Table of Contents
Hop, Step and Jump
MAKE a mark on the ground at a place called the "starting point." At ten yards' distance from this make another, called the "spring." Then…
Hopping on the Bottle
Various games are in vogue among boys, in which hopping on one foot is the principal object. Among these is one which not only assists in…
Hop-Scotch
This is a game played by hopping on one foot and kicking an oyster-shell or piece of tile from one compartment to the other, without…
French and English
This is an old Greek game, and, like very many simple boys' games, has retained its popularity to the present day. Its Greek name was…
Drawing the Oven
This is a game not very dissimilar to the preceding, but not so much to be recommended, as the clothes are very apt to be torn, and if the…
Pitch-Stone
This game is played by two boys, each of whom takes a smooth round pebble. One player then throws his pebble about twenty feet before him…
Duck-Stone
This game may be played by any number of players. A large stone is selected, and placed on a particular spot, and the players first "Pink…
Prisoner's Base, or Prison Bars
This is a most delightful game, and is a very great favourite among boys of all classes. It is commenced by choosing Captains, which is…
Baste the Bear
FOX.
Leap-Frog
This is an excellent game of agility, and very simple. It consists of any number of players; but from six to eight is the most convenient…
Fly the Garter
Chalk or make a line, or, as it is usually termed, "a garter," on the ground; on this line one of the players must place himself and bend…
Spanish Fly
This game is capable of being varied to any extent by an ingenious boy, but it is generally played in the following way:--One boy, selected…
Touch-Wood and Touch-Iron
These games are founded on the above. When the boys pursued by Touch can touch either wood or iron they are safe, the rule being that he…
Warning
This is an excellent game for cold weather. It may be played by any number of boys. In playing it "loose bounds" are made near a wall or…
Follow My Leader
This may be played by any number of boys: one being selected as the Leader, and the others are the Followers. The Followers arrange…
The Fugleman
This is a game something like the above. It consists of the Fugleman and his Squad. The Fugleman places himself in a central spot, and…
Hare and Hounds
This is perhaps the very best game that can be introduced into a school. The principle of it is very simple, that one boy represents the…
Steeple Chase
This is a trial of speed and agility, and may be played by any number of boys. It consists in the boys agreeing upon some distant object…
Duck and Drake
This is a very simple sport, but necessarily restricted to those spots where there is a river, or a pond of some magnitude. It consists in…
Simon Says
This, if well managed, is a very comical game. The players are arranged as in Fugleman, the player who enacts Simon standing in front. He…
King of the Castle
This is a very good game, and to play it properly there must be in the Centre of the playground a small hill or hillock. One player…
Battle for the Banner
This game is to be played from a mound, the same as the above, and it may consist of any number of players. Each party selects a Captain…
Snow-Balls
Every boy has played at snow-balls, from the time that his little fingers were first able to grasp and mould a handful of snow. Elderly…
Snow Castle
The object of this game is, that a castle of snow is built, which is attacked by one party and defended by the other. The method of…
Snow Giant
This is made in the same way as the snow castle, that is, by rolling large snow-balls to the place where the giant is to be erected, and…
Jingling
The jingling match is a common diversion at country wakes and fairs, and is often played by schoolboys. The match should be played on a…
Jumping Rope
Two players swing round a long rope, and when the revolutions become tolerably regular, one, two, or even more boys step forwards, and…
My Grandmother's Clock
In this amusing sport the players join hands, and extend their arms to their full extent. One of the outside players remains stationary…
Rushing Bases
Two bases having been made, one at each end of the playground, all the players take up their position in one of them, except one, who is…
See-Saw
For this amusement a stout plank should be laid across a felled tree or a low wall; it must be very nicely balanced if the players are of…
Thread the Needle
This game can be played by any number of boys, who must all join hands; the game is begun by the outside players at each end of the line…
Tom Tiddler's Ground
This is a very favourite game with little boys, and may be considered as a modification of rushing bases. A large base is formed by drawing…
Two to One
Two to one is a very capital exercise with a common skipping-rope. It is done by skipping in the usual way for a short time, and then…
Bull in the Ring
This active, merry, noisy game can be played by any number of boys, and commences by their joining hands and forming a ring, having…
Cock Fight
This humorous sport must not be confounded with the cruel battles between game-cocks once so popular in England. Two boys represent the…
Dropping the Handkerchief
A tolerably large ring should be formed by several boys standing in a circle and joining hands; another boy, who stands out, when all are…
The Tug of War
This is a game played very frequently in garrison towns and camps, soldiers of different corps being opposed. It is a very simple pastime…
Blind Man's Buff
Consists in one person having a handkerchief bound over his eyes, so as to completely blind him, and thus blind-folded trying to chase the…
Bob-Cherry
Attach a cherry to a piece of string, and then fasten it to a door, sufficiently high to compel the player to jump a little in order to…
Concert
A noisier game than this could scarcely be desired by the most boisterous of our young friends. The players having selected a "conductor,"…
Consequences
The first player writes an adjective on the upper part of a slip of paper, and then folds the slip so that the written word cannot be seen…
Cross Questions and Crooked Answers
This game will be best described by a short dialogue. Harry.--I am going to put a question in a whisper to Tom, who is seated on my right…
Dumb Motions--Family Coach
Harry.--To tell the weather.--(Aloud) William has just asked me the use of a barometer? Tom replies, "To blow up the fire!"
Dumb Motions
The players from sides, and decide who shall be masters and who men. The principal aim of the men is to keep working as long as possible…
Family Coach
The chief player in this amusing game must possess the faculty of inventing a long story, as well as a tolerably good memory. This player…
Frog in the Middle
This is a highly amusing, though very simple game. One player seated on the ground is surrounded by his comrades, who pull and buffet him…
The Four Elements
The party being seated in a circle, the player who has been chosen to commence the game takes a knotted handkerchief, and throws it…
Hot Boiled Beans
In this game, one of the players is sent out of the room, while the others hide a handkerchief or any small article that can be easily…
Hot Cockles
One player with his eyes bandaged lays his head on a chair, or in another player's lap, while the others strike him on his back with their…
Hunt the Slipper
This old-fashioned pastime is so generally known that it is scarcely necessary to describe it; however, as it forms one of the merriest…
Hunt the Ring
A game almost similar to the former. A piece of tape, on which a ring is fastened, is held by the players as they stand in a circle, with…
Hunt the Whistle
A boy who has never seen the game played is elected hunter; the others seat themselves on the ground, as in Hunt the Slipper. The hunter…
Magic Music
This is a very similar game to Hot Boiled Beans. One player having been sent out of the room, the others arrange some simple task for him…
Proverbs
One player leaves the room, and while he is absent the rest fix upon some proverb. The words are then distributed among them, and each…
List of Proverbs
A false friend is worse than a bitter enemy. A penny saved is a penny gained. A man is known by the company he keeps. A bad workman…
Puss in the Corner
Four players take their stations in the four corners of a room, and a fifth, called "Puss," places himself in the middle of it; the players…
Red-Cap and Black-Cap
The players sit round in a circle, each taking a colour. Thus one is red-cap, another black-cap, and so on. One of them, who takes the…
Shadow Buff
Shadow Buff differs very materially from Blind Man's Buff, but it is equally amusing. A large piece of white linen should be fastened…
Slate Games
Birds, Beasts, and Fishes.--"Now, Tom," said Harry, "get your slate and pencil, and I'll show you such a jolly game. Well now, look here, I…
Trades
Every player, except one who holds the office of reader, selects a trade or profession, which he must retain throughout the game. When all…
Trussed Fowls
Two boys having seated themselves on the floor, are trussed by their playmates; that is to say, each boy has his wrists tied together with…
The Two Hats
This game, although only two persons are engaged in it at a time, furnishes much amusement, from the contradictory nature of its words and…
Catch Ball
This is very simple play. The ball is thrown into the air by one player, the others standing round him. He calls out the name of the…
Doutee--Stool
This is a variety of the above game. A certain number of stools are set up in a circular form, and at a distance from each other, and every…
Egg-Hat
All the players engaged in this favourite pastime must place their caps on the ground, close to the wall, in such a manner that a ball may…
Feeder
In this game four or five stones or marks must be placed on the ground,. as in the annexed figure, A, B, C, D, E, about twelve or fifteen…
Monday, Tuesday
This game, which takes its title from the names assumed by the players, is played by seven boys, each of whom calls himself after one of…
Nine-Holes
Dig near a wall nine holes, of about six inches in diameter, and three deep. Let each player have one of these, according to his number…
Northern Spell
This game is played with a trap and ball, which is struck with a bat or bludgeon at the pleasure of the players; but the latter is most…
Rounders
This is a most excellent game, and very popular in some of our English counties. It is played with a moderate sized ball and a hand-bat…
Sevens
This game is very like Catch-ball. The object is to catch a ball seven times in a particular fashion; hence the name. The player begins by…
Stool-Ball
This is an old English sport, mentioned by Gower and Chaucer, and was at one period common to women as well as men. In the northern parts…
Trap, Bat, and Ball
This game is so called from the trap used to elevate the ball when it is to be struck by the batsman. It is one of the earliest games…
The Hoop
The proper and legitimate hoop, however, should be made of a stout ashen lath, round on the outside and flat on the inside, and should be…
Encounters
Two boys start at different ends of the playground with their hoops, and, meeting in the middle, each endeavours to knock down the hoop of…
Hoop Race
Any number of boys can join in this exciting sport, but they ought all to be provided with hoops as nearly equal in size as possible. At a…
Posting
Bases, called posting-stations, are formed at regular distances, in a large circle or ellipse, and at each base a player is stationed…
Tournament
This game is almost the same as Encounters. Two boys drive their hoops one against the other, and he whose hoop falls in the encounter is…
Turnpike
Five or six boys can play at this game, though only one hoop is required. Chance decides which of the players shall first take the hoop…
How to Make a Kite
For the upright get a good straight lath, as A B, in the annexed figure, and next procure half of a thin hoop or cane for the bow C D, and…
Flying the Kite
We need not enter very minutely into the rules to be observed in flying a kite, as every boy is acquainted with them. Unless there be a…
Messengers
Some boys amuse themselves by sending messengers up to their kites when they have let out all their string. A messenger is formed of a…
Calico Kites
Calico has many advantages over paper as a covering for kites; it is not so liable to be torn, is not damaged by wet, and may be sewn on…
Fancy Kites
Ingenious boys now and then take a hmt from the Chinese, and so shape and paint their kites that they resemble different animate and…
Bounce Eye
This game is played by several players, each of whom puts down a marble in a small ring. One player then stands in a perpendicular position…
Conqueror
There is a game called "Conqueror," which is extensively played in some places. A piece of hard ground, and free from stones, is chosen for…
Die Shot
This is a very good game, and requires both skill and caution. It is played by elevating a die upon a marble, whose sides are slightly…
Eggs in the Bush
This game is a great improvement upon odd or even. Dick asks Tom to guess the number of "eggs in the bush"--that is, the number of marbles…
Increase Pound
In most respect resembles Ring taw, the variations being, that if before a marble is shot out of the ring one player's taw is struck by…
Knock Out, or Lag Out
This game is played by knocking marbles against a wall, or perpendicular board set up for the purpose; and the skill displayed in it…
Long Taw
Long taw is played by two persons in the following manner. One boy places his marble on the ground at A, the other at B; then both retire…
Nine-Holes, or Bridge Board
This game is played by means of a piece of board cut into the form of a bridge, having nine arches, and just large enough to let the…
Odd or Even
One player extends his closed hand containing some marbles, and asks his opponent to guess whether their number is odd or even. Should he…
Picking the Plums
This game consists in each player placing a marble on a line drawn upon the ground thus, and the whole shooting at them in succession from…
The Pyramid
In this game a boy generally sits upon the ground, with his legs open wide, and, making a small circle, places in it three marbles at the…
Ring Taw
Ring taw is a game requiring skill and judgment, and is a most excellent game. It is played as follows. Two rings are drawn upon the…
Spans and Snops, and Bounce About
This consists of one boy laying down his taw, and, giving a distance, his antagonist shoots at it; if he misses, the first boy shoots at…
Teetotum Shot
This is played on the same conditions as Die Shot. A teetotum is set spinning by the keeper, and, when in motion, any player is allowed to…
Three-Holes
