Page:Things Japanese (1905).djvu/398

386 borders of the enclosure and to one another. The border of the enclosure which each side occupies is denoted by a flag and string of balls of the colour proper to that side, placed right and left of the goal. Each horseman faces goal, but also slightly turns his horse inwards, so as to face somewhat towards his corresponding opponent also. Each player then raises his racket, with the ball balanced on the net, to a horizontal position across his chest, breast—high the club being held in the right hand—and thus awaits the word to start. This being given, both sides canter en masse to the "goal barrier," and endeavour to sling their balls through the "goal hole," at the same time obstructing foes and protecting friends as far as possible. The object of the players, on both sides, during this first stage of the game, is to score seven balls of their respective colours as soon as possible. Should a player inadvertently put a ball of the opponents colour into goal, it scores for them, and against his own side. The duration of each game being limited to half-an-hour, scoring is of more importance during the first stage than obstructing. Consequently the play is chiefly confined to shooting at goal. If, however, one side gains a long lead at starting, it is usual for the other side to station a "goal keeper," in front of the goal to impede the shooting of the successful side. At the entrance end of the court, behind the barrier, are piles of balls of both colours. It is usual for a player of each side to supply his allies with ammunition, by slinging up balls of their colour towards the goal. For during the first stage of the game the number of balls in play is practically unlimited, those only being out of play which fall outside the enclosure, or remain between the balk-line and goal screen. It is not "good form" to sling the opponents balls out of the enclosure, but it is so to return them towards the entrance end.

The fragile nature of the rackets necessitates gentle play, and reduces hitting or striking to a minimum. It is not allowable to handle the ball, or to carry it in any other way than in the racket net. The score is kept by means of two strings of seven