h will admit of advancing toward each
other and retreating. The first line sings the first verse, advancing
toward its opponents and retreating. The second line then advances and
retreats and sings the second verse. The first line again advances and
retreats, singing the third verse, naming some player who stands in
the opposing line. The second line, unwilling to yield a player so
easily, then advances and retires, singing the fourth verse, in which
it suggests that some one be sent to take the one who has been
selected for "nuts," and the first line then advances and retires,
singing the last verse, in which it names some player from its own
side whom it considers a good match for the player whom it has called
from the opposite side.

The lines then stand still while these two players advance to the
center, draw a mark on the ground, or throw a handkerchief down to
serve the purpose, take hold of right hands across the line, and have
a tug of war. The player who is pulled across the line becomes the
captured "nut" and joins the side of her captors. The game is then
repeated, with the change that the lines of players sing the verses
that were sung by their opponents the previous time, the second line
of players starting with the first verse. This should be continued
until all of the players have taken part in the tug of war. The line
wins which gets the most "nuts."

For large numbers of players, instead of a tug of war between two
players only, the two lines may advance, each player joining hands
with the one opposite, and all taking part in the tug of war. Still
another method is to have the two players who are named, join hands,
with the players of their respective sides all lined up behind them
for a tug of war, as in London Bridge.

OATS, PEAS, BEANS

_6 to 60 players._

_Indoors; out of doors._

[Illustration music:

Oats, peas, beans and bar-ley grows, Oats, peas, beans and
bar-ley grows. Nor you nor I nor no-bod-y knows How
oats, peas, beans and bar-ley grows. Thus the far-mer
sows his seed, Thus he stands and takes his ease,
Stamps his foot and clasps his hands, And turns a-round to
view his lands. A-waiting for a partner,
A-waiting for a partner, So open the ring and
choose one in, Make haste and choose your partner.
]

Oats, peas, beans, and barley grows,
Oats, peas, beans, and barley grows.
Nor you nor I nor nobody knows
How oats, peas, be