Volume 1 — ADDENDA

A’ the Birdies.

[See “All the Birds,” vol. i. p. 2; “Oranges and Lemons,” vol. ii. pp. 25-35.]

A contest game of the oranges and lemons class. Two players, who hold hands and form the arch, call out the formula, and the other players, who are running about indifferently, go one by one to them and decide, when asked, which side they will favour, and stand behind one or the other.

After the tug the side which has lost is called “Rotten eggs, rotten eggs.”—Aberdeen (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

All the Boys.

[Vol. i. pp. 2-6.]

Two versions of this game, one from Howth and another from St. Andrews, sent me by Miss H. E. Harvey, do not differ sufficiently from the versions i. and ii. printed as above to be given here in full.

The St. Andrews game, after the line,

(as printed in vol. i. version ii.), continues—

American Post.

One player of a party acts as post and leaves the room. When he is outside he knocks at the door. Another player, who is the doorkeeper (inside), calls out, “Who’s there?” The reply is, “American post.” “What with?” “A letter.” “For whom?” The name of one of the players in the room is given by the post. The one named then must go outside, and kiss the post, and in turn becomes post.—Fraserburgh (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

This, sometimes called “Postman,” is now more generally played as a penalty when forfeits are being performed. The player whose penalty it is, is the first one to be “post.” Postage is demanded, the amount being paid by kisses.

As I was Walking.

The players, usually girls, stand in line up to a wall. One in front sings, going backwards and forwards.

She then chooses one from the line and both sing:—

Auld Grannie.

[A version of “Hen and Chickens,” vol. i. pp. 201, 202.]

Here a variation of dialogue occurs. The game is played as previous Hen and Chicken games. The Hen says—

Auld grannie says—

Auld grannie rushes at them, and pretends to throw the water over them. When she has caught some players, and the sides are about equal in strength, the game ends in a tug of war.—Dalry, Galloway (J. G. Carter.)

Another, called “Grannie’s Needle,” has a slightly different parley.

—Belfast (W. H. Patterson).

[Addendum] [Addendum] [Addendum]

Ball.

[Pots, vol. ii. p. 64.]

1. Throw the ball up against a wall three times and catch it.

2. Throw it up and clap hands three times before catching it.

3. Throw it up and put your hands round in a circle.

4. Throw it up and clap your hands before and behind.

5. Throw it up and clap and touch your shoulder.

6. Throw it up and clap and touch your other shoulder.

7. Throw it up three times with your right hand and catch it with your right.

8. Throw it up with your left and catch it with your left.

9. Throw it up with your right and catch it with your right, dog snack fashion (i.e. as a dog snacks, knuckles up).

10. Throw it up with your left and catch it with your left (dog snack).

11. Throw it up and clap and touch your knee.

12. Throw it up and clap and touch your other knee.

13. Throw it up and turn round.

These actions should each be performed three times.—Laurieston School, Kircudbrightshire (J. Lawson).

This is a more complete version of “Pots.”

Another game is—

One girl takes a ball, strikes it on the ground, and keeps pushing it down with her hand. While she is doing this, the other players stand beside her, and keeping unison with the ball, repeat—

If the girl keeps the ball dancing up and down—“stottin’” during the time the words are being repeated, it counts one game gained. She goes on “stottin’” the ball, and the others go on repeating the words till she allows the ball to escape from her control.—Fraserburgh (Rev. Dr. Gregor); Dalry, Galloway (J. G. Carter).

Another rhyme for a ball game is—

—Rev. Dr. Gregor.

Bannockburn.

[See Fool, Fool, come to school, vol. i. p. 132.]

Played as “Fool” with these differences. The namer cries to the fool in the same formula as the Sussex version (vol. i. p. 133). The fool, called here “Bannockburn,” says, “Are ye it?” to each player pointing to them in turn. When she points at the correct one that player runs off. Bannockburn runs after and tries to catch her. If the first runner can get back into the row untouched she gets renamed, if caught she has to take Bannockburn’s place.

During the naming, Bannockburn tries to overhear the names given. But when noticed coming near, those being named, cry “Bannockburn away dune the sea.”—Dalry, Galloway (J. G. Carter).

Black Doggie.

[see Drop Handkerchief, vol. i. 109-112.]

A form of Drop Handkerchief differing from those versions previously given.

The players join hands, form a circle and stretch out as far as each one’s arms will allow. One player is outside the ring. When she sees they can stretch no further she cries out “Break,” when they all loose hands and stand as far apart as possible. The player outside then goes round the ring singing, “I have a black doggie, but it winna’ bite you, nor you, nor you,” until she comes to one whom she chooses; she then throws the handkerchief down on the ground behind this one quietly. If this player does not notice the handkerchief, not one in the circle must tell her, or they are “out.” The player who dropped the handkerchief walks round until she comes again to the one behind whom she dropped it. She picks it up and tells her she is “burnt.” Then this player has to stoop down on her knees and is out of the game. Should the selected player notice the handkerchief, she picks it up and pursues the other round and through the ring, following wherever the first one leads until she catches her; they then change places; should she not follow the exact way the first player went, she too is out and must go down on her knees.—Rosehearty (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Another version from Fraserburgh says that the players may either join hands in a ring or sit upon the ground on their knees. The outside player goes round the circle three times, first saying “Black Doggie winna tack you, nor you.” Then she goes round again and drops the handkerchief behind any one she pleases. She then runs and is pursued until caught, the other child following Black Doggie in and out wherever she goes.[Addendum] [Addendum]

Bonnet Ridgie.

[“Scots and English,” vol. ii. pp. 183-184.]

Players are chosen alternately by two chiefs. The line is drawn between the two sides, and the caps of each side are placed on the ground at each of the ends. When the two sides are ranged, the players try to catch and pull each other across the line. If one is pulled across he is called a “slink,” and must stand till he is set at liberty by one of his own side crossing the line and touching him. If this one manages to touch him before he is crowned, i.e., has the crown of his head touched by one of his opponents, and if he is able to regain his own side before the same operation takes place, both are free. Each player watches an opportunity to gather up the caps of the opposing side. If one is clever and swift enough to reach the caps and gather them all before he is crowned, his side wins.—Dyke School (Rev. Dr. Gregor.)

