Page:Lacrosse- The National Game of Canada (New Edition).djvu/117

 The present manner of opening the game of Lacrosse is supposed to have originated soon after the introduction of the present shaped stick, and has no resemblance to the beginning of any other game. There was no chance for skill in the old methods of facing—in the ball laid on the ground or thrown up in the air, and the general rush and scramble. That there is considerable knack and art in taking the ball at present, is proved by the proficiency attained by Centres who practise particularly for this part of early play. A few years ago the Indians oftener had it their own way than now; and when they succeed at all at the present time with our best white facers, it is more by an anticipatory ruse than any superior skill. They cannot wait for the sound "play."