Page:Lacrosse- The National Game of Canada (New Edition).djvu/213

190 men, ambitious of being on “The First Twelve,” have to “win their spurs” by indefatigable practice, and no kind of humbug. It embraces the leading and paramount part of the game, and the very pith of good play.

Signals.—A member of a Club in Toronto suggested, in 1867, the use of certain signals, or a Club cry, among a twelve playing another, which seems feasible. For instance, there are moments when a man carrying the ball must either throw or run the risk of losing it, while, at the same time, he cannot venture to look for the nearest fielder of his side. Supposing one of his side is behind him, or in any position favorable for receiving the ball, the former calls out some such signal as “A” or “One,”—the twelve being lettered alphabetically, or numbered in rotation; or he shouts the Club cry. At once the man in possession of the ball throws where the sound came from. It should be a point of honor with the sides not to make use of each other’s signals. The Toronto, and the Union Club of Guelph, and some others, have, we understand, a Club shout, which they use for the above purpose.