2.

My first is in hen, but not in rat.
My second is in boat, but not in flat.
My third is in ship, not in scow.
My fourth is in scare, but not in fear.
My fifth is in courtesy, but not in bow.
My sixth is in owl, but not in hen.
My seventh is in tomtit, but not in wren.
My eighth is in cat, but not in kitten.
My ninth is in hand, but not in mitten.
My whole is a game played by us boys,
In which we often make a great noise.

Edward Dana S.