Yesterday the nine made practically their first appearance in a game. It is impossible to judge from the work of the team as made up yesterday what Harvard's prospects for the season are, as there will undoubtedly be changes in the nine and new men will be tried in several positions. The game, however, was on the whole encouraging. The team played well together, kept cool at critical points, and ran bases with considerable dash. The battery work was good. The batting on the contrary was wretchedly weak. Not only did only four men make safe hits, but fourteen struck out. If the men had hit the ball, the chances would be better for a strong batting team, but with only two or three exceptions they either struck out or knocked weak flies to the outfield. The great need of improving and strengthening the team seems to be in batting. An improvement must also be made in the general style and spirit of the play. Yesterday there was a tendency to the lifeless, mechanical work that was so noticeable and discouraging in last year's nine. The players must get more snap and vigor with their batting and fielding before they can hope to bring the intercollegiate championship to Harvard.