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Western Persia and Transcaspia

This 4. Phasianus humiae, with two local pheasant would be a first-rate species to races. 5. Phasianus mikado. 6. Phasianus soemmerringi, with three local races.

In addition to these real pheasants, there are other birds which, although really peafowl, are called pheasants. These are the nine peacock pheasants (Polyplectron and Chalcurus) and four argus pheasants (Argusianus and Rheinhardtius). These thirteen so-called pheasants may at once be dismissed from a sportsman's point of view, and from any scheme of acclimatisation, for they do not fly well, and come from tropical marshy climates.

We have therefore only to consider the species mentioned first, and will commence with the true pheasants of the genus Phasianus. anus c. very introduce, as it is a very wild and shy bird, is extremely hardy, and flies high and fast. 3. Prince of Wales' Pheasant (Phasiprincipalis). This fine pheasant inhabits North-East Persia and Afghanistan, and is much like Ph. c. persicus, but differs from it in the whiter wings, the maroon patch under throat and the wide purple bars on the flanks, as also in the orange-red upper tail coverts. It is one of the best pheasants to introduce into our coverts, and has twice been imported, but not in sufficient numbers, so that it was never turned out. 4. Zerasthan Pheasant (Phasianus c. zerasthanicus). This only differs from Ph. c. principalis in its plain brown scapulars and the much narrower borders to the breast feathers. It would be equally desirable to PHEASANT] introduce, but, living in a more inaccessible locality, is most likely impossible to procure. 5. Yarkand Pheasant (Phasianus c. shawi). This, again, is nearer to our common pheasant, but differs in the yellowish-brown rump and whitish wing-coverts. It would prove a fine addition to our coverts, and might easily be imported via India. 6. Siberian Pheasant (Phasianus c. tarimensis). This is very closely allied to Ph. c. shawi, only differing in the greenish rump and buff wing-coverts, and is not worth considering for introduction. 7. Oxus Pheasant (Phasianus c. chrysomelas). This pheasant from Amu-Darya is one that would, if introduced, be a great addition to English sport, for it is hardy, strong of flight, and ought not to be difficult to procure. It is easily recognisable by the sandy-brown colour of its feathers and the very broad green bars on almost all feathers of the underside. 8. Mongolian Pheasant (Phasianus c. mongolicus). This is the pheasant which of all others sportsmen ought to strive to introduce into this country, for it is the hardiest, largest, and most sporting of the true pheasants, besides being by far the best for the table. It is readily distinguished from all others by the rich red of the flanks, the green gloss on the plumage, the very broad white ring round the neck, and the white wings, in addition to which it is very large and full feathered. 9. Stone's Pheasant (Phasianus elegans). -This magnificent pheasant is distinguished from all others but Ph. c. versicolor by its almost green colour, except upon the flanks and shoulders, and there are only three specimens in existence. It cannot, therefore, be regarded as adequately known. IO. Phasianus c. vlangalii. - This Tibetan pheasant is distinguished by its pale sandyred upper surface and golden buff flanks. It would be worth introducing, but, considering its inaccessible habitat, this is hardly likely to be accomplished.

II. Prejvalsky's Pheasant (Phasianus c. strauchi). This pheasant differs from Ph. c. elegans by having fiery orange-red flanks instead of dark green, and dark red scapulars with whitish buff centres. It is a fine, distinct species, and would do well in Scotland and Wales, but its far-off home in Gansu will prevent its introduction for a good many years. 12. West Chinese Pheasant (Phasianus c. decollatus). This differs only from Ph. c. gmelini by the absence of the white collar or neck-ring, the dark green crown of the head, and the green, not purple, borders to VOL. III the breast feathers. It would do very well in any part of Great Britain, and should not be very difficult to import. It would not, however, be of any special value for sporting purposes, and is therefore better excluded. 13. The Ring-Necked Pheasant (Phasianus c. gmelini). - This pheasant was introduced into the western half of the Old World as early as the year 1513, when it was brought to St. Helena. There it thrived wonderfully, and affords good sport even now. It has also been introduced into New Zealand and other places. The date of its introduction into England is doubtful, but the result has been that now there are no pure-bred pheasants left in England, though the resulting cross-bred birds are much larger and finer both for eating and sport than either the ring-necked or the common pheasant. 14 and 15. Phasianus c. formosanus and Ph. c. satchennensis. These two pheasants are closely allied to the ring-neck (Ph. c. gmelini), and only differ in slight colour details. They would be no benefit to the sportsman or fancier if introduced, as they differ so slightly that by cross breeding they would rapidly disappear. 16. Japanese Pheasant (Phasianus c. versicolor). This very distinct pheasant, which is at once recognisable by its dark green breast, was introduced into Great Britain by the Earl of Derby in 1840. It is a most hardy bird, and, when crossed with either Ph. c. gmelini or Ph. colchicus, produces enormous birds of great beauty, and excellent for the table. They fly, moreover, splendidly, and give great sport.

The remaining fourteen forms are not worth discussing, as they would be no benefit to our present breeds, and come from too out-of-the-way localities to be easily obtained. Since the last edition of 1898, two of the forms I most recommendednamely, the Mongolian and Prince of Wales pheasant-have been introduced on a large scale. The Mongolian, when crossed with the other pheasants, has proved an excellent bird for late coverts, but the pure-bred birds get too fat and heavy to fly well. The Prince of Wales pheasant, on the other hand, has proved both pure, and, crossed, an excellent all-round sporting bird.

We now come to the five remaining species of true pheasants of the genus Phasianus. These are very different from the type of the other sixteen, and, if crossed with any of them, the hybrid offspring are unfertile. Although very fine sporting birds, therefore, unless introduced in great numbers into a cover where there are few or no other pheasants, they will not repay the trouble. 17 and 18. Phasianus ellioti and Ph. humia. These two very fine white- and copper-coloured pheasants are more suited for the aviary or as garden pets, as they do not, when turned into a cover, increase in sufficient numbers for sporting purposes, and fly badly. 19. Copper Pheasant (Phasianus sæmmerringi). - This magnificent coppercoloured pheasant, with the long-barred tail, is a native of Japan, and is eminently suited for introduction into our coverts, but it has not as yet been found possible to import it, or breed it in sufficient quantities for turning down. 20. Reeves' Pheasant (Phasianus reevesii). This is undoubtedly the finest of all the true pheasants, being over six feet in length. It has been an inhabitant of our aviaries and parks for many years, but, owing to lack of appreciation as a sporting bird, has only succeeded in establishing itself in a few places on an equal footing with the common pheasants. Being a very hardy bird, and capable of enduring any amount of cold, it is much better suited than ordinary pheasants to the climates of Scotland and Wales, and ought, therefore, to be generally introduced into those countries. As it will fly higher and much faster than common pheasants, it affords much finer shooting and is also most excellent eating. It is at once recognisable by its yellow and brown spangled plumage, and by the gigantic tail which, in very old birds, reaches six feet in length. It is an inhabitant of China. Since 1898 the finest true pheasant has been discovered high in the mountains of Central Formosa - namely, Phasianus mikado. This magnificent bird is in the male entirely of an intense ultramarine-blue, with a white barred tail and a few white markings elsewhere. If this species could be introduced into the Lake district, Ireland, or the West of Scotland, it would prove a fine addition to our game list.

