INTRODUCTION
The Rev. Gilbert White of Selborne, writing to his nephew on August 1st, 1786, adds this postscript:—
'Little Tom Clement is visiting at Petersfield, where he plays much at cricket: Tom bats; his grandmother bowls; and his great-grandmother watches out!!'
Little Tom Clement (who was the son of the naturalist's niece Jane) stands here bat in hand, on the threshold of this Hambledon Book, with, I think, peculiar fitness—for he typifies the cricket enthusiasm which was just beginning to burn in the veins of young England, and has been burning with so noble a fire ever since. He came to Petersfield (which is an easy walk from Hambledon) from Alton, also in the enkindling area, at a time when the Hambledon Club was at its zenith. Although only five he had fallen already under the magic spell, and not only fallen himself, but was taking his grandmother and his great-grandmother with him.
That the mother of the Graces played her part in their cricket education we all knew: that is History; but little Tom Clement's grandmother bowling him of her best, and his great-grandmother watchful 'in the country'—these ladies were hitherto unknown to the world, and it is time that they had their fame. But
