oint," if
made by a blow of the mallet.

SIDE.--One of the two parties of players, of which the members play
alternately.

SPOT.--A point between the starting stake and the first bridge, one
mallet's length from the former; from which the play commences.

STARTING STAKE.--That near which the play commences, and the striking of
which by a rover puts it out.

STEP ON THE ROUND.--Running the proper bridge, or tolling the stake at
the proper time, which advances a ball on the grand round, and gives the
right to re-roquet.

STRIKING FOR FIRST CHOICE.--The usual method of deciding the first
choice, in making up the sides and the first play. Each chief places a
ball under the arch of the first bridge and plays at the stake. The ball
lying nearest the stake entitles the chief playing it to the first
choice of friends and the option of the first or second play.

STRIKING OUT.--Hitting the starting stake when a rover, putting a ball
out, and if the last of the side constituting the victory.

TOLLING THE STAKE.--Hitting the turning stake at the proper time; one of
the steps on the grand round.

TOUR OF PLAY.--The tour of a player or right to play, following the
order of the colors on the stake, and continuing as long as he makes a
point.

TURNING STAKE.--The stake to be tolled, opposite to the starting stake.

CHAPTER II.

THE GROUND AND CROQUETERIE.

The most important requisite for a croquet ground is smoothness of
surface. Very good sport may be had on a ground slightly inclined;
indeed a little practice will enable the players to make allowance for
the inclination, so as to play with as much accuracy as if the surface
were horizontal. But if the turf presents small inequalities, the
direction and force of the stroke can never be accurately estimated. If
the stroke is gentle, the ball may fall short or be turned aside. If the
stroke is forcible, the ball will bound along the ground, and may jump
entirely over another ball which it was intended to roquet. A croquet
ground can always be brought to the requisite degree of smoothness by
having the surface beaten with a spade after a rain; or, better still,
thoroughly rammed with a paver's mallet. Rolling is not so effective,
unless the ground is very soft or the roller very heavy. The size and
shape of the ground is a matter of much less importance. The boundaries
within which a ball can be placed should be traced or agreed upon; still
better permanently def