We now come to the remaining pheasants, which differ structurally from the true pheasants, and are divided into eleven genera.

The first of these genera is Chrysolophus, which only contains two species, both inhabitants of China. I. The Golden Pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus). This gorgeous bird, with the scarlet breast and large gold and black tippet, has been a well-known inhabitant of our aviaries for about 200 years, but has not succeeded well as a game bird. It [PHEASANT might, however, if turned down in a large cover far from any other pheasants, be gradually established as a sporting bird, for in some parts of the United States it is as common a bird as is the common pheasant in England. 2. Lady Amherst's Pheasant (Chrysolophus amherstia). This is, if anything, a finer bird than the last, and would, in Scotland, make a good game bird. It differs chiefly from C. pictus in having a white instead of a scarlet breast, and a black and white instead of black and orange tippet.

It was introduced in 1869, and has bred freely in aviaries and small ornamental covers, but has never been tried on a large scale for shooting.

The next pheasants are the Pucras Pheasants (Pucrasia), of which there are eight more or less closely allied species.

They are bulky birds, more like fowls than pheasants, and with broad, wedgeshaped tails and long tufts of feathers like horns on each side of the head. The prevailing colours are grey-chestnut, and black. The only one that could be introduced is the common Pucras (Pucrasia macrolopha) from the Himalayas, which would do well in Wales and the North of England.

After these come the Kalege Pheasants (Gennæus), all of which are well-known inhabitants of The only two that can be considered other than the Silver as our aviaries. are as ornamental birds are the Silver Pheasant (Gennæus nycthemerus), which can be easily reared as a game bird, but is not desirable on account of its pugnacity and heavy, slow flight; and the fine Swinhoe's Pheasant (Gennæus swinhoei), which resembles the Silver Pheasant in shape, but is blue, brown, and white in colour. This is a much more active bird, and would make a fine game bird if it were not for its fierce nature. The remaining six species are quite unfit to turn down in any English cover.

The Eared Pheasants (Crossoptilon) are big, bulky pheasants with soft feathers either slate-blue or white, and with two tufts of narrow feathers behind the ears.

There are two species :- I. Crossoptilon mantchuricum. This has been long kept in aviaries, and if turned out, as has been done in Wales by Mr. Stone, breeds freely and does well. It does not, however, fly well, and is therefore no sportsman's bird. 2. The Eared Pheasant (Crossoptilon auritum).This bird has been assigned to four distinct species, C. auritum, C. harmani, C. leucurum, and C. tibetanum, but the large series in the Paris Museum show every intergradation.

PHEASANT] C. auritum is uniform slate-blue, and C. leucurum is nearly white. This bird flies better than C. mantchuricum, and so might be a good introduction.

Bulwer's Pheasant (Lobiophasis bulweri) is a magnificent bird with its blue, black, and dark crimson body and snowwhite tail, but would only do in an aviary, as it comes from the tropical island of Borneo.

The three large cock-like Firebacked Pheasants (Lophura) are also only aviary birds, as they are tropical, and, moreover, bad flyers. There are also three other Firewhich have been introduced, sportsmen ought, undoubtedly, to strive to establish in our coverts in large numbers the Monaul (Lophophorus refulgens) and the Reeves' Pheasant (Phasianus reevesii).

WALTER ROTHSCHILD.

PHEASANT, DISEASES OF. -(i) Amongst the chief pheasant diseases may be mentioned a form of catarrh which is prevalent amongst the young birds in wet seasons, and which sometimes passes into the "roup," accompanied by purulent disbacked Pheasants of the genus Acomus, charge from the nostrils of a very infectious which are fit only for the aviary.

We now come to the magnificent Impeyan Pheasants (Lophophorus), of which there are four species, but only two of these concern us.

The Resplendent Pheasant or Monaul (Lophophorus refulgens). - This magnificent bird is somewhat like a turkey. Its rufous tail is square, and above twice the size of an ordinary pheasant, with most gorgeous gold, blue, and green plumage.

It is quite hardy, flies well when driven, is good eating, and is altogether a most desirable bird to introduce into Scotland and the islands round.

Secondly, we have the Chinese Impeyan (Lophophorus l'huysii), which is still finer, and has a blue tail. This would be even better than the commoner Resplendent Pheasant, or Monaul, as it comes from a colder place.

The Tragopan Pheasants (Tragopan) are much the same in shape as the Impeyan pheasants, but are greyish or brown, speckled over with scarlet and black circular spots. There are five: Tragopan salyra, T. melanocephala, T. temminchii, T. blythi, and T. caboti, all of which would be good for introduction into the north of Britain; but T. temminchii, being from China, is perhaps the best.

There now only remain four pheasants:

First, the Cheer (Catreus wallichi), which has been introduced, but, being an ugly brown bird, never found favour; and lastly, the three Blood Pheasants (Ithagenes cruentus, I. sinensis, and I. geoffroyi)which resemble large partridges, and have pale apple-green or greyish-green feathers streaked with red.

This concludes the list of the pheasants; and it can further only be said that, out of this list, the best of all are the Mongolian Pheasant (Phasianus c. mongolicus), the Yarkand Pheasant (Phasianus c. shawi), and Phasianus c. principalis. Of those nature. (ii) When overcrowded, or too closely interbred, they are subject to attacks of tubercle or consumption. The tubercles are usually situated in the liver, rarely in the lungs. In all these cases it is wise to kill the affected birds, and carefully to destroy - preferably by burning - their bodies, to remove those that remain healthy to fresh ground, and to pay renewed attention to their diet and sanitary condition generally. In the case of tuberculous disease, which at times amounts to a scourge, overcrowding must be avoided, and new, healthy stock introduced for purposes of breeding. (iii) G. B. Morse describes,¹ under the name of "Pasting," a disease which attacks young pheasants during the first week of their lives. A mass of white, chalky, pasty substance appears at the posterior end of the alimentary canal and produces a complete stoppage, and, unless this obstruction be removed, death follows in the course of a day or two. The mass should be gently scraped away and a few drops of sweet oil applied. (iv) Pneumonia is a general term which probably covers inflammation of the trachea, the bronchial tubes, and of the lungs. The breathing becomes difficult, and the birds have a high temperature and show symptoms of weakness, and refuse their food. Epsom salts or a few teaspoonfuls of castor oil should be administered, and from time to time the birds should breathe the fumes of burning sulphur or of tar, or the steam from a mixture of carbolic acid and boiling water. (v) "Cholera." At times a very virulent disease, which is known as "cholera," carries off the birds within a few hours of the first attack. Treatment is usually of little use. Probably the best plan is to kill and burn the infected birds without delay. 1 Farmers' Bulletin, No. 390, U.S. Depart. of Agriculture, 1910.

