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although each showed unmistakable evidence of the other's handiwork. 

 They shook hands, and ever since, just five-and-twenty years ago, they 

 have been good friends and allies of each other. 



It is well known how the great Thomas Assheton Smith and the 

 equally famous John Musters (" Tom Smith" and " Jack Musters " in 

 hunting history) had, at Eton, one of the greatest battles ever fought 

 there, but for the remainder of their lives the greatest friendship 

 existed between them, which even their rivalry as masters of hounds 

 and as the very best men to hounds in England of their day wa» 

 unable to undermine. Hundreds of similar instances could be quoted 

 of lifelong friendship arising out of a fair stand-up fight. 



Masters of schools should adopt a similar system among their pupils 

 for settling their disputes ; instead of which they punish boys for 

 fighting, no matter how great the provocation may be. Squabbling 

 and wrangling should be severely dealt with, but not a fair fight,, 

 fought for sufficient reason. 



That excellent periodical Cassell's book of " Sports~and Pastimes " 

 contains what may be considered all the instruction upon boxing which 

 can well be given on paper. I shall, therefore, ofifer to my young: 

 readers the benefit of it. 



Hints to Young Boxers. 

 It is a singular fact that the beginner is almost sure to put himself in an 

 attitude which combines every possible fault. He plants himself firmly, 

 braces up every muscle, and holds his hands hijrli. Now it is impossible to 

 be too easy and unconstrained, or to let the limbs play too freely. It is only 

 at the moment of striking or parrying that the fist should be clenched tight 

 and the muscles contracted. The left foot should be in advance, witii the 

 sole flat on the ground ; the right foot about half an ordinary pace in rear, 

 with the heel slightly raised, and the toes in line with the left heel ; care 

 being taken not to bring the left foot too far to the right, which would 

 destroy the balance. The knees should be very slightly bent, just as in 

 dancing. And mind carefully that when you advance, the left leg must 

 always step out Hrst ; when you retire, the riglit leg must step back first. 

 When you move to the left, the right foot takes the pace, the left foot 

 following it. When you move to the right, the left foot is first shifted, then 

 the right. All this is very important, for if the legs and feet get confused, 

 their owner must lose his balance, and become powerless either for attack or 

 defence, and a slight blow will suffice to knock him down. You require to 

 step forwards, backwards, sideways as lightly and quickly as possible, 

 always keeping the right foot in rear of the left. Thus, when you deliver a 

 blow, the whole weight of your body is thrown into it ; when you receive 

 one, you give to it, as it were, and much of the force is lost. Or, if you step 

 back very smartly, it falls short altogether, while, your left foot being still 

 in advance, you are ready to step up again at the instant and deliver your 

 return before your opponent can recover himself. The left arm must be in 

 advance, playing backwards and forwards easily, the fist on about a level 

 with the centre of the chest. The right arm held across the body, but not 

 stiffly. Keep the chin down and the mouth shut. If you want to know the 