This game is played by making three holes in the ground, about a yard and a half or two yards asunder. About two yards from the first hole…
Tipshares, or Handers
This game is played by two or more players. To play it, a hole, of the diameter of three inches, is first made on a smooth or level piece…
The Humming-Top
These cannot easily be made, but can very easily be purchased by those who are so lucky as to have the money. They are made hollow, having…
Peg-Top
There are various kinds of Peg-tops, and they also vary in shape, some being much rounder than others. Those are the best which are shaped…
Spanish Peg-Top
The Spanish peg-top is made of mahogany. It is shaped some what like a pear; instead of a sharp iron peg, it has a small rounded knob at…
The Whip-Top
Whip-top is a capital sport when played by two person; and is played by first whirling the top into motion by turning it sharply with both…
Chip-Stone
This game is played by two boys, in the following manner: Two lines, about six feet apart, are marked upon the ground, which ought to be…
Peg-In-The-Ring
This game may be played by any number of boys. A ring about a yard in diameter is first marked on the ground, and another ring surrounding…
The Apple Mill
The Apple Mill is made by boring a hole in a nut, just large enough to pass a thin skewer through; the kernel should then be extracted, and…
Aunt Sally
This amusing game is of a very simple character, consisting essentially in throwing at a small object. Aunt Sally herself is composed of a…
Cat and Mouse
This sport, which is of French origin, is for two players only. Both being blindfolded, they are tied to the ends of a long string, which…
Knock-'em-Down,
A similar game to Aunt Sally, but a simpler one, is made by scooping a hole in the ground, and placing in it an upright stick; on the top…
Pea-Shooters
The pea-shooter is a tube of metal, through which a pea may be propelled with great force by a puff of air from the mouth. The ordinary tin…
Quoits
The game of Quoits is very excellent. It seems to have derived its name from the ancient discus, and with us in the present day is a…
Nine-Pins
This game, as its name denotes, is played by means of nine pins, which are set up in a regular order, the aim of the players being to throw…
Skittles
Skittles is played in a manner somewhat similar to the preceding game, but the number of pins is only four. These are very large, and are…
Dutch-Pins
This game is nothing more than a modification of nine-pins; the pins being higher, and the centre one bearing the name of king, and a crown…
Throwing the Hammer
This is a good athletic sport, but the Hammer can scarcely be called a toy. The hammer used by rustics is generally the sledge-hammer of…
The Skip-Jack, or Jump-Jack
The skip-jack is manufactured out of the merry-thought of a goose, which must, of course, be well cleaned before it is used. A strong…
The Sling
The art of slinging, or of casting stones with a sling, is of very high antiquity. We see it represented on the Nimroud monuments, and the…
Walking on Stilts
Among the Swiss, and in several districts in the South of France, walking on stilts is not only an amusing, but a useful, practice, as by…
The Sucker
The sucker is a toy of the simplest construction imaginable; it is made by merely cutting a circular piece out of some tolerably stout…
Indoor
THERE are many elaborate toys which are not included under this head, as they are always sold with printed directions for using them. The…
Battledore and Shuttlecock
This game is so well known as to require but little remark. The Battledores may be purchased at the toy-shops, as may also be the Cocks…
Bandilor
This toy is simply a wheel or pulley of hard wood, having a very deep groove, round which a strong but fine cord is wound. The player holds…
Cup and Ball
A ball of ivory or hard wood is attached to a stem of the same substance, having a shallow cup at one end and a point at the other. The…
The Cutwater
The Cutwater is a circular piece of sheet lead, notched like a saw round the edge, and having two holes pierced in it at some distance from…
Fox and Geese
Fifteen ordinary draughtsmen compose the flock of geese. The fox may either be two draugtsmen placed one upon another, or any small object…
Head, Body, and Legs
One player takes an oblong piece of paper, and having divided it into three equal parts by folding, he sketches a comic head, either with…
Knuckle-Bones
This game is played with five little bones from a sheep's trotter. One player tosses up the knuckle-bones, sometimes one at a time…
Merelles, or Nine Men's Morris
This is an ancient English game, and ought not to be laid aside; so we resuscitate it for the benefit of young England. It used to be…
Paper Dart
To form this dart you must take an oblong piece of paper, and fold it down the middle lengthwise; then double each of the lower corners up…
The Popgun
The best Popguns are made of a strong straight piece of elder tree, which ought to be cut from an inner branch, and should be about six…
Schimmel
To play this amusing game, which is of German origin, it is necessary to be furnished with five cards, on which are painted the figures of…
Spelicans
Spelicans are made of thin pieces of ivory cut into different forms, some being like spears, others saws, bearded hooks, &c.; of some of…
Angling
"When I was a mere schoolboy, Ere yet I learnt my book, I felt an itch for angling In every little brook. "An osier rod, some thread for…
A Word About Fish
First, however, let us say a word about fish in general, before we come to fish in particular. Fish or fishes are, to speak scientifically…
About the Rod
The rod is a material article in the young angler's catalogue, and much care should be taken to procure a good one. The fishing-tackle…
Choosing the Rod
In choosing a rod (not a school rod, for no one likes to choose that), observe that it is perfectly straight, when all the joints are put…
Lines or Bottoms
Next to the rod the line is of the utmost importance. Good lines should be well twisted. The twisted lines should be made wholly of silk…
Shooting the Line
The line must be shotted, that the float may partially sink in the water; and in putting on the shots, place them all together within three…
Reels or Winches
A real or winch is a most necessary addition to the rod and line, as it enables you to vary the length of your line at pleasure, and to…
Reel Lines
Are mostly made of silk and horsehair, twisted or plaited together, but some are made entirely of silk. I prefer the latter, as it is less…
To Bait with Greaves
First select the whitest pieces from those you have soaked, and put two or three of them upon your hook, or as much as will cover it from…
To Scour and Preserve Worms
To do this, the young angler should provide himself with a quantity of fresh moss. Wash out all the earth and squeeze it, but not too dry…
The Plummet
Plummets are used by anglers for sounding the depth of a stream or hole. They are of two kinds, either the folding plummet, or the common…
Plumbing the Depth
Is performed in the following manner: If a folding plummet, unfold about two inches of it, pass the hook over its side, and then fold the…
Landing-Hook and Landing-Net
The landing-hook or gaff is a large hook, which is sometimes barbed like a fish-hook, and sometimes plain, fastened to one end of a handle…
Clearing Ring and Line
The clearing-line is made of several yards of strong small cord, to the end of which is fastened a heavy ring of lead or brass. If the hook…
Drag-Hook
The drag is a piece of iron with three or four stout wire hooks without barbs, placed back to back, fastened to a strong cord line, and…
Bank Runner
The bank-runner is mostly used in the day-time, when the angler is fishing for roach, barbel, &c. It is stuck in the bank, the bottom being…
Live-Bait Kettle
This should be of an oblong form, and not round; bright inside and brown out. In getting out the bait, never put your hand into the water…
Disgorger
This is an instrument with a forked top, about six inches long, made of iron, brass, or bone. Its use is to get the hook from a fish when…
Angling Axioms
1.Never fish any water without leave from the proprietor, unless it be water that is free to all comers. 2. Never use unfair bait, or…
The Salmon
THE Salmon is the king of fresh-water fish. It is handsome in form, its head is small, its nose pointed, its back and sides grey, its belly…
The Trout
This beautiful fish is much prized. Izaak Walton says of it, "It is more sharp-sighted than any hawk, and more watchful and timorous than…
The Jack or Pike
The mighty luce or pike, says Walton, is taken to be the tyrant, as the salmon is the king, of the fresh waters. His aspect is savage but…
The Gudgeon
Is one of the most delicious fish for eating, although small in size. It bites freely from the latter end of spring until autumn, in gloomy…
The Roach
The roach is a handsome fish either in or out of the water. It inhabits many of our deep still rivers, delighting most in quiet waters. It…
The Dace
Dace are gregarious--are great breeders--very lively--and during summer fond of playing near the surface. Their haunts are deep water, near…
The Perch
"Perch feed on perch," is an old maxim; the perch being the only one of all fresh-water fish that feeds on its own kind. His excuse is a…
The Grayling
The grayling is a fish of elegant form; the back is of a dusky purple, the sides of a fine silvery grey, with the scales in long parallel…
The Chub
This fish takes its name from the shape of the head, not only in our own, but in other languages. The head and back are of a deep dusky…
The Carp
Carp are esteemed among the richest fresh-water fish we have in the kingdom, and are as cunning as foxes. The angler, therefore, must be…
The Tench
The tench is one of our most useful fresh-water fishes, for the case with which it may be preserved, and the goodness of its flesh. It is…
The Pope, or Ruff,
Is something like a perch in shape, but more bluff and bulky. He is found principally in slow, deep, quiet rivers, which have a loamy…
The Bream
The bream, at full growth, is a large and stately fish, and is often-times as fat as a hog. He is principally found in large ponds or in…
The Flounder
The flounder is a well-known flat-fish very common about our own coasts; and should any of our young friends be at the seaside, it is well…
The Stickleback and Minnow
The stickleback is a dark-coloured little fish, found in ditches and ponds. They are best caught with a small hand-net, and are…
The Barbel
The barbel is a bold, sturdy, handsome-looking fish, although its flesh is coarse to the cater; but he is a rare fellow for sport, and…
Natural Fly-Fishing, or Dipping
Fishing with a fly may be practised either with the natural fly, usually called "dipping," or with the artificial fly; in which latter case…
Fly-Fishing and Artificial Flies
For this delightful sport, which captivates alike the sexagenarian and the schoolboy, rods and tackle of the finest quality are required…
Materials for Making Flies
Feathers of various kinds; hairs of various kinds; very fine sewing silk; gold and silver twist. Of the first, the young fly-fisher must…
Archery
"and he was clad in coat and pode of grene. A shefe of pecocke arrows bryght and shene Under his belt he bare, ful threftely. Well coude he…
The Long-Bow
The use of the English long-bow arrived at the highest perfection in the reign of Edward III.; and, notwithstanding the introduction of…
The Cross-Bow
The cross-bow, or arbalist, was a popular weapon with the Etolians, and was introduced into England in the thirteenth century. The arrows…
Marks for Shooting At
The marks usually shot at by the archers for pastime were "butts," "prickes," and "rovers." The "butt" was a level mark, made by placing a…
Equipment for Archery
Roger Ascham, who was well versed in the subject of archery, says that it was necessary for the archer to have a bracer, or close sleeve…
Ancient Directions for Archery
Ascham says: "First take care of a graceful attitude." The archer should stand fairly and upright with his body, his left foot at a…
Decline of Archery
Notwithstanding the great advantages of archery in ancient days, somehow or other it began to decline even at the time of its zenith; so…
The Bow
The Bow may be made of the yew-tree, laburnum, thorn, or acacia, and is generally formed of two pieces of wood joined together, the back…
The String
The string of the bow should be made of hemp, and whipped with sewing silk at that part of it which receives the arrow, marked c in the…
Stringing the Bow
The young archer must be very careful in performing this feat, or he will fail in the attempt; to do so safely, he must take the bow in his…
The Arrows
Arrows are generally made of some white wood, such as ash, deal, or the wood of the orbele poplar, and are sometimes varnished. They are…
The Quiver
The quiver is used to contain the arrows, and is usually made of wood, or tin, or leather, those made of the latter material being the most…
The Tassel, Brace, Belt and Pouch
The Tassel is usually made of green worsted, and is used by the archer for the purpose of cleansing the arrow from dirt after being taken…
Shooting Glove, and Grease Pot
The Shooting Glove is made of cow-hide, or horse ball leather. It has places or stalls for three fingers only, with a wrist strap to fasten…
The Target
Targets are made with plaited straw bands, wound round a centre, and sewn together. Over this body is placed a facing of canvass, the…
How to Draw the Bow
The ancient directions for drawing the bow, or rather the arrow, have been already given. The archer having placed himself opposite to the…
Flight Shooting
This is principally engaged in for the purpose of ascertaining the greatest distance to which the arrows can be sent by the respective…
Clout Shooting
In clout shooting the target is only a small piece of white pasteboard attached to a stick about five feet from the ground, and placed at a…
Roving
So called from the shooters roving from place to place, over field, heath, moor, common, finding their marks in trees, posts, bushes, &c…
General Hints for Archers
1. In commencing archery never begin with a stiff bow, but select one adapted to your strength, and change this for a stronger from time to…
Canoes and Canoeing
DESPITE the assertion of even so great an authority as Mr. Macgregor, whose name has now become a household word, canoeing is an amusement…
Cricket
"Come on, lads! come on: come on, one and all: Now shoulder the bat, and spin up the ball. Take the field like young Trojans; your prowess…
The Bat
The regulation size of the bat, called by Felix the mighty sceptre of delight, is 38 inches in length, of which 25 inches are taken up by…
The Ball
2 pages
The Stumps
The stumps have undergone more change during the last hundred and fifty years than any of the accessories to cricket.
