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60 first instance, discover him, and, in the next, have the money to keep him; if they have not he is open to the highest bidder. The objection to this is the same as in the case of the League Association football—the rich counties despoil the poorer of all their promising players, and filthy lucre rules the day.

The annual match at Lords between the Gentlemen and Players is the great match of the year. Speaking for myself, it shares with the University match the chief honour for genuine play, and both matches have the stamp of antiquity and historical interest on them. The Gentlemen and Players match practically has been played ever since cricket began, the first match having been played in 1806. There have been variations in odds, owing to the greater strength of the Players, but this will never occur again, and the struggle has for years been worthy of the name. In old times, and, indeed, till recently, a certain style was characteristic of each team: the amateurs batted in more attractive if less safe style than the