stump with his bat, or some part of his person; returning to the popping-crease as at double wicket, according to the twenty-second law.

When the striker shall hit the ball, one of his feet must be on the ground, and behind the popping-crease; otherwise the umpire shall call " no hit."

When there shall be less than five players on a side, no byes nor overthrows shall be allowed.

The field's-man must return the ball so that it shall cross the play between the wicket and the bowling-stump-or between the wicket and the bounds; the striker may run till the ball shall be so returned.

After the striker shall have run one notch, if he start again, he must touch the bowling. stump, and turn before the ball shall cross the play to entitle him to another.

The striker shall be entitled to three notches for lost ball, and the same number for ball stopped with bat, with reference to the 29th and 34th laws at double wicket.

When there shall be more than four players on a side, there shall be no bounds. All hits, byes, and overthrows, shall then be allowed. The bowler is subject to the same laws as at double wicket.

Not more than one minute shall be allowed between each ball.

Emulation of Nightingales.

In the gardens of the Dilgushá, in Shiráz, in Persia, nightingales are said to abound, which not only sing during the night, but whose plaintive melody is not by day suspended in the East as it is in our colder region; and it is said, that several of those birds have expired while contending with musicians in the loudness or variety of their notes. It has, indeed, been known, according to Pliny, that in vocal trials among nightingales, the vanquished bird terminated its song only with its life.

An intelligent Persian, who repeated his story again and again, and permitted me to write it down from his lips (observes Sir William Ouseley), declared that he had more than once been present when a celebrated lutanist, Mirza Mohammed, surnamed Baltab, was playing to a large company in a grove near Shiraz, where he distinctly saw the nightingales trying to vie with the musician; sometimes warbling on the trees, sometimes

fluttering from branch to branch, as if they melody proceeded; and at length, dropping wished to approach the instrument whence the on the ground in a kind of ecstasy, from which he assured me they were soon raised by a change in the mode. And in one of Strada's Academical Prolusions, we find a most beautiful poem, which tends to confirm the Persian report for it supposes a spirit of emulation so powerful in the nightingale, that having strained her little throat, vainly endeavouring to excel the musician, she breathes out her life in one last effort, and drops upon the instrument which had contributed to her defeat.

THE BELT WHICH ONCE THE CHAMPION BRAC'D.

AIR-" The Harp that once in Tara's Halls."

The BELT which once the CHAMPION brac'd,
When boxing honor reigned,

In modern times has been disgraced,
And all its glory stain'd;

For he, whose pugilistic fame

Each Fancy Bard should sing,
Now hides his head in conscious shame,
And banish'd from the Ring.

TOM CRIBB, thy manly form no more,

In fight we shall behold;
But matchless were thy deeds of yore,
As generous as bold:

Base acts your gallant spirit spurned,
And manfully you dealt,
And honestly, though hardly, earn'd
The English CHAMPION's Belt.

Thy praise shall long resound afar,
The Champion long wert thou,
And honor was thy leading star,
And triumph deck'd thy brow:
But glory now is on the wane,
The Fancy in despair-
When shall we see thy like again,
The Champion's Belt to wear!
Haddon, Castle Street, Finsbury.

PACTOLUS, according to the Ancients, was a most fascinating, attractive, and desirable river there cannot be the slightest doubt;

*Pactolus a celebrated river of Lydia, rising in Mount Tmolus, and falling into the Hermus, after watering the city of Sardes. It was in this river that MIDAS washed himself when he turned into gold whatever he touched; and from that circumstance it ever after rolled golden sand, and received the name of Chrysorrhoas. It is called Tmolus by Pliny. Strabo observes, that it had no golden sand in his age. Virg. Strab., &c.

23.

and, perhaps the Emperor of Punsters, Tommy Hood, might have observed, if the subject in question had "suited his Book!" that its Bank was not only rich indeed, but that nothing in the shape of a human being could have altered its running account; therefore, a few drops bottled off from its "golden stream" would have proved quantum suff. for our purpose; neither have we any desire to detract from the terrific grandeur of the powerful and rolling Ganges; nor have we anything to offer in the shape of opposition to

2 A

the delightful and picturesque situation of the EUPHRATES; No! we like every thing in its place! and in accordance with such ideas we most cordially join in the praises bestowed on the NILE, given by that enterprising and indefatigable traveller, the late Mr. Bruce, on his discovering the source of the above immense and sublime waterfall! Respecting the LEA, we must leave the pleasure of bestowing praises on that placid stream to the mild and patient angler :

Where he will sit upon the rocks,

And see the Shepherd feed their flocks,
By shallow rivers, to whose falls,
Melodious birds sing madrigals.

Then for the LIFFEY, the Irishman's pride, and the Gourmand's boast, when chuckling to himself the delicious salmon contained within its stream, reminds him of the song which cries from the table

"Come, come, and eat me !"

