Practical Training for Running, Walking, Rowing, Wrestling, Boxing, Jumping, and All Kinds of Athletic Feats / Together with tables of proportional measurement for height and weight of men in and out of condition; etc. etc.

HINTS IN, BEFORE, AND AFTER THE RACE.

In sprinting, a good start is of such importance that we would suggest a careful practice in it. It is a curious fact that a novice will invariably start with one foot a yard or so behind the other, either with the body bent down low, or with the body erect, and swinging the arms as if they were the means of propulsion about to be trusted to. In the former case, he runs one yard more than his distance, in the latter he exhausts and unsteadies himself. Start with both feet within six inches of one another, the weight of the body resting on that foot which is farthest from the scratch, and the toe on the side nearest the goal, just touching the ground, and ready to take the first step over the mark; the body must be kept well up, so that the first spring is taken steadily and in a straight line. As this method is the quickest for getting off the mark, it will apply to every description of pedestrianism.

Before any contest, when you are stripped, take a trot to get the limbs into order and keep them warm; the muscles will be less likely to get strained if well heated beforehand. In running with a chicken-hearted man, race at him, and, if you feel done, fancy that he feels worse. Run as straight to the goal as possible; it is the nearest way home, and therefore the quickest. The arms should be kept well up, and moved in the direction of the course, and not swung across the body. Any scrambling in the race is fatal to a good walker; the motion of his legs should be mechanical. In walking races, if a stitch bothers you, keep well on, and try and forget it; it will never last long if you are in good condition. In a race with heats, after a heat lie down on your back, and keep the legs raised up, in order that the blood forced into the extremities by the exercise may be assisted by its own gravity to return to the trunk. Rest is the best cure for a strain, and is much assisted by cold water application. In a strain of the internal organs, their complexity renders repair a more difficult operation, as they do not allow of repose; recourse should therefore be had to a physician.

Running on the toes on a path is to be recommended, as enabling a longer stride to be taken, and giving an easier motion to the body, and less jar at each step. In heavy ground, however, it is of little use, as the sinking of the toe in the soil interferes with the spring, and necessitates a larger surface of the foot to get a purchase for the next stride.

Never in practice run with many clothes on; if the weather is cold, clothe in proportion. The action of the air on the skin increases its healthy vigor. A piece of cork is often held in each hand to grasp while running. In a long distance race, rinsing the mouth out with warm tea with a little brandy in it, and munching a crust, will often take away any dryness of throat. Never commence fast sprinting in practice unless the muscles are thoroughly warm. Strains would seldom happen if this was attended to. Fruit fresh picked is not to be discarded. A small quantity, when ripe, will often give tone to the stomach and cool the blood. Of dried fruits, figs are supposed to be the most serviceable.

TRAINING PRACTICE, FAIR WALKING, ETC.

