Two-leg
Synonymous with "middle and leg."
Under-hand bowling.-Bowling with the hand close to the body, and not raised level with or over the shoulder.
Wicket. (i.) One of the stumps. (ii.) The ground between the stumps. (iii.) The batsman is sometimes, by inference, described as a wicket, e.g., "two wickets are down" means "two batsmen are out."
Wicket-keeper.- The fieldsman immediately behind the wickets.
Wickets.-(i.) The three uprights and the two bails which are laid on the grooves are collectively called the wickets or wicket. The stumps are known as the off, middle, and leg stumps; the bails as the off and leg bails. [See LAW 6.] (ii.) A side is said to win by, say, four wickets when the number of runs necessary to win the match have been got, and only six batsmen are out.
Wide. A ball so badly directed that the batsman cannot reach it. [See LAWS I2 and 16.] Win in an innings. To make more runs in one innings than the other side makes in two.
Work on the ball. - Identical with break.
Yorker. A ball which pitches far up; roughly speaking, between the bowling and popping creases.
Bibliography. Cricket Scores and Biographies, F. Lillywhite and A. Haygarth, I4 volumes pub- Lillywhite and A. Haygarth, 14 volumes published, comprising matches from 1772-1878 (Longmans) ; Index to All First-Class Matches in "Scores and Biographies," J. B. Payne (Hodgson, Harrogate), 1903; Wisden's Cricketer's [CRICKET as to Almanack (Wisden, continued by H. Luff, 21 Cranbourne Street), from 1864, in progress; Scores and Matches not in Wisden, J. B. Payne (Hodgson, Harrogate), 1904; Guide Cricketers, F. Lillywhite, 19 volumes, from 1848-66; Cricketer's Companion, J. Lillywhite, 33 volumes, from 1865; Cricket (weekly), 15 annual volumes, from 1882; Blues and their Battles from 1827-92 (Wright), 1893; Scottish Cricketers' Annual Guide, 13 volumes, 1870-1882; Scottish Cricketers' Annual, 17 volumes, 1881-87; New Articles of the Game of Cricket as settled and revised at the Star and Garter, Pall Mall, February 25th, 1774, by a Committee of Noblemen and Gentlemen of Kent, &c.; to which is added the Old Laws as settled by the different Cricket Clubs (London, J. Williams), 1775; Rules and Instruction for Playing at the Game of Cricket, Boxall (London), 1790; Cricketer's Guide, or Instructions and Rules for Playing the Noble Game of Cricket, Lambert, 1816; Laws of Cricket as Ap- Approved by the Marylebone Club, 1849; The Young Cricketer's Tutor, John Nyren, 1833, new edition by E. V. Lucas (H. Frowde), 1907; The Young Cricketer's Guide, J. Nyren, 1840; Sketches of the Players, Denison, 1846; Illustrated Laws of Cricket, as revised by the Marylebone Club, Barden, 1849; M.C.C.: Extracts from Minutes of the Committee, 1826-67, Fitzgerald; The English Game of Cricket, C. Box (The "Field" Office), 1877; The Cricket Field, Revd. J. Pycroft, 9th edition revised ("Cricket" Press), 1887; Kings of Cricket, R. Daft (Simpkin), 1893; Annals of the Free Foresters, W. K. R. Bedford (Blackwood), 1895; The County Cricket Championship, Revd. R. S. Holmes (Simpkin), 1897; Scores of the Cricket Matches between Oxford and Cambridge, H. Perkins (Robinson), 1898; John Wisden's Public School Matches, edited by S. H. Pardon (Wisden), 1898; Gentlemen v.
Players, F. S. Ashley-Cooper (Simpkin), 1900; The Book of Blues, O. Rysden (Robinson), 1900; Cricket in Many Climes, P. F. Warner (Heinemann), 1900; Scores of the Eton and Harrow Cricket Matches, F. Brook (Robinson), 1902; Curiosities of First-Class Cricket, F. S. Ashley-Cooper (Seale), 1901; Oxford and Cambridge Scores and Biographies, J. D. Betham (Simpkin), 1905; Middlesex C.C.C., W. J. Ford (Longmans), 1900; Annals of Lord's kin), 1903; The History of Kent County Cricket, and History of the M.C.C., A. D. Taylor (Simp- Lord Harris (Eyre and Spottiswoode), 1907; With Bat and Ball: Twenty-Five Years' Reminiscences of Australian and Anglo-Australian Cricket, G. Giffin (Ward, Lock and Co.), 1898; Ten Thousand Miles through India and Burmah.
An Account of the Oxford Authentics' Cricket Tour, 1902-03, C. Headlam (Dent), 1903; Stray Thoughts on Indian Cricket, J. M. Framjee Patel (The "Times of India," Bombay), 1905; Cricket 1742-51, F. S. Ashley-Cooper (Merritt and Hatcher), 1900; Cricket, edited by H. G. Hutchinson ("Country Life"), 1903; Cricket, F. C. Holland (Bell), 1904; The Gentle Art of Bowling, S.
Aylwin (18 Bouverie Street), 19043 Cricket for Beginners, A. C. Maclaren (Routledge), 1896; Great Batsmen, their Methods at a Glance (1905), Great Bowlers and Fielders (1906), G. W. Beldam of Cricket Grounds, J. A. Gibbs (Cox), 1895; and C. B. Fry (Macmillan); The Improvement Tayler, biographical sketches by G. W. Beldam The Empire's Cricketers, drawings by A. C. ("Cricket Office"), annual; The Laws of Cricket, (The Fine Art Society); Cricket's Year Book M.C.C. (Dennis), 1905.
THE TATE CENTRA1BRARY BRIA a THE ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF SPORT AND GAMES VOL II The Daily Telegraph.
PRESS OPINIONS Only one complete volume has so far been prepared for the public, but it is merely stating the obvious to say that the high standard raised at the outset has only to be maintained to ensure a work which will be brilliant in its entirety, and permanent in its undoubted value. An encyclopædia should be historical, explanatory, informative, and absolutely authentic. So far as can be judged, this one is that. The new Encyclopædia is, indeed, an artistic production in every respect, and its utility is so far beyond criticism as to make the publication quite a big event in the history of British sport and sportsmen.
The Athenaum.
Five parts are now out of the "Encyclopædia of Sport," and are sufficient to show the businesslike character of the publication. The articles cover a wide range, and are to the point, being free from the verbiage and excess of personal reminiscence which are apt to creep into such books.
The Standard.
