FRACHTENBERG] ALSEA TEXTS AND MYTHS 211 



made (of) spruce bark and also (of) alder bark and likewise of fir bark. 

 The top was usually rubbed between the hands, whereupon it would 

 begin to whirl. Thus fun was had with a spinning top. 



IX. CAT S CRADLE 



First the children would play the game of cat's cradle. Then a 

 child would be told: "Thou dost not know it. Thou shalt watch; I 

 will amuse (myself) with the game of cat's cradle." (Thus) a child 

 would be told: ''Thou shalt watch (while) I am gomg to make a crane. 

 Thou shalt watch (as) I will make a house and also dead timber and 

 likewise a salmon trap." Now all the people would (amuse them- 

 selves with) the game of cat's cradle. All the people would supply 

 (themselves with) their (own) cat's cradles. Such cradles were made 

 out of willow bark. Whenever all the people were playing the game 

 of cat's cradle, all sorts of things would be made (by them) : Fish 

 traps; also swans would be made, and sand-hill cranes; all (sorts of) 

 birds; eagles were made and also vultures and likewise owls. All 

 sorts of things were made whenever the game of cat's cradle was 

 iadulged in by all the people. 



X. GRACE STICKS 



(The people) would tie (two sticks) on both ends. Then they 

 would be ready. Now the women would assemble, and the game of 

 grace sticks would be played by all. (The sticks) would now be de- 

 clared free; whereupon they would be followed everywhere. They 

 would be run after repeatedly. Whenever they were thrown far (and) 

 whenever they would go far, they would be followed there. Thus 

 they would win from one another. The players on one side would 

 not all be strong. Then they would play the game with the grace 

 sticks. (This) was a game on the part of the women. This was a 

 game on the part of the women only. 



