220 SHIP-GAMES. 



together, to raise the means of indulging in 

 this luxury. In these races the horse is not 

 saddled, and a string supplies the place of a 

 bit ; the rider is usually quite naked, but very 

 skilful in the management even of the wildest 

 horse; but, as the treatment is injudicious, 

 they are soon worn out. 



Large sums are also staked at the ship-games, 

 as they are called, in which the islanders dis 

 play their seaman-like tastes. The players are 

 usually clever ship-builders. They build pretty 

 little vessels, in conformity with the rules of art, 

 and, by their good management of the keel, 

 make them good sailers; they rig them com 

 pletely, and decorate them with flags and 

 streamers. Then assembling on the banks of 

 some large pond, the owners spread the sails, 

 make the helm fast, and launch the little fleet. 

 The ship which is best built and rigged, first 

 gains the opposite shore, and wins the prize. 

 The spectators take great interest in the game, 

 and a loud shout announces the victory. The 

 children also, in imitation of their fathers, make 

 little ships, and have sailing-matches on the 

 smaller pieces of water. 



