A Breath [pp. 565]

A BREATH.
ESKIMO DOMINOES.
It is interesting to trace the Chinese
domino game westward among the people of Asia. The Malays have borrowed
it, and the Burmese and Shans play it,
while it occurs in Siam with a Chinese
name, although the number of pieces
varies from that now current in China.
Many years ago the eminent Chinese
scholar, Doctor Gustav Schlegel of Leiden,
pointed out that the European game was
without doubt borrowed from China. I
have long endeavored to find some
intermediary link between the East and
West, or some record of its first appearance in Europe, but without success.
It seems to date from a recent period in
Europe. German authorities say it was
introduced into Germany through France
from Italy about the middle of the last
century. It was brought into England
by French prisoners of war at the close
of the last century. Of all its many
transformations none are more curious
than that found among the Eskimo of
Hudson's Straits. Their walrus ivory
pieces, copied, it is thought, from the
European game played by whalers, are
scarcely recognizable, and suggest more
than a passing reflection upon the
changes that counters in games, no less
than much we esteem more highly.
though haply of lighter import, pass, in
the unsparing hand of the ages.
Stewart Culiin.
A BREATH.
OUT of the garden came a little breeze,
Filled with the odors of Hesperides.
So sweet the breath, that by me idly went,
My aching heart was filled with sweet content.
Clarence Hawkes.
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