Change horses every now and then, so that all may have a turn at being horses.  A change of driver and guard, too, is also much appreciated.

When the children have had about enough of this game, start a cheer as the coach dashes through the villages for the last time.  Two coaches greatly add to the fun and enjoyment, as they have to pass and repass each other.

* * * * *

MALAGA RAISINS

The players sit in a circle, and one who is acquainted with the trick takes a small stick in his right hand, makes some funny movements with it, and then, having taken it in his left hand, passes it to his neighbor, saying:  “Malaga raisins are very good raisins, but I like Valencias better.”  He then tells his neighbor to do the same.  Should any of the players pass on the stick with the right hand, they must pay a forfeit, but of course they must not be told what mistake they have made until the stick has been passed right round the circle.

* * * * *

SALLY WATER

This game can be played by any number of children.  A ring is formed in which all join with the exception of one little girl, who kneels in the center of the ring.  The children then dance round her, singing the following verses: 

  “Sally, Sally Water, sprinkle in the pan,
  Rise, Sally, rise, Sally, for a young man;
  Choose for the best and choose for the worst,
  And choose the very one you love best.

  “Now you’re married I wish you joy,
  First a girl and then a boy;
  Seven years after, son and daughter,
  Pray, young couple, come kiss together.”

[Illustration]

When they come to the words, “Rise, Sally!” the child in the center rises and chooses another from the ring.  The next two lines are then sung, and the two children in the ring dance round and kiss.  Sally then joins the ring, the second child remaining in the circle, and the game is continued as before until all the players have acted the part of Sally.

* * * * *

PIGEON-HOUSE GAME

Make a ring of children.  In the center place five or six of the smaller children of the party.  This forms the pigeon-house and pigeons.

Now choose one child (boy or girl) to open or shut this old-fashioned dovecote.

He runs round the ring outside and gently pushes the children in toward the center, and close to the pigeons, who are sitting on the ground softly cooing (or not, just as they please).

This done he moves back.  Let him be called the farmer or the farmer’s boy, if a name is wanted.

A pretty and lively tune is now started on the piano.  Directly it begins, the boy runs forward and pulls open the ring of children, which widens out with raised arms, to form pigeon-holes.