(and they ought to know better), who never are out, unless the bowler makes the middle stump turn a summerset.
Umpires have many points to attend to, they have not a moment to lose; and if they allow the eye to wander to any fresh object, that very moment a nice decision may be wanted, so they should let nothing but Cricket and their immediate duty in the game occupy their minds.
In Pitching Wickets I often hear Umpires say 'it'll do', when there is some little object that looks queer at the pitching place. In such case my opinion is, it'll not do. The wicket ought to be altered, till it is a good one. I don't like those 'it'll do' wickets. They may either spoil the batting or the bowling, and consequently there may be no play in the match. It is better, therefore, for both sides, that all objections should be removed, if possible, by having as good a wicket as can be got on the ground.
V. Advice to Practice Bowlers
You will often see Practice Bowlers bowl away at all players, good and bad alike; that should not be. A Practice Bowler ought to bowl according to the batsman's play. Suppose a Gentleman thinks he should like Cricket, he joins a Club or engages a bowler. Say he has never played; do you think the bowler is justified in knocking down his wicket constantly, or perhaps giving him sundry hits and bruises? No, certainly not. Give him something he can hit to begin with, and that will please him and make him fond of the game, so that he will play again. Then bowl at him according to his improvement. He will so become a player, and perhaps, what is of more consequence to cricketing in general, a good supporter of the game. For mind you, it is the Gentleman that makes Cricket by his countenance and support. Besides, what's the merit in bowling out a person who has not learned to play? It don't
