: From ''Children's Games'', alternate title ''Christmas Gambols'', 1824.--The whole contents of this booklet was the below rhymes, however each was illustrated by an apparently hand coloured drawing of the game in question, in some cases I have included a description of the illustration in square brackets
<u>BREAKING UP.</u>
At the conclusion of each Year, When Christmas comes with plenteous chee_ At breaking up the Youth's so gay; Enjoy their annual holiday.
<u>ARCHERS.</u>
The youthful Archer, bends his bow, Swift thro' the air the arrows go, To hit the target, now they try; With steady hand and eager eye.
<u>SWINGING.</u>
Young Kitty riding in the Arbour green On a strong rope as may be seen; Whilst Robert with another string, Directs the motion of the swing.
::: [the illustration shows Kitty sitting on a rope that has been slung in a U shape under a trellis/arbour--the U-shaped rope has another rope/string tied to it (near the base?) which Robert is holding the other end of so that he can tug Kitty back to keep her swinging.]
<u>BLIND MAN’S? BUFF.</u>
The little folks as blythe as May, At Blindman's buff do often play; So nible each doth act their part, To escape the Blindman is their art.
<u>WHIPPING TOP.</u>
Each youth doth try to strike the top, In humming motion see it hop, And back and forwards now it skips, Lash'd by the thongs of several whips.
::: [illustration shows three boys playing on a dirt surface, standing round a top. Each holds a handled whip with two thongs, and lashes at the top. The top appears to be cylindrical, with two thick bands or grooves going round it, presumably the bottom is pointed, but you cannot see this in the image.]
<u>SEE SAW.</u>
Poor Nancy falls upon the ground And Harry’s head is turning round; As mounting high up in the air Which happen’d by the want of care.
::: [illustration shows a board for the see saw over a milestone to London for the pivot.]
<u>SAILING.</u>
To sail his boat young Arthur tries, Like Vessels of a larger size, Is pleased to see it swiftly glide, Along the river with the tide.
<u>PLAYING SOLDIERS.</u>
Whilst playing thus you little know The hardships soldiers undergo, Far from their friends they are doom’d to par_ Which causes many an aching heart.