HERTFORD: HOME OF MY BOYHOOD 45 



on an upright arm, which was driven on to it by a powerful 

 spring, something in the manner of a spring-trap. The up- 

 right arm was pulled back and held by a catch, which was 

 released by pulling a cord. By slight alterations in the posi- 

 tion of the ball and the force of the spring, the ball could be 

 made to pitch on any spot desired, and could thus be slightly 

 changed each time, as is the case with a good bowler. It 

 seemed to answer very well, and it was thought that it might 

 be used for practice where good bowlers were not available, 

 but it never came into general use, and is now, perhaps, wholly 

 forgotten. 



