he has contributed as much to the amusement and edification of chess readers as any author known.  He always has been, and is still highly popular, with many intensely so; his geniality is so great, as well as his wit, that his society is eagerly sought, and always enjoyed.  The omission of the name of such a notable, worthy representative and general favourite, is alone sufficient to detract from the value of the article to no inconsiderable extent; if really intended as a trustworthy narrative and record of the world’s Chess Masters.

The Amateur Masters are not so numerous that they need have been passed over.  The Rev. W. Wayte is alike distinguished for his honorary writings in support of chess, and his brilliant victories, at times, against the finest players, extending over a long period, not very far short of the experience of the writer of these lines.  He is, in addition to his many well-known scholarly qualifications, a very distinguished amateur chess master, a liberal supporter of the game, and by many looked up to as the head of the circle.  His name would grace any article.  Mr. Minchin’s national and international services are too well-known to require comment and he would deprecate any reference to them; still I must express the opinion that he has earned the gratitude of the entire chess-playing world for his disinterested services in promoting and so largely contributing to the success of great and popular gatherings.  Mr. Thorold’s eminence as an exponent, and modesty and courtesy as an opponent, are known to all; whilst Mr. Watkinson, though now out of practice, was an equally forcible player, and has rendered inestimable benefits to the cause of chess by conducting, for many years, a journal of the highest class; which has never wounded the susceptibilities of a member of the circle.  The life-long services of the Rev. Mr. Skipworth ought not to be forgotten; he is, when free from his official duties, quite formidable as an adversary, and is ever ready and willing to test conclusions with the best of players.  The Rev. C. E. Ranken, too, a very strong player and analyst, has, in many ways, been of great service to the cause of chess.

Should the reader’s stock of astonishment be at all limited, heavy draws will have been already made upon it; yet another call, however, remains, and that the most recent and in many respects the most unaccountable.  The advent of a new chess master after a lapse of twenty years is in itself an event of considerable interest in the chess world.  W. H. K. Pollock was early last year admittedly a master, in the opinion of many considered competent to judge.  In August of last year he won the first prize in the “Irish Chess Association one game Master Tournament,” winning from Blackburne, Burn, and six leading Irish players.  He is most modest and very chivalrous, always ready to play on convenient occasions for pure love of the game and credit of victory alone.  This is truly a strange omission.