17 keepers serins dying out, as, except A Lyttelton, there lias not been a good wicket-keeper at any school for some years. In these days of slow bowling we would expect a corresponding improvement in the wicket-keeping, and it is strange that boys do not practice it more. There is no more certain way of obtaining a place in the school eleven than by showing promise of excel­ lence in this. How often has the captain in self-defence been obliged to don the gloves. We would strongly recommend any boy who is keen about getting liis colours to practice keeping wicket and bowling, and ho will find his chance of attaining his ambition increased threefold. The honour of being 'premier school rests between Eton and Clifton. In Forbes Eton undoubtedly possessed the best bat; while tho uniform steadi­ ness all through the team rendered them a difficult lot to dispose of. Clifton had decided superiority both in quality and quantity of bowling ; while tho fielding of both schools was extremely good. Marlborough/ in having defeated both Rugby and Cheltenham by five and six wickets respectively, is entitled to rank before them, though it must be remembered that had Steel failed to come off, or been unable to play from any cause, Marlborough would have made an exceedingly poor show. Harrow were, doubtless, seen to disadvantage at Lords, and were a better eleven than any one judging from the Eton match would suppose. Forbes, aided by Bury, so completely demoralised their fielding and bowling, that their true form never appeared. Indeed, the extent of their utter demoralisation was’exhibited in their judg­ ment of runs. Such attempts of short ones, such an ignoring of long ones, and such continual hesitation are seldom seen in the most rustic match. Putting aside Eton and Clifton, and giving Marlborough the victories which they can lay claim to, there was nothing to choose between Harrow, Bugby, Cheltenham, and Uppingham. On their own ground Rugby had done good things, but except Hirst, no one showed any form either against Marl­ borough or the M.C. C. The system which produced such cricketers as B. B. Cooper, W. Yardley, B. Pauncefote, and others, was so successful that it is a subject for regret when Rugby cricket degenerates. There appears to be a craving for sensation hits, than wThich nothing is more detrimental to sound cricket. Doubtless the death of Diver was a misfortune to the school, and the general success they had upon their own ground reflects credit upon Walter Price, who was professionally there during the season. The accounts herein of two or three schools have been somewhat meagre, this has been owing to the inability to get statistics and information from reliable sources. In thanking those who have given their opinion of the cricket of the various schools, we trust that we have given a fair and impartial account, gathered from the different sources and our own observation. If we have spoken hard of any school, we have done so because we believe plain speaking is best, and because we know that the future cricket of England depends more or less upon the present cricket at our large schools; and hence we trust that our remarks will be received in the same kindly spirit in which they are offered. CHAPTER IV. THE CRICKET SEASON OF 1876. B y I ncoo . T akkn as a whole, the cricket season of 1876 was the most successful that wre have had for many years. If 1875 was pre-eminently in favour of the bowler, it is equally certain that its successor deserves a place in history as a year remarkable for long scores and extraordinary feats with the bat. 3