(Cavwn Gennis.

4 AWN TENNIS, while comparatively a new game in the United
States, isa very old one in England. For more than five hun-
dred years some variety has been played in England. Even
Chaucer referred to it, in 1380, as a “popular game.” Before
that time lawn tennis was a favorite game in France, Spain, and
Italy. It was not until about 15 years ago that the game at-
tained any prominence in America. About that time the ath-
letic circles of Boston introduced the game. Requiring as it does a high
degree of intelligence and skill, offering a most excellent opportunity for phy-
sical exercise and cultivation of judgment, it has rapidly won its way into
popular favor. Undoubtedly one of the reasons which has led to the popular-
ity of lawn tennis lies in the fact that the game can be played by both sexes
and by old and young. Were one to enter the parks of any of our large cities
he would be satisfied that the game is popular. Acres of lawn marked with the
rectangular court of lawn tennis are given up to that sport and abound
with graceful players of both sexes. They present a most enchanting ap-
pearance.

A lawn tennis court should be 78 feet in length and should extend from
north to south, as this arrangement least interferes with the sun. The court
should be 36 feet wide; the ends are termed base lines. The net, which should be
3% feet high at the ends and three feet in the middle, extends across through
the centre of the ground. Two lines, termed the service lines, are placed
21 feet from the net on each side, parallel to it, and are 27 feet in length,
A line is also drawn through the middle of the court and length-ways, and is
termed the half court line. The game is usually played by two or four players,
though what is known as the three-handed game has a great many followers.
There are quite a number of rules governing the game; however, the principal
points can be mastered ina single afternoon. It is not necessary to give the
rules here. The ball should weigh not over 2 ounces—not less than 2 15-16.
It must not be over 2% inches in diameter, nor less than 2 15-32. These di-
mensions have been established by the Lawn Tennis Associationas best adapted
to the wants of the game. While a suitable costume adds much to the ap-
pearance of the players, and affords freer movement than regular dress, yet it
is not absolutely necessary. The bat or racquet should not be over 14 inches.
in length, and should be grasped at the end. The players must stand on
opposite sides of the net.