THE CRICKETERS OF VANITY FAIR - MR WILLIAM GILBERT GRACE BORN at Bristol twenty-nine years ago of a family long given to the national game of Cricket, he found himself with a father and uncles reputed famous in its pursuit, and with brothers known for excellence in its practice. Devoted therefore though he was to the medical profession, he took up the game with enthusiasm, and his natural gifts of eye and hand have made him what he is-the best cricketer that ever played. Not only has he made the highest scores off his bat against the best bowling of the day, but he fields as well as he bats, and he gets as many runs in a season as most cricketers do in the course of their lives. He once achieved as many as four hundred runs without losing his innings. Yet his proficiency in this particular game is not his only claim to renown; for he has proved himself an admirable runner, rider, and shot; and in addition to all this he has been a student of medicine, to which he henceforth intends to devote himself, reserving his play solely for his County and the Marylebone Club. He has excited some envy but more admiration; so that a national testimonial is about to be given to him, as he deserves who has proved himself so pre-eminent in the sports that still delight his countrymen. 1877 Men of the Day No. 150