WHISTLING MATCH.

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A MATCH of this kind is recorded in a paper of Addison's. "The prize," we are told, was one guinea, to be conferred upon the ablest whistler; that is, he that could whistle clearest, and go through his tune without laughing, to which at the same time he was provoked by the antic postures of a merry-andrew, who was to stand upon the stage, and play his tricks in the eye of the performer. There were three competitors the first two failed; but the third, in defiance of the zany and all his arts, whistled through two tunes with so settled a countenance that he bore away the prize, to the great admiration of the spectators." Addison tells us he was present at this performance, which took place at Bath about the year 1708.

The evening at fairs is commonly concluded with singing for laces and ribands, which indiscrimately admits of the exertions of both

sexes.

PART IV.

FORFEITS.

OF FORFEITS GENERALLY.

As the forfeits are paid, they are placed in store in the lap of a lady called the forfeit keeper; and at the conclusion of the game, the drawing

commences.

To prevent fraud, the forfeits are covered with a shawl or napkin, placed over the lady's lap, and the person who draws the forfeits, introduces the hand beneath the covering, without raising it more than is necessary to introduce the hand.

A player who has not forfeited is summoned to inflict the penances; or if there be none, a child is selected; or the forfeit keeper prescribes the necessary punishment for the forfeit which her neighbour draws.

The forfeit keeper then says to the person who is to impose the penalty, "What punishment do you award to this forfeit ?" The other generally answers, "If it belongs to a lady, I award such a punishment; if to a gentleman, so and so; or, whether lady or gentleman, they must do so and so."

In spite of the precautions taken to conceal the name of the owner of the forfeit from the person who imposes the punishment, it often happens that, in collusion with the drawer of the forfeit, who can easily recollect the person who gave a particular forfeit, the imposer of the punishment discovers it, and affixes a punishment accordingly. To avoid this inconvenience, and to provide forfeits for games that require a great number, it is better to use white cards, write the name on them, and roll them up before they are given to the person who holds the forfeits.

As soon as the penance is declared, the person who has hold of the forfeit, draws it and exhibits it to the company. The person to whom it belongs is then obliged to execute the inflicted penance, and he does not receive back his forfeit till he has done so. He has then the privilege of ordering a penance in return, whilst the forfeit keeper or the child draws the forfeits.

Each player may prescribe the punishment, and draw a forfeit in turn.

It sometimes happens that one forfeit is pledged for two or three penances, in which case it is not returned till they are all performed. I do not advise the adoption of this method, as it is likely to create confusion: if there are not sufficient materials for forfeits, it is better to write the names on bits of paper and double them up. In good society, it is unnecessary to have valuable. forfeits, to ensure the performance of the penances in order to regain them.

Although this method of imposing punishments is generally adopted, it would perhaps be better to draw the forfeits openly, and even to find out to whom they belong first. The players would have the double advantage of the benefit of the talents of some present, without imposing punishment beyond the power of others. For instance, a lively air, a drawing, verses, anecdotes, &c., might be required. As few possess impromptu talent, twenty-four hours might be given for the performance of the penance; and the delay would render the next evening's meeting still more agreeable.

INDEFINITE OR VARIABLE PENANCES.

TO BE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE

COMPANY.

THIS is to be obliged to do whatever the company or a portion of those named beforehand may require. A lady is placed at the discretion. of the gentlemen; and a gentleman at the discretion of the ladies. Not to weary the penitent, the should inflict short, easy penances; company such as a couplet, a song, &c.

TO BE SPEECHLESS.

This is to execute some task which each person in company successively imposes without uttering

a word.

TO DO WHAT THE COMPANY DOES NOT CHOOSE.

The gentleman, or lady, on whom this penance is imposed, asks each player," What would you not like to do?" And, according to the answer, he must do it himself. Thus, when a lady says