xi. The terms side stroke, straight stroke, following ball,

over-running a bridge, running a bridge, &c., explain themselves.

2577. Bagatelle.

An indoor game played on an oblong board usually from six to ten feet long by a foot and a half to three feet in width. The bed of the table is of slate covered with a fine green cloth; and at the upper end, which is rounded, there are nine holes or cups, numbered from 1 to 9, thus:

5 3 2 8 9 7 4 6 1

Into these holes ivory balls are driven by a leather pointed cue. The player stands at the lower end of the table; and his object is to hole the balls sucessively into the several cups. Nine balls are used, eight white and one red; or seven white with two coloured balls. The red is placed on a spot just in front of the 1 hole; and the game is played according to the following:

2578. Rules.

i. Any number of persons may play, whether singly or on sides.