The principal duty of this fielder is to hold the ball in hand, with

some part of his person touching the first base, _before_ the batsman

reaches it. If held simultaneously with the base runner’s touching the

base, the latter is not out. The first baseman’s position, in the

beginning of an innings, is about twenty feet back of his base and

towards second base, but not too far away from the foul ball line or

from his base, as the majority of balls, which come anywhere near enough

for him to field, are hit within twenty feet of his base. The moment the

ball is struck, and he finds that it does not come near him, he should

promptly return to his base, and stand in readiness, with one foot on

the base, to receive the ball from any player who may have fielded it.

As we said before, the striker can be put out at this base without being

touched by the ball, provided the fielder, with the ball in hand,

touches the base with any part of his person _before_ the striker

reaches it. The player will find it good practice to stand with one foot

on the base, and see how far he can reach and take the ball from the

fielder; this practice will prepare him for balls that are thrown short

of the base. In the same manner he should learn to jump up and take high

balls. This position requires the player filling it to be the very best

of catchers, as he will be required to hold very swiftly-thrown balls.

The moment he has held the ball, he should promptly return it to the

pitcher, or to either of the other bases a player is running to, as in

some instances two, and sometimes three, players are put out by

promptitude in this respect.

THE SECOND BASEMAN.

This position requires its occupant to be a very active fielder indeed,

and especially a good judge of fly balls, and a sure catch. He should

also be a swift and accurate thrower at short distances. His position,

in the beginning of an innings, is at “right short,” that is, about

twenty or thirty feet back of his position and towards the foul ball

line, in fact nearly opposite the short-stop’s position on the other

side. But he should take his position according to the known

peculiarities of the batsman he faces. He should back up the pitcher

well, allowing no balls to pass both that player and himself too. When

the striker reaches the first base, the second baseman should

immediately return to his base and stand prepared to receive the ball

from the catcher, and put out his opponent by touching him with the

ball, which it is requisite to do on this base as well as on the third

and home bases, except in the cases of balls caught on the fly, or foul

balls, in both of which instances a player can be put out in returning

to the base he has left, in the same manner as when running to the first

base, viz. by the ball being held by the baseman, with some part of his

person on the base, before the base runner reaches it. When the catcher

fails to throw the ball with accuracy to the second baseman, the latter

should by all means manage to stop the ball, if he cannot catch it in

time to put out his opponent. He should also promptly return the ball to

the pitcher. He should be especially on the look-out for a double play

when a base runner is on first base, in which case all that the baseman

has to do, to put two players out, is to field the ball from the bat

sharply, or receive it from short-stop or the third baseman, and first

touching second base with ball in hand, to send the ball to first base

in time to cut off the player running there. When a base runner, too, is

on first base, and a high ball is hit for the second baseman to catch,

if he sees the base runner standing near his first base ready to run

back on the catch being made, he should manage to let the ball pass

through his hands, partly checked in its progress, but not held, in

which case the base runner being thereby forced from his first base can

be easily captured at second. Should the second baseman, however, see

the base runner trying to get to second, he should hold the fly ball,

and return it promptly to first base, thereby putting two players out on

a double play--one on the catch, and the other on returning to his base

on the catch, as base runners have to do in such cases.

THE THIRD BASEMAN.

This position is the most difficult one, to play skilfully, of any of

the three bases, as the throwing to first base from this position

requires a stronger arm than that from short-stop or second base, while

the third baseman has the most difficult catches to make on foul balls

of any in-fielder except the catcher. Besides which, errors in the way

of failures to stop balls thrown or batted to this position are more

important in their results than at any other base, as an error at third

base gives a run, while at first or second only a lost base is the

result. The third baseman, after fielding a ball from the bat, has to

throw it generally from a hundred and twenty-five to a hundred and fifty

feet to the first base, while the short-stop has not to throw it a

hundred, and the second base player generally not more than about eighty

or ninety. A good third base player can readily play at first or second

with comparative ease, but skilful players on the first and second bases

cannot as readily play third base. In fact, it is a position requiring

more practice to excel in it than that of either of the other bases.

This position is no place for a left-handed man, first base being the

only suitable place in the infield for such a player. When three men are

on the bases, the third baseman frequently has a fine opportunity

afforded him for double plays. Suppose, for instance, that each base is

occupied, and a ball is sent direct to the third baseman, his point of

play is to throw the ball to the pitcher or catcher at home base, and

for the player receiving it to return it promptly to third base, and if

this is done sharply two players can be readily put out on the one ball.

The rule for all basemen is to cut off the player nearest to home base.

For instance, if three men are on the bases, and a ball is hit to the

first baseman, the latter, instead of putting the striker out, should

throw the ball home, unless there was no fielder near enough to take it.

So in the case of a ball hit to short-stop, under similar circumstances,

unless two men are out, in which case the surest play should be

selected.

THE SHORT-STOP.

This is the position in the field for the most active of the six

in-fielders. Of course, like all in-fielders, his duties include the

stopping of hot ground-balls, and in throwing the same accurately to the

base the striker of the ball happens to be running to, generally the

first base. But his principal work is to back up all the in-fielders. He

should be on the alert the moment the ball is hit, and if it does not

come within his reach, he should be ready to get on a base to receive

it, or to back up the fielder it is thrown in to; in fact, the

short-stop should be the “general utility” man of the nine, and

especially active in saving the pitcher from over work in fielding. The

short-stop should be a fearless fielder, and one ready and able to stop

a swift ground-ball; and if he can throw swiftly and accurately, it

would be as well to be a little deliberate in sending the ball to the

first base, as it is better to be sure and just in time, than to risk a

wild throw by being in too great a hurry. His position is generally in

the centre of the triangle formed by the second and third bases and the

pitcher’s position, but he should change it according to his knowledge

of the striker’s style of batting. He must be on the alert to take foul

balls on the bound, that are missed on the fly by either the third

baseman or pitcher, or indeed any other player he can get near enough to

be of assistance to in this respect. In doing this, however, he should

be careful not to interfere with the fielder who is about catching the

ball so as to prevent him doing so. An effective short-stop and a good

first base player, especially if they are familiar with each other’s

play, will materially contribute to the successful issue of a

well-contested game.

THE OUT-FIELDERS.

A great deal depends upon the skill of the three out-fielders of a nine,

when the pitching is of medium pace, and plenty of chances for catches

are offered off the pitching. The principal qualifications of

out-fielders are: the power to throw a ball in well nearly a hundred

yards, and the ability to judge high fly balls and to catch surely. The

three positions require equally good fielders, though, if the nature of

the ground requires one man better than another, the best judge of a

ball should be placed in the difficult position. Out-fielders should

watch the batsman closely, and either lay out well for the heavy

hitters, or get closer in for those who strive to hit “safe” balls just

over the heads and out of reach of the in-fielders. After the ball has

been either caught or stopped, the out-fielder should promptly return

it, either to the base requiring it, or to the pitcher. Out-fielders

should never hold the ball a moment longer than is necessary to throw

it. Another point of their fielding should be to start the moment the

ball is hit, and try their utmost to take it on the fly, and not wait

until it is about touching the ground. Bear in mind that it is easier to

run forward to take a ball than, by being too eager, to try and take it

by running backward; remember, however, that a ball hit high to long

field invariably appears to be coming further than it really does.

THE BATSMAN.

The position of the batsman is expressly defined by the rules, which

require that the striker, when about to strike the ball, must stand

_astride_ the line of the home base. This line is six feet in length,

running through the centre of the home base, and parallel with the front

line of the pitcher’s position. He can take a step forward, but he is

prohibited from taking any backward step. The batsman is known as the

“striker,” and so considered in the rules, until he has struck a fair

ball, when he immediately becomes “a player running the bases,” and

ceases to be the “striker.” When the batsman takes his position at the

home base, viz. standing astride the line of the base, and not less than

one foot to the left of it, the umpire asks him where he wants a ball,

and the batsman responds by saying “knee high,” or “waist high,” or by

naming the character of the call he wants pitched to him, the pitcher

being required by the rules to deliver to the batsman a ball within the

legitimate reach of his bat, and as near the place indicated as he can,

and also to pitch _over_ the home base; and if he fails to do this

twice, the umpire, after first warning him of the penalty he incurs, is

required to call a ball for every unfair ball delivered after the

warning has been given, and when three such balls have been called the

batsman drops his bat and goes to first base.

In striking at the ball it must be hit _fairly_ to entitle the batsman

to run for his first base, and it is only hit “fairly” when sent to the

field in _front_ of the lines of the bases reaching from home to first

base and home to third base. If the ball from the bat first touches the

ground _back_ of these lines, it is considered “foul,” and in that case,

though the batsman can be caught out, he cannot run to his base. The

moment the batsman hits a fair ball, therefore, he drops his bat and

runs to first base, and if he reaches it before the ball is held by the

baseman while touching the base, the striker escapes being put out; but

if the ball be held by the baseman, while on his base, _before_ the

batsman reaches it, the latter is out. The batsman is liable to be put

out in the following manner. If the ball he hits “fair” should be caught

by any of the fielders before touching the ground; or if a ball he hits

“foul” should be caught by any of the fielders either “on the fly” or on

the first bound; or if he strikes at the ball three times and fails to

hit it each time, and the ball, on the third strike, be held on the

bound, or, if not so held, it be held on the first base before the

striker reaches it, the batsman is out; and lastly, he is out if he

takes a step backward three times when striking at a ball. These are the

various ways in which the batsman or striker can be put out. After

making his first base, and thereby becoming a “base runner,” he is

liable to be put out as follows. If he be touched by any fielder with

the ball in hand and in play, when he is off a base, he is out; also, if

when running to a base on a foul ball, he fail to get back to the base

before the ball, in play, is held by the baseman; or, if in running to a

base on a fair fly ball, he be similarly off his base when the ball is

held by the base player after being caught; also, if he fail to reach

the next base to the one he occupies when a fair ball is hit, and not

caught, and the ball be held on the base he is running to before he

reaches it, he is out.

BASE-RUNNING.

