nd; and that
the general rules are simpler. For large numbers two balls may
be used, as described at the end.

GROUND.--The ground should be, if possible, one hundred feet long and
sixty feet wide, with clearly defined boundaries. Across the center of
the ground a rope or cord is stretched, head high, which divides the
ground into two equal courts. If desired, each court may be divided
into small squares, one for each player, to prevent mass play.

PLAYERS.--The players are divided into two equal teams, each of which
scatters promiscuously over the court unless assigned to squares as
described above. The players in each team should be numbered
consecutively to facilitate rotation in serving. One officer will be
needed to act as umpire and scorer.

OBJECT OF GAME.--The object of the game is to send the ball back and
forth across the stretched cord, striking it only with the fist. The
game is defensive; that is, the scoring is done by one party when the
opponents fail to return the ball or to keep it properly in play.

START.--The ball is put in play by a regular serve at the opening of
the game, after each point scored, and after going out of play. The
players take turns in serving for their team, being numbered before
the game opens. The sides alternate in serving after a score.

The player who serves the ball should stand at a central point ten
feet from the dividing line, and may serve the ball in two ways. He
may bound it and bat it with the fist over into the opponents' court,
or he may hold it above his head, let go of it, and as it falls serve
it with his fist. The ball must go over the line to be in play. Should
a server fail in this, the ball must be handed to the opposite side,
which then has a trial. After a ball has otherwise gone out of play,
it is served anew by the side responsible for the failure.

RULES AND POINTS OF PLAY.--The ball must cross into the opponents'
court above the cord to score or be properly in play.

A ball to score its highest (two points) must be returned after a
serve without bounding, although any number of players may hit it or
keep it in the air before sending it back over the line. A ball may
bound once before being returned and score less (one point). It is out
of play if it bounds twice without being hit between the bounds.

Several methods of play are permissible, but the rule is invariable
that the ball must always be hit with the closed fist, and always from