partly the quickness of Wisden's pace, and partly the advantage of Clarke's curved lines and near pitch. From this diagram it appears that the slower the bowling the nearer it may be pitched, and the less the space the bat can cover; also, the more difficult is the ball to judge; for, the curved line of a dropping ball is very deceiving to the eye.
In speaking of Clarke's bowling, men commonly imply that the slowness is its only difficulty. Now a ball cannot be more difficult for hand or eye because it moves slowly. No; the slower the easier; but the difficulty arises from the following qualities, wholly distinct from the pace, though certainly it is the slowness that renders those qualities possible:—
1st. Clarke's lengths are more accurate.
2dly. He can vary his pace unobserved, without varying his action or delivery.
3dly. More of his balls would hit the wicket.
4thly. A slow ball must be played: it will not play itself.
5thly. Clarke can more readily take advantage of each man's weak point.
6thly. Slow bowling admits of more bias.
7thly. The length is more difficult to judge, owing to the curved lines.
8thly. It requires the greatest accuracy in hitting. You must play at the ball with short,
