KITTY WHITE

music: The King of France(Listen)

The King of France with forty thousand menMarched up the hill and then marched down again.

The players stand in two rows or groups facing each other. Each group has a leader who stands in the center and represents a king leading his army.

The game or play is a simple one of imitation; in which the players perform in unison some action first indicated by one of the leaders.

The leaders of the two groups take turns in singing the verse, at the same time marching forward during the first line of the verse, and back again to their places during the second line, illustrating the action that is then to be taken by all. The verse is then sung by both groups while advancing toward each other and retreating, performing the movements indicated by the leaders. The movements illustrated by the leaders may be anything suitable to anarmy of men, the words describing the movement being substituted for the line, "Marched up the hill." Thus:—

The King of France with forty thousand menWaved his flag and then marched down again.

The following variations are suggested, each of which indicates the movements to go with it.

Gave a salute, etc.Beat his drum.Blew his horn.Drew his sword.Aimed his gun.Fired his gun.Shouldered arms.Pranced on his horse.

It is scarcely necessary to say that a real flag and drum add much to the martial spirit of the game, and if each soldier can have a stick or wand over his shoulder for a gun, theesprit de corpswill be proportionately enhanced.

10 to 30 or more players.

Indoors; out of doors.

This is an admirable game for very little children. Their dramatic tendency should be given full rein in impersonating the soft movements of the kitty and mousie before the chase begins.

Kitty White so slyly comes,To catch the Mousie Gray;But mousie hears her softly creep;And quickly runs away.Run, run, run, little mouse,Run all around the house;For Kitty White is coming near,And she will catch the mouse, I fear.

Kitty White so slyly comes,To catch the Mousie Gray;But mousie hears her softly creep;And quickly runs away.

Run, run, run, little mouse,Run all around the house;For Kitty White is coming near,And she will catch the mouse, I fear.

Kitty Whitemusic: Kitty White(Listen)

One player is chosen for the mouse and stands in the center, and another for Kitty White, who stands outside of the circle. The other players join hands in a ring and move around, while singing the first four lines. Meanwhile Kitty White is creeping around outside of the circle, peeping in at little Mousie Gray. When the fourth line is reached, "And quickly runs away," the circle stops moving and drops hands while the mouse runs out and in through the circle, chased by Kitty White. For the last fourlines, while the chase is going on, the players in the circle stand in place and clap their hands while singing "Run, run," etc.

When the mousie is caught, both return to the circle, and another mouse and kitty are chosen.

plate: THE DUCK DANCETHE DUCK DANCE

4 to 60 players.

Indoors; out of doors.

This is a game for small children. The players join hands and form a ring. They dance around in a circle in time to the music, singing to the air of "Mulberry bush":—

The leaves are green, the nuts are brown;They hang so high they will not come down;Leave them alone till frosty weather;Then they will all come down together.

As the last words are sung, the children all stoop suddenly to the ground, to represent the falling nuts. This is more interesting if the time be rapid and if the players jump before stooping, which may lead to their tumbling over as the nuts do when they fall from the trees.

10 to 60 players.

Playground; gymnasium; schoolroom.

Let the feet go tramp! tramp! tramp!Let the hands go clap! clap! clap!Let the finger beckon thee.Come, dear friend, and skip with me.La, la la la, la la la, etc.

Let the Feet Go Trampmusic: Let the Feet Go Tramp(Listen)

The players form a circle with from one to five in the center, according to the number of players. All of the players, both circle and center, sing the verse, suiting the action to the words with stamping of the feet for "Tramp, tramp, tramp!" and clapping of the hands for "Clap, clap, clap!" As the last line, "Come dear friend and skip with me," is sung, each child in the center beckons to one in the circle, who steps in and joins hands with the little partner as they stand facing each other. These partners in thecenter then dance around in time to the chorus "La, la," and the circle players may also join hands and dance in a circle.

6 to 30 or more players.

Indoors; out of doors.

music: London Bridge(Listen)

London Bridge is falling down,Falling down, falling down.London Bridge is falling down,My fair lady!Build it up with iron bars,Iron bars, iron bars.Build it up with iron bars,My fair lady!Iron bars will bend and break,Bend and break, bend and break,Iron bars will bend and break,My fair lady!

London Bridge is falling down,Falling down, falling down.London Bridge is falling down,My fair lady!

Build it up with iron bars,Iron bars, iron bars.Build it up with iron bars,My fair lady!

Iron bars will bend and break,Bend and break, bend and break,Iron bars will bend and break,My fair lady!

