INTRO D UCTION 237 



energies and ability into the task of assisting me. Lastly, I 

 have to thank the editor of the ' Field ' for his courteous 

 permission to reprint several articles, relating to the game in 

 Baltistan, Munnipore, and Japan, that have appeared from time 

 to time in the columns of that paper. I have in every instance 

 where my own experience was but slight gone to the best 

 authority within my knowledge, and have sifted evidence and 

 opinions to the best of my ability. How difficult such a task is 

 no one who has not attempted it can realise, and I trust I 

 may be pardoned for any shortcomings. 



Let me now therefore plunge in medias res, and with what 

 power I may, catch my pen short by the head and shove along, 

 from ' find to finish.' True indeed are the words which Mr, 

 H. C. Bentley aptly sings : 



For the daring turn and the skilful stroke 



The ever-quickening stride, 

 The ring of the stirrup, the clash of the stick, 



And the rush of the furious ride ; 

 The cheer when the ball through the goal is driven 



By the steady hand and eye, 

 Have a wild delight in themselves alone 



That can never grow old or die 



