and, not unfrequently, subsequent to other movements.
As a clear explanation of their nature, and the differ-
ent modes of using them, are a sufficient means of in-
formation to enable any practiser of wrestling to
judge what are the surest methods of guarding
against them, it is unnecessary to detain our readers
anv longer on this particular subject.

When one party gets a leg behind an opponent's, it
is called haming, or catching his heel, according to the
m;inncr in which it is done. If the legs are inter-
twined with each other, or if the heel of the assailant
is above the small of the defendant's lop;, it is usually
termed haming : for no other reason that we can di-
vine, except from the strength required in the ham,
either for accelerating, or defending the attack.
Sometimes a ham is practised at the moment of
taking hold, or when taken off the ground, by rapidly
striking the heel behind the knee ; as the sinews of tin-
person lifting are then at full stretch ; if the party
lifted do it forcibly, and can throw the full weight of
his body along with it, it is often effective. Haming,
as well as catching the heel, is indiscriminately prac-
tised, either as attacks of themselves, or as auxilia-
ries to other attacks. To guard against a ham, the
defendant shoul 1 feel his feet firm upon the ground,
slack his hold, and bear forward with his breast
against the assailant's. If he succeed in this, he
should endeavour, if the ham be persevered in, to turn
or twist his opponent over by wheeling him off hi*
breast to the opposite side, as he will have only
one leg on the ground ; but, should he quit the ham,
no time should be lost in closing the hands lower
down upon his back, and becoming the assailant in
turn.

Catching the heel is often quite a different opera-
tion ; its object generally is to force the foot forward
by rapidly striking the heel against the heel or an-
cle of the defendant. Should it not prove immedi-
ately effective, yet if the defendant staggers, and ul-
timately falls by not being able to extricate himself
from it, it is usually called hankering the heel.
Catching the heel may be practised either on the out-
side, or inside ; and, if done with force and quickness,
it is a very difficult manoeuvre to guard against, and a
wrestler known to be expert in catching, or hankering,
is generally as little fancied for an opponent, as one?
skilled in any other mode whatever. Thomas Nichol-
son, of Threlkeld, who won at Carlisle for three suc-
cessive years, was a forcible illustrator of this mode.
He was certainly uncommonly good at it, and though
by no means wanting in many other modes, yet he
was more indebted to this method for victory than all
the rest put together. There is another mode some-
what similar to these last mentioned, by v/hich falls,
particularly among new beginners, or novices, an>
often decided. This may be termed twining over the
knee, as it is effected by getting the knee outside and
twining an opponent over it.

It is not pur intention to dwell much upon what is oftfn
indiscriminately termed handling, benching, hipping,
buttocking, or crossbuttocking, as they are all effected
in nearly the same manner ; and in fact, whateiew

Y 2



324



PIERCE EGAN'S BOOK OF SPORTS.



to believe it to be a healthful and strengthen-
ing exercise. \Ve may be laughed at for such
an opinion ; but facts are stubborn things, and
numerous Wrestlers can be produced who



have enjoyed better health than men in gen-
eral, and lived to a fine old age. In fact,
many of the idle stories respecting the terrific
consequences are mere chimeras ; originating



they may be faiicically called, the breast and side are
oftentimes, though not always, as much used as the
hip, or what is the most general appellation, the but-
tock.. A man skilled in this method of wrestling gene-
rally strives for a loose hold, and it is the left side
which is mostly used for effecting the desired object.
By stepping partly in, and crossways with the left
foot, twining the body in, and throwing the buttock
underneath the belly ; the defendant is, by the assail-
ant's arms being kept tight round his neck or shoul-
ders, hoisted on, and thrown off, or over the side, or
buttock ; as the latter is by the act of stepping thrown
farthest in, it has acquired the name of buttocking ;
and, when the leg or foot gets quite across the de-
fendant's body, of crossbuttocking ; though even then,
it is evident, unless the effort was seconded by the
arms and higher part of the body, the act of throwing
the leg across would be fatal to the aggressor. Some-
times when the assailant perceives, or feels his man
staggered, or balanced upon his side, or buttock, he is
sc circumstanced as to be able to strike with one of
his feet across the shins ; when this is done the fall is
often clean and effective. At other times the situation
admits of getting the leg. or foot, behind both of the
defendant's ; when this happens it is in some places
called grandystepping. It sometimes happens that the
assailant, by turning in quickly with very loose holds,
gets into a position exactly before, or with his back to
his opponent ; in that case, if he do not, by keeping
his hands fast, and stooping forward, throw him over
his head and shoulders, his situation is a dangerous
one for losing the fall. In short, the modes of as-
sault and defence, in this most manly of all exercises,
are so diversified, that a volume might be filled by il-
lustrating that part of our subject only. The act of
buttockiug, slipping from the side or breast, and in
fact, of every thing that constitutes the science of
wrestling, depends much upon the different situations
which may occur in a contest; and the judgment
formed by feeling with the chest, and breast, what
kind of assault is most likely to prove effective : and,
generally speaking, quickness in assault, and prompti-
tude in judiciously availing himself of any circum-
stance that may arise during the struggle, may be
called the distinguishing characteristics of a good and
scientific wrestler.

