The Toledo chronicle. [volume] (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1873-1924, 1877-10-11
THE GAME OF HARE AND HOUNDS.

The game is played chiefly bv school
boys from ten to sixteen years old, though
often boys who do not belong to the school
are members of the "hunt," and very
often, too, the little fellows are the best
runners in the party.
The boys divide themselves into two
parties, each having its champion run
ner," and lots are drawn as to which of
these runners shall be the "harc" in the
first hunt of the season, afterward they go
by turn.
The rtst of the boys are the "hounds,
and the other champion is the huntsman
who marshals them to the meet" (Which
is usually the school play -grounds). gives
the signal for the start, calls them off by a
shril whistle when they get on the wrong
scent, and, in fact, is master of the
hounds" par ercellence
The "hare' is provided with small,
open sachel or pouch. slung across his
shoulder, and filled with bits Of white
paper about an inch square-heavy paper
that the wind will not carry away. 1t is
the privilege of the small boys who are too
little to take part in the hunt to prepare
these bits of paper, and for day or two
before a "run" they havesgreat fun in pre-
| pairing scent" as they call it.
The hare is also allowed five minutes
"head start" and is allowed to choose
his own course, but is obliged to scatter
| the bits of white paper at short intervals
all along the way lie goes, as they are his
tracks for the hounds to follow. The five
minutes given him he usually spends in
seeking for some obscure place at which
he leaves little package of yellow or blue
paper to denote the starting point
This may be some blocks away, or up
side street, or Just around the corner; he
has his choice, and free opportunity to
seek it, as the "hounds" go within doors till
the five minutes are up. Then the hunts
man cries .'whoop! hallool" and away
they all bound hither and thither, seeking
till they find the package ,f colored paper
| (Which they are obliged to do before they
can start); the finder must cry "hark!
forwardr' then off they go, on the scent.
Sometimes so long time is taken up in
finding the starting point that the hare
makes famous headway, and can 'double"
| on his followers-that is, retrace his way
for a block or two on the other side of the
street Qeaving the bits OF paper all along,
of course), go round block, or, if they
are in the country, he probably makes TOR
the woods. goes in some distance, then
turns back, perhaps, till he finds some
| leafy tree, up which he climbs and hides
himself till the hounds" have gone by;
anything to put them off the track.
When the hare has gone far enough,
and wishes to return, especial care must
| be taken, as, if hei is seen, the hounds can
rush after him, cross lots" and woe be-
tide him if he is caught! He is no long
er champion, but has to give up his
badge to the fortunate catcher and
cannot even be one of the hounds TIL he
has paid certain forfeit demanded by.
rule-usually something good to eat.
If the hare gets successfully home to
the play ground, the opposite party has
to 'stand treat;' so you may imagine
how hard each side strives to win. 1t is
capital game when really played ac-
cording to rules, and English boys think
the rules half the sport. II has been
played for several gencratiOns--an old
game-not only in England, but wherever
English boys have gone, or English games
are known.
should not wonder if some of the boy
readers of So. Nicholas already know
about this game, since so many OF their
| English cousins come to this country. II
SO, this account must be for those who have
not heard of it.
In Scotland l think boys enjoy the game
fully as much as in England, keep closer
| to the rules, and welcome each hunting
| day as eagerly as the first one OF the sea-
son. Wednesday and Saturday afternoons
are usually chosen for hunts; though
sometimes an indulgent teacher will give
the whole school an extra half-holiday for
q "hunt."
Does it seem strange to think Of having
only half of Saturday for play? 1t is
almost universal custom, at least In
Scotch country places, to have school on
| Wednesday and Saturday mornings till
noon, giving the rest Of those days Tor a
holiday, and boys there seem to like 1t so
] l suppose that is because they have never
known any other way.
But they get great deal of enjoyment
out OF their q haliies' (as they ycall those
holidays), and after school-hours as well,
though school does not usually close till
| four O'Clock. That is late, isn't it? But
Scotch summer-days hardly seem to have
any end. All through June, July and Au-
| gust ION the west. coast, principally, it Is
as light at ten O'Clock in the evening as It
is In our country at seven, SO games 60 on
all through the 'glOamin'. till tired feet
turn giSQly nOmeWdlus WutIc WcdIicu
heads seek downy pillows, and bright eyes
| close in the sound, healthful, sleep that
comes so quickly to happy childhood after
q long, joyous day spent in the pure. fresh
summer sir.
/ once saw splendid game played in
the Scotch Town Of Ayr. which 20 interest
cd me that ! actually followed the
hounds'' myself. though at . very modest
pace, and not over the hedges.
The hare was getting rather the worst Of
| It, and, having nowhere else 70 hide,
rushcd into near BY railway station where
| q train Ms waiting, gave tho guard 9
i knowing wink, and sprang into one Of the
4 carriages, and the train moved slowly of
lust al the painting = hounds" came in
i Islght He threw handful OF papers
| from The window, but kept himself we'll
out Of view IS
a little cousin OF mine, VII was hunts.
man that day, saw the papen huftding u
] The bveeze. and being = : quick = wink