Page:A description of Greenland.djvu/207

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
of Greenland.
161
one laid down what they play for, one of them turns the pointed Piece of Wood with his Finger, that it wheels about like a Mariner's Compaſs; and when it has done, he that the Point aims at, wins all that was laid down. Ball-playing of two ſorts.Ball-playing is their moſt common Diverſion, which they play two different ways. They divide themſelves into two Parties; he firſt Party throws the Ball to each other; while thoſe of the ſecond Party endeavour to get it from them, and ſo by turns. The ſecond manner is like our playing at Foot-ball. They mark out two Barriers, at three or four hundred Paces diſtance one from the other; then being divided into two Parties, as before, they meet at the ſtarting Place, which is at the Midway between the two Barriers; and the Ball being thrown upon the Ground, they ſtrive who firſt ſhall get at it, and kick it with the Foot, each Party towards their Barrier. He that is the moſt nimble-footed and dextrous at it, kicking the Ball before him, and gets the firſt to the Barrier, has won the Match. Thus (they'll tell you) the De-
M
ceaſed