Opinions respecting the best mode of standing, when
taking hold, are no doubt various, and the particular
method of wrestling usually adopted by the antagonist
to be encountered, in order to counteract his intention
as well as keeping in view the method he himself ex-
cels in, will always have some influence on every
judicious wrestler. In the rule solely devoted to the
purpose of obliging those to take hold who cannot
themselves agree about it, we found it absolutely ne-
cessary to fix. some standard for regulating the hold.
Any wrestler need not be told that the subject is the
most difficult one that could arise ; and that one cer-
tain standard only was indispensable. Making proper
allowance for any man's mode of wrestling, except it
be in an extreme of tight (the usual epithet for a close
or fast hold) or slack, we .are fully prepared to main-
tain that he standard we have fixed on is the best and
most judicious that can be adopted. It is usual for
men wishing to take more than a fair hold to shrink
their own breast underneath their opponent's, and pin
his arm to 1 '>. side, close to the elbow ; the merest
novice in the art will not permit this, and yet the
shorter man will sometimes argue they ought to stand
straight up ! Knee to knee is sometimes with equal ab-
surdity proposed ; for unless the men are of exactly
the same dimensions upwards, it does not in the least
alter the subject of dispute. A hat, or a stick, is often
laid down, and the men are required to bring their
tors up to the mark. The monstrous absurdity of the
ridiculous position this will place men of different sizes
in, with their feet close together, and what is some-
times jocosely termed the seat, of honor of the taller
man hung back, needs no comment. No certain dis



tance between the toes can be equally applicable to
all ; and, therefore, the distance which will admit of
both feeling themselves at ease, and firmly on the
ground, may soon be settled between them with the
assistance of the umpire, as breast to breast is the
only mode of placing them on an equal tooting.
Many wrestlers are fond of leaning to the left side, a
habit acquired while in their novitiate by the desire of
seeing their opponent s feet, or at least his right foot.
This latter circumstance is of no material advantage
of itself, as it is the feel and not the ti&ht which ge-
nerally regulates the movements of a good wrestler,
especially at the commencement of a contest, as is
sufficiently evident from the fact, that one man, de-
cidedly the master of another, will threw him blind-
folded. This lean to tlie left, as with many it is a
supposed advantage, and therefore often a considerable
obstacle to their getting hold, is worthy of some con-
sideration in regard to its utility, both in assaulting
and defending ; and therefore, thouuh a dry and com-
plex subject to some of our readers, yet as many
wrestlers will deem it both important and interesting,
it is our duty to attempt some elucidation of the sub-
ject.

