Ball Trick.
A girl must take a ball of rose-colored worsted and toss it out in the garden as far as she can. She must be careful, however, not to lose hold of the end of the worsted. Then she should walk up and down the parlor or piazza, winding the worsted up; as she walks she sings,
Who holds my thread? Who holds my clue?
For he loves me and I him too.
All of a sudden, if the game is properly played, the worsted will refuse to come. If the worsted breaks in her exertion to wind it, she will never marry; but she should keep firm hold and wind slowly, and in time will thus surely reach the person who has caught the other end. This individual is to be her future husband. Generally the “husband” part is a trick, for some one will hold the worsted that she would never marry; for example, a boy many years her junior, or her old grandfather, or brother. This game being played for the same reason as many another, “only for fun.”
The Fortune Apple.
On several pieces of wood, thin as paper, write, in ink or paint, girls’ names. Slip each name into an apple. This set will do for the boys; make similar ones for the girls. Fill three portable tubs with water, and set an even number of apples floating in each tub. Fasten the arms of three boys securely back, and cover them entirely with water-proof cloaks. Lead each boy to a tub and ask him to repeat distinctly,
Witches and wizards and birds of the air,
Goblins and brownies, all lend me your care,
Now to choose wisely for once and for all,