[Vol. i. pp. [133], [327, 328].]
The chief rules of this game, obtaining in N.E. Scotland in Dr. Gregor’s boyhood, were:—The boy that stooped his back was called “the bull,” pronounced “bill.” The bull was not to “horn,” i.e., throw up his back when the player placed his hands on it to leap over, or to bend his back down, and that the player was to lay his hands on the bull’s back quite flat, and not to “knockle,” i.e., drive the knuckles into it. The best way to play was:—A line was drawn beside the bull, over which the heel of the player must not pass. All the players, the one after the other in succession, leaped over the bull. The one last over called out, “Fit it,” i.e., foot it, which meant that the bull had to measure from the line a breadth and a length of his foot. This done he stooped, and all the players went over as before, and another breadth and length of foot were added. This went on as long as the players thought they were able to leap over the bull. When they thought they could not do so, the last player called out, “Hip it,” i.e., take a hop. This done, the bull put himself into position, and each player now took a hop from the line to the bull, and then went over him. Here the same process of footing was gone through as before, as long as the players were able to go clear over the bull. Then came a step with as much footing as was considered safe, and then came a jump with so much footing. It was now with the players “hip, step, an’ jump,” and over the bull. Then more “fitin’,” and perhaps another “hip,” and so on—two hips, two steps, two jumps, and a flying leap over the bull. It was not often the game reached this point. Some one of the players had failed to pass right over the bull and caused him to fall, or had overstepped the line. When any player did either the one or the other, he had to become bull.—Keith (Rev. Dr. Gregor).
This is a fuller and more complete description than that of “[Foot and Over]” (vol. i. p. 133).
Another mode of playing leap-frog is: the players stand with their backs to the leapers, and only bend the head and the leaper’s hands are placed between the shoulders. Instead of running a few yards in front, each player advances only a few feet, leaving just as much room as to allow the player scope to fall and spring again. This mode requires considerable agility and practice. The higher the leap, so much the greater the fun.—Keith (Rev. Dr. Gregor.)
London Bridge.
In the following versions of the game only the first lines of each verse are given, as said by each side. Descriptions of method of playing were not in all cases sent me. They are probably the same as those given under this game in vol. i., which is for two players to form an arch by holding up their joined hands, and the other players running under it.
London Bridge is falling down, &c., my fair lady.
What will it take to build it up? &c.
Needles and pins will build it up, &c.
Needles and pins will not hold, &c.
Bricks and mortar will build it up, &c.
Bricks and mortar will wash away, &c.
Silver and gold will build it up, &c.
Silver and gold will be stolen away, &c.
We will set a watchman to watch all night, &c.
What if the watchman falls asleep, &c.
We will set a dog to bark, &c.
See the robbers passing by, &c.
What have the robbers done to you? &c.
They have broke my locks and stole my gold, &c.
Off to prison they must go, &c.
What will you take to set them free? &c.
—Perth (Rev. Dr. Gregor).