of the proper size, and, facing each other at a distance of fifty yards, the contest begins. Two or three of the braver ones come out from one side and slowly advance toward the opposing party till they come within easy range, when they are attacked and the stones are let fly with all possible force from both sides. It often happens that a well-directed stone goes straight to the mark, with the result that some valiant fighter is knocked down and carried from the field; while the spectators cheer and the game goes merrily on. It not infrequently happens that this blow has been so well directed that the victim dies on the spot. But what matter does it make? This is the great national game, and must be played to the finish even if a few slight accidents follow as the result of the same. To be honest, it is nearly as brutal as the American football, though I believe that fewer people are killed or crippled for life in stone fights each season than in the football games of Christian America. Of course one saving feature is that the Koreans have more sense than to play the game more than fifteen days each year. It is now losing its power over the people, and is doomed to take its place with the barbarities of bygone days. I have been to the game once or twice just to see what it is like, and I was very much surprised at the very large crowd of men and boys who were present.
Our village boy may go to school or he may not. That will depend entirely on what his parents may decide in the matter. They will likely send him if they are able to do so. It is often the case where
