Ask three small boys to be blindfolded. When this is done, and they
each state that they cannot see, even the least little bit, a big
sister or mother should say, “You are three blind mice and I am the
farmer’s wife, and I am going to run, and as soon as I count three you
must run after me. Whoever catches me first shall have a big apple;
whoever catches me second shall have two big apples; and when I am
caught by the third I shall present that blind mouse with three big
apples.”
Having made the above explanation, the farmer’s wife deliberately
counts one, two, three, and on the instant three is spoken, the blind
mice run.
As soon as the running starts, all others sing,
Three blind mice, see how they run,
They all ran after the farmer’s wife.
This may be sung over and over until the blind mice succeed. Having run
a few moments, the farmer’s wife should allow herself to be caught, as
this game being particularly suited to little children, they would not
have the skill in catching known to older people.
If it is not convenient to give apples as reward, substitute something
else. Almost any trifling gift would do.
While running is in continuance, be careful the children do not trip.