The moment the striker hits a fair ball he ceases to be the “striker,”

and becomes at once “a player running the bases,” and he then becomes

liable to be put out in the several ways alluded to under the head of

“The Batsman,” viz. by being “forced off” his base; by being “run out;”

and by being put out in returning on a fly or foul ball. We will now

illustrate more particularly the manner in which the base-runner can be

thus put out. When, as above referred to, the striker has made his first

base, and become a “base-runner,” and he is occupying the first base

when a fair ball is hit, the moment such a ball be struck that moment he

ceases to have any right to occupy the first base, he being what is

termed “forced off” by the batsman. In such case he must try and make

his second base before the ball is held by a fielder on the base. If he

fails to do this he is out. When occupying the first base, too, when a

fair ball is hit and is held on the fly, he is required to return and

touch the base before he can legally run for the next base; but the

moment he has touched the base, after the catch has been made, he can

then run for the next base. If, however, the ball that is hit be a foul

ball, then he must not only return to the base he left when the ball was

struck, but he must remain on it until the ball has been settled in the

hands of the pitcher before he can again attempt to run to the next

base. If at any time, too, when the ball is in play, he be caught off a

base, and be touched by the ball in the hands of any fielder, he is also

out. If, too, in running round the bases at any time he should fail to

touch any of the bases, he must return and touch the base he failed to

touch when first running round, and in such case, if the ball be held on

the base before he can touch it, he is out; and he must also return to

touch the base, in such case, the same way as he ran round, he not being

allowed to cross over from home base to second, or from third to first.

Base-runners should, however, remember that they have a right to return

to the base they have left--except when “forced off” by the

batsman--until they touch the next base; and no base-runner, occupying a

base, can force another off the next base, unless he himself be forced

off by the batsman, or by a base-runner who is forced off by the

batsman. That is, a player occupying the second base, when there is no

one on the first base, cannot force a base-runner off the third. When

all the bases are occupied, and the batsman hits a fair ball which is

not caught, then each base-runner is obliged to vacate the base he

occupies and run to the next, and in this case all that is necessary to

put either base-runner out, is simply for any fielder to hold the ball

on the base the base-runner is trying to reach before the latter reaches

it. It should be borne in mind that the moment the batsman is put out by

a fair fly catch, or put out at first base, that moment the base-runners

preceding him cease to be “forced” to leave their bases, and in this

case they must be touched by the ball, in the hands of a fielder, before

they can be put out. Base-runners, too, when high balls are hit into the

outer field, and in such way as to make a catch apparently certain,

should stand on their bases in readiness to run to the next base the

moment the ball is held by the out-fielder. When a base-runner is on the

first base, and a high ball is “popped up,” which looks as if it would

surely be caught by the short-stop or pitcher, or indeed by any

in-fielder, the base-runner has a double difficulty to escape from,

inasmuch as, if the ball is caught on the fly, he has to return to the

base he left when the ball was hit; but should the ball, instead, be

purposely dropped before being held, he then becomes obliged to run for

his second base, and is in such case liable to be easily put out from

being forced off his first base. Either horn of the dilemma is bad, but

the safest way generally is to anticipate the ball being caught, and to

stand ready to get back to first base easily, as the effort to drop the

ball for a double play is one not often successful. A base-runner, when

on first base at a time when another is on the third, can safely run

down to second, except where two hands are out, as the catcher in the

former case sacrifices the one base to prevent the player on the third

from getting a chance to run home. When two hands are out, however, it

does not matter so much, as the catcher can far easier put the third

hand out by a throw to second than can the base-runner at the third get

home before the third hand be put out. In the position in a game when

two hands are out and a base-runner is running home, the run he would

otherwise make does not count, if the batsman be put out before he makes

his first base; and neither does it count in such case, if the

base-runner in question fails to touch the home base before the third

hand is put out. Players who desire to become expert as base-runners

should not only familiarise themselves with the theory of base-running

by attentive study of the rules, but they must realize by practical

experience all the points of play above alluded to before they can

successfully exemplify their theoretical knowledge, or derive any

advantage from it. It is one thing to be thoroughly acquainted with the

manner in which any special object in view should be attained, but it is

altogether a more difficult matter to practically illustrate your

theory; and an afternoon’s experience in running bases against a field

of practical experts would soon show you the fallacy of trusting to

thorough theoretical knowledge for success.

ON FIELDING GENERALLY.

Skill in fielding is the first requisite of an expert base-ball player.

What is called a “muffin” player is one who is a mere tyro in handling

the ball. Muffins can bat well, and yet not be anything but “muffins.”

Occasionally, too, we find an effective pitcher who is a “muffin” in

fielding. But a player who can field well, though he may not be a

skilled batsman, or even able to pitch effectively, is nevertheless

eligible to a position in the first nine of a club, when a good batsman

who is not a good fielder would be very properly ruled out. Among the

requisites of a first-class fielder are: first, the moral qualifications

of courage, nerve, control of temper and coolness of judgment in

emergencies, together with perseverance in the face of difficulties and

in contending manfully against large odds. The physical ability

necessary consists of the strength to throw a ball a hundred yards; the

agility to catch a flying ball close to the ground, or two or three feet

above your head; the activity to pick up a ball while running; the

quickness of the eye to judge the fall of a high ball, or the rebound of

a foul one; and the endurance to stand the fatigue of a long game.

Among the general rules worthy the attention of fielders are the

following:--

The most important rule is the one which commands obedience to the

directions of the captain of the nine. Fielders should also bear in mind

that the captain of the nine is alone the spokesman of the party and the

commander of the field.

_Secondly._ No out-fielder should hold a ball a moment longer than it is

necessary for him to handle it in throwing. In the in-field, however, a

ball can be sometimes held by the fielder with safety and advantage.

_Thirdly._ Never stand still in your position simply because the ball

happens to go in another direction than the position you occupy, but

always be on the move to aid the other fielders or to back them up.

Activity in the field, and judgment in being prompt in support, is one

of the important requisites of a first-class fielder.

_Fourthly._ Play earnestly at all times, whether in an ordinary practice

game or in a match. Get into the habit of doing your best on all

occasions. It is invariably the mark of a vain and conceited ball player

to walk on the field and play in a game as if he was conferring a favour

by participating in the contest; and players who play with an air of

indifference as to the result of the game, or who become despondent when

the odds are against them, are no players for a first class nine.

_Fifthly._ Next to seeing a man field well, the most attractive thing is

to see a player take things easily and good-naturedly. If you miss a fly

ball, allow an important ball to pass you, or fail to handle a ball in

time on a base, nothing is more boyish than to vent your ill-temper on

some one who may have balked you in catching it, or thrown it to you

badly. Control yourself and take it smilingly, or if you lack the moral

courage to do that, keep your tongue still at least. Your good-natured

fellows, who play their best all the time, and yet take everything bad

or good with a good-natured smile, are as desirable as companions on a

ball field as your growlers are to be detested.

_Sixthly._ When an error of play is committed, do your best at once to

remedy the evil by using your best efforts to get at the ball either

after “muffing” it, letting it pass you, or failing to hold it. Some

players after missing a ball will walk after it like an ill-tempered,

sulky ten-year old.

_Seventhly._ There is no habit fielders have that is more characteristic

of school-boys, or which leads to more unpleasantness and ill-feeling in

a match, than that of finding fault with those who commit errors of play

in the field. Every man in the field tries to do his best for his own

credit sake, and if he fails censure but adds to his chagrin without in

the least improving his play; on the contrary, fault-finding is only

calculated to make him play worse. In no game are the amenities of

social life more necessary to a full enjoyment of the pastime than in

base-ball. Particularly acceptable are words of commendation for good

play and remarks calculated to remove the annoyance arising from errors

in the field, to young ball players, and these form some of the

strongest incentives to extra exertion on their part, besides promoting

kindly feelings on the field and during the game. The fact is, such men

as your constitutional grumblers are the nuisances of a ball field, and

destroy all the pleasure which would otherwise result from the game.

Every manly player will keep silent when he sees an error committed, or

if he makes any remark at all, will apologize for it in some way. Those

who find fault and growl at errors of play are of the class who prefer

to gratify their malice and ill-temper at the expense of the unlucky

fielder who happens to “muff” a ball or two in a game.

_Lastly._ Remember that the winning of the trophy is one of the main

objects in view, and as it is not the most important thing in life to

win it, or a very great disaster to lose it, the less you act as if it

was, the less likelihood of the spectators suspecting you of having some

ulterior object in view, such as the winning of a sum of money, for

instance. To conclude, however, let it be remembered by every player in

a match that a _creditable_ victory abides only with that party who, in

winning the match, have marked their play as much by their courtesy of

demeanour, liberality of action, and the good-nature they have displayed

in the contest, as by their skill in the several departments of the

game.

THE UMPIRE AND HIS DUTIES.

The position of an umpire in a base-ball match is one marked by onerous

and important duties. Before proceeding to comment on what these duties

are particularly, we will first give the rules of the game applicable

to the position which are included in Rule VII. of the code of rules and

regulations:--

SEC. 1. The umpire shall take care that the regulations respecting the

ball, bats, bases, and the pitcher’s and striker’s positions, are

strictly observed, and he shall require the challenging club to furnish

a ball, on which the size, weight, and the name of the manufacturer

shall be stamped. He shall be the sole judge of fair and unfair play,

and shall determine all disputes and differences which may occur during

the game. He shall take special care to declare all foul balls and balks

immediately upon their occurrence, in a distinct and audible manner. He

shall, in every instance, before leaving the ground, declare the winning

club, and shall record his decision in the books of the scorers. The

umpire shall also require that the game be recorded by a scorer for each

of the contesting clubs. In all matches the umpire shall be selected by

the captains of the respective sides, and shall perform all the duties

above enumerated.

SEC. 2. The umpire in any match shall determine when play shall be

suspended; and if the game cannot be fairly concluded, it shall be

decided by the last equal innings, provided five innings have been

played, and the party having the greatest number of runs shall be

declared the winner.

SEC. 3. When the umpire calls “play,” the game must at once be proceeded

with; and the party failing to take their appointed positions in the

game within five minutes thereafter shall forfeit the game. When the

umpire calls “time,” play shall be suspended until he calls “play”

again.

SEC. 4. When the umpire “calls” a game, it shall end; but when he merely

suspends play for any stated period, it may be resumed at the point at

which it was suspended, provided such suspension does not extend beyond

the day of the match.

SEC. 5. No person engaged in a match, either as umpire, scorer, or

player, shall be either directly or indirectly interested in any bet

upon the game. Nor shall any person be permitted to act as umpire or

scorer in any match unless he shall be a member of the National

Association, or of a State branch thereof. Neither shall the umpire or

scorer be changed during a match, unless with the consent of both

parties, except for reason of illness or injury, or for a violation of

the above rules.

SEC. 6. No decision given by the umpire shall be reversed upon the

testimony of any player; and no decision whatever shall be reversed,

except for a palpable infringement of the rules, and then only on an

appeal by the captain.

