A game in which a plan of a labyrinth is drawn on a slate and presented as a puzzle by boys to their schoolfellows for them to find a way into the central citadel. It appears to owe its origin to the mediæval mazes or labyrinths called "Troy Towns," or "Troy Walls," many of which existed in different parts of England and Wales. It appears that games connected with the midsummer festivals were held in these labyrinths. This may, perhaps, account for the origin of this puzzle being considered a game. For accounts of labyrinths or mazes called "Troy Towns," see _Notes and Queries_, 1st series, xi. 132, 193; 2nd series, v. 211-213; 8th series, iv. 96, 97; in which many references are given; _Tran. Cymmrodorion Soc._, 1822, i. 67-69; Roberts' _Cambrian Antiquities_ (in which is a plan), 212, 213; and _Folk-lore Journal_, v. 45.
A game requiring dexterity. A young man lies flat, resting only on his toes at a certain mark at one extremity and on a trencher in each hand at the other. He then tries to reach out the trenchers as far as possible, and if not held at the right angle and edgewise, down they go and he is defeated.--Dickinson's _Cumberland Glossary_.
A game at ball played with short sticks, and having a hole in the ground in lieu of stumps or wickets as in "Cricket"; and with these exceptions, and the ball being "cop'd," instead of bowled or trickled on the ground, it is played in the same way; the person striking the ball must be caught out, or the ball must be deposited in the hole before the stick or cudgel can be placed there.--Halliwell's _Dictionary_.
A boy's game like "Leap-Frog."--Halliwell's _Dictionary_.
A childish amusement in Teviotdale, in which a number of boys take hold of each other's hands and wrap themselves round the one who is at the head; clasping themselves as firmly together as possible, and every one pushing till the mass falls over.--Jamieson.
See "Bulliheisle," "Eller Tree," "Snail-Creep," "Wind the Bush Faggot."
Green cheeses, yellow laces, Up and down the market places; First a penny and then a groat, Turn, cheeses, turn.
Green cheeses, yellow laces, Up and down the market places, Turn, cheeses, turn!
This is acted by two or more girls who walk or dance up and down, turning, when they say "Turn, cheeses, turn."--Halliwell.