recess period to its employees at its own expense, the
loss of working time being compensated in the quality of the output
following, which shows, for instance, in the fewer mistakes that have
to be rectified. The welfare work of our large stores and factories
should provide opportunity, facilities, and leadership for recreative
periods of this character.

[Sidenote: Brain workers]

For the brain worker such benefit from periods of relaxation is even
more apparent. Our strenuous and complicated civilization makes more
and more necessary the fostering of means for complete change of
thought. When this can be coupled with invigorating physical exercise,
as in active games, it is doubly beneficial; but whether games be
active or quiet, the type of recreation found in them for both child
and adult is of especial value. It affords an emotional stimulus and
outlet, an opportunity for social cooeperation, an involuntary
absorption of attention, and generally an occasion for hearty
laughter, that few other forms of recreation supply.

The list in this volume of games for house parties and country clubs
is given with the hope of making games more available for adults,
though with the knowledge that guests on such occasions take in a wide
range of ages, and many games for young people are included. These are
equally appropriate for the home circle. In addition, the so-called
gymnasium games offer some of the finest recreative exercise.

[Sidenote: Play of adults with children]

The author would like to make a special plea for the playing together
of adults and children. The pleasure to the child on such occasions is
small compared to the pleasure and benefit that may be derived by the
grown-up. To hold, in this way, to that youth of spirit which
appreciates and enters into the clear-eyed sport and frolic of the
child, is to have a means of renewal for the physical, mental, and
moral nature. In a large city in the Middle West there is a club
formed for the express purpose of giving the parents who are members
an opportunity to enjoy their children in this way. The club meets one
evening a week. It is composed of a few professional and business men
and their wives and children. It meets at the various homes, the
hostess being responsible for the programme, which consists of musical
or other numbers (rendered partly by the children and partly by the
adults), of occasional dancing, and of games, some of which must
always call f