9 -tmill with vour knees slightly bent, just, enough to enable you to spring im­ mediately into whatever attitude von may hr required to go.” But I am compelh d on tliis point respectfully to disagree with that ancient authority. The author of -1The Cricket Field/’ on the otherhand, advises the adoption of an entirely different plan, and his recommendations my own experience in­ duces me cordially to endorse. Indeed, the latter writer has a very powerful c st to support his side of the question. Homaintains 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, much may be learnt L\ watching the attitude of a good batsman. To my mind 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 permitted to use by the proprietors of “ The Cricket Field,” in illus­ tration of the present article, will serve to demonstrate to some extent my ideas, although special attention must be given to tbo note thereto appended. PREPARING FOR ACTION. * * ilie toes are too much before tho wicket, auj the foot is hartllv within tho creaFG. Fojv- horteniug suite our illustration hotter than artietic effect. Take up a good position on guard after the style of the batsman in the diagram. Be careful to study what is easv and natural, rather than aim at neatness and elegance, as, without thought, the latter is very often the con­ sequence of the former. It is in this craving for effect that so many batsmen !o themselves, in my opinion, so much injustice. You cannot take the art of batting by storm, nor master it in a single lesson. Hence application must be ungrudgingly and unsparingly given, and desultory practice carefully ».voided. First acquire a position that suits you and is at the same time not incorrect, and then by the aid of care and practice, preserve it until it becomes a confirmed attitude. It is by this means alone that an evil habit •ill be escaped and much after-labour and pain be spared to the young