3 
January 7.] 
THE FIELD. 
THE GAME OF GOLF. 
The gamo of golf is we believe almost u nkn own in 
England. It is a purely Scottish pastime of remote origin, 
and is practised extensively at many places north of the 
Tweed, but we are not aware if it has ever been introduced 
over the border, except at Blackheath, where we believe it 
was brought into operation several years ago by some Scot- 
tish residents in the metropolis. To convey an idea of the 
practical part of the game we present the following par- 
ticulars regarding it from Dr. Grierson's “ Delineations of 
St. Andrews : ” — 
“ The ground over which golf is played is in Scotland called 
Links, and is usuully a particular sort of sandy soil in the neigh- 
bourhood of the seashore, its surfuce mostly covered with short 
close grass, hero and there interrupted by breaks, pits, and 
irregularities. These interruptions are necessary to impart 
interest to the game, for where the ground is completely smooth 
and nothing of that sort in it, the sport becomes insipid, there 
being then little opportunity of exhibiting dexterity of play. 
Goou golfing ground therefore must be of a variegated aspect, 
and to be in much estimation, a mile or more in extent. 
“ The track along which the players proceed is denominated 
the course, and may be either rectilinear or a figure of nny 
number of sides. Holes are made in the ground of about four 
inches diameter, and at the distance of 400 yards, or a quarter 
of a mile from each other, and the object of the game is to 
strike a ball from one of these holes into the next with as few 
strokes as possible. A game may be said to terminate at each 
of these holes, and their number is not limited, but depends 
on the nature of the ground. Balls are used of about five- 
quarters of an inch in diameter, and weighing from 2G to 30 
drams avoirdupois. They are made of strong alumcd leather 
and stuffed with feathers. The feathers are forced in at a small 
hole left in the covering, by a blunt-pointed iron instrument 
which the maker applies to his shoulder, and the operation is 
continued till the ball acquires a degree of hardness nnd elas- 
ticity scarcely credible to those who have not seen it. The balls 
when sufficiently dry are painted with white oil paint to exclude 
the water and render them easily seen. In playing they are 
struck with a bat or club of about four feet in length, having 
a small tapering elastic shaft, with a crooked headf into which 
is run a quantity of lead to render it heavy, and it is fortified 
by a piece of horn before. A good player with one of these 
clubs will strike a bull to tlie distance of 180 or 200 yards. 
Every golfer has a variety of clubs differently formed, and 
adapted for playing in different situations of the ball and in 
different stages of the game. A set consists of four at least, 
viz., the common or play club, the spoon, the putter, and the 
iron ; but most golfers have ten or a dozen different sorts. The 
common club is used when the ball lies fair on the ground, the 
spoon when in a hollow, the iron when among sand or gravel, 
and the putter when near the hole. 
“ A match may consist of two or more players, but no pro- 
ficient at golf ever plays in one exceeding four, that number 
being allowed to be the most elegant and convenient. Each 
side nos a ball, and the rule is, that at the beginning of a hole 
or game the player may elevate his ball to what height he 
chooses for the convenience of striking, and this is done by 
means of a little sand or earth, and is called teeing ; but after 
the first stroke has been made the ball must be played from the 
spot where it chances to lie ; and whichsoever of the balls is 
farthest back, or at the greatest distance from the hole to which 
the party are proceeding, must be always played till it gets 
before the other. For ease to the memory in counting, those 
strokes only are regarded by which the one party in playing 
has exceeded the other. 
“ Thus, suppose A nnd B to be engaged in a match : — A plays 
off, then B ; A’s ball is farthest behind, and therefore, by the 
rules of the game, he is obliged to play again. This is called 
playing one more, or the odds. But A misses his ball, or sends 
it only to so short a distance that it is not yet so near the mark 
as B’s ; A must therefore play a third time, and this is called 
playing two more ; and should it so happen that, even at this 
stroke lie does not get his ball laid nearer to the hole than that 
of B, he must then play three more, and so on. When B then 
plays, he is said to play one off three ; and if he plays a second 
time, in order to get before it, he is said to play one off two ; 
and if a third time, one off one, or the like. Then whichsoever 
of the two plays hrst again, plays the odds. But if, when B 
played one off two, or one off three, A had been to play next, 
he would have then played two more, or three more respec- 
tively. If the party consist of four, the rule is the same, 
except that the two pnrtners on each side play alternately. If 
the ball be struck into the hole as the like, or an equal number 
of strokes on both sides, the hole is said to be halved, and goes 
for nothing. 
