turning-stake, which must be struck. This is called
“negging” or “staking.” The balls are then to be |
driven back to the starting-stake; the course to be
turn and back to be in the direction indicated by the
arrows on our diagrams.

The player who reaches the turning-stake first
has great advantage; for, as soon as he commences
his return journey, and meeting the other players,
he is able to croquet them, considerably impeding
their progress.

The side whose balls are first driven round, and
hit the starting-stake, wins the game.

At the beginning of the game, and before mak-
ing each stroke, look well around and see the exact
position of affairs; then, having made up your mind
what to do, make your stroke deliberately and care-
fully. Watch the game attentively throughout,
watch each player’s style, both friend and foe. You
will thus learn capabilities. of others, and learn
points which may be subsequently of great service

Do not play a selfish game—that is, do not be in
too great a hurry to make your own arches. You
may often do more service to your side by going
back or lying by to help a friend, than by running
your own ball through half a dozen arches. Re-
ae you can not win the game by your own ball
alone.

Do not hesitate, either, when you can do real
injury to your opponents, to abandon your own
game in order to go down and break up theirs.

When two or more balls are in friendly prox-
imity, rush down and break up their union at al)
hazards, for such a gathering always denotes mis-
chief ahead.

Never try a difficult stroke, however brilliant,
when circumstances do not imperatively demand it.

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