We believe that our lively neighbours, the French, having seen that there is a chance of some alteration being made in the rules of cricket in England, have determined to suggest some changes on their own account. We give the first list of proposals:-- 1. The ball in future is to be made of india-rubber. 2. Armour to be allowed to the striker, so as to prevent accidents from the ball. 3. The umpires to be henceforth experienced surgeons, so that their medical services may be available for the wounded. 4. Camp-stools to be permitted to the long-stop, and other hard-worked members of the field. 5. Fielders expected to run after a rapidly-driven ball, to be allowed to follow the object on bicycles. 6. The wicket-keeper to have a small portable fortress in front of him to keep him out of danger. 7. The bats to be made of the same materials as those used in lawn-tennis. 8. The game to commence with the "luncheon interval," to be employed in discussing a _dejeuner a la fourchette_. 9. The uniform of the cricketer in future to consist of a horn, a hunting-knife, jockey-cap and fishing-boots, in fact the costume of the earliest French exponent of the game. 10. The outside to have the right to declare the game closed when fatigued. 11. A band of music to be engaged to play a popular programme. A flourish of trumpets to announce the triumph of the striker when he succeeds in hitting the ball. 12. Those who take part in the great game to be decorated with a medal. All future matches to be commemorated with clasps, to denote the player's bravery. Should these reforms be adopted by the M. C. C., there seems little doubt that the national game of England will receive a fresh lease of popularity in the land that faces Albion. * * * * * THE LATEST CRISIS. [Mr. BARTLEY protested in the House of Commons against Mr. W. O'BRIEN'S conduct in dining in the House with strangers at a table reserved for Members. Mr. O'BRIEN explained that Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN had taken a table which he (Mr. O'BRIEN) had previously reserved. The question is under the consideration of the Kitchen Committee.]