Sociable or One Thousand and One Home Amusements was published in 1859 and contains plays, games, experiments, and puzzles that amused folks in their parlors over a hundred years ago. They are as entertaining today as they were then.
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The Key of the King's Garden
This game, like "My Aunt's Garden," consists of short sentences which each player is obliged to repeat without mistake, but to which new sentences are affixed, which must be repeated by each one in his turn, and without error, under penalty of a forfeiture.
The following are some of the phrases, which may be multiplied to infinity:
"I sell you the Key of the King's Garden."
"I sell you the Cord that held the Key of the King's Garden."
"I sell you the Rat that gnawed the Cord," etc.
"I sell you the Cat that ate the Rat," etc.
"I sell you the Dog that killed the Cat," etc.
"I sell you the Stick that beat the Dog," etc.
"I sell you the Fire that burnt the Stick," etc.
"I sell you the Water that quenched the Fire," etc.
"I sell you the Pail that carried the Water," etc.
The Little Man's House
All the company place themselves in a circle, and the one who understands the game conducts it.
The leader of the game begins thus, - presenting a key or some other article to his neighbor, he says to him - "I sell you my Little Man." All having repeated this , the leader says - "I sell you the House of my Little Man."
The third time the leader says - "I sell you the Door of the House of my Little Man."
The fourth time - "I sell you the Lock of the Door, " etc.
The fifth time - "I sell you the Key of the Lock," etc.
It is evident that this game may be prolonged to any extent. It resembles the game of "The Key of the King's Garden."
For every mistake, the player pays a forfeit.
The "B" Hive
Repeat, without stopping, "Bandy-Legged Borachio Mustachio Whiskenfusticus the bold and brave Bombardino of Bagdad helped Abomilique Blue Beard Bashaw of Babelmandeb to beat down a Bumble Bee at Balsora."