[Illustration]
"This curious-looking machine is a baseball pitcher which is automatic.
It is operated by compressed air, and is so arranged that it will
'pitch' a ball with an upward curve or downward curve just as well as an
expert ball player. The machine consists of a tube about thirty-six
inches long which is just large enough to hold the ball. The tube can be
pointed in any direction, and the rear end is fitted with a contrivance
by which the ball can be curved. When the operator wishes to make a
pitch he merely presses a lever which admits the compressed air into the
tube, and the ball is shot out like the bullet from an air-gun. The
invention is not intended to take the place of a human pitcher, but to
be used in practice games, so that the man at the bat can become expert
in hitting curves and balls pitched at various degrees of speed." Why
should not a similar machine be used in this country as a practice
bowler at cricket?--The above is sent by Mr. D. Allen Willey, Baltimore.