,fun for the ,household4 ,a ,,book ,,of ,,games4 ,illustration ,,by ,,emma ,j4 ,,gray4 ,,published ,,by ,,the ,,christian ,,herald4 ,,louis ,,klopsch1 ,proprietor1 ,,bible ,,house1 ,,new ,,york4 ,copyright #ahig ,,by ,,louis ,,klopsch4 ,illustration3 ,,press,,of,j,j,,little,,co ,,astor ,,place,,new,,york ,,contents4 ,,page ,introductory #g ,little ,folks #i ,boys and ,girls #bi ,grown-,ups #ajb ,special ,ftes #abh ,methods of ,choosing ,partners #ahd ,tangles and ,forfeits #ahg ,in the ,adirondacks #bjd ,the ,flower ,test #bbj ,hours with the ,poets #bce 8,thank ,you60 #bci ,a ,story within a ,story #bdd ,orrin the ,bootblack #beh ,breakfast ,table ,decorations #bgj ,how they ,planted the ,nasturtiums #bgc ,a ,garden ,party #bgf ,the ,king's ,children #bha ,for the ,boys #bhg ,i wish ,i were a ,general #bic ,a ,hebrew ,christian #bih ,the ,baby's ,lesson #cje ,parlor ,fortune ,telling #cjh ,church ,courtesy #cad ,a ,brave ,boy #cag ,,introductory4 ,when children have passed beyond the rattle age1 they reach out their hands for baa-lambs1 woolly sheep1 cows with bells1 cats that meaw1 and dogs that say bow-wow4 ,the next advance in amusement is to play with a toy that goes on wheels1 and therefore for a half hour at a time1 little folk will be content by drawing around the nursery such toys as trains of cars1 horses with long tails1 express wagons1 etc41 etc42 and then follows the period when pretty lady dolls must go out to drive in a pretty carriage accompanied by mistress baby1 whose chubby hands push the doll's carriage ahead1 and nurse's ever vigilant eyes keep watch1 so that neither baby nor the baby's doll1 like the historic ,jack and ,jill1 fall down and break their crown4 ,and mechanical dollies are also in demand1--lady dolls that lift their veils1 smile and bow2 gentlemen dolls that are orchestrian leaders2 boy dolls that can turn somersaults and effect other athletic feats4 ,and about this time if nurse is careful to keep sharp eyes on the scissors1 colored pictures may be cut out and pasted in scrapbooks1 or paper dolls may be arrayed as their youthful mothers desire4 ,or bright pieces of silk may be sewed together1 provided the thread is tied into the needle's eye1 so that it cannot be pulled out4 ,or wonderful castles may be built with packs of cards1 or towers and steeples with building blocks4 ,noah's ark will do great service1 as will also tops that spin1 and hoops that may be rolled or twirled1 and drums that may be beat1 and whistles and horns that may be blown4 ,but1 notwithstanding all the toys and amusement therefrom1 there will be heard the oftentimes plaintive wail1 8,play with me1 please play with me40 ,and then it is that the wise mother or nurse will introduce a simple game4 ,perhaps ,puss in the ,corner1 or ,blind ,man's ,buff1 or perhaps hide behind a large chair or screen and call aloud1 8,where am ,i80 and such a mischievous laugh will follow when the toddling child finds the one who has thus hidden6 ,from this period game follows game1 just as naturally as year follows year1 and even when the little tot has grown to womanhood or manhood1 the cry is still heard1 8,play with me1 please play with me10 thus illustrating the trite words1 men and women are only children grown up4 ,therefore the variety of games within this book3 ,games suitable for all ages1 for all temperaments2 games for the house1 and games for the field2 games for the girls1 and1 games for the boys2 games for the young1 and games for the old2 games for ,st4 ,valentine's ,day1 games for ,christmas ,day1--games for all seasons1 games for all climes4 ,thus may the year be filled with jollity4 ,several games in this volume were originally published in the periodicals of ,messrs4 ,harper ,brothers1 and are reprinted by their kind permission4 ,,emma ,j4 ,,gray4 ,,fun ,,for ,,the ,,household4 ,,little ,,folks4 ,a ,,little ,,child',s ,,party4 ,invite both boys and girls for a short frolic4 ,between three and five o'clock in the afternoon would be excellent hours4 ,provide for their entertainment1 flowers1 birds1 worsted and rubber balls1 dolls1 tea-services1 horses1 whips1 and music4 ,if you have a music-box it will prove very serviceable4 ,the children will be much interested2 some of the shorter ones will stand on tiptoe1 the better to discover the way the wheels go around4 ,two or more grown people should be present2 those who understand little children1 and have a knack in amusing them4 ,the toys will greatly aid in getting the children acquainted4 ,play ball with the boys1 throwing it lightly back and forth4 ,set out the tea-services4 ,show off the dollies4 ,put a small boy on a hobby horse1 and start the horse on a trot1 and after he has his ride1 give another boy his turn4 ,after a while play polkas and waltzes1 and then ,what a merry rout1 ,see the wee ones dance about6 ,change the amusement4 ,show them flowers1 canary birds1 butterflies1 anything you may have to attract1 always remembering the toys and going back to them again and again4 ,low chairs and hassocks will make it easier for the little people than to have to climb into the great chairs and sofas used by older folks4 ,refreshments should be exceedingly simple1 and a souvenir1 such as a cornucopia or handful of motto-papers1 gayly tinted and full of candy1 will be much appreciated4 ,,the ,,farmer',s ,,song4 ,a ,motion ,game4 ,as over the field the farmer goes1 ,and grain by grain he sows in the rows1 ,he sings and shouts1 ,oh1 you crows1 you crows1 ,keep away from my rows1 away from my rows4 ,this is the way the glad farmer reaps ,his wheat1 and when it is bunched he keeps ,an eye on all his workers around1 ,and laughs at their faces1 merry and round4 ,this is the way the glad farmer binds ,all the ripe sheaves he's able to find1 ,and when no more wheat is on the ground1 ,he laughs ha1 ha1 ha1 and turns all around4 ,hurrah1 hurrah for the farmer bold ,he laughs and is merry e'en when 'tis cold1 ,he shouts ha1 ha1 on an ,august day1 ,and gathers his wheat as if 'twas his play4 ,oh1 who would not be a farmer lad1 ,and clap one's hands hard and never be sad1 ,and sing1 while working all the day long1 ,i'm jolly and happy and brave and strong8 ,let all the players form a ring1 with a boy in the centre for farmer4 ,after the song is sung through1 the farmer must choose two players to clasp their hands and raise them1 thus forming an arch4 ,the ring having broken1 now forms a long line1 and one by one each individual passes under the arch1 singing as they go1 ,oh1 who would not be a farmer lad1 and with the last word of the verse the arch falls1 and thus some one is caught1 and he or she is now farmer4 ,a ring is then again formed1 and the game proceeds as before4 ,this being a motion game1 the words of the song must be acted4 ,every child has seen farmers sow1 reap and bind1 and while singing those words they must copy the farmer 7the boy in the ring7 as nearly as possible1 also remember to clap the hands1 turn around1 etc41 at the proper time1 indeed lose no opportunity to act the words as well as to sing them4 ,tune1 8,oats1 peas1 beans1 and barley grows40 ,,the ,,pie-,,man',s ,,song4 ,a ,motion ,game4 ,solo4 ,if a body meet a body1 coming to my fire1 ,if a body greet a body1 why should ,i have ire8 ,all the lassies and the laddies ,come to me and buy ,buns and bread and muffins sweet1 ,and all my jelly pie4 ,chorus4 ,this is the way the pie-man takes ,the roller to smooth the crust he makes2 ,then putting the crust in a bright tin pan4 ,he fills it with quince and raspberry jam4 ,this way the pie-man carries bread1 ,holding the board on top of his head2 ,while to the oven he hurries along1 ,all the time merrily singing his song4 ,solo4 ,if a body meet a body1 coming to my fire1 ,if a body greet a body1 why should ,i have ire8 etc4 ,chorus4 ,this is the way we eat the cakes1 ,and pies and buns the pie-man makes1 ,and when we are through we ask yet for more1 ,while we dance on the baker's clean wood floor4 ,then we run as fast as we can1 ,and leave this jolly baker man1 ,while to the oven he hurries along1 ,all the time merrily singing his song4 ,solo4 ,if a body meet a body1 coming to my fire1 ,if a body greet a body1 why should ,i have ire8 etc4 ,the verses may be sung to the tune1 8,pop ,goes the ,weasel40 ,the solo is sung by the baker1 to the tune1 8,coming ,through the ,rye40 ,all the children should sing and imitate the pieman1 who illustrates each action that is mentioned4 ,,fly ,,south4 ,very small children would delight in playing ,fly ,south4 ,all the players should sit around a table1 and each having put their right hand on it1 the leader should exclaim1 8,fly ,south1 ,sparrow40 ,the second that this is said everybody must lift their hand1 and then at once put it down as before4 ,again the leader speaks1 perhaps to say1 8,fly ,south1 ,pigeon10 and instantly the players must act as at the first command4 ,but if on the contrary something is named that cannot fly1 such as1 8,fly ,south1 ,bear10 or 8,fly ,south1 ,cat10 the players must keep their hands on the table4 ,all removing them at the wrong time should pay a forfeit4 ,the leader should speak rapidly1 in order to catch all he can4 ,,three ,,blind ,,mice4 ,ask three small boys to be blindfolded4 ,when this is done1 and they each state that they cannot see1 even the least little bit1 a big sister or mother should say1 8,you are three blind mice and ,i am the farmer's wife1 and ,i am going to run1 and as soon as ,i count three you must run after me4 ,whoever catches me first shall have a big apple2 whoever catches me second shall have two big apples2 and when ,i am caught by the third ,i shall present that blind mouse with three big apples40 ,having made the above explanation1 the farmer's wife deliberately counts one1 two1 three1 and on the instant three is spoken1 the blind mice run4 ,as soon as the running starts1 all others sing1 ,three blind mice1 see how they run1 ,they all ran after the farmer's wife4 ,this may be sung over and over until the blind mice succeed4 ,having run a few moments1 the farmer's wife should allow herself to be caught1 as this game being particularly suited to little children1 they would not have the skill in catching known to older people4 ,if it is not convenient to give apples as reward1 substitute something else4 ,almost any trifling gift would do4 ,while running is in continuance1 be careful the children do not trip4 ,,the ,,holiday ,,calendar4 8,i have a holiday calendar10 a little boy should say to a little girl4 8,where is it80 8,here40 ,and directly he holds up his hand with fingers spread towards her4 8,see my five fingers4 ,they stand for our five holidays40 ,then touching his thumb he should continue1 8,this is for ,mayday1 so sweet10 and then touching the finger next1 8,jolly ,fourth1 with its noise10 afterwards indicating the middle finger1 8,thanksgiving and pumpkin pies10 and touching the next finger1 8,christmas1 for girls and boys10 and holding up his little finger concludes1 8,happy ,new ,year to all40 ,,the ,,sea ,,and ,,her ,,children4 ,the players1 with the exception of one sent from the room1 must be seated in a circle4 ,the person having left will represent the ,sea4 ,all others must now decide on an assumed name1 which is also the name of a fish2 for example1 trout1 red snapper1 pickerel4 ,this done1 the ,sea returns and walks slowly around the outside of the ring1 calling her children1 one after another1 by the different names they have selected1 until all have risen and followed her4 ,then the ,sea must run with a varied motion1 sometimes rapid1 sometimes slow1 exclaiming1 8,the ,sea is troubled6 the ,sea is troubled60 ,suddenly she seats herself1 and her example is followed by her children4 ,the unfortunate individual who is unable to secure a chair becomes the ,sea1 and the game is continued as before4 ,,cinderella',s ,,slipper4 ,every child has heard the pretty story of ,cinderella and her glass slipper4 ,now learn who will have bright enough eyes to find it4 ,the fairy godmother cannot really let you have ,cinderella's slipper1 but she allows any of the children to hunt for a slipper that is made of fur1 or trimmed with fur4 ,this slipper should have ,cinderella's card pinned to it1 and whoever finds the slipper should be given the card as a souvenir4 ,cinderella's slipper should be well hidden1 but not where little people could not reach4 ,while the hunt is in progress1 whoever has hidden the slipper should call 8,warm1 ,warmer1 ,cold1 ,colder10 as the children get nearer or further away4 ,,the ,,man ,,in ,,the ,,moon4 ,have a circle two feet in diameter cut out of plain white paper4 ,at the time the game is to be played some one should pin this on the back of the ,lord of ,misrule4 ,he must then whistle and caper all about the room1 thus attracting attention1 and seat himself at the piano1 and sing at the top of his lungs1 ,girls and boys1 come out to play4 ,as soon as he sings the word play1 every girl and boy rushes forward and catching each other by the hand1 they dance and skip about to the tune played by the ,lord of ,misrule1 while all sing1 ,girls and boys come out to play1 ,the moon doth shine as bright as day1 ,leave your supper and leave your sleep1 ,and meet your playfellows in the street1 ,come with a whoop and come with a call4 ,the second the words whoop and call are uttered the most throat-splitting whoops and calls should be given2 such as cat calls1 wild beast groans1 crying1 barking1 bird notes1 etc4 ,the circle disbands during the laughter and confusion1 but the game may be played over and over as long as the ,man of the ,moon shall will4 ,,how ,,many8 ,this is really a game of guess4 ,shake a small bag full of beans before the children1 and ask each to guess how many beans are inside4 ,it will be amusing to watch the eagerness which all will show1 and how far apart the guesses will be4 ,whoever comes nearest to the correct number should be presented with the bag of beans4 ,and this gift will immediately afford healthful and jolly entertainment1 because the bean-bag should be tossed and caught by one and another until the rosy-cheeked and out-of-breath children call a halt4 ,,alphabetical ,,play4 ,cut out a square of cardboard1 six inches wide by six inches long4 ,put an eyelet in each of the two upper corners and run tape or ribbon through4 ,cut it of sufficient length to go over a child's head4 ,the children should wear the cardboard as if it was a breastplate4 ,you should have twenty-six children1 and you will therefore require twenty-six pieces of cardboard4 ,in the centre of each piece1 paint a letter of the alphabet4 ,should you have fewer children1 paint two or more letters on each cardboard1 for you must use the entire alphabet4 ,the children should first march up and down in alphabetical order1 keeping time to music4 ,they may then join hands in couples and skip or waltz or whatever pleasing movements may be suggested4 ,after these exercises call for words1 being careful which words you will require if you have doubled or trebled the letters4 ,as each word is called1 the child wearing the first letter steps forward1 then the one wearing the second letter comes and stands by her side1 and so on1 until the word is spelled4 ,very short and simple words should be called if the children are not sufficiently advanced to allow for longer or more difficult ones4 ,dog1 ,cat1 ,bird1 will furnish just as much amusement as ,prodigy1 ,yclept1 ,bask4 ,intersperse the word exercises with marches and other movements1 such as 8,right-about-face10 to be done by a chord1 or 8wheel to the left10 to be done by another4 ,form squares and circles4 ,join