ends it is whittled into blunt points. As it must stand a lot of
pounding, it will be better if the wood is hard and tough.

The bat or driver should be from one to two feet in length, an inch to
an inch and a half in diameter, and of uniform thickness. When the cat
is placed flat on the ground, or in a slight depression made with the
heel, it will, when smartly struck, fly into the air. As soon as it
rises it is struck again and sent in the direction desired.

In the game of English Cat there are from four to eight bases,
depending on the number of players. The bases may be small stones, or
even holes in the ground.

The bases are marked on the circumference of a circle, at equal
distances apart. After sides are chosen and it is decided which shall
have first innings, the Outs take to the field and the Ins post
themselves at the bases, one base for each.

One of the Outs throws the cat to the nearest man at base. If he makes
a strike then all the boys on base change places, for safety's sake
taking the nearest. If the cat has been sent far they keep on changing
so long as they think it prudent.

Each base gained scores one point. If the cat _is_ caught the striker
is out, or if the cat is thrown in front of an In who is changing
bases, he is out.

When the Ins are made Outs, the positions are reversed and the game
goes on as before. When a striker fails to hit, he tosses the cat back
to the fielder and tries again.