It must be sufficiently evident to all, that leaning to
either side is a deviation from the natural and true
centre of balance ; and of cour&e will lay some stress
upon, or partly brace, the muscles of the opposite side.
Thus if the lean be to the left side, the muscles of the
right, from the neck to the foot downwards, will be
proportionably braced, as those on the left are con-
tracted in with the body ; and part of the weight of
the body by being thrown upon the right arm of the
opponent, will detract in a corresponding degree from
the weight upon, or firmness of, tht feet upon the
ground. Now it is certain, that the easier and firmer
any wrestler feels himself upon the ground, the less
stress there will be upon the arms and breast ; and that
when all the powers of the frame can at once be
brought effectively into action, the more vigorous will
be the attack. It is to be remarked, that these obsta-
cles apply even to an attack with the left leg; while
the lean, being from the right, must of course greatly
detract from the force of any intended effort to throw
an opponent to that side ; and the position itself
totally precludes the idea of an effective buttock;
because, instead of facilitating the act of getting the
foot partly across, or the breast underneath, it acts in
the very reverse, by contributing to place the body on
the outside, an unavoidable consequence of the lean.
As for buttocking with the right side, there are very few
who ever attempt it, except it is after an outside stroke
with the left leg ; because, in taking hold, the left
arm is always above the right; and consequently,
when the bold is loose, there is no material obstacle
to prevent that side from being thrown in ; whereas,
the right arm being underneath the oxter, prevents
that side from being brought into action with equal
freedom and facility ; notwithstanding thi., there are
some few who contrive to throw in the right side with
considerable effect; yet, against a good wrestler, it
must always be considered a losing chance.

It is observable that these remarks apply to the act
of taking hold before the contest is begun. The lean
to the left acquired after, or during a struggle, is quite
a different thing. It is then a cert.iin sign, either that
the opponent has lost all command of the ho. d, or that
both parties have their arms round each other's n- ok.
If the former be the case, it necessarily implies that
the party who has the lean, has broke his opponent's
hold, has himself got a commanding one, is standing
perfectly at ease, and is nearly sure of the fall ; while
his adversary, scarcely able to preserve an upright
position and without hold, is incapable of making any
offensive effort which is likely to succeed. The only
thing he can do. is to attempt to get his side in, and
try to buttock ; but the other, perfectly aware of his
movements, will probably catch him under the ribs,
and often dispose of him with ease and safety. If both



PIERCE EGAN'S BOOK OF SPORTS.



325



"ith those who know nothing about it, and
credited only by those who have had no oppor-
tunities of judging for themselves. It is most
true, that our forefathers cherished these



parties have lost hold of the back, he who has the lean
is much more advantageously situated than his oppo-
nent ; he stands freer with his neck, and easier with
his body ; and is consequently more at liberty to as-
sault or defend with a much greater prospect of suc-
cess. As the two most important objects in wrestling
namely, hold, and feeling with the breast, are, in
that situation, of comparatively little consequence, a
view of the right leg becomes an object of some con-
sideration, as it implies the fact of the right arm being
more up, and the left more down, than his antagonist's
(if the men have any hold) can possibly be; as the
left buttock is then the only attack that his opponent
can make, and which he cannot make without mov
ing the right leg. On the other hand, the person pos-
sessing the lean is by no means in so confined a situa-
tion. By standing perfectly at ease, he can choose
his time of assault, or is fully prepared to avail him-
self of any effort his antagonist can make ; and if he
be a good striker with the left leg across the shin, he
has every chance of doing so with success ; which he
ought not to defer doing, lest his antagonist should
\\ reiich his head loose, and thus oblige him to forfeit
his advantage by taking a fresh hold.

Having thus proved that leaning to one side when
the men are supposed to be on equal terms, and ac-
quiring a commanding lean after the contest is begun,
are two very different things, it remains for us to con-
sider the advantage, or disadvantage, of the lean to
the left side, as it regards the efficacy of repelling or
guarding an attack. As this lean, which implies lay-
ing an additional weight upon an opponent's right
arm at the commencement of a contest, when the
holds are, or ought to be, equally low round the arm
and body, cannot be done without detracting from the
firmness of the feet upon the ground, it must apparently
impede the act of guarding, either a judicious stroke,
or buttock : for although it may be a preventive to
his being turned to the right side by an outside stroke
with the left leg ; yet it must proportionably facilitate
his being turned to the left side, by the left leg in-
side, or by the right outside ; and hanging his weight
to the left side, so far from the centre of balance, is
certainly the very thini; a good buttocker, or slipper
from the breast, would desire. It likewise is not, as
some imagine, any obstacle to his being lifted from the
ground ; because, by hanging, his weight downwards,
he has not an immediate command of his strength to
counteract the lift of his opponent; and instead of
bearing him forward with his breast and arms, he has
one hanging upon him, and the other closely locked
round him. His antagonist, so far from having an ad-
ditional weight to lift, has only the same weight in a
more favorable position for lifting it; because, having
the greater part already, he has only that part to
raise higher, and the other comes by degrees upon
him, and the weight he has to sustain is close to him ;
whereas, were his antagonist lifting, or bearing
against him, the weight would come upon him at once,
and would be farther from him. A pain, the weight
of a man is so far from being equal to his strength,
that if no impediment were thrown in the way by
lifting auainst, or bearing forward with the arms and
breast, a man ten stone weight would easily lift one
of twenty. When lifted, the lean is an evident dis-
advantage ; as it tends to throw him from the exact
front of his opponent, it must of course be a consider-
able impediment to clapping the knees, or legs, close
upon him to prevent his striking out, and feeling in
what manner, and with what leg, he intends to do it.