hands1 thus making a ring4 ,into this ring the letter ,a goes1 the others skip around her1 until she makes a motion like something commencing with ,a2 for example1 ,apple1 which she pretends to eat4 ,one or more of the company guesses what word she represents1 and then ,b enters the ring1 and so on as long as the game amuses4 ,,blindfolded ,,platter ,,twirling4 ,this game is similar to the old-time favorite4 ,all players should sit in a circle1 and each number themselves in rotation4 ,two of the party should be blindfolded4 ,they are then each given a platter1 and they enter the ring4 ,the others call1 one1 two1 three4 ,as soon as three is called1 those inside the ring twirl the platters1 and at the same moment they each shout a number which corresponds to two of the players in the circle4 ,should either of the bearers of the numbers catch his platter before it falls1 the original twirler must try over again and continue to twirl and call until the platter is not caught4 ,but should the platter have fallen before the child bearing the number called has caught it1 he must not only change places with the one who has twirled the platter1 but also pay a forfeit4 ,much amusement is derived1 not only from catching the platter1 but in watching the ridiculous movements of those who are blindfolded4 ,,the ,,wild ,,beast ,,exhibit4 ,by the side of a pier-glass stand a lamp1 and before both put a screen4 ,the one in charge stands in front1 and having stated that he is ready to exhibit his wild beasts to any one present who will not tell what he has seen1 asks who would like to come to the exhibition1 all desiring to1 please rise4 ,he then takes them in turn1 always exacting the promise of secrecy1 and asks the name of the animal each would like to see4 ,on learning the name1 the showman describes the animal as funnily as possible1 making all manner of sport1 and engaging every one's attention to the individual who is to go to the show4 ,as for example1 if the person be a boy1 and says he would like to see a lion1 when the boy laughs1 the showman will say1 8,and the lion roars just like you40 ,after this he is admitted1 and sees himself in the looking-glass4 ,,new ,,tag4 ,the tallest player should begin the game4 ,this person turning to the first right hand player should say 8,yes02 to the second1 8,no02 and so on all around1 saying yes or no1 as the case may be1 to yourself last4 ,whoever is the last person to whom 8,no0 is said1 however1 is out of the game1 and the one who commenced the game1 again goes around the ring4 ,if she has said 8,yes0 to herself last1 then the one to her right hand is now told 8,no10 and thus 8,yes10 8,no10 is said all around again and again and so on1 until there are but two players4 ,whichever one is ,yes1 must then be 8,it40 ,all the players now stand at a given distance from 8,it10 and a tree or object being selected as a place of safety1 they are ready to begin4 8,it0 calls to the others1 8,one foot off10 then each player raises one of their feet4 8,two feet on10 at which order everybody's feet are immediately upon the sidewalk4 8,two feet off10 may then be called1 at which order all rush at their utmost speed1 and 8,it0 after them4 ,should anybody be caught before reaching the tree of safety1 that person must change places with 8,it10 and the game continues as before4 ,the orders1 8,one foot off10 8,two feet on10 etc41 should be called very rapidly1 so that everybody is mixed up and will not suspect when two feet off will be called4 ,sometimes the orders are repeated over and over1 and again1 8,two feet off0 may be said the first time4 ,,the ,,greengrocer4 ,any boy may start the game1 by saying1 8,i am a greengrocer and ,i sell ,o40 ,all of the children must now guess what the grocer would have for sale that would commence with the letter ,o4 ,he means he has onions for sale4 ,whoever is the first to guess1 whether it is a girl or a boy1 now becomes the greengrocer and uses the same words as before1 only substituting another letter4 ,perhaps the greengrocer has cucumbers or carrots for sale2 in that case he would sell ,c4 ,this game is capable of a variety of changes1 for example1 8,i am a milliner1 and ,i am going to put ,f on your hat40 ,all the girls must now guess what a milliner could put on a hat that would commence with ,f1 and some one is not long in deciding that the milliner means 8,flowers40 ,the next milliner may say1 8,i am a milliner and ,i am going to put ,d flowers on your hat40 ,and all must think what varieties of flowers commence with the letter ,d1 and in a second some one calls out1 8,daisies40 ,this being correct1 the one who has guessed becomes milliner4 ,in like manner a boy may say1 8,i am a ,new ,york jeweler1 and ,i sell ,g10 and all the players must think what a jeweler could offer for sale that would commence with the letter ,g4 ,soon a voice asks1 8,is it ,gold80 ,but that is not correct1 this jeweler is selling ,garnets4 ,or the game may be confined to a country4 ,example3 8,i am a ,japanese merchant and ,i sell ,s40 ,the players must think what the merchant has for sale that comes from ,japan1 and that commences with the letter ,s4 ,thus with care this game may be played by a small child with as much success as by an adult4 ,,rubies ,,and ,,emeralds4 ,two players decide as to which one will represent rubies and which emeralds1 without telling the others4 ,they then join hands to form an arch4 ,all the rest take hold of each other's jackets or frocks1 and while going through the arch they sing1 ,all of a row1 ,bend the bow1 ,shot at a pigeon ,and killed a crow4 ,the cock doth crow ,to let you know1 ,if you be well4 ,the second that the last word is sung1 those who have formed the arch drop their arms around the neck of the child just passing under4 ,then they inquire in a whisper which he would rather have1 ,rubies or ,emeralds4 ,when he decides1 he must whisper the answer1 and he will then be told to go back of the player that represents that stone4 ,when all have been caught1 those back of the stone that has had the most admirers now hide1 while the others seek for them4 ,should the rubies have precedence1 the emeralds are the ones to hunt1 or if the emeralds1 the rubies are the ones to hunt4 ,whichever stone is in the minority must seek for the others4 ,whoever finds the most rubies or emeralds1 as the case may be1 is counted the richest1 as this player possesses the most treasure4 ,the players who have formed the arch keep watch that all is done fairly4 ,,what ,,the ,,dandelions ,,said ,is the old game familiar to all from babyhood--that of blowing the soft down of the ripened dandelion to learn1 8,how old am ,i80 ,blow once1 one year old2 blow twice1 two years1 and so on1 until all the downy stuff has gone4 ,the number of times the blows have been given before the down has altogether disappeared indicates the age4 ,or1 8,what time is it80 ,this is indicated in the same way4 ,blow once1 and if all the down is gone1 it is one o'clock1 twice1 two o'clock1 and so on4 ,,daisy ,,catch4 ,all the boys and girls should stand in a group1 with the exception of one girl1 and to her is given a bunch of daisies4 ,she is known as 8,daisy ,girl40 ,a tree is selected as a place of safety and the other girls count ten1 allowing ten seconds for the count4 ,during the counting1 ,daisy ,girl runs wherever she pleases1 but the moment ten is spoken1 the boys and girls may race after her4 ,the idea is to tag her while the flowers are in her hand4 ,if she is tagged the girl must then throw the daisies as if they were a ball to the boy or girl tagging her4 ,if they are caught the game proceeds as before1 by reversing the players1 but if the flowers are not caught1 ,daisy ,girl may try again4 ,she may also demand another chance1 if1 when fearing she would be tagged1 she throws the daisies away1 and catches them again before any of the other players4 ,when the game is repeated it commences regularly from the beginning1 the players taking the same position as at the start4 ,,dibbs4 ,this is the ,english name for ,jack-,stones4 ,where a number of children are playing together1 test who can pick up the greater number without dropping any1 within ten minutes4 ,the oldest child should keep count1 and also watch the time1 in order that no mistakes occur4 ,the counter should have each of the players' names written on a slate or piece of paper1 with sufficient room for his scores4 ,when a ,dibb or ,jack-,stone has been dropped1 this party must commence afresh4 ,he1 however1 may yet win2 for his opponents may drop many more ,dibbs than he4 ,the only score to count is after the last ,dibb has been dropped4 ,a player might have reached a score of thirty or more1 but having failed to catch his ,dibb1 it drops and he must now count one1 two1 and so on without regard to former count4 ,when the ten minutes have expired1 the counter should call 8,game10 and the players must stop on the second4 ,,touch4 ,this game is for little children1 though it may be played by children of all ages4 ,it is at its best as an out-of-door recreation4 ,chalk off a part of a lawn or use a small grass plot4 ,on this put a number of paper-covered packages4 ,then blindfold one of the children1 and1 in the sight of all the others1 touch a package4 ,when this is done the blindfold may be removed1 and the child told he may have all the packages for his own1 until he takes the one touched1 then he must stop4 ,sometimes the player is unfortunate enough to pick up the touched package first1 if so1 he must surrender this also1 unless the players vote he may try again4 ,no one may try more than twice4 ,on the contrary an occasional child may pick up every package before the one touched1 when that happens the touched package is also added as a reward4 ,this game interests all1 and when the touched package is picked up1 the children scream with laughter4 ,the contents of the packages may be a little candy1 inexpensive toys1 an apple1 pear or other fruits1 also nuts4 ,each present is temptingly wrapped1 and as this game is played over and over no one gift should cost beyond a penny or two4 ,it makes great fun to undo the packages1 and generous children always divide with the unfortunate4 ,,snapping-,,ropes4 ,this is a ,scotch game1 usually played by girls1 but there is no reason why boys should not play also4 ,two skipping-ropes are required4 ,two players turn the pair of ropes1 holding the ends of both ropes in one hand precisely the same as if they were turning a single rope1 and the third player stands between and jumps4 ,whoever is jumper cannot be lazy1 as that party has to jump twice as rapidly as if jumping in a single rope4 ,,boys ,,and ,,girls4 ,,silhouettes4 ,place a lighted candle behind a tall screen covered with white linen4 ,the hostess should sit before it and each of the company must in turn pass between the candle and the screen4 ,the game is to guess the person behind the screen by means of their shadow4 ,the guesser should leave the room while the one to be named is selected1 and on returning1 he should not look to find out who is missing1 but honestly guess from the silhouette4 ,sometimes it adds to the fun to use a disguise1 as at a masquerade1 for example1 put on a long skirt1 fasten up the hair1 etc41 in no case cover the face1 as it is difficult to give the right name1 with every advantage4 ,,the ,,surprise4 ,learn what you can do with five pieces of paper4 ,the margin of a newspaper may be utilized if no other paper is convenient4 ,these pieces should be one inch long by half an inch wide4 ,the scheme is to shape them into squares1 triangles1 etc41 the one who wins the game is the one who can accomplish the most with his five pieces4 ,he need not use the entire five each time1 but he cannot add to the number of papers1 nor can he mark them with pen1 pencil or any other thing4 ,as a matter of fact the whole alphabet can be formed with them1 and so many other unique designs that this game fully merits its name4 ,,haphazard ,,reading4 ,to be played by nine people2 should there be more present1 draw for the players4 ,and1 as but one of the party will read1 draw to decide which one4 ,the reader then1 having a pencil and paper1 writes the parts of speech1 as the players in turn whisper to him3 ,no4 #a4 ,an ,article4 ,no4 #b4 ,an ,adjective4 ,no4 #c4 ,a ,noun4 ,no4 #d4 ,a ,verb4 ,no4 #e4 ,an ,adverb4 ,no4 #f4 ,a ,number4 ,no4 #g4 ,an ,adjective4 ,no4 #h4 ,a ,noun4 ,these having been written1 the sentences must then be read aloud3 ,example3 ,no4 #a whispers the article ,the4 ,no4 #b1 the adjective ,pink4 ,no4 #c1 the noun ,hawthorn4 ,no4 #d1 the verb ,plays4 ,no4 #e1 the adverb ,prettily4 ,no4 #f1 the number ,three hundred and three4 ,no4 #g1 the adjective ,fantastic4 ,no4 #h1 the noun ,operas4 ,the sentence to be read1 therefore1 is1 ,the pink hawthorn plays prettily three hundred and three fantastic operas4 ,the easiest way to draw will be to provide several slips of paper1 of exact size and shape4 ,some of the papers must be blank1 others numbered1 #a1 #b1 #c1 and so on1 making nine in all4 ,put these papers on a tray and pass to all in the room4 ,the one drawing the number #i must be the reader1 the other numbers decide whether that individual must whisper an article or an adjective1 according to the example given4 ,those having blank papers do not play4 ,,sing1 ,,birdie1 ,,sing4 ,this game provokes laughter from the most solemn individual4 ,the company should be seated in a ring4 ,the one in command enters the ring and makes much ceremony in giving each player the name of a bird2 which may be1 for example1 heron1 kingfisher1 bluebird1 cat-bird1 wood-thrush4 ,when each have been named1 the commander then whispers something to every person4 ,what he whispers is a motion or sound or both1 which he wishes the person to give4 ,when everybody has received their cue1 the commander steps to the centre of the ring and calls1 8,one1 two1 three40 ,the moment 8,three0 is spoken1 each of the company rise1 and running round the circle of empty chairs1 flap their arms in imitation of wings1 sing or call as they have been directed4 ,the heron should make a motion as though trying to get little fish out of holes in the bottom of a pond1 or he should stand on one leg and appear to be asleep4 ,the kingfisher should brush up his hair1 making it rough on the top1 and then act as if diving for minnows4 ,the bluebird should warble a sweet song4 ,the cat-bird should appear full of fun and make melodious notes1 but he should also add the complaining mee-aa2 for the cat-bird is sometimes a wonderful songster1 but after nesting gives a sound that is decidedly cat-like4 ,the wood-thrush should sing a most tender melody1 and the more melancholy the better4 ,hawks1 wood-peckers1 chickadees1 parrots1 screech-owls1 ducks1 geese and many other birds might be added4 ,the greater variety introduced the better4 ,,squirrel ,,in ,,the ,,middle4 ,this is a game for boys1 and the player is decided by lot4 ,the easiest way to arrange the lot is to throw as many bits of paper1 of similar size and shape1 into a hat as there are players4 ,all of these papers are blank excepting one1 this has the word 8player0 written on it4 ,the hat is then passed1 and the boy drawing the word 8player0 immediately sits on the floor1 the others stand in a circle around him4 ,whoever is behind his back1 pulls his coat1 or gently pulls his hair1 taking him unawares4 ,he turns to catch this boy1 but while doing so another boy buffets him4 ,as the players dance about the circle1 they exclaim1 8,squirrel in the middle catch him if you can40 ,finally one of the boys is caught1 and he must then change