; the length and breadth shall be marked off with flags. 2. The winner of the toss shall have the choice of goals. The game shall be commenced by a place-kick from the centre of the ground by the side losing the toss. The other side shall not approach within ten yards of the ball until it is kicked off.] — Handbook of Gymnastics and Athletics. [The following revised and latest laws of foot-ball are those adopted by the Rugby Union: 1. A drop-hich or drop, is made by letting the ball fall from the hands, and kicking it at the very instant it rises. 2. A place-hich or place, is made by kicking the ball after it has been placed in a nick made in the ground for the purpose of keeping it at rest. 3. A punt is made by letting the ball fall from the hands, and kicking it before it touches the ground. 4. Each goal shall be composed of two upright posts exceeding eleven feet in height from the ground, and 61 placed eighteen feet six inches apart, with a cross-bar ten feet from the ground. 5. A goal can only be obtained by kicking the ball from the field of play direct (without touching the ground, or the dress or person of any player of either side) over the cross-bar of the opponents' goal, whether it touch such cross-bar or the posts or not; but if the ball goes directly over either of the goal-posts, it is called a poster, and is not a goal. A goal may be obtained by any kind of kick except a punt. 6. A try is gained when a player touches the ball down in his opponent's goal. 7. A match shall be decided by a majority of goals, but if the number of goals be equal, or if no goal be kicked by a majority of tries, or if no goal be kicked or try obtained, the match shall be drawn. When a goal is kicked from a try, a goal only is scored. 8. The ball is dead when it rests absolutely motion- less on the ground. 9. A touch down is when a player, putting his hand upon the ball on the ground in touch or in goal, stops it so that it remains dead or fairly so. 10. A tachle is when the holder of the ball is held by one or more players of the opposite side. 11. A scriTriTnage takes place when the holder of the ball being in the field of play puts it down on the ground in front of him, and all who ha^'e closed round on their respective sides endeavor to push their op- 62 poneDts back, and by kicking the ball to drive it in the direction of the opposite goal-line. 12. A player may take up the ball whenever it is rolling or bounding, except in a scrimmage. 13. It is not lawful to take up the ball when dead (except in order to bring it out after its has been touched down, in touch or in goal) for any purpose whatever. Whenever the ball shall have been so un- lawfully taken up, it shall at once be brought back to where it was so taken up, and there put down. 14. In a scrimmage it is not lawful to touch the ball with the hand under any circumstances what- ever. 15. It is lawful for any player who has the ball to run with it, and, if he does so, it is called a run. If a player runs with the ball until he gets behind his opponent's goal-line and there touches down, it is called a run in, 16. It is lawful to run in anywhere across the goal- line. 17. The goal-line is in goal, and the touch-line is in touch. 18. In the event of any player holding or running with the ball being tackled, and the ball fairly held, he must at once cry ^^down," and there put it down. 19. A maul in goal is when the holder of the ball is tackled inside a goal-line, or being tackled imme- diately outside, is carried or pused across it, and he on the opposite side, or both, endeavor to touch the ball 63 down. In all cases the ball, when so touched down, shall belong to the players of the side who first had possession of it, before the maul commenced, unless the opposite side have gained entire possession of it. 20. In case of a inaul in goal those players only who are touching the ball with their hands, when it crosses the goal-line, may continue in the maul in goal, and when a player has once released his hold of the ball after it is inside the goal-line, he may not again join in the maul, and, if he attempts to do so, he may be dragged out by the opposite side. But if a player, when running in, is tackled inside the goal-line, then only the player who first tackled him, or if two or more tackle him simultaneously, they only may join in the maul. 21. Immediately the ball, whether in the hands of a player or not, goes into touch in goal, it is at once dead and out of the game, and must be brought out as provided by Rules 41 and 42. 