cuLIN] RACKET : MUSKOGEE 605 
majority were armed with rackets (figure 774), each consisting of a 
piece of hickory bent over at one end to form a spoon, which was 
netted with a thong, precisely like those used by the Choctaw. A 
racket was carried in each hand, and the ball was picked up and 
thrown with them in the same way as in the Indian game. The play- 
ers appeared to own their own rackets, and I purchased a pair without 
difficulty. At the same time there was an old man who had a large 
number of rackets strung on a cord, which he said were reserved 
for the use of the clubs to which they belonged. 
Fic. 774. Rackets; lengths, 21 and 24 inches; negroes, New Orleans; cat. no. 38480), Free Museum 
of Science and Art, University of Pennsylvania. : 
The goals or bases were two tall poles about 600 feet apart, having 
a strip of tin, about a foot wide and 10 feet long, fastened on the inner 
side some distance above the ground. These goals, called plats, were 
painted, one red with a small double ring of white near the top, the 
other blue with a black ring. Midway in a straight line between was 
a small peg to mark the center of the field, where the ball was first 
thrown. The players belonged to two opposing clubs, the Bayous and 
La Villes. Their colors agreed with those of the goals. Each side 
was led by a captain, who directed the play. The contest was for a 
flag, for which three successive games were played. The game 
appeared to be open, free for all, without reference to number; but 
in more formal matches the sides are equalized and regulated. The 
ball was put in play at the center flag, being tossed high in the air, 
and caught on the uplifted ball sticks. Then there was a wild rush 
across the field, the object being to secure and carry the ball and toss 
it against the tin plate, making a plat. The game was played with 
much vigor and no little violence. A blow across the shins with a 
racket is permissible, and broken heads are not uncommon. Play 
usually continues until dark, and, at the close, the winners sing Creole 
songs, reminding one of the custom at the close of the Choctaw game. 
Raquette was formerly much playea by the Creoles, and the present 
negro clubs perpetuate the names of the opposing clubs of old Creole 
days. 
Musxocer. Eufaula, Indian Territory. (Cat. no. 38065, Free Mu- 
seum of Science and Art, University of Pennsylvania.) 
Pair of rackets (figure 775), 374 inches in length, each made of a 
sapling, cut thin at the end, which is curved over to form a 