There can be no question about the welcome which awaits so attractive and excellent a work of reference. Everyone who cares for outdoor recreations as well as pastimes which can be followed in all weathers ought to make acquaintance with the compendium. Pall Mall Gazette.
The work is shaping to become the latest and the definitive guide and authority on sport of all kinds, and its fascinating pages will be consulted with eager interest by the great army of sportsmen everywhere. The Morning Leader. "The Encyclopædia of Sport" gives all available information upon all games and sports. The articles are written by the finest experts, and magnificently illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and drawings.
The Winning Post.
No one will be surprised to hear that the issue of the "Encyclopædia of Sport" in fortnightly parts is proving a big success. The whole thing is so well done that its popularity is assured. The articles, written as they are by the chief authorities in the world of sport, have been thoroughly revised and brought up to date, and the numerous illustrations are excellent of their kind.... We strongly advise all readers of the "Winning Post" who have not already done so to obtain the first volume, and order the future issues so that they may have a complete copy of one of the very best sporting books. Mr. Heinemann is to be congratulated on his enterprise.
The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News.
Both these subjects (aeronautics and automobiles) are treated at length and in detail by writers who have knowledge and experience, and, what is equally essential-at least, if the uninitiated is to profit by them-the genuine teachers' most valuable faculty of making details clear.
Both these great subjects are treated with a lucidity beyond praise by the writers, and they are supplemented, and the reader is wonderfully helped by pictures and sketches which the most untechnical mind could scarcely fail to assimilate.
We are sure that with Mr. Heinemann, who is the present publisher, the same spirit will be carried through, and we congratulate him and the authorities whom he has enlisted on their success so far.
The Nottingham Guardian.
The contents of this portion (Volume 1) of a great work have already been noted, as they made their appearance in serial form. Collected in such a handsome and portly volume, they prove still more impressive. The whole range of sport is covered, and the developments of the last ten years have been so great that the "Encyclopædia" is practically a new book.
THE TATE LIBRARY, BRIXTON, S.W.
After Archibald Thorburn.
FOX.
The Encyclopaedia of Sport & Games EDITED BY THE OF SUFFOLK THE EARL OF SUFFOLK LANDA BERKSHIRE LAMBE TH PUBLIC NOT TO BE REMOVED FROM THE REFERENCE LIBRARY A New and Enlarged Edition with Colour Plates and Illustrations from Photographs and Drawings VOLUME II CROCODILE SHOOTING-HOUND BREEDING WITH ABOUT FIVE HUNDRED ILLUSTRATIONS S HE TATRARY BMXT S.H LONDON: WILLIAM HEINEMANN E7% TATE CENTRAL LIBRARY DEPARTMENT BIXTON OVAL W7898576 Copyright, 1911, by William Heinemann All rights reserved.
R. Clay and Sons, Ltd., Bread Street Hill, E.C., and Bungay, Suffolk. :
LAMB RIES BETH PUB CONTENTS PAGE PAGE CROCODILE SHOOTING (H. R. P. CARTER).
CROQUET (C. S. COLMAN) I ELEPHANT, AFRICAN (F. C. SELOUS) 162 . 3 LAWS CURLING (REV. J. KERR) 6 ADDO BUSH (G. D. WHEELER) INDIAN (GEN. J. MICHAEL) 169 170 12 TRAPPING (COL. F. T. POLLOK) 175 DACE CYCLING (H. GRAVES) DAB I. LEARNING TO RIDE.
II. BUYING A BICYLE III. ROAD RIDING IN GENERAL IV. CYCLING DRESS V. BICYCLING FOR WOMEN VI. THE RULE OF THE ROAD VII. TOURING.
VIII. CYCLING INSTITUTIONS IX. DETAILS OF THE MACHINE CYCLE RACING (G. LACEY HILLIER).
DECK SPORTS (EDEN PHILLPOTTS) DECOYS (J. E. HARTING) 22 ELK (SIR HENRY POTTINGER) 177 22 SHOOTING IN RUSSIA (FRED WHISHAW) 179 23 EMU (ARTHUR EDEN) 180 25 FALCONRY (HON. GERALD LASCELLES) 181 30 FALLOW DEER (J. E. HARTING). 195 31 FENCE MONTHS (J. WILLIS BUND and A. 32 NELSON CHENEY) 197 33 FENCING (CAMILLE PREVOST) 199 . 35 FERRETS (J. E. HARTING) 217 35 57 FIRST AID (J. B. BYLES and S. OSBORN).
FIVES (E. L. Fox) 221 230 66 THE ETON GAME 231 66 THE RUGBY GAME 234 67 FOOTBALL, RUGBY (A. BUDD and J. E. 71 RAPHAEL) 238 DEER (H. A. BRYDEN) 76 NORTHERN UNION (JOHN H. SMITH). 256 DEERSTALKING (A. GRIMBLE) 80 ASSOCIATION (C. B. FRY) 259 IN THE CAUCASUS (PRINCE DEMIDOFF) DOGS (RAWDON B. LEE, REVISED BY 88 AMATEUR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION (E.
V. SPELLER) 271 WALTER BAXENDALE) 92 INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALL 272 SHOOTING DOGS IOI FOOTBALL IN AMERICA (CASPAR WHIT- TERRIERS (FRED GRESHAM and RAW- DON B. LEE).
NEY and T. A. COOK) 287 107 FOREST HOG (H. A. BRYDEN) 293 OTHER VARIETIES (FRED GRESHAM).
DISEASES OF DOGS III FOX (T. FIRR) 294 114 FRANCOLIN (H. A. BRYDEN) 300 BREAKING AND TRAINING (RAWDON B.
GAMEKEEPERS (TOM SPEEDY and H.) 300 LEE and FRED GRESHAM) 116 GAME LAWS (J. WILLIS BUND and J. E.
DORY 120 HARTING) 307 DRIVING (W. R. H. GARLAND) 121 GAUR (MAJ. A. F. MACKENZIE). 311 DRIVING A SINGLE HORSE 122 GAYAL (COL. F. T. POLLOK) 313 DOUBLE HARNESS 123 GAZELLES (H. A. BRYDEN) 313 TANDEM DRIVING 125 GIRAFFE (H. A. BRYDEN). 315 DRIVING FOUR-IN-HAND 129 GNU, BRINDLED (H. A. BRYDEN) 319 PRIVATE AND STAGE-COACHING WHITE-TAILED.
