All are blindfolded and go out singly or hand-in-hand to garden. Groping about they pull up first stalk of kale or head of cabbage. If stalk comes up easily the sweetheart will be easy to win; if the reverse, hard to win. The shape of the stump will hint at figure of prospective wife or husband. Its length will suggest age. If much soil clings to it, life-partner will be rich; if not, poor. Finally, the stump is carried home and hung over door, first person outside of family who passes under it will bear a name whose initial is same as that of sweetheart.
PERPLEXING HUNT
In this game the seeker for a prize is guided from place to place by doggerels as the following, and is started on his hunt with this rhyme:
"Perhaps you'll find it in the air;
If not, look underneath your chair."
Beneath his chair he finds the following:
"No, you will not find it here;
Search the clock and have no fear."
Under the clock he finds:
"You will have to try once more;
Look behind the parlor door."
Tied to the door-knob he discovers:
"If it's not out in the stable.
Seek beneath the kitchen table."