The untutored combats of boys are absurd parodies; and in many a remote place the clubs, where so-called boxing takes place, produce local champions who are disfigured by almost every fault that can make them ridiculous. A bad style is in this matter, as in most others, very difficult to get rid of; and it is very rare to find a boxer of any pretensions who has not learnt early in a good school. A new chance has been afforded by the publication of this hand-book. To the attentive study of this treatise every beginner may be confidently recommended, especially if there is no chance of attending the 'lectures' of a really competent mentor.