Page:Folk-lore - A Quarterly Review. Volume 5, 1894.djvu/49

 Rh Length of lines, 60 feet; 15 feet apart.

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The game Masōck, although the Cinghalese youth is very commonly seen engaged in playing it, is not one of their national games. If the term be admissible, it is an exotic of Malay introduction, and that it is so the word Masōck is the best proof

When staying, in November-December 1891, at Mount Lavinia, a few miles south of Colombo, we witnessed the above game constantly played on the sands beneath our windows. It seemed to bear such a strong likeness to our "Prisoner's Base", that I was anxious to have a detailed account of its rules. I have only just succeeded in obtaining them through a friend.

The word Masōck is a Malay term; it means, "enter if you can." The game can be played with an even number of players, half on each side, there being as many lines as there are players, who always pair.

The first step taken is to select two captains, one on each side. It is no mean honour to be captain of a side; it is a very anxious position, and only those who are very active and agile are selected for the post. The two captains take up their position at a certain spot. The players having paired, and having each assumed a name such as his fancy may suggest, they repair to the captains, and pronounce these words: "Ootchie, Ootchie." Then the captains, or one of them, says: "Mōal." One of the