the bails and reduce it
to its elements. Each of these wickets is to be the _locus in quo_ not
only of a party rivalry, but also of an exciting individual contest
between the bowler and the batsman, the former attacking the fortress
with scientific pertinacity, and the "life" of the latter depending on
its successful defence. The "popping-crease" and the "bowling-crease"
having been white-washed on the turf--the one marking the batsman's
safety-ground, and the other the bowler's limits--all is now ready for
play. The captains toss a copper for choice of innings, and the winner
may elect to send his men to the bat. He selects _two_ representatives
of his side, who, having accoutred themselves with hand-protecting
gloves and with leg-guards, take position, bat in hand, in front of each
wicket. All the eleven players on the _out_ side are now marshaled by
their captain in their proper positions as fielders, one being deputed
to open the bowling. For a few moments the new match ball--than which,
in a cricketer's estimation,

A carbuncle entire, as big as thou art,
Were not a richer jewel--

is passed round among the fielders, just to get their hands in; which
ball, we may mention, is nine inches in circumference, weighs five and a
half ounces, is in color not unlike a carbuncle, and nearly as hard. The
umpires take their respective position, and at the word "Play!" the
whole party, like a pack of pointers, strike attitudes of attention,
more or less graceful, and the game begins.

The _bowler_, stepping briskly up to his crease, delivers the ball, and,
whether it be a "fast round-arm" or a "slow under-hand," his endeavor is
so to bowl it that the ball shall elude the batsman's defence and strike
the wicket. The _batsman_ endeavors, first and foremost, to protect his
wicket, and, secondly, if possible, to hit the ball away, so that he may
make a run or runs. This is accomplished when he and his partner at the
other wicket succeed in changing places before the ball is returned to
the wicket by the fielders.

The several ways in which a batsman may be put out are these: 1. "Bowled
out," if the bowler succeeds in bowling a ball which evades the
batsman's defence and strikes the wicket. 2. "Hit wicket," if the
batsman, in playing at the ball, hits his wicket accidentally with his
bat or person. 3. "Stumped out," if the batsman, in playing at a ball,
steps out of his ground, but misses the ball, which is caught by the