Wickets?

Look closely in the grass to the right of the walkway to see two croquet wickets on the front lawn of Roseland Cottage. Later, after the purchase of the north lawn in 1872, croquet would be played there, along with the new game of  “badington babinton badminton,” which caused at least one Bowen—Clarence—some spelling distress, though he found it a “new and highly exciting out-door game.” This picture dates from the 1860s and is one half of a stereoscope image, and probably the first photograph of Roseland Cottage.  Notice there is no porte cochere yet, but there is an awning.