SPORTING.

PRINCIPAL RACING FIXTURES.

New Zealand. Taranaki J.C.Spnng. November 10 Dunedin J.C. Autumn...FebruarrH.22, and 23 Wanganui J.C. Autumn March 6 ana 7 Australia. Victoria R.C. Spring....November 3,1i,8, and 10 Sates of «oml_a_ons, o Entriesand Aaoei.

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To Correspondents.

„„ iwrpoman's Bay).—Last year's Caulfield Mc\. D Ss£, -Jtt-J-ek, ran in the Melbourne cSp unpfaocd. He was third favourite at the

T-ooihkr -If you tako 4 horsos against tho "fflfti. equivalent to taking 7 toil against each, and 3 Sgataßt the field is at the rate of 5 to 1 against each. F G H. (Bpsom).-Thcro wore 25 starters for the Mclboumo Cup last year. Tho largest flo d that h^s -arteS for the V.R.C Derby^ was in Suwarrow's year, when 13 faced tho Hag. Takai .NA.-Darebin ran the V.R.C. Derby in 2m. His., but Navigator and Guesswork won the V.R.C. and Adelaide Derbies re sncetivelv in Uic same time. Andoyer and Sussex, at weight-for-age, ran the mile and a half in 2m. 1035.; this was in tho V.R.C. Maiden Plate in IS7S.

For First Portion of Sporting Notes see Fourth Page of "Star."

Breeders of the thoroughbred horse will find much that is valuable in Count Lehn dorffs recently published book, " Horse breeding Recollections." In the opinion of Count Lehndorff, who is himself an ex perienced breeder of horses, the only satis factory test of the racehorse is the race course ; horse shows cannot supply its place. He tells us that fashion or fancy, favour or hatred, personal prejudice or time serving, is frequently observable at horso shows, but the inflexible winning post deals out absolute justice. The author places little value on steeplechases and hurdle races as guides to tlio breeder, for he con siders success in races of this kind to be the :result of acquired cleverness rather than of inherent merit. He notices the fact—well known to turfites—that horses useless on the flat because they are non-stayers, often be come successful at tho " illegitimate " business; while horses that run well for long distances on the flat often fail to dis tinguish themselves over the steeplechase course. Again, famous steoplechase horses rarely distinguish themselves at the stud as the sires of racehorses, but famous racehorses often sire excollent steeplechasers ; and, as far as the author knows, there is not a single steeplechase mare in the stud-book that has made herself a great name as the dam of winners on the flat. Count Lehndorff has •something to say on the supposed evil in fluences of two-year-old racing. Early two year-old racing is condemned; but, in moderation, it is recommended as an un erring means of ascertaining tho soundness of a horse's constitution. The author has generally " noticed that mares which creditably stood the test of two-year-old training also proved themselves superior at the stud." Taking the SO brood mares that had bred the winners of tho Two Thousand Guineas, Derby, Oaks, and St Legor ;bo tween 1860 and ISBO, he found that 50 of them had run at two years old. Moreover, he urges that tho fact of a mare's nevor having been trained, or, perhaps, ever ■broken, is an absolute drawback.

CONDENSED ITEMS.

Snider was brought back from Napier on Monday. q A sweep of 7sovs. is due for the New Zea land Cup on Monday next. One of the Vortex party is again talking -about his Auckland Cup chance. Mr D. O'Brien's steeplechasers, Mel bourne and Bateman, are for salo.

£2,519 was put through tho totalisator ■during tho two raco days at Oamaru. . The Wanganui horse, Hailstorm, has been taken to Napier, and will probably bo put to stud duties there. The New Zealand Cup candidate, Water Nymph, has a " leg," and it is feared Sou' wester is similarly troubled.

" Warrior " has it on tho best authority that Copra will represent tho Do Mestro stable in the V.R.C. Derby.

A rumour was in circulation in Christ church the other week that Choviot had gone amiss, but it turned out thero was no truth in it.