Build it up with gold and silver, etc.Gold and silver will be stolen away, etc.Get a man to watch all night, etc.Suppose the man should fall asleep? etc.Put a pipe into his mouth, etc.Suppose the pipe should fall and break? etc.Get a dog to bark all night, etc.Suppose the dog should meet a bone? etc.Get a cock to crow all night, etc.Here's a prisoner I have got, etc.What's the prisoner done to you? etc.Stole my hat and lost my keys, etc.A hundred pounds will set him free, etc.A hundred pounds he has not got, etc.Off to prison he must go, etc.

Two of the tallest players represent a bridge by facing each other, clasping hands, and holding them high for the others to pass under. The other players, in a long line, holding each other by the hand or dress, pass under the arch while the verses are sung alternately by the players representing the bridge and those passing under, those forming the arch singing the first and alternate verses and the last "Off to prison." As the words,—

"Here's a prisoner I have got"

are sung, the players representing the bridge drop their arms around the one who happens to be passing under at the time. The succeeding verses are then sung to "Off to prison he must go." During this last one the prisoner is led off to one side to a place supposed to be a prison, and is there asked in a whisper or low voice to choose between two valuable objects, represented by the two bridge players who have previously agreed which each shall represent, such as a "diamond necklace" or a "gold piano." The prisoner belongs to the side which he thus chooses. When all have been caught, the prisoners line up behind their respective leaders (who have up to this time been the holders of the bridge), clasp each other aroundthe waist, and a tug of war takes place, the side winning which succeeds in pulling its opponent across a given line.

Where a large number of players are taking part, say over ten, the action may be made much more rapid and interesting by forming several spans or arches to the bridge instead of only one, and by having the players run instead of walk under. There is thus much more activity for each player, and the prisoners are all caught much sooner.

This is a very ancient game, supposed to have originated in the custom of making a foundation sacrifice at the building of a bridge. The tug of war is thought by Mr. Newell possibly to signify a contest between powers of good and evil for the soul of the victim sacrificed.

5 to 60 or more players.

Indoors; out of doors.

Here we dance, looby, looby, looby.Here we dance, looby, looby, light.Here we dance, looby, looby, looby, loo,Every Saturday night.Put your right hand inPut your right hand outGive your right hand a shake, shake, shake,Hinkumbooby round-about.Here we dance, looby, looby, looby, etc.Put your left hand in, etc.Here we dance, looby, looby, looby, etc.Put your two hands in, etc.Put your right foot in, etc.Put your left foot in, etc.Put your two feet in, etc.Put your right elbow in, etc.Put your left elbow in, etc.Put your two elbows in, etc.Put your right ear in, etc.Put your left ear in, etc.Put your head way in (bend deeply from the waist).

Here we dance, looby, looby, looby.Here we dance, looby, looby, light.Here we dance, looby, looby, looby, loo,Every Saturday night.

Put your right hand inPut your right hand outGive your right hand a shake, shake, shake,Hinkumbooby round-about.

Here we dance, looby, looby, looby, etc.

Put your left hand in, etc.

Here we dance, looby, looby, looby, etc.

Put your two hands in, etc.Put your right foot in, etc.Put your left foot in, etc.Put your two feet in, etc.Put your right elbow in, etc.Put your left elbow in, etc.Put your two elbows in, etc.Put your right ear in, etc.Put your left ear in, etc.Put your head way in (bend deeply from the waist).

Looby Loomusic: Looby Loo(Listen)

The players stand in a ring, clasping hands. For the first two lines of the chorus,—

Here we dance, looby, looby, looby,Here we dance, looby, looby, light,

the players sway from one foot to the other, throwing the free foot across the other in sort of a balance movement in rhythm to the music. On the last two lines of this verse,—

Here we dance, looby, looby, looby, loo,Every Saturday night,

the circle gallops halfway around to the left for the first line, and reverses the action, returning to place on the last line.

For the alternate verses which describe action the movements are suited to the words; for instance, when the left hand is called for, the players lean far forward and stretch the left hand into the ring while singing the first line, turn around, and stretch the left hand outward for the second line, shake the hand hard on the third line, and on the last line jump or spin completely around.

This is a very ancient game, supposed to have originated in a choral dance, probably in celebration of the rites of some deity, in which animal postures were assumed or animal rites were an object. Later, it was an old court dance, stately and decorous as the minuet.

6 to 30 or more players.

Indoors; out of doors.

The players stand in a circle, with one or more in the center. The circle dances around and sings the first two lines of the following verse. They then stand still while the player or players in the center choose each a partner who enters the circle with him; they clasp hands and dance around, singing the last two lines:—

Oh, have you seen the muffin man, the muffin man, the muffin man?Oh, have you seen the muffin man that lives in Drury Lane, O!Oh, yes, I've seen the muffin man, the muffin man, the muffin man,Oh, yes, I've seen the muffin man that lives in Drury Lane, O!

