Page:The international cricket match.djvu/18

x but the large amount requisite was raised mainly by subscriptions and personal exertions of the Committees, without which, the loss would have been very heavy; although owing to the very fine weather during the New York match the St. George's Club were more fortunate than any of the other cities, and no less than 7,400 visitors were on the ground the second day, including many Ladies, in fact a more respectable or orderly assemblage was never collected together.

To the Players the visit was a success in every sense, not only by maintaining their high position as Cricketers and leaving behind them "golden opinions" on account of their steady, quiet behavior, but also in a pecuniary point of view. The result to the benefit of cricket is very gratifying, and although the Eleven may never be greeted with such large assemblies of spectators, a visit can always be made to pay any reasonable compensation; and should they leave England one month earlier, their visit could be extended to the Western and Southern Cities.

The result also, in showing the faults of the style of play on this Continent, will tend to improve the mode of playing the game wonderfully, which would be greatly advanced if a first class bowler and player could be induced to stay here. The excitement, owing to the exertions of the Committee among the higher classes of society, was very gratifying, and this could be kept up if Eleven Gentlemen of England could spare the time to pay a visit; consequently to them is extended an earnest invitation, and they are promised a cordial welcome.

New York, Nov. 4th, 1859.