We have strolled along the banks of the Liffey, and have not been insensible to the delightful scenery which surrounds it, and the interesting prospects which also abound in the Emerald Isle:

Ere Liffey's waters meet the tide,

They roll by many lovely bowers;
There's one more fair than all beside,

For Kathlene's hands entwine the flowers.
You've seen the primrose in the glade,
Robed with purest dews of morning!
Others, in modesty array'd,

She blooms, her native fields adorning !

But for OLD FATHER THAMES, the delightful scene of our boyhood-the interesting pleasures of our youth-and the numerous gay and happy parties which we have mixed with in the meridian of our life, calling to our remembrance the many pleasant hours that we have passed upon its 'silvery stream;' we have only to regret that we do not possess the talents of a BYRON, to sound its praises; that we are also deficient in ability to describe its surrounding scenery with the effect of a SIR WALTER SCOTT; and likewise that we are incapable to do justice to its forest of masts below Bridge-those terrors to the whole world-the wooden walls of Old England, with the accuracy and spirit of a COOPER -if such capabilities were in our power, the Thames, Old Father Thames, should be our theme to the very echo; leaving those persons who might be enamoured with the Tiber, or attracted by the waves of the Hellespont, to eulogise these rivers until they are tired of them. But for a Row, or a Sail to Richmond, however travellers may boast of the beauties connected with Italian scenery, and painters that have been in search of picturesque views in Foreign parts, extolling them to the skies; let us enjoy our opinion that the rural walks contiguous, and the aquatic view from Richmond Hill, may be equalled, but it can never be surpassed; and

than

also that a trip down the river is equally magnificent and commanding in another important point of view-thus rendering OLD FATHER THAMES the pride and envy, at all events, of the inhabitants of the Metropolis.

True it is, that there is a TIME for every thing in this gay aud busy metropolis; and few men are without their hobbies, where such a variety of attractions claim their attention, to fill up a leisure hour or two in a pleasant and agreeable manner, with this difference only, that some of those persons who are attached to any particular sort of amusement, ride them much harder and faster than their neighbours. However, be that as it may, the SPORTS ON THE RIVER THAMES are kept up during the season, nearly with equal spirit to those of the FIELD; and if the Cocknies cannot shoot flying; leap over a five-barred gate; join in a steeple-chase; or give the view-halloo! in the same spirit and style of excellence, and want that sort of character and finish to the thing, like those persons reared in the country-they nevertheless flatter themselves they are not much from HOME on Old Father Thames; and who also view the river as a sort of element of their own, in consequence of their quick and easy access to it from busiThere may be some weight attached to this position-they rather pride themselves in being competent to take a lead in a cutter,— from their frequent practice; or to handle a scull; to feather an oar; take the situation as strokesman in an eight-oared boat; do their duty in the mid-ships; and, at times, show themselves off to advantage by acting like a waterman at the bow. It is the ambition of most men to excel in that sort of amusement or sporting towards which their penchant appears so conspicuous. But, more anon., when RowING MATCHES are the subject of discussion.

ness.

Within the last few years SAILING MATCHES have increased in a great degree on the Thames; and numerous Yacht Clubs have been formed in various parts of England; several prizes of various descriptions have also been sailed for, exhibiting great spirit and ability, and amongst their Commanders, Captains, Ship's Company; or any other phrase the reader may think proper to adopt ; we have been informed from some of the best judges on the subject, that some excellent sailors are to be found on board the Sailingboats, who can hand, reef, and steer, in good seaman's style, and who would do credit to vessels of a much larger size, and prove themselves not unworthy to be trusted

Sir Godfrey Webster, Bart. had a superb yacht of his own; and also Lord Harborough; who conducted themselves, and their crew, when on board, strictly, in every point of view, like nautical men: indeed, our limits will not permit us to name the numerous persons of rank and fashion, who are so devoted to sailing, that they have splendid yachts of their

own.

The Duke of Buckingham's yacht, it is said, carries twelve brass guns, eighteen and twelve-pounders, and a full complement of seamen and marines, with a chaplain, doctor, &c. The building and fittings up of the yacht cost upwards of £16,000. The ropemaker's bill was £700.

The Sailing Matches are supported with great spirit by the Royal Thames Yacht, Clarence Yacht, and Loyal Yacht Clubs, in the Metropolis; and if they do not produce attraction equal to the Derby, Oaks, Ascot Gold Cup, or the Doncaster Races, in abetting point of view-the company is numerous in the extreme; upon any of the above occasions the Thames, in general, is covered with boats -and both sides of the river are thronged with company of the most genteel description. Indeed, it will not be denied that a Sailing Match on the river Thames has not only a fine effect-but the scene is altogether of the most lively description, and lots of fun and humour are often the result.*

*THE SAILING MATCH.

