who longest avoids
the old man.

Children are very fond of this game in many grades, and it may
be made very lively, the old man dodging rapidly up and down
his aisle, and the other players bobbing quickly up and down
from their seats.

OLD WOMAN FROM THE WOOD

(For boys, see _Trades_.)

_10 to 60 or more players._

_Parlor; playground; schoolroom._

The players are divided into two even parties, which face each other
from a short distance. One party advances toward the other, remarking,
"Here comes an old woman from the wood." The second party answers,
"What canst thee do?" whereupon the old woman replies, "Do anything!"
The second party then says, "Work away!" whereupon all the players in
the first party proceed to imitate some occupation in which an old
woman might engage, and which they have previously agreed on among
themselves, such as sewing, sweeping, knitting, digging a garden,
chopping wood, kneading bread, stirring cake, washing, ironing, etc.
The opposite party tries to guess from this pantomime the occupation
indicated. Should they guess correctly, they have a turn to perform in
the same way. Should they be unable to guess correctly, the first
party retires, decides on another action, and returns. This form of
the game is generally played by girls. Boys play the same game with
different dialogue under the name of "Trades."

When played in a playground or gymnasium, where there is free space
for running, a successful guess should be followed by a chase of the
actors by the guessing party, any players caught before a designated
goal line is reached having to join the party of their captors. The
party wins which secures all of the players.

[Illustration: OYSTER SHELL]

OYSTER SHELL

_10 to 100 players._

_Playground; gymnasium._

Two parallel lines are drawn across the center of the playground, with
a space of ten feet between them, which is neutral territory. At a
considerable distance beyond each line, and parallel to it, a second
line is drawn, the space beyond being a refuge for any players of the
party belonging to that side. This second line should preferably be at
a considerable distance from the starting line, so as to give plenty
of opportunity for a good chase during the game.

The players are divided into two equal parties, which take place one
on either side of the neutral territory. Each party chooses a color,
light or dark, corresponding to t