Page:The international cricket match.djvu/33

15 season, the game we have reported will frequently be referred to as one of the events of the present day, the forerunner of better things of a like character, which are certainly destined to grow out of it.

The visit of our English friends has shown us what marvelous skill may be attained in the game of cricket, what agility may be displayed, what health insured by its manly exercise, and the very admirable manner in which, under all the circumstances, Young America contested the game, has clearly demonstrated that our young players need only the right practice to equal ere long in expertness, any men or set of men from the parent country. We are all from the same stock; and why should we not by emulating the English cricketers, attain their excellence? The highest standard of physical vigor and development can only be realized by athletic diversions.

If we would wish, then, to see the frames of our young men robust, their limbs strong, their muscles well developed, their chests broad and sound, their countenances ruddy, and their spirit dauntless, we must encourage all sorts of healthful, innocent, out-door recreations. Care should be taken that the corporeal as well as mental energies of our youth should be equally recreated and trained. It is said "a sound mind can alone exist in a sound body." If this be so, it follows: that the moral and intellectual character of a people must always correspond with the bodily health and vigor of a people. Now, as we know of no better mode of agreeably and profitably exercising mind and body at the same time than by the manly, we hope soon to see cricket grounds established near every town in our country, and the game regularly practised.