“ To play this game well requires more dexterity and practice 
than is commonly imagined. But an idea of its difficulty may 
be formed by considering the smallness of the object struck, 
compared with the largeness of the circle described in the swing 
round with the club ; the accuracy required to keep the course, 
and to measure the force applied in such a manner as to avoid 
hazards and over-driving the ball when approaching the end of 
the range ; also the judgment requisite to determine the most 
advantageous club to be used in any given situation of the ball, 
as well ns the allowance to be made for the force and direction 
of the wind, when there happens to be any, and the nature and 
bias of the ground." 
We may add that it is one of the advantages of this 
delightful game that it can bo played with equal pleasure 
and variety at every season. The Links are rarely wet or 
covered with snow, and the golfer can so modify or regulate 
the exercise he takes as to make it at all times healthful and 
agreeable, and as little fatiguing as he may choose. The 
game is of no definite length, may be played at a single 
hole or at short holes, as well as at a “ couple of rouuds,'' 
and with precisely what degree of exertion the golfer may 
think fit. Golfers are so keen as to set very little store 
by the state of the weather. Every gentleman provides 
himself with a man to carry his clubs and advise him in 
the prosecution of his play, who is denominated a “cady.” 
These cadies are all good golfers, have a thorough know- 
ledge of the art, and form a ilistiuct calling in St. Andrews 
and other places whore golfing is practised to any extent. 
Since Dr. Grierson wrote, a very material change has 
occurred in the nature of the balls used for golfing. The 
sort manufactured of leather stuffed with feathers is now 
among tho things that were. The introduction of gutta- 
percha caused a revolution in the constitution of golf-balls. 
About five years ago that substance was first used in form- 
ing them, and thereafter the “gutta-perchas" speedily 
became popular [and universally used on account of the 
advantages of cheapness, simplicity of make, hotter adap- 
tation for sphericniness, lasting longer, flying better, and 
rolling with greater precision. 
This same St. Andrews— a provincial city, its geographical 
position being in the county of Fife, situated on tho bay of 
tho Gorman Ocean, which bears its namo — was, prior to tho 
Reformation, the ecclesiastical metropolis of Scotland, the 
see of the Archbishop of St. Andrews, and is famous as tho 
scone of important events in Scottish history. The ruins of 
its ancient, and the beauty of its modern buildings, com- 
bined with its admirable situation — 
“ Tast by the margin of tho sounding waves 
render it a place of groat resort by strangers, 
It is rapidly rising into celebrity as a watering-place, and 
its dimensions as a town are fast extending, like those of 
London, principally towards the western, or landward side. 
The main cause of this increase in size is the demaud for 
houses, arising from the influx of families attracted to the 
place by its educational advantages, there being, besides the 
university (which comprises a college for the nurture of 
divines), a seminary called the Madras College, established 
and endowed by the munificence of the late Dr. Andrew 
Bell, the founder of the Madras system of education. This 
institution is attended by upwards of 1000 pupils. Now, 
having briefly described the city, we return to the proper 
subject of this notico. 
This seat of learning then, tho alma mater of many dis- 
tinguished men, clerical as well as lay, possesses another 
distinctive feature. It is the golfing capital of Scotland ; and 
here the sport of golfing is engaged in more extensively and 
in greater perfection than any other place. Its pro-emincnce 
in this respect arises principally from its Links, over which 
the golfing-ground ranges, being superior to any in the 
kingdom, both in point of region and suitableness of surface 
to the game. The St. Andrews Links— or downs, as the 
English would call them — stretch for several miles to the 
north-west of the city. There are other golfiug-grounds in 
Scotland, of about equal size, as at Musselburgh, North 
Berwick, Perth, Montrose, Prestwick near Ayr, &c., but they 
are less favoured with the quality of variety — hazard in 3 hort 
— where the player’s expertness is developed. Here resides 
the most skilful professional golfer in the world, Allan 
Robertson, who has well earned his fame in golfing circles 
from the many combats which he has had with others for 
the championship, in which he has always been triumphant. 