Pads or Guards
Since the introduction of round-hand bowling, pads or guards have come into vogue, and at the present time it is really a dangerous feat to…
Batting Gloves
These are now made with the palm cut clear away, thus enabling the batsman to hold the bat in a much firmer manner than he could were the…
Wicket-Keeping Gloves
These might be more appropriately termed gauntlets, for they are much longer than the ordinary gloves, and entirely cover the wrist. Thanks…
The Laws of Cricket
The following are the laws which govern the game everywhere. They have been recently revised by the Marylebone Club, usually considered the…
The Laws of Single Wicket
1. When there shall be less than five players on a side, bounds shall be placed 22 yards each in a line from the off and leg-stump. 2. The…
The Batsman.--Hints to Young Players
The first point to be considered in batting is the sort of bat to be used. Many young cricketers cramp their play by using a bat much too…
Fielding
Although not of so interesting a character as batting and bowling, yet fielding is in itself of too much importance to be overlooked, or…
Bowling
We have read in a manual of Cricket that there are four styles of bowling, and Felix, we believe, in his excellent work on the Bat, states…
Long-Stop
Stands behind the wicket-keeper, in order to prevent byes. He must be careful not to be too far away from the wicket, or else clever…
Short-Slip
Stands a few yards behind the wicket on the off-side. As this position does not entail much running, it is usually alloted to the bowlers…
Cover-Point
Stands some distance behind point, to prevent a second run. The sharper the bowling is, the squarer he should stand. He must also be…
Long-Slip
Performs the same duties, and occupies the same position, with regard to slip as the last-mentioned field does to point. He should, when he…
Long-On
Stands deep on the on-side. When the bowling is very swift, he can take the place of mid-wicket on, as a ball in such a case is seldom hit…
Long-Off
Occupies the same position as long-on at the other side of the wicket. LEG Stands about the same distance behind the wicket on the on-side…
Mid-Wicket on and Off
Stand halfway between the long-fields and the striker's wicket. As many catches come to these parts of the field, they should be very sharp…
Third Man Up
In very swift bowling the long-on often takes this position. He stands between point and short-slip, in a direct line with the…
Introductory
CROQUET is a comparatively recent addition to the many games of which balls, of one sort or another, form the principal feature. There are…
The Game of Croquet
To play the game of Croquet, a certain number of hoops and pegs are set up on the lawn. Each player takes a mallet and one or more balls…
Terms Used in Croquet
To Roquet (pronounced rokay). To hit with one's own ball any other ball for the first time in the turn, or for the first time after making…
The Setting or Arrangement of the Hoops
The above shows the original ten-hoop setting. The distance between the hoops varies from 2 to 4 yards, and the starting spot is a yard…
The Implements
Are usually sold together in a box; but we should advise our young friends, if they wish to derive as much enjoyment as possible from their…
How to Strike
Two hands should be used--good shots can indeed be made with one hand, but it is impossible so to make most of the croquet-strokes well…
One-Ball Strokes
Of these, after the roquet, just described, the most important is THE RUSH, which is simply a roquet played hard, so as to send the…
Two-Ball or Croquet-Strokes
The original or "tight" croquet, pictured on p. 169, has now quite gone out, everybody agreeing that it was "unscientific," and did great…
Running Hoops,
Now they are so narrow, requires some care and skill, especially when your ball is not straight in front. In such a case care must be taken…
Judging the Strength,
As it is called, cannot unfortunately be taught, and practice alone can make perfect in it; but we recommend the young player always to…
The Dead Boundary
The following explanation of this is from the "Complete Croquet Player." "When the great improvement in play, consequent upon the…
The Laws of Croquet
Are contained in the Conference Code, published by Messrs. De La Rue, price 6d., which can be obtained through any bookseller. It would…
The Handicap
Is a very good way of making a pleasant game between very unequal players, the better player giving a certain number of bisques to his…
The Croquet Target
Is an amusing variety of Croquet. It consists of eight hoops set in a row, with a peg in the middle. The players shoot at this target at…
The Tournament,
Or public match, is the most difficult form of Croquet, as great nerve and skill are often required. The "All England" is the leading club…
Hints to Young Players
2 pages
The Centre'ball Break
The player is thus enabled to continue his break as long as he likes, and should remember that it is easier to make a break with 3 balls to…
Badminton
THERE are some games which never die. They come up from time to time with fresh names and fresh features, but still at the bottom the same…
The Laws of Badminton
Let the players agree as to which courts they shall occupy. The "server" must serve, as in Lawn Tennis, over the net diagonally, and if the…
Lawn Tennis
LAWN TENNIS is to Badminton what Billiards is to Bagatelle, it is a more manly, scientific, and exhilarating game. The net and poles of…
Knur and Spell
ON the Yorkshire wolds, and in the northern counties of England, Knur and Spell is the favourite game. There is no doubt that it has a…
Rinking
SKATING on rollers, now so popular, is by no means a new pastime. More than fifty years ago there was a room devoted to skating on rollers…
Bicycles and Bicycling
IN the years 1868 and 1869 the Parisians were attacked by a velocipede mania. Fifty years before the Dandy-horse, as it was called, had…
How to Manage the Machine
First get your Bicycle, not any trumpery article for practice, but your "very own" spider, and learn on it; you will then sooner know its…
Sleighing
WHEREVER ice can be obtained, sleighing is possible. Wherever there is an incline of snow, hand sleighs or sledges can be used. To make a…
Driving
"The rash boy Phaeton his proud chariot drove Till he was smitten by almighty Jove: Take heed, young driver, while you like him boast, You…
Introduction
2 pages
The Horse in Harness
A horse fully equipped in harness, attached to a dennet or stanhope, is one of the most beautiful things to look at in the world; few boys…
The Horse
3 pages
The Harness,
In every case, is composed of the same parts, which consist of three essential divisions: 1st, the driving, or guiding part; 2d, the…
The Carriage
The Dennet-gig, as represented in the last page, is the most common form for a two-wheeled carriage; but there are also the Stanhope, the…
Putting To
Before driving, it is necessary that the horse or pony should be "put to," which is effected as follows: 1st, slip the shafts through the…
Directions for Driving
In driving, the reins are held differently from the mode already described as used in riding, the fore-finger being first placed between…
Fencing
FENCING is the art of using the small-sword or rapier. The small sword has a straight blade, about thirty-two inches in length, outside the…
The Guard
It is from this position that all movements are made, whether offensive or defensive. Let the beginner be placed with his knees straight…
Advance
upon an adversary, when beyond hitting distance. The step in the advance is usually about that of the width of the Guard, although of…
Retreat,
the reverse of the above movement is made. The left foot takes the lead, stepping to the rear about as far as the right had stepped to the…
The Longe,
is a very important movement, and is rather difficult to make properly, and fatiguing to practise. Indeed, the first movements in fencing…
The Recover;
that is, to return from the position of the Longe to that of the Guard, and is thus effected: The left arm is nimbly thrown up to its…
The Engage
It is customary for adversaries, on coming to the Guard, to Engage, or to join blades, on what is called the inside, that is, the right…
Parades
Each opening has its own parade or defence, and each parade will guard its own opening, and, strictly speaking, no other. The opening…
Quarte
It is thus formed. On the approach of the point of an adversary's blade (and how these approaches are made I will presently explain), the…
Tierce
It is formed by turning the hand with the nails downwards, and crossing to the opposite side some six or eight inches; the hand and point…
Seconde
is formed by turning the hand in the same position in which it was turned for Tierce, but the point of the foil slopes as much downwards as…
Octave
In this parade the hand is held as in Quarte; the hilt of the foil is kept lower than that of the opponent; the blade is almost horizontal…
Contre-Parades
I have said and shown that a man standing foil in hand, in the position of the guard, is exposed in four distinct places to thrusts from an…
Attacks,
and shall begin with the most simple of them. I will again suppose two adversaries standing, en guard, within longing distance of each…
The Straight Thrust
to the outside or inside, according to his line of engagement. I have, in describing the longe, in effect described the straight thrust; it…
The Disengagement
This attack is made by dropping the point of the foil beneath the adversary's blade, and raising it on the opposite side, at the same time…
The One-Two
is but a double disengagement, the first being but a femt or false attack, to induce the adversary to form a parade to cover the part…
The Beat and Thrust
This is another variety of attack. Supposing the adversary's blade to be firmly joined to yours, when you wished to deliver a straight…
The Beat and Disengagement
The beat here takes the character of the first disengagement in one-two, i.e. becomes a feint, and is intended to induce the adversary to…
Cut Over the Point
It is thus made: By the action of the hand, and without drawing it back at all, the foil is raised and brought down on the opposite side of…
Cut Over and Disengagement
is on the same principle as the one-two and the beat and disengagement. On the adversary opposing the first movement (the cut) with a…
Double,
has been invented; it is very simple in principle, and admirably answers the purpose. For instance, if you were to threaten your adversary…
All Feints
The foregoing movements having been well practised in the lesson, the next step is that of all feints and all parades, and may be practised…
The Assault;
That is, he may encounter an adversary, to attack or defend as occasion presents. He is then left to his own resources entirely. The…
General Advice,
given by a very eminent fencer and excellent teacher, cannot fail to be of use:- "Do not put yourself on the position of the guard within…
Broadsword
THE principal distinction between the broadsword and the rapier is, that the latter is formed only for thrusting, while the former is…
Positions
First Position.--Make the target(1) For target, see next page. about fourteen inches in diameter, and place it on the wall, having its…
Target
The interior lines represent the cuts. Cut one being directed from No. 1 diagonally through the target, coming out at 4. Cut two is the…
Cuts and Guards
CUTS.
