Page:The international cricket match.djvu/23

5 cannon's mouth, can only be appreciated by those who have had to face and stand the shock and risk of modern bowling, particularly such shooters as come from the arm of a Jackson.

Monday, the third of October, was the day fixed for the match to be played in the neighborhood of New York City. The game commenced according to public announcement at 12 o'clock. The locality chosen was admirable, being within easy reach, and yet not too near the city. The ground on which the wickets were to be pitched, had been properly prepared and made ready for the occasion. The spot was a portion of the Elysian Fields at Hoboken, the domains of E. A. Stevens, Esq., a name identified as long as we recollect, with all honorable sports and manly exercises in his vicinity.

The ferry boats to accommodate the vast crowds, made extra trips between the city and Hoboken. The consequence was, the great event of the day "came off"" in the presence of the largest array of spectators that had ever previously been congregated for such an object in this country. During all the forenoon, and throughout the day, convincing proof of the interest felt, large parties were flocking to the ground from all directions along the roads leading to it.

By the hour appointed for the umpires to call "play," the seats which had been comfortably arranged for the accommodation of about five thousand had all been secured, and a large number were standing about in every eligible position from which a view of the ground could be obtained. In short, every available spot was alive with an enthusiastic crowd of both sexes-"young men and maidens, old men and children."

"No space to spare— Young, old, high, low, at once the same diversion share."

The arrangements were under the supervision of a Special Committee of the St. George's Cricket Club, appointed for the purpose. Their arrangements were excellent, well calculated to secure the comfort and enjoyment of all present. Considering the immense crowd anxious to see all that was going on, everything was "done decently and in order." The day could not be more propitious.

"The glorious sun Stay'd in his course and played the alchemist, Turning with splendor of his precious eye The meagre, cloddy earth to glittering gold."