uegnmer. My own theory on the best position for a batsman I now propose to state, with the feeling that it has enjoyed, at least in some degree, the benefit of success. Stand, then, I say to the young student, with the right leg quite firm, tho right foot just inside the crease, and the toes just clear of a line drawn from wicket to wicket. The advisability of having the right foot just inside the crease is obvious, as thereby the length of reach is greatly extended, but caution should none tho less be exercised not to over­ step the limits, as in the present age of efficient wicket-keepers, like tho four P.’s,—Poolcy, Plumb, Pinder, and Phillips,—the end would soon come ; and stumping is, at the best, an unsatisfactory death. Again, the adoption of a guard nearer the wicket is inadvisable, as, though a better defence may be gained in some instances, yet this is more than counteracted by the reduction of the reach, tho consequent impediment in the way of forward play, and, lastly, the greater facility given to the bowler to drive you back into your wicket. The right leg should be kept, as I have already stated, quite firm, as in default of this provision it will readily be seen that the balance can hardly be maintained, or at least that the batsman can be so well prepared for a forward or retrograde movement, or so ready for an emergency. The right leg must of necessity form the “ pivot” to regulate the movements of the batsman, as on it depends most of the offence and no small share of tho defence. In tho method of placing tho left leg and foot there are innumerable varieties and eccentricities. For myself I prefer to place the latter about a foot in front of, and nearly at right angles to, the heel of tho right foot. Thus, in the main, the ruling principle must be that the right leg should he firmly planted and represent a stout support for the batsman, and given this provision, tho use of tho other must be greatly subservient to the difference of play, and be ruled chiefly by the discretion of the player. The batsman in the diagram nearly realises my idea on the subject of position, with the reservations already montioned. The young beginner will do well to frame his play according to this model. From my own experience I have always found it to my advantage to hold the bat half­ way up the handle, and this happy medium I recommend for adoption, as thereby you can control it as affectively as if held nearer to the blade, and the benefits incidental to the extra length are very important. To hold it higher in the handle neutralises this advantage, as tho bat is not so well nor so firmly grasped, and the power of hitting at a ball with certainty is con­ siderably lessened. Stand, then, in an easy position, with the bat held as I have directed, firmly, but not too stiffly, to admit of facility of motion, and await the attack of tho bowler. Do not beat the air writh your bat, as is the manner of some, in unseemly flourishes, nor wave it high over your head after the fashion of other still more pantomimically inclined performers. Refrain, too, if possible, from wasting your energy in wagging the bat, if I may so term the irritating practice so often witnessed during the delivery of tho ball. As a rule these eccentricities are the unmistakable signs of nervousness or impatience, and these two defects will prove the ruin of the young cricketer, Decision, above all things, is a strong point in the armour of the batsman, and one that may tend to render him shot-proof. To hold the bat in what is termed the pendulum fashion, in my opinion gives the greatest scopo for freedom of play, without in the slightest degree diminish­ ing the powers of defence. I disclaim any notion of egotism in the statement, but merely cite it as a practical demonstration that I always stand thu^ or guard myself, with the top of the handle just above the belt, and the bottom of the blade almost on a level with the centre of tho middle stump. Again, it has from time immemorial been enacted that the left shoulder should be kept well forward and the left elbow naturally well up. I do not think that 7