The Traditional Children's Games of England Scotland
& Ireland In Dictionary Form - Volume 2

With Tunes(sheet music), Singing-rhymes(lyrics), Methods Of Playing with diagrams and illustrations.

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SHIP—SHIP SAIL
191
being borrowed from the ball, which is made of a knotty piece of wood.—Grose's Glossary.
It has been said that Shinty and Hockey differ in this respect, that in the latter two goals are erected, each being formed by a piece of stick with both ends stuck in the ground. The players divide into two parties; to each of these the care of one of the goals belongs. The game consists in endeavour­ing to drive the ball through the goal of the opposite party.— Book of Sports (1810), pp. 11-13. But in Shinty there are also two goals, called hails; the object of each party being to drive the ball beyond their own hail, but there is no hole through which it must be driven. The ball, or knot of wood, is called Shintie.
See " Bandy," "Camp," "Chinnup," "Crab-sowl," " Dod-dart," " Hockey," " Scrush."
Ship
A boy's game. It is played in two ways—(1) Of a single character. One boy bends down against a wall (sometimes another stands pillow for his head), then an opponent jumps on his back, ciying " Ships" simply, or " Ships a-sailing, coming on." If he slips off, he has to bend as the other; but if not, he can remain as long as he pleases, provided he does not laugh or speak. If he forgets to cry " Ships," he has to bend down. (2) Sometimes sides are chosen; then the whole side go down heads and tails, and all the boys on the other side have to jump on their backs. The game in each case is much the same. The " naming" was formerly " Shi£s and sailors coming on."—Easther's Almondbury Glossary. Mr. H. Hardy sends an account from Earls Heaton, which is prac­tically the same as these.
Ship Sail
A game usually played with marbles. One boy puts his hand into his trousers pocket and takes out as many marbles as he feels inclined; he closes his fingers over them, and holds out his hand with the palm down to the opposite player, saying, " Ship sail, sail fast. How many men on board ? " A guess is made by his opponent; if less he has to give as many marbles