places with the one he has been tormenting4 ,,tablespoons4 ,form a circle1 one of the number going into the ring4 ,present that person with a tablespoon for each hand1 and blindfold him4 ,then state that the others will skip around him three times and then stop4 ,as soon as they stop1 they will let go hands and stand perfectly still4 ,the party in the ring now moves towards one of the players and must tell who he is by touching him with the spoons only4 ,if his guess is correct1 the person caught now exchanges places with the one in the ring2 if he is incorrect1 he must try again4 ,this game is not as difficult as it at first appears4 ,carefully notice the peculiarity of clothing each one has on before you enter the ring1 whether1 for instance1 the frock is trimmed1 buttoned1 etc41 or the scarf is a four-in-hand ornamented with a scarf-pin1 or if the scarf is run through a ring or tied in a bow4 ,note also the wearing of the hair and every detail that may occur to you1 and remember that the spoons may be used whichever way one pleases4 ,so1 if they touch beads1 and there is only one person who is wearing beads that will at once indicate the individual2 or if the spoon knocks against a scarf pin and there is only one boy wearing a scarf pin1 he will of necessity be recognized1 and thus each player is caught4 ,,the ,,emperor',s ,,court4 ,put a conspicuously handsome chair in the centre of the room1 also an ottoman for the feet4 ,on either side of this put as many ordinary chairs as would accommodate the players4 ,one of the company now goes to the piano1 and plays a march1 all of the others1 rise1 and1 with considerable ceremony1 escort the tallest boy in the room to the chair of honor4 ,this boy now becomes an ,emperor1 and the chair at his disposal1 his throne1 the rest of the players his court4 ,immediately the ,emperor is seated1 the music stops1 and the pianist together with the court seat themselves also4 ,this game consists in copying the ,emperor4 ,if he pretends to cry1 the court must cry1 if he sings1 the court must sing4 ,the ,emperor should make himself as ridiculous as is possible4 ,or he might order one of the court to play the piano and have a dance1 or give a set of military tactics4 ,should any of the court laugh at a time the ,emperor is not laughing1 he or she must pay a forfeit4 ,,three ,,little ,,pigs4 ,this game is played after the same manner as is ,silhouettes1 only those taking part should be in costume1 representing the words they illustrate4 ,it makes capital sport1 and nobody can fail to enjoy it1 whether taking part or not4 ,the game is easily understood1 and is best described by an example4 ,one of the company should distinctly say1 ,three little pigs went to market4 ,when this is said1 three pigs should appear as if going to market1 passing between a candle and a white covered screen1 they should grotesquely walk1 so adding to the amusement4 ,when these three have hobbled off1 the reader then recites1 ,three little pigs stayed at home1 which is likewise shown by three others of the company2 then in like manner1 ,three little pigs have bread and butter1 and so on through the rhyme1 illustrating every scene4 ,paper will be found all the material necessary to effect a disguise4 ,cut it in the form of ears1 etc41 as is needed1 and practise effects before producing the game to amuse an audience4 ,,the ,,funny ,,prima ,,donnas4 ,three girls should wear ridiculous costumes1 making themselves as grotesque as possible4 ,each one being a prima donna1 should try to outdo the other in appearance as also in voice4 ,the hair should be fashioned after the same arrangement as that of a celebrated vocalist1 the hands and arms should be covered with evening gloves4 ,the material of the frock need not be costly1 but it should be smart and showy2 the frock should be made with a train4 ,each should carry a conspicuous fan1 or immense bouquets of large bright flowers1 such as full-blown roses1 poppies1 yellow chrysanthemums1 etc4 ,the bouquets should be trimmed elaborately around with white paper lace4 ,at an appropriate time the hostess will announce the arrival of three celebrated ,prima ,donnas1 and before they appear she will give each of the company a noticeably colored paper flower1 or bunch of flowers1 such as marigolds1 morning glories1 scarlet geraniums4 ,having given the flowers1 she will say1 8,when the artists have concluded their song1 let each one do as ,i do40 ,this said1 the artists enter1 and having promenaded to the front room1 gesticulating all the time1 they bow and sing a line each1 and each in a different key1 to the tune of 8,auld ,lang ,syne10 the following3 ,young ,mousy ,mouse ,has made a house ,out of the farmer's cheese4 ,then in chorus1-- ,and eats away ,with friends each day1 ,as jolly as you please4 ,then separately the first three lines of the second verse1-- ,but ,mousy ,mouse ,don't see her house ,soon swallowed up must be4 ,in chorus1-- ,and with that house ,goes that poor mouse ,as sure as sure can be4 ,the instant the last word is sung1 the hostess1 with all her might and main1 throws her flower to reach the artist's feet1 and as the company has been told to copy her1 there is a perfect rain of flowers4 ,afterwards they are gathered1 and divided between the ,prima ,donnas1 who triumphantly carry them home as souvenirs of their charming reception4 ,,do ,,you ,,hear8 ,this game needs two persons4 ,stand at a distance from your confederate who will ask1 8,molly1 do you hear80 and who will keep up asking the question until some one speaks4 ,then ,molly says she hears and leaves the room4 ,no sooner out1 than her confederate will explain to the company1 8,i shall hand some one in this room a button1 and ,i shall then ask ,molly to tell me who has it40 ,having thus explained1 he hands the button to the individual who spoke just before ,molly left the room4 ,then the confederate calls1 8,molly1 who has the button80 ,at once ,molly replies correctly4 ,the key is very simple1 being only to remember the person who spoke as she left the room4 ,the game when played with a boy1 should have the word ,johnny substituted for ,molly4 ,,laughable ,,dinner4 ,each girl in succession leads a boy to a position to dance a reel4 ,first girl then says to first boy1 8,this is my flower to decorate the table10 and she gives him a flower which he puts in his buttonhole4 ,second girl to second boy1 8,this is my flower to decorate the table10 and she gives him a different flower1 which he puts in his buttonhole4 ,third girl to third boy1 8,you tread clams for dinner10 and the boy must make the motion of treading clams4 ,fourth girl to fourth boy1 8,you catch trout for dinner10 and the boy makes believe he is a fly-fisherman4 ,fifth girl to fifth boy1 8,you get lamb to roast10 and the boy calls1 8,bah6 bah60 ,sixth girl to sixth boy1 8,you get the turkey to roast10 and the boy gives the call of a turkey-gobbler4 ,seventh girl to seventh boy1 8,you shoot the duck for roasting10 and the boy calls1 8,quack6 ,quack60 ,eighth girl to eighth boy1 8,you are my pigeon to bake in a pie10 and the boy flaps his arms in imitation of wings4 ,ninth girl to ninth boy1 8,you are a baker and must bake our cake10 and this boy pretends to beat eggs4 ,tenth girl to tenth boy1 8,you are the young man who grinds good coffee10 and he makes believe he is turning the crank of a coffee-mill4 ,as soon as the tenth boy responds1 a couple of good whistlers whistle ,yankee ,doodle1 all the others dance a reel1 repeating their calls and motions while dancing4 ,,jolly ,,play4 ,arrange chairs in couples back to back1 placing them in different parts of the room1 and have one too few for your company4 ,all the players stand1 one behind the other1 the one in charge at the head of the line4 ,he leads the party whichever way he pleases4 ,as they march1 the leader sings to the tune of1 8,there were ,three ,crows sat on a ,tree10 ,i must be gay ,this merry day1 ,but game obey ,i will1 ,i will4 ,he may march about and sing this verse as often as he wishes1 but while singing1 8,i will1 ,i will10 he must some time fling himself into a chair4 ,as soon as the leader is seated1 the others make a bold rush to follow his example4 ,the player for whom there is no seat1 now becomes leader1 and the rest of the company follow as before4 ,,the ,,dwarf4 ,a boy should put his hands into small stockings and shoes4 ,then put on a wig of different color from his own hair4 ,he must fasten on a moustache1 and put some black sticking plaster over one or two of his front teeth4 ,his coat should be of a different shape and his necktie should be of a different style from that which he usually wears4 ,indeed1 he must be thoroughly disguised4 ,back of him1 another boy must stand1 and pass his arm around the first boy's shoulder4 ,curtains must be drawn so that no part of the second boy is seen but his arms4 ,put a small table before them1 and from the back of this table drop a cloth1 so as to conceal the first boy below his waist4 ,the front boy puts his hands dressed in shoes on the table1 the boy back of him supplies his arms and hands1 and if properly arranged a dwarf from three to four feet tall is thus produced4 ,of course1 a tiny costume must be made4 ,little ,turkish trousers1 a blouse-like coat1 a fez1 a belt and small sword4 ,it is well to have an exhibitor who should tell some wonderful tale about the dwarf4 ,and the exhibitor should indicate that the dwarf jokes1 sings and dances1 an exhibition of which should then follow4 ,the dwarf should be fully prepared as to what he will say and do4 ,several spicy jokes should be at his tongue's end4 ,he should gesticulate violently with his hands and arms1 and likewise sing the jolliest of songs and dance the drollest dances4 ,it requires practice4 ,,crown ,,game4 ,a girl enters the ring2 all the others take firm hold of the rope4 ,no sooner is she in than they skip about her1 keeping the rope in motion4 ,as they skip they sing1 to the tune of 8,auld ,lang-syne10 ,who'll crown our queen1 our merry queen1 ,who'll crown our queen to-day8 ,who'll crown our queen1 our merry queen1 ,who'll crown our queen to-day8 ,when this is sung1 the children stop skipping just where they are4 ,and at once one of the boys puts his head under the rope1 and1 standing by the queen1 replies1 8,i will40 ,then raising a crown of wild flowers1 he puts it on her head4 ,no sooner is she crowned than she blindfolds the boy1 and another girl enters1 thus making two girls in the ring4 ,the game is to 8tag0 the right girl before the other players count nine4 ,when the boy 8tags0 the girl1 he must at once say whether or not she is the queen1 and if he makes a mistake he must remain in the ring and try again4 ,the first girl withdraws1 the second girl is crowned queen1 and the game is repeated4 ,but should he make no mistake1 the boy remains in the ring1 is crowned king1 and the game goes on1 only that two boys are in the ring when a girl is blindfolded4 ,,guess4 ,a ,rope ,game4 ,put a rope on the ground in the form of a circle2 in the centre put a stone about the size of a duck's egg4 ,the players stand backwards around the rope1 with their heels touching it4 ,each one in turn throws a grace-hoop over his right shoulder1 with the hope it will encircle the stone4 ,as soon as the hoop is thrown all may turn and see the position4 ,if the hoop encircles the stone the player may try again and again1 until he fails1 counting one for each time4 ,then the party to his right tries1 and so on all around the rope4 ,whoever has the largest count wins the game4 ,this game is also played facing the stone2 it is then no longer a game of guess1 but a game of skill4 ,,the ,,circle4 ,on the floor or ground mark a circle1 the diameter of which is two feet4 ,the easiest way would be to use a hoople of the correct size1 and chalk it all around close to the wood4 ,be careful not to move the hoople while marking4 ,therefore1 one person would better hold the hoople1 while another uses the chalk4 ,eight players are required1 two and two standing together1 taking the same positions as if they were to dance a quadrille4 ,the circle must be in the centre of the space around which they stand1 and the players should be six feet from the outer edge4 ,in the circle place four small articles1 three without much value1 and the other of some little value4 ,as an example1 put in three empty bottles1 and one filled with inexpensive perfume1 or if you use flowers1 put three dandelions1 and one half-blown rose4 ,all articles must be laid side by side1 and as nearly as possible1 in the exact centre of the circle4 ,when all is ready1 the host1 being at the piano1 should play 8,pop ,goes the ,weasel10 and if the game is played out of doors1 the same tune should be hummed or whistled4 ,when the music starts1 the head couples join hands and skip to the circle and then back1 this must be again and again repeated1 until the pianist suddenly stops4 ,those who have been skipping must then bow to each other wherever they happen to be1 also unclasp their hands1 and neither run nor walk1 but skip as rapidly as possible to the circle2 sometimes they are fortunate enough to be by it when the music stops2 then at once pick up one of the articles1 and skip back to the position held at the time the game started4 ,these movements must be finished before the musician again commences to play4 ,then1 holding the article in one hand and your partner's hand in the other1 you skip twice around the circle1 and return to position4 ,the head couple leading1 all the others following after the same order1 as the march in a quadrille4 ,the articles are then put where they were at the game's start1 and the side couples repeat what the head couples have already done4 ,the musician should allow enough time to make it possible for all the players to pick up an article1 but he must not allow too much time1 or a prominent feature in the game is missed4 ,every one is desirous to pick up the valuable article1 but if you are not careful the music will start before you have gotten anything3 in that case you must be blindfolded and skip all alone four times around the circle4 ,while you are skipping1 the spectators are clapping4 ,whoever is fortunate enough to have picked up the valuable article1 may retain it as a favor4 ,this must therefore have a duplicate1 as the side couples have equal chances with the heads4 ,,two ,,skipping-,,rope ,,games4 ,take a skipping-rope whenever you go for a country frolic4 ,one treat will be given through clover blossoms4 ,each player should gather enough of these sweet-scented flowers to make three fair-sized bouquets1 when these are made1 put them in a convenient and cool place4 ,take turns turning the rope2 as soon as one girl is through skipping1 she should exchange with one that has been turning4 ,in that way nobody is tired4 ,enter the rope according to height1 the shortest player should go first4 ,as soon as the rope is in even motion1 all the players excepting the one to skip1 should say1 8,one1 two1 three10 the moment 8,three0 is said1 whoever is to skip must enter or lose her turn4 ,should she trip before skipping eight times she must give her successor a bouquet1 on the contrary1 should she skip five times without a break1 her successor must present her with a bouquet4 ,no one may be allowed to skip more than fifteen times1 as too much rope skipping is injurious4 ,these rules must receive strict adherence4 ,when all have had opportunity to skip three times1 the game is finished4 ,the winner is the one who has received the most bouquets4 ,another game requires ten players1 two turning and eight skipping4 ,in this game those who turn cannot be relieved1 but must turn until the game is concluded4 ,this time the tallest player is the first to enter1 the others stand according to height1 one directly back of the other4 ,as soon as the rope is in steady motion1 the first player starts1 skips once1 runs out and around to a rock or tree previously decided on1 where she is safe1 the second immediately enters the rope1 after the first one runs out1 the point being for the second one to tag the first before she can reach her destination4 ,the third player1 however1 enters the rope as the second has run out1 and is trying just as hard to tag the second1 as the second is to tag the first1 and so on1 each rapidly following the one before1 and thus this game keeps steadily on until all have been through the rope three times4 ,whoever has been tagged is out of the game1 and can no longer play2 this decides who are the winners4 ,it now becomes the duty of all who have played1 to gather quantities of clover or other field blossoms1 enough to trim the rope from one end to the other4 ,in this form the pretty flowers are taken home1 and used for dining-room decoration4 ,festoon the mantel1 or wind it around the chandelier1 allowing the ends to drop low towards the table4 ,as only one person can have this rope of flowers1 decide which one1 by counting out4 ,,running ,,for ,,the ,,cap4 ,the boys must be equally divided2 one set is called catchers1 the other runners1 and these sets must stand fifty yards apart4 ,the catcher's position is thirty yards from the post1 and the runners' twenty4 ,the call1 one1 two1 three1 is given1 and on the second three is spoken one boy from each party runs to the post4 ,the runner will naturally get there first1 and he has to put the cap on his head1 and then replace it4 ,he must do this with the utmost rapidity1 as1 should the catcher overtake him on his way back to the position which he held before starting to run1 the boy becomes the catcher's prisoner1 and can no longer play4 ,,fire-,,arch ,,discount ,,game4 ,a strip of wood two inches thick1 five inches wide1 and one yard long will be required4 ,in this cut five arches1 making the centre one four inches in width1 the others three inches each2 stand it up on the floor or on a table1 and make the starting-point six feet away4 ,four marbles may be rolled by each player4 ,when a marble goes through the centre arch it counts sixty1 but if1 instead1 it goes through either of the small arches1 thirty is counted off4 ,if a marble fails to pass through either1 it is counted out of the game1 and must be removed4 ,the next turn around1 the player will use only three instead of four marbles4 ,the boy who has the highest tally has won2 should there be a tie1 they must roll again4 ,this game requires practice1 or some players will find that they have lost more than they have made4 ,,the ,,bagatelle ,,board ,,count ,,game4 ,chalk a floor or mark a space in exact copy of a bagatelle-board ten feet long by three wide4 ,in the inclosure1 at correct distances1 mark the numbers2 this may be done with chalk1 or the numbers may be painted on thin wooden blocks and laid in position4 ,each player must start his marble at the extreme left-hand corner1 and state before starting the number he wishes to roll to4 ,should the marble go to that number1 and not roll on so as to touch another1 the player counts the number selected1 and can then state another number and play for that1 and can so continue for seven minutes1 provided his marble always hits the number selected1 and though rolling on1 does not touch or stop at any other4 ,when his time is up his count is scored1 and the next player follows1 subject to the same rules4 ,should the marble stop on the number selected1 it is counted double in favor of the player4 ,again1 should the marble1 having reached the selected number1 still roll on and touch another1 no count is allowed1 and the player must stop until his turn comes again4 ,,funny ,,questions ,,with ,,funny ,,answers4 ,all the players stand in a circle and join hands4 ,the tallest one in the room whispers a question to her right-hand neighbor1 who answers her in a whisper1 and then turns and asks her right-hand neighbor a question1 who replies in like manner4 ,when questions and answers have all gone around1 the party who commenced states aloud the question her left-hand neighbor asked1 and the reply her right-hand neighbor gave4 ,example3 ,suppose three players4 ,first questions4 ,second answers1 then turns and ask third4 ,third answers1 and asks the first1 who answers4 ,then1 questions and answers having gone all around1 first says aloud1 8,my left-hand neighbor asked1 and my right-hand neighbor answered40 ,first ,player3 ,what is the brightest idea this season8 ,second ,player3 ,your eye1 dear 7idea74 ,how many blackbirds were baked in the pie8 ,third ,player3 ,four-and-twenty4 ,what was the name of ,goliath of ,gath's grandmother's straw bonnet maker8 ,first ,player3 ,nobody knows4 ,when all have played4 ,first ,player1 aloud3 ,the question asked me was1 8,what was the name of ,goliath of ,gath's grandmother's straw bonnet maker80 the answer was1 8,your eye1 dear 7idea740 ,second ,player3 ,the question asked me was1 8,what is the brightest idea this season80 ,the answer was1 8,four-and-twenty60 ,third ,player3 ,the question asked was1 8,how many blackbirds were baked in the pie80 ,the answer was1 8,nobody knows40 ,the one whose question has been most appropriately answered aloud1 must be entertained by the others1 as he desires--by dancing1 playing a favorite game1 by music1 recitations or any other suggested amusement4 ,,judge ,,and ,,jury4 ,draw lots for a ,judge and five ,jurymen4 ,pass six numbered paper slips in a fancy bag4 ,whoever draws number one is ,judge1 and the others the ,jury4 ,all the other players take the name of a celebrated musician or composer1 as ,beethoven1 ,de ,pachmann1 or ,schubert1 etc4 ,the ,judge now takes a seat at one end of the room4 ,the ,jurymen sit at one side in a row1 and the rest of the people sit at a distance4 ,the ,judge calls one of the other players up to the bar and proceeds to question him or her4 ,the prisoner is bound to answer any question the ,judge may see fit to ask1 and the business of the ,jury is to decide the name of the musician the prisoner has assumed4 ,ten questions are all that may be asked4 ,at the end of those the prisoner seats himself and awaits the ,jury's verdict4 ,if the first decision of the ,jury is incorrect1 the prisoner is released4 ,but if correct1 the prisoner takes the place of one of the ,jurymen1 who must draw to determine which one is relieved4 ,the ex-,juryman then takes his place among the waiting prisoners and assumes a character4 ,after three trials the ,judge must be a ,juryman1 and one of them must take his place4 ,this1 too1 is decided by lot4 ,by so doing all are on duty all the time1 and the end of the game is when the players are tired4 ,,the ,,card ,,introduction4 ,when young people are not very well acquainted1 play this game1 and by the time that it is finished every one will think he must have known everybody else for the last seven years4 ,place chairs so as to form a ring1 and ask your friends to be seated4 ,then have a pack of say1 authors' cards in your hand1 state that every one must say what you say1 and give what you give to his left-hand neighbor4 ,then lifting up the top card in the pack1 you say to your guest at your left1 8,here's my card1 ,longfellow40 ,the one who receives it instantly turns to the party at his left and1 giving the card1 repeats the same words1 8,here's my card1 ,longfellow40 ,the next card follows at once in the same manner1 repeating whatever its portrait1 may be1 and so card follows card without a second's delay1 and the laughter and fun that is made causes even the dullest person in the room to wake up and be hale fellow for the next entertainment4 ,should any card drop1 let it go4 ,there will not be enough time to pick it up until the game is ended4 ,,harmony ,,soloists4 ,one of the young men must represent the ,lord of ,misrule1 and in fantastic attire he goes from one to the other of the guests and asks each to draw one slip of paper from the basket which he carries4 ,on each slip are written four lines of any popular or well-known song4 ,each slip contains a different song4 ,as soon as the papers are drawn five of the people stand up in a line1 and with the ,lord of ,misrule as director they each sing separately their particular four lines to the correct tune4 ,when each of the five have sung1 all sing together as chorus1 each carefully keeping his own words and music4 ,then another five1 and then another1 until all have sung4 ,then for a grand finale1 all the guests stand as chorus and in duets1 trios1 quartettes sing the one stanza through1 all joining in the refrain each time4 ,the harmony will be remarkable4 ,,jig-,i-,,ty ,,jig4 ,chairs are placed to form a circle1 and all the players excepting two occupy the chairs4 ,one of the two players must play a polka or waltz4 ,the other one stands outside of the circle4 ,the one standing outside dances as soon as the music starts1 and continues dancing as long as she pleases1 but all of a sudden she stops a second before a chair1 and then dances up to the chair4 ,whoever occupies it instantly rises and dances back to her1 and after a while the first dancer waves a backward movement of the hand toward her friend1 thus indicating she is not wanted to continue dancing4 ,but she must walk or waltz back to her chair and then sit down4 ,the first dancer continues dancing1 however1 and goes to another party in precisely the same way as she did to the first1 and when she concludes she has the right one1 she dances to that party's seat and takes it4 ,the individual then on the floor continues dancing1 as did the first one4 ,when she sits down a third party dances1 and so on until all have danced4 ,if any of the company do not dance1 they should make a feint of doing so4 ,if the individual is full of fun1 much amusement is created4 ,,circle ,,game4 ,make a target of brown wrapping-paper1 and put the number #ajj on the bull's eye4 ,outside of this mark five rings1 making the largest one two feet in diameter1 the others proportionately smaller4 ,inside of these rings put the numbers #aj1 #bj1 #cj1 #dj1 #ej1 the centre as stated being #ajj4 ,mark out a space on the ground for a base five feet away2 place the target on the ground1 blindfold a player1 lead him to the base1 and turn him around twice1 and leave him facing the target4 ,he is now entitled to roll three marbles1 and then remove the blindfold4 ,his count will be the added numbers in the rings at which his marbles have stopped4 ,should any of them stop on a line1 he is entitled to the largest number adjoining4 ,no marbles must be moved1 and each boy has the privilege of trying the ground once with each marble1 before being blindfolded4 ,,the ,,hunt ,,for ,,the ,,keyhole4 ,a tall boy should put on the skirt of a lady's dress4 ,this skirt should just escape the floor4 ,in his hands he should carry a broom1 with the broom end held directly above him1 and the broom handle held close in front of him4 ,a ball to simulate a person's head should be secured by strong twine to the broom4 ,this ball should have a false face securely fastened to the front of it1 while1 as a cover for the rest of the ball there should be a lady's bonnet4 ,this bonnet cannot be too grotesquely trimmed4 ,long plumes1 brilliant flowers1 natural or artificial1 sunflowers1 hollyhocks1 cucumber blossoms1 etc41 would be correct decoration4 ,the bonnet should be tied underneath the false face1 being careful to have the bow ends voluminous and the streamers long4 ,the ribbon should be vivid scarlet1 or bright orange color4 ,just below the bonnet and around the broom fasten a cloak1 the bottom of which should reach beyond the boys waist2 in this way the boy and the broom are entirely concealed4 ,the company should be asked to take seats at the rear end of the room1 then announce that they are to be entertained by the pantomime entitled 8,the ,hunt for the ,keyhole40 ,then the door should be opened1 and at once a tall1 odd-looking individual enters4 ,his appearance creates roars of laughter1 as also his ridiculous actions when having bowed to the audience he turns to the door through which he has come and commences his search4 ,the effect is ridiculous1 as the head is bobbed around in every direction whichever way the boy chooses to turn1 as also whichever way he chooses to move the broom4 ,when enough amusement has been gotten1 the boy again bows and comically waltzes out of the room4 ,the boy will need an assistant to dress1 and this game should be privately practised before showing it to an audience4 ,,acting ,,proverbs ,this is played by one of the party leaving the room1 and on his return acting in such a manner as to indicate to the others a well-known proverb4 ,example1 8,a rolling stone gathers no moss10 may be indicated by the one having left the room returning with a round stone in his hand and rolling it on the floor4 ,,gossip4 ,this title suggests an amusing tableau vivant for an evening at home4 ,two girls should withdraw and put over their pretty dresses queer-looking old shawls1 and cover their curls with odd-looking bonnets tied under the chin4 ,they should sit very close together1 and with cups of tea in their hands gaze intently at each other1 busily stirring the while4 ,they must nod their heads as though one were telling a bit of scandal4 ,suddenly one exclaims in a high-pitched voice1 8,you don't say so60 whereupon the hostess should inquire1 8,who can tell what these girls represent80 ,a number of the company will naturally reply1 8,gossip40 ,,the ,,florist4 ,whoever assumes this character should explain that he has flowers for sale1 and that he will try and sell all that he has by putting questions to the persons whom he thinks will buy1 and that whoever in answering his questions uses the words flowers1 yes1 or no would have to pay a forfeit1 and that he will try all that he can to get them to use one of the prohibited words4 ,then the ,florist should turn to one of the players and ask1 8,can ,i sell you any fresh flowers to-day80 8,i am fully supplied1 thank you40 ,and addressing another1 8,do buy my sweet violets40 8,not to-day1 sir40 8,how about carnations80 8,i don't wish flowers of any kind40 ,and in that way a forfeit is incurred4 ,the questions should be rapidly asked1 and as rapidly answered1 or the players will not get caught4 ,,my ,,lady',s ,,reception ,,apparel4 ,one of the players should act the part of lady's maid4 ,each of the players should take the name of something which a lady would wear to a reception1 as an article of clothing or jewelry4 ,or a player may take the name of an article a lady would use in getting ready for a reception1 as a comb and brush4 ,the lady's maid should stand at one end of the room1 and looking towards the players announce1 8,my lady is going to a reception to-night1 and wishes a handkerchief10 or whatever article she may choose to select4 ,the one named instantly rises1 and steps two feet forward1 makes a low bow1 then suddenly starting up twists about1 and turning to her right-hand neighbor says1 8,change chairs40 ,no sooner said than done4 ,everybody on the instant rushes for a chair1 including the lady's maid1 and the one that is left without a chair becomes the next lady's maid4 ,this person may continue the game1 as did the previous maid1 or she may say1 8,my lady is going to a reception to-night and wants her salts40 ,the moment salts