quality of brains called ‘judgment
is distinctly an athletic game, but it nevertheless requires that
quality of brains called ‘judgment.’ The boy who does not know leap
frog has something good to learn, and it is for him I am writing this.
a side
Any number of players may belong to a club, but only nine can play on
a side. Each side must have a captain, who must be a good leader as
well as a good player.
over four or five inches long
The American cat is smaller than the Country or English cat, being
over four or five inches long. If the game is played on the sidewalk,
a small circle is drawn on the paving stones, where the striker
stands; but if the game is played on the bare earth, a hole is made,
where the striker stands. It is the duty of the batsman to defend the
hole or ring with the stick he uses for a bat, and it is the object of
the giver or pitcher to toss the cat in the circle or hole.
inferiors; this is called a three or four ball match
Often a skilled player will match himself against a number of
inferiors; this is called a three or four ball match.
are entitled to a good time as well as yourself
Under all circumstances keep your temper and remember your companions
are entitled to a good time as well as yourself.
wager that the first thing they started off with was the old and ever-
popular game of tag
If the boys had not already decided on a game, it would be safe to
wager that the first thing they started off with was the old and ever-
popular game of tag.
or oar must have preceded the use of sails
In the evolution of water craft, the vessel propelled by pole, paddle
or oar must have preceded the use of sails. The former required more
strength and the latter more skill. But no matter what science and art
may do to make sailing more secure and comfortable, the boy,
particularly if he be country bred, and so forced to be more self-
reliant, will have a try at the raft, dingey or canoe before he
aspires to anything more elaborate and expensive.
calls for that endurance and tact that distinguishes the true soldier
Now, a snow battle, if properly managed, is a different matter, and
calls for that endurance and tact that distinguishes the true soldier.
necessary for swimming is _confidence_
Beyond the practice that makes for perfection, the only other thing
necessary for swimming is _confidence_. Every man, woman, and child–
even if never in the water before–could keep afloat if he, she or it
had the required confidence, but as they have not this confidence, the
question is: ‘How can it be acquired?’
the people
Many Canadian cities have constructed toboggan slides for the use of
the people. The most famous of these is at Montreal. This slide has a
‘joust’ or obstruction at the bottom, which causes the toboggan and
its occupants to leap into the air in a way that delights the experts
and brings alarm to those who are taking their first ride. But the
healthy boy does not limit his winter sports to skates and sleds.
Without either of these appliances no end of fun can be had in the
snow itself.