supply of cord, a sharp spade, a sledge hammer to drive stakes, a
small hammer to drive in staples, some lime to mark out the lines, and
a pail to wet it in. A tennis marker will save much work. The best
ball to purchase is the regular "league" ball. These balls are the
most uniform in manufacture and quality, and give the best
satisfaction in the long run. It is worth while to purchase more than
one, because it often happens that wet grass ruins the cover of the
ball. When a base ball has been used in wet weather it should be put
aside, and the next time the nine wish to practice on a wet day this
ball, which will be very hard, should be used. As soon as it is wet it
softens again, and it is just as useful as a new one would be after
wetting. Constant wetting rots the covers, but a harness-maker will
re-cover the balls, and they can be used for practice.

In bats there is more variety. A special bat is said to be made of
wagon-tongue, but the more commonly favored is of ash, second growth,
thoroughly seasoned. These can be bought for from twenty-five cents to
one dollar each, according to quality. Lighter bats are made of
willow; and the cheapest of basswood. These do not last so well as
ash, however.

The rules specify that the bat shall not be over two and a half inches
in diameter, nor more than forty-two inches in length. In selecting a
bat, individual taste is the best guide as to matters of weight and
balance, but the grain should be examined carefully. If a bat is
varnished, the handle should be scraped, so that it will not turn
easily in the hands.

The first baseman and catcher should each wear gloves to protect the
hands from the pounding which playing these positions involves.