are desired some of the players must sneeze as if the salts were too strong1 others should appear to faint1 and others wave their hands forward and back as if fanning4 ,any second that the lady's maid may choose she may exclaim1 8,change chairs60 and again there is another scramble1 with one person left without1 and there is therefore a new lady's maid4 ,this maid may try yet another way1 which will result in getting almost all of the players on their feet before they can change chairs4 ,she asks the players to re-name themselves1 and for nearly all of them to select articles of apparel4 ,then the maid says1 for instance1 8,my lady desires her white ivory fan40 ,the person so named should rise1 go two feet forward and1 having bowed very low1 should stand just where she is until the signal for change chairs is given4 ,the maid might then say1 8,my lady desires her white satin gown40 ,the person named white satin gown rises1 and repeats the action of the one going before4 ,and thus the maid continues to call1 until having all the requisite articles of apparel4 ,but when she exclaims1 8,my lady wishes her white kid shoes60 all rush for a seat4 ,whoever is left without a chair after this method of playing must rapidly tell the bootblack story4 8,as ,i was going down the street ,i saw two bootblacks4 ,one was a black bootblack and the other a white bootblack1 and both had black boots1 as well as blacking and blacking brushes4 ,the black bootblack asked the white bootblack to black his1 the black bootblack's black boot with blacking4 ,the white bootblack consented to black the black boots of the black bootblack with blacking1 but when he1 the white bootblack had blacked one black boot of the black bootblack with blacking1 he the white bootblack refused to black his1 the black bootblack's1 other black boot with blacking unless he1 the black bootblack1 paid him1 the white bootblack1 the same as what he1 the white bootblack1 got for blacking other people's black boots2 whereupon1 the black bootblack grew still blacker in the face1 and called the white bootblack a blackguard1 at the same time hitting the white bootblack with the black boot that he1 the white bootblack1 had already blacked with blacking40 ,should any one not leave his chair he must pay a forfeit4 ,should the maid ask for an article that has not been taken for a name1 she must pay a forfeit4 ,,thimble ,,game4 ,in order to be enjoyable this game requires several players1 and it is better that they should be both boys and girls1 as it then has the added element of a match between the boys and girls4 ,put a silver or gold thimble in full view1 in any convenient room1 into which your friends have not yet entered4 ,it makes the game more difficult if this room is well filled with bric--brac1 hangings1 pictures1 plants1 etc41 for the reason that the eye is confused with so much ornament and therefore cannot so easily detect such a small thing as a thimble4 ,state clearly the following directions before your friends enter4 ,no one can touch anything4 ,each player must stand until he sees the thimble4 ,every one may walk about as much as he pleases1 but talking is prohibited4 ,having seen the thimble1 immediately sit down4 ,it is a point of honor that no player will give information4 ,when all are seated the game is finished4 ,of course the girls want to get ahead of the boys1 and the boys ahead of the girls1 in locating the thimble4 ,therefore if a boy sits down first1 the girls are sorry2 and if a boy sits down last1 the boys are sorry4 ,the one who first sits down is the one to receive honor1 and he has the privilege of selecting the next game as well as deciding on the forfeit to be given by the boy or girl who has been the last to sit down4 ,sometimes the hostess gives the thimble to the one winning the game4 ,players must be very cautious1 or their eyes will tell what their tongues would not2 therefore1 having seen the thimble1 at once glance in another direction1 and you will thus mystify where you would otherwise assist4 ,,the ,,touch ,,game4 ,this requires an assistant to whom the secret of the game is intrusted4 ,the assistant leaves the room1 the other party remains with the company1 and states that during the assistant's absence she will put her hand on some object1 person1 or thing1 and when the assistant returns he will tell what has been touched4 ,the assistant now being out1 the piano stool is touched4 ,on the assistant's return he is asked1 8,what did ,i touch80 at once he replies1 8,the piano stool40 ,of course this causes great surprise and the assistant is asked to go out again1 the company expecting1 perhaps1 to be able to guess this time4 ,for a change a girl is touched1 and on the assistant's return he is asked1 8,whom did ,i touch80 and he promptly says1 8,bessie ,brown10 or whatever the girl's name4 ,then the players think there must be some look or gesture given to aid the assistant when he re-enters1 and so they are given the privilege of blindfolding him before his return1 but all in vain1 the assistant is as correct as before and no one is able to guess4 ,then the company beg3 8,do tell us the secret40 ,so when all give up they are told that just before the assistant leaves the room1 the other player secretly touches some person or thing1 or perhaps indicates what the object is with his foot or perhaps sits on it1 if it be a chair or stool4 ,occasionally1 to further mystify1 it would be well to simply fold one's arms4 ,this would signify to the confederate1 8,i am touching myself40 ,therefore the assistant1 whether blindfolded or not1 can answer correctly1 because he has received his clue before he went out4 ,of course1 this game requires an intelligent assistant2 indeed1 both players must be very careful1 as so many eyes are on the constant lookout4 ,this will be found a satisfactory game for a rainy afternoon in a summer hotel1 when the grown people are taking naps and there seems absolutely nothing left for young people to do1 and they are tired watching the weather1 and saying1 8,if it would only clear60 ,,the ,,concert4 ,select a conductor4 ,all others sit before him in a semicircle1 and each is given an imaginary musical instrument4 ,the conductor next directs them to tune their instruments1 after which1 taking a cane he waves it1 as if it were a baton4 ,he also whistles or hums a gay1 familiar air4 ,in this all join1 imitating by voice and gesture the instruments they are supposed to be playing on1 such as the flute1 the harp1 the hand-organ1 the cymbals1 violin1 cornet1 etc4 ,suddenly he waves his baton and the music ceases4 ,the conductor then calls for solos4 ,all the musicians give close attention1 and the conductor makes believe he is playing1 thus indicating which instrument he wishes to hear4 ,the player having that instrument must at once obey1 imitating both sound and gestures4 ,should he fail1 he must pay a forfeit4 ,a ,,curious ,,cat4 ,this is a trick to be played only where the people know each other very well4 ,a tall screen is required1 a cat1 a saucer of milk1 a table and a showman4 ,the showman is the most important1 for on his ready wit and tactful manner the success of the trick depends4 ,he stands by the screen and says to the audience1 ,come behind this screen and you will see ,a cat with her head where her tail ought to be4 ,one by one1 the guests may go1 and each must observe a discreet silence1 so that the rest may not guess what the trick is4 ,as each goes behind the screen1 a table is seen on which is a cat with her tail towards a saucer of milk1 where1 were it not for the showman's efforts1 her head would naturally be4 ,this foolish trick will always cause a hearty laugh4 ,a ,,boat ,,race4 ,girls who do not care to row should act as umpires4 ,a grand stand may be a massive rock ornamented with a tangle of vines and for a canopy a wide-branched tree4 ,there should be three races1 one between the girls1 another between the boys1 and a third between the girls and boys together4 ,two large willows or other trees1 conspicuously overhanging the water1 and therefore impossible to mistake1 should be selected as the points to start and end the race1 the prow of the boat should be even with the centre of the tree trunk at starting1 and the stern of the boat should be even with the centre of the tree trunk on closing4 ,only one person should be in the boat at a time1 and no person can have a second chance4 ,as the water is frequently too narrow for all boats to be out at once1 it is wiser to try two boats at a time1 and then two more should row and so on4 ,after the race is over the victors must row again1 two and two1 as at the first1 and so determine the winners4 ,when the winning girl and the winning boy are known1 they should race together1 and thus the champion rower will be discovered4 ,whoever is champion should be rewarded with a wreath of laurel1 after the fashion of the great ,roman victors2 if laurel cannot be found1 use oak leaves and tell the hero they are meant for laurel4 ,the wreath must be made and at the grand stand before the race opens4 ,the coronation should take place at the stand4 ,while gathering the leaves for the crown it would prove a pleasure to gather quantities of wild flowers1 with which to decorate the boats4 ,a simple and pretty trimming would be to carpet the boat with moss and edge it around with fern leaves4 ,another way would be to canopy a boat with apple blossoms2 the branches are easily held in place between the narrow strip of wood that forms the border1 and the boat itself4 ,but a canopy retards motion1 and the rowers must consider speed before they decide on decoration4 ,,three ,,little ,,maids ,,from ,,school4 ,three tall boys should dress as prima donnas1 carry bouquets1 and sing the popular song1 8,three ,little ,maids from ,school are we40 ,after this they should appear as giants and perform a variety of tricks4 ,for example3 ,hold an umbrella over their heads1 which is covered with a long cloak4 ,to the top of the umbrella-stick fasten a ball the size of a person's head1 on to this ball put a round hat1 and a veil so as to conceal the face4 ,thus the boys will be of gigantic size1 and their very appearance will provoke laughter4 ,after bowing to their friends1 they should dance a few reel figures1 then walk about the room and examine the chandeliers1 tops of the pictures or frescoing4 ,then play 8,puss in the corner40 ,when they repeat 8,puss1 ,puss1 ,puss10 they should use unnatural tones4 ,it is very funny1 and those who are not 8little maids0 will have almost as much sport as if they were4 ,,the ,,war ,,of ,,the ,,roses4 ,this is a pretty1 interesting and instructive game1 as those engaged in it and not familiar with the period of history to which it refers may be led to study it1 and the knowledge received through playing may thus prove beneficial4 ,it is particularly suited to out-of-door amusement1 though it may be played indoors by making a field of battle4 ,this could be done by putting a rug in the centre of a room1 and stating1 that rug represents the battlefield of ,saint ,albans1 or the battle-field of ,towton1 or you may have both battles1 should you so prefer4 ,when played out of doors1 mark out a piece of lawn in the same way that a tennis court is marked4 ,or1 should there be no lawn1 mark an oblong on the ground by means of a sharp-pointed stick4 ,the battle-field should be five feet one way1 and three the other4 ,choose two of the largest boys for leaders2 one of them will personate ,richard the ,duke of ,york1 the other the nearest relative of the house of ,lancaster1 who was the ,duke of ,somerset4 ,then in turn1 commencing with the ,duke of ,york1 the boys will call their soldiers1 which may be 7as this is a game7 girls as well as boys4 ,as each one's name is called1 he stands in line on the side of his leader4 ,when all are chosen1 the ,duke of ,york gives his soldiers1 as also himself1 the symbol of the ,yorkists1 which was a white rose1 and in like manner the ,lancastrians receive their symbol1 which was a red one4 ,commencing at the foot of the line1 the ,duke of ,york will blindfold his soldier1 and lead him around for one minute1 thus confusing him as to location2 but when he stops leading him1 he must be six feet from the battlefield1 and his face so turned as to make it possible to reach it4 ,then the leader calls one1 two1 three1 and at once the soldier throws his rose4 ,the blindfold is then removed1 and he will see how near the field his charge has reached4 ,it is now the turn of the house of ,lancaster1 and the ,duke of ,somerset will blindfold the soldier at the end of his line1 and thus the game proceeds as before4 ,when every one has played1 the roses on the battlefield are counted4 ,whichever side has on the most roses has won4 ,then all the roses are picked up and presented to the victors by the losing side4 ,each one of the winners then adorns himself with a red and white rose4 ,no rose can be counted on the battlefield1 unless every part of it is on1 including the stem and foliage4 ,there must be an even number of players4 ,,unbar4 ,every player excepting the boy known as ,bear1 must twist and knot his handkerchief4 ,the ,bear selects a tree as a starting point1 and states his object will be to tag the others4 ,whoever is tagged becomes a ,bear1 and must return to the tree1 pursued and beaten all the way back with the knotted handkerchiefs4 ,the two ,bears then join hands1 and1 starting out1 try to tag every one that is possible1 and this action is repeated until all the players are ,bears4 ,whenever the chain of ,bears is broken1 as it sometimes is by an attack from the rear1 the ,bears again return to the tree4 ,,bird ,,test4 ,give each player a slip of paper on which he must write the birds' names4 ,also the number of times the word bird and birds' names occur4 ,the correct number to find is seventy-six4 ,time allowed is six minutes4 ,the slip should be headed ,bird ,test4 ,one day while walking along a grassy lane conspicuously edged with blackberry bushes1 my attention was riveted by the song of a bird1 a sort of up and down warble1 and in the branches of a maple tree near1 ,i saw a red-eyed viero1 and not far off1 quietly looking towards the singer1 was such a pretty warbler1 another greenlet1 the white-eyed viero4 ,listening to the red-eye1 the viero's warble grew less and less distinct as the distance lengthened between us4 ,the warbler warbled the same sweet song1 but my ear was less able to catch the warbling warbler's notes1 and soon the greenlet1 the viero1 the musical1 silver-tongued warbler1 warbled for me all in vain4 ,but as ,i walked ,i thought how rarely that we meet people who are indifferent to birds1 and how desolate our lanes1 woods and gardens would be without them4 ,and how much beauty is added to bushes1 flowers1 and trees1 if a singing bird rests on them long enough for us to listen to his song4 ,and then ,i named over some favorite birds4 ,the meadow lark1 blue jay1 ,carolina wren1 wood thrush1 robin1 swallow4 ,but suddenly ,i heard 8,me-au1 me-au10 as if a cat was near4 ,i stood just where ,i was1 to discover the creature4 ,my thought of birds gave a thought of protection4 ,a moment later and ,i laughed aloud1 for flying over my head was the jolly song-bird1 called cat-bird1 who has a bad habit of mewing4 ,but the sunshine seemed pleasant company for him2 for watching the cat-bird's movements ,i saw him alight on a tree close by1 and with a hop and a skip go from limb to limb4 ,whip-poor-will1 whip-poor-will1 and again on the alert1 my eyes were almost strained1 this time in effort to follow the sad cry1 looking everywhere