But it must not be assumed that Mr. Punch's attitude is one of satirical criticism; on the contrary, his sympathies are with every form of sportsmanship, and it is chiefly because his jovial knights of the pencil delight to illustrate the mishaps incidental to all games that we are entitled to look upon him as a great patron of our sports. And is not he always ready to pillory the cad and the incompetent as further proof of the soundness of his heart? Certain volumes of this library are devoted entirely to one or other of our popular pastimes, determined mainly on their varying richness in humour, but in this "Book of Sports" we have brought together a carefully chosen selection of Mr. Punch's wittiest sayings on a variety of games and pastimes. Cricket might of itself have furnished forth a volume, Football, and Racing also; but we have sought after variety rather than repletion, and to this end even the passing craze for Ping-pong has not been ignored, as it is not the least of the merits of the Punch Library of Humour that within these volumes is enshrined a comic chronicle of the passing time. [Illustration] * * * * * MR. PUNCH'S BOOK OF SPORTS [Illustration] THE BRITISH "SPHERE OF INFLUENCE."--The cricket ball. * * * * * CRICKETERS WHO OUGHT TO BE GOOD HANDS AT PLAYING A TIE.--"The Eleven of Notts." * * * * * NOMENCLATURE.--The professional cricketer who makes a "duck's egg" ought surely to be dubbed a "quack." * * * * * A MODEL CRICKET MATCH.--One that begins with a "draw," but does not end with one. * * * * * EPITAPH ON A CRICKETER.--"Over!" * * * * * A CRICKETING PARADOX.--Any eleven can make a score. * * * * * LORD'S! [Illustration] There's a glorious sanctum of cricket, Away in the Wood of St. John; No spot in creation can lick it For the game at which Grace is the "don." Though Melbourne may claim a "Medina," The "Mecca" of cricket must be In the beautiful classic arena, The home of the "old" M. C. C. Home, sweet home of the M. C. C., Ever my fancy is turning to thee! Up with King Willow and down with the dumps Hark to the rattle of leather and stumps. Oh, what a rapturous thrill it affords! Give yourself up to the magic of "Lord's." * * * * * SCORING FOR DR. GRACE.--"A running commentary." * * * * * ALL WORK AND NO PLAY.--The umpire's part. * * * * * THE IRREPRESSIBLE JOKER AGAIN (ON BAIL.)-- _Q._ Where ought ducks' eggs to be most readily found? _A._ At the Oval. [_Bail estreated._ * * * * *