Many a round has he successfully engaged in, and mauy a 
pound has he won for those who perilled their money on 
faith in his skill and pluck. 
St. Andrews being thus the primary golfing rendezvous, 
there are several clubs of golfers in it, each of which holds 
periodical competitions among the members for medals and 
other honours— some of them for prizes in addition. It 
is the locale of the leading golfing society in Scotland, called 
“ The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Androws," which 
was instituted in 1754, and is composed of gentlemen 
resident in the city (many of whom being of independent 
means, pursue the sport daily), and gentlemen belonging to 
all parts of the country, who occasionally visit To indulge iu 
playing. It also comprises, as members, many gentlemen iu 
India— in fact, in all parts of the world. There are at pre- 
sent about 500 on the list of members, and many a noble 
name has ranked on the roll since the origin of the club. 
There are sometimes four, but regularly three meetings 
in the year of the “ Royal aud Ancient,” viz., in May, July, 
and October. At the October meeting, which i3 tlie prin- 
cipal one, tho captain is chosen, and holds office for a year. 
One of the official honours is to be custodier of the “silver 
club ” belonging to the society, to which, at vacating the 
dignity, ho appends a silver ball, bearing his name and arms, 
and time of assuming office. The title to the captainship is 
not decided by skill in playing, but by previous choice of 
the club, aud the gentleman chosen only plays for it pro 
forma. But at the October meeting two medals are con- 
tested for by comparative skill, the possession of them for 
the year falling to whoever succeeds in going round the 
course in fewest strokes. The first of these October honours 
is the medal presented by the late King William tho Fourth, 
who was patron of the club ; the second honour being the 
“ gold medal ” of the club. The “ events ” of tho May 
meeting are “ the silver cross of St. Andrew," presented by 
Colonel Belsher, of Iuvermay, aud the “ Bombay medal," the 
gift of the Bombay Golf Club. There are no subjects for 
competition at the other meetings. The October and May 
meetings draw the best attendance, and much cash is trans- 
ferred from one to another, on the issue of the numerous 
matches, public and private, which then come off. 
The society, for accommodation of the members, resident 
aud non-resident, has a club-house immediately adjoining 
the Links. From the great increase of members tho present 
club-house was found inadequate in size, and the club lately 
resolved to get a more ample and suitable edifice built, 
which is at present in course of construction. The founda- 
tion-stone was laid with full masonic and other honours by 
John Whyte Melville, Esq., of Bennochy and Strathkinness, 
Provincial Grand Master, iu presence of numerous deputa- 
tions from mason lodges, and a large concourse of spec- 
tators. 
A very considerable number of gentlemen from other 
places were engaged on the St. Andrews Links, during 
the past sonson. Among those on the “course," we 
may mention — Lord Charles Kerr, Sir Thomas Moncrieffe, of 
Moucriefl’e, Bart., Sir John M. Mackenzie, of Delvin, Bart., 
Sir David Duudas, of Dunira, John Grant, Esq., of Kilgras- 
ton, Neil F. Blair, Esq., of Balthyack, George Thomson, Esq., 
of Burnhouse, J. L. Campbell Esq., of Achalader, P. G. 
Skene, Esq., of Pitlour, Moncrieffe Skene Esq., younger of 
Pitlour, P. H. Patterson, Esq., of Carpaul, John Blackwood, 
Esq., and James Blackwood,* Esq., and Messrs. Blackwood 
and Sous, Edinburgh, - F. Brown Dallas, Esq., Edinburgh, 
James Balfour, Jun., Esq., W.S., Edinburgh, &c. &o. 
COURSINC. 
*** Secretaries will oblige us by forwarding as early as 
possible the dates, t!fc. of all coursing meetings. 
BALDOCIC CHAMPION MEETING. 
In consequoneo of frost, the Bahlock Champion Mceling is 
postponed until January 11th. Tho entries to close on tho 10th 
at S o’clock p.in, 
GT3tnnni.ANn. — Somo of our best coursing moclings nre to 
como i off yet, but in consequence of tho hard frost in this part, nil 
meetings uro postponed at present; as soon ns they take place 
“Tub Fiblu ” shall lmvo immediate returns of them. 
J. P. G- 
BURNESTON PARK CHAMPION MEETING. 
