From balloon-ball to football is an easy transition, the piincipal 

 difference being that the ball was driven by the foot instead of by 

 the hand or aim. Football was a popular exercise in the reign 

 of Edward III, but in 1349 it was prohibited by public edict, not 

 so much from any harm in itself, as because it served, in common 

 with other amusements of the time, to impede the progress of archery. 

 It consequently fell into disuse, and, in the time of James I, that 

 monarch did his best to prohibit the game. " From this coui't," 

 he says, "I debar all rough and violent exercises, as the football, 

 meeter for laming than making able the users thereof." 



The connection in ancient times existing between dancing and 

 the game of ball has given rise to the name now in use as regards 

 dancing entertainments. We receive our modern invitation to a 

 "Ball," the party, however, is one for dancing. The ball is an 

 absentee, yet the term is handed down as a legacy from the ancients. 

 The game of billiards is usually attributed to the French, 

 but there are many reasons for supposing it to be the offspring of 

 bowls. Bowls were driven along the ground towards a mark by the 

 aid of a " battoon," or mace, and billiards formerly was played with 

 an arch and a mark for the king, but upon a table instead of upon 

 the ground. At one time it was held illegal for a publican to have 

 a billiard table in his house. 



Pall Mall is a game wherein a round box-ball is struck with a 

 mallet through a high arch of iron. He who can do this with the 

 fewest blows, or at the number agreed upon, wins. This game was 

 formerly held in high estimation, and was undoubtedly the forerunner 

 of our croquet. It was a favourite with Charles 11, and his court. 



Kite-flying is a pastime which enjoys a widespread popularity 

 among the amusements of the young. Its practice may be said to 

 be almost universal. It is now thoroughly at home in Eui'ope, but 

 it was originally introduced from Asia. 



Hop-scotch and tip-cat : Everyone is familiar with the chalk 

 lines upon our pavements which mark out certain divisions and 

 squares, and which define the mysteries of hop-scotch. Tip-cat is 

 equally well-known, its practice being at times, to say the least, 

 unpleasant, if not altogether dangerous, when enjoyed in a public 

 thoroughfare. Both sports are well-known in India. 



