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Bran-tubs. |
250 What Shall We Do Now?
long taper is useful, and for putting them out, an extinguisher tied to a stick.
Bran-tubs are not so common as they used to be, but there is no better way of giving your guests presents at random. As many presents as there are children are wrapped up in paper and hidden in a tub filled with bran. This is placed on a dust-sheet, and the visitors dip their hands in and pull out each a parcel. The objection to the bran-tub is that boys sometimes draw out things more suitable for girls. This difficulty could be got over by having two tubs, one for girls and one for boys.
Two games with nuts and cherries may as well go at the end of this section as anywhere else. Barcelona nuts and almonds sometimes contain double kernels. These are called Philopenas, and you must never waste them by eating both yourself, but find some one to share them with. The rules of the game decree that whichever of you first says to the other " Good morning, Philopena," on the following day, or the next time you meet, wins a present.
Cherry-eating races can be very exciting. The players stand in a row with their hands behind them, and a number of long-stalked cherries are chosen from the basket and placed by the tip of the stalk between their teeth. At the word of command the players begin their efforts to draw the cherry up by the stalk into their mouths. All heads must be held dowrn. |
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Philopenas. |
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Cherry contests. |
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