d in the captain's base, on which he
should stand.

TEAMS.--The players are divided into two equal teams, consisting each
of (1) a captain, (2) a baseman for each base in the outer circle, (3)
guards. There should be one less guard on each team than the number of
players in its outer circle. For instance, for five basemen, as in the
diagram, there should be four guards. The guards belonging to a team
are stationed in the opponents' field, and generally begin the game
lined up near the neutral territory that runs through the center of
the ground. As the game progresses, the guards may scatter in any way
that they choose. There are no center runners or fielders in this form
of the game, as in some others An umpire is desirable, and a scorer
and referee are needed for skillful teams.

[Illustration Diagram: CAPTAIN BALL--III]

OBJECTS OF GAME.--The objects of the game are (1) for the ball to be
thrown and caught around the complete circle of basemen; (2) for the
outer basemen to throw the ball to their captain in the center; the
guards trying (1) to intercept the ball before it can complete a
circle; (2) to prevent it being caught by the captain; and (3) to
secure possession of the ball and send it to the basemen in their own
(the opposite) field.

START.--The ball is put in play in the center of the neutral strip by
an umpire or referee. He tosses the ball, and the guards from both
sides try to gain possession of it. For this purpose the guards may
run anywhere they choose, being permitted on the neutral territory;
but as soon as possession of the ball is decided, the guards must
return to their respective fields, and may not again leave them until
the ball is again put in play. To touch the ball does not give a guard
possession of it; he must hold it in both hands. In case of dispute
the referee should again toss the ball. When a guard has secured
possession of the ball, he and the other guards return to their home
fields, and the one having the ball throws it to one of his basemen
in the opposite field. The ball is put in play from the center after
every point scored, and after it goes afield.

RULES.--The guards are not allowed to step within the bases; they may
not cross the boundary lines into the neutral territory, except when
the ball is being put in play. Basemen may not step outside of their
bases, even with one foot. Should the captain, in catching a ball,
step over his base, the catch does not score, but