X 2 ،، (vi) The cramp," which causes the death of young pheasants in considerable numbers, has been investigated by Dr. E.

Klein. It commences with lameness, followed by inability to move the legs, and soon ends in death. Post-mortem examination shows that the bones of the leg are soft and often broken, and that the bony tissue has been destroyed. The cause is "a bacillary infection" which ends in "corrosion and fracture of the bones." (vii) Another disease investigated by Dr. Klein is a cutaneous disorder ending in necrosis of the skin, and finally in the death of the bird. This disease is contagious, and is usually caught from diseased farmyard poultry employed in rearing the young pheasants. It can be eradicated by destroying and burning the affected birds, and may be checked by removing all birds showing traces of the disease from amongst the healthy ones, and placing the latter on clean new ground. (viii) Fowl enteritis, or "white" diarrhea, also attacks pheasants, pheasants, and usually ends in death in a day or two; this inflammation of the intestine is due to the presence of the coccidian, Eimeria avium, which has been fully described in the article on grouse disease. It is very easily communicable from one bird to another.

The following methods of treatment for fowl enteritis have been suggested by Dr.

G. B. Morse :- (a) The administration of Epsom salts, mixing them in a mash, and estimating one teaspoonful of the salts to eight to fifteen chicks, according to age, size, and condition. (b) The drinking water should contain sulphate of iron (copperas) in the proportion of ten grains of the copperas to one gallon of water, or enough permanganate of potash may be added to the drinking water to give it a claret-red colour. (c) The coops, feeding utensils, drinking vessels, and runs should be disinfected. As a preventive measure, incubators and brooders should be cleansed and disinfected, and, prior to incubation, whether natural or artificial, the eggs should be dipped in 95 per cent. alcohol or in a 4 per cent. solution of some good coal-tar disinfectant.

Certain prophylactic measures should be adopted. The disease is spread by means of the droppings. These are crowded with the parasites, which get spread over the earth and picked up with the food or with the gravel or grit. Millions of the parasites are lying on the ground only waiting to be swallowed to set up the disease in the [PHEASANT new host. Hence the following precautions should be taken :- (a) All healthy chicks should be moved to new ground. (β) As far as possible the coops should be placed upon boards so that the droppings may be collected and burnt or destroyed in quicklime; burning is the better. (γ) All coops, drinking vessels, and other utensils, and runs should be disinfected by thoroughly washing and scrubbing with hot water and soap, and the application, by spraying or brushing, of a 5 per cent. carbolic acid mixture containing enough lime to show where it has been applied. (δ) The ground where the chicks have lived should be disinfected. "Disinfection of the grounds or runs is of supreme importance, and should be practised not merely for the suppression of an outbreak of disease, but regularly as a routine method of preventing such outbreaks. Fire is the best disinfectant, and where disease agents are known to assume very resistant conditions, as, for instance, the eggs of worms or the spore cysts of the lowest animal forms like the Protozoa, fire is the only absolutely reliable disinfectant. Where there is no danger to buildings, the ground may be sprinkled with kerosene and flamed. Even here we must recognise one possibility of failure. Earthworms may act sometimes as carriers of disease agents, and convey into the ground, on their bodies or in their alimentary tracts, such agencies of disease as the eggs of the gape-worm, or even the gapeworm itself. After the ground has been flamed and the surface thus perfectly disinfected, rain may bring the worms to the surface, and with them the parasites they are carrying. Hence the necessity from time to time of another very good disinfecting procedure-namely, top-dressing with lime and ploughing under. The ova of the forked-worm may pass out with the worm casting, and so get again on the soil.

As a rule, I do not think pheasants eat the worms. Where fire cannot be used, this method is invaluable. In disinfecting by means of fire, great caution must be used; in competent hands it is the best method, but it cannot be used without some chance of damage. Since some diseases appear to arise from contamination of the soil from prolonged occupancy, top-dressing with lime, ploughing, and sowing some quick-growing green manure, such as cowpeas and oats, should be regarded as necessary routine. A third method of disinfection of the soil consists in sprinkling or deluging the ground with a solution of sulphuric acid (one part PHEASANT] acid to nine parts water), or a 5 per cent. solution of carbolic acid (one part acid to nineteen parts of water)."

The third method mentioned under (8) may prove dangerous, and should only be carried on under really expert advice. (e) All dead birds and all droppings should be burnt or buried in lime; burning is the better.

Coccidiosis was very prevalent in 1910 in England, and thousands of birds succumbed to it. Other inflammations of the alimentary tract are due to bacteria or to flagellates. (ix) The red or forked-worm disease. -This is a most dangerous and fatal disease of pheasants; it is caused by the presence in the windpipe of the Nematode worm (Syngamus trachealis, v. Sieb.). This parasite and its life history have been described in the article on diseases of partridges (q.v.). It is equally or even more destructive to pheasants. Megnin estimates the loss in one pheasantry at Rambouillet at about 1,200 victims daily. When an outbreak occurs, it is of the utmost importance to isolate the birds attacked, and to remove those which remain healthy on to new and untainted ground. The bodies of those that succumb must be burned at once, and the pheasantry must be disinfected by sprinkling with a one per cent. solution of salicylic or sulphuric acid . The food must be looked to and kept from contamination, and Megnin recommends adding two or three drachms of salicylic acid to every quart of water used for drinking.

In individual cases the worms may be removed by dipping a feather stripped of its barbules, except at the tip, into a mixture of one part of oil of turpentine and two of olive oil, or into oil of cloves, and then inserting it into the trachea; on its withdrawal it will probably bring with it the worms.

The operation requires a little care, or asphyxiation may result. Garlic mixed with the food and rue mixed with the water have also proved successful. Theobald recommends injecting a few drops of eight per cent. solution of salicylic acid or eucalyptus oil, by means of a fine pipette, into the trachea. This, he states, is invariably successful. Another of his methods, which requires less skill, is to place the diseased birds in a box in which powdered chalk and camphor, in the proportions of two to one by weight, is so sprayed that the bird must inhale the mixture. Inhalations of tobacco smoke and the vapour of carbolic acid are also well spoken of. (x) Other diseases due to Nematodes.- A second Nematode worm which attacks pheasants is Heterakis papillosa, Bloch. It is found in the cæca, sometimes in prodigious quantities, and causes typhlitis, which may prove fatal. Its eggs develop in water.