22. Every player is on side, but is put off side if he enters a scrimmage from his opponent's side, or being in a scrimmage gets in front of the ball, or when the ball has been kicked, touched, or is being run with by any of his own side behind him, between himself and his own goal-line. No player can be off side in his own goal. 23. Every player, when off side, is out of the game, and shall not touch the ball in any case whatever, either in or out of touch or goal, or in any way 64 interrupt or obstruct any player, until he is again on side. 24. A player being off side, is put on side when the ball has been run with five yards, or kicked by, or has touched the dress or person of any player of the opposite side, or when one of his own side has run in front of him, either with a ball or having kicked it when behind him. 25. "When a player has the ball, none of his oppo- nents who at the time are off side may commence or attempt to run, tackle, or otherwise interrupt such player, until he has run five yards. 26. It is lawful for any player who has the ball to throw it back toward his own goal, or to pass it back, to any player of his own side who is at the time be- hind him, in accordance with the rules of on side, 27. Knocking on, that is, deliberately hitting the ball with the hand, and (throwing forward) throwing the ball in the direction of the opponent's goal-line, are not lawful. If the ball be either knocked on or thrown forward, the captain of the opposite side may (unless a fair catch has been made as provided by the next rule) require to have it brought back to the spot where it was so knocked on or thrown forward, and there put down. 28. A. fair catch is a catch made direct from a kick, or a throw forward, or a knock on, by one of the opposite side, or from a punt-out or a punt-on (see Kules 29 and 30), provided the catch makes a mark 65 with his heel at the spot where he has made the catch, and no other of his own side touch the ball. (See Rules 43 and 44.) 29. A punt-out is a punt made after a touch-down by a player from behind his opponent's goal-line toward his own side, who must stand outside the goal- line and endeavor to make a fair catch, or to get the ball and run in or drop a goal. (See Rules 49 and 51.) 30. A punt-on is a punt made in a manner similar to a punt-out, and from touch if necessary, by a player who has made a fair catch from a punt-out or another punt-on. 31. If the ball goes into touch, the first player on his side who touches it down must bring it to the spot where it crossed the touch line; or if a player, when running with the ball, cross or put any part of either foot across the touch line, he must return with the ball to the spot where the line was so crossed, and thence return it into the field of play in one of the modes provided by the following rule. 32. He must then himself, or by one of his own side, either i. Bound the ball in the field of play, and then run with it, kick it, or throw it back to his own side ; or, ii. Throw it out at right angles to the touch line ; or, iii. Walk out with it at right angles to the touch line any distance not less than jive nor more than m fifteen yards, and there put it down, first declaring how far he intends to walk out. 33. If two or more players holding the ball are pushed into touchy the ball shall belong in touch to the player who first had hold of it in the field of play, and has not released his hold of it. 34. If the ball, when thrown out of touch, be not thrown out at right angles to the touch line, the cap- tain of either side may at once claim to have it thrown out again. 35. A catch made when the ball is thrown out of touch is not 2, fair catch, 36. Kich off is a place kick from the centre of the field of play, and cannot count as a goal. The opposite side must stand at least ten yards in front of the ball until it has been kicked. If the ball pitch in touch it shall be brought back and kicked ofi" again. 