(The) Muffin Manmusic: (The) Muffin Man(Listen)

Miss Newton has a very good adaptation of this game for the schoolroom or parlor, in which four or five players stand in corners. Each of these chooses a partner at the end of the second line, and these groups of two dance in a circle.

6 to 60 players or more.

Indoors; out of doors.

Here we go round the mulberry bush,The mulberry bush, the mulberry bush,Here we go round the mulberry bush,So early in the morning!

MULBERRY BUSHmusic: MULBERRY BUSH(Listen)

This is the way we wash our clothes,We wash our clothes, we wash our clothes,This is the way we wash our clothes,So early Monday morning.This is the way we iron our clothes,We iron our clothes, we iron our clothes,This is the way we iron our clothes,So early Tuesday morning.This is the way we scrub the floor,We scrub the floor, we scrub the floor,This the way we scrub the floor,So early Wednesday morning.This is the way we mend our clothes,We mend our clothes, we mend our clothes,This the way we mend our clothes,So early Thursday morning.This is the way we sweep the house,We sweep the house, we sweep the house,This is the way we sweep the house,So early Friday morning.Thus we play when our work is done,Our work is done, our work is done,Thus we play when our work is done,So early Saturday morning.

This is the way we wash our clothes,We wash our clothes, we wash our clothes,This is the way we wash our clothes,So early Monday morning.

This is the way we iron our clothes,We iron our clothes, we iron our clothes,This is the way we iron our clothes,So early Tuesday morning.

This is the way we scrub the floor,We scrub the floor, we scrub the floor,This the way we scrub the floor,So early Wednesday morning.

This is the way we mend our clothes,We mend our clothes, we mend our clothes,This the way we mend our clothes,So early Thursday morning.

This is the way we sweep the house,We sweep the house, we sweep the house,This is the way we sweep the house,So early Friday morning.

Thus we play when our work is done,Our work is done, our work is done,Thus we play when our work is done,So early Saturday morning.

The players stand in a circle clasping hands, and circle around, singing the first verse. In the second and alternate verses the action indicated by the lines is given in pantomime. In all verses the players spin around rapidly, each in her own place, on the repetition of the refrain, "So early in the morning."

This is one of the oldest traditional games, and probably one of the most widely known. It is considered to have originated as a marriage dance around a sacred tree or bush, our mistletoe custom having come from the same source.

6 to 60 or more players.

Indoors; out of doors.

(Sung to the air of "Mulberry Bush")

Here we come gathering nuts in May,Nuts in May, nuts in May.Here we come gathering nuts in May,On a cold and frosty morning.Whom will you have for nuts in May,Nuts in May, nuts in May?Whom will you have for nuts in MayOn a cold and frosty morning?We'll have (Mary) for nuts in May,Nuts in May, nuts in May,We'll have (Mary) for nuts in May,On a cold and frosty morning.Whom will you send to fetch her away,To fetch her away, to fetch her away?Whom will you send to fetch her away,On a cold and frosty morning?We'll send (Alice) to fetch her away,To fetch her away, to fetch her away.We'll send (Alice) to fetch her away,On a cold and frosty morning.

Here we come gathering nuts in May,Nuts in May, nuts in May.Here we come gathering nuts in May,On a cold and frosty morning.

Whom will you have for nuts in May,Nuts in May, nuts in May?Whom will you have for nuts in MayOn a cold and frosty morning?

We'll have (Mary) for nuts in May,Nuts in May, nuts in May,We'll have (Mary) for nuts in May,On a cold and frosty morning.

Whom will you send to fetch her away,To fetch her away, to fetch her away?Whom will you send to fetch her away,On a cold and frosty morning?

We'll send (Alice) to fetch her away,To fetch her away, to fetch her away.We'll send (Alice) to fetch her away,On a cold and frosty morning.

The players stand in two lines facing each other and holding hands, with a wide space between which will admit of advancing toward each other and retreating. The first line sings the first verse, advancing toward its opponents and retreating. The second line then advances and retreats and sings the second verse. The first line again advances and retreats, singing the third verse, naming some player who stands in the opposing line. The second line, unwilling to yield a player so easily, then advances and retires, singing the fourth verse, in which it suggests that some one be sent to take the one who has been selected for "nuts," and the first line then advances and retires, singing the last verse, in which it names some player from its own side whom it considers a good match for the player whom it has called from the opposite side.

The lines then stand still while these two players advance to the center, draw a mark on the ground, or throw a handkerchief down to serve the purpose, take hold of right hands across the line, and have a tug of war. The player who is pulled across the line becomes the captured "nut" and joins the side of her captors. The game is then repeated, with the change that the lines of players sing the verses that were sung by their opponents the previous time, the second line of players starting with the first verse. This should be continued until all of the players have taken part in the tug of war. The line wins which gets the most "nuts."