Button, The.

[“Diamond Ring,” vol. i. p. 96; “Forfeits,” p. 137; “Wads and the Wears,” vol. ii. pp. 327-8.]

Played as “Diamond Ring,” except that all sit round the fire, one man takes a button, puts it between his two hands, and goes round to each of the other players, who have their two hands held out, palms together, saying, “Don’t tell what you got,” and quietly dropping the button into one player’s hands. He then asks the first man, saying, “Who has the button?” One player is named. The master of the game says then “What forfeit will you give me that he has it?” The player gives a forfeit. So on all round, every one guessing and giving a forfeit (including he who holds the button, who, of course, keeps his secret). When all the forfeits are in the master says, “Button, button, show, and let all fools know;” then those who have guessed right receive back their forfeits. The holder of the button then kneels down to deliver sentences on the others. The master takes a forfeit and holds it over the kneeler’s head, saying, “Fine, fine, superfine, what’s the owner of this fine thing of [gentleman’s or lady’s] wear to do?” The man kneeling gives a sentence, such as—to take the broom, ride it three times round the room, and each time kiss the crook hanging in the chimney—and so on.

If a man refuses to perform his sentence he is made to kneel down, and everything that can be got hold of is piled on his back.—Kiltubbrid, Co. Leitrim (L. L. Duncan).

Canlie.

[See “Tom Tiddler’s Ground,” vol. ii. p. 298.]

Name for “Friar’s Ground,” in Co. Cork. “Canlie” is the Friar. The game is played as at Chirbury.—Co. Cork (Mrs. B. B. Greene).

Carry my Lady to London.

[Vol. i. p. 59.]

Or—

Another rhyme for “Carry my Lady to London,” and played in the same way.—Galloway, N. B. (J. G. Carter).

Cat and Dog Hole.

[Vol. i. p. 63; “Tip-cat,” vol. ii. p. 294.]

Two versions of this, differing somewhat from those given previously.

(1.) Played by two players. A hole is dug in the ground, and one player with a “catch-brod” stands in a stooping attitude in front of it, about a foot and a-half away, placing one end of the “catch-brod” on the ground. The other player goes to a distance of some yards, to a fixed point called “the stance.” From here he throws a ball, intending to land it in the hole. The other player’s object is to prevent this by hitting it away with his “catch-brod.” If the bowler succeeds they change places.

(2.) This also is played by two players, and in the same way, except that a stone is substituted for the hole, and the bowler’s object is to strike the stone with the ball. Sometimes it is played with three players, then running is allowed. When the ball is hit the batter tries to run to the “stance” and back, the bowler or the third player then tries to hit the “stance” with the ball while the batter is away making the run. If the third player can catch the ball before it touches the ground he tries to hit the stone with it, thus sending the batter out.—Keith (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Catch the Salmond.

Two boys take each the end of a piece of rope, and give chase to a third till they contrive to get the rope round him. They then pull him hither and thither in all directions.

—Banchory (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Evidently an imitation of net-fishing.

Chicken come Clock.

[See “Fox and Goose,” “Hen and Chicken,” vol. i. pp. 139-141, 201; vol. ii. p. 404.]

The children, boys and girls, squat down and take hold of hands, going round, and saying—

At these words one lad, who has been hiding behind a tree, runs in to catch one of the chickens. As the rhyme is finished, they all run, and the fox tries to catch one, another player, the old hen, trying to stop him, the chickens all taking hold of her by the tail.

The fox has to keep on his hands and feet, and the old hen has to keep “clocking” on her “hunkers.”

Some of the children substitute these words for the latter part of the above:—

—Kiltubbrid, Co. Leitrim (L. L. Duncan).

Mr. Duncan says this game has almost died out, and the people were rather hazy about the words they used to say.

Chippings, or Cheapings.

[See “Tops,” vol. ii. pp. 299-303.]

A game with peg tops played by two or more boys. A large button, from which the shank has been removed, or a round piece of lead about the size of a penny, is placed on the ground between two agreed goals. The players divide into sides, each side tries to send the button to different goals, the tops are spun in the usual way, and then taken up on the hand while spinning, and allowed to revolve once round the palm of the hand, and then thrown on the ground on the button in such a way that the button is projected some distance along the ground. Then a boy on the opposite side spins his top and tries to hit the button in the opposite direction. This is continued alternately until one or other side succeeds in getting the button to the goal.—London Streets (A. B. Gomme).

Chucks.

[Vol. i. p. 69; also “Five-stones,” pp. 122-129, “Huckle-bones,” pp. 239-240.]

A rhyme repeated while playing at “Chucks” with five small stones, lifting one each time.

—Perth (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Churning.

This game used to be played on the shore, just as the tide went out, when the feet sank easily into the sand. The children turned half-way round as they repeated the words.—Isle of Man (A. W. Moore).

Codham, or Cobhams.

[“Tip it,” vol. ii. p. 294.]

A game resembling “Tip it,” and a better form of the game. The parties are decided by a toss up. The object is passed from hand to hand under the table, until the leader of the opposite side calls out “up” or “rise.” When all the closed hands are on the table, the leader orders any hands off which he thinks do not contain the object. If the last hand left on the table contains the object the sides change places, if not the same sides repeat, twelve successful guesses making “game,” each failure counting one to the opposite side. The game is called “Up Jenkins” in the North of Scotland. The words have to be called out when the hands are called to show. Another name is “Cudlums;” this word was called out when the leader pointed to the hand which he believed held the object.—Bedford (Mrs. A. C. Haddon).

Colley Ball.

[“Monday,” vol. i. p. 389.]

