The different pedestrian matches which are recorded, may serve to illustrate general principles, as they exhibit the power of the human frame; and hence conclusions of extensive utility may be deduced. But to Sporting Gentlemen this work is particularly interesting, as they will find, concisely related, the performances of the most celebrated pedestrians of the present age. And from what has been already done, they may form some opinion of what it is possible for others to accomplish; and thus regulate their bets according to the different circumstances of the cases under their review.
The author acknowledges his obligations to several gentlemen of the highest respectability, for their encouragement and patronage. To Capt. Barclay, in particular, he is much indebted, for having not only furnished the chapter on training, but also for having taken the trouble to revise the greater part of the work.
WALTER THOM.
Aberdeen, 1st Jan. 1813.
CONTENTS.
| Preface, | Page [3] |
| CHAPTER I. | |
| On the Gymnastic Exercises of the Ancients, | [9] |
| CHAP. II. | |
| Modern Pedestrianism, | [33] |
| CHAP. III. | |
| The same subject continued, | [69] |
| CHAP. IV. | |
| Capt. Barclay’s Public and Private Matches, | [101] |
| CHAP. V. | |
| Sketches of Capt. Barclay’s Favourite Pursuits, and General Mode of Living, | [205] |
| CHAP. VI. | |
| On Training, | [221] |
| CHAP. VII. | |
| On the Physical Powers of Man, | [249] |
| APPENDIX. | |
| Genealogy of the Family of Barclay of Mathers and Ury, in the County of Kincardine, | [257] |
ERRATA.
[Page 113]. line 20. instead of 12 read 2 seconds. And correct the same error, [p. 158].