68 THEORY AND PRACTICE OF POLO. [Chap. II. 



generally be able to see in what direction his oppo- 

 nent means to send the ball, as soon as he starts to 

 hit it. Back and No. 3 will place themselves more 

 or less as in Fig. 27, so as to be ready to go to 

 either side. 



The defending team must be inside the parallel 

 lines A C and B D, and must not advance over the 

 back line till the ball has been hit. 



The attacking side are free to place themselves 

 anywhere they like, except within the twenty-five yards 

 semi-circle, until the ball has been hit. 



DANGERS OF POLO. 



The ordinary idea held by people who have 

 only seen polo played, that it is a very dangerous 

 amusement, is entirely wrong ; provided that the 

 ponies are suitable, that the players adhere to the 

 rules, and that they observe ordinary precautions for 

 the safetv of others, as well as for themselves. 

 There is very little danger in polo, no matter 

 how hard the match, if the eight players are good 

 horsemen, the ponies well trained, and the men 

 play fair, which unfortunately they do not always do. 

 Then it is that a strong, determined umpire, a man 

 who is no respecter of persons, is required. I regret 

 to say that the foulest riders are not always found 

 among the worst players. The severe Indian penalty, 

 namely, a free shot at goal at fifty yards' distance, 

 would not be a bad addition to the Hurlingham rules. 

 Well-known Indian players have told me this year, 

 that the game, as played in England, is not nearly as 

 fair a one as it is in India. I am inclined to agree 

 with them. 