The same game as “Monday,” with this difference. The player who first throws the ball against the wall calls out the name of the child he wishes to catch it, saying “A—— B——, no rakes, no better ball.” If the ball goes on the ground the one called has to snatch the ball up and throw it at one of the retreating children.—Hemsby, Norfolk (Mrs. A. C. Haddon).

Also sent me from Isle of Man (A. W. Moore), where it is called “Hommer-the-let.”

Dan’l my Man.

[“Jack’s Alive,” vol. i. p. 257.]

A little slip of wood or straw is lit and blown out, and while it is red it is passed round from one to another, each man repeating as fast as he can—

The man in whose hand the spark dies has to go down on his knees. A chair, or some other article, is held over him, and he has to guess what it is, the others crying out—

If he is wrong it is left on him and another article brought, and so on.—Kiltubbrid, Co. Leitrim (L. L. Duncan).

Deil amo’ the Dishes, The.

[“Ghost at the Well,” vol. i. p. 149.]

One player acts as mother, and sends off one of the other players (her daughters) to take a message. She comes back, pretends to be frightened, and says she can’t go, as there’s something “chap, chap, chappin’.” The mother sends another daughter with her this time, telling them “It’s only your father’s breeks, drap, drap, drappin’.” These two return in the same way, saying again “There’s something chap, chap, chappin’.” Another daughter is now sent with the other two, the mother saying “Its only the ducks, quack, quack, quackin’.” They all come back again more frightened saying the same thing. Then the mother and all the others go together to see what the matter is. They come upon another player who has been sitting apart making a noise with a stone. They all cry out “The deil’s amo’ the dishes,” and there is a great chase.—Aberdeen (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Dig for Silver.

—Laurieston School, Kircudbrightshire (J. Lawson).

Another version is—

—Perth (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Compare with this “Keys of Heaven,” p. 437, and “Paper of Pins,” p. 450.

Dilsee Dollsie Dee.

[See “Here’s a Soldier,” vol. i. p. 206, and “Three Dukes,” vol. ii. pp. 233-255].

A ring is formed, one child standing in the middle, all sing the words—

The child in the centre says—

The first verse is repeated, and the child in the centre points to one in the ring and says—

The centre child takes the one selected by the hand, and they stand together in the centre, while the ring dances round and sings—

The children then unclasp hands, and the two children walk out. Another child goes in the centre and the game is begun again, and continued until the ring is too small for dancing round. Sometimes, instead of this, the two children return to the ring singing, “Open the gates and let the bride in,” and then they take places in the circle, while another goes in the centre.—(Dr. A. C. Haddon.)

Doagan.

An extraordinary game, which was played by Manx children sixty years ago. A rude wooden representation of the human form was fastened on a cross, and sticks were thrown at it, just after the fashion of the modern “Aunt Sally.” But it is quite possible that this game, taken in connection with the following very curious words which the children repeated when throwing the sticks, is a survival of a more serious function—

Mr. Moore writes that Kelly, who gives these words in his Dictionary, says that Doagan was a play, and that it refers to the head of Dagon being broken off. Does he mean the Philistine god of that name? As he is capable of seeing a reference to the god, Baal, in the Manx word for May-day, Boaldyv, it is quite possible that his imagination may lead him so far!—Isle of Man (A. W. Moore).

Down in Yonder Meadow.

[Vol. i. p. 99; ii. p. 323; “All the Boys,” i. 2-6.]

—Laurieston School, Kirkcudbrightshire (J. Lawson).

—Fraserburgh (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

The above are played in the same way as previously described.

Another version, from Perth, says, after the line, “She sang, and she sang” (as above).

—Howth, Dublin (Miss H. G. Harvey).

Draw a Pail of Water.

[Vol. i. pp. 100-107].

—Girton village, Cambridgeshire (Dr. A. C. Haddon).

Drop Handkerchief.

[Vol. i. pp. 109-112; “Black Doggie,” vol. ii. p. 407.]

As played at Fochabers the game varies slightly in the way it is played from those previously described. The words are—

The players forming the ring are forbidden to look round. The one having the handkerchief endeavours to drop it at some one’s back without his or her knowledge, and then to get three times round the ring without being struck by the handkerchief. If the player does not manage this she has to sit in the centre of the ring as “old maid;” the object in this version evidently is not to let the player upon whom the handkerchief is dropped be aware of it.—Fochabers, N.E. Scotland (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Dumb Crambo.

[See “Hiss and Clap,” vol. i. p. 215.]

The players divide into two sides: one side goes outside the room, the other remains in the room, and decides on some verb to be guessed and acted by the other. The outside party is told that the chosen verb “rhymes with ——.” The outside party decide on some verb, and come in and act this word in dumb show, whilst the inside party sit and look on, hissing if the guess is wrong, and clapping if the acting shows the right word is chosen. No word must pass on either side.—Bedford, and generally known (Mrs. A. C. Haddon).

Dump.

[Vol. i. p. 117.]

A version of this game played by three children. The three sit close together, close their hands and place them over each other, the first one on the knee of one of them. One then asks, “Faht’s that cockin’ up there?” “Cock a pistol; cock it aff,” replies another. The same process is gone through till only one hand is left on the knee. Then the one whose hand was uppermost at the beginning of the game says—

He who speaks first, or laughs first, or lats (lets) their teeth be seen, gets nine nips, nine nobs, an’ nine double douncornes, an’ a gueed blow on the back o’ the head.—Corgarff (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Eendy, Beendy.

—N. Scotland, locality forgotten (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

One girl dances forward from a line of children singing the words. Another from a line opposite responds, and they dance together. They look first to the east and then to the west by turning their heads in those directions alternately.

Farmer’s Den, The.

All players but one form a ring, this one stands in the centre. The ring dances round singing the words—

The child in centre then chooses one from the circle, who goes in the middle, and the ring dances round again singing—

And choosing another child from the ring, then—

Then all the players join in singing—

While singing this all the players pat the one who was chosen as “dog” on his or her back.—Auchencairn, N.B. (Mary Haddon).

Fire on the Mountains.

[See “Round Tag,” vol. ii. pp. 144-145.]