37. The ball shall be HcA;e^ o/. i. At the commencement of the game, ii. After a goal has been obtained, iii. After change of goals at half-time. 38. Each side shall play from either goal for an equal time. 39. The captains of the respective sides shall toss up before commencement of the match ; the winner of the toss shall have the option of choice of goals, or the kick off. 40. Whenever a goal shall have been obtained, the side which has lost the goal shall then kick off. When goals have been changed at half-time, the side which did not kick off at the commencement of the game shall then kick off. 41. Kick out is a drop-kick by one of the players of the side which has had to touch the ball down in their own goal, or into whose touch in goal the ball has gone (Rule 21), and is the mode of bringing the ball again into play, and cannot count as a goal. 42. Kick out must be a drop-kick, and from not more than twenty-Jive yards outside the kicker's goal- line. If the ball, when kicked out, pitch in touch, it must be taken back and kicked out again. The kicker's side must be behind the ball when kicked out. 43. A player who has made and claimed a fair catch shall thereupon either take a drop-kick, or a punt, or place the ball for a place-kick. 44. After a fair catch has been made, the opposite side may come up to the catcher's mark, and (except in cases under Rule 50), the catcher's side retiring, the ball shall be kicked from such mark, or from a spot any distance behind it. 45. A player may touch the ball down in his own goal at any time. 46. A side, having touched the ball down in their opponent's goal, shall try at goal either by Si. place-kick or a punt-out. 47. If a try at goal be made by place-kick, a player of the side who has touched the ball down shall bring it up to the goal-line (subject to Rule 48), in a straight 68 line from and opposite to the spot where the ball was touched down, and there make a mark on the goal -line, and thence walk straight out with it at right angles to the goal-line, such distance as he thinks proper, and there place it for another of his side to kick. The kicker's side must be behind the ball when it is kicked, and the opposite side must remain behind their goal- line until the ball has been placed on the ground. (See Kules 54 and 55.) 48. If the ball has been touched down between the goal-posts, it must be brought out in a straight line from either of such posts. 49. If the tri/ at goal be by a punt-out (see Kule 29), a player of the side which has touched the ball down shall bring it straight up to the goal-line opposite to the spot where it was touched down, and there make a mark on the goal-line, and then punt-out. The op- posite must keep behind their goal-line until the ball has been kicked. (See Rules 54 and 55.) 50. If a /air catch be made from a punt-out or a punt-on, the catcher may either proceed as provided by Hules 43 and 44, or himself take a punt-on; in which case the mark made on making the fair catch shall be regarded (for the purpose of determining as well the position of the player who makes the punt-on as of the other players of both sides) as the mark made on the goal-line in the case of a punt-out. 51. A catch made in touch from a punt-out or a punt-on is not a fair catch; the ball must then be 69 taken or thrown out of touch, as provided by E,ule 32; but if the catch be made in touch in goal, the ball is at once dead, and must be kicked out, as provided by- Rules 41 and 42. 52. When the ball has been touched down in the opponent's goal, none of the side in whose goal it has been so touched down shall touch it, or in any way displace it or interfere with the player of the other side, who may be taking it up or out. 53. The ball is dead whenever a goal has been ob- tained; but if a try at goal be not successful, the kick should be considered as only an ordinary kick in the course of the game. 54. Charging^ i. e., rushing forward to kick the ball or tackle a player, is lawful for the opposite side, in case the player who is bringing the ball out after a try at goal has been obtained (see Rules 47 and 48) shall fail to make a mark on the goal-line, in all cases of a place-kick after a fair catch, or upon a try at goal, im- mediately the ball touches or is placed upon the ground ; and in cases of a drop-kick or punt after a /air catch, as soon as the player having the ball commences to run or offers to kick, or the ball has touched the ground; but he may always draw back, and unless he has dropped the ball, or actually touched it with his foot, they must again retire to his mark. (See Rule 56.) The opposite side in the case of a punt-out or punt-on, and the kicker's side in all cases, may not charge until the ball has been kicked. 