In every neighborhood where chil-

dren gather in play they become fa-

miliar with the old singing games or

street games, as they are called. They

are handed down from generation to

generation and are as much a part

of childhood as play itself.

There is a negative air about some

of them which of late years has been

eliminated and many of them have

changed so much that it is hard to

trace them to their origin.

The "stole my watch," etc., verse

and "off to prison" verse may be

omitted and thus children may be

led to look on the better side.

The verses below are more mod-

ern:

London bridge will soon swing 'round

Soon swing 'round, soon swing 'round

London bridge will soon swing 'round

You must keep away.

Two children form the "bridge."

Other children join hands and pass

under the bridge.

Down the gates now slowly fall,

Slowly fall, slowly fall,

Down the gates now slowly fall,

One child is caught today.

Arms forming the bridge slowly

descend and capture one child, who

is led away to choose a side.

Off to choose which you like best,

You like best, you like best,

Off to choose which you like best,

Off so merrily!

The singing continues till all the

children are on either side, then there

is a "tug of war" to see which is the

stronger. One side may be Yale, the

other Harvard, or the sides may be

different schools at home.

Fruits and vegetables may be used

for naming sides. All this is in the