DUCK SHOOTING (JOHN CORDEAUX) DUIKER (H. A. BRYDEN) GOA (GENERAL D. MACINTYRE) 159 GOAT, NILGIRI (P. W. L'ESTRANGE) EEL ELAND (H. A. BRYDEN) ROCKY MOUNTAIN (THEODORE ROOSE- VELT) CONTENTS PAGE PAGE GOLF (GARDEN G. SMITH)..
GOOSE, WILD (HENRY SHARP) GORAL (GENERAL D. MACINTYRE) GRAYLING (WILLIAM SENIOR).
GROUSE (THE DUKE OF RUTLAND) GUNS- THE MECHANICAL DEVELOPMENT OF 360 THE SHOT-GUN 392 361 HARE (J. E. HARTING) 402 366 HARTEBEEST (H. A. BRYDEN) 406 MOORS (THE DUKE OF RUTLAND) WILLOW GROUSE (JUDGE D. W. 373 HERON (J. E. HARTING) 408 HIPPOPOTAMUS (F. C. SELOUS) 412 PROWSE) 0 376 HOCKEY (E. L. CLAPHAM and E. L.
GROUSE DISEASE (A. E. SHIPLEY) 377 MARSDEN) 415 GUANACO (H. HESKETH PRICHARD) 388 LAWS 423 GUDGEON 389 HORSE, ARABIAN (W. S. BLUNT) 426 GUEMAL (H. HESKETH PRICHARD) GUNS (FRED. A. TALBOT). 390 ORIGIN OF THE THOROUGHBRED 435 391 HOUND BREEDING (CHARLES RICHARD- BUYING A GUN 391 SON) 441 Fox RED DEER DUCKS GROUSE HAWKING UNAPPROACHABLE GEESE GROUSE DRIVING "ECLIPSE" LIST OF PLATES COI Frontispiece To face page دو دو دو دو دو 80 156 194 354 372 438 3 THE TATE LIBRARY, BRIXTON, S.W.
THE ENCYCLOPÆDIA OF SPORT - CROCODILE SHOOTING.
Crocodiles, of which there are a dozen species, are found in Africa, Southern Asia, North Australia, and tropical America. The chief difference between Alligators and Crocodiles is that in the former the fourth tooth in the lower jaw is received into a sulcus or pit in the upper jaw, and is invisible when the head is looked at from above, whilst in the Crocodiles the corresponding tooth is known there where they have been carried off by it; and in Africa, both on the Nile and the Limpopo (or Crocodile River), they are not only habitually man-eaters, but have been known to attack men on horseback, who have succumbed to the injuries inflicted.
C. palustris is also a cannibal, and feeds freely on the remains of its companions, as related by Hornaday in his Two Years in the Jungle. The third species, the Estu- A LARGE CROCODILE ON THE TANA RIVER. a received into a notch in the upper jaw, and can be seen from above. There are other differences, but they are of comparatively slight importance. There are only three Crocodiles about which sportsmen are likely to be interested. First, the Gavial (Gavialis gangeticus), which has a beak-like snout, and is found in the Ganges, Bramapootra, and their larger affluents, the Mahanudi in Orissa, and the Kolladyni River in Arrakan. It is a purely fish-eating species. Secondly, the Mugger or Marsh Crocodile (Crocodilus palustris), identical, but for its snout being somewhat shorter, with the African C. niloticus. It is found in tanks and rivers all over India and Ceylon and in Madagascar. In India it does not generally attack men, but instances VOL. II are [Photo. by A. Radclyffe Dugmore. arine Crocodile (C. porosus), is, as its name implies, chiefly found at the mouths of rivers, but has been seen well out at sea.
It is par excellence the man-eating Crocodile of the East. It is found in the Bengal rivers, sparingly on the West Coast, and, curiously enough, not recorded as met with in any part of the Bombay Presidency.
It is also found in Ceylon, Burma, and North Australia. It builds a mound of leaves and rushes, the fermentation of which hatches the eggs. It watches this nest, and will attack anyone that comes near it. It has also been known to kill its congener C. palustris, from which it differs in having a narrower head, and two ridges on the skull converging towards the snout, and, in the adult, four instead of five teeth in B the upper jaw, counting from the median line to the notch. This species is probably the largest of the Crocodiles, a specimen in the British Museum being recorded as thirty-three feet in length. The favourite haunts of all Crocodiles are on rocks and spits of sand left by the floods in rivers and tanks, and it is of no use to look for them during the monsoon. They frequent the same spots year after year, so that anyone living on the bank of a large river is certain, by taking trouble and occasionally anchoring the intestines of a sheep or pig, or tethering a dog close to the water, to get a shot eventually, which should prove fatal.
The brain of a Crocodile is very small, but unless the bullet penetrates it, or the neck, [CROCODILE of sand or rocks, or lie on the banks sleeping, often with the jaws wide open, which gives them a curious appearance. On all the Indian rivers, unless the banks are rocky, the vegetation is luxuriant, the screw pine (Pandanus), high grass, and creepers with enormous roots abound, and these, with flotsam in the shape of logs of different sizes, make it most difficult to distinguish the quarry in spite of a good pair of binoculars and the sharp eyes of the crew.
Slowly drifting down the stream, or carefully paddling up, you may at last see a beast worth shooting, or more probably one of the men will spot him. At a sign the boat is noiselessly rowed until it is opposite the sleeper, when, with luck and good shoot- NILOTIC CROCODILE. where the spine joins the head, so that the animal is paralysed, it will, although mortally wounded, get into the water, and may not be recovered for twelve or even four-and-twenty hours.
The Crocodile of the Nile is now seldom met with in any numbers below the Second Cataract. Owing to the Crocodile-bird or Zic-Zac (Hoplopterus spinosus) giving the alarm, it is most difficult for the sportsman to approach sufficiently near to make sure of getting a deadly shot. On the Indian rivers, however, although an allied bird sometimes picks the teeth of the Crocodile, it rarely deprives the sportsman of a shot.
Method of Approach. - The Crocodile, unless molested, is by no means wary, and will allow a near approach. The most satisfactory way is to be paddled in a canoe along the banks, or, if it is determined to be out for the whole day and the river is deep enough, in a boat with an awning over the stern sheets and manned by four men. It is useless to go out too early, as the Crocodile chiefly feeds during the night, and only comes out to bask when the sun is pretty high; then they resort to the spits [Photo. by. W. P. Dando, F.Z.S ing, a single shot secures him. Should, however, the shot not prove instantly fatal, although mortal, a reward to the boatmen will enable you to recover the beast, which has sunk and will not rise to the surface for at least twelve hours.
