PREFACE.
I have lived to the age of seventy-one (hence the title of this work), and until some six months ago the writing of my reminiscences never occurred to me. Indeed had it not been for the fact of my meeting with an old friend—almost accidentally—the ensuing pages would never have been written. Like most cricketers, I have unfortunately kept comparatively few records of my long career. Luckily I am possessed of an excellent memory, and with this and the aid of many an old volume kindly lent to me by various gentlemen I have been able to complete my somewhat difficult task. I have given a short sketch of the state of the national game at the time of my birth; how I learnt both batting and bowling when a boy; have described my connection with Clarke's old All England Eleven, and afterwards with the United;
