of Edinburgh, Session 1884-85. 
257 
until the whole of their stones are expended. Then, at a given 
signal, they charge each other with sticks, holding them as if they 
were spears, but they may not throw them. Many of them fall 
down as if dead, and the arrangement is, that the side on which 
most fall should be considered the bravest, and that the others 
should then retreat, being pursued by the conquerors, who capture 
a number of prisoners. These they bring back in triumph, with 
dancing and singing, and forming a circle around them they compel 
them to dance for the amusement of their conquerors. Then they 
chase them and let them go. 
Another mimic war is carried on in the water. The players 
divide into two parties and swim against each other, trying to drive 
their opponents out of the water. Those who are driven out arm 
themselves with grass and mud, which they throw against their 
adversaries in the water. These dive to get out of the way, and at 
the same time try to prevent their enemies regaining the water. 
When both sides are tired, two captains are chosen to end the 
play by single combat. If one of these is driven out of the 
water, or beyond a certain point, the other remains victor ; should 
neither succeed in expelling his opponent, the game is considered 
drawn. 
Sometimes the boys make an artificial ostrich. A long stick is 
fastened to their backs, having a cross stick fastened just above 
their heads ; upon this framework a piece of damoor cloth is 
arranged, and this represents the bird, which is then hunted by the 
other boys and girls. 
They also make artificial ghosts in a similar way. Two sticks 
are tied to the boy’s arm, over which a damoor cloth is placed ; this 
he holds over his head, and bends about in all manner of directions. 
By the light of the fire this has a very grotesque appearance, and 
spreads consternation among the children. 
Another game is played as follows : — A row of boys and girls sit 
with their legs stretched out, while another boy, beginning at one 
end of the line, repeats a sentence, singing one word for each leg 
that he passes. When he comes to the end of his sentence, he 
touches a leg, whose owner must draw it up ; he goes on until one 
of the players has both legs drawn up, and the latter must then go 
away and hide. The sentence is then repeated, until all the children 
