io8 WHEAT AND WOMAN 



directions in language which is neither in rhyme 

 nor blank verse nor glorified prose but a unique 

 mingling of all three. 



The caller-off is to be taken quite seriously, and 

 woe to the man who fails to come up to public 

 expectation. He must have nerve, vitality, origi- 

 nality, his own or another's humour, a voice that 

 inspires and carries, and both discretion and 

 philosophy in case of failure to please. 



The caller-off on this occasion was called in from 

 Indian Head. Each figure was explained to the 

 enthusiastic dancers by the professional leader. One 

 I remember ran : 



Birdie in the centre and three hawks round, 

 Birdie fly out and hawk fly in. 

 Hawk fly out and give birdie a swing. 



Another direction ran : 



Ladies in the centre ; gents take a zvalk. 

 Salute your own and pass her by. Don^t be shy. 

 Balance to the next and all siving out ; 

 Gents hook on, ladies bounce back ; 

 Join your hands and circle a half ; partners 



swing 

 Right and left back to the same old thing. 



Another : 



Around the hall, gents, take your partner for a 



promenade ; 

 Stand her by and swing to the next ; 

 Then bring her back with a half galopade. 



The opening line of an historic direction completely 

 absorbed my sense of wonder. It ran : 



I 