Trichosoma longicolle, Rud., also occurs in the intestines and cӕca. Reibisch¹ has further described, under the name of Trichosomum strumosum, a round worm which lives in the epithelium of the œsophagus, and whose eggs are found in great numbers in the mouth and in lumen of the œsophagus. The harm done to the epithelium is said to be very great, and in places this tissue is completely destroyed. Since, when heavily infected with T. strumosum, the alimentary canal of the pheasants are completely empty, Reibisch puts forward the suggestion that the injury caused by the parasite hinders it swallowing, and in course of time the birds starve. The worm buries itself in the deeper layers of the epithelium, and at times reaches the sub-epithelial tissues. The eggs press apart the epithelial cells until they reach the lumen of the œsophagus, whence they are coughed or sneezed out. (xi) Diseases due to tape-worms.- Several species of tape-worm infest the pheasant. Drepanidotania infundibuliinhabit the common fly; Tænia cantaniana, formis, Goeze, whose larval form is said to Pol. and Davainea friedbergeri, which in young forms often produces a fatal entertioned above, grave epizootics are caused by itis. In addition to the tape-worms men- Davainea friedbergeri, v. Linstow (=D. guevillensis, Megnin) and by Choanotænia formis, Gæze). lagenocollis, Megnin (=C. infundibulioccurred at Guéville, near Rambouillet, and The first epidemic was, according to Megnin, due to intestinal obstruction caused by the presence of great numbers of D. friedbergeri. The second, which occurred near Loiret, Lorme, was attributed to the same cause, brought about by a mixed infection of C. lagenocollis and D. urogalli. The latter epizootic is said to have entirely wiped out the young broods of the district. I have found specimens of D. urogalli three inches long in a young pheasant from the North of England, which could not have been more than a week old.

I am a little sceptical about the cause of death which Megnin attributes to intestinal obstruction. I have frequently seen the grouse distended to an appalling extent by alimentary canal of apparently healthy D. urogalli, and yet the birds suffered little damage. The danger of tape-worms is that 1 Arch. Naturg. 59 Jg. I, 1893, p. 331. their heads at times penetrate the mucous lining of the intestine, and facilitate the passage of the intestinal bacteria into tissues and organs where they set up inflammation.

These facts were not appreciated when Megnin wrote, neither was the full bearing of Coccidiosis realised, and it is to one of these two causes, rather than to obstruction of the alimentary canal, that I should attribute the epizootics described by Megnin. دو (xii) "Scurfy legs are common when pheasants are reared by farmyard hens, and are caused by the presence of a microscopic mite known as Sarcoptes mutans, Rob., which burrows under the scales and sets up gall-like swellings. In the centre of the swelling the female mite, swollen out with eggs, is to be found. The infested pheasant suffers considerable irritation from the presence of these galls, which are usually confined to the legs, but occasionally occur on the naked parts of the head. In fowls, the trouble can be removed by soaking the legs in warm water, breaking away the galls and washing with carbolic soft soap. Common paraffin is also recommended, applied to the legs. The coops should be limewashed and cleansed. (xiii) A second mite which attacks the pheasant is Sarcoptes lavis. It causes a Mange or Scab. The feathers break off, and if the stump be removed it will be found covered with a powdery paste consisting of the bodies of the mites and of dead cells. Application of sulphur to the skin, either in a powder or ointment, is indicated. Sweet oil with a small mixture of carbolic acid or kerosene is also successfully used. The diseased birds should be isolated and every care taken to disinfect the coops. (xiv) A third species of Mite, Cytodites nudus, lives in the air-sacs of birds, particularly chickens and pheasants. If they exist in great numbers they set up inflammation and congestion of the lining membranes of the air-sacs and of the lungs, and at times the bronchii become blocked with them.

Treatment is, as Treatment is, as a rule, unsuccessful.

Sulphur mixed with food has been recommended. a (xv) "White Comb" is a fungoid or mould disease, due to the fungus Achorion schonleinii, which attacks the comb, head, and neck. The general effect is like that of mange; a number of white powdery scales break away from the integument.

Some oil or a fatty substance should be applied to the affected parts. These should be scrubbed with water and soap, and some such ointment as ichthyol (one part ichthyol to nine parts of petroleum) should be ap- [PHEASANT plied; and in severe cases tincture of iodine has been successful.

For further details of disease in pheasants the reader is referred to the works of Klein, Tegetmeier, and Morse.

ARTHUR E. SHIPLEY.

PHYSICAL CULTURE AND GYM- NASTICS. One of the most important international gymnastic meetings ever held was that concluded in the Stadium at the Olympic Games of 1908 in London. The results of this meeting were excellent, for it produced the silver medallist and six places out of the first seventeen in the Heptathlon from among British athletes who represented a country which had hitherto been scarcely recognised as a gymnastic nation by our friendly critics on the Continent. There is no doubt that this will give a stimulus to British gymnastics in the interest and attention of the public which is well-deserved by an institution of the highest importance to national health, especially in the case of a country like the United Kingdom, which is deprived of the physical benefits of military conscription. Those benefits, it may well be thought, should at least be aimed at by Englishmen who would conscientiously deplore the various drawbacks alleged to be inseparable from compulsory and universal service in the Army. At present British gymnasts retain the lighthearted spirit of recreation in a competition which is sometimes taken with a rather automatic and coldblooded severity in the case of more military nations. We might, in fact, improve in discipline; but there is no reason why we should not excel in execиtion.

In all military nations the Governments support and encourage public gymnasia as a silent but most efficacious aid to that public health which is the foundation of military efficiency. We may not be "military," but it is not, therefore, excusable that we should leave the invaluable results of gymnastic training so entirely to voluntary and private effort. Much, even so, has already been accomplished: rules, regulations, and gymnasia exist; but the youth of this country has not yet been aroused to the importance of using them aright, an importance which will become far more evident in the future of the race, and may at any moment become acute in any sudden peril of the nation. Games that merely develop large crowds of spectators are not, in fact, a national asset. Young men who do not care to serve their country in one form or another of the recognised opportunities for military duties might at least improve them- PHYSICAL CULTURE] a selves, as citizens and as the fathers of citizens to be, by regular gymnastic exercise.

It has been suggested that a part of the work which lies before the British Olympic Association in the future, and not the least valuable part, might be the encouragement and maintenance in this country of national physical superiority among the nations of the world, which is rapidly ceasing to be a fact and will soon become a legend. The State has never wanted men more keenly than at the present time; yet it would be impossible for it to display more apathy towards the methods that other nations have so successfully employed in making them. There are those who think that the Olympic Games should consist almost entirely of gymnastics. I am not of that opinion. But it is clear that in the schemes for general physical improvement which the Olympic Games have been revived to foster, the value of gymnastics to this country should hold a higher place both in the hearts of the people and in the councils of their ministers.

T. A. Cook.

SYSTEMS OF GYMNASTICS. - Greek Gymnastics have at the present time no place or influence in the gymnastic world, and though an attempt has recently been made to revive them, they were modernised in details, and would more properly come under the designation of athletics. Although the decadence of Greek gymnastics is in itself a matter of regret, it may be said that it is not entirely lost to the present generation, for the principal teachers of gymnastics generally choose as their physical conception the graceful model of the antique Greek school.

Educational Gymnastics is a term given to physical exercises which are usually taught in schools, and which are specially adapted to the requirements of pupils of both sexes, and the facilities afforded by the schools in the matter of space and equipment. This branch of gymnastics is subdivided into various systems, which are named after the respective countries from which they originate. The partisans of these systems claim for their respective methods special advantages.

