James Lillywhiite's Cricketers' Annual 1874

2 beargued , there can be but little to say that can be new or original . The subject doubtless is one, you say, that is bythis time worn thread -bare, but good cloth will bear much patching , and I would fain hope that in m yhands the garment will at least be treated practically , if not skilfully . On the proper position to be maintained at the wicket by the batsman , the doctors whohave already been engaged in the case disagree . On the one hand, Mr. Felix, of whose treatise on the bat I think no one can speak except in terms of the highest praise , recommends, as the best attitude , " to stand with your knees slightly bent, just enough to enable you to spring immediately into whatever,attitude you maybe required to go." ButI a mcompelled on this point respectfully to disagree with that ancient authority . The author of the Cricket Field , on the other hand, advises the adoption of an entirely different plan, and his recommendations m yown experience induces m e cordially to endorse. Indeed, the latter writer has a very powerful case to support his side of the question . He maintains that the knees should be kept firm and rigid , as it is only then that the muscles can be relaxed and ready for sudden action . In this respect , however , muchmaybe learnt by watching the attitude of a good batsman. To mymind the facility of acquiring a good position is a valuable gift , to which I cannot but think too slight importance is accorded . The following diagram, which I have been kindly permitted to use bythe proprietors of the Cricket Field , in illustration of the present article , will serve to demonstrate to some extent my ideas , although special attention must be given to the note thereto appended. *P R E P A R I N GF O RA C T I O N . *Thetoes are too much before wicket , and the foot is hardly within the crease . Foreshortening suits our illustration better than artistic effect .