Points
First Point.--Draw back the sword, until the right wrist is against the right temple, the edge of the sword being upwards. Make a slight…
Guards
Wait after the third point has been delivered for the word Defend.--At this word draw up the hand smartly, and form the first guard. Make…
Hanging Guard
When the pupil is acquainted with both cuts and guards, he should learn the hanging guard, a most useful position, as it keeps the body…
Inside Guard
Stand in the second position, having the wrist of the right hand nearly as low as the waist, the hand being exactly over the right foot…
Outside Guard
The outside guard is formed in the same manner as the inside, with the exception that the edge of the sword is turned well outwards. To get…
Attack and Defence
The swordsman having learned thus far, is taught to combine the three movements of striking, thrusting, and guarding, by the following…
Draw Swords
The first word of command is draw swords. At the word draw, seize the sheath just below the hilt, with the left hand, and raise the hilt as…
Recover Swords
The wrist is now smartly lowered until it is level with the chin, the blade upright, and the edge to the left. This is the position of…
Carry Swords
The wrist is now sharply lowered until the arm hangs at its full length, the wrist being in the line with the hip, the edge of the sword to…
Return Swords
At the word, raise the blade until it is perpendicular, move the hilt to the hollow of the left shoulder, drop the point of the sword into…
Practices
There are many exercises with the broadsword, called Practices. I have given one of them, which is to be practised alone; but when the…
Second Practice
This is very useful in teaching the point and parry, as well as giving steadiness on the feet. Two boys are placed opposite each other, at…
Third Practice
WORD OF COMMAND. FRONT RANK. REAR RANK. Guard. Hanging Guard. Hanging Guard. Leg. Cut Four. Cut Seven. Inside Guard. Inside Guard. Inside…
Fourth Practice
WORD OF COMMAND. FRONT RANK. REAR RANK. Guard. Hanging Guard. Hanging Guard. Head. Seventh Cut. Seventh Guard. Head. Seventh Guard. Cut…
Fifth Practice
WORD OF COMMAND. FRONT RANK. REAR RANK. Draw Swords. Draw Swords. Draw Swords. Inside Guard. Inside Guard. Inside Guard. Outside Guard…
Fort and Feeble
The half of the sword blade next the hilt is called the "fort," because it is the strongest place on which the cut of an adversary can be…
Drawing Cut
The drawing cut is made best with a curved sword, and is executed by placing the edge of the sword on the object, and drawing it over it…
General Advice
Never look at your own sword, but watch the eye and sword wrist of your opponent.
Foot-Ball
THERE is no mention of this game before the time of Edward III., when it was very popular, and it has been played more or less ever since…
The Association Laws Are Briefly as Follow:--
1. The goal shall be upright posts eight yards apart, a tape reaching across eight feet from the ground. The ground shall be limited to not…
The Rugby Union Rules
1. A drop (kick) is made by letting the ball fall and kicking it as it rises. 2. A place kick is kicking the ball from a nick or hole in…
Definition of Terms
A place-kick is a kick at the ball while it is on the ground, in any position in which the kicker may choose to place it.
Golfing
GOLFING is played with a club and ball. The club is from three to four feet long, according to the height and length of arm of the player…
The Rules of Golf
1. Golf may be played by two or four persons playing alternately, or by an odd number of players each for his own ball. The game is started…
Explanations of Technical Terms in Golf
Baff.--To strike the ground with the club when hitting the ball. Banker.--A sand-hole in the course. Caddie.--A boy in attendance to carry…
Historical Memoranda
2 pages
Modern Gymnastics
The commencement of tournaments during the Dark Ages in some degree revived athletic exercises; but the invention of gunpowder, the use of…
Walking
In all gymnastic exercises walking, running, and jumping deserve the preference, because they are the most natural movement of man, and…
The Tip-Toe March
This movement is preparatory to running and jumping. The boys being in line, the word "On tip-toes" is given: each boy places his hands on…
Running
Running is both useful and natural; it favours the development of the chest, dilates the lungs, and, when moderate, is a highly salutary…
Jumping
Of all the corporeal exercises jumping is one of the most useful; and during our lives very many instances occur of a good jump having done…
Leaping
2 pages
To Climb Up a Board
This should be firmly fixed at an angle of thirty degrees. The climber should seize both sides with his hands, and place his feet in the…
Climbing the Pole
The pole should be about nine inches in diameter, and firmly fixed in the ground in a perpendicular position. In mounting, the pole is to…
Climbing the Rope
In climbing the rope, it is firmly grasped by the hands, which are placed one above the other, and so moved alternately. The heels are…
Climbing Trees
2 pages
Dumb-Bells
Most boys know the form and appearance of dumb-bells, and probably have some ideas of using them, but a few directions and illustrations…
Bar-Bells, or French Dumb-Bells
The bar-bells are so called because the dumb-bells are connected by a bar. Exercise I.--When you have picked up the bar properly, viz., by…
Indian Clubs
First get your clubs, the weight of which you must ascertain for yourself--for boys clubs of about five or six pounds are quite heavy…
Parallel Bars
These are two pieces of wood, from six to eight feet in length, and about four inches square, the edges rounded. For lads, they are fixed…
The Horizontal Bar
Let two strong upright posts be firmly fastened into the ground, about six feet apart, and let a wooden bar be strongly mortised into their…
The Swing
Let no one despise this exercise. It is worth learning, if only as a preservation against sea sickness. If any one can stand a twenty feet…
Throwing the Javelin
This play is very interesting, and gives strength to the arm, and exactness to the eye. In playing it, a square target must be procured…
The Trapeze: Single and Double
Should the intending gymnast possess a strongly-built barn or outhouse, which is large enough to permit the trapeze to have fair play, and…
Tricks and Feats of Gymnastics
The book.--Fix a book between the toes of the fect, and, by a jerk, throw it over the head.
Hockey
IN all the general principles, hockey bears a great resemblance to foot-ball, the game consisting in driving a ball through a goal. The…
Racquets
THIS game--which is really FIVES with a "racquet" or bat--is not easily played without what is called a racquet ground, which consists of a…
Riding
"Fleet as the wind, he shoots along the plain, And knows no check, nor heeds the curbing rein; His fiery eyeballs, formidably bright, Dart…
The Marks of Age in the Horse
By means of the gradual wearing down of the front teeth, or nippers, the age of the horse may be known. Each of the nippers has a hollow in…
The Paces of the Horse
The natural paces of the horse are the walk, trot, and the gallop; to them are added by man the canter, and sometimes the amble and the…
Terms Used by Horsemen
The left side is called the "near side," the right the "off." Four inches make "a hand." The upper part of the horse's neck is called his…
Form of the Horse
It is a common observation of the horseman that the horse can go in all forms; and this is borne out by the fact, that he does occasionally…
Varieties of the Horse Suitable for Boys
Besides the several kinds of horses suitable for grown people, those for boys are the galloway, the cob. and the pony. The first of these…
The Accoutrements and Aids
Required by the young amateur, are either a pad or saddle, according to his age, together with a bridle and a whip or stick. Spurs are…
Mounting
The rider, even at the earliest age, should first examine the girths and the bridle, and see if they are properly adjusted; for though when…
Dismounting
Is exactly the reverse of the last process, and requires, first, the reins to be shortened and held in the left hand with a lock of the…
The Management of the Reins
Is of great importance to the comfort of the rider, and also to his appearance, for unless they are held properly, the body is sure to be…
The Seat
Should always be square to the front, without either shoulder being in advance; the loins moderately arched inwards without stiffness; the…
The Control of the Horse
Is effected by the reins, heels, voice, and whip, variously used according to his disposition and temper. Some require only the most gentle…
Management of the Walk
When it is wished to make the pony walk, he must be quieted down by soothing him with the voice if he has been excited by the gallop or…
The Trot and Canter
Are effected by rather different methods, but both require a very steady hand, and a quiet treatment. In order to cause the pony to trot…
The Management of the Gallop
Requires little instruction, practice being the main agent in effecting a good seat during this pace. The seat is either close to the…
Treatment of Vices
The chief vices which are met with among ponies are--1st, Obstinate Stopping; 2d, Stumbling from Carelessness; 3d, Rearing; 4th, Kicking…
Rowing
"A boat, a boat, is the toy for me, To rollic about in on river and sea; To be a child of the breeze and the gale, And like a wild bird on…
Construction of Ancient Ships and Galleys
The Egyptian vessels are the earliest of which any well-authenticated graphic illustration has been preserved. We here give a view of one…
Roman Galleys, Ships, Etc
They were in length about 125 feet, and in breadth 10 feet. Their first requisite was swiftness, and no part of the side was left vacant…
Of Boats
A Boat is properly a vessel propelled by oars. In a more extensive sense the word is applied to other small vessels, which differ in…
The Component Parts of Boats
Rowing boats consist of the bows (1); the stem, or entrance (2); the stern (8), where are the rudder and the lines for steering; the…
The Oars and Sculis
A scull is a small oar used with one hand, and requiring a pair, as in the case of oars, one being placed in the rowlock on each side the…
Sea Rowing
This is necessarily less elegant than river rowing, because of the rough nature of the element on which the exercise is pursued. The oar…
River Rowing
The art of river rowing is capable of a high degree of elegance, and few sights are more pleasing to a lover of graceful forms than that of…
Management of the Oar
The rower should, as far as possible, take some good oarsman for his model, and endeavour to imitate him in every respect, which is the…
The Essential Points in Rowing
1st, To straighten the arms before bending the body forward; 2nd, to drop the oar cleanly into the water; 3rd, to draw it straight through…
Management of the Boat, Steering, Etc
Every boat without a rudder is manoeuvred in the water, either by pulling both sides alike, in which case it progresses in a straight line…
Steering a Boat
It is not a difficult matter to steer, but there are a few instructions to be attended to. First, the position of the coxswain should be…
Rowing Together
is of the utmost importance to the success of a boat when she is manned by a crew; and they should all endeavour to attain the same style…
Sculling
It is very essential that a boy should be able to scull neatly, and this is only done by practice. The first thing is to pull so that your…
Cautions to Young Rowers
Do not be over anxious to avoid "catching crabs," which is an event likely to occur in early practice; and should it happen, throw the oar…
Sailing
"The tar's a jolly tar, that can hand, reef and steer, That can nimbly cast-off and belay; Who in darkest of nights finds each halliard and…
Characters of a Yacht
Speed, safety, and accommodation are the three first qualities of a yacht. She ought to be pleasing to the eye when afloat, of such a…
Various Kinds of Yachts
Yachts are of various kinds, according to their size. If more than eighty tons burden, the schooner is most suitable; for, as the spars are…
Description of the Cutter Yacht
But the vessel with which we have most to do in our directions for sailing is the Cutter Yacht, which stands closer to the wind than any…
Construction of the Hull
The first step in the construction of the hull is laying down the keel or backbone of the vessel; which is done by fixing a strong piece of…
Something About the Masts, Spars, Ropes, Etc
The Mast (8) is a spar set nearly upright, inclining a little aft, to support yards and sails. In a yacht, it is kept in its place by two…
Sailing a Yacht
If the reader has paid attention to our instructions, he ought now to be pretty well conversant with build, rigging, spars, and sails of a…
Bringing Up
Our destination outward bound being in sight, we must prepare to bring up. The anchor must be got on deck; the cable passed through the…
Making Snug
The mainsail may now be triced up, with the peak lowered, and with the helm to one quarter or the other, according as the tide sets; we may…
Jibing
In rounding the next point we shall jib, or jibe, one of the most difficult manceuvres in sailing; for in doing so there is danger of…