Swedish Gymnastics comprise exercises without apparatus, and are sometimes known as "free movements." These motions are divided into groups for developing the various parts of the body, such as the ankle, feet, legs, trunk, arms, neck, &c.

German Gymnastics may be considered as involving the opposite principle to Swedish gymnastics, for although they include "free movements," or exercises without apparatus, these are only practised as a rudimentary preparation to more serious work. Various and complicated apparatus is in constant use in every town, village, and school in Germany. Indeed, its great feature is the universality of its indulgence, and it undoubtedly takes the place occupied in England by athletics. The State not only recognises its usefulness, but has official control of its practice, making it compulsory for every child and adult to undergo a prescribed amount of such physical training. That this has had a beneficial result upon the health, character, and practical ability of the German race is recognised by all.

German gymnasts are very expert upon apparatus, and at their festivals some very clever feats, which have a useful aim, may be seen. This is particularly the case with their Escalading Tableaux.

Danish Gymnastics are symbolical of what we should expect from such a race, full of agility, nimbleness, and daring, with a liking for anything of a warlike character, such as the lance, dagger, sabre, or foil.

Indeed, they combine the variety of the German school with the vivacity of the French. Their particular forte is perhaps tumbling and rope-climbing.

Russian Gymnastics appear to aim at the art of the development of the body rather than the acquisition of skill in performing difficult feats. Nevertheless, even from this scientific standpoint, they are necessarily thrown upon the expedient, as in other countries, of largely introducing the principle of variety into their movements. The cold climate which they are compelled to endure, for a lengthened period of the year, forces them into movements of activity, rather than the slower feats of strength.

One of their favourite methods is to jump through a double line, a feat which requires a considerable amount of judgment, combined with looseness of limb and abdominal contraction.

French Gymnastics have recently had the advantage of being taken in hand by the State, and English ideals seem to be their favourite model. The movements are conducted to musical accompaniment, and must be performed unanimously to ensure success.

Swiss Gymnastics are very similar to those practised in Germany. They have the same liking for fêtes, and the feats which are witnessed there are of an extraordinary character. The gymnastics in the schools are also very picturesque, and are often accompanied by Tyrolean choruses.

Italian Gymnastics are not of the active character of the more northern countries.

They have, however, one or two features essentially their own, such as the floor movements with a pair of dumb-bells resembling the English flat-iron. In these exercises they go through many attitudes, resting on the irons and feet only. Another is the practice of marching with baskets poised upon their heads, in order to exercise the muscles of the spine and neck, thus ensuring a straight and graceful carriage.

Spanish Gymnastics, on account of the climatic conditions of the country, are necessarily of a slow and deliberate type. Their principal feature is their power of equilibrium.

American Gymnastics present no special feature of originality, if we except the wonderful progress they have made in the manufacture of appliances suitable for physical exercises. By means of their pulleyapparatus, physical training at home is made easy. Americans are also very thorough in their methods of partaking of exercise.

They have evidently searched the old world, and culled the best points, which they have endeavoured to improve for their special requirements.

English Gymnastics are very similar to the American system. They have made use of the best features of exercise, as taught in other countries, and adapted them to their special requirements. They have wisely introduced music and recreation into their work, and made light and cheerful that which is sometimes in danger of becoming dull and monotonous. Variety has not been lost sight of, and for this reason English gymnastics compare very favourably with the systems of other countries.

Finn Gymnastics.--Although Finland is now a province of Russia, the Finns have a system of gymnastics which is essentially their own, and which possesses so many elements of originality, dash, vigour, and grace, that no notice of educational gymnastics would be complete without some particulars of it. As in Russia, the climatic conditions of Finland render it imperative that the influences of a cold and rigorous season should be resisted by recourse to such active physical exercises as will tend to keep the blood at a proper temperature and the muscles and organs of the body in a proper and healthy condition.

Games are not always possible in Finland, the winter being long and severe. In accepting the alternative of gymnastic exercises under a covered roof, the Finns very naturally evade the monotony of cut and dried systems by introducing as much variety as possible into their exercises, as [PHYSICAL CULTURE well as in the shape of their apparatus.

The beneficial effect of this is at once seen in their sturdy, muscular figures. Their gymnastic movements possess all, if they do not excel, the precision of the Swedish drill, while it has none of the latter's jerky and ungraceful style. One of the best features of Finland gymnastics is a set of movements which they perform with a bar of steel, measuring about 4 feet 6 inches long, and 3/4 inch in diameter, and weighing about 5 lb. Some of the attitudes of a squad of men with this implement are most graceful, while the effect upon the physique cannot fail to be of the most beneficial character.

Nor are the women of Finland less expert at gymnastics than the men, for both single and married women join systematically in these exercises. Indeed, we have seen an exhibition upon the parallel bars by married women in Finland which would be considered very creditable to any ordinary class of men in other countries. Taken altogether, Finland gymnastics are of high merit, and they are entitled to much praise for their enthusiasm and skill.

Recreative Gymnastics embrace all physical exercises which are undertaken from a recreative point of view. These do not necessarily debar those movements described under the heading of Educational Gymnastics, but would include them in an intricate form, or when exhibited by large numbers of gymnasts. Indeed, we know of no more novel, exhilarating, and pleasing sight than to see a musical drill performed by a large number of school children, with an occasional vocal chorus. Such a sight can now be happily seen at any of our large Board schools, or a similar sight may be witnessed at any of our large gymnasia, or with some of our regiments at Aldershot and other camps. Recreative gymnastics of this kind are more common in England than in other countries, and the beneficial results cannot be over-estimated, for they not only possess the fascination of dancing, but from their more varied character they secure a greater amount of physical benefit, and the musical accompaniment enables the pupil to partake of a greater amount of exercise, as in marching. Swedish gymnasts and other opponents of recreative gymnastics argue that, by the introduction of music, precision and correctness of detail are sacrificed, but this need not necessarily be the case, for naturally the pupils are first taught without music. Although the English gymnasts base their recreative gymnastics largely upon musical drill, they frequently pursue the more complicated forms of practising intricate gymnastic feats upon horizontal and PHYSICAL CULTURE] parallel bars, rings, trapeze, vaulting-horse, and other kinds of apparatus, but physical results in these cases are not so satisfactory as in the musical drill. At the same time a greater amount of muscular strength, activity, and resource are secured, which prove of great utility in many walks of life, and for this reason, the practice, if not pursued to extremes, is to be commended.

Recreative gymnastics on the Continent are conducted in quite a different fashion.

They have drills performed by large bodies of gymnasts, but they are unaccompanied by music. The orders are given by leaders, who are placed over sections, and who in turn take their orders from a chief leader.

It is, in fact, conducted on the military system of issuing orders. It is a very fine sight to see, at one of their great gymnastic fêtes, several thousands of gymnasts performing in this way simultaneous movements. In another form, however, Continental gymnasts have quite a speciality in recreative gymnastics. In this "simultaneous squad" practice, several thousand gymnasts are divided into groups. To each group are allotted various pieces of apparatus, and at a given signal each member of a group performs a stipulated exercise.