The Victorian Amateur Turf Club are :going to introduco a six furlong race, to bo called tho Cambridgeshire, to which a sub stantial bonus will bo added.

Mr P. Butler has lost his three-year-old Traitor—Waterwitch colt Neptune. Ho ricked his back while being shipped to tho Hawke's Bay Meeting in March last, and never got over it. "Spectator" records that Mr J. H. Leth bridge's Foam has dropped a filly to Hippo campus, and that a Musket—Sissio colt, just broken in, is very well developed for a two year-old, and likely to make a galloper. "Beacon," referring to the lato entries received for the Christchurch races, says tho fault lies with some wiseacre connected 'with the "Lyttelton Times," who, because, "through negligence, the entries did not ap pear in his columns, took it into hi? head to telegraph all over tho colony a message im plying that they reached the Club too late.

HORSES IN TRAINING.

The following is a list of horses in train ing for forthcoming events :— J. Chaafe. Krupp, 2yrs; Trenton, 2yrs; Carbineer, 2yr»; Revolver, 2yrs; Woodnym h, 2yrs. J. Fren—T. Maori, aged; Harkaway, aged; Christmas, aged; Fishwoman, 4yrs; Fishgirl, 3yrs; Mitrailleuse, 3yrs; Torpedo, 2yrs. G. Rowlands. -Libeller, aged; Maoriland, 4yrs; St Swithin, aged; Musketeer, 3yrs; Totford, 2yrs. J. Laino. King Don, aged ; Harlequin, aged; Chanticleer, aged; Sir Garnet, aged; Scottish Lassie, 3 yrs; St. Leger, 3yrs. H. Harbison. Nelson, 3yrs; Wapiti, 3yrs. A. Sutherland. Kalo, lyrs. J. Rae. Dowdrop, aged; Chandler, aged; Konilworth, 6yrs. R. Thobpe. Satanella, 2yrs. — Lennel. Lone Hand, aged: Merlin, aged; Tcaraway, aged. ■ E. Kelly. Paramcna, aged. J. Allom. Golden Crown, aged; Vortex, 6yrs; Colt by Musket from Georgia, Syrs J. Millison. Cadot, aged. At Cambridge. -Quiip, 6yrs; Viceroy (late Victory), 3yrs; Vic toria, 3yrs. .„ T. Hodson. ■Robert the Devil, aged; Linda, 3yrs; filly by Anteros, 2yrs_

FIELD SPORTS AND AQUATICS.

(BY AC-ASON.)

Aquatics.

Rita v. Arawa raco November 3 Krug Champagno Cup November 17th Whau Rogatta November 9th Rowing Association Regatta Novembor Rush v. Trlekett, for £200 Novembor Auckland Intercolonial Regatta .. January 29th AthletiO— Ellerslio Athletic Sports November 9th Bicycling. AUCKI—ND Cl—_ (rondozvous at Sorvlco's, Karangahape Road). — October 37th, St. Helier's Bay; November 3, Mt. Roskill, Three Kings, and Avondale; November 10 (starting from too junction of Queen and Grey-streets at 2 o'clock), take steamer for Northcote, ride to North Shore, whore tea will be provided; November 17, Raglan.

WAii-MATA Cluh Runs (starting from Park Gates, Princes-street). — October 27th, St. Heller's Bay via Nowmarkot and Remuera.

CRICKET.

Victoria v. New South Walos Docomber 26 Ponsonby v. Thames Novomber 9 Pukekoho v. Franklin Novomber 9

Club Fixtures for the Month. (Matches not othorwise spsoificd will bo played on tho Domain ground.)

October 27.—Avondale v. Excelsior (at Ayon dalo) Gordon v. South End, Auckland v, Our Boys, Standard v. Parnoll.