For large numbers of players, instead of a tug of war between two players only, the two lines may advance, each player joining hands with the one opposite, and all taking part in the tug of war. Still another method is to have the two players who are named, join hands, with the players of their respective sides all lined up behind them for a tug of war, as in London Bridge.

6 to 60 players.

Indoors; out of doors.

music: Oats, Peas, Beans

music: Oats, Peas, Beans-continued(Listen)

Oats, peas, beans, and barley grows,Oats, peas, beans, and barley grows.Nor you nor I nor nobody knowsHow oats, peas, beans, and barley grows.Thus the farmer sows his seed,Thus he stands and takes his ease,Stamps his foot and claps his hands,And turns around to view his lands.A-waiting for a partner,A-waiting for a partner,So open the ring and choose one in,Make haste and choose your partner.Now you're married, you must obey.You must be true to all you say.You must be kind, you must be good,And keep your wife in kindling wood.

Oats, peas, beans, and barley grows,Oats, peas, beans, and barley grows.Nor you nor I nor nobody knowsHow oats, peas, beans, and barley grows.

Thus the farmer sows his seed,Thus he stands and takes his ease,Stamps his foot and claps his hands,And turns around to view his lands.

A-waiting for a partner,A-waiting for a partner,So open the ring and choose one in,Make haste and choose your partner.

Now you're married, you must obey.You must be true to all you say.You must be kind, you must be good,And keep your wife in kindling wood.

The players form a ring, clasping hands, and circle about one of their number who has been chosen to stand in the center. They all sing the first four lines, when they drop hands, and each player goes through the motions indicated by the words: sowing the seed with a broad sweep of the arm as though scattering seed from the hand; standing erect and folding the arms; stamping the foot; clapping the hands; and at the end of the verse turning entirely around. They then clasp hands again and circle entirely around, singing:—

Waiting for a partner,Waiting for a partner,

standing still for the last two lines:—

So open the ringAnd choose one in.

On these words the one in the center chooses one from the circle as a partner. The player who was first in the center then returns to the circle, and the one chosen as partner remains in the center while the game is repeated.

If large numbers are playing, four players may stand in the center instead of one, and in that case, of course, four partners will be chosen. This form of playing the game has traditional sanction, and at the same time adapts itself nicely to the large numbers that often have to be provided for under modern conditions of playing.

This is one of the games that Mr. Newell calls "world-old and world-wide." It is found in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, etc., was played by Froissart in the fourteenth century, and by Rabelais in the fifteenth. The game is supposed to have had its source in a formula sung at the sowing of grain to propitiate the earth gods and to promote and quicken the growth of crops. Mrs. Gomme notes that the turning around and bowing to the fields and lands, coupled with pantomimic actions of harvest activities, are very general in the historyof sympathetic magic among primitive peoples, from which doubtless came the custom of spring and harvest festivals.Mrs. Gomme also points out that the choosing of the partner indicates the custom of courtship and marriage at these sowing and harvest gatherings.

Mrs. Gomme also points out that the choosing of the partner indicates the custom of courtship and marriage at these sowing and harvest gatherings.

6 to 30 or more players.

Indoors; out of doors.

music: Round and Round the Village(Listen)

Go round and round the village,Go round and round the village,Go round and round the village,Go as we have done before.Go in and out the windows,Go in and out the windows,Go in and out the windows,Go as we have done before.Now stand and face your partner,Now stand and face your partner,Now stand and face your partner,And bow before you go.Now follow me to London,Now follow me to London,Now follow me to London,As we have done before.

Go round and round the village,Go round and round the village,Go round and round the village,Go as we have done before.

Go in and out the windows,Go in and out the windows,Go in and out the windows,Go as we have done before.

Now stand and face your partner,Now stand and face your partner,Now stand and face your partner,And bow before you go.

Now follow me to London,Now follow me to London,Now follow me to London,As we have done before.

The players form a circle, clasping hands, with one player outside. In this game the circle stands still and represents the houses of a village. The player outside sings the first verse dancing around the circle. On the second verse, "In and out the windows," etc., the players forming the ring raise their clasped hands to represent windows, and the outside player passes in under one arch, out under the next, and so on, winding in and out until the circle has been completed. She tries to get around by the time the verse is finished, and then goes on singing the third verse while she pauses in the circle and chooses a partner. These two then run around the outside of the circle while singing the last verse, "Follow me to London," etc., returning at the close to the center of the circle, where they bow and part, the first player taking her place in the ring. The game is then repeated, with the second player running around the outside of the village.