The players arrange themselves into a double circle with a space between each pair. The one at the back stands and the inside players kneel. Another player stands in the centre and cries out, “Fire on the mountain; run, boys, run!” Those players who are standing in the outer circle begin to run round, those kneeling remaining in that position. They continue running until the centre player cries “Stop!” They all then (including the centre player) make a rush to get a stand behind one of the kneeling players, the one who is left out going into the centre.—Auchterarder, N.B. (Miss E. S. Haldane).

This game may possibly suggest an origin for “Round tag,” although the incident of “catching” or “touching” a runner does not appear, and the inner circle of players apparently are always stationary.

Fool, Fool, come to School.

[Vol. i. p. 132.]

Played in the usual way with the following difference in the formula. The leader says, “Fool, foolie, come to your schoolie.” When the fool comes, the leader says, “What have you been doing to-day?” Fool says, “Cursin’ and swearin’.” Fool is then chased off, recalled, and again questioned. Fool answers, “Suppin’ my porridge and readin’ my Bible.” She is then welcome, and asked in the usual way to point out one from the school.—Aberdeen (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Another formula sent me by Mr. C. C. Bell is to say, when the fool is sent back, “Fool, fool, go back to school, and learn more wit.”

French Jackie,

name for “Round Tag” and “Two and Threes,” in Tyrie (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Galloping.

Girls sing this resting one knee on the ground, striking the other knee with their right hand as they say each word. The length of the song depends upon the ingenuity of the players in finding new colours for the petticoats each time.—Isle of Man (A. W. Moore).

The game is not known now.

Gallant Ship.

[See “Round and Round the Gallant Ship,” vol. ii. p. 143.]

The players form a ring and dance round, getting quicker as they sing “Three times round,” &c. When the last line is sung they let go hands and sink to the ground. The player who sinks down first is taken away by the others and asked whom he or she loves best. The ring is then reformed, and the child who has given her sweetheart’s name is placed in the centre. The ring then dances round singing out the name of the sweetheart.

—Galloway (J. G. Carter).

Galley, Galley Ship.

[See “Merry-ma-tansa,” vol. i. pp. 369-376; ii. p. 443.]

—Laurieston School, Kircudbrightshire (J. Lawson).

A version of “Merry-ma-tansa,” incomplete. [See vol. i. p. 375.]

Another is—

Played in ring form with one child in centre. All sink down on the ground when the above lines are sung, and the last to rise must tell the name of her sweetheart. Then the circle forms around her, and all sing—

—St. Andrews and Howth (Miss H. E. Harvey).

Miss Harvey writes: I believe “tanzy” is the name of a kind of dance.[Addendum]

Glasgow Ships.

—Perth (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

—Rosehearty (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

—Nairn (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

All join hands and form a ring. At the end of verses the girl named turns her back, and the game is resumed.—Fochabers (Rev. Dr. Gregor); Port William School, Wigtonshire.

In a version from Auchterarder, N. B., sent by Miss E. S. Haldane, the words are very similar to these. After all the children have turned their backs to the inside they have what is called the “pigs’ race,” which is running swiftly round in this position. See “Uncle John,” vol. ii. pp. 321-322.

Granny’s Needle.

[See “Auld Grannie.”]

Green Gravel.

[Vol. i. pp. 170-183.]

—New Galloway (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Boys and girls take hands and go round saying—

The last boy or girl to pop down has to tell who he (or she) is courting.—Kiltubbrid, Co. Leitrim (L. L. Duncan).

Green Grass.

[Vol. i. pp. 153-169.]

All the girls arrange themselves in a line, and one stands in front. The one in front sings—

The girl pointed to answers—

She now leaves the line and takes her stand beside the one that stands in front, and all begin to clap their hands and sing—

The two in front then begin to sing what the one first sang, and the same goes on till all are chosen.—Peterhead; St. Andrews (Mrs. Stewart, when a girl).

—Perth (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Another version, very similar to that given in vol. i. pp. 161-162 from Congleton Workhouse School, and sent me by Mr. J. Lawson, Laurieston School, Kirkcudbrightshire, begins, “Will you take silver and gold?”

Another Scottish version of this game is given in Notes and Queries, 3rd ser., v. 393, as follows:—

Green Grass.

[A game so called by Dr. Gregor, but apparently not belonging to the one usually known under that name.]

The girls stand in a line, and one stands in front. All sing—

The girl in front then chooses the girl named, and both girls join hands and wheel round, whilst all sing—

—Tyrie (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Another version is—

Heap the Cairn.

[See “More Sacks to the Mill,” vol. i. p. 390.]

One boy is thrown flat on the ground, then another is thrown over him, and then another and another, and the bigger boys dash the smaller ones on those that are down, while all keep shouting—

—Keith (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Hear all! Let me at her.

A ring is formed, one player in the centre. When the verses are sung the girl in the middle chooses another to take her place.—Fochabers (Rev. Dr. Gregor.)

Hen and Chickens.

[See “Auld Grannie,” p. 404.]

High Windows.

[See “Drop Handkerchief,” vol. i. pp. 109-112; “Black Doggie,” vol. ii. pp. 407-408.]

Boys hold hands and go round in ring form.

One player stands in the middle and strikes one of those in the ring with a bit of grass; both players then run out of the ring, and the boy who was in the midst must catch the other before he goes round three times. At the third time the boys all cry “High Windows,” raising their hands at the same time to let the two inside the circle.—Kiltubbrid, Co. Leitrim (L. L. Duncan).

Hot Cockles.

[Vol. i. p. 229.]

A version of this game, in which a dell or goal is appointed. The players stand together, one player places his head between the knees of another, who bends down, and slaps him on the back, keeping time to the following rhyme, saying—

The kneeling boy shouts out the name of the dell, and the other players all rush off shouting out its name. The one who gets there first wins the game.—Meiklefolla, Aberdeenshire (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Hulla-balloo-ballee.

[See “Lubin,” vol. i. pp. 352-361.]