SEC. 7. No person shall be permitted to approach or to speak with the

umpire, scorers, or players, or in any manner to interrupt or interfere

during the progress of the game, unless by special request of the

umpire. Any match game played by any club in contravention to the rules

adopted by the National Association shall be considered null and void,

and shall not be counted in the list of match games won and lost.

It will be seen by the above rules, that among the most important are

those requiring each player first, to be a member of a club belonging to

the National Association, or a State branch thereof. Secondly, that he

is to be considered the sole judge of fair and unfair play, and one from

whose decision there is no appeal, except in certain instances where the

rules are grossly misinterpreted, in which case the injured parties can

appeal for redress to the judiciary committee of their State

association. Also, that from the time “play” is called until the period

the umpire either suspends play by calling “time,” or closes the game by

“calling” it, the game must be proceeded with, or otherwise the party

failing to play forfeits the ball. Also that the umpire is required to

see that the ball played with is one having the maker’s name stamped on

it, and likewise the figures indicating the size and weight of the ball.

HINTS TO UMPIRES.

The umpire should invariably render his decision in accordance with the

_first impressions_ of the point of play made on his mind. If he

hesitates at all, the influence of any particular bias he may have will

affect his judgment, and very likely make his decision a partial one. Be

prompt, therefore, to decide according to the very first impression

made. Promptness in deciding is strong testimony in favour of impartial

judgment, and is always satisfactory to contestants. He should also see

that the _foul ball posts_ are in position, and especially that the rule

requiring _chalk lines_ from home to first base, and home to third, be

complied with. He should keep silent when a fair ball is struck, but if

asked if it be a fair ball, he can of course say so; but he is not

required to call fair balls.

The umpire, before calling “play,” should see that the captains of the

contesting sides are mutually agreed upon what the rules of the ground

are for the match. Thus, for instance, that a ball going over a fence

shall give but one base, or that a ball taken on the fly from a tree, or

the roof of a house, or the side of a fence, shall be regarded as a

bound catch, and only legitimate in the case of a foul ball; or that a

ball passing the catcher, and being stopped by a fence too close to the

home base, shall give one base, &c.

One of his most difficult duties is that of calling balls for unfair

delivery in pitching, and also in calling strikes on the batsmen for not

hitting at fair balls.

The umpire should first instruct himself in regard to the definition of

unfair balls, and the following rules will give him the required

information:--

_Firstly._ A ball that strikes the ground in front of the home base is

not a fair ball; as, in the first place, by striking the ground before

reaching the baseman, it becomes a “bowled” ball, and secondly, because

it is not pitched “over the home base,” and “fairly for the striker;”

for unless it goes over the home base before touching the ground, it is

not “pitched,” but “bowled” over, and unless so pitched, it cannot be

“fairly for the striker.”

_Secondly._ A ball that is pitched on the side opposite to that the

batsman habitually strikes from is not a fair ball, because not pitched

“for the striker.”

_Thirdly._ A ball that is pitched so as to hit the striker--provided he

is standing in his legitimate position, viz. astride the line of the

home base, and one foot to the left of the base--is not a fair one, for

the same reason. The striker should, however, stand far enough from the

base to admit of the ball being pitched over it without its striking

him.

_Fourthly._ Balls, too, which are pitched beyond the legitimate reach of

the batsman, either in front of him or over his head, are, for the same

reason, not fair balls.

All of the above balls are “unfair” balls, and must be called when it is

legitimate to call a ball at all, that is, first, after two unfair balls

have been pitched, and secondly, after the pitcher has _then_ been

warned of the penalty--this warning being given in the form of the

words, “ball to the bat,” or some exclamation of similar purport.

Should the striker not stand in his position, as required by the rules,

or should he hit at balls at a different height to that he calls for, in

such case the umpire is not required to call any of the above delivered

balls as unfair balls except those out of the batsman’s reach.

* * * * *

We now proceed to close our instructions in the game with a chapter on

scoring, which is a part of base-ball requiring a considerable degree of

statistical and analytical talent to do it well.

ON SCORING IN BASE-BALL.

The present system of scoring was first introduced by the writer in

1867, and since then has been adopted by every competent scorer in the

country. The scorer of a base-ball match has either a simple task to

perform, or a duty requiring his close attention to every movement of

the players in the field. To record the “outs” and “runs” in a match

requires simply the use of the figures 1, 2, 3 for the score of outs in

each innings, and dots for each run scored, and at the close of the game

these are added up and the total of each placed opposite the name of the

batsman making them; the score of runs made each innings being recorded

at the foot of each column of the innings. To score a game properly,

however, considerable work is necessary, as will be seen by the

following.

INSTRUCTIONS TO SCORERS.

The following diagrams show the blank forms of the score-sheets used in

recording the play, and also the total result, in a match game of

base-ball; and we present these blanks before proceeding with our

instructions in scoring:--

No. I.

_Diagram of Score Sheet used to record the Movements of the Players in a

Match Game._

The Score of the ___________________ Club of ___________________

+-----+-----+-----+-----+--------+------------------------------+

|Base |Bases|Bases| | | |

|run- | on | on |Total| Play | Played at .............. 186.|

|ning.| er- |hits.|score. called.| |

| |rors.| | | | |

+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+---+

|H.|L.|B.|M.|B.|T.|O.|R.|BATSMEN.|1.|2.|3.|4.|5.|6.|7.|8.|9.|10.|

+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+---+

| | | | | | | | |1. | | | | | | | | | | |

+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+---+

| | | | | | | | |2. | | | | | | | | | | |

+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+---+

| | | | | | | | |3. | | | | | | | | | | |

+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+---+

| | | | | | | | |4. | | | | | | | | | | |

+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+---+

| | | | | | | | |5. | | | | | | | | | | |

+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+---+

| | | | | | | | |6. | | | | | | | | | | |

+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+---+

| | | | | | | | |7. | | | | | | | | | | |

+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+---+

| | | | | | | | |8. | | | | | | | | | | |

+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+---+

| | | | | | | | |9. | | | | | | | | | | |

+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+---+

| | | | | | | | |Total | | | | | | | | | | |

+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+---+

| | | | | | | | |Grand | | | | | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | | |total | | | | | | | | | | |

+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--------+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+--+---+

+---------+-----+-----------------+-----+-----+

| Game |Posi-| Good Plays in |Total|As- |

| ended. |tion.| the Field. | put |sist-|

| | | |out. |ing. |

+---------+ +--+--+--+--+--+--+ | |

|FIELDERS.| |B.|F.|L.|D.|K.|R.| | |

+---------+-----+--+--+--+--+--+--+-----+-----+

|1. | | | | | | | | | |

+---------+-----+--+--+--+--+--+--+-----+-----+

|2. | | | | | | | | | |

+---------+-----+--+--+--+--+--+--+-----+-----+

|3. | | | | | | | | | |

+---------+-----+--+--+--+--+--+--+-----+-----+

|4. | | | | | | | | | |

+---------+-----+--+--+--+--+--+--+-----+-----+

|5. | | | | | | | | | |

+---------+-----+--+--+--+--+--+--+-----+-----+

|6. | | | | | | | | | |

+---------+-----+--+--+--+--+--+--+-----+-----+

|7. | | | | | | | | | |

+---------+-----+--+--+--+--+--+--+-----+-----+

|8. | | | | | | | | | |

+---------+-----+--+--+--+--+--+--+-----+-----+

|9. | | | | | | | | | |

+---------+-----+--+--+--+--+--+--+-----+-----+

| | | | | | | | | | |

+---------+-----+--+--+--+--+--+--+-----+-----+

| | | | | | | | | | |

| | | | | | | | | | |

+---------+-----+--+--+--+--+--+--+-----+-----+

Winning Club .................... Scorers ......................

Umpire .......................... Duration of game .............

The letters on the left refer to the batting score, as follows:--R, for

runs; O, for outs; T, for the number of times the first base is made on

hits; B, for number of bases on hits; M, for first base on muffs; B, for

first base on called balls; L, for left on bases after clean hits; and

H, for home-runs. On the right, the letters refer to the fielding only:

B, for outs on bases; F, for fair fly-catches; L, for foul fly-catches;

D, for foul bound catches; K, for outs on strikes; R, for run out; the

last two columns being for the record of the total number of players put

out by each fielder, and the total number of times each assisted in

putting out players.

The following diagram presents the blank form used to record the

particulars of a match game at its close:--

No. II. _Batting Score._

_______________________ Club. _______________________ Club.

+-------------+----+----+----+----++-------------+----+----+----+----+

| PLAYERS. |POS.| O. | R. | B. || PLAYERS. |POS.| O. | R. | B. |

+-------------+----+----+----+----++-------------+----+----+----+----+

| 1. | | | | || 1. | | | | |

+-------------+----+----+----+----++-------------+----+----+----+----+

| 2. | | | | || 2. | | | | |

+-------------+----+----+----+----++-------------+----+----+----+----+

| 3. | | | | || 3. | | | | |

+-------------+----+----+----+----++-------------+----+----+----+----+

| 4. | | | | || 4. | | | | |

+-------------+----+----+----+----++-------------+----+----+----+----+

| 5. | | | | || 5. | | | | |

+-------------+----+----+----+----++-------------+----+----+----+----+

| 6. | | | | || 6. | | | | |

+-------------+----+----+----+----++-------------+----+----+----+----+

| 7. | | | | || 7. | | | | |

+-------------+----+----+----+----++-------------+----+----+----+----+

| 8. | | | | || 8. | | | | |

+-------------+----+----+----+----++-------------+----+----+----+----+

| 9. | | | | || 9. | | | | |

+-------------+----+----+----+----++-------------+----+----+----+----+

| Totals | | | | || Totals | | | | |

+-------------+----+----+----+----++-------------+----+----+----+----+

_Innings._

+----------+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+-------+

| CLUBS. | 1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. | 8. | 9. | |TOTALS.|

+----------+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+-------+

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

+----------+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+-------+

| | | | | | | | | | | | |

+----------+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+----+-------+

Home runs ____________________________________________________________

No. of times first base on hits _____________ times ___________ times.

No. of times first base by errors ___________ times ___________ times.

No. of times first base on three balls ______ times ___________ times.

Total bases on hits __________________________________________________

Times left on bases after clean hits _________________________________

_Fielding Score._

Base play--put out by ________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Fly catches __________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Foul bound catches ___________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

Catches on strikes ___________________________________________________

Double plays _________________________________________________________

Outs on bases _____________________ times _____________________ times.