70 55. If a player, having the ball when about to punt it out, goes outside the goal-line, or, when about to punt- on, advances nearer to his ow^n goal-line than his mark, made on making the fair catch, or if, after the ball has been touched down in the opponent's goal, or a fair catch has been made, more than one player of the side which has so touched it down or made the fair catch, touch the ball before it is again kicked, the opposite side may charge at once. 66. In cases of a fair catch the opposite side may come up to and charge from anywhere on or behind a line drawn through the mark made by the player who has made the catch, and parallel to their own goal- line; but in the case of 2, fair catch from d^ punt-out or a j)unt-on, they may not advance further in the direc- tion of the touch-line nearer to such mark than a line drawn through such mark to their goal-line, and parallel to such touch-line. In all cases (except a punt-out and a punt-on) the kicker's side must be behind the ball when it is kicked, but may not charge until it has been kicked. 57. No hacking, or hacking over, or tripping up, shall be allowed under any circumstances. bS. No one wearing projecting nails, iron plates, or gutta percha on any part of his boots or shoes, shall be allowed to play in a match. 59. That unless umpires be appointed, the captains of the respective sides shall be the sole arbiters of all disputes, and their decisions shall be final. If the cap- 71 tain of either side challenge the construction placed upon any rules, he shall have the right of appeal to the Rugby Union Committee. 60. Neither half-time nor no side shall be called until the ball is fairly held or goes out of play ; and in the case of a try or fair catch the kick at goal shall be allowed.] — Laws of Athletics. Club-hall. [The game is thus named in Strutt's Pastimes. Recent publications refer to it as Ball-stick, and derive it from the German Ball-stock. Having choosen sides and tossed up for innings, the winning party occupies the home-base. The out-party station themselves over the play-ground, as indicated on our diagram where the home-party is shown thus !§], the out-party thus ®. The captain or best man of Waiting [a] to run back.fn] Bounds. Adjutant.)^ Feeder. Striker. [0] Eunning back.[n] DP? ml m^ Prisoners. Bounds. the out-party acts as ^^ feeder," the next best thrower 72 is stationed behind the prisoners, and a less prominent but active member of the party acts as adjutant, tak- ing up his place close to the feeder. It is his duty to hand rejected balls and ^^ tips " to the feeder, thus enabling the latter to keep always an eye upon the prisoners. — The bases are from 20 to 40 yards apart, and they are most conveniently made with painters' poles, 20 to 30 feet long. The bounds, beyond which the members of the home-party are not allowed to run, can be marked off with a few flags. The ball is about as thick as a fist ; a tennis-ball, covered with a netting of stout string, answ^ers very well. The club is 3 feet long, 2 inches wide at the top, and provided with a convenient handle. We will now describe the manner of playing. The first man of the home-party steps in front of the base, and takes up the club. The feeder throws up the ball about ten feet high, and in the direction of the striker, who may refuse to strike unless the ball is thrown up properly. If he hits the ball, he may endeavour to run to the out-base, if not, he proceeds by the shortest way to the prison. He must stop there, keeping one foot in contact with the base, until a chance occurs for running to the out-base. The second man of the home-party then takes up the club. If he also misses, he joins his comrade in prison, taking up his place inside of him. Prisoners must hold each other by the hands, and the prisoner nearest the home must keep one foot in contact with it. As soon as a 73 chance occurs, the prisoners run to the out-base, and back again to the home-base. It happens occasionally that the entire home-party, with the exception of one man, is either in prison or at the out-base. In