Cross-country running and hare and hound chases are much more common in England than in America.  Our runners as a rule excel in the sprints and short dashes, although in the recent Olympic sports we have shown that our trained athletes are the equal of the world in nearly all branches of sport.

In many of the English schools it is a regular part of the school work for the teacher to organize hare and hound chases.  The hares are given a start of several minutes and leave a trail by means of bits of paper or confetti, which they carry in a bag.  In this kind of running the object to be sought is not so much speed as endurance.  An easy dog trot with deep regular breathing will soon give us our second wind, when we can keep on for a long distance.

After any kind of physical exertion, especially when we are in a perspiration, care must be exercised not to become chilled suddenly.  A rub down with a rough towel will help to prevent soreness and stiff muscles.  The lameness that follows any kind of unusual exercise is an indication that certain muscles have been brought into use that are out of condition.  A trained athlete does not experience this soreness unless he has unduly exerted himself, and the easiest way to get over it is to do more of the same kind of work until we are in condition.

II

THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

Headquarters—­Purpose—­Scout law—­How to form a patrol of scouts—­Organization of a troop—­Practical activities for scouts—­A scout camp—­Model programme of a Sir R.S.S.  Baden-Powell scout camp

The Boy Scout movement that has recently been introduced both in England and America with such wonderful success is so closely related to nearly all branches of outdoor recreation and to the things that boys are interested in that this book would be incomplete without mention of the object and purposes of this organization.  It is a splendid movement for the making of better citizens, and it cannot be too highly recommended.

The Boy Scouts of America is a permanent organization, and it has its headquarters at 200 Fifth Avenue, New York City.  From the central office, patrols and troops are being formed all over the United States.  Any information with reference to the movement may be obtained by applying to this office.

Through the courtesy of the managing secretary, Mr. John L. Alexander, certain facts are presented concerning the organization, which are obtained from their published literature, for which due credit is hereby given.

The Boy Scouts is an organization the purpose of which is character-building for boys between the ages of twelve and eighteen.  It is an effort to get boys to appreciate the things about them and to train them in self-reliance, manhood, and good citizenship.  It is “peace-scouting” these boys engage in, living as much as possible out of doors; camping, hiking and learning the secrets of the woods and fields.  The movement is not essentially military, but the military virtues of discipline, obedience, neatness and order are scout virtues.  Endurance, self-reliance, self-control and an effort to help some one else are scout objectives.  Every activity that lends itself to these aims is good scoutcraft.