Stewards : Captain Russell, J. Eggremont, Esq., and .1. Hutch- 
inson, Esq. Judge: Mr. McUcorgc. Skchktauy: Mr. C. 
Pybufl, 
Tub Bohneston Champion Cor. 
Thirty-two Dogs nt £5 10s. eaoli. 
Mr. Pell's f il Edwin bent Mr. Vaughan's f cl Cleveland 
Mr. Coot's w and f <1 King Charles boat Mr. Layton's r d Lemington 
(Into New Minster) 
Mr. Jones's fd Slender beat Mr. Suvtoo’s f nnd w b Mountain Maid 
Mr. Brown's f aud w b Bony Mngio best Mr. Cass' bd b Margaret 
absent 
Mr. Greystono'sb b Movement beat Mr. (lowland's br cl Hart 
Mr. Jackson's f and w d Churchwarden beat Mr. Seeretan's r b Scotch 
Lass 
Mr. Foster's fd Flying Dutchman heat Mr. Seerotan's b b Sistls absent 
Mr. J. Anson's f d Slolght-of-Hand bent Mf. Cuss’ w A Nelson absent 
Mr. Moses' r d Cumberland beat Mr. Horner's f b Flying Nancy absent 
{“■ f b Emigration beat Mr. Lee'* b and w d Whltefoot absent 
air. Mason's b and f d Flying Dutchman beat Mr. Lee's f d Royal 
absent 1 
Mr. Gotland's r d Grasper beat Mr. Forster's f b Nancy 
«« !. r . . 1,1 s ^ V beat Mr. Loy** r b Baroness 
Mr. Rlehardson s bl dOtho beat Mr. W. II. Dawson's r and w d Savllle 
absent 
Mr. Brown’s b b Bedlam Fury beat Mr. Blenkiron's w and b b British 
queen 
Mr. T. C. Constable's r d Lucksall beat Mr. J. Anson’s r and w b Cilia 
Srcohd Ties. 
Edwin beat King Charles 
Slender beat Bony Mugies I 
FlyingDutcnman beat Movement | 
Sleight-of-hand beat Church- l 
warden 
Third Ties. 
Edwin beat Slender 
Flying Dutchman beat Sleight- 
of-hand 
Fourth Ties. 
Edwin beat Flying Dutchman | Grasper beat Bedlam Fury 
Deciding Course. 
Mr. Bill's f d Edwin beat Sir. Gowland's r d Grasper, and won the 
cup 
Emigration ran a bye 
Grasper bent Flying Dutchman 
Fcnella beat Otbo 
Bedlam F ury beat Lucksall 
Grasper beat Emigration 
Bedlam Fury beat Fenella 
Burneston Park Stakk. 
Sixteen Dogs at il. 10s. nacli. 
Mr. Greysfone's b b Doom beat Mr Egremont's r t b Esmeralda 
Mr. Mali's f d Lord Derby beat Mr. Banes's w and bd d Johnny 
Gordon 
Mr. Tenick's f and w b Violet beat Mr. T. Brown's f d Lottery 
Mr. Bell's r b Roselle beat Mr. Oafs b b Felicon 
Mr. Hudson's b b Lady Buvneston bent Mr Blenkiron's wand bb 
British Queen 
Mr. Oat's r d Sting heat Mr. Hall's Merry Monk 
Mr. Ireland's b U Bridesmaid beat Mr. F. C. Constable's f b British 
Queen 
Mr. Booth's r d Nottingham beat Mr. Greystone's w nnd b b Shadow 
Grasper 
Second Tie-ss. 
Lord Derby beat Doom I Lady Bumeston beat Sting 
Itoselia beat Violet | Bridesmaid beat Nottingham 
TniRD Tie. 
Roselle beat Lord Derby | Lady Burniston beat Bridesmaid 
Drcidino Cocu.se. 
Mr. Bell’s r b Roselle beat Mr. Hudson's b r b Lady Burneston and won 
the stake 
Rokedy PrrrpY Stake. 