Novembor 3.—United v. North Shore, West End v Our Boys, Excelsior v. South End, Auok liind v. Otahuhu (at Otahuhu), Ponsonby v. Grammar School, Wavcrloy v. ' Herald, Alpha v. Gordon, Sefton v. Parnell.

Novombor 10,-United v. North Shore. West End v. Our Boys, South End V. Ponsonby, Excelsior v. Eden, Avondale v. Auckland, National v. " Herald," Gordon v. West End Second, Parnell v. Our Boys 2nd.

November 17.-West End v. North Shorn, Alpha v. South Kntl, Excelsior v. Avondalo, Unitod v. Our Boys, Auckland v. Otahuhu, Auckland 2nd v. Ponsonby. Kxcelsior II v. " Herald."Gordon v. Grammar School, Eden v. Parnell.

November ''..-Auckland Grammar School v. South End. Kxcelsior v. West End 11, Pon sonby v. Eden. United v. Our Boys, West End v. North Shore (at North Shore), Anek land v. Otahuhu, Carlton v. "Herald."

To Correspondents.

Secretaries of Cricket Clubs are requested to forward lists of their fixtures for the season for insertion in this column.

Wo shall bo happy to reeoivo and publish paragraphs relating to the matches and doings of lawn tennis, archery, and othor recreation clubs.

Contributors are requested to send in their matter not later than Tuesday night or Wed nesday morning.

Waitemata.—Thanks for your contributions. Keep it up! RuonY.—Tho Auckland Football Association has not yet considered tho Wellington pro posal to refer the dispute to tho English Union.

Alma.—Our correspondent inquires: Will you kindly inform mo through your sporting columns if tho cricket olubs in the Auckland Association are allowed to play with thoso out of tho Auckland Association.—Rulo 12 of tho Association provides that tho clubs sub scribing to the Association bo not allowed to play matches with non-subscribing clubs ex cept by special permission—such permission to he obtained at a committco meeting, or in writing, through tho Honorary Soorotary.

The cricket season opened on Saturday last tinder most favourable auspices, the weather proving a great deal hotter than had been anticipated. Nine matches were played, of which eight were on tho Domain ground. Tho other was at Otahuhu, whore tho local toam was rather easily beaten by Auckland United. Thoro was no nowtalont on oithor side. For the town men, Swanson got 20 runs, and C. MacCormick 12, Testro coming next with 9, whilo Dufaur (tho exquisite Percy) did the best bowling. The Porches wore again to tho for Otahuhu, F. and W. dividingthobowling^honours between them, and Norman knocking up 18 runs. Amongst tho new Otahuhu members wore W. Ewing, formorly of Tuakau, Dunkloy, and Fripp.—ln tho Auckland and Bank match, Blair managed to get 09, whilo O'Brien played in really pretty stylo for 25. Thistlo, from whom a great deal is expected, succumbed to Cook after getting 2. Barton was caught aftor gottiug 9.— The West End Colts v. First Eloven match was a hollow affair, tho wickets of tho Colts going down liko ninepins. Arnoil nlono took 9 wickots for 6 runs with 60 balls. Tho First Eloven had only four wickets down, Reid getting 47 not out, andArneil, aftor putting togother 33, lotting a soft ono got up at tho wickets.—Our Boys had a good, match, and thero wore many double figures, whilo tho bowling was very fair, and tho fielding at times docidedly good.—Excolsior had de cidedly the best of it with Ponsonby. Tho formor has a now man in R. Mason, formerly of West End, whilo Ponsonby ranks aro im provod by tho addition of Poll, a now arrival, Osmond, and Richardson, who has dis tinguished himsolf on Christchurch cricket ing fields. Tho latter gentleman was in chargo of tho toam, and made himself docidodly popular.—Gordon, in playing against Auckland second eleven, col lapsed altogether, tho wholo team only making 9. Wobster and D'Arey caused the destntction amongst the wickets. Standard, too, only made 11, boing very easily put through by Gordon.—South End placed a very strong toam in tho field against Avondale, their olvvon including the best of last year's cloven, and also the Brennans, who did so well when the One hunga Club was first formed.