One version of Lubin Loo, from Forfar, Linlithgow, and Argyllshire, is the same as those given in vol. i. A Nairnshire version is called “Hullabaloo-ballee.”

At “turn round about,” they reverse the direction, and dance round the other way, and so on.—Rev. Dr. Gregor; and Mrs Jamieson.

Another version is—

—Galloway (J. G. Carter).

Several versions of this game are given by Mr. E. W. B. Nicholson in his interesting little book “Goldspie,” pp. 176-184. He considers “Hilli-ballu,” “Hulla-baloo,” and similar words to be the original of the English forms “Here we dance Looby Loo,” or Lubin, and all of these to be derived from hunting cries, such as ha, là bas! loup! uttered by huntsmen to definite musical notes, possibly introduced into songs and afterwards adapted as lullabies because of their resemblance to the lulling-cries ba (= bye) and lulli.

Isabella.

[Vol. i. pp. 247-256.]

Two or three versions which vary slightly in method of playing may be given. The first is played in the usual way until the last line is said, when the player turns her back to the circle facing outwards as in Wall-flowers.

—Perth (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Another version is—

One player then leaves the ring singing—

The ring all sing—

“Over the mountains” (as above) six times, ending with—

The player who had previously left the ring returns singing, “I’m come back from the Indies,” &c.

A ring is formed, one player kneels in the centre, the players in the ring fix their eyes steadily on the kneeling girl all the time.—Fochabers, N.E. Scotland (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

In the next version the words of each verse are:—

—Laurieston School, Kircudbrightshire (J. Lawson).

Jenny Jones.

[Vol. i. pp. 260-283.]

The versions printed here vary, it will be seen, from those printed in vol. i., principally in the words used towards the end of the game, the earlier portions being very similar. The first one is an exceedingly interesting variant, the funeral details being fuller, and the idea of the spirit of the dead or Ghost surviving also.

The first lines of each verse are as follows:—

They then take up Jenny Jones, and carry her to a little distance off, lay her on the ground, and all stand round. One child stands over the grave, and while sprinkling Jenny with dust, says—

Then Jenny jumps up and runs after the other children, who try to escape. The one she catches is “Jenny” next time.—Barrington (Dr. A. C. Haddon).

In another version called “Georgina” one player selected to act as Georgina kneels down against a wall, and the others stand round to conceal her. Two go apart to act as callers, while another stands near the group as mother. The callers come forward and say—

They then retire, but return in a little while, and put the question as before. She is then “starching,” said as above; and next time she is “ironing,” the fourth time the mother’s answer is, “She fell downstairs and broke her arm, and you can’t see her to-day;” the fifth time, “Two doctors are at her;” the sixth, she is “worse;” and the seventh, she is “dead.” The two callers remain when this reply is given. At this point Georgina makes a noise by rapping two stones together. The two at once exclaim, “Oh! mother, mother, what’s that knocking?” and she answers, “The coach going by.” The knocking is repeated, and the question, and she says, “The wall falling down.” On the knocking being heard a third time, she tells them to “take a candle and look.” They pretend to do so, and “Georgina” starts up to chase them. They all run off shouting, “The Ghost.”—Strichen and Fochabers (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Ending with a general stampede.

—Nairnshire (Mrs. Jamieson).

—Rosehearty (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Played in usual way until the end. Janet is then carried off and laid down on the ground, but she starts up and chases them.

Many other versions have been sent me, but none with different features. The best is one from Mr. J. G. Carter, Dalry, Galloway, called “Jenny Jo,” but presenting no fresh details, and where white is used for the burial. Four children stand on one side with Jenny at their back, the other players on the opposite. She is buried with great mourning. In a version from Hemsby (Mrs. Haddon) the words are the same, except: “White is the colour for weddings,” and black is for funerals. Then Jenny is carried to the grave, the other children walking behind two by two; they kneel round Jenny, and have a good cry over her. Another version from Laurieston School (Mr. J. Lawson), called “Jerico,” very similar to above, gives two additional verses. The first lines are, “Carry a poor soldier to the grave,” and “Now the poor mother’s weeping at the grave.” In one version, after Jenny has been carried to her grave, the children stand round and sprinkle earth over her, and say, “Dust and dust, dust and dust,” and then pretend to strew flowers. This I got in London. Another version from North Scotland begins, “I come to see Geneva” continues in usual way until “she is lying” instead of “ill”; then “she’s dying,” followed by “she’s dead”; then the funeral. In another version Dr. Haddon sent me, the game is only a fragment. After “Jenny Jo’s dead and gone, all the day long,” they continue, “Pipes and tobacco for Jenny Jo” (repeat twice), “Pipes and tobacco for Jenny Jo, all the day long.”

Jockie Rover.

[See “Stag,” vol. ii. pp. 212, 374.]

One is chosen to be Rover, and a place is marked off called “The Den,” from which he starts, and to which he and the others caught can run for protection. He has to clasp his hands and set off in pursuit of one of the players, whom he must crown without unclasping his hands. Before he leaves the den he calls out—

When he catches one he unclasps his hands, and makes for the den along with the one caught. The players close in upon them, and beat them with their caps. The two now join hands, and before leaving the den repeat the same words, and give chase to catch another. When another is caught, the three run to the den, followed by the others pelting them.

During the time they are running to catch another player, every attempt is made by the others to break the band by rushing on two outstretched arms, either from before or from behind. Every time one is taken or the band broken, all already taken rush to the den, beaten by those not taken.—Dyke (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

A form of “Warney,” “Whiddy.”

Jolly Lads, Bold.

[Vol. i. pp. 294-296.]

Then the ring dances round, singing—

—Auchterarder, N. B. (Miss E. S. Haldane).

A ring is formed by players joining hands. Two other players dance round the ring in opposite directions, singing the first four lines while the ring stands still. Then the ring dances round singing the rest of the lines. The two outside then each take a player from the ring and begin again.

The words of the dance game, “Here we go around,” vol. i. p. 205, are practically the same as the latter part of this, and suggests that this or a similar round is its original.

