hand bowling really could effect; and, from the specimen which Fennex himself gave at sixty-five years of age, there appeared to be much reason in his assertion. Of all the players Fennex had ever seen (for some partiality for bygone days we must of course allow) none elicited his notes of admiration like Beldham. We cannot compare a man who played underhand, with those who are formed on overhand, bowling. Still, there is reason to believe what Mr. Ward and others have told us, that Beldham had that genius for cricket, that wonderful eye (although it failed him very early), and that quickness of hand, which would have made him a great player in any age.
Beldham related to us in 1838, and that with no little nimbleness of hand and vivacity of eye, while he suited the action to the word with a bat of his own manufacture, how he had drawn forth the plaudits of Lord's as he hit round and helped on the bowling of Browne of Brighton, even faster than before, though the good men of Brighton thought that no one could stand against him, and Browne had thought to bowl Beldham off his legs. This match of Hants against England in 1819 Fennex was fond of describing, and certainly it gives some idea of what Beldham could do. 'Osbaldeston,' said Mr. Ward, ' with his tremendously fast bowling, was defying every one at single-wicket, and he and Lambert challenged Mr. E. H. Budd with three others. Just then I had seen Browne's swift bowling, and a hint from me settled the match. Browne was engaged, and Osbaldeston was beaten with his own weapons.' A match was now made to give Browne a fair trial, and 'we were having a social glass', said Fennex, 'and talking over with Beldham the match of the morrow at the 'Green Man', when Browne came in, and told Beldham, with as much sincerity as good-humour, that he should soon 'send his stumps a-flying'. 'Hold there,' said Beldham, fingering his bat, ' you will be good enough to allow me this bit of wood, won't you?' 'Certainly,' said Browne. 'Quite satisfied,' answered Beldham, 'so to-morrow you shall see.' 'Seventy-two runs," said Fennex,—and the score-book attests his
