I must speak favourably of the Philadelphians, who visited England that year for the first time, considering that they defeated the Gentlemen of Gloucestershire under my leadership, and enabled Lord Harris to have the laugh at me. It was a little bit unfortunate that they came the same year as the Australians; for while they played quite up to the expectations formed of them, their doings were discounted by the brilliant performances of Murdoch's Eleven. They were certainly a good lot, and gave an excellent account of themselves against the amateur teams played; but they were not up to English county form. The most successful batsmen were, Messrs. Scott, R. S. Newhall, Thayer, and Stoever; the bowlers; Messrs. Lowry, MacNutt, and C. A. Newhall.
Nottinghamshire had a great year among the coimties, not losing a single match; but then it had in its team Shrewsbury, Barnes, Gunn, Flowers, Selby, Scotton, A. Shaw, Attewell, Wright, and Sherwin, players who have made great reputations in all departments of the game. Middlesex and Yorkshire were in good form also; and Surrey took a step upward. G. Lohmann played for the last named coimty, and gave evidence of good all-round form; his bowling impressing the critics very favourably. Sussex was not quite so low as formerly, due in some degree to the fine batting of Mr. W. Newham; and Lord Harris was the mainstay of Kent. Gloucestershire had to take a very humble position for want of bowlers; but could still hold its own in batting, being strengthened in that department by Messrs. Brain and Pullen, two promising young players.
The Gentlemen v. Players' matches resulted in a win to each. Ulyett batted brilliantly in both, scoring 292 runs for three completed innings.
Mr. A. G. Steel was in great form with the bat