Having discussed this point fully, and, we hope,
satisfactorily, to the experienced wrestler, we \\ill
offer a few short remarks upon the hold recommended
in the third Rule. It is surely a most important and
desirable thing, that the same method of taking hold
should prevail throughout this and the adjacent coun-
ties ; because by practising in some places with loose,
and in others with tight holds, when they meet for
some considerable prize, no hold satisfactory to all



rustic games as the surest means of keeping
alire, in times of peace, that martial spirit,
and that robust frame of body, which has
hitherto opposed such an insuperable barrier
to the gigantic efforts of the enemies of
Britain.

About a century ago these games were in
high repute ; but the many restrictions imposed
on the diversions of the lower classes of
society caused their decay in all parts of the
empire, except in some of the western coun-
ties of England, and a few places in Ireland.
We, therefore, hail the revival of them with



parties can be obtained. This evidently compelled the
author of any treatise on the subject to lay down some
one particular manner to be resorted to as a standaid,
when any dispute occurred. The one which seemed
to tis best adapted to this difficult point, is, as we
have before remarked in our observations upon it,
such a one as the tight-hold wrestler may gather with,
or strike from ; and at the same time, one which does
not prevent the loose-hold wrestler from making use
of his own peculiar mode. Such a medium between
the two extremes is the thing evidently calculated to
compromise the subject of dispute. As the parties are
equally standing without inclining to either side,
exactly fronting each other, at liberty to breathe
freely, and feeling each other by the junction of
their breasts all characteristics of a fair, and which
cannot exist in an unfair, hold they are at full and
equal liberty to attack with vigour, and every part of
the frame may at once be promptly combined to repel,
and on the alert to take any advantage which may
Jin-scut itself in consequence of the attack.

But still, after all that can be said respecting the
superiority of any particular method of taking hold,
considerable practice, and attachment to almost any,
will render a man very dexterous in it. Accordingly
we may see many acknowledged first-rate wrestlers
differ as much in their notions of taking hold, as in their
methods of assault and defence. Thus, Thomas
Nicholson, and Thomas Todd, two of the best wres-
tlers of their weight in Cumberland, and saying this,
we conceive we might safely add the United King-
dom or the world, are, or were, both upright standers :
while \Villiam Richard&on, of Galdbeck (commonly
called Ritson), the winner of more prizes than any
other man in the kingdom, was partial to the lean ;
and John Louden, from the vicinity of Keswick, a
i rst-rate, and a most dangerous customer, was never
satisfied without it.

Finally, the circumstance of taking HOLD, while it
is the most frequent cause of dissension among wres-
tlers, it is at the same time the most difficult for an
impartial spectator, or umpire, to form a correct and
decisive judgment upon. The biassed and interested
spectator, and the well-wishers of either party, are
often determined not to be convinced that the fault
originates with their favorite. This being the case,
tin st- who give the prize OUGHT ALWAYS PROMPTLY

TO KNFORCE THE JUDGMENT OF THE UMPIKK WHOM

THI.V HAVE CHOSEN. The rule for deciding the hold,
notwithstanding the difficulty of the subject, is, we
hope, sufficiently intelligible to any man who is com'
petent to fulfil the arduous situation of acting as
umpire. Being fully conscious, that as harmony and
unanimity ought to be the distinguished characteristics
of an amusement, we could not be too explicit, or
minute, on the point which tends most to interrupt
them ; such a consideration could alone have induced
us to treat every thing relative to the subject of
taking hold, in so lengthy a manner; but feeling, as
we do, that the frequency and splendour of the
prizes given to wrestle for, will be considerably influ-
enced by the cordiality displayed by the wrestlers
towards each other, it appeared to us an indispensable
duty to give this particular subject a full considera-
tion ; as shrinking from it would have implied an
inability to treat of it, a stigma, we possess egotism
enough to believe, we by no means merit.



