Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-05-13


PROSPECTS FOR THIS SEASON.
Lawn tennis promises to be the successor in
popular favor of the fascinating game of GRO
quet, which obtained such wide and universal
foothold among the recognized recreations of
the outdoor season that it seemed that it's vota-
rles would never grow weary Of it. The rage
for the game, however, seems to have about
spent itself and crOquet is being slowly rele-
gated to the realm of Old-fashioned amuse-
ments. The game, however, it must be said in
justice, has been rather unfairly treated in it's
old age, and has been relinquished not so much
from waning interest or loss of it's fascinating
charm as because it is not new. That is the
fatal defect. Its vOtariesi in numerous instances
still retain a sneaking liking for the game and
when they get away from home in some locality
where
THE DEGREES OF FASHION
are not so omnipotent, they take a malet and
play away with the old-time enthusiasm Gro
quet still fingers on the outskirts of the world,
in remote villages but practically it is dead, as
it is no longer fashionable 1t was discarded
not because Of the rival attractions of some new
form of amusement, and it therefore has been
found difficult to fill the vacant place. CrOquet
possessed the advantage of furnishing outdoor
amusement to both sexes, and at the same time
1t brought the young people together in that
Informal way which is always SO delightful in
society, and to get some game that would take
its place proved more difficult on this account
Archery was tried but that required 80 much
ground and the outfit was 80 expensive that it
has never come into general use, although it is
very attractive source of outdoor recreation.
Lawn tennis probably attains this object the
more nearly, but 1t has gained in popularity
very slowly. During the past two years it has
however. increased very rapidly. and the pros
poets for the present year indicate a very wide
and general introduction of the game.
LAWN TENNIS.
1t is by no means new game and its antece-
dents dates back to the courts and aristocratic
circles of England. 1t has undergone numerous
changes, but the game now in vogue in this
country is notable for the simplicity of its prin-
ciples and rules. 1t can be played either in
doors or out DOORS but the game is the same.
The principal objection in the way of the gen.
eral Introduction of the game Is the space re-
quired aud that Is almost q fatal defect in the
city. This difficulty, however is overcome by
the formation Of clubs and then securing some
piece OF ground which is entirely devoted to
the pastime. There are few lawns in the limits
of city that could spare Is feet oft, surface for
the purpose Of game. The dimensions Of the
smallest lawn tennis court is about IS feet by IS,
and on this account it seems impractcable for
q city game. But in spite Of this fact the game
are at least
TEN CLUBS,
which have good grounds, and where the vOta-
rles Of the game have an opportunity Of pursu-
ing their fav0rite pastime. The game was in
trOduced into this country from England in
1878, and for the first year or two gained but
little notice. It, however, seems to improve
on acquaintance, and it now may be re-
garded as fairly established. In this city the
game was played somewhat year before last, and
last year several clubs were formed. This year
all the old clubs have continued, with increased
membership and interest, and several new ores
have been formed. A prominent dealer in lawn
tennis articles told Q STAR reporter that the de-
mand for sets had increased wonderfully, and
this year there was regular boom. The secret
been limited above, IL the fact that
it makes itself felt as q social in
huence of great power. 1t enjoys one advantage
over all other outdoor pastfmes that have at
tanned much popularity, in that it can be played
by ladies and gentlemen. The game is so SIM
on requires 80 little exertion, that hasty JUDY
ment is very apt to be formed that it is of so
light and trifling character as to be beneath
the dignity OF grown persons. The merit Of the
game lies not so much In the exhibition of brute
force as that Of
QUIcKNEss OF NOTION
and delicscy Of touch. Besides brief experi-
ence viii convince the most sceptical that the
game requires more exertion and is greater
tax on the muscles than appearances would In
dictate. To play game of lawn tennis well and
successfully Is no holiday AFFAIR and the PLAYERS
Ct the end OF the game are quite ready to rest
and mop their heated brows. AS one proof Of
the eanestness q the game, lawn tennis suit