OF THE POLAR SEA. 141 



indicate what number of counters the caster 

 is to receive from his opponent. 



They have, however, a much more manly 

 amusement termed the Cross, although they 

 do not engage even in it without depositing 

 considerable stakes. An extensive meadow 

 is chosen for this sport, and the articles 

 staked are tied to a post, or deposited in 

 the custody of two old men. The combat- 

 ants being stript and painted, and each pro- 

 vided with a kind of battledore or racket, 

 in shape resembling the letter P, with a 

 handle about two feet long and a head 

 loosely wrought with net-work, so a to form 

 a shallow bag, range themselves on different 

 sides. A ball being now tossed up in the 

 middle, each party endeavours to drive it 

 to their respective goals, and much dex- 

 terity and agility is displayed in the contest. 

 When a nimble runner gets the ball in his 

 cross, he sets off towards the goal with the 

 utmost speed, and is followed by the rest, 

 who endeavour to jostle him and shake it 

 out; but, if hard pressed, he discharges it 

 with a jerk, to be forwarded by his own 