Walking is the most useful and at the same time most abused branch of athletic sports; not so much from the fault of the pedestrians as from the inability or want of courage of the judge or referee to stop the man who, in his eagerness for fame or determination to gain money anyhow, may trespass upon fair walking, and run. Walking is a succession of steps, not leaps, and with one foot always on the ground. The term “fair toe and heel” was meant to infer that, as the foot of the back leg left the ground, and before the toes had been lifted, the heel of the foremost-foot should be on the ground. Even this apparently simple rule is broken almost daily, in consequence of the pedestrian performing with a bent and loose knee, in which case the swing of his whole frame when going at any pace will invariably bring both feet off the ground at the same time; and although he is going heel and toe, he is not taking the required succession of steps, but is infringing the great and principal one, of one foot being continually on the ground. The same fault will be brought on by the pedestrian leaning forward with his body, and thereby leaning his weight on the front foot, which, when any great pace is intended, or the performer begins to be fatigued, first merges into a very short stride, and then into a most undignified trot. There is no finer sight among the long catalogue of athletic sports, more exhilarating and amusing to the true sportsman, than to see a walking-match carried out to the strict letter of the meaning, each moving with the grandest action of which the human frame is capable, at a pace which the feeble frame and mind is totally unable to comprehend, and must be witnessed to be believed. To be a good and fair walker, according to the recognized rule among the modern school, the attitude should be upright, or nearly so, with the shoulders well back, and the arms, when in motion, held well up in a bent position, and at every stride swing with the movement of the legs, well across the chest, which should be well thrown out. The loins should be slack, to give plenty of freedom to the hips, and the leg perfectly straight, thrown out from the hip boldly, directly in front of the body, and allowed to reach the ground with the heel being decidedly the first portion of the foot to meet it. The movement of the arms, as above directed, will keep the balance of the body, and bring the other leg from the ground, when, the same conduct being pursued, the tyro will have accomplished the principal and most difficult portion of his rudiments. This will in a very short time become natural to him, and the difficulty will be the infringement of the correct manner. The novice having learned how to walk, and being matched, requires training, which must be under the same rules as have been laid down previously, with the difference, however, that his sweats must be taken at his best walking-pace, the trot by all means being totally barred. A continued perseverance in the practice of this rule will enable the pedestrian to persevere, notwithstanding all the shin-aches, stitches, and other pains attendant on the proper training for a walking-match, and which every man must undergo before he can be considered worthy of being looked upon as a fast and fair walker. The tyro must not be discouraged with his first feeble and uncertain attempts if they should not come up to his crude anticipations, but bear in mind that, although the accomplished pedestrian goes through his apportioned task with great apparent ease, he has gone through the rudiments, and that nothing but great practice has enabled him to perform the apparent impossibilities which are successfully overcome almost daily. Therefore the young walker must take for his motto “Perseverance,” and act up to the same by continued practice. The man training for a match should walk some portion of his distance, if weather permits, daily, in his walking-dress, which should consist of a light elastic shirt, short drawers, and light Oxford ties. On starting, he must go off at his very best pace, and continue it for at least three hundred yards or a quarter of a mile, by which time he will have begun to blow very freely, and then, getting into a good, long, regular stride, his principal aim must be to keep his legs well in advance of his body.

The rule of getting away fast in trials should be invariably carried out; it prepares the man for a sharp tussle with his opponent for the lead, and will hinder him being taken off his legs in the match. When tired he can also ease his exertions; but if he is in the habit of going off at a steady gait, in the generality of instances he is virtually defeated in a match before he has commenced racing. Moreover, he must, when undergoing distress from the pace he has been doing, never by any chance cease his resolute and ding-dong action; for distress, if once given way to by easing, will of course leave the sufferer, but at the same time all speed has also departed, and not for a short space of time either, but sufficiently long for the gamer man, who would not succumb to the inevitable result of continued severe exertion, to obtain such an advantage as would be irrecoverable, as well as to conquer the aches and pains which invariably leave the well-trained pedestrian when the circulation and respiration become equalized—“second wind” it is better known by. After this happy and enviable stage of affairs has been reached the work becomes mechanical, and the pedestrian from time to time is enabled to put on spurts and dashed that would astonish himself at any other time when not up to thorough concert pitch. The recovery from these electrifying dashes is almost instantaneous, and the pedestrian keeps on his satisfactory career until sheer fatigue gradually diminishes his speed, although none of the previous aches and pains are present. The trainer must not forget the previously-mentioned rule of stopping the man when good time is not the result of his best and hardest exertions, as that bad time proves unerringly that something must be amiss which requires looking to thoroughly. As well might the engineer of a locomotive, on finding out that some of the internal works of his engine were out of gear, put on all his steam, and then wonder at the machinery being out of order at a future time of trial.

One word more. Let the man continually bear in mind that “it is the pace that kills,” and that slow walking never made a fast race or fast man; let him practice at his best pace, which will daily improve. The commencement of fast work will most likely bring on pain of the shins, which will be sore after the exertion has been discontinued, as well as other portions of the frame being in the same predicament. Hand-rubbing with a stimulating embrocation (of which the recipe is appended) before a good fire will in most instances be all that is required; but if obstinate, a hot bath will insure the removal of all the obstinate twitches, etc. The shoes for match-walking should be of the lightest description commensurate with strength for the distance required. They should be of sufficient width and length to give the muscles and tendons of the foot full play, without being in the slightest degree cramped. They should be laced up the front, and care taken that the lace is sound and new. So much importance is attached to this, that stout wax-ends are now invariably in use. Some advocate the use of boots; but, although stated to be useful if there is any weakness of the ankle—a pedestrian with weak ankles!—is there no cold water?—the heat generated by them would certainly counterbalance the supposed benefit; and there is the difference in the weight, which would tell at the finish of a long match.

HIGH JUMPING.

