For we all clap the dog,
For we all clap the dog.
For it’s oh! my dearie, we all clap the dog.
While singing this all the players pat the one who was chosen as “dog” on his or her back.—Auchencairn, N.B. (Mary Haddon).
Fire on the Mountains.
[See “[Round Tag],” vol. ii. pp. 144-145.]
The players arrange themselves into a double circle with a space between each pair. The one at the back stands and the inside players kneel. Another player stands in the centre and cries out, “Fire on the mountain; run, boys, run!” Those players who are standing in the outer circle begin to run round, those kneeling remaining in that position. They continue running until the centre player cries “Stop!” They all then (including the centre player) make a rush to get a stand behind one of the kneeling players, the one who is left out going into the centre.—Auchterarder, N.B. (Miss E. S. Haldane).
This game may possibly suggest an origin for “[Round tag],” although the incident of “catching” or “touching” a runner does not appear, and the inner circle of players apparently are always stationary.
Fool, Fool, come to School.
Played in the usual way with the following difference in the formula. The leader says, “Fool, foolie, come to your schoolie.” When the fool comes, the leader says, “What have you been doing to-day?” Fool says, “Cursin’ and swearin’.” Fool is then chased off, recalled, and again questioned. Fool answers, “Suppin’ my porridge and readin’ my Bible.” She is then welcome, and asked in the usual way to point out one from the school.—Aberdeen (Rev. Dr. Gregor).