[Illustration: "CRICKETING INTELLIGENCE."--_Sporting Old Parson_ (_to professional player_). "why is a ball like that called a 'yorker,' sir?" _Professional Player._ "a 'yorker,' sir? oh, when the ball's pitched right up to the block----" _Sporting Parson._ "yes, yes--I didn't ask you what a 'yorker' was"--(_with dignity_)--"I know that as well as you do. But why is it called a 'yorker'?" _Professional Player._ "Well, I can't say, sir. I don't know what else you could call it!"] * * * * * KING CRICKET The canny Scot may talk a lot Of golf and its attraction, And "putt" and "tee" for him may be A source of satisfaction; While maidens meek with rapture speak Of croquet's fascination, Tho' I suspect 'twere more correct To call their game "flirtation." But cricket's the thing for Summer and Spring! Three cheers for cricket, of all games the king! The man who boats his time devotes To rowing or to sailing, In shine or rain he has to train, With energy unfailing. A tennis set finds favour yet With merry men and matrons. In lazy souls the game of bowls Is not without its patrons. A day that's fine I do opine Is much to be desired; An "even pitch" I ask for, which Is certainly required; Then add to that a "steady bat," A bowler "on the wicket," A "field" that's "smart," then we can start The noble game of cricket. * * * * * CRICKET _Drawn with a stump by Dumb-Crambo Junior._ [Illustration: BOWLING STARTED WITH A MAIDEN] [Illustration: A CUT FOR THREE] [Illustration: A DRIVE TO THE OFF FOR A COUPLE] [Illustration: CAUGHT AT SLIP] [Illustration: TAKEN AT POINT] [Illustration: WIDE BAWL AND BUY] * * * * * THE LADY CRICKETER'S GUIDE BOWLING. 1. Should you desire to bowl leg-breaks, close the right eye. 2. Off-breaks are obtained by closing the left eye. 3. To bowl straight, close both. BATTING. 1. Don't be afraid to leave the "popping" crease--there is another at the other end. 2. County cricketers use the curved side of the bat for driving. 3. A "leg glance" is not football. 4. When "over" is called, don't cross the wicket. FIELDING. 1. Stop the ball with your feet. If you are unable to find it, step on one side. 2. To catch a ball, sit down gracefully and wait. 3. When throwing in from the country, aim half-way up the pitch; you may then hit one of the wickets--which one I don't know. _Postscript._ The spirit in which the game should be played is best shown by the following extract from the _Leicester Daily Mercury_:-- BARROW LADIES _v._ THRUSSINGTON LADIES.