Bringing Up at Moorings
We are still against the tide, and our moorings are in sight. To bring her up handsomely calls for more skill than even handling her well…
Cautions and Directions
1. Never leave anything in the gangway, and keep the decks clear. 2. Coil up all ropes; and have a place for everything, and everything in…
Nautical Terms
Aback, the situation of the sails when the wind presses their surfaces against the mast. Abaft, towards the stern; e.g., abaft the…
Skating
SKATING is one of the finest gymnastic exercises, by which man, as Klopstock says, "like the Homeric gods, strides with winged feet over…
The Skate
There are various kinds of skates. Some, such as the Dutch skates, are very large and somewhat cumbersome, but very safe for those who…
Putting on the Skates
In putting on the skate, the "youngster" should kneel on one knee and fasten the skate on the foot of the other leg. If he should have a…
How to Start Upon the Inside Edge
Having risen to the perpendicular, the learner should first ascertain, by moving his feet about on the ice, whether the skates are firmly…
Movement on the Outside Edge
Having practised on the inside edge for some days, to get used to the skates, the learner may afterwards attempt the "outside edge," which…
Forward Roll,
which is performed in the manner already prescribed in the directions on the "outside edge." To perform it gracefully, the skater should…
The Dutch Roll
is so called from the motion being used in Holland by the travelling and trading classes in their common avocation. The figures it presents…
The Figure of Eight
This is composed by merely finishing the great circles, of which the above segments form a part. To produce it, when the skater comes to…
The Figure of Three
This is performed principally on the inside edge backwards. The head of the 3 is formed of half a small circle on the heel of the outside…
The Back Roll
By the "back roll," as it is termed, the skater moves from one foot to the other alternately. His face is turned towards the left shoulder…
Sliding
WHAT can be jollier or more enjoyable than sliding for an hour upon a crisp wintry morning, when the snow is lying three inches deep on the…
Swimming
SWIMMING is the most useful of all athletic accomplishments, as by it human life is frequently saved which might have been sacrificed. It…
Places and Times for Bathing and Swimming
It is presumed that most young lads who go to bathe will take the opportunity of learning to swim. In crowded cities there are but few…
Entering the Water
Having stripped the body, the bather should select the best place on the bank for going down to the stream; and then, proceeding cautiously…
Aids to Swimming
Many aids have been used for the benefit of young swimmers; corks and bladders fastened under the arms are the common ones; but they offer…
Striking Off and Swimming
In striking off, the learner, having turned himself to the shore, as before recommended, should fall towards the water gently, keeping his…
How to Manage the Legs
The legs, which should be moved alternately with the hands, must be drawn up with the knees inwards, and the soles of the feet inclined…
Plunging and Diving
There are two kinds of plunging; that belonging to shallow, and that belonging to deep water. In shallow-water plunging, the learner should…
Swimming Under Water
When under the water, the swimmer may either move in the usual way, or keep his hands stretched before him, which will enable him to cut…
Swimming on the Side
In this, the body is turned either on the left or right side, while the feet perform their usual motions. The arm from under the shoulder…
Floating
The body is laid horizontally on the back, the head is bent back wards as much as possible, the arms are stretched out over the head in the…
Treading Water
This is a perpendicular position of the swimmer, and is of great use to enable him to save a person from drowning. It is in general thought…
The Fling
The swimmer lays himself flat upon his waist, draws his feet as close as possible under the body, stretches his hands forwards, and, with…
Swimming on the Back
In this the swimmer turns upon his back in the water by the combined motion of the arm and leg, and extending his body, his head being in a…
Thrusting
In the thrust the swimmer lies horizontally upon his waist, and makes the common motions in swimming. He then simply stretches one arm…
The Double Thrust
In the performance of this the arm is thrust forwards, backwards, and again forwards without dipping into the water; in the meantime the…
To Swim Like a Dog
In this motion each hand and foot is used alternately as a dog uses them when swimming, as the term implies. The hands are alternately…
The Mill
The swimmer lays himself on his back and contracts himself so that the knees are brought almost to the chin, and while one of the hands…
The Wheel Backwards and Forwards
In the forward wheel the hands are put as far backwards as possible, and so pressed against the water that the head is impelled under the…
To Swim with One Hand
The learner to do this swims on one side, keeps his feet somewhat deeply sunk, while the arm which in the meantime ought to work is kept…
Hand Over Hand Swimming
In this process, the right hand is lifted out of the water from behind, swung forwards through the air with a kind of circular sweep to the…
Balancing
2 pages
The Cramp
The cramp generally proceeds from acidity of the bowels, arising from a bad state of the stomach, or from the effects of the cold water on…
Saving from Danger
Above all things the good swimmer should be anxious to save life, and to rescue those who are in danger, without himself becoming the…
Sports and Feats in Swimming
1. The Float.--In this sport one swimmer lays himself horizontally on the back, with the feet stretched out, the hands pressed close to the…
Bernardi's System of Upright Swimming
This system has been introduced into many of the naval and military colleges on the Continent, and has for its distinguishing…
The Prussian System of Pfuel
The best of all methods for teaching swimming is that originally introduced by General Pfuel into the Prussian swimming-schools. By this…
Training
2 pages
Acoustics
THIS term embraces all that science can teach us regarding the phenomena of sound and hearing. If the question be asked, what is a sound?…
Aeronautics
FROM very remote times men have endeavoured to find out some means of navigating the air like the birds and insects which they see daily…
Chemistry
2 pages
Oxygen Gas
This gas, so named from two Greek words signifying the maker of acid, was discovered by Dr. Priestly in 1774. He obtained it by heating the…
Experiment
5 pages
Nitrogen
This gas is, as its name implies, the producer of nitre, or at least forms a portion of the nitric acid contained in nitre. It is rather…
Atmospheric Air
As has been already mentioned, nitrogen is the principal constituent of the air of the atmosphere which surrounds our globe, extending to a…
Hydrogen
Hydrogen gas is the lightest substance known, being fifteen times lighter than atmospheric air. It is colourless and transparent, incapable…
Experiments
7 pages
Chlorine
Another gaseous element, sometimes called a supporter of combustion, is named chlorine, from a Greek word signifying yellowish green. This…
Muriatic Acid Gas, or Hydric Chloride
With chlorine, hydrogen forms a compound called muriatic, or hydrochloric acid gas. It cannot easily be formed by the direct union of its…
Iodine--Bromine--Fluorine
On the coasts of certain islands belonging to the Duke of Argyll, vast quantities of sea-weed are occasionally torn up from their ocean…
Bromine,
So called from the Greek Bpouos, a bad odour, is most intimately allied with chlorine and iodine; like these elements it belongs to the…
Fluorine
In many parts of England, especially in Devonshire, Cornwall, and above all in Derbyshire, is found a very beautiful mineral, known by the…
Carbon
The next substance in our list of elementary bodies is named carbon. The purest form of carbon is the precious stone called diamond, which…
Carbon and Hydrogen
To the combination of these elements in various proportions, and with occasional addition of other substances, we are indebted for all, or…
Coal Gas
The gas so universally employed for the purposes of illumination is a mixture of the carbureted and the bi-carburetted hydrogen, with…
Phosphorus
The next body we have to notice is phosphorus, a most remarkable substance, procured from the earthy part of bones by a process not worth…
Sulphur
Sulphur, or brimstone, as it is frequently called, is sold in the form of sticks, or roll brimstone, or in fine powder called flowers of…
Electricity
No branch of science is more capable of affording amusement, combined with instruction, than electricity, and there are few sciences in…
Simple Means of Producing Electricity
To show the nature of electrical action, rub a piece of sealing-wax or amber upon the coat-sleeve, and it will attract light bodies, such…
Attraction and Repulsion Exhibited
In order to illustrate certain remarkable facts in this science of an amusing character, attention must be directed to the figure A B…
How to Make an Electrical Machine
It is very easy to make a glass machine of the cylindrical form, if the maker cannot afford to buy one. First procure a common wine bottle…
The Conductor
The electricity being generated by the friction produced between the rubber and the bottle from the motion imparted by the handle, it is…
The Plate Electrical Machine
Formerly the electrical machine was made in the form of a cylinder, but now it consists of a plate A, as seen in the engraving. The plate…
How to Charge a Leyden Jar
A most useful piece of electrical apparatus is called the Leyden jar, here represented. It is employed for the purpose of obtaining a…
The Electrical Battery
If several of these jars be united, a large quantity of electricity can be collected ; but, in arranging them, all the interior coatings…
Dancing Balls and Dolls
Get two round pieces of wood, A B, and coat them with tinfoil ; or two pieces of metal plate ; attach one of them to the prime conductor by…
The Electrical Kiss
This amusing experiment is performed by means of the electrical stool. Let any lady challenge a gentleman not acquainted with the…
Ringing Bells
Bells may be made to ring by electricity in the following manner. Let three small bells be suspended from a brass wire, D D, and supported…
Working Power of Electricity
This may be shown in a variety of ways. The subjoined machine will exhibit the principle upon which many ingenious toys may be made by the…
The Electrified Wig
While a person is on the electrical stool, if he be charged with much electricity, "Each hair will stand on end, Like quills upon the…
Imitation Thunderclouds
To show the manner in which thunderclouds perform their operations in the air, A A is a wooden stand, on which are erected two uprights, B…
The Lightning Stroke Imitated
If the jar D be put behind the stand, and the cloud 2 removed, a vessel communicating by means of a wire with the outside of the jar may be…
The Sportsman
This apparatus is capable of affording much amusement. A is a stand of wood, B is a common Leyden jar, out of which proceed the wires H…
Galvanism, or Voltaic Electricity
"To play with fire They say is dangerous; what is it then To shake hands with the lightning, and to sport With thunder?"--TYLER.
Origin of Galvanism
It happened that the wife of Galvani, who was consumptive, was advised to take as an article of food some soup made of the flesh of frogs…
Simple Experiment to Excite Galvanic Action
If the young experimenter will obtain a piece of zinc of the size of half a crown and place it on the top of his tongue, and place a…
With Metal Plates in Water
If we take two plates of different kinds of metal, platinum (or copper) and zinc, for example, and immerse them in pure water, having wires…
Effects of Galvanism on a Magnet
If a galvanic current, or any electric current, be made to pass along a wire under which, and in a line with it, a compass is placed, it…
Change of Colour by Galvanism
Put a teaspoonful of sulphate of soda into a cup, and dissolve it in hot water; pour a little cabbage blue into the solution, and put a…
The Galvanic Shock
If the ends of the wires of a small galvanic battery are connected with a proper electro-magnetic coil, which may now be purchased at a…
The Electrotype
The electro-galvanic current has in no case been more interestingly employed than in the process of electrotyping. It consists of a mode of…
How to Make an Electrotype Apparatus
Take an earthen jar and a porous tube fill the tube ; with ten parts of water and one of sulphuric acid; put it into the jar, into which…
Heat, or Caloric
THE chief agent in causing the repulsion or separation of the particles of bodies from each other is heat, or more correctly caloric, by…
Expansion
As a general rule, all bodies, whether solid, liquid, or gaseous, are expanded by caloric. This may be shown by experiments in each form of…
Hydraulics
THE science of Hydraulics comprenends the laws which regulate non-elastic fluids in motion, and especially water, &c.