In estuaries the Crocodiles seldom come out to bask except at half or low tide, so that there is little or no use in going out when the tide is full.
Best Weapon.-In old days, when Crocodiles were plentiful and unmolested, many a magnificent specimen was secured with a No. 12 smooth-bore, which had the advantage of not being deflected by twigs. On the other hand, it is now universally allowed that fine shooting cannot be made with such a weapon at over thirty yards, and the most conservative of sportsmen have abandoned it. The best weapon would be a double 450 Express, the bullet having a hollow of a smaller diameter than that used for soft-skinned animals, and a solid base. This would combine the shock caused by the expanding bullet with the required penetration. It must, however, be allowed that the 303 Express, furnished with an approved expanding bullet, is fast replacing what CROQUET] sportsmen have hitherto considered the perfection of a sporting rifle. H. R. P. CARTER. [The natives of Ceylon catch Crocodile in the following manner: A piece of wood about an inch in diameter and fourteen in length is sharpened at both ends. A dozen strands of twine are made fast to the centre, their other ends being attached to eight or ten feet of rope with a wooden toggle at the other end. The bait is a dead dog, in the body of which the wooden stake is completely hidden. Several of these lines are set in the tanks infested by these creatures, and the native merely inspects from time to time until one of them disappears. He contains all the essentials of Croquet. Its immediate ancestor, Pall-Mall, the favourite sport of Charles II. and his courtiers, seemed as firmly grounded in public favour as any game could be, but yet it is mainly due to the accidental discovery in a ruined house of the malls and balls which were then used, that we are so much as able to establish the genealogy. It is true that the change is not small from the long straight course of hard-beaten earth, "dressed with powdered cockle-shells," and the "two high arches of iron," to the six hoops upon a loosely cut lawn, but the fact of this development is not so curious as the darkness which hangs over the process. From Whitehall and the Court the pastime seems CROQUET AT HURLINGHAM. then follows the beast to some well-known landing-place, and by the aid of its track in the soft earth, finds it eventually caught by the rope and toggle in the dense undergrowth, and despatches it by a blow from an axe. Some more elaborate Crocodile tackle, with triangle hooks, swivel and steel chain, has recently been supplied to a sportsman in South Africa, but the report of its efficiency is not yet to hand.] CROQUET.-History of the Game. - There are not many phenomena in the history of games more curious than the fluctuations in the popularity of Croquet under its various forms. That it was ancient we know from a well-known cut in Strutt of a "curious ancient pastime, from which, I make no doubt, originated the game of billiards." A glance will show that it speedily to have departed, but it was kept up in Brittany, and was also a village game in the South of France. From neither of these, however, did it come back to England, but from Ireland, where it had been played, as was maintained, for an unknown length of time. Its popularity in England was immense, and between 1860 and 1870 it spread, not merely over the island, but over India and the Colonies.
The general enthusiasm inspired Capt.
Reid to declare that the game had become "the national pastime," and was "to be cherished as the tree of life"!
The reaction was speedy and complete.
After 1875 the game fell away in importance; it became a laughing stock, and the butt of much clumsy jesting. One may fear, indeed, that fifteen or twenty years ago some would have been irreverent enough B 2 to turn for an account of it to the article on "Obsolete Sports," but at present it is extremely popular.
The danger that beset it was at one time the lack of any central organisation to control and develop the game, but the fresh interest in all that concerns the game has borne lasting fruit, and the game is now admirably controlled by the United All England Croquet Association.
Preparation of Lawn. The first thing needful is a stretch of level turf, where possible, of about thirty by forty yards in extent. Above all, one should guard against choosing a spot which, though fairly MR. C. L. O'CALLAGHAN. (Winner of the Open Championship, Champion Cup, and Gold Medal, 1910.) smooth, has a steady slope in one direction.
Rough places may be made smooth by diligent work with the roller, but for such a general tendency there is no remedy. The roller should be light; a heavy roller tends to exaggerate the worst places, especially if used, as it is sure to be, when the ground is soft. A light roller, used constantly, and a well-oiled mowing machine are the only requisites. The grass must have help against invaders. Dandelions and daisies must all be pulled up, and the hoary plantain faced with especial energy. The roots of the last should be dug out with a penknife, and the bare space where its leaves have killed all vegetation re-sown with grass seed in the autumn. There need be no fear of playing on the lawn when soft; a little breaking of the surface seems to strengthen the plant, and the roller soon restores the [CROQUET level, but all "divots" must be replaced at once.
Apparatus. The necessary apparatus is simple, consisting of two I in. posts 24 in. high, hoops of iron (varying in number from six to ten according to the setting adopted), and a mallet and ball for each player. The modern Mallet usually consists of an ash shaft some 33 in. long, fitted into a cylindrical head, whose length is 8 or 9 in., and diameter 3 in. The head should be of boxwood. Much ingenuity has been expended in contriving mallets of all varieties, which could never miss their aim. Some had looking-glasses fixed on them, which, if focussed upon the object ball, secured a hit; others were provided with a leather tipped end, after the fashion of a billiard cue. Ivory was declared to be the very best material for a mallet, and many were actually made of it.
The Ball is made either of beech, or, better, of Turkey boxwood, and has diameter of 35/8 in. a Arrangement of Hoops and Posts. The modern setting of hoops usually adopted is that known as the Championship or Six- Hoop plan. Other settings are shown in the rules. The Championship hoops for gentlemen in 1872, it may be remarked, allowed only 1/8 in. margin for the ball on either side, whereas the hoops used in the original game were 15 in. to 18 in. wide at the base!
The Game. Shortly put, the object of the player is to drive his ball through each hoop in its proper order, and from the proper side, and to touch the two sticks or posts, in the fewest number of "turns." A turn or break may consist of any number of strokes. After the first stroke, a player may continue, if he has by it run through his proper hoop or hit another ball. In the former case, he may again attempt either of the two feats; in the latter, he is obliged to bring his own ball to that which has been hit, and after placing them together to hit his own in such a manner that both are moved. After this he may again attempt to run through his next hoop, or to hit another ball, when the process is repeated. He may not, however, hit the same ball a second time, unless he has in the interval passed through a hoop or hit the post in its proper order. Should he fail at any shot, the next player takes the turn.
It was, naturally, some time before the rules were satisfactorily settled, and the codes at first suggested were very complicated. Capt. Mayne Reid, for instance, required 126 rules with much explanation.