Outs on foul balls ________________ times _____________________ times.

Total errors of play _________________________________________________

Umpire, Mr. ______________ of the ______________ Club, of ____________

Owners, Messrs. _______________________ and __________________________

Time of game ______________________ hours ___________________ minutes.

In recording a game on score-sheet No. 1 we proceed as follows:--Under

the heading of “Batsmen” we place the names of the batting nine, and

under the heading of “Fielders” we place the names of the opposing nine.

These names are recorded on the two score-sheets of the score-book; the

names of the two nines thus appearing on the book twice, once as batsmen

and once as fielders. Over the heading “Batsmen” we record the time of

commencing the game, and this is done only on the page of the nine who

first go to the bat; the figures of the hour of closing the game being

recorded over the heading “Fielders,” on the page of the nine who last

go to the bat; and over the figures of the “innings” we record the name

of the grounds the match was played on, and the date of the game.

Each fielder is numbered from 1 to 9, and in recording by whom players

are put out these figures are used to indicate the name of the fielder.

In recording the positions of the fielders we simply use the initials of

the words of the position, thus C for “catcher,” P for “pitcher,” &c.

Instead of using C for “centre field,” we use M for “middle field,” as C

is used for “catcher.” The figures 1, 2, 3 are used to indicate the outs

of each innings, and a dot thus (.) for each run. Dots only are used in

recording the details of the batting on the left hand of the

score-sheet, and also for recording the particulars of the fielding on

the left. Thus, if the batsman secures his first base by a “clean

hit”--that is, not by means of a wild throw, a dropped fly ball, or a

palpably muffed ball--we place a dot in the square of the column of

“times bases on hits” opposite the batsman’s name; and if instead he be

put out on the fly, we place a dot in the square of the column headed

“fly catches,” on the right, and opposite the fielder’s name. Now the

above score only gives the data for estimating the skill of the batsman

as far as his score of bases on hits, or on muffs, &c. is concerned, and

of the skill of the fielder as far as the record of the totals of his

work in the field is concerned. To complete the score, however,

something more has to be done, and that is, to record how and by whom

each batsman is put out; and how this is to be done we now proceed to

show.

The scorer must first make himself familiar with the following

abbreviations of words used to indicate the various movements and

actions of the fielders, and these abbreviations will be found very easy

to commit to memory. They are as follows:--

A, Put out at first base.

B, „ second base.

C, „ third base.

H, „ home base.

F, Put out on fly catch.

K, „ three strikes.

R O, Put out between bases.

L F, „ on foul fly.

L D, „ on foul bound.

T F, „ on tip fly.

T D, „ on tip bound.

H R, „ for home run.

As before stated, the figures 1, 2, 3 are used for recording the outs,

and dots for runs; with small figures thus, 1st, 2d, 3d, to indicate

being left on the bases.

The key to the above abbreviations is as follows. The first three

letters of the alphabet indicate the first three bases, and we use the

initial letters of the words _Home_, _Fly_, _Run Out_, and _Tip_, and

the last letter of the words _Struck_, _Foul_, and _Bound_. Thus L

stands for foul and F for fly, and both together for “foul fly.” The

above system will be found to include everything necessary in recording

the important details of a game, to the extent of showing the good plays

made at the bat and in the field. In “reporting” the details of a match,

however, we necessarily require a still more elaborate system, and our

short-hand system for the use of reporters will be found in detail in

our “BOOK OF REFERENCE,” published in New York.

In order to illustrate fully the working of the system of scoring above

described, we will proceed to score an imaginary game as follows:--

Suppose the fielders in their places and the batsman in his, and the

scorers ready to record the game. “Play” is called, and the time of

beginning the game at once recorded. The first striker then hits a ball,

which is caught on the fly by the left-fielder, who is the seventh

striker, we will say, on the other side. On the square of the first

innings opposite the name of the first striker you first write down the

figure 1, indicating the first hand out, and above it write the figure 7

and the letter F, and your record will then appear thus:

.......

: 7 F :

: 1 :

.......

the 7 representing the name of the fielder, and the letter F the initial

of the word fly, showing by whom and in what manner the player was put

out. Opposite the name of the seventh fielder, too, under the head of

“On fair fly,” you write down a dot, which gives him credit for the fly

catch in the score of good plays. The second striker now takes the bat,

and, hitting a low grounder to centre-field, makes his second base just

before the ball is well fielded in to the second baseman. To record this

properly you place a dot opposite the batsman’s name to the left under

the head of “number of _times_” bases are made on hits; and in the next

column you place two dots, showing the number of _bases_ made on the

hit; or, if you like to be more particular, you can write the figure 2

in place of the two dots, and then you will know the bases he made on

each hit. The third striker now comes to the bat, and hits a ball to

short-stop, who passes it to the first baseman in time to put the player

out. You now have to record the second hand out, and you do it thus:

first, the figure 2 for second hand out, and the figure 3 for the name

of the short-stop, who is the third striker on the list of names on the

other side, and then 4 for the first baseman, who is the fourth

striker. The square will then appear thus:

.......

:3-4 A:

: 2 :

.......

thereby showing that the batsman was the second hand out by a ball

fielded to the first base player by the short-stop. You then, opposite

the fielders’ names to the right, under the head of “number of times

assisting,” place a dot opposite the third fielder’s name, and under the

head of “on bases,” a dot opposite the name of the fourth fielder, thus

crediting the short-stop with the assistance rendered and the first

baseman with putting the batsman out. The fourth striker now takes the

bat and strikes out, and you then record the out by the figure 3 for the

third hand out, and the letter K for struck out (in this instance, as in

one or two others, as we have shown, we use the last letter of the

word), and under the head of “on third strike,” opposite the fielder’s

name acting as catcher, we place a dot. This closes the innings. When

the game is closed, we add up the total outs and runs charged and

credited to each batsman, and place the totals under the heading of

“Outs and Runs” to the left of the batsmen’s names. The above will

suffice to show the general plan of scoring we adopt in this system. The

statistics of the batsman’s play, to the left of the batsmen’s names,

include his total score of outs and runs, the total number of _times_

the first base is made, and the number of _bases_ made on clean hits;

and a similar record of bases made on “muffed” and wildly thrown balls,

and on balked and called balls, together with the number of times

base-runners are left on bases, and the number of clean home runs. The

statistics of the fielding, to the right of the fielders’ names, include

the totals of outs on bases, on fair fly catches, on foul fly and foul

bound catches, on three strikes, from being run out, the totals of the

players put out, and of times assisting to put them out.

The American game of base-ball will be found an excellent substitute for

cricket in England, for those who have not the leisure time for the

English game, as a full game of nine innings a side can be played in

three hours at most. It is a more vigorous exercise than cricket, and in

a closely contested match, fully as exciting to spectators, when

understood. For boys, after school hours, it is far better than cricket,

owing to the short time required to play a game.

AMERICAN BILLIARDS.

The four ball, or “American game” of billiards, differs both from the

English and French game, and in a measure combines the merits of both.

Though it does not require the skill the French game does, it avoids, by

custom, the simple, mechanical “hazard” feature of the English game, as

first-class American billiard-players at the hazard and carom game never

hole the spot ball consecutively, as in the English game. In fact, the

hazard feature of the American game is rapidly falling into disuse, the

four ball carom game taking its place.

The American tables now are made without side pockets, and no saloon has

any tables of this kind, except for playing pool; the four pocket tables

and carom tables without pockets being the only style in vogue now. The

four pocket tables were introduced by Michael Phelan, Esq., the “father”

of the game in America.

The general principles of the American game, which unites those of all

others, are as follows:--

THE CAROM.

To make a carom, the player must cause his own ball to strike two or

more balls in the same shot.

When he strikes his adversary’s ball, and either the light or dark red,

he scores _two_.

When he strikes the two red balls, or, in billiard phrase, _caroms_ on

them, he scores _three_.

THE HAZARD.

There are two sorts of hazards--_winning_ and _losing_.

A WINNING HAZARD is made by pocketing the adversary’s ball, or either of

the red balls.

In the first case, the player scores _two_; in the second, he scores

_three_.

When the player pockets his own ball it is a LOSING HAZARD. If his ball

is pocketed after having struck the white or adversary’s ball, _two_

points are added to the adversary’s score.

If the ball is pocketed after having struck either of the red balls,

_three_ points are added to the adversary’s score.

If the ball be pocketed after having made a carom or winning hazard, the

player cannot score the count he may have made.

A _miss_, or a failure on the part of the player to strike any other

ball with his own, counts _one_ for the opponent.

The word _carom_, used in this portion of the work, is derived from the

French word “_carombolage_.” In England the word “cannon” is used, an

evidently corrupt derivation.

In learning all games of billiards practical experience is the best

teacher. No amount of intellectual study can impart to a novice the

manual dexterity and adroitness essential to the display of the beauties

of the game. But months of labour and learning by practical experience

alone may be avoided by learning thoroughly beforehand the principles of

the science afterwards to be practised as an art.

Among the most important things in billiards is a good attitude, and to

attain this should be the student’s first effort. Good attitude is the

‘groundwork’ of a player’s success. If his attitude be ungraceful, viz.

strained or unnatural, his playing will assuredly be unreliable.

The student’s attitude must, in the first place, be perfectly easy and

natural. His left foot should be slightly advanced, in a straight line,

the right drawn backwards and pointing outwards, to the extent and at

the angle most familiar and convenient to the player. The left arm

should be extended and supported on the table by the tips of the fingers

and the junction of the palm and the wrist (which position of the hand

constitutes the _natural bridge_). His body should be perfectly

balanced, and should form an acute angle with the side of the table at

which he stands. The tapering end of the cue should rest in the natural

groove formed by the elevation of the thumb; the thick end should be

grasped in the right hand, loosely while being drawn back preparatory to

the stroke, and firmly at the moment of contact with the ball. The cue

should be held in a perfectly horizontal position, except in the case of

some particular strokes, which will be described in the proper place.

Beginners should pay especial attention to this. It should be impelled

chiefly by the fore-arm, while the body should remain perfectly steady,

as the slightest swaying motion of it will give a false direction to the

stroke. The speed of the cue, and not the weight of the body, gives

strength to the stroke.

In the instructions in the game contained in the body of this work, the

fundamental principles of the game are fully exemplified and enlarged

upon. But there are exceptions to these fundamental rules to which we

now briefly refer, and among them may be prominently named the results

of the different degrees of strength with which the cue ball is struck,

inasmuch as important modifications of the angles of incidence and

reflexion are produced by the varieties of strength in the impulsion of

the ball.