such a case one or two of the best runners must risk return- ing home, even if the ball should not be struck. They start the moment the " feeder " has thrown up the ball. Any member of the out-party can throw at a man run- ning from base to base, but as a rule they should return the ball to the feeder as quickly as possible. The following is a set of rules : 1. The club or stick shall be three feet long, half an inch thick, and two inches wide at the bottom. Each side shall be at liberty to provide its own clubs, and the same club must be used throughout the game. 2. The ball used shall be an ordinary tennis ball, covered with a netting of stout twine. 3. The bases shall be forty yards apart, the bounds twenty yards. 4. The feeder shall take his position three yards from the striker. He must throw up the ball about ten feet high, and in such a manner that the striker may strike it conveniently. 5. The striker shall be at liberty to refuse two balls, whether they be thrown fairly or not, but he cannot refuse the third ball, if thrown fairly in the opinion of the judge. 6. The men of the in-party shall strike the ball in the following order: First, the man throusjh whom 74 they won their innings, then the feeder, and then the rest, in any order they may fix upon. But after all have had struck once, they shall strike in the order in which they return from the out-base. 7. The in-party loses its innings in the following cases : i. If the ball is caught from the club by one of the out-party. ii. If a member of the in-party is hit with the ball whilst not in contact with one of the bases, ex- cept when proceeding from the strike to prison. iii. If the ball is in the hands of the feeder with- out a member of the in-party being ready with the club to strike it. iv. If the ball is touched with the fingers by one of the in-party. V. If the striker throws the club behind the base, or takes it away with him, instead of putting it down gently. vi. If one of the in-party passes beyond bounds. 8. One point is allowed every time the ball is hit with the club. One hundred points (or the highest number of points in three innings) decide a match.] — Handhooh of GyTnnastics and Athletics. Push-Bali, [The ball is about twelve inches diameter, covered with strong leather, and weighs from eight to ten pounds. The homes are at least thirty yards apart. 75 It is the object of each party to send the ball into the home of the other. The captains toss up for the first throw. The ball must be thrown both hands raised above the shoulder, and it must leave the hands at an ascending angle. A run is permitted. The opposite party seek to stop the progress of the ball by pushing it back, with hands raised above the head. If they catch the ball, or throw it back with hands lower than the shoulders, then the ball is considered to have touched the ground at the spot where it was caught or stopped in this irregular manner. The umpires should each carry a stick to indicate the spot where the ball touched the ground and from which it is to be thrown, and the thrower is not permitted to step beyond this stick. Our diagram shows the positions of the players. Bounds. u 1 a H ^ a 2 m s _ s ® _ ® ® _ ® °H Judge. Bounds. ® Judge. The following is a set of rules : 1. The ball to be of leather stuffed with wool, and not to exceed eight pounds in weight. The homes to be sixty yards apart, the bounds twenty yards. 76 2. The first throw to be decided by lot, and to be delivered from a spot three yards from the middle of the play ground, in the direction of the home of the party throwing. 3. The ball must be thrown with hands raised above the shoulders, and at an ascending angle. If thrown in defiance of this rule, or beyond bounds, the other side shall be entitled to demand that it be thrown again and from the same spot. 4. If the thrower steps beyond the spot marked on the ground by the umpire, the other side may demand that the ball be thrown again. 5. The ball must be stopped and pushed back with hands raised above the shoulders, and the man who first touched it throws it from the spot where it first touched the ground. 6. If caught or thrown back with hands lower than the shoulders, the ball shall be considered to have touched the ground at the spot where it was caught or stopped in this irregular manner. The same rule applies to carrying or " butting " with the shoulder. 