Jolly Miller.

[Vol. i. pp. 289-293.]

This is played with the usual double ring, boys on the outside, girls inside, one child in centre. At the last a rush is made to obtain a vacant place.

The girls being in the inside, turn and go the opposite way; and, while doing so, sing—

—Auchterarder, N. B. (Miss E. S. Haldane).

In this version the “grab” appears to be lost, and the “hunting” put in before the rush for the vacant place is made.

Keys of Heaven.

—Marylebone (A. B. Gomme).

Children form a ring by joining hands; they dance round. One stands in centre. She chooses another from the ring after singing the words, and the two dance round together.

This game is evidently but a fragment, the proper way of playing being forgotten. It would originally have been played in line form instead of a circle, and answers of “No” or “Yes,” or other verses implying negative and then affirmative, given by the chosen or selected girl. These lines, and those given post (p. 450), as “Paper of pins,” are interesting fragments probably of one and the same game.

Kick the Block.

[See vol. i. p. 401.]

A small circle is made, and the stone or block is put in it. A boy stands with his foot on the stone and his eyes shut until all the other players are hid. He then tries to find them, and keep his block in its place. If one should come out when he is away from his block it is kicked out, and all the boys that were found hide again.—Laurieston School, Kirkcudbrightshire (J. Lawson).

Another version of the same game, sent me by Mr. William P. Merrick, Shepperton, Middlesex, is called “Fly Whip.”

The same game as “Mount the Tin,” played somewhat differently.

Lady of the Land.

[Vol. i. pp. 313-319.]

A number of girls stand in a line. One of them represents the widow and the other the children. Another stands in front. All sing—

The player who is standing alone in front of the other players chooses one from the line. The two then join right and left hands and wheel round in front, all singing—

The mother shakes hands with the one chosen.

—Fraserburgh (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Another version—

The widow then says—

The one in front picks out one and places her at her back, and she lays hold of her dress, then all sing—

The widow shakes hands with the girl. This is repeated till all are taken out and the widow is left by herself. She cries, and tries to take back her daughters. All run off.

—Cullen (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Another Isle of Man version varies slightly, beginning, “We’re three young mothers from Babylon,” and continuing in a similar way to the one in vol. i. p. 315—

The queen then says—

The girls are thus gradually chosen.

—Isle of Man (A. W. Moore).

—Galloway, N. B. (J. G. Carter).

Leap-Frog.

[Vol. i. pp. 133, 327, 328.]

The chief rules of this game, obtaining in N.E. Scotland in Dr. Gregor’s boyhood, were:—The boy that stooped his back was called “the bull,” pronounced “bill.” The bull was not to “horn,” i.e., throw up his back when the player placed his hands on it to leap over, or to bend his back down, and that the player was to lay his hands on the bull’s back quite flat, and not to “knockle,” i.e., drive the knuckles into it. The best way to play was:—A line was drawn beside the bull, over which the heel of the player must not pass. All the players, the one after the other in succession, leaped over the bull. The one last over called out, “Fit it,” i.e., foot it, which meant that the bull had to measure from the line a breadth and a length of his foot. This done he stooped, and all the players went over as before, and another breadth and length of foot were added. This went on as long as the players thought they were able to leap over the bull. When they thought they could not do so, the last player called out, “Hip it,” i.e., take a hop. This done, the bull put himself into position, and each player now took a hop from the line to the bull, and then went over him. Here the same process of footing was gone through as before, as long as the players were able to go clear over the bull. Then came a step with as much footing as was considered safe, and then came a jump with so much footing. It was now with the players “hip, step, an’ jump,” and over the bull. Then more “fitin’,” and perhaps another “hip,” and so on—two hips, two steps, two jumps, and a flying leap over the bull. It was not often the game reached this point. Some one of the players had failed to pass right over the bull and caused him to fall, or had overstepped the line. When any player did either the one or the other, he had to become bull.—Keith (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

This is a fuller and more complete description than that of “Foot and Over” (vol. i. p. 133).

Another mode of playing leap-frog is: the players stand with their backs to the leapers, and only bend the head and the leaper’s hands are placed between the shoulders. Instead of running a few yards in front, each player advances only a few feet, leaving just as much room as to allow the player scope to fall and spring again. This mode requires considerable agility and practice. The higher the leap, so much the greater the fun.—Keith (Rev. Dr. Gregor.)

London Bridge.

[Vol. i. pp. 333-350.]

In the following versions of the game only the first lines of each verse are given, as said by each side. Descriptions of method of playing were not in all cases sent me. They are probably the same as those given under this game in vol. i., which is for two players to form an arch by holding up their joined hands, and the other players running under it.

(1.)

—Perth (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

(2.)

—Tyrie (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

(3.)

Those running under the arch say—

The two players say no.

—Fochabers, N.E. Scotland (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

(4.)

—Nairnshire (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

(5.)

—Isle of Man (A. W. Moore).

Versions of this game from Scotland have been sent me, which show great similarity to those previously printed, but the game is more or less in a state of decadence. The best version is that from Perth. One from St. Andrews, Peterhead, though only consisting of the first verse, has preserved the refrains, “Dance o’er the Lady Lee” and “With a gay lady” of Halliwell’s version. The others commence “broken bridges.” The Isle of Man version is still more incomplete. A version sent me by Dr. Haddon from Barrington is similar to the one given, vol. i. p. 338-9, from Enborne School, and is not therefore printed here.

Magician.

A mirror is covered with a cover, and a girl or boy is taken into the room. She or he is then asked what animal or thing they would like to see. As soon as the wish is stated, the cover is raised, and the child sees his or herself.—London (A. B. Gomme).

Mannie on the Pavement.

One player has charge of the pavement. It is his duty to keep the others off. The others try how often they can touch the wall, and when the “mannie” catches one, that one becomes “mannie.”—Aberdeen (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Merry-ma-Tansa.

[Vol. i. pp. 369-376; ii. 422-424.]