Where large numbers are playing, several players may be chosen instead of one, to run around the village and in and out of the windows. In that case several partners will be chosen, and at the close the first players will return to the circle, and the partners whom they have chosen will go on with the game by running around the village and singing the first verse again.

FOR THE SCHOOLROOM.—In the schoolroom two players may be chosen to run "Round and round the village," starting from different parts of the room. The remainder of the class sits and sings while these players run up and down through the aisles, each touching two or three pupils, who rise and run after them. When the windows are mentioned, the seated players who still have neighbors sitting across the aisles, stand, and clasp handswith the neighbors to form an arch under which the runners make their way.

Variations.—A pretty variation in this game, adapting it to the modern city environment, with which many city children are more familiar than they are with village life, is to substitute for the words "Round and round the village" and "In and out the windows" the words, "Round and round the city" (presumably on elevated or subway trains) and "In and out the stations" or "In and out the subway." While this tampering with a traditional form of the game is questionable, there is no doubt that children much enjoy playing about things related to their own experiences. A gradual and probably unconscious adaptation to environment is one of the manifestations of the folk-lore spirit.

This is one of the very old traditional games, based on village customs. Mrs. Gomme traces it to the periodical village festivals at which marriages took place. In some of these it was customary for the young people to go through the houses in procession.

10 to 60 players.

Indoors; out of doors.

This is a favorite game with very little children. For large numbers each verse may be repeated as needed to complete the winding or unwinding of the line.

Hand in hand you see us wellCreep like a snail into his shell,Ever nearer, ever nearer,Ever closer, ever closer,Very snug indeed you dwell,Snail, within your tiny shell.Hand in hand you see us wellCreep like a snail out of his shell.Ever farther, ever farther,Ever wider, ever wider.Who'd have thought this tiny shellCould have held us all so well.

Hand in hand you see us wellCreep like a snail into his shell,Ever nearer, ever nearer,Ever closer, ever closer,Very snug indeed you dwell,Snail, within your tiny shell.

Hand in hand you see us wellCreep like a snail out of his shell.Ever farther, ever farther,Ever wider, ever wider.Who'd have thought this tiny shellCould have held us all so well.

SNAILmusic: SNAIL(Listen)

The players all stand in line holding hands; while singing the first verse they wind up in a spiral, following the leader, who walks in a circle growing ever smaller until all are wound up, still holding hands. The leader then turns and unwinds, until all are again in one long line.

This "winding up" is a very old traditional feature in games, and is supposed to have originated in tree worship.

plate: BALLSBALLS1. Medicine ball7. Playground ball2. Basket ball8. Baseball (outdoor)3. Volley ball9. Tennis ball4. Association and Soccer football (round)10. Handball5. Intercollegiate and Rugby football (prolate spheroid)11. Handball (official American, leather covered)6. Gas ball12. Golf ball

1. Medicine ball7. Playground ball2. Basket ball8. Baseball (outdoor)3. Volley ball9. Tennis ball4. Association and Soccer football (round)10. Handball5. Intercollegiate and Rugby football (prolate spheroid)11. Handball (official American, leather covered)6. Gas ball12. Golf ball

BALLOONS.—Gas balloons have been found very useful for quite a large class of games, and are specially suitable for use in the schoolroom or parlor, though they may also be used out of doors. The balloons are the regular toy balloons used by children, and are preferably ten or twelve inches in diameter when inflated, though smaller ones may be used. In games where two balloons are used it is desirable that they be of different colors, to distinguish which belongs to each team. When the gas in a balloon is exhausted, if it be not convenient to refill the rubber bag with gas, it may be filled with the breath, and will be found still to float sufficiently in the air for purposes of the game, though of course the gas-filled balloons with their tendency to rise are superior.

BASEBALL(See alsoIndoor Baseball).—Baseballs are hard and preferably leather covered. The required ball for the National Association of Baseball Leagues is not less than 5 nor more than 5-1/4 ounces in weight, and measures not less than 9 nor more than 9-1/4 inches in circumference. A slightly smaller ball is used in junior play; that is, for boys under sixteen. The best construction of baseballs is that in which there is a rubber center wound with woolen yarn, the outside covering being of white horsehide. Good balls cost from fifty cents to $1.50 each, but baseballs may be had at five cents each.

BASKET BALL.—Basket balls are comparatively large, round, "laced" balls; that is, they consist of a rubber bladder inserted in a leather case; the bladder is inflated by means of a hand or foot pump; after it is placed inside of the leather cover the opening in the cover is laced together. The official ball prescribed by the Amateur Athletic Union and the Young Men's Christian Association Athletic League of North America calls for one that measures, when inflated, not less than 30 nor more than 32 inches in circumference; the limit of variableness to be not more than 1/4 inch in three diameters; the weight to be not less than 18 nor more than 20 ounces; the ball when ready for use to be tightly inflated and so laced that it cannot be held by the lacing. The best basket balls cost about $6 each.

