CHILDREN AND CHILDREN’S SPORTS. 157

there is a boy in the house displaying it. It is the carp that is put to
this use ; for this fish, good for making headway against a stream and
jumping waterfalls, reminds the boys that before difficulties they must
do likewise. When snow comes the boys are sure to improve it.
They roll up funny images of an old character called Daruma, who
was a follower of Buddha. He spent so much time squat in religious
meditation that he lost the use of his legs, and couldn’t go when he
wanted to. You will see his image in some of the shops, and he is
a character the boys like to set up. In this picture I have here there
is a snow-man, and it is Daruma, probably. One of the players has
peen knocked over by a missile, and it seems to amuse the others.”

“The Japanese young people seem to be of a pretty good sort,”
said Ralph.

«“ Well, they have human nature here in Japan same as elsewhere.
It has been said that the Japanese children are more obedient to parents
than American children are, but I think you will find a good quantity
ot self-will and human nature in young Japan.” ;

There was silence for a few moments.