One thing is certain--and that is we cannot all be first-class players. Personally, owing to the accident I have already referred to, I hardly ever play at all, but I always make it a point, if I am going on a visit to any place in the country where I know there are no golf links, to take a few niblicks with me. A bag for clubs only costs a few shillings, and it looks well amongst your other paraphernalia on a journey. In engaging a valet again, always remember to ascertain whether he knows the rules of the "royal and ancient game." I shall never forget my humiliation when down at Lord Springvale's. As I was taking part in a foursome with the Hon. Agrippa Bramble, Lady Horace Hilton, and the second Mrs. Bunkeray, I got stuck in a furze-bush and my man handed me a putter. I could have cried with vexation. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. CAVENDISH, CHATSWORTH.--As to the treatment of divots, different methods are recommended by different authorities. My plan, and I am not aware of a better, is to put them in my pocket when the caddie is not looking. When thoroughly dried they form an excellent peat for burning, or can be used for bedding out rhododendrons. "NIL DESPERANDUM," BECKENHAM.--The best stimulant during match play is a beaten-up egg in a claret glass of sloe gin. The eggs are best carried in the pocket of your club-bag. A. FLUBB, WOKING.--No, it is not good form to pay your caddie in stamps. ALCIBIADES, WEMBLEY PARK.--If you must play golf on Sunday, I call it nothing short of hypocritical to go down to the links in a tall hat. * * * * * [Illustration: A HERO "FIN DE SIÈCLE."--_Podgers_ (_of Sandboys Golf Club_). "My dear Miss Robinson, golf's the only game nowadays for the _men_. Lawn-tennis is all very well for you _girls_, you know."] * * * * * [Illustration: If you should find a stray bull in possession of the links, and who is fascinated by your little red landmarks, don't try and persuade poor Mr. Littleman to drive him away. He is very plucky--but it isn't golf.] * * * * * [Illustration: HIS FIRST ROUND.--_Caddie_ (_pointing to direction flag_). "You'd better play right on the flag, sir." _Curate._ "Thank you very much. But I have very grave doubts as to my ability to hit such a very small mark at this distance!"] * * * * * [Illustration: EAR BLINKERS.--A suggestion for caddies of tender age in attendance on hot-tempered Anglo-Indian military gentlemen learning golf.] * * * * * [Illustration: EVERY MAN TO HIS TRADE.--_Exasperated Amateur_ (_to fore-caddie, who will_ NOT _go on ahead_). "Go along, man. _Do_ get on towards the next green." _Caddie._ "Beg parding, Capting. You won't never get him to go no more than twenty yards ahead. 'E's been used to carrying a flag in front of a steam-roller."] * * * * * LAYS FROM THE LINKS