Tho Whau Regatta, which has been arranged for Prince of Wales's Birthday, does not appear to attract much attention in town outside of intending competitors, but it is probable that as time brings the ovent nearer it will prove of more general interest. According to tho published pro gramme, soven events have been arranged for, the principal of which undoubtedly will be tho scullers' race, among the probable competitors being Albert White, of Mercury Bay, Ernest Bailey, and Clarence Hewson. Tom Farquhar has decided notto take part in any event until ho gets his new boat from Swaddle & Co. The whaleboat race will also bo an interesting one, although but two crews are in training. Each boat is well-manned, as will bo seen on reference to particulars already given in these columns, and, placed upon an even footing, it is hard to say which will prove victorious. Clare's crew, unfortunately, appears to be placed at a disadvantage through being unable to secure proper sculls in time For the race, and in event of continued failure in their efforts in this direction, they will probably ask the Young Colonial crew to row with ash oars, so that both crews may be evenly matched. Other events will probably bring forward a greater number of competitors. A steamer leaves Auckland'for the Whau River early on the morning of Rogatta Day to enable Aucklanders to see the contests.

Perhaps my 'cycling friends will not take it amiss if I assume tho r6le of mentor. I shall take it for granted they will not, and so shall proceed, not with any intention to "carp and criticise," but in good faith. The Scotch saying— Oh wad same power the gif tie gie us. To see ourselves as ithers see ns. It wad frao mony a blunder free us. And unco notion. —is particularly applicable to 'cyclists. Could a 'cyclist but see himself as others

seohim, he would in many cases find that he is anything but the graceful being ho so fondly imagines himself. People are used to bicycles nowadays, and don't stare in open-mouthed wonder when ono passes, but in a general way tako stock of the rider, just as one does of a horseman, and wo all know how great is the difference botween a graceful and an ungraceful rider. So it is with _a . 'cyclist, A horseman may be indifferent as to his bearing, and yet his steed will go straight; but it is not so with a 'cyclist, for indifference with him will cause his machine to wobblo about in a most ungraceful way and to pursue any thing but a straight course. It is fre quently said of a horseman that " horse and rider seem one." So it can and should be said of a 'cyclist; and to attain this end he must hold himself erect when mounted, and not allow his backbone to have almost as great a curve as that of his machine, as, I am sorry to say, many do, and it is this which gives rise to the absurd idea that bicycling makes one round-shouldered. It might, with as much truth, bo said of horse-riding. Sit erect on your machine, keep your shoulders well back, elbows to your sideß, thereby letting your lungs have full play, and you will ride with much more ease and comfort. So that for this reason (if no other) you should do so. Let mo givo another hint. ■ Don't work your pedals as if they were levers, and you had not got an ankle. Let your foot have somo play, bonding up and down, thus putting on pressure sooner, and continuing it long. You will find this makes riding easier, as the leg does not move so much, and at the same time it gives more power. Yet another—on discipline. One of the most important causesupon which depends the success of a club (with the consequent bearing on the sport) is disci pline. Surely no man can begrudge the small restraint that discipline involves during a club run. How demoralising it is whon an uttor disregard to discipline is shown, the orders of tlio captain wilfully disoboyod, and a general disposition to run riot evinced. If a captain bo desirable, which no ono for a moment doubts, then how can discipline bo maintained unless the members placo themselves implicitly under his control for tho time being? Discipline, wherever met with, commands respect, but to meetaclub whoso members aro straggling all over tho road, in single or double file, or any way their individual tastes suggest, is calculated to bring upon them an amount of censure from tho general public not al together undeserved. Lot mo earnestly impress upon you tho desirability of re membering and adhering to rule 1 — " Tho captain shall hare command at club runs."