320



PIERCE EGAN'S BOOK OF SPORTS.



pleasure, a \r2 consider them a desirable
source of recreation for the peasantry, being
devoid of any thing brutal or disgusting, and
hope to see them patronised to the extent they
merit ; indeed, Wrestling has become very
popular amongst the admirers of athletic
sports in the Metropolis. In proof of which,
Silver Cups, and a variety of other valuable
prizes are frequently given by the proprietors
of bowling-greens, cricket-grounds, &c. to
the best Wrestlers, as rewards for their exer-
tions and skill. Amongst the foremost of the
above class of persons stands Mr. THOMAS
ROUSE, the well-known spirited proprietor of
the Eagle Tavern, in the City Road, who has
kept the " game alive 1 ' ever since the above
period, and who may be considered one of the
best judges (without a wig) in the kingdom
as to a general knowledge of society. Tom
has wrestled with the world to a good purpose ;
and by his never-tiring exertions he has ob-
tained the smiles of victory. In his " Caleb
Quqtem" sort of capacity (for he appears to be
at all in the ring) he displays considerable
tact ; and the praise cannot be withheld from
him that he has proved himself a good caterer
for the public ; and who also furnishes them
with lots of amusement at a truly reasonable
FIGURE. In his concert-room I beg par-
don, the Grecian Saloon a tip-top sort of
thing of its kind, nay more, a very brilliant
affair, in which authors, musicians, and pro-
fessional singers are engaged, to give eclat
to the exertions of the proprietor of the Eagle
Tavern. Either in his characters of " Mine
Host," manager of the musical department,
or acting as an arbiter in the athletic amuse-
ments to attract and interest the members of
the Sporting World, it might be fairly said,
that Tom Rouse is not only UP and dressed in
the whole of them, but at home to a peg. In
short, the hero of the Eagle Tavern is a host
within himself and affords a convincing
proof what may be achieved in this wonderful
Metropolis by the union of industry and
talent.

It might be asked, why nave the inhabitants
of CORNWALL and DEVON been so long cele-
brated for their expertness in Wrestling ? Be-
cause they learned the art at an early period
of life, " for you shall hardly find," says
Carew, " an assembly of boys in Devon and
Cornwall, where the most untowardly among
them will not as readily give you a muster
(trial) of this exercise as you are prone to re-
quire it." Survey of Cornwall. Hence, to
give a Cornish hug, is a proverbial expression.
The Cornish, says Fuller, are MASTERS OF
WRESTLING, so that if the Olympian Games
were now in fashion, they would come away
with the victory.

Their /tug- is a cunning close with their fel-
low combatants, the fruit whereof is his fair
fall or foil at the least. Worthies of Cornwall.
We learn from Stow, that the citizens of
London formerly WRESTLED on St. Bartholo-
mew's day before the lord mayor and alder-



men, who rode out of town on horseback to
witness the sport. The Londoners and in-
habitants of Westminster also made frequent
matches, the reward being usually a ram.
Thus Chaucer says of Sir Mopas :

Of wrastling there was none his pere
Where any ram shulde stoude.

Before Chaucer's time, however, a cock seems
to have been a frequent prize.

In order that the readers of the BOOK OF
SPORTS may form their own judgments on the
merits of the various WRESTLERS who have
won various prizes, we have selected the best
of the matches that have taken place within
the Metropolis during the last three or four
years, excepting the following great con-
test, which took place between Abraham
Cann and Polkinhorne, at Devonport, Oct. 23,
1820. It is impossible to describe the
intense interest which the match between
Cann and Polkinhorne, decided this day,
has excited in this neighbourhood. These
men being considered the two best men of
their respective counties, Devon and Corn-
wall, their long-anticipated trial for the mas-
tery has been eagerly awaited by the lovers