It is a general law that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of

reflexion; this law is, however, modified in billiards by the degree of

strength with which the cue ball is struck. The angle which the

cue-ball will take after striking a cushion, being materially altered by

the force imparted to it, the greater the strength the more acute will

the angle of reflexion become.

When the ball, instead of being played against a fixed and inert body,

such as a cushion, is played against a moveable sphere, such as itself,

the angle formed by the line of direction of the object-ball, and the

line of the subsequent course of the cue-ball, will be more _obtuse_ the

greater the strength communicated to the cue-ball.

Without an approximate knowledge of the different degrees of strength to

be imparted in order to produce different angles, the pupil labours

through a maze of uncertainty; and if not of a patient and reflective

tendency, is inclined to arrive at the hasty and erroneous conclusion,

that chance constitutes an important element in successful billiard

playing.

Before commenting further on the game we will proceed to give the rules

of the American four ball game, and also of the French three ball game

as played in America; and here we would acknowledge our indebtedness to

Messrs. Phelan and Collender, the great billiard-table manufacturers of

the United States, for the privilege of quoting from their complete

publications on the science and practice of the game of billiards.

RULES OF THE AMERICAN FOUR BALL GAME, BY MICHAEL PHELAN, ESQ.

ON STRINGING FOR THE LEAD.

Whoever, playing from within the “string-line” against an outside

cushion, brings the returning cue-ball nearest the head cushion, which

is the one at which the players stand, is entitled to choice of balls

and lead. Provided--

1. That, in stringing, the player’s ball has not touched his opponent’s

while the latter was at rest. 2. Nor has fallen into any of the pockets.

In either case the player loses choice and lead. 3. Should the

cue-balls, both being in motion, come in contact, the strokes are

invalid, and must be played over.

2. In “stringing,” it is required that both cue-balls shall be struck

simultaneously, or so nearly together that one ball cannot reach the

lower cushion before the other has been put in motion.

NOTE.--It will be well for players to bear in mind also that in

“stringing” for the lead both cue-balls should be struck, if not

simultaneously, at least so near together that one ball cannot reach the

lower cushion before the other has been put in motion.

ON LEADING.

1. The player who wins the choice of balls and lead must either roll his

ball down towards the lower cushion, as an object for his adversary to

play at, or else compel his adversary to lead off as above described.

2. In leading, the player’s ball must be played from within the

string-line, and struck with sufficient strength to carry it beyond the

deep-red ball on its appropriate spot at the foot of the table. But it

must not be played with such strength as to repass, after coming in

contact with the lower cushion, the deep-red ball. Nor yet must it touch

either red ball, nor lodge on the cushion, nor fall into a pocket, nor

jump off the table. In any of the cases mentioned in this section, or in

case the cue-ball is not struck with sufficient strength to pass beyond

the deep-red, it shall be optional with the adversary (Player No. 2) to

make No. 1 spot his ball on the pool spot nearest the lower cushion, or

lead again: or he may take the lead himself.

3. No count or forfeiture can be made or incurred until two strokes have

been played.

4. Once the lead is made, the game is considered as commenced, and

neither player can withdraw except under circumstances specified on page

803.

ON OPENING THE GAME.

1. The game is opened by player No. 2 playing on the white ball at the

foot of the table.

2. Should he fail to hit the white first, or fail to hit it at all, he

forfeits one point, which shall be added to his adversary’s score.

Should he pocket himself after hitting a red ball first, he loses three

points, even though he may have subsequently hit the white.

ON FORFEITURES.

1. If the striker fails to hit any of the other balls with his own, he

forfeits _one_ point, which, as well as other forfeitures, must be added

to his adversary’s score. (See note, page 812.)

2. The striker forfeits _two_ when the ball that he plays with is

pocketed, or lodges on the cushion, or goes over the table, after having

struck or been in fixed contact with the other white, no matter whether

it has touched one or both of the reds.

[An exception to this clause will be found in Sec. 2, on “Opening the

Game.”]

3. The striker forfeits _three_ when the ball that he plays with is

pocketed, or lodges on the cushion, or goes over the table, after having

come in contact with one or both of the reds, and not the white. The

same applies if neither red nor white be struck.

4. If the player cause any ball to jump off the table, and should it, by

striking any of the bystanders, be flung back upon the table, it must

still be treated as if it had fallen to the floor. If a red ball, it

must be spotted; if a white, held in hand. Should it be the last

striker’s ball, he forfeits two or three, the same as if he had gone

into a pocket.

ON FOUL STROKES.

The penalty of a foul stroke is, that the player cannot count any points

he may have made by such stroke, and his adversary is entitled to the

next play. The following, in addition to those already mentioned, are

foul strokes:--

1. If either player plays with his opponent’s ball, the stroke is foul;

and, if successful, he cannot count, provided the error is found out

before a second shot is made.

2. Should two or more strokes have been made previous to the discovery,

the reckoning cannot be disturbed, and the player may continue his run

with the same ball, or he may have the balls changed. The same privilege

is extended to the opposing player when his turn comes to play.

3. Should it be found that both players have used the wrong ball

successively, he who was first to play with the wrong ball cannot put in

a claim of foul against his opponent, as the latter, in using the wrong

ball, was simply playing from his proper position on the table.

[It is the position of the cue-ball, and not its mere colour or

designation, that governs. Aside from this, before one player can charge

another with error, it must be shown that no act of his contributed to

that error.]

4. Though the striker, when playing with the wrong ball, cannot count

what points he may make, except in those cases mentioned above,

nevertheless, whatever forfeitures he may incur while playing with the

wrong ball, he is bound to pay, as if he had been playing with his own.

5. Should, however, both the white balls be off the table together, and

should either player, by mistake, pick up the wrong one and play with

it, the stroke must stand, and he can count whatever he has made.

[As he plays from his proper position, it is immaterial, because no

advantage is to be gained, which ball he uses. In this case, as in the

others where it is permitted to play with the wrong ball, the balls

should be changed at the conclusion of the run. This will prevent

confusion and disputes.]

6. If the striker play at a ball before it is fully at rest, or while

any other ball is rolling on the table, the stroke is foul.

7. If, after going into a pocket, a cue-ball or an object-ball should

rebound and return to the bed of the table, it must be treated as a ball

not pocketed.

8. If the player, when playing with the butt or side of his cue, does

not withdraw the butt or side before the cue-ball touches the

object-ball, the stroke is foul.

9. A stroke made while a red ball is off the table, provided its spot is

unoccupied, is foul. When its proper spot is occupied, the red must

remain off the table until its spot is vacated and all the balls have

ceased rolling. [See following rule.]

10. If the game being played is one in which hazards, or pockets, do not

count, a red ball that has been pocketed or forced off the table shall

be spotted on another spot, provided its own is occupied, and provided

also the non-striker’s ball is off the table at the time. If the

light-red, it shall be placed on the dark-red spot; and if that spot is

occupied, the light-red shall be placed on the pool spot at the foot of

the table. If the dark-red, it shall be placed on the light-red spot,

&c. If both reds are off the table at the same time, and their spots are

occupied by the two whites, one of the reds may be placed on the pool

spot. The other must remain off the table until its proper spot is

vacant.

NOTE.--In the full game, or when pockets are counted, the old rule

applies, and the red ball, when its spot is occupied, must remain off

the table until its spot is uncovered and all the balls have ceased

rolling.

11. If, after making a successful stroke, the player obstructs or

otherwise affects the free course of any ball in motion, the stroke is

foul, and he cannot score the points made thereby.

12. A touch is a shot. And if, while the balls are at rest, a player

touches or disturbs any ball on the table other than his own, it is

foul. He has, however, the privilege of playing a stroke for safety,

provided his own ball has not been touched, but he can make no count on

the shot.

13. In playing a shot, if the cue leaves the ball and touches it again,

the stroke is foul.

14. If the striker, through stretching forward or otherwise, has not at

least one foot on the floor while striking, the shot is foul, and no

points can be reckoned.

15. If, when the player’s ball is in hand, he does not cause it to pass

outside the string before touching any of the object-balls or cushion

(except in the case mentioned in the following rule), the stroke is

foul, and his opponent may choose whether he will play with the balls as

they are, have them replaced in their original positions, or cause the

stroke to be played over; or, should the player make a losing hazard

under such circumstances, the penalty may be enforced.

16. Playing at a ball whose base or point of contact with the table is

outside the “string,” is considered playing out of the “string;” and the

stroke is a fair one, even though the side which the cue-ball strikes is

hanging over, and therefore within the “string.”

17. Playing directly at a ball that is considered in the “string” is

foul, even though the cue-ball should pass wholly beyond the “string”

line before coming in contact.

18. Giving a miss inside the “string,” when the player is in hand, is

foul. But he may, for safety, cause his ball to go out of the “string”

and return.

19. If a player alters the stroke he is about to make, at the suggestion

of any party in the room,--even if it be at the suggestion of his

partner in a double match,--the altered stroke is foul.

20. Placing marks of any kind whatever, either upon the cushions or

table, is foul; and a player, while engaged in a game, has no right to

practise a particular stroke on another table.

ON CASES WHERE THE BALLS ARE IN CONTACT.

[At the request of a majority of the leading players, amateur and

professional, the rule observed since 1858, under which no count could

be effected unless the striker first played upon some ball other than

that with which his own was in contact, has been amended as below. The

new rule came into effect January 1, 1867.]

1. When the cue-ball is in contact with any other ball, the striker may

effect a count either by playing first upon some ball other than that

with which his own is in contact, or by playing first against the

cushion, or by a _masse_. In either of the two last-mentioned cases, it

is immaterial which ball the returning cue-ball strikes first.

2. Should the cue-ball be in contact with all the other balls on the

table,--or, if with two balls only, while the remaining ball is on the

table, in such a way that the striker cannot play either on the free

ball or the cushion _first_,--it shall be optional with him to have all

the balls taken up and the reds spotted as at the commencement of the

game. It shall also be at his option to take the lead himself or compel

his opponent to lead.

[This is the same as starting the game anew, except that there is no

occasion to “string” for the lead and choice of balls.]

ON WITHDRAWING FROM, WITHOUT FINISHING A GAME.

1. The player may protest against his adversary standing in front of

him, or in such close proximity as to disarrange his aim.

2. Also, against loud talking or any other annoyance by his opponent,

while he is making his play.

3. Also, against being refused the use of the bridge, or any other of

the instruments used in that room in playing, except when a special

stipulation to the contrary was made before commencing the game.

