Page:Lacrosse- The National Game of Canada (New Edition).djvu/52

Rh but for what the object of all such sports should be—that is, the healthy, active exercise of every part of the body, unintermittent amusement, infinite variety, and science enough to stimulate young players to keep at it till they learn, and old ones not to give it up—what other game compares to Lacrosse?

It has the merit, too, of being a cheap game, in which all can participate without much outlay. It is not exclusive; every player has his innings, so to speak, at the same time, and no one monopolizes the best part because he happens to be an extra good player. Good players cannot be kept down, nor sent off fagging for others; they rise to the surface as surely as cork on water. There are none of the debasing accompaniments, the bar-room associations of other games; there is no beastly snobbishness about it. There is nothing missed by being late at practice; the game is always alive, and there is always an opening for late comers. A game can be played in a short time, and as much exercise got in half an hour as will do for a day. With a crosse and a ball any one can practice alone; any boy can amuse himself all day.