Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1872-06-28
A Comic View Of CroQuet.
From the Rochester IN. W Democrat
Chronicle,

5A A Comic View Of CroQuet.
From the Rochester IN. " Democrat and
Chronicle.
We have seen recently various
directions published in regard to
playing croquct skillfully, and as
the game is becoming very popular,
we have devoted some attention to
the subject, and our conclusions
can be implicitly relied on. No
sight can be more delightful than a
neatly clipped, prettily shaded lawn,
on a summers evening, occupied by
a gay party of young men and maid
ems engaged in this fascinating
amusement. The picture of bright
costumes and fair faces framed be-
tween the green sward and the
green foliage, haunts the memory
ofapasser-by. The happy laughter
and low replies lingcr in his ears
as he goes on.
Very many persons are particular
in regard to the kind Of mallets
used, some preferring boxwood and
others hard maple. 1t is unbesen-
ing in man to have any narrow
prejudices on the subject. No mat
ter whether he is equipped with
trip-hammer or clothes-pounder, his
time will pass away as dream in
the morning-provided he only has
a nice party to play with.
1t is common to have preferences
in regard to the method of placing
the hoops and the length of wire to
be devoted to each. Such consid-
eralions are OF trifling Importance.
No matter how they are set up or
whether they are made Of rusty iron
or whalebone, if you have the right
kind Of company to play with.
1t is also immaterial what kind of
croquet balls are used, provided
they could be induced to roll a lit
tie. However, 1T is well to pay
enough attention to them not to lose
them as twilight comes on.
A young lady should croquet any
ball she can get a chance at-every
time-if she has pretty foot and
ankle.
If you wear number mines and
have your pedal cathedrals adorned
with buttrcsses in the shape of buu-
ions, beware of croqucting. We
have seen much damage done by
carelessness in this way.
II a handsome young lady makes
bad shot, she should insist upon
trying it over.
fla gentleman on the opposite
side makes neat stroke, make him
try it over-if you are a pretty girl.
The strict adherence to these two
rules is apy to add unwonted zest
and excitement to the game.
.lfa pretty girl has been sent up
country by some barbarous oppo-
nent, it denotes very high style of
play to follow her Immediately.
You can use the same bail as ma
ny times as you like before running
a hoop, if you are good-looking and
impudent. Otherwise you should
not try to bang anybody about, as
you are good for nothing but stand
ing the hard knocks yourself.
Many experts lay down regula-
tions for the proper course of play
after one becomes rover; but 4
really skillful artist will seldom
trouble himself to arrive at that dis
tinction. lie will devote himself
exclusively to the finer points of the
game.
"A player must have no exclusive
regard for partners. Get near any
body who is agreeable and assist
any one whose smiles are worth
winning.
Lovers should play croquet alone,
and not in large parties, as they go
to such extreme lengths to sacrifice
themselves for each others benefit.
A great diversity of opinion ex-
lists as to the amount OF light requir-
ed for croquet. We think the best
rule is the test of Putnam at Bunker
Hill-seeing the whites of your enc
mics eyes. A shade or two of
darkness might not be amiss.
The game Of croquct is very
healthful, being played in the open
air. The fact that there is so much
swaying of heavy mallets necessary
gives it title to be classed among
the athletic as well rs the graceful
exercises. 1t may, therefore, re-
commended for muscular develop
ment. The lower limbs are bene-
fitted as we'll as the arms, from the
fact that SO much walking about the
lawn is called for in the course of
the play. Keenness of vision and
certainty of touch are also cultiva-
ted in this delightful sport. Inven-
tion is sharpened in the suggestion
of new combinations, and prudence
is needed in calculating for them,
and practice is needed in carrying
them out. We have seen one couple
enjoy each others conversation all
through game by good manage
ment. It's chief and shining char
acteristic, however, is it's peculiar
excellence in a social point of view.
1t was made veil for Irritation. It's
mazes are favorite ambuscades for
Cupid. 1t affords opportunities for
the bold, excuses for the cautious,
cover for the baseful. 1t is the
great and original matrimonial pro-
moter. It's relaxation for the wise,
and better than talk for the silly
Parents should encourage it. No
well-regulated family should bo
without facilities for it. Fathers of
marriageablo daughters should not
neglect this remedy. All love-sick
swains should fly to it tor relief
1t is warranted a certain cure in
twenty doses.
Kissing Day I'm Russia.
A correspondent writing from st.