boys of the same school or association meet for a game, it is
necessary that the leaders should be decided on in advance, as also
the means by which the respective sides must be chosen.

When two boys are contesting, one may pick up a pebble and ask, "Which
hand is it?" If the guess is right, the boy making it is "It."
"Drawing straws" is another method of choosing sides, and it is often
used as a game in itself.

From a handful of grass, one of the boys selects as many pieces as
there are to be players. One of the blades is cut off so that it will
be much shorter than the other pieces.

"Straw holder" arranges the straws so that the top ends protrude from
his closed fist, either perfectly even or irregular in their height
above the hand, according to his fancy. It may happen that the first
boy to choose a straw will select the short one. This in a measure
spoils the fun, and to guard against it the lads are often made to
stand up in a line and each one in turn pulls a straw from the fist of
"Straw-holder." Each one is expected and required to put it behind his
back immediately and keep it there until all the boys in the line have
straws behind their backs.

Then "Straw-holder," holding up the straw left in his own hand, cries,
"Who is short straw?" At that each boy produces his straw and compares
it with the others.

Another method is to place a button, pebble or other small object that
can be easily concealed in one hand. Then, with both fists closed,
place one above the other and ask, "Which is it, Joe; high or low?" If