All bend down. The one who rises up last goes into the centre of the circle, and those in the circle sing—

The one in the centre chooses two from the ring, and retires with them a short distance away, when the name of a boy is selected as the lover. During the time the three are standing apart, those in the ring let go each other’s hands, and take hold of the sides of their dresses, and make as if they were sweeping a house, singing the while—

When the three come back, the one that was in the centre takes up the same position, and the two she picked out join those in the circle. Then all wheel round and sing—

The answer is—

Then comes the lover’s name—

The answer is—

The one in the middle is then blindfolded, and all wheel round and sing—

The blindfolded tries to catch one in the ring. The ring should not break, but it is often broken by the one that is on the eve of being caught. The one caught takes her stand in the centre, and the game begins anew from that point.—Dyke (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

This is a most interesting variant of this game—blindfolding the bridegroom in order that he must first catch his bride, and her attempts to elude his caresses, are significant of early custom.

A ring with one child in centre, who chooses one from the circle, at the end of third verse, after whispering the bride’s name together outside the circle, they are admitted at “high gates,” when all the girls hold up their hands in arches as they dance round. All players in the ring are then blindfolded, and have to catch the child in the centre.—Nairnshire (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Another version is—

—Fochabers (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

In another version from St. Andrews and Peterhead, with same words, the players all flop down, then rise again and dance round.

Another form of words is—

—Nairn (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Another similar version from N. Scotland, locality not known.

—London (A. B. Gomme), from Scotch source.

[Addendum]

Milking Pails.

[Vol. i. pp. 376-388.]

A version sent me by Mr. M. L. Rouse, Blackheath, is similar to those previously printed, varying only at the end. After the “wash in the river,” and “the stream will carry the clothes away,” the children say, “Men, you may run after them.” Hereupon they all run off, but the mother does not chase them. They return, and a dialogue ensues similar to a part of “Mother, may I go out to play,” follows between the mother and children:—

“Where have you been all day?”

“Working for Jack, or aunt.”

“What did he give you?”

“A piece of plum-pudding as big as a flea, or a piece of bread as big as a house, and a piece of cheese as big as a mouse.”

The children then run off again, come quickly back with the news that they had seen a large bull in the meadow.

“Where’s the butcher?”

“Behind the stable door cracking nuts, and you may have the shells.” The mother then chases the children, beating all she can catch.

My Delight’s in Tansies.

[See “Sunday Night,” vol. ii. p. 221.]

All the girls stand in a line except one who stands in front of the others. This one walks or dances backwards and forwards. All sing the words—

the name of one in the line chosen by the one in front is said. The two in front join right and left hands, and all sing—

—Fraserburgh (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Namer and Guesser.

[Vol. i. p. 409.]

Another version of this game. It is begun in the same way. As each player gets his name, he or she turns their back to the namer. When all are named, and are standing with their backs to the namer, the namer calls out, “Baker, baker, your bread is burnin’,” or “Bakerie, bakerie, your bread is burnin’.” The guesser answers, “Will you give a corner of it to me?” or “Give me a corner of it,” and takes a stand beside the namer. The namer then says—

The guesser points to one of the players. If the guess is right, the player goes to the guesser’s side; if wrong, to the namer’s side, when all the players except one are chosen. This one gets two names, say “Needles” and “Preens.” The namer then says to the guesser, “Needles” or “Preens”? A guess is made. This is done three times, and each time the names are changed. If the last guess is made correctly, then the player goes to the guesser, if not, to the namer. Sometimes it is decided by “the best o’ three.” Then comes the “tug of war.” The gaining side calls out “Rotten eggs, rotten eggs!”—Fraserburgh (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Needle Cases.

All the players but one stand in a circle—this one goes round with a handkerchief, singing the first lines. When the girl’s name is mentioned she tells her sweetheart’s name to the girl with the handkerchief, sits down in the centre, and covers her face with her hands. The one with the handkerchief goes round again, asking, “What will you give?” and the ring answers. Her name is then given, and the girl with the handkerchief again asks, “What will you give to tell his name?” The ring answers again, and the sweetheart’s name is then given. The girl with the handkerchief goes round again and sings the last lines, the ring singing with her. Then the one in the centre joins the ring, and the game begins again.—Aberdeen (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Nuts in May.

[Vol. i. pp. 424-433.]

Many versions of this have been sent me, but none differ materially from those printed previously.

Odd Man.

A game played by two or three hundred persons who form a circle; every one places his stick in the ground before him, by way of barrier. A person called the odd man stands in the middle and delivers his bonnet to any one in the ring. This is nimbly handed round, and the owner is to recover it; and on succeeding, takes the place of the person whom he took it from, and that person takes the middle place.—Pennant’s “Voyage to the Hebrides,” p. 231.

Old Cranny Crow.

[Vol. i. p. 201; ii. pp. 404-405.]

This game resembles “Hen and Chickens,” but though of that class of game it is not, it will be seen, the usual form of “Hen and Chickens” at its conclusion. The earlier part of the game and dialogue, if any, may, however, have been similar. Mr. Rouse says: “I cannot recollect more of Old Cranny Crow than that she entices children one by one out for a walk, and steals them from their supposed mother. The mother is then invited to dine by Old Cranny Crow, and has a pie (one of her children) set before her, with pepper and salt, which she pretends to eat, and when doing so discovers it to be just like her Tommy (or other child’s name). Then Cranny Crow puts another pie before her; this she discovers to be just like her Katy. She finds out all her children one by one, and they come to life again and run home.”—M. L. Rouse, Blackheath. [See “Mother, mother, pot boils over,” “Witch.”]

Old Johanny Hairy, Crap in!

All players sit round the fire and put out their right feet. The Master of the game repeats—

Each word is repeated to a man; and when the leader comes to “Crap in,” the man specified draws in his foot. When all have drawn in their feet but one, this one must then kneel down, and his eyes being blindfolded, the master of the game puts his elbow on his back and strikes him with his elbow or fist, saying—

At the same time holding up several fingers. The man kneeling down has to guess the number. If he guesses correctly, the master of the game takes his place. If he fails to guess he is kept down, and another man goes and strikes his back, and so on.—Kiltubbrid, Co. Leitrim (L. L. Duncan.)

