Some serious-minded persons were (says The Gentlewoman) discussing the lamentable growth of card gambling among women and the disastrous effect it is producing upon the morals, the manners, and the purses of those who constantly indulge in the habit. Various alternatives were suggested, such as devotion to philanthropic work, outdoor exercise, public service on boards, and so forth, when it was pointed out that these occupations, admirable as they were, Could not be continued at all hours, and that it was highly necessary that women should be furnished with some sort of indoor recreation which should take their minds completely away from the more serious duties of life. Cards being barred on account of their unhealthy excitement, some one mildly hinted at Billiards. The idea was taken up with enthusiasm, and in a few weeks' time it became so popular that in a number of houses the deserted billiard room became night after night the centre of life and activity.
It is remarkable how the billiard room in most houses has been neglected. A couple of decades ago it was the favourite resort of men and women after dinner, but the fair sex never made any great show at the game, perhaps for the reason that they preferred the gossip to be found there to the game itself Yet what better indoor game can be found? Every muscle of the body is brought into activity, the eye is trained to accurate sighting, deftness of touch is obtained, and nothing can be more graceful than the sight of a beautiful woman bending over a table to take her shot. Moreover, there 1s nothing of the rancour of cards about the game, because very rarely is it played for money, and no pastime is better calculated to foster a fine sporting courtesy.
There is no reason why Billiards should not be the evening corollary of golf. One can conceive of few better training grounds for the "putting" green than the learning of the strength of a table. District clubs could be formed for handicaps. Mayfair, with its many sumptuous private billiard rooms, might lead the way, and there is no reason why, in these days of rapid inter-communication through motor cars, country matches should not take place. There is the germ of a movement in the suggestion, which might lead to a much healthier way of killing time than the long sedentary hours at cards with their heavy liabilities and nerve-wracking anxieties. If only a few distinguished leaders of society would take it up a revolution might be effected in the postprandial habits of women, which should be accompanied by untold benefits to the general health of the sex.