A Sportsman at Large 101 



sport from a running point of view, but he must also possess an 

 eye which takes in every detail of a course and instantaneously 

 conveys its message to the brain, which, in turn, must be so 

 alert that it can appraise the points which are being scored 

 and tot them up with such exactitude that, at any given 

 moment, the judge can at once determine which of the com- 

 petitors is entitled to the raising of the flag in its favour. 



The critical faculty must be in excelsis, and its arithmetical 

 calculation absolutely accurate. Our judge must have the 

 courage of his convictions. Once his decision is given he must 

 abide by it, though he should be ever ready to explain the 

 why and wherefore thereof. He must be virile, alert, and a 

 good horseman, with untiring physical and moral energy. 



It is not often that a judge is called upon to deal with 

 his own greyhounds when pitted against those of other owners. 

 And yet such was the anomalous and rather embarrassing 

 position which was, on one occasion, forced upon me. 



Not infrequently I have acted in the judicial capacity 

 during my coursing days ; but never before or since under 

 such curious circumstances. 



It was at Wye, in the bad old days of enclosed coursing. 

 There were several " sapling " stakes in addition to the usual 

 " all aged " and " puppy " affairs. 



Being desirous of obtaining a fair trial for my youngsters 

 and of accustoming them to the amenities of a public meeting, 

 I had entered a greyhound in every event. The late Mr. 

 Brice at that time facile princeps among coursing judges of 

 his day, and a universally and deservedly popular one was 

 scheduled to officiate ; but, as bad luck would have it, for some 

 reason or other, he failed to put in an appearance. 



What was to be done ? 



The committee had a brain-wave. 



The writer was approached and asked to take up the onerous 

 and responsible duty. 



" But," said I, " I have a dog in every stake I am particu- 

 larly anxious to run them ! " 



" And why not ? " asked the spokesman of the deputation 

 innocently. 



" Why not ? " repeated I. " Surely to goodness you don't 



