True
the captain of a team, and the captain only, may suggest that he has erred in the interpretation of a rule, but he must do so in a thoroughly respectful fashion. The umpire, to fill the position with honour, must be experienced in the rules of the game, quick to read character, that he may know the man who is "bluffing," and the one who appeals for a decision on honest conviction. He must, moreover, be quick in his decisions and prepared to stand by [BASEBALL There are many inducements to lead the average Englishman to embrace the American sport. The game is admirably adapted to the requirements of the average professional man or artisan, as it does not call for a great sacrifice of time, inasmuch as the game does not last longer than two hours and a half. But what an amount of exercise is crowded into that short space of time! Every one is busy. Every one is on the move. There is no room for the lazy man. Everybody is given a chance to excel both at the bat and in the field. In Cricket, should you get out first ball, your chance is gone, in all probability, of distin- BASEBALL AT THE CHELSEA FOOTBALL GROUND. them when once made. The duties of the umpire are very clearly laid down in the rules, and so I shall not enlarge upon them.
This I will say when an umpire is to be chosen, let him be such a one as possesses the confidence of the players, and is possessed of an equable temper and disposition. In fact, the qualifications that go to constitute a good umpire in Cricket or Football are requisite for the one who would excel in the same line in Baseball.
Concluding Remarks. It can scarcely be said that in the present article I have given a thorough exposition of Baseball.
This short treatise must serve but as a foundation upon which the reader, by help of the rules, by witnessing Baseball games, and by questioning the players on the points of which he is doubtful, may build the edifice of his own Baseball reputation. guishing yourself at the bat for that day.
It is not so in Baseball. As nine innings are played you have five or six chances more of retrieving your honour. From the sportsman's point of view, Baseball should stand ahead of most manly games. It is open to everybody to learn it and become speedily efficient. Application and diligence are the only requirements. With them the average athlete will, after a game or two, learn every detail; and when he has taken to Baseball I can safely say that he will not be in a hurry to desert it.
R. G. KNOWLES.
GLOSSARY.
Assist.-Any fielder co-operating with another or others in retiring a base-runner is credited with an assist.