The Syphon
The syphon B is a bent tube, having one leg shorter than the other. It acts by the pressure of the atmosphere. In order to make a syphon…
The Pump
The action of the common pump is as follows: When the handle A is raised, the piston-rod B descends, and brings the piston-valve, called…
The Hydraulic Dancer
Make a little figure of cork, in the shape of a dancing mountebank, sailor, &c. In this figure place a small hollow cone, made of thin leaf…
The Water Snail, or Archimedean Screw,
may easily be constructed. Purchase a yard of small leaden pipe, and twist it round a pole, as in the following figure, A; place a handle…
Magnetism
THE attractive power of the loadstone has been known from a very remote period. The natural magnet appears native in a grey iron ore in…
Relation of Magnetism to Electricity
The most remarkable theories have been invented to account for the phenomena of magnetism. Halley imagined magnetic globes to be moving to…
To Make Artificial Magnets
This may be done by stroking a piece of hard steel with a natural or artificial magnet. Take a common sewing-needle and pass the north pole…
How to Magnetise a Poker
Hold it in the left hand in a position slightly inclined from the perpendicular, the lower end pointing to the north, and then strike it…
To Show Magnetic Repulsion and Attraction
Suspend two short pieces of iron wire, N S, N S, so that they will hang in contact in a vertical position. If the north pole of a magnet N…
North and South Poles of the Magnet
Each magnet has its poles, north and south--the north or south poles of one magnet, repel the north and south pole of another. If a magnet…
Polarity of the Magnet
The best method of proving this is to take a magnet or a piece of steel rendered magnetic, and to place it on a piece of cork by laying it…
The Magnetic Fish
Fish are to be purchased at the toyshops, by which the young "magnetique" may perform this experiment; they are made hollow, and will float…
The Magnetic Swan
The figure of a swan should be cut in cork, and within its beak a small strongly magnetised piece of steel should be placed. The swan…
Artificial Magnets
Take an iron poker and tongs, or two bars of iron, the larger and the older the better, and fixing the poker upright, hold to it with the…
Horse-Shoe Magnets
The form of a horse-shoe is generally given to magnetised bars, when both poles are wanted to act together, which frequently happens in…
Remains in the Vicinity of a Magnet
Let M be a magnet and K a key, held horizontally near one of its poles, or near its lower edge. Then if another piece of iron, such as a…
Electro-Magnetism
The identity of magnetism with electricity alluded to in a former paragraph, has led to the formation of a new science under the above…
Power of the Electro-Magnet
The same influence which affects the magnetic needle already described, will also communicate magnetism to soft iron. If a bar of that…
Variation of the Needle
The magnetic needle does not point exactly north and south, but the north pole of the needle takes a direction to the west of the true…
Dip of the Needle
Another remarkable and evident manifestation of the influence of the magnetism of the earth upon the needle is the inclination or dip of…
Useful Amusement with the Pocket Compass
Pocket compasses are to be bought for five or six shillings, and may be used in many ways. In travelling over mountains or a wide extended…
Interesting Particulars Concerning the Magnet
6 pages
The Microphone
THE extreme sensitiveness of the telephone to little sounds was not suspected until the invention of the marvellous little instrument…
Mechanics
"These are machinations comical."--FORD.
Experiment of the Law of Motion
In shooting at "taw," if the marble be struck "plump," as it is called, it moves forward exactly in the same line of direction; but if…
The Prancing Horse
Cut out the figure of a horse, and having fixed a curved iron wire to the under part of its body, place a small ball of lead upon it. Place…
The Balanced Stick
Procure a piece of wood, about nine inches in length and about half an inch in thickness, and thrust into its upper end the blades of two…
The Chinese Mandarin
Construct out of the pith of the elder a little mandarin; then provide a base for it to sit in, like a kettle-drum. Into this put some…
The Dancing Pea
If you stick through a pea, or small ball of pith, two pins at right angles, and defend the points with pieces of sealingwax, it may be…
Obliquity of Motion
Cut a piece of pasteboard into the following shape, and describe on it a spiral line; cut this out with a penknife, and then suspend it on…
The Bridge of Knives
Place three glasses, A A A, in the form of a triangle, and arrange three knives upon them, as shown in the figure,--the blade of No. 1 over…
The Toper's Tripod
Place three tobacco-pipes in the position shown in the engraving, the mouth of the bowls downwards, and the lower end of the stems upon the…
The Microscope
4 pages
The Compound Microscope
4 pages
Optics and Optical Amusements
"'Seeing is believing,' so the sages say, To prove this false, hear me, my friends, I pray, And very soon you all will be agreeing, That…
Light as an Effect
Light follows the same laws as gravity, and its intensity or degree decreases as the square of the distance from the luminous body…
Refraction
Bodies which suffer the rays of light to pass through them, such as air, water, or glass, are called refracting media. When rays of light…
The Invisible Coin Made Visible
If a coin be placed in a basin, so that on standing at a certain distance it be just hid from the eye of an observer by the rim or edge of…
The Multiplying Glass
The multiplying glass is a semicircular piece of glass cut into facets or distinct surfaces; and in looking through it we have an…
Transparent Bodies
Transparent bodies, such as glass, may be made of such form as to cause all the rays which pass through them from any given point to meet…
The Prism
The prism is a triangular solid of glass, and by it the young optician may decompose a ray of light into its primitive and supplementary…
Composition of Light
The beam of light passing through the prism is decomposed, and the spaces occupied by the colours are in the following proportions:--red…
A Natural Camera Obscura
The human eye is a camera obscura, for on the back of it on the retina every object in a landscape is beautifully depicted in miniature…
Bullock's Eye Experiment
Procure a fresh bullock's eye from the butcher, and carefully thin the outer coat of it behind: take care not to cut it, for if this should…
The Camera Obscura
This is a very pleasing and instructive optical apparatus, and may be purchased for four or five shillings. But it may be easily made by…
The Camera Lucida
This instrument consists of a glass prism, C, D, D, E, having four sides covered. The sides C, D, being exposed to the object to be…
The Magic Lantern
Of all optical instruments, the magic lantern deservedly holds the first place in popular estimation. Formerly it was looked upon merely as…
Dissolving Views
These can only be exhibited with either two lanterns or with that form of lantern with two lights and two sets of lenses known as the…
Preparing Slides for the Lantern
Those of my readers who wish to produce their own photographs for projection by the lantern can do so by studying the next chapter, which…
Pneumatics
"There is a tricksy spirit in the air That plays sad gambols."-BEN JONSON. THE branch of the physical sciences which relates to the air and…
Another
Invert a tall glass jar in a dish of water, and place a lighted taper under it; as the taper consumes the air in the jar, the water, from…
Elasticity of the Air
This can be shown by a beautiful philosophical toy, which may easily be constructed. Procure a glass jar such as is here represented, and…
Reason for This
The reason of this is, that the pressure on the top of the jar condenses the air between the cover and the water surface; this condensation…
The Air-Pump
The time was, and that not very long ago, when the air-pump was only obtainable by the philosophical professor or by persons of enlarged…
To Prove That Air Has Weight
Take a florence flask, fitted up with a screw and fine oiled silk valve. Screw the flask on the plate of the air-pump, exhaust the air…
To Prove Air Elastic
Place a bladder out of which all the air has apparently been squeezed under the receiver, upon it lay a weight, exhaust the air, and it…
Sovereign and Feather
Place a nicely-adjusted pair of forceps at the top of the receiver, communicating with the top of the outside through a hole, so that they…
Air in the Egg
Take a fresh egg, and cut off a little of the shell and film from its smaller end; then put the egg under a receiver, and pump out the air…
The Descending Smoke
Set a lighted candle on the plate, and cover it with a tall receiver. The candle will continue to burn while the air remains, but when…
The Soundless Bell
Set a bell on the pump-plate, having a contrivance so as to ring it at pleasure, and cover it with a receiver; then make the clapper sound…
The Floating Fish
If a glass vessel containing water, in which a couple of fish are put, be placed under the receiver, upon exhausting the air the fish will…
The Diving Bell
The diving bell is a pneumatic engine, by means of which persons can descend to great depths in the sea, and recover from it valuable…
Diving Operations
2 pages
Spectrum Analysis
4 pages
Luminous Paint
ONE of the latest and most novel applications of chemistry to the wants of every-day life, is exemplified in the patent taken out by the…
Modern Explosives
THE old explosive gunpowder, which was about the only one known to our forefathers, has in modern times been superseded to a great extent…
Japanese Magic Mirrors
IN Japan a very peculiar kind of mirror is made which possesses some remarkable properties. It is composed of an alloy formed by the…
The Radiometer
THIS instrument, invented a few years ago by Professor Crookes, is certainly one of the most astonishing in its results of any that has…
Floating Magnets
PROFESSOR A. M. MAYER was the first to call attention to the remarkable and entertaining experiments which can be performed by means of…
Toughened Glass
THE manufacture of glass that will stand with impunity a blow or fall which would shatter to pieces any vessel made in the ordinary manner…
Electric Batteries
IT is often a puzzle to beginners in experimental science, what kind of apparatus to start with, and the various kinds of electric…
Polygraphic Copying Processes
A NUMBER of processes for reproducing letters, maps, drawings, &c., have, at various times, been devised. The most perfect is the…
On Keeping Pets
Many boys and girls think "what fun" it will be to keep pets, and immediately rush off to procure some animal such as they have seen at a…
Bees and Bee-Keeping
In treating of that useful insect the honey-bee, we will first explain briefly the domestic economy of the hive, and the distinction…
Practical Hints to Bee-Keepers
FIRST as to the place in which your hive is situated. This is a very important point, for, although water is very necessary to the bee, it…
The Canary
3 pages
A Few Hints to Canary-Keepers
3 pages
Hydrophobia
A FEW remarks upon this terrible disease will bring our short summary to a close. The first symptoms of the attack are generally a desire…
Gold and Silver Fish
THESE are of the carp family, and have been known in this country from the year 1691. They abound in the fresh-water ponds, lakes, and…
Glasses
The glasses, or globes, should be moderately large, with wide mouths, and three-fourths filled with water. For two fish the globe should be…
Feeding
Some persons fancy that gold and silver fish need no food. It is true that they will subsist for a long time with nothing but water, when…
Diseases
You can easily tell when a fish is falling off in his health by observing him frequently coming up to the surface of the water for air…
The Guinea-Pig
THE guinea-pig, or restless cavy, is a prettily-marked, stupid, little animal, which came originally from South America, and has long been…
The Hedgehog
THIS, though a rough and prickly customer to handle, is a clean little animal, and a great pet with country boys. If you have ever seen…
The Jackdaw
To procure a rave, an order to a dealer is almost necessary; but every boy should be ashamed if he cannot catch a young jackdaw for…
The Jay
THE jay is a truly handsome bird, and will bear comparison with any of the exotic species of the same genus. Although it does not posses…
The Magpie
3 pages
The Parrot
6 pages
Pigeons
THE practice of rearing pigeons for fancy or amusement has been for a long time prevalent in England. In ancient times the "dovecote" was a…
Varieties of Pigeons
2 pages
The Tumbler
The Tumblers are the very opposite of the breeds last described. Small birds, with rounded heads, short beaks, and pretty little red…
The Barb
The Barb, or, as it used formerly to be called, the Barbary pigeon, from the country from where it was originally obtained, is regarded…
The Owl
Like the barbs, the best Owl pigeons also come from the north of Africa. Formerly there was very common in this country an elegant…
The Turbit
The Turbit is a pigeon somewhat resembling the owl, but its head is flatter, and it has a turned crown of feathers at the back of the neck…
The Fantail
There are a number of pigeons which are strikingly distinguished by remarkable peculiarities in the form of the plumage; such are the…
The Trumpeter
The Trumpeter is not as common a variety as the fan-tail, but is fully as remarkable. It derives its name from its peculiar voice, which is…
The Jacobin
No variety of pigeon excels the little Jacobin in its quaint prettiness. The tiny little head is half concealed in a recurved cowl of…
Poultry
FOWLS.