7. Each party to number ten men and a captain. Sides are changed after each game. 8. Three games out of five to decide a match. 9. There shall be one judge, whose decision is final, or a judge to each side, and a referee.] — Handbook of Gymnastics and Athletics. Prison. Prison. 77 Prison-Bars, [This game is described in '' Strutt's Pastimes." It is played differently in various parts of the country. The rules, which we give, appear to coincide with those in force in Strutt's time. They are observed also in Germany, where the game is known as Barlaufen. The homes are forty yards apart. Each party takes Umpire. possession of One of the 5 ?.^™...!.*. homes. The prisons are in- dicated by a flag-staff placed three yards in front of each home as shown in the dia- ^ ^ gram. The number of play- umpire. ers may vary from 10 to 50 to each side. The game is opened by a challenge on the part of the leader who had the first choice. He proceeds to the other home and selects one of the men. The man selected must hold out his hand ; the challenger gives him three taps, quick or slow, as he thinks best, and starts back for his own home, the man challenged, and he alone, starting in pursuit. The party of the chal- lenger may send one or more to the rescue, and it is a rule throughout the game that the man latest from his home "bars" all those out before him; that is, he can take any of them prisoner if he overtakes him, but cannot be made prisoner himself. ,The challenge is repeated every time a prisoner is made or liberated, but in these cases the captor or the liberator challenges, 78 and not the captain. If a prisoner is made the umpire calls out ^^ Stop!" when all players return to their homes. The prisoner is taken to prison. He stands astride, touching with one foot the stake or staff mark- ing the prison, the other leg being astride, and the hand extended towards his own party. If a second prisoner is made he is placed inside the first. The prisoners must join hands. The prisoners are liberated if one of them is touched by a member of their own party before the latter is struck by one of the guards set to watch the prisoners. The rescue of prisoners forms one of the most exciting parts of the game. Some of the best men should be set to watch them^ and they must keep a careful watch and run out in turns. Each man can run out, as a matter of course, but too many should not run out at a time, in order that an efficient reserve may always be in the home. Much depends on the captains judgement in placing and sending out his best runners. When the ground is free of players, one party sends out a "decoy" to entice men of the other party to leave their home; good run- ners should always be ready to come to the rescue of the decoys. The following are the rules of the game : 1. The homes to be forty yards apart and fifteen yards long; a prison, marked by a flag, to be three yards in front of each home, and at opposite corners of the play ground. 79 2. Each game is opened by a cliallenge on the part of the captain who had the first choice. 3. The challenge is repeated every time a prisoner is taken or liberated, but in these cases by the captor or the liberator. 4. The challenger can be pursued only by the man challenged, but his own party may send men to the rescue. 5. Any man touched by a man of the other party, who left his home later than he did, is prisoner. 6. The game stops as soon as a prisoner is taken, until the captor has challenged ; and the same rule is observed after a prisoner has been liberated. Two prisoners cannot thus be made in succession. 7. Any man running beyond bounds is a prisoner. 8. If anyone reaches the home of the other party without being touched, he is allowed to return to his own home outside the bounds. 9. As long as there is only one prisoner he must touch the stake marking the prison with one foot. If there are several prisoners they must join hands, the one last taken touching the stake with one foot. 10. The prisoner or prisoners are liberated and free to return to their home if one of them is touched by one of their own party, without the intending liberator being touched himself. 