The game is usually played by only two players, each taking two wands and one hoop, and standing at a distance from each other; the two wands are held in the hands across each other like open scissors. The object is to throw and catch the hoop upon these wands. When trying to catch the hoop the sticks are held like scissors shut, and are opened apart when the hoop is thrown from you. If you can crown your opponent without her catching the hoop, a kiss is the old-established forfeit. The object of the game, as in “Shuttlecock and Battledoor,” is to keep both hoops flying without once touching the floor. Beginners had better first play with only one hoop.
FAMILY NEWSPAPER.
This is an excellent pastime for a large family, or several families can unite in it. Choose the most ready writer, and the person of the best judgment among your number, for the editor. He must also be a good penman. Your paper can be a weekly or a monthly journal as you please. Every member of the family must contribute one or more articles for the paper, either serious, laughable, instructive or absurd pieces, and give to the editor in season for him to arrange his paper, and publish it at the appointed time. Such as wish to conceal their authorship must notify the editor, and he is bound in honor not to reveal the name of any writer without his permission. Large sheets can be procured, or two or more small ones can be used together. The paper can then be read aloud to the family, or each can read it separately. The family paper will be found to add another link to the home chain. All the papers thus prepared should be carefully preserved, and in after years they will prove a source of pleasure. Most vividly will they bring by-gone days before you.
A friend of mine lately told me of a newspaper of this description, edited by a nephew only eleven years of age. She said that its perfect regularity and neatness were beautiful to see. He printed the whole with a pen, and it was arranged in proper newspaper form. The leading editorials first, followed by a letter from abroad, anecdotes, terrible accidents, telegraph news, marriages, deaths, advertisements, etc., etc. He was one of a family of nine. Every member of the family wrote for it, even a little girl of six wrote an anecdote about her pet lamb.
Games of Memory.