Begin by gentle runs of about three hundred yards, with a few low jumps, say ten, about three feet high. Practice over these jumps for a few days until the stiffness of the muscles wears off, and then gradually raise them to four feet or four feet six inches. If this height cannot be cleared easily, place the jumps at the most suitable height. Care must be taken to do them quickly and neatly. The run between may be slow, but the jumps should always be taken with a quick spring, landing on both feet every time. If this modus operandi is paid attention to, the muscles will soon become accustomed to the sharp contraction required, and the legs will, by keeping them well together over low jumps and alighting on both feet, lose their tendency to straddle when a higher jump than usual is attempted.

Some, when in practice for high jumps, strengthen their muscles by standing on one leg and lowering the body down until the hams touch the heels, and then raising themselves up gradually again. This action, however much it may be beneficial to the sinews, cannot but give them a tendency to be slow, which should be avoided as much as possible. A heavy coat, with a weight in both pockets, is of some service to those athletes stripped and ready to compete, as a great sense of lightness and elasticity is imparted to the frame on its removal. The heavy coat should never be worn except in the few minutes preceding the trial, as by constant use the good effects wear off. Always have a soft place to alight upon, as it not only eases the jar of the jump, but gives a jumper more confidence when he feels secure from the chances of a twist of the ankles on touching the ground. Hard turf, with very fine ashes rolled in until the surface is quite level, makes the best fair taking-off place both for high and broad jumping.

BROAD JUMPING.

Begin with a few jumps about twelve feet or so, taking your run for them slowly, starting about twenty yards off and quickening in the last few strides. The great object to be guarded against is taking off to far from the mark, or getting out of step in the run; this can only be obviated by practicing at a certain distance until the necessary swing of the last few strides is acquired. The run to the jump cannot be too fast; in the air the legs should be raised as in going over a high jump, and thrown as far forward on landing as can be done with both heels close together. No fear need be entertained of falling back on alighting if the run is sufficiently fast and the landing place level and soft; the impetus derived from the run gives the heaviest part of the jumper, the trunk, sufficient momentum to carry itself forward when the progress of the feet and legs is arrested. The landing place should be soft to the depth of eight inches, and sufficiently binding to show the marks of the heels clearly on alighting; clay and mould mixed make the best landing ground. A soft place to jump on will prevent any jar to the knees, and will give the jumper more confidence. The concussion caused by landing on hard ground may sometimes cause a serious accident.

HAMMER THROWING.

The muscles of the loins and back are the ones principally brought into play in hammer throwing, and by their development they become extremely serviceable in assisting the spine to bear the upper portions of the body. The practice of this kind of exercise must, therefore, be beneficial to those whose lungs and heart are too delicate to stand any of those sports, such as rowing, running, etc., which so particularly tax their working powers. Commence practicing with a hammer about 7lb., until the art of swinging while running is acquired; to learn this the run should be taken at first only six or seven yards from the scratch; before the run swing the hammer well, like a pendulum, in the direction of the mark two or three times, until it has acquired a good momentum, and then start, taking, at the first few attempts, one turn only in the run; afterwards, as the practice becomes easier, two turns can be made, and the runs lengthened in proportion. Some athletes, however, take three or four turns, but, as a rule, two will be found sufficient. Between the turns, run as far towards the scratch as possible, taking long, even strides to acquire a good impetus, and keeping up the centrifugal force of the hammer by swinging it well round low, and in a plane at right angles to the body. The arms should be kept quite straight the whole time, merely acting as if they were a prolongation of the handle. The work is done by the muscles of the back and loins, and in delivering the hammer at the scratch the athlete should, above all things, bear in mind that he does not lift it as if lifting to leg. The “devil” must be put into the swing as the hammer descends in the last half of the turn, so that the force has culminated by the time the hammer is crossing the line parallel to the scratch, where it must be let go, the body at the same moment being thrown back to counteract the impetus of the swing. The hammer should describe a curve at its highest point of not more than 11 or 12 feet from the ground. Avoid pulling at the handle in the run, and increase the pace and swing at each successive turn. The farthest throw of the 11lb. hammer, 3 feet handle, on record, is 176 feet. The 22lb. hammer has been thrown over 94 feet.

PUTTING THE STONE.

