575.) According to the Indian belief, the pleasure of games was not restricted to mankind but was enjoyed by birds and animals.

The following story from the Cherokee is told by Mr.James Mooney and quoted by Dr.Culin (Ibid., pp.
578, 579): "The animals once challenged the birds to a great ball play.

The wager was accepted, the preliminaries were arranged, and at last the contestants assembled at the appointed spot--the animals on the ground, while the birds took position in the tree-tops to await the throwing up of the ball.

On the side of the animals were the bear, whose ponderous weight bore down all opposition; the deer, who excelled all others in running; and the terrapin, who was invulnerable to the stoutest blows.

On the side of the birds were the eagle, the hawk and the great Tlaniwa--all noted for their swiftness and power of flight.