11. If one of the prisoners leaves his place previous to being touched in this manner, then they are not 80 liberated ; nor is their intending liberator to be taken prisoner, unless touched before he reached them. 12. Each game to be over and sides to be changed when there are three prisoners (or four, when there are over fifteen players to each side). 13. The decisions of the umpires to be final.] — Handbook of Gymnastics and A tJiletics. Hare and Hounds. [This is a game for the open country. One player is hare. He is provided with a bag full of small pieces of paper, one of which he drops every ten paces. This is the scent. Another player is huntsman, a third whipper-in, and the rest are hounds. The whipper-in is furnished with a red flag, and the huntsman carries a white flag. The hare is allowed a start of five or ten minutes, when the others go in pursuit. The hunts- man comes first, followed by the hounds, and the whip- per-in brings up the rear. They all walk or run in single file. If the huntsman loses the scent, he calls out '' Lost ! " The whipper-in then stations himself with his flag at the place where the last piece of paper was found, and the rest wheel round in a circle, keep- ing in line, when one of them is sure to recover the scent. The huntsman then sounds his horn, and the chase is continued over fields, hedges, and ditches. At last the hare is in sight. The huntsman encourages his followers to fresh efforts, but the hare, after all, may evade his pursuers and reach home before them. 81 The hounds are not allowed to make short cuts, but must follow the scent as indicated by the slips of paper. After such a hot game it is advisable to walk about for some time, and to change clothes in a warm room.] — Handbook of Gymnastics and A thletics. The Cock Fight, [Each side station themselves in their home. On a signal, by the umpire, they all leave their homes, and, hopping on one foot, they approach each other. Arms are folded on the chest, and each player then rushes at one of the antagonists, and endeavors to force him to put down his leg. Anyone putting down his leg is '' dead," and must join the umpire, who, after the melee has lasted some time, gives the signal to retire. Each side then returns to its home ; but, having rested a short time, the players again sally forth, this time hopping on the other leg. The game is continued until all the men of one side are dead.] — Handbook of Gym- nastics and Athletics. To entitle a performance to a place in the athletic "records" of this association, the following certificate must be affixed to the record and be signed by at least three of the "Officers of the Tournament" who were witnesses thereof : "We the undersigned hereby affirm that the fore- going record is correct, and that we were official wit- 82 nesses to its accomplishment in a public tournament held at __ , under the rules of the American Army Athletic Association and open to officers and men belonging to , U. S. Army." 1. ., U. S. Army. ^ Judge. 2. _ ..._., „ >- Measurer. 3 , „ j Timekeeper^ etc. SOME OF THE BEST ATHLETIC PEK- FORMANCES ON EECORD. These will serve as standards of excellence until beaten."^ Walking. 1 mile.— 6 min. 23 sec, W. Perkins, Ef, 1874. 6 min. 44 J sec, T. H. Armstrong, A^. 7 min. 30 sec, Chas. Eldredge, A P, 1877. 3 miles.— 20 min. 47 sec, W. Perkins, Ef, 1878. 21 min. 36 sec, H. Venn, E^ 1878. 21 min. 42 sec, T. H. Armstrong, A^, 1878. Running. 100 yards. — 9J sec, George Seward of U. S., in Ef, 1844. 10 sec, W. C. Wilmer, A"^., 1878. 10^ sec, * [Amateur performances are designated by a *; professional by a t. A stands for American (U. S.) ; A I, for American (U. S.) Inter-Collegiate; C, for Canadian; E, for English; S, for Scottish; I, for Irish.] 83 C. L. Lockton, E^, 1879; H. H. Lee, A P, 1877. 101 sec, W. T. Arthurs, C^, 1879. 220 yards.— 22^ sec, W. P. Phillips, E^ • 1878. 22| sec, W. C. Wilmer, A^, 1878. 231 sec , H. H. Lee, A I^ 1877. 24f sec, W. T. Arthurs, C^, 1878. 440 yards.— 481 sec, E Buttery, Ef, 1873. 49^^ sec, L. E. Myers, A*, 1879. 51^ sec, E. Storey, E^, 1879. 531 sec, W. T. Arthurs, C^ 1878. 54 sec, G. M. Hammond, A I^, 1877. 880 yards. — 1 min. 53| sec, Frank Hewit, New Zealand^, 1871. 1 min. 571 sec, F. T. Elborough, E^, 1876. 2 min. 13f sec, Ed. Merritt, C^, 1878. 2 min. 6| sec, David Trumbull, A P, 1875. 1 mile. — 4 min. 17^ sec, W. Richards and W. Lang, dead heat, Ef, 1865. 4 min. 241 gee, W. Slade, E^, 1875. 