Balance the body on the right leg, the left side turned towards the scratch, the right foot being placed as near the seven-foot mark as possible, and the right hand balancing the weight, with the knuckles close to the shoulder; raise the weight up to the full stretch of the arm two or three times, till the muscles get into play, still keeping the weight of the body thrown on to the right leg, the left foot touching the ground slightly; when the balance of the body is obtained, hop three feet towards the mark, and then spring up sharply to the scratch line, throwing the weight away at the same moment, and bringing the right leg down, with the toe touching the scratch line and the right side of the body to the mark. By this means the follow of the body after the weight is prevented, and, by bringing the right leg forward at the moment of throwing, the whole force of the thighs are brought into play, and the muscles of the loins assist in the sudden turn of the body from left to right. The weight must be held on the lowest joints of the fingers and the palm of the hand, the wrist being kept as stiff as possible, and all tendency to throw it as a ball avoided. A heave is not so effective as a quick jump, with the muscles concentrated at the same moment. The quicker the hop and the throw are made, the further the distance put, provided that the balance is not lost. Any delay between the first hop and the final spring is fatal. In delivering the weight, let it be put upwards—that is to say, aim to hit an object about fourteen feet above the spot where the weight will pitch. The further the weight has to be put, the higher must be the elevation. No exercise is a greater proof of strength than this. Very little skill is required; and when once the way of putting is learnt, it seldom happens that a strong man gets beaten by the knack of a weaker antagonist.

The ankle is the part most likely to suffer, from the fact of having to spring with the whole of the body, and the addition of the weight. To practice, a cricket ball may be used instead of a heavy weight, and the spring made as before, with the delivery of the ball. After a little practice, a heavier weight may be tried until the one required can be put properly. The best “puts” on record are for the 22lb. weight over 36 feet, and for the 16lb. over 41 feet.

TRAINING FOR ROWING, ETC.

The present work is not intended for the guidance of professional oarsmen, or those who may row for large stakes, and who, when matched, leave their usual occupations and devote their energies to the better observance of the stricter rules of training. Such men invariably have a mentor worthy of following, and whose knowledge of right and wrong will lead them to success or otherwise, as the fates may dispose. The amateur, however, must be treated more gently and with more attention than the sturdier and hardier professional, or those who may have made the river and adjuncts their capital in their struggle through the world for a subsistence. The amateur, when he has an engagement before him, should take into consideration the time he has allowed him to train, and the mode of proceeding will depend in a great measure on the condition and previous habits of the man engaged. If a man is fleshy and of a full habit of body, a dose or two of mild purgative medicine should be taken, and slow walking exercise only taken on the day the doses have been administered. After the medicine has done its duty, if the amateur is very fleshy, a Turkish bath or two may be taken with advantage, the usual precautions against cold being used. The subject, after one or two of these sweats, is prepared for more arduous work, which may be taken at a fair pace in the form of good sharp runs and fast walks, which, like all other trainings, will become easier of accomplishment at each repetition.

The above work, with rowing exercise, will infallibly bring the practitioner, if continued for any time, into a proper condition to contend with confidence and success in any rowing contest.

He must rise at five in the summer, and after his bath (cold), and having been well rubbed down, a good sharp walk of about a mile out and a rattling spin taken by running home, when another good rub will be rendered imperative Should the run not be taken, a row of a couple of miles at three parts speed must be accomplished. When thoroughly cooled down, breakfast should be taken, which should consist of good wholesome meat (either broiled mutton-chops or steak, with no seasoning), stale bread or toast, and tea. When dinner can be taken at mid-day, say about one P. M., it is better, and should consist, like the breakfast, of good wholesome roast meat, with no vegetable except a mealy potato, stale bread, and not more than a pint of really good sound ale (old, if palatable to the drinker, the best); some prefer sherry, but, although agreeing with a few, the ale, as a rule, is more strengthening and wholesome. The row should be taken before tea, which should then be of the same viands and liquids as the breakfast. The above rules, of course, are open to alteration, according to circumstances, and the diet varied successfully by the introduction of fowls, either roast or boiled—the latter preferred—and when there is any indication of training off, a small portion of green-meat, in the shape of sound cabbage or any fresh vegetable in season. The last food before retiring to rest should be either about half a-pint of thin gruel or a glass of ale with dry toast. The other portion of the day’s training must be left to circumstances; but it must never be lost sight of that sharp work, regularity and cleanliness are the chief if not the only rules to be followed to produce thorough good condition. The use of the bath should never by any chance be missed. Nothing is more injurious to the wind, etc., than hard rowing on a full stomach, the ill effects of which, although scarcely felt at the time, have at a more remote time, in many instances, proved to be the germ of serious disorders.