4. Or in case his adversary shall refuse to abide by the marker’s,

referee’s, or company’s decision on a disputed point, which it was

agreed between them to submit to the marker or company for arbitration.

In any one, or all of the foregoing cases, if the discourtesy be

persisted in, the party aggrieved is at liberty to withdraw, and the

game shall be considered as drawn, and any stakes which may have been

depending on it must be returned.

5. Should the interruption or annoyance have been accidental, the

marker, if so requested by the player, who is entitled to repeat his

stroke, must replace the balls as near as possible in the position they

occupied before the player made the stroke in which he was interrupted.

ON CASES IN WHICH THE MARKER MUST REPLACE THE BALLS, IF CALLED ON, AS

NEARLY AS POSSIBLE IN THEIR FORMER POSITION.

1. In the case mentioned in the 5th paragraph of the preceding rule.

2. Where any of the balls, when at rest, are moved by accident.

3. Where any of the balls, while rolling, are suddenly obstructed either

by accident or design on the part of any person other than the player.

In this case, the marker, if so requested by the players or referee,

shall place the interrupted ball as nearly as possible in the situation

which it would apparently have occupied had it not been stopped.

4. Where the cue-ball, resting on the edge of a pocket, drops into it

before the striker has time to play.

5. Where the object-ball, in a similar position, is rolled back into the

pocket by any of the ordinary vibrations of the table or atmosphere.

6. In all the cases aforementioned where it is specified that in

consequence of a foul stroke the player’s opponent shall have the option

either of playing at the balls as they are, or causing them to be

replaced by the marker.

7. When either or both of the red balls are pocketed, or forced off the

table, it is the marker’s duty to spot them before another stroke is

played--except (the game being played is caroms and pockets) the spot

appropriate to either be occupied by one of the playing balls, in which

case the red one must be kept in hand until its position is uncovered.

8. If, after playing a ball, the player should attempt to obstruct or

accelerate its progress by striking it again, blowing at it, or any

other means, his opponent may either play at the balls as they stand, or

call upon the referee or marker to replace them in the position they

would otherwise have occupied.

9. It is the duty of each player to see that a ball is properly spotted

before the next stroke is made. As in the case where a player is in

hand, a claim of foul, after the cue-ball has been struck in the one

instance, and the red ball disturbed in another, cannot be entertained.

All claims to the effect that the red ball is not on its spot, or that

the striker’s ball is not inside the “string” when he is about to play

after having been in hand, should be made _before_ the stroke is played,

as it can seldom be decided _after_ the stroke, whether there was any

ground for the claim.

ON THE DUTY OF THE PLAYERS TO EACH OTHER.

1. Each player must look after his own interest, and exercise his own

discretion. His opponent cannot be compelled to answer such questions

as, “Is the ball outside or inside the string?” “Are the balls in

contact?” and so forth. These are questions for the player’s own

judgment to decide.

2. When the cue-ball is very near another ball, the player must not play

directly upon that ball without having warned his adversary that they do

not touch, and given him or his umpire time to be satisfied on that

point.

3. It is obligatory upon the adversary or umpire to call “time!” or give

some other notice of his approach, if, while the player is preparing to

make a stroke, either of them desires to look at the balls, or submit a

question to the referee.

4. Each player should attend strictly to his own game, and never

interfere with his adversary’s, except in the cases mentioned in Section

9, on p. 804, or when a foul stroke or some other violation of these

rules may call for forfeiture.

ON THE DUTY OF THE MARKER AND THE SPECTATORS TO THE PLAYERS.

1. In a single game, no one, except the player and his umpire, has a

right to interfere with the play, or point out an error which either has

been or is about to be committed. The player to whose prejudice the foul

stroke is being or has been made, should find that out for himself.

2. Even after a stroke has been made, no one in the room has any right

to comment upon it, either for praise or blame: for the same stroke may

occur again in the course of the game, and the player’s play may be

materially altered by the criticism to which he has just been listening.

3. Let the marker and spectators keep their places as much as possible,

for if they crowd or move around the table they are _liable_ to

interfere with the players, and certain to distract their attention.

4. When the spectators are appealed to by the marker or referee for

their opinion on a point which he has been asked, but finds himself

unable to decide, such of them as are well acquainted with the game

should answer according to the best of their knowledge and belief. Those

who know little or nothing of the game would oblige themselves and

others by at once confessing their incompetency. Either they may not

have seen the disputed stroke, or, seeing it, may not have been familiar

with its merits.

THE THREE-BALL CAROM GAME.

This is considered by many the finest and most scientific game of

billiards in vogue. The game is played with three balls only, two white

and one red, and on a carom table. The red is placed on the spot

assigned to the dark-red in the American four-ball game. At the

commencement of the game one of the white balls is placed on the

light-red, or upper spot, connected with which is a described radius or

semicircle of six inches, usually marked on the cloth with chalk. The

other white ball, being “in hand,” may be played from any part of this

semicircle, which answers for what is known as the “string” in the

four-ball game, and whenever the cue-ball is “in hand” the player has

the right of playing it from this half circle. Points are reckoned by

caroms, which ordinarily count one point each; but when the rule of

counting, as in the four-ball game, is allowed, then misses count, but

not otherwise.

In France, where the three-ball game had its origin, there is no

standard code of rules to govern it. In America the following rules are

observed:--

1. The game is begun by stringing for the lead and choice of balls, as

in the four-ball game, the same regulations governing. In “stringing,”

the players should endeavour to strike the cue-balls simultaneously, and

he whose ball stops nearest the cushion at the head of the table shall

have the choice either of playing first or of making his adversary do

so--a privilege which thereafter shall belong to both players

alternately.

2. Unless a special agreement be entered into between the players and

the table-keeper, the game commonly consists of twenty-one points, if

each carom counts one only, and of forty-five when each carom counts

two, and misses are scored.

3. The first to play places his ball in any part of the semicircle, at

his option. He then plays at the ball on the deep-red spot, and has no

right to hit the white first without having caused his ball to touch the

cushion at some point outside of the “string.”

4. Player No. 2, whose ball has been placed on the spot, plays in his

turn. On a carom table he has the right to play on either ball, even

though both should be within the “string.” On a pocket table it is his

privilege to have the red placed on its appropriate spot, or he may

elect to play the balls as they are. Should he adopt the latter course

in this instance, or at any other time he happens to be in hand on a

pocket table, he must, before hitting either of the balls in the

“string,” cause his own to pass outside.

5. When a player is in hand on a carom table, and the other balls are

within the “string,” he may play directly upon either. But on a pocket

table, he can only play as described in Section 4. Furthermore, he must

confine his ball to the semicircle, and not let the lower half of his

body pass beyond the right line which the edge of the side cushion would

describe if prolonged.

6. The player must have at least one foot on the floor.

7. A ball exactly on the “string line” is considered within the string.

8. The carom is good, and the points count for the player, even though

his ball should be lost; and he continues to play. [A ball is considered

lost which goes into a pocket, jumps off the table, or remains on a

cushion.]

9. A pushing stroke subjects the player to the loss of the point or

points he may have made by that stroke, and puts his ball out of hand.

10. A player who plays before all the balls have ceased rolling loses

his stroke, and his hand is out.

11. When the cue-ball is in contact with one or more balls, all are

taken up and placed as at the commencement of the game; and the player,

being considered in hand, continues his play.

12. If the balls are disturbed accidentally, through the medium of any

agency other than the player himself--as, for instance, through the

interference of his opponent, or the marker, or other outside

party--they must be replaced, and the player allowed to play.

13. If, in playing, or after having played, the player disturbs any ball

other than his own, he cannot make a counting stroke, but he may play

for safety. But if he touches his own ball, except with the cue, or if

he touches it more than once with that instrument, the stroke is foul,

and he cannot play for safety.

14. A player has no right to disturb the balls, and ought not to do it

without the consent of his adversary.

15. When the cue-ball is very near another ball, the player ought not to

play without warning his adversary that they do not touch, and giving

him time to satisfy himself on that point.

16. Playing with the wrong ball is foul. The rules as to playing with

the wrong ball in the four-ball game are applicable to the three-ball

game.

17. Blowing on a ball, or using any other means to alter its course or

position, is foul. If the player so offending is in play, he must yield

the table to his adversary, should the latter demand it. In all cases,

the opposing player shall have the privilege either of having the ball

or balls replaced, or played with as they are.

18. If a lost ball, on being put back on the table, disturbs another,

the ball so disturbed must be put in its place again by the marker or

referee, and the player whose turn it is to play shall proceed.

19. The red ball being lost, and its spot being occupied, it shall be

placed on the “string” spot; if this latter should happen to be occupied

also, then the red shall be placed on the pool spot at the foot of the

table. A white ball being lost and its spot being occupied, shall be

placed on the deep-red spot, or if that is occupied, on the pool spot,

provided that it is not the turn of the player whose ball is lost to

play. In that case, there is no occasion for spotting the lost ball.

20. On a carom table, a lost white ball that has been placed on the

“string” spot cannot be moved after the opposing player has played a

stroke while the ball was in this position; but on a pocket table, where

the owner of a white ball that has been lost is compelled to play

outside of the “string,” he can, when his turn comes, play from any

point within the semicircle, provided that his ball has not been struck

by another. On a pocket table, it is held that a ball is in hand until

it has been struck or moved from its position, it having been placed on

the spot simply to afford the in-striker a chance to count. On the

contrary, on a carom or pocket-less table, custom has made the rule that

a lost ball ceases to be in hand after one stroke has been played; and,

in consideration of this ruling, the player, instead of being allowed to

shift the position of his ball, is privileged, in this country, to play

at any ball irrespective of its being in or out of the “string,” and

regardless, also, of whether he stands at the head or at either side of

the table.

[_Explanation._--The two rules last preceding may be further explained

in this wise: Either on a pocket or a carom table, a ball that rolls on

to and occupies the “string” spot in the course of play cannot be moved

aside to permit the spotting of a white ball that has become “lost.” The

lost ball must be spotted on the dark-red, or the pool spot, as directed

in rule 19, if its owner is not entitled to the next play, or within the

semicircle if he is. But when, on a carom table, a white ball has been

placed on the “string” spot by either player, instead of having rolled

thereon, it may be moved aside to accommodate a “lost” white ball,

provided that subsequent to the placing of the ball as mentioned _no

stroke has been played_. In marked contrast with this, a white ball that

has been placed on the “string” spot _on a pocket table_, may be moved

aside at any time in order to permit the spotting of a “lost” white

ball, provided always that the first-mentioned ball has not been touched

while occupying the spot.]

