LETTING OUT THE DOVES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19502, 4 December 1926, Page 4 (Supplement)

LETTING OUT THE DOVES.

This is a game played by little Chinese girls. There are three to 30 players, who stand three in each group. The smallest child represents a dove, the next a hawk, and the third the owner of the birds. The owner stands between the dove and the hawk, holding each by the hand. First she sends away the dove with a quick movement of the hand, as though tossing a real dove into the" air. The dove runs away with arms spread like wings. After a short space the owner sends off the hawk, who starts in pursuit of the dove. It is a rule of the game that the hawk should move over the same ground as the dove. A clapping of the hands by the owner is a signal for the birds to return. Tbe dove, being the smallest child, often finds it difficulty to avoid being caught by the hawk on the return journey. When the distance is long, the hawk catches his prey before the signal is given. But the owner watches the dove carefully and gives the clapping signal to return before tho dove js too tired to escape.