Hand coloured game, The Novel and Elegant Game of the Basket of Fruit published in England by William Darton in 1822

Design: engraving, hand coloured; 9 sections mounted on linen; shows a basket of fruit, flowers and a bird together with various scenes.
No. of squares: 20
Squares illustrated: all
Square numbering: all
Squares titled: all
Subject of starting square: Penitentiary
Subject of ending square: glory

NB. While the term 'the blind' has been used in this record, it has since fallen from usage and is now considered offensive. The term is repeated in this record in its original historical context.

The fanciful name and design is not reflected in the nature of the teaching which is very strict and moral using British institutions as guidelines. It is of interest as many diverse categories are described and the booklet very full. Each bears its own reward or forfeit, but the main aim of the game is to encourage learning and reading, rather than to win.
Rules booklet printed by R and A Taylor, Shoe Lane, London.

Rewards: as directed
Forfeits: as directed
No. of Players: 2-3 or pairs
Equipment required: markers, teetotum

Rules:
An Explanation of, or Key to THE DELICIOUS GAME OF THE FRUIT BASKET: Containing A Literary Treat for a Party of Juveniles, and running over with choice Subjects for their Improvement and Diversion, In Various Familiar Scenes connected with Old England to Which are Prefixed the RULES OF THE GAME.

DIRECTIONS.
Two or three persons may amuse themselves at this agreeable Pastime; and if a double set of Counters and Pyramids be purchased, Six Persons may play at it.
The Totum must be marked ONE TO EIGHT on its several faces, with a Pen and Ink, or with a Blacklead Pencil.
The Game may be begun agreeably to the following
RULES:

1. Each player must have a Pyramid and four counters of the same colour.
II. Spin for first player; the highest number to begin the game, when he or she is required to read to the Company `The Caution' on page V of this book, before the game is opened.
III. Let the first player spin, and place his or her pyramid on the Game, according to the number turned up. The others, in turn, are to do the same; referring to the Explanation for a Description of the Plates.
IV. At each following spin, add the number turned up to that on which the Pyramid stands; and proceed accordingly, till some one arrive at No. 20, who wins the Game.
V, Whoever goes beyond No. 20, must go back as many as he exceeds it; and try again when his turn comes.
VI. When directed to stop one or more turns, the player is to place so many counters on his number, and take one up each time, instead of spinning, till all be redeemed.
VII. When the spinner reads an article which has a note, he or she must refer to the page of Notes for an explanation and read the same aloud.

THE CAUTION OR FRIENDLY HINT

Before in this Game we proceed,
Permit me a few words to say;
I will not five minutes exceed,
or detain you, good folk, from your play.
I trust all around me are friends,
And will take what I say in good part;
Should a word of my CAUTION offend,
It would grieve me indeed to the heart.
But I wish to put all on their guard
Against certain tricks I have seen;
And think not my censure too hard,
When I call them both cunning and mean.
I observe even those whom I love,
If they like not the number they spin,
Will the counter, or tee-totum move,
In hope by such cheating to win.
But even in trifles like these,
Such conduct should never take place;
Mean actions get on by degrees,
Till they end in our total disgrace.
Besides, though we call this a Game,
We cannot but quickly discern
It's only a sport as to name-
In the Play, there is something to learn:
Improvement with Mirth is design'd;
And the least we can do for such care,
While the moral sinks deep in the mind,
Is to play its rules open and fair,
The gambler all hate and despise;
For he plays but to cheat and to gain:
But we, to be better and wise;
And neither to cause or feel pain.
Well, now I have finish'd my Task;
And should any be tempted to wrong,
I have only one favour to ask,
That-they pause, and reflect on my song.

The stages of the game are:
1. Penitentiary
2. Trial by Jury
3. Domiciliary Visit to the Indigent
4. Students at the Royal Academy
5. Exhibition at the Royal Academy
6. An Infirmary
7. An Alms House
8. A Lecture in Chemistry
9. A Blue-Coat Boy
10. A National School
11. Cinfirmation
12. A Bazaar
13. Greenwich Pensioners
14. Female Benevolent Society
15. School for the Blind
16. Chelsea Pensioners
1.7. Matrimony
18. Harvest Home
19. A Bible Society
20. Glory inciting an Oxonian and a Cantab Student to Emulation, Learning and the Arts.

Rules placement: in booklet

The full title of this game is 'The Delicious Game of the Fruit Basket: Containing A Literary Treat for a Party of Juveniles, and running over with Choice Subjects for their Improvement and Diversion, in Various Familiar Scenes connected with Old England'. The fanciful name and design is not reflected in the nature of the teaching which is very strict and moral, using British institutions as guidelines. It is interesting because many different categories are described, such as Trial by Jury, A Lecture in Chemistry and Female Benevolent Society. Each bears a reward or forfeit, but the main aim of the game is to encourage learning and reading, rather than to win. The rules are preceded by a caution or friendly reminder to the players not to cheat.

E.2841-1962