AIR-"Here's to the Maiden."

They may talk of their Ganges, their Euphrates so fair,

Also of the Nile and the Lea, sirs,
But can all, e'en the Pactolus or Liffey compare

To Father Thames, called the Londoners' sea sirs! SPOKEN.] Now, are you all ready there in the boat? where's Mrs. B. ? oh, here you are, do you sit in the middle; Tommy and Dickey, do you sit on one side of your mamma, Wilhelmina and Augustus on the other, like two pockets, and take that basket of sandwiches in your lap; also tea-kettle, but mind the smut-there, now trim the boat. Ah, I like to come out with Aquatic, he's been a sailor.-No, he has'nt. -Yes, he has.-Well, if I was'nt, my father was; and moreover than that, he was drowned in Chelseareach; so I think I ought to know something of the navigation of the river.-I say, young man, what are the names of the vessels that start?-Why, Ma'am, the Wenus, the Wirgin, the Wictoria, Will o' theVisp, and three others, whose names I can't properly pronounce; but they're all ready, and will start when the pistol fires. - Bless me, do they use pistols in sailing matches?-Yes, ma'am, that's the prize; which ever vessel brings back the bullet in the shortest time gains the day.-Ah! how do you do, Mr. Chesterfield ?-I say, that's Mr. Chesterfield, son to the gentleman that wrote a book about politeness, warning how to blow noses, and leave go of buttonholes. Is it indeed? I'll speak to him; how does your venerable father do, sir ?-How? why, the old buffer is as stiff as pitch-Ah, neighbour Henpeck, how is it you are out to-day, this is the first day ever saw you take pleasure, how is this ?-How? Mrs. H. is buried to-day.-Hollo! there goes the Don Giovanni, how she cuts along-there they go-now mind, Mrs. B.-all right, look out now-down with your oars, gentlemen, and all keep time by your

But it appears that the inhabitants of London have long been familiar to the amusement of sailing matches on the Thames: upon looking over the "Town and County Magazine," for June, 1776, exactly fifty-six years since, we find the following account of a match, conducted with the same sort of spirit as at

watches - Mrs. B. put the rudder a little to the other side.-Off we go.

As the wind blows, so the boat rows,

And still with more vigour each waterman glows.
The boats are skimming, their white pouting sails,
Like swains cleaving through the blue sky, sirs,
Petitions are sent up for favoring gales,

As onward the vessels quick fly, sirs.

SPOKEN.] There they go! Oh, how beautiful! how majestic. B. my dear, which do you think will win?-Why, she that gets in first.-How far have they to go, Aquatic? Why, right up the river through Battersea arches, and back again against wind and tide, until they anchor safe at Cumberland-gardens. Now, that's why I like to come out with Aquatic, he knows every thing. Sir, why is that place called the Red House? Why, because it's brown. I should not think anything could go quicker than that ere wessel, my love! Don't under-rate the velocity of your own tongue, my dear.-Oh dear! see if that little boy has'nt fallen through by the bridge, and there he's hanging.-Oh dear! oh! oh!-1 say, my young one, did you see the vessels start?-Yes.-Well, wait there, and you'll se'em come back again.-Now they go; look at them; they're in, they're in, the Wictoria! the Wictoria! Now, he's going, to have his cup.-What cup, Mr. Aquatic?-Why, don't you know all this sailing is for a little cup, which is filled with a gallon of brandy punch, and given to the conqueror, who is expected to drink it all.-What all?-Every drop, and eat the lemon of it. Bless me, what an undertaking!-Ah! but that isn't half, he must keep sober afterwards. As the wind blows, &c.

Contention has ceased, and, resigned up to glee,
Each party floats down with the tide, sir;
They take out their dinners and prepare for the tea,
With ham sandwiches, and sour meat beside, sir.

SPOKEN.] Well now, we'll lay upon our oars a little while, and take a rest.-Sir, I don't know what you mean by them ere nawtical expressions, but when you come out with ladies, you might be a little more discriminate.-Oh, there's no harm to lay upon our oars, it means to give up to the direction of Neptune and Heolus. --Really, I don't think we ought to give it up to anybody except the people we hired it of, and their names is Sullivan.- Mr. Dulcet, might we beg the favour of your services of the flute ?-I am, sure, ma'am, I shall be very happy, but you see as we begin to row again, I can't pull and blow too,--Here, stop, first fill me this tea-kettle with water.-I'll do that; oh, bless me, it has fallen to the bottom.-I did not tell you to do that--No, but you told me to fill it with water, and I dare say it is. Well, sir, I don't wan't to say any thing, only, don't talk to me any more on the voyage; now, where's the sugar? oh, I have it in my coat pocket. Have you? then your coat-pocket has been in the water this half-hour.-Sir, you are very obnoxious, very obnoxious indeed; Í don't like it, and mind you don't speak to me any more during the voyage.-Well, I won't.-Don't.-I won't. -Don't, I say.-Now, Mr. Dulcet, will you blow ?--With all my wind, ma'am. (Plays the flute.)--Beautiful! well now, this is pleasant; though I wish we had some tea. Don't you, Aquatic? why, where's Aquatic ?--Mr. A. where can he be gone to? friend A. where are you?-My love A. where can he have get to? Well, if I must speak, Mr. A. fell overboard some time time since; but as he desired me to take no notice of it during the voyage, I held my tongue. As the wind blows, &c.

