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FIELDING.

field in a raiding style, very useful in spoiling any pet disposition of the opponents, and preserving a balance of power; alternating between attack and defence. They harass the enemy’s goal, and are lions in the path of dodgers; and if they do not attempt to play the whole game themselves, are invaluable anywhere and everywhere. They relieve any man, and support all, and fill a gap here and there in the nick of time. The beauty of this style is that the opposing checks at defence, never get used to the changeable character of the attack, consequent on the varied styles of the men, and that weak fielders are oftener sure of support, in case they fail in wind or ability.

One great fault of pale-face play, is a lack of foresight in anticipating the spot a thrown ball will fall; or rather the instantaneous action when the ball is thrown. The Indians do not wait to see where a ball will light before they chase it. They follow it the instant it leaves the crosse, and know, by the rise, exactly where it will drop. They retreat like a flash to the defence, if the ball goes towards their goal; or crowd down to the attack, if it goes towards that of their opponent. Where-