JAPANESE CUSTOMS AND HABITS. 195 



mentioned, almost invariably stands a huge block of 

 stone, with a hollow cut out in the top. This space is 

 kept filled with fresh clean water. A small wooden 

 scoop is also placed on the stone, with a towel beside 

 it, so that on quitting the garden, you can, if disposed, 

 dip out a little water, and wet and wipe your hands 

 The idea is at least cleanly and nice. 



Amongst their nu.merous games, that of forfeits is 

 one of the most favourite. It is generally played by 

 the girls. One mode of doing so is peculiar, and as 

 follows. A score or so of damsels divide and sit facing 

 each other, that is, they squat on the calves of their 

 legs and heels, — the usual mode of sitting in Japan. 

 Three or four singing- girls attend with their instru- 

 ments. When all is ready, and the laughing and joking 

 ended, the instruments strike a few chords, and the 

 game begins. The girls in one line challenge those on 

 the opposite side to a round at guessing the number of 

 fingers they are going to show. The whole number 

 soon get into the regular swing of the game, and become 

 quite excited. Every time one loses a forfeit she has 

 to take part of her dress off; — first an arm appears, 

 then a shoulder, and so on until everything is lost, and 

 she is as nature clothed her. Of course the art is to 

 pick out a weak adversary, and to hold out, and be the 



