Page:Mexico of the Mexicans.djvu/129

Rh ball is caught in a narrow groove of this implement, from which it can be hurled with great force against the wall. The side that wins the toss has the privilege of first service, the object being to strike the wall within prescribed limits and see how far the ball will bounce backwards. The score is announced by a score-keeper called the cantara, who chants the tally in a quaint and amusing manner.

Most of the popular European games have found a footing in Mexico of late years, and this is probably due in large measure to the Anglicisation or Americanisation of the country. Association football, even, has been taken up in Mexico city and, golf has won a wide popularity. A tournament is held annually at Mexico city, to which there journey practically all the players in the Republic, as well as many from the United States. Local players are pitted against those professionals regarding whom they have heard and read so much, and interest and enthusiasm run high. Bowling is also patronised by British and American people in Mexico.

The Jockey Club encourages racing at its track at Peraluillo, but its efforts have by no means met with success. It is strange in a country like Mexico, where horsemanship is of such vital importance, that this sport has encountered such lukewarm appreciation. A new track was in course of erection at the beginning of the Revolution; but under the present rather melancholy conditions, and the necessity for prudence and privacy on the part of English-speaking people, it is probably as yet unfinished and unopened.

Opinions differ regarding sport in Mexico, some regarding that country as a veritable sportsman's paradise, while others bewail a lack of game and excitement. This Sport and disparity of conviction arises in a great degree from the unequal sporting resources of the Republic, some vicinities displaying wonderful fields for the activity of the hunter, whilst others again are almost barren of possibilities for him.