ound
near to that of the first player. Should the button snapped drop
within one hand reach or span (_i.e._ the distance between stretched
thumb and fingers) of the button first laid down, it scores two points
for the player throwing it. If it comes within two such spans of the
first button, it scores one point. Should it hit this button and
bounce away within but one span, it counts four points. Should it so
bounce within two spans, it scores three points; and should it go
farther than this, it scores but one point. The number of points in
the game, twenty-five or fifty, is agreed on at the outset. The
players take regular turns, and the first to score the required number
wins the game.

SPIN THE PLATTER

(See also _My Lady's Toilet_)

_10 to 30 or more players._

_Parlor; schoolroom._

All the players are numbered and seated in a circle, except one, who
stands in the center and twirls a platter, tray, or some other round
object. As he starts it spinning, he calls any number that he chooses,
and the player bearing that number must at once spring forward and try
to catch the platter before it ceases to spin and falls to the floor.
If successful, he returns to his place in the circle. If not
successful, he takes the place of the spinner and pays a forfeit. The
forfeits are all redeemed at the end of the game.

This game may also be played by calling the players by name instead of
numbering them.

SPOONING

_10 to 30 players._

_Children's party; adult house party._

All but one of the players stand in a circle. The odd player is
blindfolded and placed in the center. He is given two silver
tablespoons. The players in the circle clasp hands and move around
until the blindfolded player clicks the spoons together, at which
signal the circle must stand still.

The blindfold player then goes up to any one in the circle, and by
feeling over the face and head with the bowls of the spoons must
identify the player. He may not feel on the shoulders or around the
neck, only on the face and head. A player may stoop to disguise his
height for this, but otherwise may not evade the touch of the spoons.
If the blindfold player correctly identifies the one before him, they
exchange places. If incorrect in his guess, the play is repeated.

This may be a very amusing game for either children or adults.
The author has seen it played with great success under both
conditions.

SQUIRREL AND NUT