In 1870, the Conference Code was issued, CROQUET] and that, with the slight modifications of the next two or three years, may be regarded as the standard authority. The MR. R. C. J. BEATON. (Winner of the Open Championship, 1904 and 1907.) most important amendment is that known as the Boundary Line Rule. By this, a player's turn comes to an end at once if he, in hitting the two balls placed together as above, drive either his own or the croqueted ball over the line that limits the Croquet Lawn. The effect of this is to prevent the player from indulging in smashing hits, which drive an opponent to the farthest end of the lawn, or which send his own ball flying over the boundary, to be replaced on the edge, within a yard or so of his partner.
From the point of view of vigorous exercise, the game has perhaps been somewhat damaged, but it has gained much in delicacy and judgment. 66 Hints on Play. - The golden rule of Croquet, as of Whist, is Play to your partner's hand." It is useless to press on, making hoops, only to be obliged to come back and wait about for one's partner, who has been left behind, and subjected to the attacks of a united couple. So long as a pair can keep together, a game is never lost. Second to this is the warning, never to take an easy shot carelessly. The man who never misses a certainty is a far more dangerous opponent than the brilliant but erratic player who brings off perhaps two long shots out of five, and who has often a yearning to leave his partner in the lurch in order to try them. Each must find out THE TATE LIBRARY, BRIXTON, the position in aiming that best suits himself, but for a close shot there is no safer attitude (and few more inelegant) than to stand well over the ball, hold the mallet low, and swing it between the legs. Never hit with the mallet, nor should the hands grasp it, except in the "chop" stroke, very tightly. Let the arms swing quite freely, and it will be found, as in golf, that the work is done more effectively, and with a tithe of the exertion, if the weight of body and mallet is the main force applied.
There are two strokes to be used when the balls are to be croqueted which require and repay a considerable amount of practice. They are:-(1) The rolling, push, or follow-through stroke; and (2) the chop, screw, or stop stroke. In the first, the mallet must keep along its course at the same pace as the balls start, and there must not be the slightest checking at the moment of contact. Both balls will then run for a considerable, and for much the same, distance. In the "chop" stroke, on the other hand, the object is to move one's own ball as little as possible, and to drive the other well away. In this the mallet should, for once, be gripped tightly, and the ball hit as low as possible. The swing should be entirely checked at the moment of contact, MRS. R. C. J. BEATON. (Winner, with Mr. Beaton, of the Mixed Doubles Championships, 1906 and 1907.) if possible, not at the expense of the turf.
Remember always that, however and wherever one's own ball is hit, the direction in which the other will tend to go is the line of the two centres produced.
It is perhaps necessary to remind the beginner that the next player must not be allowed to lie so close that he can take advantage of one's mistakes, but should be sent off, with due regard to the Boundary Rule, to the farthest possible distance.
There is no game in which judgment and strategy play a larger part. Before each stroke one must instinctively ask upon which side of the object ball one would wish to be in case of failure, and play strength accordingly. Roughly speaking, it is well to play hard at an opponent, but gently at a partner, a rule that the partner at his next turn often finds to have been forgotten.
All the countless other devices of Croquet -the getting a "rush," i.e., hitting a ball with such force as to drive it into a favourable position for "taking two off"; finessing to the boundary when in difficulties, so that a partner may join one easily, and the distance make it not worth an opponent's while -all these and their like can never be learned from books, but from hard work on the lawn. This one principle may, however, be again enforced, "Play to your partner."
C. S. COLMAN.
THE LAWS OF CROQUET (1909). 1. The game of Croquet is played between two sides, playing alternately, each side consisting of either one or two players. Four balls, coloured II I back II Turning PegⅢ ✓ IV back VI Penultimate V Rover HOOP II back I IV Winning Peg III back ← A SETTING No. I.
III respectively Blue, Red, Black, and Yellow, are played in the sequence named, one side playing Blue and Black, and the other Red and Yellow. [CROQUET When a side consists of two players, one partner plays throughout with one ball of the side, and the other with the other. The game is won by the side which first makes all its points in order (see Law 19). The player whose turn it is to play, or who has played any stroke called in question, is called the striker.
II I I back II II back I VI + Ⅲ IV back Penultimate •Winning Peg V Rover Hoop IV Iback A SETTING No. 2.
III IV 2. GROUND. The ground shall be rectangular, 35 yards in length by 28 yards in width, with a defined boundary. A flag shall be placed at each corner, and corner spots, 3 ft. from both boundaries, shall be accurately defined. Points on the boundary 3 ft. from each corner flag shall be marked by white pegs, not exceeding of an inch in diameter and 3 in. above the ground.
The baulk (See Diagrams) shall also be defined. 3. HOOPS.-The hoops shall be of round iron, not less than of an inch and not more than of an inch in diameter, and shall stand 12 in. out of the ground, outside measurement, and be firmly fixed. The crown shall be straight, and at right angles to the uprights, which shall be not less than 32 in. or more than 4 in. apart (inside measurement) from the ground upwards. 4. PEGS. The turning and the winning pegs shall be of wood, of a uniform diameter above the ground of It in. They shall stand 18 in. out of the ground, and be firmly fixed. 5. SETTINGS.-The setting of the hoops and pegs shall be in accordance with one of the following Diagrams, and the order in which the points are to be made shall be in accordance with the arrows which appear thereon.
Measurements:-Setting No. 1.: Pegs in centre line of ground 7 yards from nearest boundary; hoops in centre line of ground 7 yards from peg, and 7 yards apart; corner hoops 7 yards from nearer peg, and 7 yards from the nearest boundaries. Setting No. 2: The winning peg equidistant from the corners. Hoops in centre line of ground 7 yards from peg; corner hoops 7 yards from the nearest boundaries. 6. MALLETS.-The mallet may be of any size or CROQUET] weight. The head must be of wood only, with the exception that metal for weighting or strengthening the mallet may be added. The two end faces of the head shall be parallel, and of equal size, and similar shape. The mallet shall II II -III 12. THE STROKE. - The stroke shall be deemed to have been taken if the striker move a ball with the mallet, in striking or in taking aim, off the spot upon which it was in contact with the ground; or if he strike at the ball with intent to move it. A ball is deemed to have been moved off that spot if it leave its original position and remain in a different one; should it merely oscillate, and remain in, or return to its original position, a ball is deemed not to have been moved off that spot. The stroke shall be deemed to be concluded as soon as all the balls have come to rest. Penultimate 13. THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE GAME.-In commencing, each ball shall in turn be placed in Baulk, which is the area within 3 ft. of the boundary between the spot marked A and the corner marked I. on the Diagrams, and the stroke shall then be taken.
