CHAPTER XVII. 



SPORTS AND GAMES. 



Footballs. Parlor balls. Bat and wicket balls. Boxing gloves. Boxing jackets. Ten-pins. 

 Billiard cushions. Billiard balls. Improved skates. Skate trimmings. Skating caps. Skating 

 jackets. Backgammon boards. 



FOOTBALLS 



Are either made of elastic compound, in the same way as 

 hollow-ware, or they may be more substantially made of gum- 

 elastic felt, or vegetable leather. 



These ate uniformly inflated with a tube, as they are not 

 otherwise made stiff enough to retain their shape without being 

 too heavy. 



In case these balls become damaged, they may be used instead 

 of leather cases for bladders, although when properly manufac- 

 tured, it will be found an exceedingly difficult matter to injure 

 them fairly. 



PARLOR BALLS. 



Parlor balls are manufactured from tissue or vellum, and are 

 inflated by the self-acting valve tube, described, page 



A curious article of this kind is also made from drapery, stayed 

 by being netted with elastic cord. See plate xxiii. fig. 1. 



