I think, also, that the sense of essential reality, and its distinction from the unreal, the merely imagined, is helped by this sort of symbolic representation.

Play has its dangers also--very serious ones.

The adults sometimes set bad examples.

The game gives practise in cunning no less than in forbearance.

Possibly the best service of observation just now is to gather the facts with a view to the proper recognition and avoidance of the dangers.
Finally, I may be allowed a word to interested parents.