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KIT-CAT |
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they shake hands and go into the middle of the ring, while the others sing the marriage formula. In Berkshire (Antiq. xxvii. 255) the game is played without words, and apparently no handkerchief or other sign is used. Miss Thoyts says the young man raises his hat when he embraces the young woman of his choice. To " throw (or fling) the handkerchief" is a common expression for an expected proposal of marriage which is more of a condescension than a complimentary or flattering one to the girl. " Kiss in the Ring" is probably a relic of the earliest form of marriage by choice or selection. The custom of dropping or sending a glove as the signal of a challenge may have been succeeded by the handkerchief in this game. Halliwell, p. 227, gives the game of " Drop Glove," in which a glove is used. For the use of handkerchiefs as love-tokens see Brand, ii. 92.
See " Drop Handkerchief," " French Jackie."
Kit-Cat
A game played by boys. Three small holes are made in the ground, triangularly about twenty feet apart, to mark the position cf as many boys, each of whom holds a small stick, about two feet long. Three other boys of the adverse side pitch successively a piece of stick, a little bigger than one's thumb, called Cat, to be struck by those holding the sticks. On its being struck, the boys run from hole to hole, dipping the ends of their sticks in as they pass, and counting one, two, three, &c, as they do so, up to thirty-one, which is game. Or the greater number of holes gained in the innings may indicate the winners, as at cricket. If the Cat be struck and caught, the striking party is out, and another of his sidesmen takes his place, if the set be strong enough to admit of it. If there be only six players, it may be previously agreed that three put outs shall end the innings. Another mode of putting out is to throw the Cat home, after being struck, and placing or pitching it into an unoccupied hole, while the in-party are running. A certain number of misses (not striking the Cat) may be agreed on to be equivalent to a put out. The game may be played by two, placed as at |
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