In Dorsetshire one of the party, called the Fox, takes one end of the room or corner of a field (for the game was equally played indoors or out); all the rest of the children arrange themselves in a line or string, according to size, one behind the other, the smallest last, behind the tallest one, called Mother Goose, with their arms securely round the waist of the one in front of them, or sometimes by grasping the dress.
The game commences by a parley between the Fox and Goose to this effect, the Goose beginning.
“What are you after this fine morning?”
“Taking a walk.”
“With what object?”
“To get an appetite for a meal.”
“What does [will] your meal consist of?”
“A nice fat goose for my breakfast.”
“Where will you get it?”
“Oh, I shall get a nice morsel somewhere; and as they are so handy, I shall satisfy myself with one of yours.”