FIVE-MILE ACT, passed by the English parliament in 105. It forbade non-con formist ministers, who refused to take the non-resistance oath, to come within 5 m. of any corporation where they had preached since the act of oblivion (unless they were traveling), under a penalty of SAO. The act was not repealed till 10S9.
FIVES, a popular game in England, and one especially enjoyed by school-boys, and Fives, a popular game in England, and one especially enjoyed by school-boys, and in certain barracks where there is a "court," by soldiers. The game existed at a very early period-14th cr—both in France and England, being termed "palm-play" in the former, and " tand-tennis" in the latter; its present name is derived from its being played usually by five on each side. The method of playing the game is very simple: a good roomy court is requisite, bounded by a high wall at one end, and against this wall a ball is propelled by striking it with the open hand. The players arrange them
selves either 5 against 5, as is usually the case, or in fewer numbers, and begin the game by one member striking the ball against the wall, and causing it to rebound anywhere beyond the floor-score, which is about two yards from the wall; one of the opposite party then strikes the ball as it rebounds, and if it does not touch the wall higher than 3 ft. from the ground. his stroke goes for nothing, and the opposite party score one. The ball may be struck either from a direct rebound before it reaches the ground, or after it has `• clapped " or hopped from the ground once. Fifteen is usually game. When the players are skillful, the ball is kept going by the alternate strikers for many minutes at a time, and the game is thus rendered exciting both for players and onlookers.