Hampshire replaced Nottinghamshire as the third county to play Derbyshire, together with Lancashire and Kent.
The season was clouded with the death in a railway accident of Frederick Thornhill after just one chance to play for the county.
They played six county games, two each against Lancashire, Kent and Hampshire, and one match against MCC.
Derbyshire lost both games against Lancashire, but were honours even with Kent and Hampshire, and beat MCC at Lords.
MCC replied with 104 and managed 76 in the follow-on to give Derbyshire an innings victory.
In the second innings Derbyshire made 112, and Kent were able to make the necessary 116 to win the match with two wickets in hand.