BEAN BAGS(See alsoOat Sacks).—Bean bags are especially useful for tossing games with little children and for use in the schoolroom, where a ball is not easily recovered if dropped; but many bean-bag games are of great interest even to adult players and are suitable for almost any conditions,—playground, parlor, or gymnasium. Bean bags should be made of heavy, closely woven material, such as ticking, awning, duck, or denim, and should be from 6 to 12 inches square when finished. They are stitched around the outer edge (exceptfor a small length through which the beans are inserted). The bag should then be turned and stitched a second time. Hand sewing is preferable, as often better able to withstand the strain put upon it. The bag is filled with dried beans or peas. A bag 6 inches square should contain 1/2 pound of these. A larger bag may contain a few more, but the half-pound weight is good for any sized bag. For little children a 6 or 8 inch bag is very good. It is desirable to have an equipment of bags made of two different colors, half of the bags, for instance, being red and the other half blue; or some of striped material and others of plain. This aids in distinguishing the bags that belong to opposing teams or groups of players. It is easy to improvise a substitute for bean bags under almost any conditions. The writer has known some very good substitutes to be made by placing dried leaves in a square of cloth, gathering up the corners and tying them with a string. Bean bags 7 inches square may be purchased for about $2 per dozen.

For adults, especially for men, the oat sacks make a very interesting implement for play, the weight making them a good substitute for medicine balls. (SeeOat Sacks.)

CRICKET BALL.—This is the same as a hockey ball, but red instead of white. The official specifications (Marylebone Club) are identical with those of the American baseball, except for 1/2 ounce heavier weight. They call for a ball weighing not less than 5-1/2 ounces, nor more than 5-3/4, with circumference not less than 9 inches nor more than 9-1/4. The construction and appearance differ from baseballs, the cricket balls being of heavy rubber, usually, but not invariably, covered with leather, which is sometimes enameled. The leather is put on in even hemispheres instead of in shaped pieces, as for a baseball. Cost, $1.50 to $2 each.

FOOTBALL.—Official footballs are "laced" balls; that is, they consist of a rubber bladder, which is inflated and inserted in a leather casing which is then laced firmly to close the opening. Two shapes of balls—round, and so-called "oval"—are official for different organizations. The round ball is prescribed for the "Association" games (American Football Association) and for Soccer, the circumference of the ball to be not less than 27 inches, nor more than 28. The prolate spheroid ("oval") ball is prescribed by the Intercollegiate and Rugby Associations of America, diameters about 9-1/4 × 6-1/4 in. The cost of best quality balls of both shapes is $5, and from that down to $1. Cheaper balls may be had (to substitute for any laced leather balls) made of sealed rubber, or to be inflated like a water polo ball, some incased in duck, others without casing.

GAS BALL.—A gas ball is a sealed rubber ball filled with gas and very light in weight, generally used by little children. These are extremely useful for the schoolroom, where it is desirable to avoid damage from the hitting of objects by a hard ball, and where it facilitates play to keep the ball in the air, as it is difficult to locate balls that roll on the floor. Gas balls measure from 4 to 6 inches in diameter, and cost from ten to forty cents each.

GOLF BALL.—Golf balls are made of gutta percha, painted white. The interior construction varies. The surface is made uneven with lines, dots,or dimples, to give greater buoyancy to the strokes. Size, about 1-5/8 inches in diameter. Cost, from $2 to $9 per dozen.

HANDBALL.—The term "handball" is generally used to designate any ball that can be caught easily in one hand, as distinguished from larger balls, such as basket, foot, and volley balls. Technically, the term "handball" applies to the balls used in the game of Handball.

In selecting a ball for general games, including Handball Drills as herein given, it is desirable to have one slightly larger than for the official game and to get one with considerable resiliency; that is, a ball that will rebound from a hard floor to a height of about 3 feet when dropped from a height of about 6 feet. A good ball for this purpose will measure about 2-1/4 inches in diameter and weigh 2-1/2 ounces. They are of hollow rubber, sealed. Such balls will cost about $5 per dozen. For children's play of course cheaper balls can be had.

Official Handballsused for the game of Handball differ somewhat in America and Ireland, where this is the national game. The American balls are made both of rubber and leather. The specifications for the balls of the Amateur Athletic Union of America call for a ball measuring 1-7/8 inches in diameter, with a weight of 1-5/8 ounces.

