336 SPORTING STORIES 



of course, differs from the English ; and I believe that a 

 cannon counted three points if made without touching 

 the cushion, and two if made off the cushion. If this be 

 so, those 719 cannons of Mr Hester must have been all 

 " nursery " cannons. 



Rather a large order that ! But, bless you ! that score 

 was not long allowed to remain unbeaten in such a go- 

 ahead country as the States. In the New York Spirit of the 

 Times iox 22nd May 1858 I find the following from the pen 

 of the editor, George Wilkes, whom I knew personally : — 



" A week or two ago Mr John W. Hester's great break 

 was beaten 147 points by Mr W. M. Ormsby, of Brooklyn, 

 Long Island. He nursed the balls so skilfully that he 

 marked two thousand three hundred and four points by 

 seven hundred and sixty-eight consecutive caroms (can- 

 nons) without touching a cushion ! The time occupied 

 was nearly two hours. This might well be doubted were 

 its correctness not attested by thirteen spectators, all of 

 whom are prominent citizens of Brooklyn." 



After that I will not attempt to give any more billiard 

 records — I have no further use for them. 