I 黍 Rover Hoop -IV Winning Peg I A SETTING NO. 3 TV not be changed during the game unless damaged in the course of play. 7. BALLS.-The balls shall be 35 in. in diameter, and of even weight. Each ball shall weigh not less than 15 oz., nor more than 164 oz. They shall be coloured respectively Blue, Red, Black, and Yellow. 8. CLIPS.-Clips of the same colour as the balls shall be placed on the hoops or pegs to mark the state of the game.
When settings I or 2 are being used the clip shall be placed on the crown of the hoop until six hoops have been run by the corresponding ball, and afterwards on one of the uprights of the hoop.
When settings 3 or 4 are being used the clip shall be placed on the crown of the hoop until four hoops have been run by the corresponding ball, and afterwards on one of the uprights of the hoop. 9. CHOICE OF LEAD AND OF BALLS. It shall be decided by lot which side shall have choice of lead, and the other side shall have choice of balls. Any colour may be played first. In a succession of games the choice of lead shall be alternate, the side which has not the choice of lead having the choice of balls. 10. TAKING AIM. - The striker shall be deemed to be taking aim when he begins to put himself in position to strike the ball.
The striker shall be deemed to strike at a ball with intent to move it, when he makes a forward or downward stroke at such ball.
II. MARKING DIRECTION OF AIM.-No mark shall be made nor article left upon the ground, either within or without the boundary, to indicate a spot towards which it is desired to play a ball; a mallet or other article used for this purpose must be removed before the stroke is taken.
Should this not be done, the adversary may claim to have the stroke played again.
IN PLAY. When the ball has been so placed, and the stroke has been taken the ball is in play, and continues to be in play until pegged out (see Law 26), except when in hand (see Law 14).
If the striker's ball was not so placed when the stroke was taken, the adversary may, before another stroke is played, require the ball to be correctly placed and the stroke played again. 14. ROQUET, AND BALL IN HAND. A roquet is made when the striker's ball in play hits another ball in play from which he has not already taken croquet in the same turn or since making a point, subject to Law 15. If in taking croquet the striker makes a point, and, in the same stroke, after making the point, the striker's ball hits the croqueted ball, it counts as a roquet. The striker's ball is in hand when it has roqueted another ball, and continues to be in hand until croquet is taken, when it is again in play. If a ball in hand, or a ball pegged out, displace any other balls, they must remain where they finally come to rest.
II I I III Penultimate Winning Peg Rover Hoop A SETTING No. 4. -IV Ⅲ IV Any point made in consequence of such displacement is scored (subject to Law 28) notwithstanding that the ball displacing them is in hand, or pegged out. Only the striker or his partner may touch a ball in hand, or a ball pegged out, before the conclusion of the stroke. Should such ball be [CROQUET touched by the adversary, the striker may play (6) If, during a turn, the striker find his ball in the stroke again. 15. TAKING CROQUET. -The striker, when he has roqueted a ball, must take croquet, by placing his ball, or causing it to be placed by his partner, in contact with the ball roqueted, and in contact with that ball only, and then striking his ball with the mallet; in so doing he must move or shake each ball perceptibly. Should he fail to do so the turn ceases, and the balls are to remain where they lie, and no points made by such stroke shall be scored. The striker, if challenged, must be prepared to assert definitely that he saw both balls move or shake, and in default of such assertion the balls shall be deemed not to have been perceptibly moved or shaken. If the two balls do not touch before and in the act of taking croquet, the adversary may require the stroke to be played again. The striker shall not place his foot on either ball while in the act of striking.
After taking croquet the striker must take another stroke (subject to Laws 16 and 40). 16. BOUNDARY. In a croquet stroke: -(1) If the striker's ball pass the boundary without making a roquet the turn ceases; (2) if the croqueted ball pass the boundary the turn ceases, and if a roquet be made by the striker's ball, it, and the ball roqueted, shall remain where they lie (subject to Law 30). 17. BALLS ROQUETED SIMULTANEOUSLY.-When the striker roquets two or more balls simultaneously he may choose from which of them he will take croquet; another roquet will be required before he can take croquet from any other ball. When the striker roquets a ball and hits a peg in order simultaneously, he may choose whether he will take croquet or score the point. 18. BALLS FOUND IN CONTACT. - (1) If, at the commencement of a turn, the striker's ball be found in contact with another ball, a roquet shall be deemed to have been made, and croquet shall be taken at once from that ball. (2) If, at the commencement of a turn, the striker's ball be one of three or four corner balls (see Law 31) in contact, the striker shall take croquet off which ball he chooses, and may place the balls in any position, provided that one be placed on the corner spot, and the others touch it or one of the other corner balls, except as provided in Laws 15 and 40. (3) If, at the commencement of a turn, the striker's ball be one of three or four boundary balls (see Law 30) in contact, the striker shall take croquet off which ball he chooses, and may place the balls in any position, provided that one remains 3 ft. from the boundary, and the others touch it or one of the_other boundary balls, except as provided in in Laws 15 and 40. (4) If, at the commencement of a turn, the striker's ball lie in contact with two or more balls (not corner or boundary balls), the striker shall at once take croquet off which ball he chooses, but he shall not alter the position of any ball except his own before taking croquet. (5) If, during a turn, the striker find his ball in contact with one of two or more corner balls in contact, he m may place the balls in any position, provided that one be placed on the corner spot, and the others touch it, or one of the other corner balls, except as provided in Laws 15 and 40, but he shall take croquet off the ball roqueted. contact with one of two or more boundary balls in contact, he may place the balls in any position, provided that one remains 3 ft. from the boundary, and the others touch it or one of the other boundary balls, except as provided in Laws 15 and 40, but he shall take croquet off the ball roqueted. 19. A POINT. - A point is made when a hoop is run or a peg hit in order by a ball in play. 20. HOOP, WHEN RUN.-A ball has run its hoop when, having passed through from the playing side and finally come to rest, it cannot be touched by a straight-edge placed against the uprights on the playing side. The playing side of a hoop is the side from which a ball has to run that hoop in order. 