Acrobatic Gymnastics may be described as an advanced stage of Recreative Gymnastics. They are useful as showing the marvellous degree of perfection to which the body can be trained, and the wonderful powers which such a physique possesses.

It must, however, be pointed out that such a training is not advisable, as often, after the great strain to which the valvular and arterial system is exposed, collapse of the side walls of the blood vessels takes place, and an aneurism results.

Medical Gymnastics is the name given to movements which, scientifically based upon physiological conditions, are calculated to improve weak and delicate physiques.

For this work an accurate knowledge of the muscles and their functions is required of the teacher. By relaxing one, and contracting another, group of muscles, the bones can often be corrected out of crooked into straight lines. The thorax and abdominal walls can be enlarged, and thus, by giving more room to the organs, greater comfort can be experienced, and very often ailments of the chest and liver, and other physical and organic defects, absolutely remedied.

A. ALEXANDER.

GLOSSARY.

Bar-bell.-Two large metal balls connected by an iron rod about 5 ft. long and I in. in diameter.

The weight varies largely, the heaviest being about 200 lbs. For exercise a light bell of wood is frequently substituted.

Dumb-bell.-Two masses of metal joined by a handle, which is usually covered with leather.

The weight varies from I lb. to about 16 lbs. a pair, according to the age and strength of the user.

English Board.-A spring board about 5 ft. by 3 ft. 6 in., resting at either end upon bars, which are inserted into rings upon four stands, each about a foot high. The rings must clutch the bars loosely so as to give the springs free play.

Flying Rings.-Rings suspended from ropes usually from 9 to 12 ft. long, the rings themselves being about 9 in. in diameter. They should hang about 3 ft. from one another, and ought to be covered with leather.

Horizontal Bar. - A bar of wood about 6 or 8 ft. long, with a core of steel inserted down its whole length. The diameter is usually about 1½ in., and the ends are inserted into posts by pegs whose height can be graduated. champagne bottle, but tapering rapidly at the end Indian Clubs. - Wooden clubs, in shape like a furthest from the thin neck which the hand grasps. They usually weigh about 4 to 7 lbs. each, and vary in length from 18 to 24 in.

Parallel Bars. -Two bars of wood of equal height from the ground supported at their extremities by stout posts. Usually about 8 ft. long and from 4 to 5 ft. high. a Trapeze.-Consists of a bar of wood from 2 to 3 ft. long, joining the ends of two ropes which swing freely from the roof.

Vaulting Horse or Wooden Horse. - Consists of a solid block of wood, shaped somewhat after the manner of a horse's body, standing on four legs or props some 4 ft. above the ground.

Bibliography. - Gymnastic Competition and Gymnasts, F. Graf ("The Gymnast" Office), 1898; Display Exercises, F. Graf (Bell), 1897; Hints to Wrestling in the Catch-Hold and Græco-Roman Styles, P. Longhurst (Upcott Gill), 1903; Athletics, Badminton Library, M. Shearman (Longmans), 1904; Jiu-Jitsu and Other Methods of Self-Defence, P. Longhurst (Upcott Gill), 1906; The Fine Art of Ju-Jutsu, Mrs. R. Watts, with 141 Action Photographs, by G. W. Beldam (Heinemann), 1906; Home Exercises for Health and Strength, F. Sylvan, M.D. (Nash), 1909.

PICKEREL OR DORÉ (Stizostedion vitreum).- Nomenclature. The pickerel, or doré, is common in the fresh-water rivers and lakes of Upper Canada and in some parts of the United States, and is known by a variety of names. In addition to the above, it is also called the wall-eyed pike and the pikeperch, and in some parts of the North American continent it is dignified by the singularly appropriate nomenclature of salmon.

Appearance. In appearance it is by no means ungraceful, but its enormous mouth and peculiar eyes give it a very vicious appearance, which its character does not belie. The body is rounded, the eyes are luminous, and, even when the fish is dead, shine with a green lurid light similar to those of a panther or a cat in the dark.

The mouth is filled with big teeth. The sides of the doré, as the fish is usually called in Canada, are, as the French name betokens, of a golden hue, the belly white, the back dull brown. It tapers very much towards the tail, all its fighting power, which is considerable, being in front. The dorsal fin is much like that of the perch, having projecting from it bony spines which are not pleasant when in contact with the fingers.

The scales are rough and coarse on the larger specimens. It is a very common fish in Canada, where it inhabits with great impartiality the rapid waters of rivers and quite calm inland lakes and ponds. I have [PICKEREL As Food. A small doré of from 1 lb. to 2 lb. weight is a most excellent table fish.

When freshly caught, and nicely cooked by some Montagnais Indian on the banks of a distant Canadian stream or lake, he forms a very agreeable variety to the eternal trout which is frequently the sole food upon which the hunter or angler in those places has to subsist. Indeed, his flesh, which is white and firm, is often far more delicate in flavour than that of the lake trout.

ANDREW C. P. HAGGARD. [As suggested in the foregoing article, considerable confusion exists among anglers from different parts of Canada and the PICKEREL. no data to go upon as to what size this fish may grow to-probably about 10 lb. in weight; but I have taken them up to 6 and 7 lb. in weight. This was in a far-away lake in the backwoods, known as the Lac des Aigles.

Methods of Capture. The doré will rise to a salmon fly readily; he is equally, indeed still more, ready to take a minnow or spoon. In the evening, just before dark, he is particularly voracious. Any kind of dead bait, any refuse or offal, is not despised by the pickerel, for he will eat anything. A very good bait for a doré is the eye of another fish, but for that matter both the speckled trout of Canada (Salvelinus fontinalis) and also the ouananiche itself will, when everything else fails, seldom decline to accept with alacrity the same dainty morsel. When hooked, he makes a very good struggle for existence, and will frequently spring out of the water like a trout. After being captured, the doré is very difficult to kill; for that reason he is a very disagreeable fish to have with you in a birch bark canoe, as an hour after he is supposed to be dead he will come to life again, and then, with his large teeth and sharp spines, make that canoe an unpleasant place of residence.

United States as to what exactly constitutes a "pickerel," and the tourist angler, making a visit to the lakes and rivers of both countries, will find that he has caught at least two, and possibly even three, fishes bearing that name. It is not always, in fact, a very sporting fish, as, although it throws itself out of the water when hooked, it generally, in still water at any rate, gives in after a very feeble resistance. It is more often than not caught by accident rather than design, when the sportsman is after black bass or trout.-ED.] or PIG-STICKING. - Pig-sticking, Hog-hunting, as it is sometimes called, is a sport unique of its kind; it is the first sport of India, and is one which especially commends itself to the Briton, owing to the fact that it includes the use of a horse in bringing to terms a fast, bold, and dangerous quarry.

Towards the end of the eighteenth century our forefathers in India were given to riding down bears with spears, and as the supply of bears gave out, wild boar came to be hunted in their place. It was then found that the "understudy for the part of quarry-as sometimes is the case-was a far better performer than the principal, and دو PIG-STICKING] thenceforward to this day pig-sticking has held the pride of place as the premier sport of India.