Fattening
When fowls are to be fattened for the table, they must be fed oftener, and with different descriptions of food, than when they are simply…
Laying
Nests (baskets or boxes) must be made for the hen, in which a chalk egg or two should be put. The nests may be made of short straw. Some…
Hatching
When the hen has laid her number of eggs, nature has provided for their being hatched by giving the bird an instinct to sit or incubate…
Rearing of Chickens
When the chickens are hatched, they require no food till the following day, when they may be fed with crumbs of bread slightly moistened…
The Pintado, or Guinea Fowl
Guinea fowls associate readily with the common fowls in a poultry-yard; but they have this peculiarity, that the cocks and hens are so…
The Rabbit
2 pages
The Raven
ALL the members of the Crow tribe have a decided family likeness; and, as a general fact, the relationship can be recognised as long as…
Silkworms
"The proudest king May thank the silkworm for his robe of state."--AKENSIDE THE rearing and management of silkworms is an innocent and…
Food of the Silkworm
The silkworm feeds, as every one knows, on the leaves of the white mulberry; or, when these cannot be obtained, upon those of the black…
Hatching, Feeding, and Temperature
Having procured the eggs, which should be obtained about the latter end of April--they are generally bought on slips of paper just as they…
Moultings
The caterpillar has four moultings, which may be all accomplished in the period of four days each, if the heat of the room be increased to…
The Cocoon
At the end of the time mentioned above the worms change to a clear pink or flesh colour, and look semi-transparent; they refuse their food…
The Aurelia
When the cocoon is completed, the enclosed caterpillar again casts its skin, with the head and jaws attached to it, when it appears under…
Winding the Silk
The chrysalis, however, must be prevented from eating through the cocoon; and previous to the egress of the moth from its aurelian state…
The Moth
When the silk is wound off the aurelia presents itself, and being put in a separate case, it remains motionless for about twenty days, when…
General Remarks
The place where silkworms are bred, should persons wish to pursue their rearing upon a larger scale, must be free from noisome smells…
Butterflies and Butterfly-Catching
2 pages
The Aquarium
A GREAT deal of amusement can be derived from an Aquarium. When boys (and men for that matter) go to the sea-side they are very fond of…
The Fresh-Water Aquarium
THERE are, as may be imagined, considerable differences between this and the former aquarium, not only in the inhabitants, but in the…
The Squirrel
THE pretty little squirrel has long held a high place in the affections of pet-lovers, and there are few who have not admired the brisk…
White Mice
THE mouse is a lively little animal, and one of the most timid, although he eats in the trap as soon as he is caught. The brown mouse can…
Bagatelle
WHATEVER diversity of opinion there may be with respect to the skill required to excel at bagatelle, there can be none with regard to its…
English Bagatelle
May be played by any number of persons. The order of precedence is settled by each person striking a ball up the board, and whoever gets…
The French Game
Differs from the English in two or three essential particulars. It is generally played by two or four persons, who, instead of playing with…
Sans Egal
Is a favourite game for two persons. the lead is decided as in the English game, and each player has four balls of different colours. The…
The Cannon Game
This is also called "Billiards v. Bagatelle," and is played by two persons,--101 up. Three balls of different colours are used--black, red…
Mississippi
This is a variation of the game by means of a wooden perforated bridge, each arch of which bears a particular number. The bridge is placed…
Billiards
OF all indoor games, billiards ranks highest. It is without doubt the king, and reigns triumphant over chess, backgammon, parlour croquet…
The Angles of the Table
Should never be forgotten. They change infinitely, and if the student has made good use of the hints given as to the elementary practice…
The American Game
Is played with four balls, a light red, or pink, and dark red. The balls are placed on the spots in the centre between the pockets. The…
Pyramids, or Pyramid Pool,
Is played with fifteen red and one white ball. The red balls are arranged in a triangle, thus:- The first ball is placed on the…
Italian Skittle Pool
Is an excellent game for boys. It is played thirty-one points up. Four balls are used, two being white, one red, and one blue; and five…
Carpentering
"All made out of my own head, And wood enough left for another." NOTHING is more useful to a youth than to be able to do a little…
The Shop and Bench
Endeavour to procure some small outhouse, in which you may erect what is called a carpenter's or joiner's bench. These may very often be…
The Spoke Shave
This is a very useful tool. It is employed for smoothing the edges of round pieces, or other ends requiring to be shaved down. It is a…
Stock and Bits
There are about thirty-six bits to a set, all of different shapes and sizes; but our young friends need not get quite so many: if they…
How to Make a Wheelbarrow
One of the handiest things in a garden is a wheelbarrow, and one of the prettiest for the young carpenter to exercise his ingenuity noon…
The Way to Make a Box
First ascertain the size you wish your box to be of. Then cut off your stuff, but take care to cut it a quarter of an inch longer than the…
To Cut the Dovetails
Take one "end-piece" of the box and place it endways into the bench-screw, and mark out the dovetails on the edge of the board inside…
The Bottom of the Box
Cut your bottom the exact size of the box, nail the bottom on, and "get out" a piece of wood (by cutting and planing in the usual manner)…
The Game of Chess
IT is the principal aim of this little treatise to assist the young player in his examination of the theory of the openings in the game of…
The Laws of the Game
3 pages
White. Black
23 pages
Game IV.--The Evans' Gambit
It would be impossible, in the narrow limits assigned to our treatise, to enter into the merits of this opening; we shall therefore give…
Game V.--Ruy Lopez Knight's Game
We will now proceed to examine this, perhaps, the strongest and most embarrassing attack the board affords. It is through fear of this…
Game VI.--The Scotch Gambit
This opening derives its name from having been adopted in the great match by correspondence between the London and Edinburgh Chess Clubs…
The King's Gambit
GAME I.
Game II
3 pages
The Gambit Refused
The refusal of the gambit, through it may be done with perfect safety, generally leads to a dull and uninteresting game; we would therefore…
The Centre Gambit
This opening, though over by many of the books, frequently gives birth to many beautiful and critical positions, and unless properly…
Black. White
1. P. to K's 4th. 1. P. to K's 4th. 2. P. to Q's 4th. 2. P takes P. 3. B. to Q. B's 4th. 3. B. to Q. Kt.'s 5th. (ch.) 4. P. to Q. B's 3d…
The Young Conjuror
INCLUDING SLEIGHT OF HAND WITH OBJECTS OR CARDS, WITH AND WITHOUT APPARATUS. FROM the very early ages of the world the art of legerdemain…
Sleight of Hand
3 pages
Tricks Requiring Special Apparatus
3 pages
Tricks with Cards
In accordance with the previous rule, the principal stress is laid on card tricks that require no apparatus, and may be performed with…
Audacity
2 pages
Tricks with Cards, That Require Apparatus
One or two of these tricks must suffice, because, in general, the apparatus required for cards is exceedingly expensive. Those that are…
Cryptography
THE meaning of the word "Cryptography" is, as is well known, "hidden or secret writings," and was used in ancient times, when conspiracies…
The Deaf and Dumb Alphabet
AMONGST the many useful invention which have been planned for the solace of individuals deprived of some portion of their senses, the art…
The Alaphabet
A is expressed by touching the top of the thumb of the left hand with the forefinger of the right.
The Numbers
Are denoted by holding up one finger to signify 1, two fingers for 2 the open hand for 5, both hands for 10, and so on.
Dominoes
THERE was a time when dominoes was a much more favourite game than at present. In many old houses beautifully finished sets of dominoes are…
The Ordinary Boy's Game
Is played in two modes. The first is called the French game. After the dominoes are well shuffled, each player (usually two) draws from the…
All Fives
Is a game played by four persons, two against two, each player taking five dominoes. It may, however, be played by two persons only, when…
The Matadore Game
Is on an entirely different principle. You do not fit the same numbers together, as in other games at dominoes, but you must add a number…
All Threes
Is a capital game for boys, and exercises the players in the four rules of arithmetic. It is played similarly to the All Fives, only 3 is…
Tidley-Wink
Is a good round game. Any number can play, so long as there are two or more dominoes left on the board, after three dominoes each have been…
The Fortress
When four persons are playing, this will be found one of the most amusing of games. It is sometimes called "Sebastopol." All the dominoes…
Whist Dominoes
Is also played by four persons, seven dominoes being given to each. The persons in this case are partners, and sit opposite to each other…
Draughts
"Waite to black and black to white, Now give the challenge--wage the fight."--CLARKSON.
How to Play the Game
The draughtboard consists of sixty-four squares, black and white, and there are twelve men, or pieces, of a white colour, and twelve of a…
The Moves
The pieces move forward diagonally, and it is the object of the players to take all each other's men; the player who has the black pieces…
Laws of the Game
1. The moves are alternate, the first move being determined by lot. 2. The choice of men to be also decided by lot, but they should be…
Games for Practice
Playing draughts is a game which is best learned by experience and repeated defeats. It requires circumspection and caution, and especially…
Fireworks
OUR book is intended for the gratification of boys. We know full well the intense delight taken by boys in risking their limbs or their…
Gunpowder
It will not be very advisable for the firework boy to make his own powder, but still it will not be amiss that he should know how it is…
How to Make Touch-Paper
Dissolve in a little spirits of wine or vinegar a little saltpetre, then take some purple or blue paper, and wet it with the above liquor…
To Choke the Cases
When the cases are thus made they will require to be tied at the lower end. This is called choking them, and as much force is required it…
Composition for Squibs, Etc
Gunpowder half a pound, charcoal 1 ounce, brimstone 1 ounce, or in like proportion; grind them in a muller or pound them in a mortar. Or…
How to Fill the Cases
Your cases must be very dry when ready, and should be put into an iron or wooden mould; first put in a thimble full of your powder, and ram…
To Make Crackers
Cut some stout cartridge-paper into pieces three inches and a-half broad and one foot long, fold down one edge of these pieces lengthwise…
Roman Candles and Stars
These are best made with the following ingredients: 1 ounce of powder, 1 ounce of sulphur, and 2 ounces of nitre. Some persons, however…
Rockets
There are several recipes for making rockets, the best of which is 3 ounces of charcoal, 6 of sulphur, 8 of nitre, 32 of meal powder…
Catherine Wheels
These are very pretty fireworks, and are made to turn on a pivot. There are many recipes for the composition of which they are formed; 1…
Various Coloured Fires
The following recipes will give the young firework maker a great variety of the most beautiful fires. They should never be fired in a room…
Crimson Fire
The principal ingredient in this is nitrate of strontium, of which 40 parts are taken, with 13 of sulphur, 15 of chlorate of potass, 4 of…
Green Fire
The ingredients for green fire are in 54 parts; 42 of nitrate of barytes, 8 of sulphur, 3 of chlorate of potass, and 1 of lamp-black.
Purple Fire
The best recipe for purple fire is of 60 parts; 25 of nitre, 25 of nitrate of strontium, 7 of sulphur, 2 of realgor, and 1 of lamp-black.