In rowing, the legs, loins, trunk, arms, hands, the digestive organs and the lungs are made to perform their regular and legitimate functions simultaneously, and the danger of building up one part of the system at the expense of another thereby avoided, and to the recognition of these facts is ascribed the popularity of aquatic sports here and abroad. But it is not always convenient for large numbers of our people to indulge in this healthful pastime; the expense of owning and keeping a boat, the difficulty of reaching an acceptable place for rowing, no less than the dangers incident to inexperienced oarsmen upon the water, are drawbacks which can only be met by the substitution of a machine giving all the advantages without the disagreeable accessories; to this end several machines have been introduced to public notice, but none have filled all the requirements until by careful observation of the defects of former attempts the Eureka Parlor Rowing Machine was introduced, which gives an exact and perfect imitation of rowing. It teaches to feather the oar correctly, it gives the dip of the oar, it has the sliding seat, it can be regulated for heavy or light, short or long stroke, and is manufactured for either open or cross-handed rowing, and the pressure can be changed to suit the weak or the strong.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TRAINING FOR ROWING.

For the further information of those who cannot have too much of a good thing as to the preparation for rowing a race, we subjoin the latest ideas of modern authorities upon the subject.

JOSH WARD’S SYSTEM OF TRAINING.

The following rules, from the pen of Josh Ward, ex-champion sculler and captain of the Ward crew, which among their other achievements won the International four-oared race at Saratoga in 1871, will be first-class authority:

First, be sure that the men are in perfect health, so that they will be able to stand the work which they are about to commence.

A mild medicine is usually required to cleanse the blood, as, unless the blood is in good order, and in very many cases it is in any other condition than a good one, the food taken will not digest well.

Upon getting up in the morning take a sponge bath, dry well with a coarse towel, after which walk about two miles before breakfast.

Breakfast should consist of a good tender porterhouse steak, broiled rare, and thoroughly masticated before swallowing. As a drink, a cup of black tea. Drink no more than absolutely necessary either at meals or any other time.

After breakfast, eaten slowly, no exercise should be taken for about an hour; at the expiration of which time, the crew can get in the boat and row the same distance expected to be rowed in the race, and at a good pace.

After returning from the row, a rub down and then a moderate walk, until shortly before dinnertime. Dinner should consist of roast beef or broiled chicken, with soft boiled eggs, etc.

If any drink is taken, tea or water, in moderate quantity, should be used. After dinner no exercise for about two hours, when the crew take the afternoon pull, which should be over about the same distance and at the same pace as that of the morning.

After coming ashore, rub down as in the morning, with a coarse towel, and then take a moderate walk, returning home about an hour before supper, which, when eaten at all, should be a light one, composed of a little broiled meat, with a piece of dry toast and a cup of tea.

Two meals, at the least, should always be taken; and where only two are taken, they should, in all cases, be what is known as breakfast and dinner, as both these meals, or rather either of them, are more essential to the man in training than supper, particularly if he, as I would advise him to do, rises with the sun and retires at about nine o’clock, or half-past, in the evening.

After a night’s sleep, and after having left the bed at five in the morning and walked or ran two, three or four miles, as well as taking a bath, the system is generally quite importunate for sustenance by seven o’clock or half-past.

This is not always the case, however, in regard to supper; as, after having eaten a hearty dinner, at 1 o’clock, without any other exercise thereafter than the afternoon row, a man with very little practice can accustom himself to doing without more food until the following morning, if he retire at about nine o’clock.

Up with the sun in the morning and pursue the regular plan of bath, walk, etc., unless stormy, in which case exercise indoors should be substituted for the walk.

The dumbells and clubs are proper implements to use for this purpose, and every man in training, whether amateur or professional, should have one or other, or both.

The man in training should always have plenty of exercise given him at regular and proper intervals. By plenty of exercise I mean just enough, neither too much nor too little; and to be able to tell just when a man has just enough belongs only to those who have had an extensive experience in preparing men for aquatic or other contests.

His habits must, of necessity, be very regular, otherwise the course which he is pursuing will result in very little good.

In regard to the oars which myself and brothers—the Ward crew—generally use, they are sweeps, about twelve feet long and five inches wide. A boat for our crew of four would be forty-six feet long and twenty inches wide. In pulling we use the legs, and in a four or six-oared boat pull forty and forty-two strokes per minute. In pulling a pair of sculls, I pull about thirty-eight strokes to the minute, and use the legs.

