* * * * *

“I apprenticed my son.”

The best way of describing this game is to give an illustration of how it is played.  The first player thinks of “Artichoke,” and commences:  “I apprenticed my son to a greengrocer, and the first thing he sold was an A.”

Second player:  “Apple?” “No.”

Third player:  “Almonds?” “No.”

Fourth player:  “Asparagus?” “No.”

Fifth player:  “Artichoke?” “Yes.”

The last player, having guessed correctly, may now apprentice his son. 
No player is allowed more than one guess.

* * * * *

CAT AND MOUSE

The children sit in two rows opposite each other with a space between.  One child takes the place of “cat,” being blindfolded, and one takes the place of “mouse,” and is also blindfolded, the cat standing at one end of the row and the mouse at the opposite end.  They start in opposite directions, guiding themselves by the chairs, the cat trying to catch the mouse.  When the mouse is caught it is made the cat, and one of the company takes the place of the mouse.

* * * * *

THE SEA KING

This game can be played by any number of children.  They proceed by first choosing one of the party to act as the Sea King, whose duty it is to stand in the center of a ring, formed by the players seating themselves round him.  The circle should be as large as possible.  Each of the players having chosen the name of a fish, the King runs round the ring, calling them by the names which they have selected.

Each one, on hearing his name called, rises at once, and follows the King, who, when all his subjects have left their seats, calls out, “The sea is troubled,” and seats himself suddenly.  His example is immediately followed by his subjects.  The one who fails to obtain a seat has then to take the place of King, and the game is continued.

* * * * *

Buff says “Baff”

This is a game in which no one is allowed to smile or laugh.  All the players, except one, sit in a row or half circle; one goes out of the room and returns with a stick or poker in his hand, and a very grave and solemn face.  He is supposed to have just returned from a visit to Buff.  The first player asks him:  “Where do you come from?” “From Buff.”  The next asks:  “Did he say anything to you?” To which the reply is: 

  “Buff said ‘Baff,’
  And gave me this staff,
  Telling me neither to smile nor to laugh. 
  Buff says ‘Baff,’ to all his men,
  And I say ‘Baff’ to you again. 
  And he neither laughs nor smiles,
  In spite of all your cunning wiles,
  But carries his face with a very good grace,
  And passes his staff to the very next place.”