A version of “Hot Cockles,” with interesting variations.

Mr. Duncan, when sending me the games he collected, said—“It is very possible that the people may have brought some of the games from England when returning from harvesting. This, however, does not apply to ‘Old Johanny Hairy, crap in,’ as it is now called in English. Crap isteach is the Irish for ‘draw in,’ as in Mr. O’Faharty’s ‘Sports of the Winter’ there is a Gaelic version. This, I should imagine, makes it certain that, although well known elsewhere, the game also obtained in the West of Ireland.”

Paper of Pins.

or,

A ring is formed, and one player walks round outside saying the first four lines, stopping at any child she chooses who answers “Yes” or “No.” If “Yes,” the two go into the ring and kiss.—Marylebone, London (A. B. Gomme).

This is interesting, as a possible fragment of the old Keys of Canterbury [Halliwell’s “Nursery Rhymes,” No. cccclxvi.] and of the Paper of Pins, described so fully by Mr. Newell in “Games and Songs of American Children,” pp. 51-55.

See “Keys of Heaven,” ante, p. 437.

Pickie.

A form of Hopscotch. [See “Hopscotch,” vol. i. pp. 223-227.]

One player commences first by winning the toss. The pick (a small flat stone) is pitched into No. 1 bed. It is then moved out of this first place, backward across the front line, and not otherwise by touching or forcing it with one foot, the other foot being kept up; that is, the player must hop and use the foot on the ground to strike “pick.” No line must be touched. If this happens, or if the pick, when being driven towards the pitching line, gets away otherwise than across the front line, the player is “out,” and the next boy goes in. All the beds are done likewise, and all must be then done in a reverse way, beginning with No. 10. The first player who completes the game wins.—Waterville, Co. Kerry (Mrs. B. B. Green).

Poor Widow.

[Vol. ii. pp. 62, 63.]

—Laurieston School, Kircudbrightshire (J. Lawson).

A circle is formed, two children in the centre, one of whom kneels, the other walks round singing—

The mother then joins the circle, and the daughter becomes poor widow. On the mention of the nightcap a white handkerchief is spread over the head, the circle walking around slowly, and chanting the words slowly and dismally.

—Penzance (Miss Courtney).

See “Widow,” ante, p. 381.

Rashes.

A game played by children with rushes in Derbyshire, which is a relic of the old custom of rush-bearing. In the warm days of May and June the village children proceed in parties to the sedges and banks of dyke and brook, there to gather the finest and best rushes. These are brought with childish ceremony to some favourite spot, and then woven into various articles, such as baskets, parasols, and umbrellas. Small arbours are made of green bushes and strewn with rushes, inside which the children sit and sing and play at “keeping house” with much lordly ceremony. At these times they play at a game which consists in joining hands in a circle, and going round a heap of rushes singing or saying—

At each repetition of the word “rashes” (rushes) they loosen hands, and each picking up a lot of rushes, throw them into the air, so that they may fall on every one in the descent. Many of the articles made with rushes are hung over the chimney-piece in houses, and in children’s bedrooms, as ornaments or samples of skill, and there remain until the next season, or until the general cleaning at Christmas.—Thomas. Radcliffe, in “Long Ago,” vol. i. p. 49 (1873).

Queen Anne.

[Vol. ii. pp. 90-102.]

If a correct guess is made by the opposite side, the queen and the child who had the ball say—

—Isle of Man (A. W. Moore).

Sally Water.

[Vol. ii. pp. 150-179.]

The choice is made here, and the two stand in the centre as usual.

—Fochabers, N. E. Scotland (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

—London (Dr. A. C. Haddon, from Miss E. A. Passmore).

Played in usual way.

Shuffle the Brogue.

[See “Hunt the Slipper,” vol. i. pp. 241, 242.]

The boys sat on their haunches in a circle. One of the players takes a small object, and hands it from one to another under the legs from behind. The players as they pass the brogue repeat the words—

The object has always to be passed along in the same direction. One player who is blindfolded has to catch it as it is passing along. The one in whose hand it is found becomes the catcher. —Crossmichael, Kirkcudbrightshire (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Soldiers, Soldiers.

—Girton Village, Cambridgeshire (Dr. A. C. Haddon).

A circle is formed, and the children sing the first four lines. One chooses a partner, and they dance round in the ring.

Three Dukes.

[Vol. ii. pp. 233-255.]

In a version of the Three Dukes, collected by Dr. A. C. Haddon, the first lines are—

The duke goes round, chooses one, and sings—

—Girton Village, Cambridgeshire (Dr. A. C. Haddon).

Three Knights from Spain.

[Vol. ii. pp. 257-279.]

A version of this game called “Gipsies,” varies slightly from those previously printed.

The gipsy then chooses a girl from the line of players, and asks her to come. The girl asked replies, “No.” Then the gipsy turns round and dances, saying, “Naughty girl, she won’t come out (repeat), to help me in my dancing.” Again the gipsy asks the girl, when she replies, “Yes,” and goes to the gipsy, who says, “Now we have got the flower of May, the flower of May, &c., to help us with our dancing.”—Auchencairn, N. B. (Mary Haddon).

Tug-of-War Game.

Played like “Oranges and Lemons.” One child is “Apple,” and another “Orange.”—Ross-shire (Rev. Dr. Gregor).

Played in the same way is—

—Isle of Man (A. W. Moore).

We are the Rovers.

[Vol. ii. pp. 343-360].

In a version sent me by Dr. Haddon, there is a slight variation. The first lines of each verse are—

General scrimmage follows.—Girton Village, Cambridgeshire (Dr. A. C. Haddon).

When I was a Young Girl.

[Vol. ii. pp. 362-374.]

The first lines are—

—Girton Village, Cambridgeshire (Dr. A. C. Haddon).