FEW of us probably need to be told that there is in ball playing and in boating a general rule which forbids contestants themselves to bet on the result of a game or race in which they are to play or row. This rule is based on what experience has shown to be a fact, viz. that when men bet on themselves, the additional excitement and nervousness interfere with their work; and in proportion to the amount of the bet is the extent of this interference. The more important the match, and the more exciting it is in itself, the more strictly is this rule to be enforced. Both the Nine and the Crew are soon to take part in the most important college contests of the year; and in no year has such intense interest been centred on these contests as in this. Therefore would we remind our representative athletes of this generally adopted rule, and would earnestly request them, in their great matches, to avoid everything which can interfere with their duty, even indirectly, and to leave the betting to those whose increased anxiety is sure not to affect the results.