Volume I Part 20 (1/2)

b.u.t.tons

Two or more boys take two b.u.t.tons in their right hands, and try to throw them both into a small hole in the ground about two yards off. The boy who succeeds in getting both b.u.t.tons in begins first next game, and takes a b.u.t.ton as prize. [This seems merely a mild form of marbles.]-Lincolns.h.i.+re (Rev. -- Roberts).

There were several games played with b.u.t.tons-some on level ground, in a ring or square; but the most approved was with a hole dug in the earth near a wall, or near the trunk of a large tree. The hole should be about the cavity of a small tea-cup, the players toeing a scratched line about four or five feet from the hole, after tossing for first innings. Each of the players (mostly two) contribute an equal number of b.u.t.tons, say from two to ten, and of equal value or quality. The one having first turn takes the whole of them in his hand, and by an under-throw, or rather a pitch, endeavours to get the whole, or as many as possible, into the hole. If all go clean into the hole, he wins the game, and takes the whole of the b.u.t.tons started with; but if one or more of the b.u.t.tons are left outside the hole, the non-player has then the choice of selecting one which he considers difficult to be hit, and requesting the player to hit it with his _nicker_. This is made of solid lead, about the size of a florin, but twice its substance, and each player is provided with one of his own. Much judgment is required in making this selection, the object being to make it most difficult not only to hit it, but to prevent it being hit without being knocked into the hole, or sending the nicker in, or sending another b.u.t.ton in, or even not striking one at all. In any one of these cases the player loses the game, and the non-player takes the whole of the stakes. In playing the next game, the previous non-player becomes the player.-London (C. A. T.

M.).

The following was the value of the b.u.t.tons:-

(1.) The plain metal 3 or 4-holed flat b.u.t.ton, called a Sinkie, say, value 1 point.

(2.) The same kind of b.u.t.ton, with letters or inscription on the rim, valued at 2 points.

(3.) The small metal shank b.u.t.ton, called a Shankie, without any inscription, valued at 3 points; if with inscription, at 4 points; the large sizes and corresponding description were valued relatively 4 and 5 points.

(4.) The small Shankies, with a crest (livery waistcoat b.u.t.tons), 6 points, and the large corresponding, 7 points.

(5.) The small Shankies, with coat of arms, value 8 points, and the large corresponding, 9 points.

(6.) Ornamental and various other b.u.t.tons, such as regimental, official, mounted and engraved in flowers, and other designs according to arrangement, up to 20 points.

See ”Banger,” ”Cots and Twisses.”

Buzz and Bandy

A local name for ”Hockey,” which was formerly a very popular game among the young men of Shrewsbury and Much Wenlock. Called simply ”Bandy” at Ludlow and Newport.-_Shrops.h.i.+re Folk-lore_, p. 525.

Cache-pole

The game of ”Tennis.”-Jamieson.

Caiche

The game of ”Handball.”

Thocht I preich nocht I can play at the caiche.

I wait thair is nocht ane among you all Mair ferilie can play at the fute ball.

-Lyndsay's _S. P. Repr_., ii. 243.

This language Lyndsay puts into the mouth of a Popish parson. The game seems to be that of ball played with the hand, as distinguished from ”Football.”-Jamieson.

See ”Ball.”

Call-the-Guse