Stránka:roll 1931.djvu/133

Handicrafts 117 strictly correct shape according to Spaulding standards, but it certainly served to make a joyous game. The ball was another matter. Modern American boys have no notion that a good ball can be made out of home-born materials and some deft handicraft. The method was a tra- dition handed down from far generations in the Old Country. Here it is in detail: Get a lead ball of one ounce weight, or near it; that is, an old musket ball of the kind that were plentifully fired at the defenders of Bunker Hill. Take a large cork, about 114 inches in diameter (or two small corks will do). With a sharp knife, frequently dipped in water, chip this cork roughly into ball shape. Split it in two even parts, scoop out each part so that the lead ball fits snugly in; and, with a wax-end, bind the two together enclosing the lead ball. This is the core of the ball, the weight, and much of the bounce. Now, get a lot of yarn by reeling old socks kept for the purpose, beginning at the toe. Wrap this firmly and evenly on the lead and cork core, changing the direction of each turn till the whole ball is perfectly round and firm, and of about three inches diameter. This completes the body of the ball, but it needs covering. Covers are of two kinds; crewelling and leather. The first was most popular because Mother and Sister could render effectual help in the making. For crewelling, you need a curved needle and a supply of strong pack-string, or other strong string. A few deep stitches will form a starter; then around this we begin the crewelling or chain stitch. Each stitch goes into the yarn of the ball a quarter of an inch each time, then out through its own loop where it entered; then repeat until the whole ball is covered with this hard netting,—an operation that took our mother an hour or so, but was spelled over many days if we kids attempted it alone. It made a fine, bounceable, and very catchable ball; a ball which never wore out, but lasted till lost, stolen, or mislaid. The older boys often made the cover of leather. This is more quickly put on, but takes more skill to handle. Any good strong leather will do. We usually took the leg