The Sport. The company of sportsmen having assembled overnight in camp at an appointed place and date, an early start is made to beat up the pig. A line of beaters is employed, assisted by elephants. The sportsmen, grouped in parties of three or four each, ride either with the line or are posted outside the cover, according to the nature of the jungle-much when as shooting in England, in turnips or in coverts. Each man carries a spear.

When a boar breaks away, the party which happen to be nearest to him start after him, and for threequarters of a mile or so it is generally as much as they can do to keep him in view; he then begins to slow down a little, and it becomes a race among the riders to try to get up to دو speared. In the other case, where he uses his pluck and I will say, to the credit of the boar tribe, it is their more usual line of action-he allows the hunter to come fairly close and then, edging off his former line for a few paces, he shortens his stride and, with ears pricked and glittering eyes, he turns and comes straight for the horse with a powerful rush. If not met with a well-aimed, firmly held spear, he will, as likely as not, overturn both horse and rider, leaving an ugly memento on the former in the shape of a gash from his sharp - edged tusks. A few charges of this kind eventually bring him to his death, but as a rule he carries them on until he is borne to earth, disdaining to the last to turn to fly.

A RACE FOR FIRST SPEAR. him and be the first to spear him. To the man who wins "First spear are credited the honours of the run, but it is by no means certain that he who is foremost in the race is the one who ultimately wins, for, as his pursuers draw near him, the boar gives up the idea of escape by fleetness of foot and determines, according to his individual character, to get the better of his foes either by cunning or by pluck. In the one case, waiting till the spear is almost at its ribs, he makes a sudden dart or jink" to one side or the other with such rapidity as to leave his pursuer several lengths to the bad.

This jinking he repeats every time he is overhauled until he either gains some friendly cover or is finally tired down and 66 BADEN Powell [From a sketch by the Author. to the man who was the first to spear Half-adozen beaters come and sling the mighty carcase on a pole and take him back to camp, where the flesh is divided among them, while the tusks go him. The elephant that bears upon his pad the priceless "drink-box" is meanwhile called up, and the thirst which exceeds all others-viz., the "pig-sticker's thirst "is quenched. And then with fresh horses the party once more join the line to seek for further sport.

This, very briefly, is the nature of the sport which stands facile princeps among those of India, if not of the world. But so bare a recital can give no idea of the undercurrent of excitement that runs through every phase of it, from the breathless expectant waiting for the pig to break covert up to the final thrust-sometimes on runs [PIG-STICKING foot-at the savage monster fighting for in India (Sus indicus), severally known his life.

The Boar. It is the nature of the animal himself that adds so greatly to the quality of the sport. A powerful, shaggy brute, he stands from 30 to 38 inches at the withers, and is generally a mass of thew and sinew.

In spite of his weighty build, he is very quick and active in his moves, and very fast upon his legs. For three-quarters of a mile a horse can scarcely live with him across the roughish ground where he is met with. His weight carries him through bush and jungle, and his activity affords him power to jump anything that a horse can take and sometimes more. He has drous knack a wonof jumping sideways over walls of lanes where the horse can get no run to follow him. run- He always has his wits about him.

While ning before his pursuers he will take advantage of every form of cover or obstacle and put it between himself and them, and as:- I. Tatainya, Tatira, or Mooghun-well bred, fierce, fast, and active.

II. Meilier, Muckna, or Gâgas-large, coarse-bred, and slow.

III. Kookhunnee, or Tâana-smallish and light-coloured, and very fierce.

IV. Soocur, a compact shape, also lightish in colour and very fierce.

A boar is full grown at five years, but fills out in muscle up to eight. After nine his powers begin to wane with age, and his temper becomes worse-and up to twelve or fourteen he is a nasty customer to meet.

After that, old age sets in, and though he lives to sixteen or twenty, he is in his dotage.

The following are the THE HUNTER HUNTED. will endeavour by dodging to evade them.

Water has no terrors for him, and the most break-neck places are favoured by him in his flight.

Then he is further possessed of the nastiest temper of any living animal, and has a very useful instrument wherewith to vent his rage, in his sharp and curving tusks. These he uses with unerring aim and quickness, and often with deadly effect.

Thus, when the boar has been overtaken and the excitement of the race is over, the fun of the fight begins, for now he stops to contest his way to some patch of cover, where he can come to bay and display a pluck and toughness such as no other animal can boast of. He never loses head nor heart, and so long as life remains in him he will force himself on to the hunters' spears in a mad longing to get at them.

There are several local varieties of pig [From a sketch by the Author. a measurements of record sized boar: Height withers, at 2 38+ inches; length, 62 inches; girth, 55 inches; girth of fore- 14 arm, inches; tusks, 8½ inches; weight 300 lb.

Haunts.

Pig are found in most parts of India, even in the most civilised and cultivated districts. Their local haunts vary according to the season of the year.

They inhabit tracts of bush-grown country, or long grass, tamarisk and reeds in the river-beds, marsh land, ravines, clumps of prickly pear, &c.

Beating. The usual method employed for finding pig for the run is to employ a line of native beaters, from thirty to 150 strong, as circumstances may demand. The line is generally under the direction of a head shikari, mounted on an elephant or pony, and seconded by assistant shikaris, commanding different sections of the line.

In open grass or bush country the line advances quietly, beating and tapping with sticks as they go, the horsemen riding in parties immediately in the rear of the beaters.

In the case of thick patches of cover, PIG-STICKING] crops, &c., the line advances slowly but noisily, with drums and shouting, in order to induce the pig to sneak quietly away before them. The riders are in this case posted outside the cover at points near which the pig are likely to break cover.

Such parties must keep very quiet and motionless, and so remain until the pig has left the cover a good distance behind him; for the boar is very shy of leaving a good sanctuary, and will only do so when he thinks the coast is quite clear. If he finds himself man's programme, enabling him to put in two months' pig-sticking in the East after his hunting and before his autumn shooting at home.

Spears. Two kinds of spear are used in India, some clubs preferring one, some the other.

They are, (1) The Long or Underhand Spear, which is grasped at about two-thirds of its length from the point, with the knuckles downwards, the shaft lying underneath the fore-arm. The length of this THE PIG IS ROLLED OVER. being followed before he has gone far, he will nip round and slip back to cover at a lightning pace, and will probably decline all further inducements to quit it. 66 وو Tracking. In some parts of India, where jungles and covers are few and far between, boar are found by tracking or pugging them from their feeding places to their lairs -and this is a most interesting and sporting way of getting them. Of course, for this purpose, native professional trackers are usually employed, but at the same time the art is one which can be learned by any keen sportsman who has a good eye, unlimited patience, and a knowledge of the ways and habits of his quarry. Continual practice is then necessary to obtain a practical ability.