The Irish official handball is smaller and heavier than that of America and is generally made of rubber. The official ball called for by the Gaelic Athletic Association of Ireland is hard, covered with sheepskin or any other leather, and is not less than 1-1/2 ounces nor more than 1-3/4 ounces in weight. Handballs suitable for the game of that name may be had of leather and rubber, ranging in price from twenty-five cents to $1 each.

HOCKEY BALL.—Field Hockeyis played with the same kind of ball as Cricket, but white instead of red. This is usually but not invariably covered with white leather, the latter sometimes enameled, put on in even hemispheres instead of in shaped pieces like the covering of a baseball. The dimensions are the same as for a baseball but the weight usually about 1/2 ounce greater. Field Hockey balls measure 9 inches in circumference and weigh 5-1/2 ounces. The official rules of the American Field Hockey Association specify merely "an ordinary cricket ball painted white." Hockey balls cost from $1 to $2.75 each; practice balls of solid rubber, fifty cents.

Ice Hockeyis played with a "puck," solidly cylindrical in shape and smaller than the ring for Ring Hockey. The official specifications for the American Amateur Hockey League require a puck of vulcanized rubber one inch thick throughout, 3 inches in diameter, weight not less than 7-6/16 ounces nor more than 7-9/16 ounces. These cost fifty cents; practice pucks, twenty-five cents.

Ring HockeyorIndoor Hockeyis played indoors with a ring of flexible rubber, 5 inches in diameter, with a 3-inch hole through the center. The official rules specify a weight of not less than 12 ounces nor more than 16 ounces. Rings cost from $1 to $1.25 each.

INDOOR BASEBALL.—Indoor baseballs are specially constructed for indoor play, being much larger and more elastic than those for outdoor play. This ball is generally composed of a core of packed leather strips, around whichis placed curled horsehair tied on with string. The cover is of leather, preferably horsehide, somewhat softer in quality than that used on the outdoor baseball. The dimensions of the ball vary from 15 to 17 inches in circumference, or about 5 inches in diameter. The weight is from 8 to 8-3/4 ounces. The official ball specified by the National Indoor Baseball Association of the United States is not less than 16-3/4 nor more than 17-1/4 inches in circumference; made of yielding substance; not less than 8 nor more than 8-3/4 ounces in weight; and is required to be covered with white skin. The color of the ball naturally assists in indoor play where lights vary. Most of these balls have red stitching on the seams, which makes them even plainer to be seen. Good balls cost from eighty cents to $1.25 each.

LA CROSSE BALL.—The official ball for the game of La Crosse is made of sponge rubber, sometimes leather covered (white). It is very slightly smaller in size than a baseball, and about the same weight. The Intercollegiate La Crosse Association of the United States specifies a ball weighing about 5-3/4 ounces, with circumference of 8 inches. The National Amateur La Crosse Union of Canada specifies a weight of from 4-1/2 to 5 ounces, and circumference of not less than 7-3/4 nor more than 8 inches. The best balls cost sixty-five cents each.

MEDICINE BALL.—Medicine balls are leather covered and of greater weight than any others used in the gymnasium. These balls were devised to give exercise of a vigorous character, particularly for the abdominal and other trunk muscles, and afford some of the most hygienic exercise to be had in the gymnasium. Medicine balls vary considerably in size and weight. The usual balls measure from 10 to 16 inches in diameter, and weigh from 4 to 12 pounds. They cost from $4.50 to $15, those with laced leather covers being more expensive than those with sewn covers.

OAT SACKS.—Oat sacks as here described were devised by Dr. R. A. Clark and Mr. A. M. Chesley, to be used in place of medicine balls for adult players. In addition they may be used for many bean-bag games. Oat sacks are made of heavy (10 oz.) duck. They are circular in shape, 14 inches in diameter when finished. Two circles of this size are stitched around the edge, except for an opening where the oats are inserted. The bag is then turned and stitched a second time. They are then filled with four pounds of oats each.

PLAYGROUND BALL.—For the game of Playground Ball there is used a ball that in size is between a baseball and indoor baseball. Usually balls of from 12 to 14 inches in circumference (of this type of construction) are called playground balls, and those from 15 to 17 inches, indoor baseballs. Because of their size, these balls cannot be batted as far as the usual baseball, and this and their softer texture make them especially useful for limited areas. This same type of soft ball may be had in the smaller size of the regulation baseball. The construction is the same as for indoor baseballs—a wound ball covered with soft white leather, the whole being firm, but more elastic and yielding than a baseball.

The National Amateur Playground Ball Association of the United States specifies a ball not less than 12 inches nor more than 14 inches in circumference,not less than 8 ounces nor more than 8-3/4 ounces in weight, made of yielding substance covered with a white skin.