the present day, and under the immediate patronage of Royalty :-" On the 17th of June the sailing boats started from Blackfriars' Bridge, for the Cup given by his Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland, value £20., when, after going through an arch of Fulham bridge, they returned, and the King's Fisher (the property of Messrs. Taylor, Prince, and White) being the first through the centre arch of Blackfriars' Bridge was adjudged the winner, upon which his Royal Highness took the Cup (filled with claret) and wished him joy. Ten boats were entered, and the first five came all within a minute alike. The Sea-horse was the second. Commodore Smith, the proprietor of the several boats, and the other members of the Cumberland Sailing Club, afterwards dined at Smith's Tea Gardens, where the Duke's health was drank out of the Prize Cup by all present."

The late Mr. Astley, of the Royal Amphitheatre, but Young Astley, as he was generally termed, was not only very much attached to sailing, but, we believe he won one or two prize Silver Cups and Covers, given by the proprietors of Vauxhall Gardens, with his boat called the Mercury.

The DON GIOVANNI at one period, we well remember, proved a great Don on the river, and won two Silver Cups; but we regret to state that some envious persons, or rather, ill-disposed folks, thinking that Mr. Devey, the spirited proprietor of the Don, might have a Cup too much,' without any thing like 'sailing orders,' in an unguarded moment captured (as they were foul pirates) the above prizes: a fair start was out of the question indeed, they did not give him half a chance to recover these pleasing remembrances to him of his acknowledged capabilities of a naval tactician; and also the rewards for his exertions during the time he was Captain of the above crack sailing boat.

In order to show the Readers of the Book OF SPORTS, not only the extensive patronage given by persons of the first consequence and character to Sailing Matches and Regattas, all over the Kingdom; but we have introduced the following sketches for their information, and we also hope that we may add, amusement.

KING GEORGE IV.'S CORONATION FLEET.

The day appointed for the Sailing Match (Wednesday, July 21, 1829) between the under-mentioned gentlemen's pleasure vessels, for a magnificent Silver Cup and Cover, given by the Coronation Fleet, in commemoration of his Majesty's Coronation and birth-day, the river, for some time previous to the starting of the vessels, was crowded with boats of every denomination, the majority of which contained spectators of the greatest opulence and respectability; and never do we recollect to have seen, since the grand public breakfast given off Whitehall, by the Duke of Clarence, so numerous an

In

There was no restriction as to the owners steering their vessels, and, consequently, some of the most experienced men at the helm were appointed to that important station. In consequence of the indispostion of E. Nettleford, Esq., the Commodore, who caught a severe cold a few days since, while engaged on the river during several heavy showers, in the service of the Fleet, H. C. Templeton, Esq., Honorary Secretary, officiated as Deputy; and, at the hour appointed, the latter gentleman was pulled up to Waterloo Bridge, accompanied by three of the Directors in a fouroared boat, by the Engineer, and three of the Palladium Fire-office men, Mr. Roberts, of Lambeth, taking the lines. About five o'clock the six first vessels on the list took their respective stations at the bridge, to sail from thence to a boat moored off the Powderhouse, Putney Meadows, and back through the centre arch of Vauxhall Bridge. about a quarter of an hour the Deputy-Commodore gave the signal for starting, when the Rowena, with the celebrated Samuel Johnson at her helm, was instantly in trim, and led the way. The other five were almost equally expert in getting under weigh, and the whole proceeded up the river with rather a stiff breeze from W.S.W., the whole flotilla of boats preceding them in grand array. passing through Vauxhall the Rowena was a board and a half a-head of the Donna del Lago, which was second boat. The Clarence went through the bridge third, followed by the little Daphne, Ariel, and Leander. At this period it was fully expected that the Donna, who bore the sails of the Don Giovanni, would ultimately take the lead, and that Nelson's boat would overreach some of the headmost vessels. From the running qualities of the Clarence, much was expected from her coming down; and, indeed, great alterations were expected to have taken place in the positions of the boats. Notwithstanding the tacking and manoeuvring, which, with one or two exceptions, were excellent, no change took place of consequence the whole way up, much to the regret of many; and the Rowena rounded the boat in the Meadows, three and a-half minutes before the Lady, who was followed by the Clarence, the others going round at a respectful distance, but shortly after each

On