the starting peg. The game may be played by any
number of persons not exceeding eight. A larger number renders the
game tedious. The best number is four. If two only piay, each player
may take two balls, and when as many as eight play, there should be
two sides or sets. Each player takes a mallet, ball, and croquet clip
of the same colour or number, the clip being used to indicate the hoop
at which, in his turn, he aims. The division into sides, choice of
balls, mallets, &c., is determined by the players among themselves.

2573. Laws of Croquet.

In this game, as with many other sports when first established, there
were differences of opinion on certain points of practice. In 1870,
however, at a conference of Croquet players, the following rules were
settled and adopted. They are now accepted by all players.

i. There shall be no restriction to the number, weight, size, shape,
or material of the mallets: nor as to the attitude or position of
the striker.

ii. The players shall toss for choice of lead and of balls: and a
succession of games shall take the lead alternately and keep the
same balls.

iii. In commencing, each ball shall be placed at one foot from the
first hoop in a direct line between the pegs; and a ball having been
struck is at once in play, and croquetable whether it shall have
made the first hoop or not.

iv. A stroke is considered to have been taken if a ball is moved
perceptibly; but should the player have struck it accidentally, and
the umpire be satisfied that the stroke was accidental, the ball is
replaced and the stroke taken again.

v. If the player make a foul stroke he loses his turn and all the
points made therein, and the balls remain where they lie, at the
option of the adversary. The following are considered foul strokes:

(_a_) To strike with the mallet another ball instead of or besides
one's own in making the stroke.

(_b_) To spoon, that is, to push a ball without an audible knock.

(_c_) To strike a ball twice in the same stroke.

(_d_) To stop a ball with the foot in taking a loose Croquet.

(_e_) To allow a ball to touch the mallet in rebounding from the
turning peg.

(_f_) To fail to stir the passive ball in taking Croquet.

(_g_) If a player, in striking at a ball which lies against a peg
or wire, should move it fr