21. BALL IN POSITION FOR HOOP. A ball is in position for running its hoop (1) If it cannot be touched by a straight-edge placed against the uprights on the non-playing side, or (2) If it has at any time entered the hoop from the playing side and has not subsequently been clear of it. 22. BALL DRIVEN PARTLY THROUGH HOOP. -A ball driven partly through its hoop from the nonplaying side, or a ball in hand placed in a hoop, is not in position for running that hoop if it can be touched by a straight-edge placed against the wires on the non-playing side. 23. HOOP AND ROQUET IN SAME STROKE.- Should a ball, in running its hoop, roquet another ball that lies beyond the hoop, and pass through the hoop within the meaning of Law 20, the hoop is scored as well as the roquet. A ball is deemed to be beyond the hoop if it lies so that it cannot be touched by a straight-edge placed against the wires on the playing side. Should any part of the ball roqueted be lying on the playing side of the hoop, the roquet is scored, but not the hoop. 24.-POINTS SCORED TO THE NON-STRIKER'S BALL. -A ball driven through its hoop, or against the turning peg in order, by any stroke, not a foul, of its own or of the adverse side, scores the point so made, subject to Laws 28 and 39. For balls driven against the winning peg see Law 26. 25. POINTS MADE FOR ADVERSARY'S BALL. If a point be made for an adversary's ball, the striker shall inform the adversary of it. Should the striker neglect to do so, and the adversary inadvertently make the point again, he may continue the turn as though the point had been in order. 26. ROVER, AND PEGGING OUT. -A rover is a ball which has made all its points in order except the winning peg. When the striker's ball has become a rover, rover, he may by any stroke (not a foul) peg out another rover, whether of his own or the adverse side (subject to Law 28). If the striker's ball is not a rover at the commencement of any stroke he cannot peg out another rover with that stroke. A rover at rest in contact with the winning peg shall be deemed not to be so in contact. A rover which pegs out another rover by a roquet loses the remainder of the turn. 27. THE TURN.-In every turn the striker may roquet each ball before making a point, and may do this again after each point made. The striker shall continue his turn so long as he makes a point or a roquet, or takes croquet in accordance with the Laws of the game. 28. BISQUES AND HALF-BISQUES. A bisque is an extra turn, as defined by Law 27, which the player to whom it is given may take after completing his ordinary turn. A half-bisque is a restricted extra turn which the player to whom it is given may take after completing his ordinary turn (or after taking a bisque if he has failed to make a roquet or a point with the bisque); but no CROQUET] A point for the striker or the adversary can be scored by means of a half-bisque. A bisque or a half-bisque can be taken after a foul, the penalty under Law 40 having first been exacted. bisque may not be taken immediately after a half-bisque. If the striker has failed to make a roquet or a point in a bisque turn he may proceed to take his other bisques in succession until he has made a roquet or a point, or the bisques (and half-bisque) are exhausted.
A player entitled to take either a bisque or a half-bisque will be deemed to have taken the bisque unless he has previously declared his intention of taking the half-bisque. If a bisque or a half-bisque is taken out of turn or with a wrong ball the penalty under Law 39 shall first be exacted, after which such bisque or half-bisque may be taken with the right ball.
If the striker, before the completion of his ordinary turn purports to take a bisque or a halfbisque, he will be deemed not to have taken it, and any stroke which he would not have been entitled to make in continuation of the ordinary turn will be a foul. 29. INFORMATION AS TO SCORE, &C.-Every player is entitled to be informed by the adversary, on demand, which is the next ball to play, or the next point in order for any ball, and if misinformed may play again the stroke or portion of the turn played after receiving wrong information. When the state of the game is in doubt it shall be decided by the position of the clips. 30. BALL SENT OFF THE GROUND. Any ball in play sent off the ground, whether it return to it or not, must at once be replaced by the umpire or the striker of the ball, 3 ft. within the boundary, measured from the spot where it went off, and at right angles to the boundary. If this spot be already occupied, the ball last sent off is to be placed in contact with the other, but no ball is to be placed less or more than 3 ft. from the nearest boundary, the striker of the ball merely having the option whether he place the second ball to right or left of the first ball; if a third ball goes off at the same place it must be placed touching the first ball; if a fourth ball goes off at the same place it must be placed touching the second or third ball. If a ball pass the boundary at such a point that owing to the proximity of two or more other balls it cannot be replaced in accordance with the above provisions, it must be replaced 3 ft. from the boundary without moving any other balls, and in contact with one or other of such balls at the option of the striker of the ball. 32. CORNER BALLS. A ball in play sent off the ground within 3 ft. of a corner, or coming to rest within the square yard formed by the corner flag, the two corner pegs and the corner spot, shall be placed on the corner spot, except as provided by Law 33. If the corner spot be already occupied the striker shall place the ball in contact with the ball on the spot, 3 ft. from one adjacent boundary, and not less than 3 ft. from the other.
All such balls, and any ball in contact with any one of them, are termed corner balls. In cases of doubt under Law 30 a ball striking one of the corner pegs shall be treated as a corner ball. 32. BALL TOUCHING BOUNDARY. - If the boundary be marked by a line on the turf, a ball shall be deemed to be off the ground if it can be touched by a straight-edge placed vertically on the inner edge of the boundary line. If the boundary be raised, a ball touching or having touched the boundary is deemed to be off the ground. 33. BALL SENT WITHIN 3 FT. OF BOUNDARY.-A ball in play sent within 3 ft. of the boundary, but not off the ground, is to be at once placed 3 ft. from the boundary as though it had been sent off; but in the case of the striker's ball during a turn the striker has the option of so placing his ball, or of playing it from where it lies. 34. BOUNDARY INTERFERING WITH STROKE. If it be found that the height of the boundary, or any fixed obstacle outside it, interferes with the stroke, the striker, with the sanction of the umpire, or to the satisfaction of the adversary, may bring in his ball, and any adjacent ball likely to be affected by the stroke, a longer distance than 3 ft., so as to allow a free swing of the mallet.
Balls so brought in must be moved in the line of aim, and be placed at the same relative distance.
Any ball so brought in, and not affected by the stroke when taken, must at once be replaced.
