Tobogganing on Crooked Runs. By the Hon. Harry Gibson. (Longmans
and Co.)—Mr. Gibson in his interesting book is the first to set forth the charms of tobogganing. The humble amuse- ment which we engage in on rare occasions in England is abso- lutely different from the skilful and scientific sport so keenly pursued at Davos and St. Moritz. In England we sit our " tea- trays," as they have been contemptuously called, and slide down a modest incline on a nearly straight course. On the Swiss runs tobogganers lie flat on their faces and steer with " rakes " fixed on their boots. The head-foremost position, which is much safer and faster, is used in every race but one, "The International Cup Race, Davos," where the sitting position is compulsory. Modern tobogganing is only twelve or thirteen years old ; yet in this short time many improvements in machines have been made. The toboggan now most used is the skeleton-framed America.' The author himself is a winner of the " Grand National Toboggan Race, St. Moritz," and throughout the book there are innumerable hints for would-be riders ; and there are four chapters devoted to hints for beginners. There is also a chapter on " Tobog- ganing for Ladies." The reader cannot fail to be fascinated by the descriptions of the " runs,"—the " Klosters road," the " Cresta" at St. Moritz, the " Buol " at Davos, and many others, easy and difficult. All the racing is by timing, and this alone, as may be imagined, is very difficult where the starting-post cannot be seen from the finish. The length of the " Cresta " run, the most famous of all, is 1,400 yards, and in 1894 the time was 1 min. 1n sec., giving an average of 39 miles per hour. This run has leaps and corners, and altogether is a most sporting course. Could this sport be indulged in in England, it is quite certain that many people would be fascinated by its delights. It is also pursued in America and Russia with great success. Tobogganing has a great future, and we wish it every prosperity. Mr. Gibson will do much to ensure this by his admirable work.
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