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To the Editors of the Crimson:

It is to be hoped that in the fencing contests this year the practice of chalking the tip of the foil, so that it will leave its mark on the adversary's chest, will be given up. The objections are many. In the passages of the by-play and preparatory feints the chalk is often rubbed off the tip so that a succeeding hit leaves no mark at all, or one so indistinct that the judges must run to each adversary, examine his jacket carefully, consult together, and decide as best they can. This running of the judges at every interval of two or three passes, and peeking for a fly-speck on the chest of the contestants, converts the exhibition into a burlesque. It interrupts the sword play, often at a most unfortunate moment. It intercepts a valley, or a "Phrase d'Armes" and spoils the beauty of the game, all because the contestants are not conceded to be honest enough to acknowledge hits made against them. This is all wrong. When a fencer is hit, whether the point is a good one or not he should immediately call out "a touch", and continue the assault, leaving the judge to decide as to the validity of the hit. If the judge should be satisfied that any fencer intentionally failed to acknowledge a point, he should call attention sharply to the fact and a second offence should be publicly announced and the offender ejected.

M. Louis Rondelle, Maitre d'armes at the Boston Athletic Association and the Harvard Fending Club, advised the above method for use in all contests in this country.

C. N. B.