4 min. 375^ sec, W. J. Duffy, A^ 1879. 4 min. 441 sec, C. H. Barber, A P, 1875. 4 min. 52| sec, H. M. Pellatt, C^, 1878. 3 miles.— 14 min. 36 sec, J. White, Ef, 1863. 14 min. 46 sec, J. Gibb, E^, 1877. 15 min. 38^ sec, P. J. McDonald, A^, 1879. Jumpinq, High jump, standing. — 5 ft. 3 in., E. W. Johnston, A^, 1878. 4 ft. 10 in., E. Moore, E^. 4 ft. 6| in., F. Larkin, A I^. High jump, running. — 6 ft. 2| in., M. J. Brooks, E*, 1876. 5 ft. 81 in., J. P. Conover, A P, 1879. 5 ft. 7 in., W. Wunder, A^, 1879. 84 Broad jump, standing. — 11 ft. 2 J in., E. W. John- ston, A^, 1878. 10 ft. 3f in., R Larkin, A P, 1879. Broad jump, running. — 23 ft. 1^ in., J. Lane, E^, 1874. 21 ft. 5 in., F. Davis, Af, 1878. 20 ft. J. P. Conover, A P, 1879. 19 ft. 6f in., E. J. Kilpatrick, A^ 1879. Three jumps, standing. — 35 ft. 8 in., P. P. Mulgrave, A^ 1872. Ten jumps, standing. — 110 ft. 4 in., P. McNeely, A^ 1848. Hop, step, and jump, standing. — 40 ft. 2 in., I. Anderson, Ef, 1865. Hop, step, and jump, running. — 47 ft. 7 in., B. Knox, Et, 1870. 46 ft. 8 in., Alex. Dobsen, C^, 1879. Hitch and kick. — 9 ft. 8 in., Jas. Corsair, Af, 1874. 9 ft., E. W. Johnson, Cf. 81 ft., A. H. Oakes, A^. Hurdle race, 120 yards, 10 flights. — 16 sec, C. IST. Jackson, E-^, 1865. 17^ sec, H. E. Eicken, A^ 1878. Pole leaping, high.— 11 ft. 2f in., T. Bay, E^, 1879. 10 ft. 5f in., W. T. Yan Houten, A^ 1879. Miscellaneous Sports. Putting the shot, 16 pounds. — 50 ft. 9 in., Donald Dinnie, Ef, 1878. 37 ft. 10 in., Cuzner, C^ 1878. 33 ft. 81 in., E. Larkin, A P, 1879. Throwing the hammer, 16 pounds, with a run. — 162 ft., Donald Dinnie, Sf, 1872. 138 ft. 3 in., G. H. Hules, E^ 1876. Throwing the hammer, 16 pounds, standing. — 138 85 ft., Donald Dinnie, Sf, 1873. 87 ft. 1 in., F. Larkin, A I^ 1879. Throwing 56 pound weight. — 29 ft. 2 in., C. Wads- worth, P, 1874. 27 ft. Geo. Davidson, C^, 1879. 23 ft. 11 in., W. B. Curtis, A^, 1879. Throwing the base-ball, distance. — 400 ft. 7^ in., John Hatfield, Af, 1872. 368 ft. 6 in., J. M. Mann, A P, 1876. 360 ft., Trinity College, A P, 1879. Hopping. — Ed. Turner, Ef, 80 yards in II5 sec, 1878. Back jump. — 9 ft. 6 in., Frank Gormley, At, 1879. Foot-ball. — 65 yards and through the goal posts, Melbourne, Australia, 1877. Greatest distance run in one hour. — 11 nules 970 yards, L. BenneLt (deer foot), Ef, 1863. Sack race. — 1 mile in 11| min., Anthony Thorp, Artillery ground, London, 1774. 86 INDIVIDUAL ATHLETIC RECORD. Name Nationality Born at Rank Station Age Weight Height Chest measure, expanded ; exhausted Size of fore-arm ; upper arm, bent Number of personal lifts (from arms-length to chin), no rest 100-yard dash .... 220-yard run .... 440-yard run 880-yard run 1 mile run : . 3 mile run 1 mile walk 3 mile walk High jump, standing ; High jump, running Broad jump, standing, ; broad jump, running Hop, skip, and jump. .... 3 standing jumps. ... 10 standing jumps Hurdle race Window leap Hitch and kick Vaulting ..... Pole leaping, high ......; pole leaping, broad ...... Putting the shot, 1.6 pounds. ....... Throwing the hammer, 16 pounds ..... Throwing the 56-pound weight Climbing the rope Throwing the base-ball, accuracy ......; throwing the base-ball, distance Military. Throwing the hand grenade, accuracy ; throwing the hand grenade, distance ... Throwing the javelin, accuracy ; throwing the javelin, distance 87 Standing jump (full equipment), high ; standing jump (full equipment), broad Running jump (full equipment), high ; running jump (full equipment), broad 100-yard dash (full equip- ment) ; 440-yard dash (full equipment) 1 mile walk (full equipment) 1 mile run (full equipment) Obstacle race (120 yards), 10 obstructions (full equipment) Rolling the Artillery wheel, 100 yards Miscellaneous, Date. «k5^**^ — *" ^' PRIZE CERTIFICATE. "^^p. j?:/' — iiii^iii — ^'-^ Oi* Wftiw It nan i0«i;er«O ^iEEETING: This is to certify that at a duly T ^ ^ organized Athletic Tournament, publicly held at. , and open to officers and men of the Regular Army of the United States, belonging to the ^._ Branches of this Association: [Name.^ \_Ba7ik.^ \^Station.'\ -__ took in a fair contest under the rules of this Associa- tion _ .place for excelling in [JRecord.~\ , He is therefore announced as [Date.] U, S. Army. [Station.] '-' .'v^^-ip^-^'S:^^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS f 029 726 842 91