We used spoon oars, and our boats were constructed with the stroke on the starboard side.

In sculling, I have always pulled open-handed, but I think cross-handed is the better style.

To make a successful rower great practice will be required, although in this, as in everything else, some learn much more rapidly than others.

Benjamin F. Brady, ex-president of the Amateur Rowing Association, furnishes the subjoined:

Coxswains are carried in the gigs and barges only; all the shells being constructed to dispense with them, and it is safe to predict that they will soon come to be a thing of the past in all American shell races. Whether with or without a coxswain is the more practical or scientific, depends, in a great measure, upon the nature of the course pulled, and the efficiency of the bow oar; but an experienced crew can well get along without one. While the fact has been several times proven that a good coxswain has been the means of winning a race with an acknowledged inferior crew.

COXSWAIN’S ORDERS

Among the Clubs of the Association, are given as follows:

1st. “Oars.”—The crew raising their oars to an angle of forty-five degrees and then placing them in the thole pins.

2d. “Out.”—The crew running their oars out to the proper distance for rowing, the blade being parallel with the gunwale of the boat.

3d. “Give-way.”—At the word “Give” throwing the handle of the oar forward well over the toes, the blade being at a proper angle to strike the water; and at the word “Way” dipping the oar in the commencement of the pull.

4th. “Weigh.”—To stop rowing.

5th. “Weigh-starboard,” or “Weigh-port.” To turn right or left.

6th. “Easy-all.”—To slacken speed.

7th. “Oars-apeak.”—To salute when at rest. The oars to be raised perpendicularly, the handles resting on the floor, and the blades running fore and aft.

8th. “Weigh-across,” “Apeak.” To salute when under headway. Running the oars across both gunwales.

9th. “Let-fall.”—To regain former position. At the word “Let,” raising the oar about four inches, and at the word “Fall,” throwing it into the thole-pins, the blade “first” touching the water.

10th. “Across-ship.”—To get the oars in the boat. At the word “Ship,” raising the oar at a distance to clear the heads of the crew, and dropping it lightly in the centre of the boat.

11th. “Trail-oars.”—In passing through bridges, culverts, etc., unshipping the oar and trailing it at the side of the boat.

12th. “Recover-oars.”—To regain former position.

The number of strokes pulled by the association crews it would be impossible to designate, with any degree of accuracy, as all rowers have their own peculiar styles; and in many cases a man, or a crew, may start at the rate of thirty-six to the minute and increase to forty, and finish at, or near, thirty-two. In practicing a crew, a “pull,” and “tire out,” is certainly detrimental to proper training, as a crew should “never” be over-worked.

The mode of dipping the oar among the association crews is, as a general rule, to immerse about one-half the blade; row with the back straight, elbows well at the sides.

STEPHEN ROBERTS’ SYSTEM.

In training a crew for a race, the habits and mode of living of a man are to be consulted more than any set of rules. If he is used to eating meat well cooked, it will not do to give him meat cooked rare, as this is apt to produce a looseness in his bowels. A man must eat according to the state of his system, and if he trains hard, eats meat, and is troubled with loose bowels, he should train light and live on toast, bread, and coffee or tea, for a few days, with puddings, or bread and milk; and if he is used to drinking, good fresh ale will not hurt him, but no liquor stronger than porter or ale should be used. On the other hand, if costiveness is present, no longer than forty-eight hours should be permitted to elapse without a motion, and this should be brought about, if possible, by making use of the suitable food and drink; such, for instance, as the veal steaks cooked rare, with cider or water as a drink.

The main thing, in training a man or crew, is to give him or them plenty of the same kind of work performed in the race. Be careful, however, not to put on too much at first. If a mile race is to be pulled, twenty days’ training will be required.

The first day, row, say one mile; the second and third day, about the same, or a little more, not too hard. After this, increase the distance half a mile every day, until five miles are gone over at each row. Then, if there are no blisters on the hands, row the whole distance at racing pace. Every other day, row eight or ten miles, up to within twenty-four hours of the race. Less rowing than this should not be taken; more will not hurt.

Clerks, bookkeepers, etc., generally require two weeks more of training than men who have been always used to heavy lifting; but, when a man once does get into good training, his race becomes an easy matter for him.

THE HARVARD SYSTEM.