I daresay most of my bicycling readers will bo interested in tho following para graph, which I have extracted for their benefit from tho "World " : —"ln England it is a matter of remark that bicycle-racing is by no moans on tho increase ; and it says but littlo for tho general body of racing bicyclists that tho sport should continue to enjoy tho popularity it does. There is v certain loaven, contributed by a fow clubs, which givos tho pustimo a tono of respect ability ; but, outside theso riders, matters soom to bo in tho hands of a somi-profos sional class, who are cither paid salaries as "clorks" by firms of bicycle-makers, or who run to tho orders of bookmakers. In either ease tho business of their lives is that of training for bicyolo races, and occasion ally assisting in dofrauding tho public by losing when they could win. If tho National 'Cyclists Union wore as influential as tho unbounded pretence of some of its mombors would lead ono to suppose it to be, thoso evils would bo dealt with by a strong hand. Its present non-activity can only be duo to ono of two causes: Either it liiuls tho existing state of things congenial, or it is afraid."

That yachting is a very expensive pursuit in tho colonies, is generally admitted, and it would appear that the same objection, if it may bo so called, to tho amusement exists in England. Writing on tho subject, tho "St. James's Gazette" says :—" Yacht ing is conorally known to bo a tolerably expensive form of sport, but few persons really appreciate tho immense amount of capital that is spent in the amusement. The yachts in commission this season number 2,319, and thoir aggregate tonnage is 111,421 tons. Toputitattholowost figure, thocapital expended in building and equipping this holiday Hoot amounts to close on three mil lions sterling. Indeed, this estimate is probably, in ono sense, a good deal below the mark. It must bo remembered that there is a vast difference in cost between the cruiser and the racer. Tako the 10-ton class of yachts for example. A fairly good 10-tonnor for cruising purposes can bo bought for something like 1300. To have a first-class ten-ton racer designed nnd built is nn enterprise that will cost from £800 to £1,000. And then, if a crack boat turns out —as the best designed and built boats sometimes will—a few minutes slowor ovor a 40-milo course than her rivals, sho sinks at onco to a crtiisor class and a cruiser prico. A racing boat, too, costs much more to man and to keep than a cruiser. Tho racing skipper and the racing crow aro picked mon and can command high wages. Yacht-racing, in fact, within the last few years has created a special class of sailors as well as a special class of shipbuilders, and it provides both with hignly lucrative employment."

Seventeen clubs have become affiliated to the Auckland Cricket Association.

Tho yacht Toy, owned by Messrs Bindon, is for sale, and should soon find a purchaser.

The yacht Truant was launched on Friday last.

It is understood that Bob Whiteside will fj for tho two-mile walking-match at tho llorslio sports.

Knox's new six-tonner was launched from Waymouth's shed this morning. Sho has been christened tho "Seagull."

Owing to tho Pakuranga races this after noon, very few cricket matches wore to have been played.

Tho Canterbury Cricket Association have decided to give a junior challenge cup for competition by second elevens.

The Auckland Bicycle Club intend to undertake a run to Raglan on November 17.

A new junior cricket club named the Parnell has beon formed. It was to have played against the Standard to-day.

The subscription to tho Otago Rowing Club has been reduced from fivo guineas to one guinea.

Hanlan is agitating for tho organisation of a national association of professional oarsmen.

The Waitemata Bicycle Club's .proposed run to Avondalo last Saturday was post poned in consequence of threatening weather.

The photos of the Auckland bicyclists taken by Hemus and Hanna at the opening of the season havo turned out remarkably well.

Holmes expected to launch his 13-feet open boat to-day. She is expected by her owner to beat anything of her own size yet in the water.

I regrot to announce that tho well-known yacht Jessie Logan will not appear in the racing list this season. Her ownors purpose using her as a ploasure boat.

Tho owners of the 13 feet open boat Chance intend to arrango another race botweon that boat and the Mabel, which won the contest on Saturday afternoon last.