Good playground balls of any of the sizes here mentioned cost $1 each.

POLO BALLS.—PoloorRoller Polo(on roller skates) is played with a very hard rubber-covered ball, painted bright red and about the size of a baseball—9 inches in circumference. Cost, from ten cents to $1 each.

Equestrian Polois played with a wooden ball, usually of willow, having no other covering than white paint. The Polo Association of America specifies such a ball 3-1/8 inches in diameter and not to exceed 5 ounces in weight. The English rules (Hurlingham) call for a slightly larger and heavier ball, 3-1/4 inches in diameter and 5-1/2 ounces in weight—material not specified. Willow balls cost $2 per dozen; others, $1.25 per dozen.

Water Polois played with a ball of white rubber, inflated through a key afterward used to screw shut the opening. The official American rules for Water Polo call for a white rubber ball of not less than 7 nor more than 8 inches in diameter. Cost, $2 each.

PUSHBALL.—The game of Pushball is played with the largest ball ever constructed for any game. The ball measures 6 feet in diameter, and consists of an inflated rubber bladder inserted in a leather cover. Cost, $200 each.

RUGBY BALL.—SeeFootball.

SOCCER BALL.—SeeFootball.

SQUASH BALL.—For the game of Squash, a hollow rubber ball is used similar to a tennis ball, and about the same size. It measures 8 inches in circumference, and is covered with felt, black, red, or white; some have an overspun cover knitted on the ball in green or white. Cost, $6 per dozen. Enameled rubber squash balls in black or gray may be had at twenty cents each.

TENNIS BALL.—Tennis balls are of rubber, hollow, and are covered with white felt. The official specifications call for a ball measuring not less than 2-1/2 nor more than 2-9/16 inches in diameter, of weight not less than 1-15/16 nor more than 2 ounces. Tennis balls cost about $4 per dozen.

VOLLEY BALL.—Volley balls are quite similar to basket balls, but slightly smaller and lighter. They are suitable for games in which the ball is batted with the open hand or fist and where it is to be kept continuously in the air, such as the game of Volley Ball. The ball consists of a rubber bladder inclosed in a laced leather cover of white. The official specifications call for a ball not less than 25 nor more than 27 inches in circumference, of weight not less than 9 ounces nor more than 12 ounces. Volley balls cost from $2.50 to $4 each.

Where boundary lines are important in a game and need to be seen from a distance, as in many ball games, they should be plainly marked. On a gymnasiumfloor black paint for permanent diagrams is the best. For out of doors white linen tape may be had, with wooden staples and pins for fastening to the ground, costing from $3.50 to $6 per set for a court the size of a tennis diagram. A liquid mark may be made of whitewash, and a dry mark by mixing two parts of sand with one of whiting. Marble dust or slaked lime also make good dry marks. Roller markers for placing either wet or dry marks in lines of even width may be had at from $1 to $5 each.

10 to 100 players.

Gymnasium; playground; schoolroom.

Bean bags; oat sacks.

The players are divided into two or more equal parties which line up in ranks. Near the front end of each rank is a pile of from ten to fifteen bean bags or oat sacks, which are to be passed down the line. At a signal the first player in each rank takes a bag and passes it down the line, sending the others in succession as rapidly as possible. The last player in the line when he receives the bean bag lays it on the floor in front of him; and as each bean bag reaches him, he piles it on the first one, making a stack. Only the first bag must touch the floor. The stack must be able to stand without assistance, and the player who stacks the bags must have no help in his task. Should the bags fall over at any time, the player who stacked them must pick them up and pile them over again. The line scores one which first succeeds in getting all of its bags stacked. The last player, the one who stacked the bags, then carries them up to the front of the line and becomes the first passer for the next round of the game.

The line wins which first scores five or ten, as may be decided beforehand. The play should be very rapid.

10 to 60 players.

Schoolroom.

Each player is provided with a bean bag. A waste-paper basket or a box is placed on the floor near the blackboard in front of eachaisle. In line horizontally with the forward edge of each front desk, a chalk line is drawn on the floor at the end of each aisle, which serves as a throwing line, from which players throw their bean bags into the baskets.

The game is a competition of skill rather than of speed. At a signal from the teacher, the first pupil in each row stands, places his toe even with the throwing line, and tosses his bean bag toward the basket. If the bag goes into the basket, it scores five. Should it lodge on the edge of the basket, it scores three. Should it fall outside, there is no score.

As soon as these first players have thrown they return to their seats and the second row across the room steps forward and throws. This is continued until each player has thrown, and the line wins which has the highest score. There should be one score keeper for the entire game, who should draw a diagram on the board in which to write the score.

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