Ill] HERTFORD: HOME OF MY BOYHOOD 45 



the ball, and this was struck by a knob on an upright arm, 

 which was driven on to it by a powerful spring, something in 

 the manner of a spring-trap. The upright arm was pulled 

 back and held by a catch, which was released by pulling a 

 cord. By slight alterations in the position 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. 