21. A player who abandons a game declares it lost by so doing.

There is a pretty variation of this game called the “Pillet Game,” in

which the above rules are varied only to the extent of requiring the

cue-ball to touch the cushion first before a carom can count, the score

in this game being ten points up only.

HINTS TO AMATEURS.

The old adage, “Experience is a great teacher,” holds equally true in

billiards as in any other of the many occupations of life. There is no

royal road to learning, but the student of the present day enjoys vast

facilities over his ancestors in the acquirement of every variety of

knowledge. Every new fact promulgated aids in the development of

additional facts, which, though ever existent, have but just been

discovered. Bearing these axioms in mind, we propose to embody in the

present article a few hints to billiard players, which will enable the

tyro at once to benefit by the information which the proficient has only

obtained by years of practice and observation.

Remember that all players have equal rights, and that no gentleman will

take any advantage of an antagonist excepting such as he may be fairly

entitled to by superiority of judgment or of skill.

Never make any remark or unnecessary noise when your adversary is about

to play, but stand away from the table and not opposite the pocket at

which he may be playing.

Do not play carelessly, or strike at random, but with some definite

object in view; and if no eligible stroke presents itself, endeavour to

leave the balls as safe for your opponent as your skill will permit.

Never despair of winning a game; care and caution frequently insure

success, even against apparent impossibilities. Fortune may seem to be

against you, but remember that in the long run luck will invariably

succumb to skill.

Attempt only strokes which seem to be within the compass of your

abilities, except the necessities of the case require a deviation from

this rule. This, however, is only to be considered a general law, and

not by any means imperative.

Effecting the stroke at hand is but a part of the game, and the player

should endeavour, in making this shot, to leave the balls in a position

where a second count can be secured.

By way of illustration of some of the “points” in the game of billiards,

we present below a few diagrams, and the first is that illustrative of

the method of taking advantage of the chances for making points. The

following is an explanation of abbreviations used in describing

diagrams:--

A. stands for above the _centre_ of the ball; B. for below it; R. to the

right of it; L. to the left; and D. for diagonal. Q. P. means the

strength or quantity of power with which the cue-ball must be struck. We

describe as follows: Q. P. No. 1, strength enough to make the ball roll

from the string to the lower cushion and back to the head cushion. Q. P.

No. 2, from the string to the lower cushion, back to the head cushion,

and from that to opposite the centre pocket. To propel it from the

string to the opposite cushion, thence back to the head, and from that

back to the lower cushion is Q. P. No. 3. Q. P. No. 4, is sufficient

force to propel the ball from the string to the lower cushion, back to

the head cushion, back to the lower cushion again, and thence half way

down the table.

In playing billiards we frequently find the balls in a position where a

count can be effected in several different ways. In such cases, it is

advisable for the player to take into consideration the probabilities of

effecting the stroke, and the position of the balls thereafter. If the

stroke be at all doubtful, he should play where he would have the

greatest prospect of success, or, in other words, “take the chances.”

We will suppose the cue-ball to be in hand, and the player desirous of

securing a good “break.” The diagram below illustrates the position.

[Illustration]

If, in the above case, the student is playing the usual game, it would

be advisable for him to play on the object-ball, so as to pocket it and

return over line 1, in this way taking three chances to make a count. If

he is playing caroms alone, it would be better for him to play on the

left of the object-ball, so as to draw it back in the string, as near

the other balls as possible. To make the first stroke: strike the

cue-ball ¼ A., ¼ R., with Q. P. 2½; and if the object-ball be pocketed

in the corner, as represented, the carom will be made on one of the

balls numbered 2 and 3. To make the second stroke: strike the cue-ball ¼

A., ½ R., with Q. P. 2½, the object-ball to be hit ⅜ L.

BRINGING THE BALLS TOGETHER.

The grand strength and science of the game consists in managing the

balls so as to leave them in a favourable position for the next play, or

if the player considers it impossible to count, to leave them as safe as

may be for his antagonist.

We cannot insist too strongly upon a perfect mastery of this art. After

the player has acquired a thorough practical knowledge of the philosophy

of the _follow_, the _force_ and the _twist_, the next great essential

is the exercise of judgment with regard to the feasibility of strokes

and their relative relation to the game. The term _judgment_ is applied

to the choice of strokes. The player, for instance, may have two

apparent shots; the first may recommend itself to him because it is more

facile, but if made will leave the balls safe, while the second,

although more difficult, will, if successful, leave the balls in a

position where a second count or even a run can be effected. _Judgment_,

therefore, would dictate that he should attempt the second, rather than

the first.

The diagram annexed will illustrate our remarks.

[Illustration]

Strike the cue-ball ¼ B., ⅜ L., with Q. P. 2½, the object-ball to be hit

so as to make it roll over the lines, as represented, and the player

will have a break of balls, which, with judicious management, will

enable him to effect a long run.

With one more illustration of this feature of scientific play we close

our article.

To play the balls as shown in the illustration following the player must

strike the cue-ball a little below the centre, and with a deadened

stroke, caroming gently on the second ball; the object-ball about

one-third to the right. This carom should be practised until each

position has become familiar to the player.

[Illustration]

In either practice or ordinary play the beginner should never play

carelessly, or strike at random, but with some definite object in view;

and if no eligible stroke presents itself, endeavour to leave the balls

as safe for your opponent as your skill will permit.

[_Note._--There are two exceptions to this rule. The first occurs in

leading off, and has already been explained. The second is where the

cue-ball, while at rest, is in contact with another ball. Then the

player does not forfeit. It is impossible to cause the cue-ball to hit,

by a direct stroke, the ball with which it is in contact, and the player

should not be penalized for failing to accomplish an impossibility. But,

as it is possible for him to count by playing _away_ from that ball--for

example, by striking some other ball, or a cushion, _first_, or by

taking up all the balls if his own is in contact with two or more--it is

a settled ruling that, in case he should pocket his ball either by

accident or design, or send it over the table, or cause it to lodge upon

the cushion, he must pay forfeit--_two_ points, if his ball was in

contact with a white, and _three_ if with a red.]

THE CANADIAN GAME OF LA CROSSE.

The game of La Crosse, now known as the “National game” of the new

dominion of Canada, is of Indian origin, and is the oldest and only

legitimate American game of ball now in vogue. La Crosse was played

among the American Indians before the tread of a “pale face” invaded the

“native heath” of the red man, and consequently our British friends

cannot claim the credit of even originating the basis of this game, as

in base-ball, though La Crosse resembles the Scotch game of Golf.

An attractive feature of La Crosse is that it can be played when

base-ball or cricket cannot. No rolling or levelling of grounds are

required, and but a merely nominal expense for _materiel_. The rules of

La Crosse are simple enough for a child to comprehend them; but yet it

is a game capable of yielding a great degree of exciting sport, both to

the young and old as participants, and to both sexes as spectators.

Moreover, wherever there is an ordinary field or common, if the grass be

not too long, a ground is ready for a match. As regards the physical

requisites and advantages, the former are the possession of pedestrian

skill and endurance to a more or less degree, with considerable activity

of movement, while the latter consist of the benefits the excitement of

a contest and the rapid exercise the game yields, agility, speed, and

endurance being developed in the process of becoming a skilful player in

the game.

La Crosse is played by twelve men on each side. These twelve players

occupy the following positions, viz.: goal-keeper, point, cover-point,

centre, home, and seven fielders. The goal-keeper’s duty is to defend

the goal; point is the player occupying the position out in the field,

and nearest the goal-keeper; cover-point fronts the latter’s position;

the “centre” is the player who faces the playing party in the centre of

the field; home is the position of the player who stands nearest the

goal of the opposing twelve; and the fielders skirmish round generally.

Each contesting twelve elect a captain to superintend the game, and they

choose umpires and toss for choice of goal.

There are two umpires, and these select a referee, whose decision on

disputed points is final.

The “crosse” is a species of battledore, the ball being in the place of

the shuttlecock, the difference being, that the portion of the bat

formed by network is of a similar form to an English kite (see diagram).

The network requires to be strung tightly together, so as not to “bag,”

but to be quite level.

The ball is made of soft spongy rubber, not exceeding eight inches in

circumference.

The goals consist of flag-poles, with flags, the poles standing six feet

above the ground, and six feet apart generally, but the distance is

optional on mutual agreement by the captains of the contesting sides. In

front of each goal, and distant six feet therefrom, is drawn a line,

called the “goal crease,” and within this line the players of the

opposite side to that the goal belongs to are prohibited from standing,

unless the ball is near the flags. The position of the umpires is behind

the above goal flags. The goal-keeper, while defending the goal, may

stop the ball in any manner he chooses.

The game consists of each party striving, by means of the crosse, or

netted bat each player uses, to send the ball to the goal of their

adversaries; and in doing this the ball must not be handled, or even

touched by the hand, except it falls into a hole, in which case the man

handling it must bat it direct to the nearest opponent; and except by

the goal-keeper while defending his goal.

But the appended rules describe all further laws of the game.

It was not until 1867 that a regular code of rules was adopted for the

government of all regular La Crosse clubs. These laws were enacted at

the Convention of La Crosse Clubs, September 26, 1867, and are now the

rules of play for Canada.

A Canadian writer on the game says:--“Although our early days were

devoted to cricket, we must confess to a decided preference for our own

game, with its athletic struggles. There is nothing like La Crosse. No

other game throws such a fascination over the spectator, who seems

riveted to the spot in admiration of the dashing and skilful play of the

champion twelve. For beauty and variety, skilful play and sober

excitement, it has no equal.”

Any information required about the game by those desirous of forming

clubs, will be furnished by addressing the Secretary of the Montreal La

Crosse Club, Montreal, Canada.

The following are the recognised code of rules governing La Crosse in

the Canadas, where it has been adopted as the “National game” of the new

dominion:--

LAWS OF LA CROSSE.

THE CROSSE.

RULE 1.--The “crosse” may be of any size to suit the player, but the

network must not be bagged: it must be flat when the ball is not on it.

A leading or outside string, above the level of the others, may be used.

It may rest on the top of the stick, but must not have anything under to

increase its height.

THE BALL.

RULE 2.--The ball shall be india-rubber sponge, not less than eight, and

not more than nine, inches in circumference. In matches it shall be

furnished by the challenged party.

THE GOALS.

RULE 3.--The goals may be placed at any distance from each other, and in

any position agreeable to the captains of both sides. The top of the

flag-pole shall be six feet above the ground, including any top

ornament, and six feet apart, and in a match may be furnished by either

party.

