Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1866 edition. Excerpt: ...I have often rolled with delight, as well as from other sensations, in the old green Meads; one had one's trials and difficulties, yet, on the whole, I doubt if I have ever been much happier. About two acres in the centre of Meads was slightly raised above the rest on a chalk foundation, and covered with turf, which was most carefully kept, and constantly rolled, and in winter fenced all round. This, which was called par excellence "Turf," was kept sacred for the use of the Praefects and the first eleven, (called Senior Match;) except two corners, which were allotted to Middle and Junior Match, --the former consisting of the second eleven and Senior part, and the latter of the third eleven.. But I must now proceed to Football, a game I like (or rather, used to like) far more than cricket. The reason is simple; I was a tolerably good hand at the former, and rather a muff at the latter. Of all the games of football that I have seen, I think none can compare in interest to the Winchester "Six and Six." I hate the crowded games of twenty or thirty a-side, where for one kick at the ball you receive a dozen on your shins. In " Six and Six" your powers of pluck, endurance, strength, and speed are constantly called into play; it is not all weight and hustling, but speed and scientific kicking, that win the day. Kicking the ball up into the air was considered very bad play, except when the ball had been previously caught before it had touched the ground, when it was allowed, i.e., if the kicker could get the chance, before one of the other side was down upon him. Our costume consisted of a jersey, flannel trousers, "Beeswaxers," (lace-up boots, ) or "Highlows," (low shoes, ) with two or three pairs of...