MISS N. J. BEAUSIRE. (Winner of the Ladies' Championship, 1909.) 35. BOUNDARY BALL NOT CORRECTLY PLACED. If the striker make a stroke while any boundary ball, which affects or is liable to be affected by that stroke, is not correctly placed, the adversary, unless such ball was incorrectly placed by himself, may require the balls to be correctly replaced and the stroke played again. 36. BALL DISPLACED. - (a) Should a ball in play when moving be touched, diverted from its course, or stopped by an adversary, the striker shall elect whether he will take the stroke again, or whether the ball shall remain where it stopped, or be placed where, in the judgment of the umpire, or of the striker if there be no umpire, it would have finally come to rest. (b) Should a ball at rest be moved accidentally by the striker, except in striking or in taking aim (Laws 10 and 12), or by his partner or an adversary, it shall be replaced without penalty. (c) Should a ball in play be moved, diverted from its course, or stopped by an umpire, he shall place it where he considers it would have finally come to rest. (d) Should a ball in play be moved, diverted from its course, or stopped by any agency outside the match, it is to be replaced or placed accordingly where, in the judgment of the umpire, or of the striker if there be no umpire, it would have finally come to rest. If this cannot be determined by the umpire, or by the striker if there be no umpire, then the ball or balls shall be replaced, and the stroke shall be played again. (e) Should a point be made by a ball at rest, from any cause not due to the agency of the IO striker, the ball shall be replaced and the point shall not be scored. 37. BALL LYING IN A HOLE. A ball lying in a hole, other than on a corner spot, must not be moved without the sanction of the Referee. The striker's ball when so moved must be put further away from the object aimed at, and the line of aim must not be altered. a 38. WIRING. If, at the commencement of turn, the striker's ball, having been placed in its present position by the stroke of an adversary, be wired from all the other balls through the interposition or interference of any one or more of the hoops or pegs, the striker may lift his ball and play it from Baulk. A ball is wired from another ball when (I) any part of it is hidden by a wire or peg from any part of the other ball, or (2) a wire or peg so interferes with any part of the swing of the mallet that the striker cannot strike his ball freely in the direction of that ball. 39. PLAYING OUT OF TURN OR WITH A WRONG BALL. If a player play out of turn or with a wrong ball :- (a) On the error being discovered before the adversary has played, (1) When only the first stroke of the turn has been played, the turn shall be recommenced with the right ball, and by the right player, without penalty, the ball played with and any other balls displaced by the stroke being first replaced. As an alternative, but only when the stroke was made by the right player, and was, and ought to have been, a croquet stroke, the adversary shall have the option of having the wrong ball and the right ball transposed instead of replaced, and the turn continued from such position.
Moving the wrong ball prior to the first stroke of a turn, in the belief that that ball was in hand, shall not of itself constitute a foul. (2) When more than the first stroke of the turn has been played, all the balls shall be played from Baulk, as at the beginning of the game, the right player commencing with the ball which ought to have been played. (3) No point made for any ball with a wrong ball, or by a player playing out of turn, shall be scored. (b) On the error being discovered after the adversary has played, all points made during the erroneous turn shall be scored, except any points made for the adversary's ball if wrongly played with.
The adversary should have continued the sequence of balls and players which would have been in order if no error had occurred in the previous turn; should he have failed to do so, he shall be deemed to have played with the wrong ball, or out of turn, as in section (a) of this law.
Any replacing or transposing of balls, arising out of this Law, shall be done by the umpire, or, if there be no umpire, to the satisfaction of the adversary. 40. FOULS. If the striker makes a foul he shall lose the remainder of his turn, and any point or roquet made by such foul shall not be scored.
Balls moved by a foul shall remain where they lie, or be replaced, at the option of the adversary. The following are fouls:- (a) To touch with the mallet or otherwise unlawfully move another ball, instead of or besides the striker's playing ball, when in the act of striking or of taking aim. (b) To push a ball in play without a distinct or audible knock. [CROQUET (c) To strike a ball in play more than once distinctly in the same stroke. (d) To touch, divert from its course, or stop a ball when in play and moving, whether this be done by the striker or his partner. (e) To allow a ball in play to touch the mallet or any part of the body or clothes of the striker or of his partner, in rebounding from a peg or hoop, or from another ball. (f) To move the striker's ball when lying close to a peg or hoop, by striking the peg or hoop without striking the ball. (g) To play a crush stroke, i.e., (1) to strike a ball in play so as to cause it to touch a hoop or peg while still in contact with the mallet, or (2) to strike a ball in play lying in contact with a hoop or peg otherwise than away from the hoop or peg. (h) To play a stroke after a roquet without taking croquet. (i) To take croquet from two or more balls simultaneously (see Law 17). (k) To take croquet from a ball without first having roqueted it. (1) To hit a ball in play with any part of the mallet, other than with one of the end faces of the head, or to make or attempt to make the mallet hit the ball by kicking or striking the mallet. (m) To move a ball in play intentionally in a manner not authorised by any of the Laws, whether this act be done by the striker or his partner (but see Law 39 (a) (1)). 41. UMPIRES.- An Umpire for a game or part of a game may be appointed by the Referee. The duties of an umpire are:- (a) To decide, if appealed to, any question of fact that may arise during the game. (b) To keep the sc score, and, if asked by a player, to disclose the state of the game. (c) To move the clips, or to see that they are properly moved. (d) To replace balls sent off the ground, or to see that they are properly replaced. (e) To adjust hoops and pegs, or to see that they are properly adjusted. (f) To see that the players play with the right balls, and in their proper turn. (g) To decide whether the striker's ball at the commencement of a turn is wired from all the other balls.
An umpire may be appointed by agreement between the striker and the adversary, to adjudicate on any stroke, and he shall thereupon adjust any hoop upon the request of either side.
With these exceptions an umpire shall not draw attention to or give his opinion on any mistake made, unless appealed to by one of the players.
The decision of an umpire on a question of fact shall be final, but on a question of law he must appeal to the Referee. 41. ABSENCE OF UMPIRE. - When there is no umpire, permission to adjust the peg or hoop next in order for the striker, or any other indulgence for which an umpire would be appealed to, must be asked of the other side. 43. PEG OR HOOP NOT UPRIGHT. -Any player may adjust a peg or hoop except the one next in order for the striker's ball; but that peg or hoop must not be altered except by an umpire or with the consent of the adversary. 44. STRIKER'S OPINION TO PREVAIL. In the event of a disagreement between the players on any question of fact, the striker's opinion shall, in the absence of an umpire, prevail. 45. ERRORS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR.-Except as provided in these Laws, no errors or omis- CROQUET] sions can be claimed after the next turn has been begun, or after the conclusion of the game, or after both players have left the ground in the belief that the game has been concluded.
GLOSSARY.
All England Croquet Club. - The club was founded in 1866, and had its headquarters at Wimbledon. In 1871 it amalgamated with the National Croquet Club, and became the governing body of the sport. It conducted the annual contest for the championship every July, from 1869 (when the hoops were 74 in. wide) until its death. The A.E.C.C. succumbed to the popular enthusiasm for lawn tennis.
Ball. The balls are usually made of boxwood, and the proper diameter is 35 in., and the weight should be between 15 and 164 oz. They are painted in various ways so that each player may distinguish his own without difficulty.