THE GOAL CREASE.

RULE 4.--There shall be a line or crease, to be called the goal-crease,

drawn in front of each goal, at a distance of six feet from the flags,

within which no opponent shall stand, unless the ball is actually near

or nearing the flags.

SPECTATORS.

RULE 5.--Spectators must stand at least twenty feet from the goals.

UMPIRES.

RULE 6.--There shall be two umpires at each goal, one for each side.

Unless otherwise agreed upon by the captains, they shall not be members

of either club engaged in a match, nor can they be changed during a

match, except for reasons of illness or injury. They must be thoroughly

acquainted with the game, and in every way competent to act. Before a

match begins, they shall see that all the regulations respecting the

crosse, ball, goal, goal-crease, &c. are strictly complied with, and in

deciding whether or not a crosse is bagged they shall take the opinion

of the captains and the referee. During the game they shall stand behind

the flags, and shall have power to decide all disputes, subject to Rule

7, and suspend from play any player infringing these laws. No umpire

shall, either directly or indirectly, be interested in any bet upon the

result of the match. No person shall speak to the umpires, or distract

their attention when the ball is near or nearing their goal.

REFEREE.

RULE 7.--The umpires shall select a referee, to whom all disputed games

whereon they are a tie may be left for decision. He shall take the

evidence of the players particularly interested, the respective opinions

of the different umpires, and, if necessary, the opinions and offers of

the captains, in cases where the discontinuance of the game is

threatened. His decision shall in all cases be final.

CAPTAINS.

RULE 8.--Field captains, to superintend the play, may be appointed by

each side previous to a match, who shall toss up for choice of goal, and

select umpires. They shall report any infringement of the laws to the

umpires. They shall be members of the club by whom they are appointed,

and may or may not be players in a match; and if not, they shall not

carry crosses.

DESIGNATION OF PLAYERS.

RULE 9.--The players of each side shall be designated as follows:--

1. Goal-keeper, who defends the goal.

2. Point, who is first man out from goal.

3. Cover-point, who is in front of point.

4. Centre, who “faces” in the centre of the field.

5. Home, who is nearest the opponent’s goal.

The remaining players shall be termed “fielders.”

NUMBER OF PLAYERS.

RULE 10.--Twelve players on a side shall constitute a full field, and

they must have been regular members of the club they represent, and of

no other club, for thirty days prior to a match.

CHANGE OF PLAYERS.

RULE 11.--No change of players shall be made after a match has been

commenced, except for reasons of accident or injury during the match.

When a match has been agreed upon, and one side is deficient in the

number of players, their opponents may either limit their own players’

numbers to equal them, or compel them to fill up the complement.

SPIKED SOLES.

RULE 12.--The players shall not wear spiked soles to their shoes.

TOUCHING THE BALL WITH THE HAND.

RULE 13.--The ball must not be touched with the hand, save in the cases

of Rules 14 and 15.

GOAL-KEEPER.

RULE 14.--The goal-keeper, while defending the goal within the

goal-crease, may stop balls in any manner.

BALL TAKEN UP WITH THE HAND.

RULE 15.--Whenever the ball is taken up, or out of a hole, with the

hand, during the progress of a game, it must be faced for with the

nearest opponent.

ACCIDENTAL GAME.

RULE 16.--Should the ball be accidentally put through a goal by one of

the players defending it, it is game for the side attacking that goal.

Should it be put through a goal by any one not actually a player, it

shall not count for or against either side.

HOLDING, STRIKING, AND PUSHING.

RULE 17.--Players shall not hold each other, nor grasp an opponent’s

crosse; neither shall they deliberately strike or trip each other, nor

push with the hand.

CHANGING SIDES.

RULE 18.--After each game the players shall change goals, unless

otherwise agreed upon.

PENALTIES FOR FOUL PLAY.

RULE 19.--Any player convicted of deliberate foul play, or infringement

of these rules, shall be suspended from play by the umpires, at request

of his captain.

DECIDING A MATCH.

RULE 20.--A match shall be decided by winning three games out of five,

unless otherwise agreed upon.

AMENDING LAWS.

RULE 21.--Any amendment, revision, or alteration, proposed to be made in

any part of these laws, shall be made only at the Annual Conventions of

“The National La Crosse Association of Canada,” and by a three-fourths’

vote of the members present.

R. CLAY, SON, AND TAYLOR, PRINTERS, BREAD STREET HILL.

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:

This text follows the original work as much as possible.

Inconsistencies in lay-out, spelling, hyphenation, capitalisation,

etc. have been retained, except as mentioned below.

The Table of Contents in the original work usually does not

show all levels; this has not been changed. (Sub-)section headers

show different levels, based on the text. The sub-sections under

Baseball, American Billiards and La Crosse are not mentioned in the

original Table of Contents, these have not been added.

Remarks on the text:

Page 75, hang from the strong downwards: possibly typographical

error.

Page 127, orbele poplar: possibly error or variant spelling of

abele poplar (white poplar).

Page 130, table: Smith’s scores are not according to the

calculation given in the text; this has not been changed.

Page 389, illustration plate electrical machine: reference

letters B are not visible in the original illustration.

Page 459, first illustration: reference letters D, E and F are not

visible in the original illustration.

Page 487, spectra: the scans available of this edition show a

fraction of letters in the right-hand margin of the page. A later

edition (1881) of the book shows the same illustration, the symbols

for the elements have been taken from that edition. The “metal

discovered by Professor Bunsen” is rubidium. Page 490 lists the same

elements.

Page 569: Angola rabbit it possibly a misspelling of Angora

rabbit; the word occurs in other publications of the same period,

and has not been changed.

Page 615: “they will be of this form.” Illustration moved

to under paragraph; ... on the edge of the board inside, thus:

illustration moved to before paragraph.

Page 627, (or Var. A.): there is no Var. A. for this game in the

original work.

Page 650, Fig. 6: reference number 1 is missing from the

original illustration.

Page 670, ... and ask some to choose ...: possibly (part of) a

word is missing (someone, some person or similar).

Page 682, Amstelod.: Amstelodanum (Amsterdam).

Page 697, realgor: possibly error or variant of realgar.

Page 724, In order to the full success ...: possibly a word is

missing (In order to achieve ... or similar).

Page 764: Mecklenberg Schwerin: possibly error or English variant

spelling for Mecklenburg Schwerin.

Page 798, carombolage: the French word is carambolage.

Page 812, a similar form to an English kite (see diagram): the

diagram is not present in the original work

Changes made to the text:

Some missing punctuation, repeated words and typographical

errors have been corrected silently.

Footnotes have been moved to underneath paragraph they refer to.

i.e. and i. e. have been standardised to i. e.

Some illustrations have been moved from within text to

underneath/above paragraph. Several tables and forms have been moved

and re-arranged; therefore page numbers referring to illustrations

are not necessarily correct in this text.

Parts of some illustrations have been enhanced for better

visibility.

Page vii: Snow-Ball changed to Snow-Balls; Will you ’List

changed to Will you List (both as in text)

Page viii: The Hoop added (as in text)

Page ix: Under-hand-hand bowling changed to Under-hand bowling;

Single Wicket changed to The Laws of Single Wicket (as in text)

Page x: The Britzschaka, New Brougham and The Family Coach

deleted from ToC, these are illustrations, not sections; BROADSWORDS

treated as hierarchically higher level section, as in the text

Page xiii: Phantasmacope changed to Phantasmascope

Page xv: To crack Walnuts on your Elbow changed to To crack

Walnuts in your Elbow (as in text)

Page xvi: The Row of Halfpence added

Page 1: Heading PART I added for consistency with other parts

Page 16: National-school doys changed to National-school boys

Page 17: water slashed over changed to water splashed over

Page 31: the second mode changed to The second mode

Page 124: fixed their staes changed to fixed their stakes

Page 155: snooters changed to shooters

Page 166: alloted changed to allotted

Page 170: illustration rotated 90°

Page 172: illustration (post) rotated 90°

Page 189, illustration: d changed to D as in text

Page 208: coupé sur peint changed to coupé sur point

Page 212, figure Target: inverted R changed to 1

Page 218: Page 605 changed to Page 219

Page 265, illustration: 7 changed to 4 as in text

Page 302: proportionably changed to proportionally

Page 310: not two high changed to not too high

Page 315, first illustration: text paragraph changed to caption

Page 328: free from noles changed to free from holes

Page 359: Is is a powerful supporter changed to It is a powerful

supporter

Page 370, sal ammoniac: NH₄C₂ changed to NH₄Cl

Page 371: section title IODINE--BROMINE--FLUORINE changed to

IODINE as in ToC (sections on Bromine and Fluorine follow on same

and next page)

Page 381: hickel changed to nickel

Page 391, illustration ringing bells: reference letter A added

Page 392: the knob E changed to the knob F

Page 405: jet-d’eau changed to jet d’eau

Page 406: jet-d’-eau changed to jet d’eau

Page 408: superscripts in chemical formula changed to subscripts

as elsewhere

Page 448: a open umbrella changed to an open umbrella

Page 453: representatation changed to representation

Page 489: Kirchoff changed to Kirchhoff; fraction 1/2,500,00:

the numerator was lacking in the original, numerator 1 has been added

Page 490: Kirchoff’s changed to Kirchhoff’s

Page 495: combe changed to combs

Page 505, Frequently the claws ...: “former” and “latter”

reversed

Page 549, illustration Tumbler: moved to before section, caption

deleted for consistency with other breeds

Page 551, illustration Fantail: moved to before section, caption

deleted for consistency with other breeds

Page 554: hither and hither changed to hither and thither; créve

cœur changed to crève cœur

Page 557: créve cœur changed to crève cœur

Page 593: indiarubber changed to india-rubber as elsewhere

Page 640, Variation A. on Black’s 3d Move: column headers BLACK

and WHITE changed to WHITE and BLACK

Page 642, GAME II, White’s second move: 1. changed to 2.

Page 676, Charles I. code: letter r inserted

Page 678: coded messages corrected to be in agreement with cipher

given and coding procedure

Page 709: Mississipi changed to Mississippi

Page 712: Liliputian changed to Lilliputian

Page 719: Beurre Diel changed to Beurré Diel (as in Beurré

d’Amanlis, same sentence)

Page 737, Cross Puzzle illustration: pieces renumbered according

to solution

Page 760: à perçevoir changed to à percevoir

Page 767: Van Dieman’s Land changed to Van Diemen’s Land