for whip-poor-will4 ,when what a pleasant surprise1 to learn that whip-poor-will was none other than the brilliantly colored mocking bird1 whose fancy had dictated the whip-poor-will's melancholy notes and now whizzed close to me1 to nestle on the blackberry blossoms a few steps beyond4 ,then walking on ,i thought of the many birds about us1 the brown thrasher1 and white-throated sparrow1 the tree sparrow1 the bank and barn swallows1 and the sociable sparrow1 dear little chippy1 and of what ,i had read about fly-catchers and veerys1 and the crested titmouse who gleefully shouts in the wildest winds1 8,t' sweet here6 t' sweet here60 ,my walk by this time was hurried into a run1 and ,i caught my foot into some poor bird's nest that was hidden in the long grass1 and ,i almost fell1 but being glad ,i had not tripped over a rut-runner1 ,i thought of the quotation1 8,runs like the kill-deer up the rut10 and a warbler near sang so cheerily that ,i forgot my accident and soon reached the creek towards which ,i was hastening4 ,when who should come first to greet me but a yellow-billed cuckoo4 ,and thus my mind dwelt on other birds that liked creeks and lakes1 such as the kingfisher1 and on the instant ,i heard the report of a gun1 and sure enough one of these birds had just been shot4 ,i knew this because of the excitement of a group of gunners4 ,poor bird6 ,how many birds' lives end in a similar way4 ,the cardinal grosbeak and the myrtle bird1 a greenlet in color1 we fancy myrtle suggests greenlet1 the snow-buntings1 horned larks1 golden-crowned kinglet and vesper sparrows1 the red-polls and crossbills1 the plovers1 the golden herons1 night-herons1 sandpipers1 coots1 hawks1 geese1 and swans1--all are marks for the hunter4 ,and then ,i thought1 ,oh1 if ,i could fly over this clapper-rail ahead of me6 ,it is so very stupid to keep my feet on the earth4 ,how jolly to flap my wings to the ,lapland long-spur4 ,i would visit the raven and all the rest of the feathered family on the way4 ,but my walk had ended and such a pretty warbler warmly welcomed me home1--my golden-hued1 night-singing canary4 ,,parlor ,,fortune-,,telling4 ,this amusement is sure to interest1 and may be played by any number of people1 the more the merrier4 ,those to have their fortune told should have a slip of paper and a pencil4 ,the one telling the fortune dictates from the book what to write4 ,after all the answers are written1 the fortune-teller reads the questions1 and the players in turn read the answers aloud1 according to what they have written4 ,suppose the following fortune3 #a4 ,have you a favorite8 ,yes4 #b4 ,what is her name8 ,a girl's name4 #c4 ,what color is her hair8 ,a color4 #d4 ,what color are her eyes8 ,a color4 #e4 ,does she wear spectacles8 ,yes or no4 #f4 ,how old is she8 ,a number4 #g4 ,how tall is she8 ,a number of feet4 #h4 ,is she pretty8 ,yes or no4 #i4 ,how many teeth has she8 ,a number4 #aj4 ,how much money has she8 ,an amount of dollars4 #aa4 ,what shape is her mouth8 ,a shape4 #ab4 ,what shape is her nose8 ,a shape4 #ac4 ,how large is her hand8 ,a number of inches4 #ad4 ,how large are her feet8 ,a number of inches4 #ae4 ,is she fond of music8 ,yes or no4 #af4 ,what is her favorite book8 ,the name of a book4 #ag4 ,does she dance8 ,yes or no4 #ah4 ,can she sing8 ,yes or no4 #ai4 ,does she recite8 ,yes or no4 #bj4 ,what can she cook best8 ,mention an article of diet4 #ba4 ,does she use a chafing dish8 ,yes or no4 #bb4 ,can she make her own hats8 ,yes or no4 #bc4 ,what is her greatest virtue8 ,a virtue4 #bd4 ,what is her greatest fault8 ,a fault4 #be4 ,where does she live8 ,a city4 #bf4 ,in a handsome house8 ,yes or no4 #bg4 ,does she ride a bicycle8 ,yes or no4 #bh4 ,are you glad you are acquainted with her8 ,yes or no4 #bi4 ,does she like you8 ,yes or no4 #cj4 ,will her father give her a marriage dowry8 ,yes or no4 #ca4 ,how many dollars8 ,an amount of money4 #cb4 ,where will you be married8 ,a place4 #cc4 ,will you be a model husband8 ,yes or no4 #cd4 ,how many dollars a year will you give her for housekeeping purposes8 ,an amount of money4 #ce4 ,where will you live8 ,a city4 #cf4 ,will you entertain much8 ,yes or no4 #cg4 ,will you travel8 ,yes or no4 #ch4 ,what city will you first visit8 ,a city4 #ci4 ,how long will you remain there8 ,a period of time4 #dj4 ,when will you return home8 ,a period of time4 #da4 ,will your home be happy8 ,yes or no4 #db4 ,would you be sorry if you were never married8 ,yes or no4 #dc4 ,next to yourself1 whom do you like best8 ,a girl's name4 #dd4 ,will your wife be jealous8 ,yes or no4 #de4 ,will your wife lecture8 ,yes or no4 #df4 ,what is she doing now8 ,describe a motion4 #dg4 ,what would you like her to do8 ,describe a motion4 #dh4 ,what is your highest ambition8 ,a state of being4 #di4 ,will your life be crowned with success8 ,yes or no4 8,,it40 ,many of the games with which we are familiar in the ,united ,states are well known throughout ,great ,britain and on the ,continent4 ,but among the most amusing and most popular of ,english games is one of which we know little or nothing4 ,it is dignified by the two-lettered name1 8,it40 ,this is altogether suitable for the parlor1 and may be played by everybody if we will except the very young people4 ,it creates roars of laughter1 on account of the funny mistakes made by the questioners4 8,it0 is a great mystery1 and the longer it is played the greater mystery often it becomes4 ,only those understanding this game may remain in the room4 ,all others must leave2 there is no alternative4 ,one of the party1 unfamiliar with the game1 is then selected to return1 and must1 by questioning those in the parlor1 learn what 8it0 is4 ,when he knows 8it10 he too must remain behind1 and some one else is selected to fill his place4 ,in this way the game is carried on1 until each one in turn comes in and finds out the secret4 8,it0 is really the person who sits at your left1 but1 before this is discovered1 usually much amusement is made4 ,the game is played in the following way3 ,all in the parlor must sit in a circle1 and must not change their positions4 ,when the player is called in1 he is told to ask a question of whomsoever he may please1 and the person must correctly answer4 ,for example--8,is #8it' white80 ,as everybody present is white1 the answer is necessarily 8,yes40 ,the questioner then asks another person4 8,is #8it' thin80 and if the person thus questioned is thin1 the answer is again1 8,yes40 ,perhaps this question may be repeated1 and some one else is asked1 8,do you also think #8it' is thin80 and if this person has someone for a left-hand neighbor who is very stout1 of course he answers1 8,no40 ,and thus the questioner is mystified1 and must continue question after question4 ,for a long time he may think 8it0 is a thing4 ,therefore a good question to put would be1 8,is #8it' alive80 ,and then he might ask1 8,is #8it' in this room80 ,then he might try complexion1 and again would be mystified1 for if he asked1 8,is #8it' a brunette80 and the reply being 8,yes10 his next question1 8,has #8it' dark eyes80 would perhaps have for answer1 8,no10 and1 8,has #8it' light hair80 8,yes40 ,and so the secret seems harder than ever4 ,a good way is to ask the same questions over and over1 and try to locate 8it0 in that way4 ,but the questioner should not easily be discouraged4 ,a few points may be given to him1 such as some of the above4 ,the players would better announce 8,it0 as a trick game4 ,,the ,,cent ,,hunt4 ,say that a cent is wrapped in tissue-paper and is within sight4 ,the discoverer quietly tells you1 and if he is correct1 reward him4 ,afterwards give a cent1 pencil and paper to everybody1 and state five minutes are allowed to write what each side of the cent will tell4 ,this game is called1 ,a ,penny for your ,thoughts4 8,find on one side3 ,a beverage--,t4 ,a messenger--one c7s7ent4 ,a piece of armor--shield4 ,a symbol of victory--wreath4 ,a weapon--arrow4 ,a mode of punishment--stripes4 ,a gallant--bow4 ,a sheet of water--,c4 8,find on the other side3 ,a portion of a hill--brow4 ,a place of worship--temple4 ,an animal--hare4 ,youth and old age--#ah--if4 ,one way of expressing marriage--,u4 ,s4 ,a cultivated flower--tulip4 ,an emblem of royalty--crown4 ,fruit--date40 ,a ,,fagot ,,party4 ,this is a very entertaining amusement and suitable for all ages4 ,as the word fagot means a bundle of twigs1 it suggests an open fire4 ,therefore home and hearth are indispensable environment4 ,there should be just as many twigs as there are girls and boys4 ,the idea being that each should draw a twig from the bundle as his name is called4 ,and they are called by the hostess according to the letters of the alphabet4 ,whosever name therefore commences with ,a1 should draw the first twig4 ,having drawn the twig1 ,a puts it on the open fire and at once commences to tell a story4 ,as long as the twig lasts1 ,a must continue to talk1 but when it is burned he must stop1 and as twigs are apt to burn very rapidly when toward the end1 the story is not infrequently wound up in a jiffy4 ,as soon as ,a has finished1 the next name is called and that person does exactly as did the first one1 only he must tell a different story4 ,and so on until everybody has taken his turn4 ,,the ,,hunter4 ,this very lively game is played by both boys and girls1 and the more1 of course1 the merrier4 ,the hunter must be a boy1 and to decide which boy1 it is best to count out4 ,use for counting the old rhyme1 ,ana1 mana1 mona1 mike1 ,bassa1 lona1 bona1 strike1 ,hare1 ware1 frown1 stack1 ,halloka1 balloka1 wee1 woe1 why1 whack4 ,whoever is fortunate enough to have the word 8whack0 counted to him is out1 and then the rhyme must be repeated over and over1 and finally the hunter is left4 ,it now becomes his duty to name the rest of the company as his equipments as sportsman1 and also as his game2 for example1 pointer1 setter--two species of hunting dogs--and shot1 belt1 powder1 gun1 powder-flask1 rifle1 cartridge1 rabbit1 squirrel1 partridge1 kingfisher1 etc41 etc4 ,put two rows of chairs back to back4 ,there should be one chair less than there are players4 ,this done1 each one of the company except the hunter takes a chair4 ,the hunter1 standing before the rest of the players1 then sings1 to the tune of 8,i ,love a ,sixpence10 ,i am a hunter1 a jolly1 jolly hunter2 ,i love hunting as ,i love my life4 ,this he may sing over as many times as he likes1 but finally stops short in the middle or anywhere1 and immediately calls out a name--for instance1 8,shot40 ,the person bearing this name must at once rise1 and hurrying towards the hunter1 must take hold of the back of his coat or jacket4 ,then the hunter continues his song1 and calls for each one1 until all are behind him1 each holding firmly to the one in front4 ,when all are in place1 the hunter starts running1 all of the party following and holding tightly together4 ,he may run around the chairs or wherever he pleases1 provided he keeps in the room4 ,for fully two minutes this must keep up1 when suddenly he will call1 8,bang60 and instantly sit on one of the chairs4 ,of course there is a great scramble for every one to do likewise1 but as one chair is short1 some one is necessarily left out1 and this person now becomes the hunter4 ,the game now continues as before1 or it may be varied by the hunter having to find something hidden4 ,any object may be placed out of sight in the room1 and when the hunter nears it1 the company may aid him by the usual words1 8warm1 warmer1 hot10 or 8cool1 very cold1 freezing1 zero1 below zero10 etc4 ,if he finds it within five minutes1 he may choose another hunter1 but if not he must pay a forfeit1 to be determined by the rest of the players4 ,or the game may be played in a similar way by the use of nautical instead of hunting terms4 ,should this be preferred1 the hunter becomes the captain1 and instead of singing to his company he may blow a few blasts on a horn4 ,he is supposed to be on shipboard1 so he must have ship equipment1 crew1 officers1 passengers1 cargo4 ,again the players must be named1 only this time call them lifeboat1 rope1 anchor1 sailor1 steward1 captain's boy1 purser1 first-mate1 doctor1 etc4 ,,five4 ,select a boy and hand him a knotted handkerchief4 ,he must throw the handkerchief at a player1 and before he can count aloud five the person to whom it is thrown must mention a round thing1 such as an apple1 a globe4 ,if that person fails1 he must change places with the one who has caught him1 and throw the handkerchief at another4 ,as no repetitions are allowed it will soon be difficult to find an object that is round4 ,,breakfast4 ,every player is seated4 ,turn to the person at your right and ask1 8,will you come to breakfast80 ,to which the answer is 8,yes40 ,when that question and answer have gone around the room1 the first one must ask1 8,what would you like for breakfast80 ,perhaps the reply would be1 8,milk20 and he then puts the question to his right-hand neighbor1 who perhaps would say 8,oatmeal10 and so on1 until no sensible answer can be made1 for no repetitions can occur in this game also4 ,as the different players fail to respond they must stand4 ,,alphabet4 ,give any letter of the alphabet--for example1 ,s--to the company1 also some paper and pencils4 ,in five minutes' time they should write the names of three celebrated men1 and also three sensible sentences1 one for each man's name1 as1 ,shakespeare was born in ,stratford on the ,avon4 ,forfeits are required for failures4 ,,ninety-,,nine4 ,cut an equi-triangle out of soft wood or cardboard4 ,it should measure one foot each way1 and be one-quarter of an inch or less in thickness4 ,besides the triangle you will require white celluloid chips1 or the game may be played with large-sized white bone buttons4 ,lay the triangle on a smooth-surfaced table1 play in turn1 and each player should start at the place4 ,all players must be close enough to the table to watch the game4 ,the point of the game is to make a count of ninety-nine4 ,whoever first makes that number has won4 ,the triangle must be placed far enough from the table's edge to allow freedom of room all around it1 and it should be kept firm4 ,put a chip or button with its upper edge even with the angle from which you start1 and just close enough to make it possible for it to slide and not receive hindrance4 ,the chip should touch the entire sliding length4 ,when all is in correct position1 rest the knuckle of the right thumb 7unless you are left-handed1 in that case your left thumb7 on the table1 and put the back of the nail of your second finger about half an inch down on the inside of the thumb's fore-joint4 ,then push the finger suddenly outward1 running its nail along the table1 close to the thumb's point1 and finally raising the finger so that its tip is on the table at the exact moment that it has touched the chip4 ,this should result in sending the chip the entire length of the angle's side4 ,to make a full count the chip must stop with its outer edge even with the next angle2 the entire chip1 with the exception of the edge1 being below it4 ,when this done1 score three1 and do the same thing with the next side1 you then score three more2 and again with the third side1 making a count of nine in all4 ,having gone around three sides1 stop until your turn is reached again4 ,if however1 the chip is not even with the angle1 but has not gone entirely beyond it1 the player may count one1 and may continue playing1 the same as if making a full count4 ,but should the chip slide entirely beyond the angle1 he cannot count at all1 but must withdraw until his turn comes again4 ,he must not be discouraged1 however1 but