Black Doggie.
[see [Drop Handkerchief], vol. i. 109-112.]
A form of [Drop Handkerchief] differing from those versions previously given.
The players join hands, form a circle and stretch out as far as each one’s arms will allow. One player is outside the ring. When she sees they can stretch no further she cries out “Break,” when they all loose hands and stand as far apart as possible. The player outside then goes round the ring singing, “I have a black doggie, but it winna’ bite you, nor you, nor you,” until she comes to one whom she chooses; she then throws the handkerchief down on the ground behind this one quietly. If this player does not notice the handkerchief, not one in the circle must tell her, or they are “out.” The player who dropped the handkerchief walks round until she comes again to the one behind whom she dropped it. She picks it up and tells her she is “burnt.” Then this player has to stoop down on her knees and is out of the game. Should the selected player notice the handkerchief, she picks it up and pursues the other round and through the ring, following wherever the first one leads until she catches her; they then change places; should she not follow the exact way the first player went, she too is out and must go down on her knees.—Rosehearty (Rev. Dr. Gregor).
Another version from Fraserburgh says that the players may either join hands in a ring or sit upon the ground on their knees. The outside player goes round the circle three times, first saying “Black Doggie winna tack you, nor you.” Then she goes round again and drops the handkerchief behind any one she pleases. She then runs and is pursued until caught, the other child following Black Doggie in and out wherever she goes.[Addendum] [Addendum]
Bonnet Ridgie.
[“[Scots and English],” vol. ii. pp. 183-184.]
Players are chosen alternately by two chiefs. The line is drawn between the two sides, and the caps of each side are placed on the ground at each of the ends. When the two sides are ranged, the players try to catch and pull each other across the line. If one is pulled across he is called a “slink,” and must stand till he is set at liberty by one of his own side crossing the line and touching him. If this one manages to touch him before he is crowned, i.e., has the crown of his head touched by one of his opponents, and if he is able to regain his own side before the same operation takes place, both are free. Each player watches an opportunity to gather up the caps of the opposing side. If one is clever and swift enough to reach the caps and gather them all before he is crowned, his side wins.—Dyke School (Rev. Dr. Gregor.)
Button, The.
[“[Diamond Ring],” vol. i. p. 96; “[Forfeits],” p. 137; “[Wads and the Wears],” vol. ii. pp. 327-8.]