This game is played by two boys, each of whom takes a smooth round pebble.
This game, which takes its title from the names assumed by the players, is played by seven boys, each of whom calls himself after one of the days of the week.
Skittles is played in a manner somewhat similar to the NINE-PINS game, but the number of pins is only four.
This is a very simple sport, but necessarily restricted to those spots where there is a river, or a pond of some magnitude.
Dig near a wall nine holes, of about six inches in diameter, and three deep. Let each player have one of these, according to his number, which must be determined by lot.
10 to 60 players.
Indoors; out of doors; schoolroom.
This is a most delightful game, and is a very great favourite among boys of all classes. It is commenced by choosing Captains, which is either done by lot or by the “sweet voices” of the youths.
This game is played with a trap and ball, which is struck with a bat or bludgeon at the pleasure of the players; but the latter is most commonly used.
10 to 30 or more players.
Indoors; out of doors.
Chalk or make a line, or, as it is usually termed, “a garter,” on the ground; on this line one of the players must place himself and bend down as in leap-frog, while the other players in rotation leap over him, the last one as he flies over calling out “Foot it.”
This is a most excellent game, and very popular in some counties. It is played with a moderate-sized ball and a hand-bat, i. e. a bat that can be held in one hand, and which is about two feet in length, smooth, and round.
5 to 60 or more players.
Indoors; out of doors.
This may be played by any number of boys: one being selected as the Leader, and the others are the Followers.
This is an old English sport, mentioned by Gower and Chaucer, and was at one period common to women as well as men. In the northern parts of England, particularly in Yorkshire, it is practised in the following manner:
6 to 30 or more players.
Indoors; out of doors.
This is a brisk game, and may be played by any number of boys. One of the players being chosen as Touch, it is his business to run about in all directions after the other players, till he can touch one, who immediately becomes Touch in his turn.
This game is so called from the trap used to elevate the ball when it is to be struck by the batsman. It is one of the earliest games played with the trap and ball, and we can trace it to the commencement of the fourteenth century.
6 to 60 players or more.
Indoors; out of doors.
Two bases having been made, one at each end of the playground, all the players take up their position in one of them,
Trundling the hoop is a pastime of uncertain origin, but it has long contributed to the health and amusement of the youth of Great Britain.