Cautions
Such are the principles and methods by which fireworks may be made; but we would advise our young friends to be very cautious, and never to…
To Make an Illuminated Spiral Wheel
Procure a circular horizontal wheel two feet in diameter with a hole quite through the nave, then take four thin pieces of deal three feet…
The Grand Volute
Should my young friends wish to prepare a grand volute illuminated with a revolving wheel; the first step is to procure a large circular…
A Brilliant Yew-Tree
To prepare a brilliant yew-tree, a frame like the one represented in the drawing must be firmly attached to the ground. When the branches…
Gardening
"'Tis a delightful task To rear the tender flower, to see the bud Put forth its bloom, the little seedling sprout From its dark grove, to…
On Laying Out a Small Garden
The size of a piece of ground which we should recommend to the young gardener ought to be about 33 yards long, and about 25 broad. It…
Planting the Ground with Trees, Flowers, Etc
In the foregoing diagram, the borders are for flowers, and the other parts of the compartments for the raising of vegetables; but here and…
The Noblest Kind of Gardening for Boys
2 pages
The Boy's Flower Garden
Of course every boy who cares about gardening will have a little flower garden. That is the first thing he is likely to attempt, and…
The Boy's Fruit Garden
There are few boys who cannot appreciate the virtues of a delicious melting pear or good apple; and our object in writing this paper is to…
Digging
When land is first brought under the spade it should be well dug, and it ought to be trenched up; that is, a full spit or spadeful should…
Hoeing
The hoe is of very great use in a garden. There are generally three kinds of hoes: 1st, the narrow; 2d, the broad; and 3d, the Dutch hoe…
Raking
There are two kinds of rakes,--the broad and narrow. The broad rake is for raking over seed beds, and the narrow one for raking borders…
Weeding
The garden should always be kept perfectly clear of weeds; a weed in a garden is a disgrace to the gardener, and unless a young person…
Sowing Seeds
The ground having been dug and raked, and otherwise prepared, is fit for the reception of the seed. Radishes, carrots, parsnips, are sown…
Transplanting
This is a most important operation, and is indispensable in the art of gardening. A vast number of seeds must be sown in beds, and…
Watering
Nature is the best waterer of plants, and it is good policy to leave the matter as much as possible in her hands; but we must assist her…
Various Modes of Propagation
Plants are reproduced or propagated in various ways; some by seeds, some by offsets, as tulips and hyacinths; some by dividing the root…
Layers
If we observe the strawberry plant, we find that at a certain season of the year it throws out offsets, and at certain distances a knob or…
Pipings
Are cuttings of carnations, pinks, &c. They are tubular stems, having joints at certain distances, and they are pulled asunder by the…
Grafting
Grafting, inarching, and budding, are generally performed in the month of March. The operation of inarching is sometimes performed by…
Tongue-Grafting
Tongue-grafting is not very different to whip-grafting, and is performed as follows. The stock being ready, cut it off at three or four…
Budding
Budding is the art of taking a bud from one tree and making it grow on another. A bud can only be planted upon a tree of the same kind as…
Inarching
We have already mentioned how nature performs what is called inarching. The gardener's art consists simply in bending a branch partly cut…
Grafting-Clay
Most of the operations of grafting require clay to be put round the parts. This is made of three parts of stiff yellow clay to one of…
Pruning
The proper time for pruning trees is in December or January, for then the sap is down, and no injury can be done; and the art in pruning…
Insects and Depredators
There are various kinds of depredators which find their way into gardens;--worms, slugs, caterpillars, moles, ants, birds, butterflies…
Protection from Frost
The common trees and fruits of the garden require but little care as regards frost in our comparatively mild winters, but many plants…
January
IN January, if the weather will permit, manure the ground, and dig the manure in. Plant out some strong early cabbage in warm situations…
February
Peas, beans, spinach, lettuce, carrots, parsnips, beet, &c., may now be sown; and in hotbeds cucumbers, small salading, melons, lettuce…
August
Cauliflower seed must be sown between the 18th and the 24th. Celery should now be transplanted into trenches, and lettuce planted out. In…
September
Lettuces may nowbe planted in frames, or in very warm borders, for winter use. Brocoli, cabbage and savoy plants may also be planted out…
October
Now the apples and pears begin to ripen. Seeds are still to be looked for and preserved, vacant spaces of ground are to be dug up and…
November
Now is the time for digging up potatoes, and taking up carrots, parsnips, onions, &c., and storing them for winter use. Winter spinach…
December
Peas may be sown in a warm sheltered spot to come in early in the spring, as may Windsor and broad beans. Celery should be well earthed up…
Mimicry and Ventriloquism
"How can I become a ventriloquist?" is the frequent thought of a boy; and he is told, probably, that it is an exceptional faculty, and…
Puzzles
3 pages
Answers Tc Puzzles
1. THE DIVIDED GARDEN ANSWER. 2. ANSWER TO VERTICAL LINE PUZZLE. 3. ANSWER TO CUT CARD PUZZLE.
Answer to No. 8
3 pages
The Sailor
This puppet, which is represented in our illustration, is a popular favourite. The doll should have whiskers of Berlin wool glued on its…
The Juggler
May be dressed in a fanciful Eastern costume; a string is to be attached to the head, and another to each of the hands. A gilded ball…
The Headless Man
This puppet may be dressed according to the reader's fancy; its head is not fastened to the body, but is strung on a thread attached to the…
The Milkwoman
A puppet, dressed like a woman with a yoke of milkcans, makes its appearance and performs a country jig. Before the dance is concluded a…
Postage Stamp Collecting, or Philately
12 pages
Tinselling
SHOULD the reader feel inclined to try his hand at tinselling, he-must procure one of those full-length theatrical portraits that are sold…
The American Game of Base-Ball
THE national game of ball of the American people, though having its origin in the English game of rounders, nevertheless possesses…
Rule I.--The Ball, Bat, and Bases
SEC. 1. The ball must weigh not less than five, nor more than five and one-quarter, ounces avoirdupois. It must measure not less than nine…
Rule II.--The Pitching Department
SEC. 1. The pitcher's position shall be designated by two lines two yards in length, drawn at right angles to the line from the home to the…
Rule III.--The Batting Department
SEC. 1. The striker, when about to strike the ball, must stand astride of a line drawn through the centre of the home base, not exceeding…
Rule IV.--Running the Bases
SEC. 1. Players must make their bases in the order of striking; and when a fair ball is struck, and not caught flying, the first base must…
Rule V.--The Game
SEC. 1. The game shall consist of nine innings to each side, when, should the number of runs be equal, the play shall be continued until a…
Rule VI.--Miscellaneous
SEC. 1. If an adversary stops the ball with his hat or cap, or if a ball be stopped by any person or persons not engaged in the game, no…
Rule VII.--Duties of the Umpire
2 pages
The Game of Base-Ball
As before asserted, the American game of base-ball requires a high degree of physical ability, and the possession of manly characteristics…
General Rules
THERE are nine positions in a base-ball field, two less than in a field of cricketers in a match. The catcher plays behind the batsman to…
The Catcher
This player is expected to catch or stop all balls pitched or thrown to the home base. He must be fully prepared to catch all foul balls…
The Pitcher
More skill and judgment is requisite in this position than in any other in the game. In fact, half the battle almost in a contest depends…
The First Baseman
The principal duty of this fielder is to hold the ball in hand, with some part of his person touching the first base, before the batsman…
The Second Baseman
This position requires its occupant to be a very active fielder indeed, and especially a good judge of fly balls, and a sure catch. He…
The Third Baseman
This position is the most difficult one, to play skilfully, of any of the three bases, as the throwing to first base from this position…
The Short-Stop
This is the position in the field for the most active of the six in-fielders. Of course, like all in-fielders, his duties include the…
The Out-Fielders
A great deal depends upon the skill of the three out-fielders of a nine, when the pitching is of medium pace, and plenty of chances for…
The Batsman
The position of the batsman is expressly defined by the rules, which require that the striker, when about to strike the ball, must stand…
Base-Running
The moment the striker hits a fair ball he ceases to be the "striker," and becomes at once "a player running the bases," and he then…
On Fielding Generally
Skill in fielding is the first requisite of an expert base-ball player. What is called a "muffin" player is one who is a mere tyro in…
The Umpire and His Duties
The position of an umpire in a base-ball match is one marked by onerous and important duties. Before proceeding to comment on what these…
Hints to Umpires
The umpire should invariably render his decision in accordance with the first impressions of the point of play made on his mind. If he…
On Scoring in Base-Ball
The present system of scoring was first introduced by the writer in 1867, and since then has been adopted by every competent scorer in the…
Instructions to Scorers
The following diagrams show the blank forms of the score-sheets used in recording the play, and also the total result, in a match game of…
American Billiards
THE four ball, or "American game" of billiards, differs both from the English and French game, and in a measure combines the merits of…
The Carom
To make a carom, the player must cause his own ball to strike two or more balls in the same shot.
The Hazard
There are two sorts of hazards--winning and losing.
On Stringing for the Lead
Whoever, playing from within the "string-line" against an outside cushion, brings the returning cue-ball nearest the head cushion, which is…
On Leading
1. The player who wins the choice of balls and lead must either roll his ball down towards the lower cushion, as an object for his…
On Opening the Game
1. The game is opened by player No. 2 playing on the white ball at the foot of the table. 2. Should he fail to hit the white first, or fail…
On Forfeitures
1. If the striker fails to hit any of the other balls with his own, he forfeits one point, which, as well as other forfeitures, must be…
On Foul Strokes
The penalty of a foul stroke is, that the player cannot count any points he may have made by such stroke, and his adversary is entitled to…
On Withdrawing from, Without Finishing a Game
1. The player may protest against his adversary standing in front of him, or in such close proximity as to disarrange his aim. 2. Also…
As Possible in Their Former Position
1. In the case mentioned in the 5th paragraph of the preceding rule. 2. Where any of the balls, when at rest, are moved by accident. 3…
The Three-Ball Carom Game
THIS is considered by many the finest and most scientific game of billiards in vogue. The game is played with three balls only, two white…
Hints to Amateurs
The old adage, "Experience is a great teacher," holds equally true in billiards as in any other of the many occupations of life. There is…
Bringing the Balls Together
The grand strength and science of the game consists in managing the balls so as to leave them in a favourable position for the next play…
The Canadian Game of La Crosse
THE game of La Crosse, now known as the "National game" of the new dominion of Canada, is of Indian origin, and is the oldest and only…
The Crosse
RULE 1.--The "crosse" may be of any size to suit the player, but the network must not be bagged: it must be flat when the ball is not on…
The Goals
RULE 3.--The goals may be placed at any distance from each other, and in any position agreeable to the captains of both sides. The top of…
The Goal Crease
RULE 4.--There shall be a line or crease, to be called the goal-crease, drawn in front of each goal, at a distance of six feet from the…
Umpires
RULE 6.--There shall be two umpires at each goal, one for each side. Unless otherwise agreed upon by the captains, they shall not be…
Referee
RULE 7.--The umpires shall select a referee, to whom all disputed games whereon they are a tie may be left for decision. He shall take the…
Captains
RULE 8.--Field captains, to superintend the play, may be appointed by each side previous to a match, who shall toss up for choice of goal…
Designation of Players
RULE 9.--The players of each side shall be designated as follows:-- 1. Goal-keeper, who defends the goal. 2. Point, who is first man out…
Number of Players
RULE 10.--Twelve players on a side shall constitute a full field, and they must have been regular members of the club they represent, and…
Change of Players
RULE 11.--No change of players shall be made after a match has been commenced, except for reasons of accident or injury during the match…
Ball Taken Up with the Hand
RULE 15.--Whenever the ball is taken up, or out of a hole, with the hand, during the progress of a game, it must be faced for with the…
Accidental Game
RULE 16.--Should the ball be accidentally put through a goal by one of the players defending it, it is game for the side attacking that…
Holding, Striking, and Pushing
RULE 17.--Players shall not hold each other, nor grasp an opponent's crosse; neither shall they deliberately strike or trip each other, nor…
Penalties for Foul Play
RULE 19.--Any player convicted of deliberate foul play, or infringement of these rules, shall be suspended from play by the umpires, at…
Amending Laws
RULE 21.--Any amendment, revision, or alteration, proposed to be made in any part of these laws, shall be made only at the Annual…