remember that 8,he laughs best who laughs last40 ,very often those who start successfully1 become too self-conscious1 and make a bad break towards the close of the game4 ,every time your turn comes1 therefore be as careful as if just commencing4 ,even numbers are not counted1 make one or three4 ,to be entitled to three you must be perfect2 short of perfection the count is one or nothing1 as the above rules decree4 ,,the ,,daily ,,paper4 ,this game is suitable for either girls or boys1 and furnishes amusement at almost any age4 ,the interest will be increased or diminished1 according to individual carefulness1 for no one need be caught if they give close attention4 ,therefore1 to be often caught indicates lack of interest1 which is not complimentary to your leader1 or stupidity1 which is not complimentary to yourself4 ,every player assumes the character of a business man or woman1 or they may have a profession4 ,they may be manufacturers or tradespeople1 it matters little what1 provided there be no duplicates4 ,choose one for your leader who will assume no trade or profession1 but will read the newspaper as will be explained4 ,all should sit before the leader1 so there can be no mistake about seeing each other4 ,when every person has settled her and his part1 the leader takes up any daily paper which is convenient and reads from it2 but whenever the leader pauses1 and looks at a player1 whether the pause and look is intentional or accidental1 the one looked at must at once make a suitable remark about his profession1 business or trade4 ,there must not be a second's hesitation1 and the more ridiculous such a remark may be1 the more amusement is gotten out of the game4 ,as soon as the player has concluded his observation1 the leader continues reading1 the same as if his theme had not been interrupted1 and in a few seconds1 pauses again1 and looks at another player4 ,then this player makes his remark instantaneously about his trade1 and thus the game goes on4 ,in order to better understand1 suppose the leader reads1 8,this is ,bunker ,hill ,day4 ,it is not a legal holiday1 but by general consent the banks and stores laid aside10 7here he looks at the dressmaker74 ,dressmaker3 8,the big sleeves and wide skirts are not liked by everybody40 8,the observance of the day by a--0 ,marine ,artist3 8,sale of my painting #8,off the ,rocks at ,scarborough4'0 8,is limited to ,charlestown district1 on one of whose hillslopes stood the ,middlesex farmers1 the hayseed still in their--0 ,butcher3 8,marrow bones and spareribs40 8,and in their hands the guns that had been gaining reputation in the shooting of--0 ,grocer3 8,eggs twenty-five cents a dozen40 8,and wild fowl4 ,how they refused to budge before ,british regulars1 until they had fired all their--0 ,confectioner3 8,chocolate caramels packed in layers with waxed paper between40 8,away1 and felt the pricks of the enemy's polished--0 ,ironmonger3 8,poker and tongs1 shovels and spades40 8,the world well knows ,charlestown keeps up the remembrance of these--0 ,florist3 8,water-lily pads1 and moss-rose buds40 8,at a lively rate40 ,and so on reads the newspaper1 making the proper pauses and glances1 until everybody has taken part and indeed over and over again taken part4 ,care should be used as to the selection read1 as some paragraphs allow for much more amusement than do others4 ,when any player fails to at once make a suitable remark he must pay a forfeit1 which can only be redeemed by music or recitation4 ,,the ,,new ,,dixey',s ,,land4 ,this is an out-of-door game1 and may be played on the ground or on the grass1 marking the court or lawn with the same material as if arranging a court for tennis4 ,form a circle with a diameter of twelve feet1 divide the circle into quarters1 each quarter representing a section of our country1 east1 west1 north1 south1 and should be so marked4 ,one letter would represent each word1--,e1 for east1 ,w1 for west1 and so on4 ,the oldest boy now becomes the owner of the entire territory1 and is named ,dixey4 ,this boy must stand directly at the point where the lines unite1 the middle of the circle1 and as soon as he is in position1 any player may run into any quarter of the ground4 ,he must not stand on the line2 should he do so1 and be tagged on that line1 he can no longer play4 ,but having run into a quarter1 he must loudly call1 8,dixey1 ,i'm on your ,north land1 now it belongs to me40 ,or1 8,dixey1 ,i'm on your ,south land10 etc4 ,he must rightly name the section on which he stands4 ,dixey must tag him before he is through stating words above given4 ,should he fail to do so1 the invading player must then run from the part he has claimed1 all around the outside of the circle1 and then to ,dixey's station1 the centre4 ,dixey1 of course1 runs after him1 trying to tag him before he completes the circuit4 ,neither may take short cuts by darting across lines1 until the run around the circle is completed1 and the invader strikes in toward ,dixey's middle ground4 ,whoever gets there first is now owner of all1 and the original ,dixey can only get back by earning the position1 as the new ,dixey has just done4 ,the winner of the game is the one who has been ,dixey the greatest number of times1 or should no one be ,dixey but once1 whoever holds the position at the game's close4 ,therefore the necessity of deciding how long you will play before the game commences4 ,any number that can stand on a quarter1 may be there at the same time1 as only one can be ,dixey4 ,dixey cannot save himself by failing to leave his post4 ,the first call he hears1 he must obey1 just as any other landowner would keep off an intruder4 ,every rule must be strictly obeyed4 ,should any one fail1 he is no longer a player4 ,the game is peculiarly adapted to boys1 and each one must be careful neither to be rough nor rude4 ,in the straining to get ahead1 it will be such an easy thing to knock another boy down1 or to prevent him from reaching the goal4 ,first1 remember to be honest2 second1 to be polite4 ,,battle ,,of ,,flowers4 ,why should not boys and girls take the lead in the popular fte8 ,all who own pony carts1 phaetons1 wagons of any sort1 or who can borrow them1 may enter the parade and battle1 and why not interest your ,sunday or day school in such an entertainment and secure a large float8 ,the designs for floats are innumerable2 among them might be mentioned ,flora and the seasons1 ,america1 pagodas1 chariots1 ,daughters of the ,american ,revolution1 the ,floral ,queen4 ,the teachers should have the matter in charge1 and one of them should act as chairman1 and appoint committees to attend to all the necessary business4 ,the scholars should willingly assist in the gathering of flowers1 trimming1 or whatever would be required4 ,all the vehicles must be transformed into moving bowers1 and this necessitates considerable work1 but it is work that pays2 besides1 the real jolly boys and girls will only consider that they have had great fun4 ,decide on your decorations1 and then gather flowers4 ,you will need a great many to make much show4 ,and wire will be found helpful in making the flowers stand upright1 or giving the desired twist4 ,flowers may be tied upon cord1 and when a long rope is made1 it can be wound around1 or fastened to the carriage1 but it will take less time1 and be less hurtful to the hands1 if you cut a piece of wire netting the desired shape1 and run the flower stems through the holes1 or cut a piece of soft muslin the correct shape1 and baste the flowers on4 ,flowers such as golden-rod1 will need to have all the leaves stripped before commencing to decorate4 ,wreaths the exact size of the wheel hubs will look very handsome1 particularly if the spokes are wound about with satin ribbon the same color as the flowers4 ,if you cover the reins1 sew two pieces of ribbon lengthwise1 through which the reins will slip2 put full bows of the same on the harness1 and cover the collar with flowers4 ,the same ribbon should also appear in the carriage decoration4 ,a very pretty effect is gotten from white hydrangeas and yellow satin ribbons1 or white hydrangeas tipped with pink and pink satin ribbons4 ,violet-colored flowers look well in such a parade1 and a stylish cut carriage may be trimmed with ears and husks of corn1 suspending the ears by the husks4 ,the costume of those inside the carriage must be complementary to the decoration4 ,the streets through which you pass should look festive and the spectators be dressed in holiday attire4 ,a line of march must be arranged1 and1 on the counter-march1 the battle begins4 ,then roses and flowers of all sorts are thrown from carriage to carriage1 and from the carriages to the people on the street1 and from those on the street to the carriages2 indeed people throw them with both hands1 so excited they become4 ,until it is time for the battle1 have your baskets full of flowers to throw well hidden4 ,and when the pelting begins have a sufficient supply1 so that it will not be necessary to use any of the decorations4 ,,grace ,,hoops4 ,this game is usually played out of doors1 but it may be played in large rooms or conservatories1 provided you put out of accident's way all the bric--brac1 potted plants1 and palms4 ,try the game also in an enclosed veranda or sun-parlor1 should the time appointed prove stormy1 or the grass be soggy from last night's storm1 or there be too high a wind4 ,grace hoops require a pole1 not as tall as a maypole1 but one smooth at the top4 ,the one we lately saw had been a noticeable balsam tree1 until cut off five feet from the ground4 ,its top was stocky1 its side branches as healthful and green appearing as ever1 notwithstanding the fact that they had been trimmed close enough to allow a small hoop to easily fall over them4 ,the rings called grace hoops are made of light wood1 not dissimilar to embroidery rings1 excepting that they are nearly two feet in diameter4 ,to make such a game very pretty1 trim the hoops with wild flowers1 wintergreen berries or leaves4 ,all the girls should wear gay frocks and flower-dressed1 broad-brimmed hats4 ,if you are playing the game in the spring1 suggest spring flowers and colors in your costume4 ,a pretty effect would be gotten from a violet-colored cloth1 trimmed with purple velvet1 with a glint of gold revealed in the shoulder-bow ribbons and wide sash1 the hat being a deep yellow straw flat1 massed with single violets4 ,arbutus1 wild roses1 lilies of the valley1 lilacs and cowslips1 as1 also1 the new green1 are all suggestive of spring1 and catchy lawn toilets4 ,throw the grace hoops over the pole1 and there let them hang until the score has counted4 ,you may each throw in turn1 as often as has been decided before the game opens4 ,each time the hoop hangs on the pole it counts one4 ,pretty silk badges may be lettered or gold-starred1 to denote your score1 or you may use plain cardboard1 and mark such with a lead pencil4 ,between each round the score must be marked4 ,after the last round is played distribute rewards1 which may assume any character you please1 but it is better to give wreaths of flowers1 or crown the hero with laurel4 ,the wreath might go to the highest girl scorer1 and the laurel to the boy1 or give each wreaths1 or each bouquets4 ,a simple grace-hoop game is played by two people4 ,stand facing each other1 ten feet apart1 and rapidly toss the hoop from one to the other1 catching it on sticks4 ,try and see how often you can keep it from falling4 ,,an ,,amateur ,,circus4 ,when so many young people are trained in athletic sports1 calisthenics1 delsarte exercises1 etc41 why not form an amateur circus company8 ,limit the number to twenty four1 the girls and boys being equal or unequal in number1 as seems best4 ,such a company might easily arrange an attractive entertainment1 and invite their friends to an occasional matine performance1 or1 should they feel inclined1 they could give a performance as a charity benefit4 ,musicians1 tricksters1 clowns1 animals and a ring would be required4 ,the space for the ring would be the most difficult to obtain1 but many people have large shady grounds connected with their homes that it would be a pleasure to lend to their young friends4 ,outline a ring as you would mark a court1 and make it sufficiently large to comfortably give your exhibition4 ,do not attempt a tent4 ,place the seats for your audience six feet back of the ring1 as this allows freedom for both performers and spectators4 ,keep an entrance to the ring free1 so that performers do not disarrange the seats4 ,as nearly as possible1 copy the programme of the regular circus2 therefore1 the first display should be the grand tournament and triumphal entre1 when the entire company should march several times around the ring4 ,every one should look fantastic2 some of the girls might go bareheaded1 others wear wreaths of artificial flowers1 and again others wear jaunty caps1 etc4 ,remember that fancy-colored paper1 muslin1 gold paper1 and spangles1 will give showy effect4 ,the clowns should be either very thin or very stout4 ,the thin ones may be made stout by building themselves with cotton batting4 ,a noticeable costume for the clowns might be white muslin1 showered with gold and silver stars and spangles1 or yellow muslin ornamented with silver or red full moons1 circles or polka dots4 ,and their head covering might be white beaver hats or fools' caps4 ,throughout the procession1 carry numerous flags and banners4 ,an effective banner might be made of white canton flannel1 showered with diamond dust2 indeed make the entre as gay as flowers1 color and spangles can produce4 ,the entire company should be active members1 some of them being the drum corps1 others musicians2 comic songs should be sung by the funny clown1 assisted by a chorus4 ,there should be walking and running matches1 three-legged and sack races1 jumping1 fancy tumbling1 sensational feats of all sorts4 ,there could be a mimic football match1 and a tennis tournament between those who had never held a racket2 indeed anything could be introduced that would give genuine fun4 ,the clowns should tell several jokes1 and laughable stories1 ride pigs1 cows1 and make themselves generally ridiculous4 ,perhaps some of the company could borrow trained dogs or other trained animals4 ,if so1 remember that tricks are always entertaining4 ,,the ,,still ,,hunt4 ,possibly some of the boys' fathers have been still hunting1 and if so they fully understand that it means deer hunting without hounds4 ,the game still hunt differs from the real hunt in many ways1 but possibly the most important one is in the fact that the deer in this case is only the form of a deer4 ,it is better to play it out of doors1 but if you have a large enough room it may be played anywhere4 ,whoever can draw best should be the individual to outline the deer1 and it must be drawn on the ground4 ,the best ground is gravel1 though1 as in the case of tennis1 or other field games1 the deer may be designed on the grass4 ,the deer should be fully grown and have large antlers4 ,after he is distinctly drawn he must be surrounded by a circle1 the line of which measures four feet from the nearest point of the deer4 ,when the game is played out of doors1 a smooth round stone about the size of a walnut will be required2 but when played inside use a fifty-cent piece1 or an old-fashioned cent4 ,and for the indoor drawing use chalk4 ,the deer circle being now ready1 the girls and boys become hunters1 and state which part of the deer they want4 ,some will decide on the antlers1 because they will make a useful ornament1 and they will have them serve as a rack for a gun or umbrella4 ,others again