Broiled steak or chops, potatoes in almost any style, without grease, bread nearly fresh, tea if desired, water, or milk if preferred, oatmeal porridge or gruel, and eggs poached or boiled—not very hard—render the breakfast of a Harvard student in training palatable and even attractive.

The best roast beef or mutton procurable, potatoes, bread, cracked wheat, rice, oatmeal gruel, and the various vegetables in the market, often, if not regularly, make the dinner inviting; and a piece of salmon or a dish of poultry or game is an occasional visitor, aiding to vary yet more the programme. Tapioco, farina and other vegetable puddings make an admirable substitute for heavy puddings as a desert. Milk, water, and tea again, and also butter and salt, in reasonable quantities, are permitted.

Bread and milk, or tea, butter, oatmeal gruel, dry toast and crackers, are the chief and often only articles taken at supper.

About a half hour’s careful rowing at a tolerable pace, with an occasional stop or “easy,” for instruction and rest, in the morning.

In the afternoon, an hour’s rowing, with not more than two or three rests, will complete the day’s water work.

The rate of speed in the afternoon should go up from thirty-five strokes a minute when commencing training to racing gait during the last two weeks, and pulling over the proposed course once “on time” will be plenty of work for this last period.

A three or four mile walk, at a four-mile gait, starting an hour after breakfast, will not, unless in extremely hot weather, prove too much for a vigorous young man with ordinarily good legs. The speed of this walk should be reached gradually, and after, perhaps, if a man in the start is much out of condition, say two weeks slower going.

A thorough rubbing of the entire body, until the skin is absolutely red, should “immediately” follow each row, and then a dry suit should be donned. Flannel is the best material for it.

Eight hours should seem a good medium for sleep. If a man feels all right with a less amount than this, he should regulate his own hours; but if he is nervous and excitable, he should have more. He should never lie abed awake in the morning, but spring up at once, and take his sponge bath, or in warm weather, if convenient, a plunge into cold water.

HARRY CLASPER’S SYSTEM.

Rise between 6 and 7 A. M., walk four or five miles. Breakfast at 8 A. M.—Chop or couple of eggs, bread, tea, Rest for half an hour, and then a brisk walk or run. If morning exercise has not been heavy, a row, terminating about 11 A. M. Dinner at 12 M.—Beef or mutton, broiled; egg-pudding, with currants in it if desired, or other light farinaceous pudding; old ale, one glass; wine, one glass, (port); or ale, two glasses, without wine. Rest for an hour, and then on the river again for a hard row. “Rowing exercise should be taken twice every day.” Tea, with toasted bread sparingly buttered, with one egg only—more has a tendency to choke the system. Supper, not recommended. When taken, to consist of new milk and bread, or gruel, with raisins and currants and a glass of port wine in it. Bed about 10 P. M. Summary: sleep, between eight and nine hours; exercise, walking and rowing about four or five hours; diet, limited.

CHARLES WESTHALL’S SYSTEM.

Rise at 6 A. M. or earlier in the summer; cold bath and rub down; sharp walk about a mile out, and run home; or a row of a couple of miles at three-parts speed; a dry rub down. Breakfast at 8 A.M.—Mutton chop or steak, broiled; stale bread or toast, tea, half a pint. Dinner at 2 P. M.—Meat as at breakfast with a mealy potato, stale bread, old ale, one pint. Rowing. If dinner be late, luncheon to be taken, to consist of beef or mutton, hot or cold; bread, old ale, one glass. If dinner be early, “tea with viands and liquids as at breakfast” to be taken. Supper—Half a pint of thin gruel, or dry toast and a glass of old ale. That the above rules are of course open to alteration according to circumstances, and the diet varied successfully by the introduction of fowls, either roast or boiled—the latter preferred; and it must never be lost sight of that sharp work, regularity and cleanliness are the chief if not the only rules to be followed to produce thorough good condition. Summary: sleep, about eight hours; exercise, four or five hours; diet, limited.

H. F. WALSH’S, OR STONEHENGE’S SYSTEM.

Rise at 8 A. M. According to season and weather, cold bath. Exercise, 8.30 to 9 A. M.—Let all take a gentle run or smart walk. In most instances a smart run of three miles will be about the best distance.

Breakfast; 9 to 9.30 A. M.—Oatmeal porridge, with beef or mutton broiled, and bread; tea or coffee, or old ale, one pint. Tea is preferred to coffee. Cocoa is too greasy.