The following boats were expected to tako a dip to-day -.—Madge, Ely, Bay Girl, Ada, Queen, Tui, Beryl, Holmes's new boat, tho Amateur, and a fow others,

The Auckland Rowing Club has given Greenland, of Molbourne, an ordor for a now "string test," which is oxpected to turn out a superior class of boat.

Carr has received an order from Mr A. B. Donald for three new yachts of about 4 tons measurement. They aro intended for the Island trade.

The sweepstakes race between the twenty feet open boats will most probably take place this day week, by which time most of tho boats of that class will bo in the water.

Clare's new whaleboat was out for the first time on Tuesday evening. She is a hand somo boat, and reflects credit on her builder. The crow on Tuesday included Clare, Mar shall and Barron.

Entries for the Ellerslie Sports on Prince of Wales's Birthday close at the Prince of Wales Hotel at 8 o'clock to-night. The en trance fee is 5 per cent on value of first prize.

Prior to bis forty-eight hours match with Edwards, Scott had never walked more than twenty-four hours. For this reason it was thought he would lose, but ho didn't.

It would appear ns if tho 20-fect open boat Quconio is to havo a show this season, Her owner has arranged for now spars, and an entirely new suit of sails, which looks very much like business.

The owners of the Mabel, whi.eh beat the Chanco last week, intend to invest in anew suit of sails larger than that carried during tho race, in ordor to be prepared for light weather.

The rowing season will probably bo opened on Saturday next by a procession of boats under tho auspices of the Association. Nothing definite, however, had been decided up to tlio time of writing.

Bailey laid tho keel of tho Naval Brigade's new cutter on Wednesday afternoon. Sho is to bo finished before Princo of Wales's Uirthilay, and will probably appear at tho Whau Regatta.

Several yatching parties have been ar ranged for a three-days outing. It is in tended to start on the Thursday evening before Princo of Wales's Birthday, visit Waiheko and other islands thereabout, and return early on Monday morning.

There wero exactly fifty duck-eggs made on tho Domain Cricket (! round last Saturday. Fancy, fifty miserable and dis consolate individuals on Saturday night, and all because they could not break tho big round 0.

Efforts are boing mado to resuscitate tho Auckland Amateur Athletic Club, and to hold a series of sports in connection with tho bicycle clubs at an early date. The project should bo taken up warmly if success is to bo hoped for,

A swoopstakes match between the 13-feet oiion boats Chance, Mabel, Glance, Una, and Holmes's now boat was talked about a good deal during tho early part of tho week, and was expected to tako place about Saturday next.

I tako tho following from tho Dunedin " Star :—" The Ourßoys Club at Auckland are very anxious to have Charles Friths ser vices. On the oil'chance that ho may sottle in tho Northern capital ono of these days Our Hoys have mado him a member of their Club."

Strong opinions havo been expressed dur ing the week concerning the action of tho North Shore (lowing Club in deciding to "open the season " by a procession of their three or four boats this afternoon, instead of waiting for tho flowing Association, to which they belong, to arrango for a general opening procession.

Some alteration has been mado in tho crew of the now whaloboat built by Clare, and which is to tako part in tho Whau Regatta, since 1 last wrote. Tho following is tho present list of rowors:—T. Barron, bow ; A. Stratford, No. 2 ; Jno. Collins, No. 3; Alf. Marshall, No. I; .1. Clare, stroke ; S. Dove, steer oar.

Walking around tho cricket ground Inst Saturday, I could not help thinking that the Gordon was tho best-dressed club. Every man was in cricket flannels, and each wore tho club colours in blue cap with white stripes. Cricketers don't look at all well in tweed trousers, grey shirt, and black " hard-hitter."

