N our Introduction, we took upon ourselves to state, that our noble pastime was held in high consideration, consequent upon its allegiance to the sovereignty of moral attributes, which, in any

position of life, to be truly valued, have only to be fairly practised. In treating of the defensive part of our work, I need scarcely say how greatly we are benefited by a just appreciation of the words, Courage, which will give the necessary self-possession to face and to defend yourself in the conflict of the opposed strength or skill; Temper, which will tend to preserve unruffled this self-command; whilst Judgment, united with Experience, will

be at hand, marvellously ready to obey the dictates of the ever-watchful eye. Our attitude of Draw differs so little in position from the Home-block, that we shall not detain you long upon this hit. It is more like a defence than a hit, yet we shall not require sophistry to prove that it deserves to be ranked with the hits. Often has this apparently inoffensive action obtained two and three runs, and I recollect upon one occasion to have obtained four; as many almost as you can get off a hard hit. The above attitude is extremely useful when the ball is pitched rather short, and, as well as you can judge, about an inch or so inside the leg stump. Some men, with such a ball, cannot resist the "leg," or "blind swipe," as it has been significantly termed; but it is by no means a safe way of taking it. In the first place, the bat, by being held in a great obliquity, has less chance of stopping it, should it "rick" or shoot, and should you miss it in this attempt, be sure of a blow, or of its glancing off your back leg on to the wicket. In playing the Draw, therefore, you have only to adopt the attitude of the Home-block, and, as your body recedes, turn the face of the bat inwards, so as to describe an angle of 45° with the parallelism of the wicket. Take care not to turn the bat more than this, else will the blow be slight, and not out of the reach of a good wicket-keeper, who will often shift his position from the wicket and take the "chance." I have already hinted at the activity and adroitness of the wicket-keepers of the great contending counties of the present day, but I hope I may be excused if, when speaking of this important adversary to the batsman, I bear witness to the very extraordinary wicket-keeping of one who far excelled any of whom history speaks. All who had the pleasure (though often to their cost) to witness the wonderful activity and judgment of Herbert Jenner, Esq., acknowledge his superiority over all and any, however competent. And not amongst the least of his feats, was that one in which he prepared himself for the chance off the Draw. But to return. In making this Draw, or indeed in making any of your play, you must not think of the wicket-keeper. You must forget him. Know him not, but fix your whole attention to the bowler. Be not rash. Be courageous, be spirited, be firm in purpose, but be not rash! The Draw may be acquired to a wonderful nicety by the use of the Catapulta.

First, let it be set very slow, and then gradually increase its pace; but do not care to set it to fast bowling until you well understand the principles upon which your defence or hitting is conducted. Again I repeat, that

irregular practice off heedless bowling is so much waste of time.

We shall now go on to speak of those hits for which, to all your selfpossession, &c. &c., you will have to add great muscular energy: mean time allow me to suggest

We are told, "Stop the ball anyhow, so you stop it." In any case excepting in the above, perhaps, it may be advisable. This is, however, entirely left to your discretion.

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