Mr. Scarth's b d Black Doctor beat Mr. Egremont's 1» d Leo 
Mr. Hardy's b b Bessy Gregston beat Mr. Lay's f tk d Barron 
Mr. Garbutfs b b Violet beat Mr. Jackson's b and w 1 cl Handy 
Mr. Gregston'sr b Lady Morton beat Mr. Medley’s wl r d Lady Scorton 
absent 
Mr. Lawson's b 1 d Yorkshire Squire beat Mr. Thaekrey'a r d Duke 
Mr, Watson's f d Spring beat Mr. Lee's f d Prince Albert absent 
Mr. Oat's b and w b Dora beat Mr. Reed's f d Crispin 
Mr. Green's b k and w b Princess beat Sir. Brown's b d Rocket 
Mr. Riglitson's b and w b Lucy beat Mr. Jordison's r d Voltlgeur 
Mr. Egremont's b and w b Elerdule beat Mr. T. Brown's f and w d 
Sadler drawn 
Mr. E. Brown's w and b r d Ben beat Mr. Scarth's b b Nancy 
Mr. Hardy's b and w b Maid beat Mr. Carter's br d Valiant 
Mr. Carter’s b and w b Ringlet beat Mr. Jackson's f and w d Darlington 
.Mr. Out's b and w b Black Bess beat Mr. Thnckrcy's b and w b True 
Love 
Mr. Hayhoe’s f b Dear Woman beat Mr. Hobson's b nnd w b Dress - 
maker 
Mr. Garbutfs br b Ruth beat Mr. Grcgson's for r b Sousehon 
Second Ties. 
Bessy Gregson beat Black Doctor I Lady Morton bent Violet 
Spring beat Yorkshire Squire Dora beat Princess 
Lucy beat Elisdale Bedlam Maid beat Ben 
Black Bess beat Ringlet | Dear Woman beat Ruth 
Third Tits. 
Bessy Gregson beat Lady Morton I Spring beat Dora 
Bedlam Maid beat Lucy | Black Bess beat Dear Woman drawn 
Fourth Ties. 
Bessy Gregson beat Spring drawn | Black Bess beat Bedlam Maid 
Deciding Coursk. 
Mr. Oafs b and w b Black Bess beat Mr. Hardy's b b Bessy Gregson 
and won the Stakes. 
COURSING FIXTURES. 
(weather permitting.) 
JANUARY. 
Place. 
Date. 
Judge. 
11 12 13 
17 
17 13 
Hewell 
Mr. A. Bennett 
Mr. Lawrence 
Darlington Club, Yorkshire 
19 20 
Mr. Miller 
Mr. A. Bennett 
Blackpool, Lancashire 
2(J 27 
30, Ac. 
T, S. Hodgson, Esq. 
FEBRUARY. 
Mr. Niglitiugalo 
Mr. A. lieunett 
Sir. McGeorge 
Mr. A. Bennett 
15, Ac. 
Mr. Niglitiugalo 
Mr. MeGcorgc 
Mr. McGeorge 
Mr. A. Dalxell 
Evcrley 
not fixed 
Workington 
not fixed 
MARCH. 
16 17 
Scortou 
not fixed 
Mr. McGeorge 
%\t fttrf. 
BY THE FLYING DUTCH 31 AN. 
Tub present stato of tho weather ill-accorJs with the sports of 
the field, and with racing, perhaps, less so than any other ; hut 
tho nominations for somo of tho great spring ovonts, which will 
ho found in another part of this paper, givo note of preparation 
for the turfite’s campaign of 1854. Upon tho publication of tho 
woights for tho Metropolitan, City nnd Suburban, Chester Cup, 
aud Newmarket handicaps, wo shall furnish a careful analysis of 
them, and oudeavour to show by a comparison of chances what 
appears, from public ruuning, to possess fair grounds for the 
hopes and confidence of our subscribers. It is also with much 
pleasure we can state that our sources of information are greatly 
extended, and ns far ns it is possible to render tho columns of 
“The Field” all that can bo desired both as a guide for the 
future, and roforonco to the past, nothing shall bo left un- 
tried or undone. We hovo always derided tbe powers of tho 
“seers,” nnd nevor, for one moment profoesod tho gift of pro- 
phecy, but reserving tho unquestionable right to express an 
opiuion upon tho likolihood of a result, wo shall continue to let 
tho public know what this is in anticipation ef all tho important 
races for the present year, confident, nt least, that they will b« 
found as generally correct a? any with far more boastful pre- 
toosions. 