At the Wntkyns (N.Y.) Regatta on August 15th, Wallace Ross won the first heat for professional single sculls, boating Lee, Courtney, i'laisted, and Griffin in the order given. In the socond heat Hanlan was first, Hosmer second, Teenier third, and Sharlow fourth. Timo(li miles) liming, Hisecs.

Aftor carefully considering tho advisa bility or otherwise of erecting a temporary shed on thedock site, the Auckland Rowing Club baa decided not to build there, owing to tho prospect of filling-in boing com menced there at an early date. The Club is now on the outlook for another suitable sito.which can bo secured for a longer term.

Dissatisfaction is expressed by the owners of 13-feet boats because of tho action of tho A.R.C. Committoo in excluding a raco for these craft from tho present programme. It is urged that thore will be about a dozen of theso " little ones " in tho water this soason, and wo havo received sovoral communica tions oxprossing a bono that ovon yet tho Committoo will give the matter attention.

Tho Christchurch Lancaster Park Club opened tho cricket season with a match, First Twelvo v. Next Twenty. Tho Twenty mado 184, of which Atkinson, not out, made 31; Cuff, 28 ; Marshall, 24 ; Cooper and Dunlop, 14 each; and Montgomery, 13. W. P. Reeves scored a duck-egg. Tho Twelvo had two wickets down lor C 2, Taylor getting 27, and Hargreaves 21. 1 .acock got 7 wickets for 28 runs, and Wilding 1 wicket for 37.

The raco between the largo yachts Rita and Arawa, which was postponed from last season, and which has beon arranged to take place on Saturday, November 3rd, is attract ing considerable interest, and it appears likely that a large amount of money will chango hands over the event. Tho owners of each vessel havo left nothing undone which could possibly add to tho speed of their craft, and with anything liko a good breeze and a beat ono way, a satisfactory trial of sailing power should bo obtained.

A new rowing club, to be known as the To Aro Rowing Club, has beon started in Wellington, for the special convenience of those residing at the Te Aro end of the bay. There wero over 20 members to start with, and the Club commences with 10 boats in stock, both rowing and sailing. The sub scription is three guineas. In Auckland, there is the greatest difficulty to induco members to shell out a guinea subscription, while numbers use the boats who never p*>y-

Mr Thistle is engaged in the formation of a Wandorors Cricket Club, which will play a series of matches with the country clubs, and have a good time generally.

Walker's big score in the Middlesex and Gloucester match comprised two 6's, seven teen 4's, four 3's, fourteen 2's, and twenty five singles. Lyttelton was out at 347, his 181—a grand innings, despito two chances —comprising a 6, twenty-ono 4's, five 3's, nineteen 2's, and thirty-eight singles. This is only Mr Lyttelton's third first-class match this season, and he has mado 307 runs for four times out. Messrs C. T. Studd and Pearson played remarkably woll, and at the call of time the Middlesex total was 527 runs.

A recent cricket match between Middle sex and Gloucestershire is remarkable for a marvellous batting performance. Middle sex had one wicket down for eight runs, when the Hon. Alfred Lyttelton became Mr Walker's partner, and after about half an hour of steady cricket, an absolute mastery was obtained ovor tho Gloucester shire bowling. At lunch time the total was 100, and on tho game being resumed the runs camo at a terrific pace, changes being quito powerless to check tho hitting. In an hour and three quarters 226 runs wero put on—a truly ex traordinary rate of scoring. Brilliant as tho batting was, however, it was not alto gether free from fault. Mr Lyttleton was missed at tho wicket, and Mr Walker, be sides giving two chances of stumping, ought to have been caught in tho long field, Mr Walker was out at last to a catch at long oil', the second wicket falling at 332. Tho partnership of the two batsmen thus pro duced 324 runs—tlio longest stand over made in a first-class match.

English County Cricket.

The following table will show at a glance the number of matches already played by tho eleven first-class counties up to August 24, and their relative positions. The dates in parentheses indicate the date on which the last match commences.

SELECTED POETRY.

