life itself. Every man and woman should cultivate and vigorously
maintain a play spirit. This might be done through some hobbies, games,
or art into which they can throw themselves with abandon for periods of
time, frequent, if brief. They should thoroughly enjoy the experience.
For the wealthy, to whom all things are possible, this may be hard to
find. To those of limited means and of little free time, opportunity is
more abundant. To them joy shines forth from even the so-called
commonplace things of life.

The joy on the faces of those who are playing games, the merry
laughter, the jest, the shouting, place this type of activity on a
pinnacle among those producing happiness.

This volume has been prepared, in order that the young and old may find
greater opportunity for joyful activity, and experience the good
fellowship, the kindly feeling, the exhilaration and life resulting
from playing games, and that those fundamental agencies of
civilization, the Church, the school, and the home, may be better
equipped to serve mankind and to add to the sum of human happiness.


ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This collection of games has been selected from material sent in to the
author, by Y.M.C.A. Physical Directors, playground directors, and
school and college athletic directors, to which has been added some
original material and games that have been seen by the author in his
travels about the country.