b or vault over
a fence, the last one over being "It." In the gymnasium this method is
sometimes used when the players are grouped in the center of the
floor. Upon hearing the shout "Last over!" they all scatter and jump
over any available piece of apparatus, bars, horse, etc., the last one
to vault being "It."

The Wabanaki Indians use an interesting method, combining counting-out
and racing. The players being gathered in a group, each player puts
out two fingers, resting them on the ground, a stone, or any
convenient place. A counting-out rhyme is then used, one finger being
touched for each accent. A finger is doubled under whenever a verse
ends on it, until only three fingers are left. The owners, whether
they be two or three players, immediately start on a run, the counter
chasing them. The one caught is "It."

Some games have each their own distinctive method of choosing players,
as in Duck on a Rock. These methods are described with the games
wherever they have been obtainable.

CHOOSING SIDES.--For many games the players are divided into two
opposing groups or teams. When there is no special leader or captain
for each group, some of the above methods of counting-out or choosing
are used for assigning players to one side or the other. In most
games, however, where there are opposing groups, a captain or leader
is first selected. This part sometimes goes to the person who first
shouts for it, but it is more usual for the players to choose
captains, as special qualities are generally needed in persons in that
position, and even young children are glad to place themselves under
strong leadership. Captains or leaders, however, may be chosen by any
of the previously mentioned methods, or they may be selected by a
teacher or leader.

Two captains or leaders having been chosen, each chooses his own
players, the choice being made alternately one at a time, the first
captain selected generally having first choice. A good captain will
select his players for the playing qualities needed in the particular
game to be played. These qualities will vary in different games, and
different players may be chosen for excellence in one particular
direction, such as swift running, agile dodging, boldness in giving
dares and taking risks; in ball games, skill in catching or throwing,
or other forms of play; and in all games, the ability to "play fair,"
and to cooeperate generously and with good temper. A player may be
unskillful,