—):o:(— FICTION.

Heed not the austere fools who say That llellon is an evil thing; Who fain would quench wit's lucid ray, And pluck the plumes from fancy's wing; Who. foes to fiction, prose, or rhyme, Think wit and genius a crime. It Is not so. God's gifts are good ; And genius is a gift divine. Think not tho All-wise Giver would For evil use such power assign To those great Masters of Iho Pen Who move ot will the heurts of men. Whatever tends to harmless mirth, Or wins from caro a brief respite, Gives kindly thought und feeling birth, Condemns the wrong and lauds the right- Fiction or fact, what matters it i "fis good and pure as Holy Will. Who luitli not yielded to the spell Of somo great nmsler's magic page ( Who liulli not fell his bosom swell With tender pain or noble rage t Who hath not heard, in sober sooth, From Fiction's lips tho words of Truth? In youth's bright boors, with eager zest, We read the over-pleasing uiles, Hang o'er tho page with panting breast, With smiling lip or cheek that pales. Pursuing Fancy's wildest Nights, Sharing her sorrows and delights. And shall our riper years decry And lay on Fancy Fact's stern him ? What pleased the pure mind of lhe boy- Will never harm the world-worn man. Though bigots chide, we will not heed: What (;ciiiiis writes wc still will read. Life hath enough of grief ami care; The working world Is hard and real; "lis little time that we can snare For fancied woes or joys ideal. Why should we shun what hath the power To wile away an idle hour I Nay, He that died lo save mankind Disdained not Kk lion's potent aid, And to tlio darkened human mind In parableß the light conveyed. And oft in Fancy's web did 'I wine Tho threads of truth and love divine. Thomas Sharps. Onohungu.

UNDER THE WILLOW TREE.

A kaik hoy spoke from his pillowed couch, Willi a flushed and hoctlo cheek. And a toll-tale liuht In his young blue eyes, " Mother! to Willie speak I " Say, when will the primroses blow again? When shall we walk in tho park ? And hear In tlio sky, as we used to hear. The music of the kirk ,' " Say. when will the wilder pass away, Ann the sweel, red roses bloom, And Iho sunshine stream with its gentle rays, Into my lonely room I" Tho mother looked on her waning child, And said, with a burning tear, " My beautiful boy, when tlio summer comes. And skies are bright and clear." The blithe birds came, with tho fresh green leaves, And the roses sweot to sco; But poor littlo Willie had gone to rest, Under the willow tree. JOHN lU.ACKMAN.

TO A FOUNTAIN.

In a little winding valley. Where the sloping meadows meet, Springs a rill of glassy brightness, And our enra Its murmur;: irrest, Tiny wavelets on its surface Ever quiv'ring, come anil go; And, with suminor sunlight playing. Cast their shadows down below. Once this fount was hid in thickets,' And above the soup birds llcw. When tho fields with woods wero vested. And the fern-trees drunk the dew, Hero the cool, transparent fluid Rose unseen by human sight; Here, upon its rippling current. Danced the moonbeams oft at night. But when many years had vanished, Happy chiyiron passed this way; And Its sweet and bubbling waters Would thoir ardent thirst allay. Hero they gathered ferns and flowerets. Dipping in the gelid stream; Listened to its gontle music- Life a pleasant, fairy dream. Now tho sheep, in sultry snmnier. Often here aro seen to drink; And the lambs, with eager footsteps. Lovo to play about its brink. Hero I, too, am wont te wander, When tho hues of evening fade ; And enjoy the quiot soason. With around tho gathering shade. W.K. Ramarama.

A lady artist, working long and hard over the painting of a human figure the othor day, finally threw down her brush and threw her fellow-workers into fits of laughter at the saino time by unexpectedly exclaiming, in naive despair: "Now I realise why even God made landscape beforo he attempted human figures."

STAR SATURDAY SUPPLEMENT, OCTOBER 27, 1885.

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