Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1865-07-28
Croauet.

Croquet.
Early in the summer Of last year, we motto
ed, on the lawn of one OF our finest residences
a mysterious array of hoops driven into the
ground at regular intervals. Our first thought
was of an incipient bird-trap, but we were soon
relieved from our apprehensions by seeing the
game of croouet in full operation. And most
picturesque and beautiful game it seemed to
us,-one which gives room for every grace of
motion. and every charm of dress, in which old
and Young can Join with almost equal pleasure,
and which combines, as few games do, the two
requisites of healthfulness and enjoyment. In.
explicabe as we're then to us, the movements
of the balls, and the terms in use by the players,
the coup de'il was sufficient to make us pro-
nounce croquet, as at least the prettiest game
possible. Since we have been initiated into the
art Of playing it, our admiration has changed
into positive interest, and we are ready 10 call
it not only the prettiest but the best game ever
introduced into American use. The English
have long been enthusiastically fond of it. One
OF its advocates there asserts that Eat no dis
tant period it will become, not only the nation
al sport of England, but the pastime of the
age"
But croquet, although il is making rapid
progress in the affections of the community, is
doubtless yet practically unknown to many
whom this article may reach. We will there
fore give to such description of the materials
needed for the game referring them for its rules
to the numerous text books which have lately
been issued,
The requirements Of croquet are as follows
A smooth, open space of ground, say three
rods long by two wide ten hoops, technically
termed bridges) about seven inches wide, and
nd htUh chi holo c,a,0 al
to four inches in diameter the same number
of mallets of rather smaller diameter with ham
dies about three feet long; and two stakes
sharpened at one end. The balls should be
painted with different colors. one black, one
white, and for the rest, half of the number in
light and half in dark colors. The upper end
of each post is TO be painted in rings to match
the colors of the balls-the black being first
and the while next to it. Croquet sets can now
be procured at almost any store where other
games are kept; but as they are somewhat ex.
pensive, many will prefer to get them manu-
featured for themselves. Any turning shop
can supply set of balls and malets at very
slight cost; they can be painted at home and
good stout barrel hoops cut in two, will answer
very well for the bridges. The materials be-
ing thus simple and easily procured, there can
be no excuse for not enjoying this delightful
recreation. The croquet sets at the shops are
OF course handsomer and will be sought for by
those who do not care for the expense.
A great point in favor of croquet is that il is
one of the few games, in which both men and
women are interested, which can be played out
of doors. If there is anything which Ameri-
cans, end, Especially American women, need, it
is fresh air. They take it carefully, like chlo-
reform, lest too large dose should be inuri-
GUS. They exclude it cautiously from their
sleeping rooms and public halls they treat it,
IT not as an enemy, at least as very eccentric
and dangerous friend. And what is the resultp
Paleness, sleeplessness, dyspepsia and all its
family of horrors, the certainty of catching
cold on the least exposure, and half the other
evils that make US take up the lamentation of
Widow Bedott: "We're all poor creeters."
Premature old age is one of the effects of this
system of sufocation. Compare American wo-
men of fifty with English matrons of the same
age, and what difference! The one, in gen.
eral, feeble, wrinkled, sallow, long since with
drawn, except on special occasions, from the
social life of which she should be the presiding
spirit the other still fair and full of life, and
hearty because in healthy enjoyment of all that
is passing around her. And one of the most
prominent characteristics Of Englshwomen is
their fondness for out-of-door exercise and
sports. One of the pleasantest pictures of
English home life is that OF the family, gather
ed on the lawn in the long simmer twilight,
watching or sharing in their various games, or
chatting with an unrestrained cheerfulness
which could be had in no solemn drawing-room.
We are glad of anything which takes us out of
our houses to the open air. in this beautiful
season, and for this reason we welcome GRO
quet. 1t requires as much skill and science as
cricket, while so little strength is needed for it,
that the most delicate can participate in it with
out injury. We commend it as an efficient
means Of health and happiness. and promise to
those that try it, that they shall find their cro-
quet ground one Of their most valuable pos
sessons.-Spr. Republican.