Season. The best season for pig-sticking in Northern India is from February to July, the crops being all cut then, and the land dry and fallow. These months should adapt themselves very well to the English sports- [From a sketch by the Author. spear is from seven to eight feet. (2) The Short or Jobbing Spear. This is grasped close to the butt with its head pointed downwards, the knuckles to the front, thumb uppermost. Its length is about six feet, and it is weighted at the butt with lead.

The respective merits and disadvantages of the two spears are frequent subjects of argument, but while the long spear is the easier to use and theoretically the best, the short spear is the more handy and the more deadly.

The best spear-heads are the "Bodraj" (made in India), narrow, leaf-shaped, with a sharpened rib up each side, and the ordinary "bayonet" with the three faces slightly hollowed. The edges and point should be kept sharp from day to day. The spear shafts are generally of male bamboo, which should have been specially selected.

Horses. The main desiderata in a pigsticker are that he should be quick, handy, clever over bad ground, bold, staunch to pig, and, if possible, fast and not too big.

The breed of horse in which these qualifications are most readily found are the Waler (Australian), of small size, and the Arab.

Good country-breds may also be found, but their staunchness is not always to be relied upon. Several mediocre horses are better economy than one or two very good ones for pig-sticking. They have less chance of becoming stale. A sportsman coming out from England for pig-sticking in the spring will find that this is the best time for buying horses in India, as the leave season commences in April, and men going home or to Kashmir, &c., are all selling off. “ Riding to Pig.-Riding to pig is an art or knack like that of riding to hounds, and in both there are points of minor etiquette between sportsmen which it is most necessary to observe. "Old Shekarry" summarises the qualifications that go to make a good man to pig thus: Strong nerves, good eye for a country, keen sight, firm seat, a light hand, and more especially a bold heart and a cool head. Add to these judgment of pace, dexterity with the spear, and an intimate acquaintance with the habits and cunning of the boar."

And Bacon-not Francis, but a worthy successor-writes: "A firm seat, a delicate hand upon the bridle, a quick eye, a steady and skilful delivery of the spear, and good pluck, are indispensable in this nice sport.

The eye must be kept upon the hog, and the horse must be left to select his own footing through broken ground or other impediments, for if the attention be for an instant withdrawn from the chase, ten to one are the odds that the hog will run to cover unmarked and the game be lost!"

I commend to special notice the points which I have put in italics. 66 Bacon, who had plenty of experience of both sports, and who wrote in the days of muzzle-loading smooth-bores, also says:

Hog-hunting is not only more scientific, but it is also a more dangerous sport than tiger-shooting. If the horse be borne to earth in the charge, the rider will have little chance of escape, unless very expertly supported by his companions, who must make a diversion in his favour." “ Keep your eye on the pig and ride straight" is the best principle to go on in riding, and while out in the field subject yourself to the orders of the master or captain, and to the unwritten rules of courtesy and good sportsmanship. Always remain with the party or at the post to which you are assigned, until otherwise ordered by the master. Do not interfere [PIG-STICKING with the beaters or shikaris in any kind of way that is the master's work only. Ride fairly and in a sportsmanlike way, i.e., when a man is fairly on the pig do not hustle or try to oust him, but let him have his chance at spearing. The object of the run is to kill the pig, and not entirely for getting the honour of "first spear." Ride your own line, and "back up" in bad ground or in jungle to drive the pig out of it on to better country.

If you find the pig after which you have started is a sow, hold up your spear horizontally above your head as a signal to the rest of your party to pull up.

In spearing, the impetus of the horse is sufficient to run the spear well in without much of a lunge, which is very liable to divert the aim. Spearing on the near side of the horse is not allowed and is dangerous.

The spear should never, under any circumstances, be let go from the hand. It should be carried, when riding, grasped about the centre of the shaft, and pointing diagonally across the body; in this way it is fairly ready for action, is least dangerous to one's friends when riding, and to one's self when falling.

Aim the spear at the pig's heart, which lies rather far back from the shoulder.

When charged by a pig, keep your horse going at the best pace you can command; it lessens the liability to get him ripped.

In tackling a wounded boar on foot, at least two men should go together, as, even if your spear goes into him, his rush will roll over a single man easily, and his keen tusks do their work in an instant.

Tent Clubs.-At most large stations in India there exist local pig-sticking hunts called tent clubs. To such a club men are elected as members, paying a monthly subscription for maintenance of native staff of shikaris, expenses of preserving, of club equipment, &c. The tent club usually provides the mess out in camp-each sportsman who attends the meet bringing out his own tent and camp furniture. The expenses of the meet, such as messing, beaters, &c., are divided up among the members attending that meet, and as these expenses do not as a rule amount to anything much, this sport has the merit of not being limited to the wealthy.

Taken as a whole, pig-sticking is one of the best, if not the best, of all the wild sports of the world. In addition to its intrinsic merits as an exciting diversion, it develops in a man, to a greater extent than any other practice, good riding, a quick eye, use of weapon, eye for country, woodcraft, and pluck and determination, and it gives PIG-STICKING] him healthy occupation and exercise in a trying climate.

R. S. S. BADEN-POWELL.

GLOSSARY.

Boar. A genus of Pachydermatous Mammals in the family Suidæ. The best known species are Sus scrofa, the European variety, and Sus indicus, in India. The height of a fine boar taken at the wither averages between 30 and 33 in., but instances have been recorded up to 42. The weight runs between 200 and 250 lb. The Indian boar is polygamous, as is probably the European. The former is said to have one, two, and sometimes three litters in a year; the latter only one. They are frugiferous for for the most part, but have no objection to a certain amount of flesh with their diet.

Boar spear.- [See SPEAR.] First spear. The first thrust which draws blood from the boar after he be fairly started from the cover. Transferred frequently to the man who makes it. Also called "Spear of honour."

Frank. Old term for an enclosure in which boars were kept.

Head. The steel point at the end of a boar spear, generally about 8 to 12 in. long, with neck and socket. Made in various shapes, of which the best are the "Bayonet" and the "Bodraj." The former is a tapering, three-edged spike, the latter a flat oval blade tapering to a point. Blades with shoulders, or diamond-shaped, should be avoided, as they are often difficult to withdraw if the boar twists a little.

Horses. Those most strongly recommended are true-bred Arabs, which are very quick at the turn, and Walers, Australian-bred horses of considerable speed and bottom. Native and Persian horses are also used, but the hard going knocks the English horses to pieces in a very short time.

Jhow. Indian for tamarisk, a favourite cover for boars.

Jink. Of the boar; to turn suddenly at a sharp angle to right or left.

Jobbing spear. [See SPEAR.] Long spear.-[See SPEAR.] Mark down. To keep in view or memory the spot at which the boar went to cover.

Nullah. An Indian term for a dry watercourse, usually with precipitous banks.

Overhand thrust. - [See SPEAR.] Pig. Used as a verb; to hunt the boar.

Pug. The footmarks of a boar. trace the footmarks.

As verb: to Rear. To put the boar out from his cover.

Ride to hog. - To hunt the boar.

Rootings. The marks of the burrowing of a boar's snout left in his search for food.