Exercise, 9.30 to 11.30 A. M.—Billiards, skittles, quoits, or other light exercise. 11.30 A. M. to 1.30 P. M.—Rowing. 1.30 to about 2.30 P. M.—Running, rubbed dry and linen changed.

Dinner, 2.30 to 3 or 3.30 P. M.—Beef (roast) or mutton, (boiled mutton occasionally), roast fowl, partridges, or pheasants (allowed), or venison (nothing better); bread, puddings occasionally, made of bread, eggs, and milk, and served with preserved fruits. Vegetables—Potatoes (one or two only), cauliflowers and broccoli (only as an occasional change). Old ale, from a pint to a pint and a half; wine, a glass or two, port or sherry. After dinner, until 5 or 6 P. M., a gentle stroll. Rowing 6 to 7 P. M.

Supper, 8 P. M.—Oatmeal porridge, with dry toast, or chop, with glass of port. Bed at 9 or 10 P. M.

Summary: sleep, ten or eleven hours; exercise, say four hours (exclusive of billiards, etc.); diet, varied.

WINGATE’S SYSTEM FOR A MONTH’S TRAINING.

Rise at about 7 A. M. (Glass of cold water recommended). The crew meet at 7 A. M., walk and run for four or five miles; or, in later practice, quick run of two miles. Wash and dress.

Breakfast, 9 A. M.—Meat (broiled), bread (brown) and butter, tea, two cups. Cocoa made of the nibs boiled for four hours is better than tea for breakfast.

Luncheon at 1 P. M.—Beef sandwich, with half a pint of old ale, or biscuit and glass of sherry, or egg in sherry. At 2.30 P. M. row about four or five miles. This altogether depends on the state of the crew.

Dinner at 6 P. M.—Wash in tepid water. Meat (roast, broiled or boiled). Vegetables—“The green foods permissible contain in their list spinach—the very best of all; sea-kale, asparagus, but without melted butter; turnip-tops, young unhearted greens, but not solid cabbages; broccoli, carrots, parsnips, and cooked celery. Turnips are also favored, and peas condemned, also cucumbers, and all salad mixtures. But boiled beet-root is good, and Jerusalem artichokes; and French beans stand next to spinach in virtue.” “Any kind of wholesome meat thoroughly cooked.” The course is varied daily, so that no two days together shall see the same articles on the table. “Light puddings may be eaten.” Old ale, one pint. Wine, two glasses of old port or sherry, or three of claret. Biscuits and dried fruits, as cherries, figs, etc., allowed. “All fresh fruits are avoided. Plain jellies are innocuous. As much spring water as they have a mind to.”

Supper, 9 P. M.—Oatmeal gruel, if desired. Bed at 10 P. M.

Summary: sleep, eight or nine hours; exercise, about three hours; diet, varied.

TRAINING FOR LONG-DISTANCE GO-AS-YOU-PLEASE CONTESTS.

About the first recognized legitimate contest of this kind was originated by Sir John Astley, a Crimean veteran and general athlete, giving a valuable gold and silver belt, open to the world, to the one who should cover the greatest distance, in whatever way he chose, unassisted, on his legs, for a period of six days. Long distance feats were not in themselves new, by any means, Capt. Barclay, Foster Powell, George Wilson, and others in auld lang syne figured conspicuously in England and Scotland, their journeys being traveled out of doors, on the roads, similar to the long walks of Weston, Sergeant Bates, Wm. Gale, and others. The athletic mania, which had lain dormant for so many years, was suddenly revived in this country, and spread like an epidemic far and wide, bringing with it a healthy reaction. The saloons and viler resorts began to lose caste for the running and walking match. Street cars and stages, and elevated railways complained of lack of patronage on fine days, as old and young, rich and poor, fell into the walking rage, and amateur spurts from home to place of business and vice versa became visible on every few blocks. Even the working girls caught the health imparting habit, and stepped out as jauntily and with as much snap as your La Chappelle or Fannie Edwards. Dailies, weeklies and monthlies saw increased interest and patronage by devoting space to athletics, while Beecher, Talmage, Moody, and other lesser lights mixed athletics up with their dogmas, until at the present time it is the fashion, and with us style is everything. True, druggists, doctors and undertakers found their business falling off, but we are candid enough to admit feeling pleased at this state of things, as, from being looked upon as a nation of tobacco-chewing, nervous, dried-up, money worshipers, experience has proved that Americans now, instead of following, take the lead in everything worth speaking about.