want a hoof1 because it will make such a fine hunting-knife or paper-cutter handle1 and so each part of the deer is divided4 ,when everybody has selected their part1 the tallest hunter takes his stand1 with his toes to the outer edge of the circle1 and as far from the part he selected as is possible4 ,he then throws the stone4 ,if it rests on any part of the chosen place1 he may count ten1 but if the stone stops outside of the part1 he is marked down five4 ,he then picks up the stone1 and hands it to the next player1 who is the one next to himself in height4 ,then this hunter takes his stand at the place furthest from his selected part1 and thus the game continues1 until all have played in turn4 ,then the first hunter takes another chance1 and so on again all follow4 ,the one counting fifty first has won4 ,it is necessary to keep an accurate score1 as the fives marked against the hunters have to be deducted2 indeed if great care is not used1 a hunter will be in debt1 instead of earning his game4 ,therefore1 the best hunter is he who keeps still and takes accurate aim4 ,if he fails at the first throwing1 notice where the fault lies1--it may be less force is required4 ,it is better to have an umpire2 therefore select one before the game begins1 and remember to pleasantly abide by his decision4 ,the stone must be altogether on1 to be counted on1 and in the case of the antlers the stone must touch some of the antler points4 ,,lawn ,,golf4 ,this is played somewhat like croquet1 only twenty-five wickets are used1 instead of nine1 and they are placed one after another1 all around the ground4 ,beyond each wicket is a small hole1 large enough for the ball to enter1 and the game is to send the ball through the wicket and into the hole at one shot4 ,when a player fails to do this1 he may be allowed three shots to an inning4 ,before commencing the game1 state the time it will be played4 ,decide who is to lead by shooting an arrow from a selected point4 ,whoever throws the farthest is to go first1 the others follow1 according to the distance made4 ,in considering space1 measure the distance between the starting place and the arrow's sharp end4 ,if you want a famous good time give a ,lawn ,golf ,party4 ,when you do so trim the handles of your golf sticks with gay-colored ribbons1 and at the game's close1 give the champions paper-flower rewards4 ,exquisite flowers may nowadays be made out of paper1 and the making of such afford only pleasure4 ,roses of all shades are fetching1 so also are violets1 and some varieties of lilies4 ,every one who lives in a large city will at once know where to get materials and instruction1 and one girl can readily teach another4 ,those who live in the country or small villages1 surely have some kind city friend who can select and send materials1 and possibly written directions about the making4 ,after presenting the rewards1 have supper on the lawn1 and afterwards other games are in order4 ,,grown-,,ups4 ,,alphabetical ,,geography4 ,give every one in the room a number4 ,and when you call for a number announce a letter of the alphabet4 ,the person called must1 before you count six1 apply the letter to the name of a place and to two things he might see there4 ,for example3 ,no4 #a4 ,y4 ,i am going to ,york to see ,youngsters and ,yachts4 ,no4 #b4 ,b4 ,i am going to ,baltimore to see ,belles and ,beaux4 ,,composition4 ,arrange for it beforehand1 and therefore have the requisite slips of paper1 and nicely sharpened lead pencils ready for all1 but if you are not ready there is a certain satisfaction in knowing that part of the amusement may be in the preparation4 ,in the latter case1 have a competition as to who will make the sharpest points on the pencils1 or cut the papers the most accurately2 when all is prepared1 however1 give slips of paper and lead pencils to your friends1 and ask them to write the words you will name4 ,state that they will have fifteen minutes in which to write a composition1 and put into the same every word you have mentioned4 ,no one can look over his neighbor's paper1 and each composition must be signed with the writer's full name4 ,when the time has expired1 all the compositions are collected and read aloud1 votes are taken as to which is the best1 and the individual having received the highest number of votes is entitled to a prize4 ,example3 ,wreath1 ,mausoleum1 suicide1 farewell1 another1 conjointly1 starred1 huntsman's song1 early1 queen1 historical1 many1 dramas4 ,alfred1 ,lord ,tennyson1 was for many years ,poet ,laureate4 ,he wrote several poems1 descriptive1 historical1 national and otherwise4 ,he also wrote three notable dramas1 one called ,becket1 known as ,thomas ,becket1 ,chancellor of ,england1 afterwards ,archbishop of ,canterbury1 another called ,queen ,mary1 the ill-starred daughter of ,henry the ,eighth1 and ,harold1 who was ,earl of ,wessex1 afterwards ,king of ,england4 ,early in life ,tennyson wrote several poems1 conjointly with his brother ,charles4 ,among these were the ,huntsman's ,song1 ,the ,grave of a ,suicide1 ,the ,fall of ,jerusalem1 and the ,bard's ,farewell4 ,tennyson's monument is in that great ,english mausoleum1 ,westminster ,abbey4 ,on the dark stone slab1 the visitor may frequently see a wreath of laurel1 so placed in grateful memory4 ,as this game would oftener than otherwise be played informally1 the matter of prizes cannot be too simple4 ,if you are in the birch-bark section1 why not make a bookmark or a napkin ring out of the bark8 ,should you be at the seashore make a nest of shells4 ,for example1 find a large mussel shell1 and next to it put one a size smaller1 and so on fit in the others1 graduating them evenly1 the top one being very small4 ,or give a curious shell1 which may be used as an ornament or receptacle4 ,,initial ,,platter ,,twirling4 ,this is very amusing1 but the players must be on the alert or they will surely be caught4 ,before the game commences1 every player must tell the initials of his and her name1 and to aid memory1 slips of paper may be given1 on which each one may write his initials4 ,when the sentence is called by the person twirling the platter1 all the company must eagerly listen1 or else the platter will fall to the floor before the one who should have run for it1 recognizes he is the one called4 ,if the platter is not caught by the proper person before it ceases to whirl1 he or she must exchange places with the one who has whirled the platter4 ,as the sentences are impromptu1 they are apt to be absurd and ridiculous1 but in any case they should be correct1 or the one making the error must give a forfeit4 ,each sentence must have as many words as the initials of the one called1 and each word must commence with the right letter4 ,example3 ,frank ,fraser ,phillips might be called ,french ,fried ,potatoes4 ,or ,janet ,belle ,roberts might be ,june ,brings ,roses4 ,this game should cause much merriment4 ,it quickens thought and language1 and it is suitable to all ages1--the boys and the girls1 or their fathers and mothers4 ,,over1 ,,over1 ,,whose ,,head ,,is ,,it ,,over8 ,this is a clever trick1 and it requires two persons4 ,the idea is for the confederate out of the room to correctly name the individual over whose head the other person is holding a wand4 ,a person takes a cane1 which he carelessly points toward some one2 while so doing he is cleverly explaining what he is about to do1 asking people to move1 in order to further mystify1 etc4 ,the confederate notes where the cane is pointing1 then goes from the room1 and the one holding the wand puts it over several heads1 saying 8,over10 which the confederate echoes1 until finally the question comes1 when the wand is over the person before surreptitiously pointed out1 8,whose head is it over80 ,the confederate's answer is naturally correct4 ,,teakettle4 ,this may be played by a number of people4 ,a noun which has two or more meanings is selected4 ,one may be thought of by any of the players1 and in describing the same he should use the word 8teakettle0 instead of the proper name4 ,all meanings of the word must be explained1 but not too clearly at the first1 else the 8teakettle0 will be at once guessed4 ,when any of the listeners think they have discovered the word1 instead of naming it1 he should ask a question regarding the 8teakettle0 which would indicate to the one describing the same1 whether the interrogator was correct4 ,if correct1 he too joins in the description1 and throws light on the word4 ,this should be continued until all the company show by their conversation that they know the noun selected4 ,not infrequently it is necessary to talk very plainly1 or throw 8electric light0 on the teakettle before it is guessed4 ,example3 ,the teakettle ,i have in my mind1 has been from the creation of the world1 and will continue until the world ends4 ,it is also peculiar in being of the most service during the winter1 and forms a distinguished position in the homes of all ,american households at ,thanksgiving dinners4 ,my teakettle is cultivated on the farm of many a plain countryman1 but graces the table of many a fastidious city millionaire1 and the longer it lasts1 the shorter it grows4 ,already somebody is sure they know the word1 and says1 8,your teakettle may be squandered1 may it not80 and another asks1 8,wasn't it ,queen ,elizabeth who would have given her crown for a diminutive teakettle80 ,and yet another asks1 8,is it not savory1 and of great assistance to the poultry cook80 ,and thus light is thrown1 until the teakettle in question is known to be another name for thyme1 and time4 ,,authors4 ,this is a popular game for students young or old4 ,some one who understands should have charge4 ,give each person the same sized piece of writing paper and a lead pencil4 ,on the piece of paper he must write a familiar quotation1 and then pass it to his left-hand neighbor4 ,the one who receives it must add the author's name1 and also his own4 ,if he does not know the author1 he must write underneath the quotation the word 8,unknown10 and his own name4 ,five minutes are allowed in which to write a quotation1 and three minutes to affix the name of the author1 and the signature of the writer4 ,the papers are then collected by the person in charge1 who will then proceed to read aloud the quotations1 authors1 and signatures4 ,all persons unable to write a quotation must pay a forfeit4 ,all unable to transcribe the name of the author1 must also pay a forfeit4 ,should there be a dispute regarding an author1 the one in charge must decide4 ,example3 ,bottles and blisters1 powders and pills1 ,catnip1 boneset syrup and squills2 ,drugs and medicines1 high and low1 ,i throw them as far as ,i can throw ,,will ,,carleton ,,george ,,jones4 ,,authors4 ,no4 #b4 ,the hostess should form a ring with herself in the centre1 and to make it more comfortable all should have chairs4 ,number each person1 naming yourself last4 ,number one repeats a quotation1 ,number two tells the author1 ,number three gives another quotation1 and ,number four gives the author1 and so on4 ,the person in charge1 who is the one in the centre of the ring1 keeps the game under proper control and time4 ,no longer than ten seconds should be allowed for each person to respond4 ,every wrong guess of an author demands a forfeit4 ,surely1 every one can give a quotation4 ,example3 ,no4 #a1 gives1 ,old ,mother ,hubbard ,went to the cupboard4 ,no4 #b1 ,mother ,goose4 ,no4 #c1 ,between the dark and the daylight1 ,when the night is beginning to lower4 ,no4 #d1 ,longfellow4 ,no4 #e1 ,not a lord in all the country ,is so great a lord as he4 ,no4 #f1 ,tennyson4 ,,ghost4 ,this is a spelling game4 ,a person gives a letter1 not necessarily having any particular word in mind1 his next neighbor must think of a word beginning with this letter1 and then say the second letter1 the third person must think of a word using the two letters previously given1 and add the third and so on1 to the end of the word4 ,a person is not a ghost until he is four times caught4 ,the penalties are to be challenged rightfully1 to challenge wrongfully1 or to complete a word4 ,the challenging consists in doubting a letter which a player has given4 ,a player may say1 8,i challenge you10 when a person has added a letter1 if he feels sure there is no word spelled in that order4 ,if rightfully challenged1 the speaker has one penalty against him as ghost4 ,if1 on the contrary1 he gives the word which he had in his mind1 as he is bound to do when challenged1 the challenger is one-fourth of a ghost4 ,every word finished makes one-fourth of a ghost1 but it is proper to add a letter and thus form a new syllable4 ,if a syllable of a word is a complete word in itself1 the one pronouncing the last letter has incurred the penalty4 ,for example1 take the word revelry4 ,r-e-v-e have been given1 and unless the fifth player can think of n1 and change it to revenue1 or some other word1 he must say l1 and thus the word ends4 ,whoever is ghost has to keep absolute silence throughout the game4 ,,celebrated ,,authors4 ,one member of the company should leave the room1 while those who remain determine what celebrated author he is to represent4 ,on his return1 he must in all respects be treated as that author would be were he the guest of the evening4 ,he must be entertained by conversation and questions which would be of interest4 ,neither the conversation nor the questions may be misleading1 but on the contrary helpful to the discovery of himself4 ,he may be ,shakespeare or ,kirk ,monroe1 or if a girl she may be ,lucy ,larcom or ,mary ,e4 ,wilkins4 ,suppose ,shakespeare is the distinguished guest4 ,of course all polite people would rise to receive him1 and the hostess would offer him the most comfortable chair2 every one's manner would indicate that they were in the presence of greatness4 ,the conversation would naturally be of ,england and the changes that had come to her within the last three hundred years4 ,that the town in which he was born had changed greatly2 that the streets once so full of mud and refuse were now not only clean and tidy but almost uncomfortable with too great cleanliness and neatness4 ,that the town owned a very pretty theatre1 ornamented with statues of heroes and heroines4 ,that a fine drinking fountain had lately been put there by a philanthropic visitor from ,philadelphia1 now dead4 ,that the townspeople had been known to express their delight over the fact that he had been so obliging as to be born there4 ,he might be asked how he liked ,queen ,elizabeth1 and if it was true she was as fond of him as had been expressed1 and if so why didn't he write something ,in ,memoriam of her8 ,if the company discovers that the person who is personating ,shakespeare is not able1 after a few minutes of opportunity1 to guess who he is1 they should then throw on more light1 by either asking him more prominent questions1 or in connection with each other indicate more clearly4 ,ask some such question as1 ,how far was the ,mermaid ,tavern from the home of ,john ,milton8 and1 ,did you meet ,ben ,jonson there8 or did you call for each other and go and dine together8 ,there is great difference of opinion as to the correct way to spell your name4 ,in the register which marks your birth1 we noticed in reading the surname1 that the letter ,e was left out of the first syllable4 ,do you put it in the last syllable1 or is it out of that also8 ,did the boys ever call you ,bill8 ,isn't ,warwickshire beautiful8 ,what do you think of the river ,avon8 ,in what year did ,bacon write ,hamlet8 ,of course1 by this time1 the celebrated ,author would be guessed and some one else would leave the room1 another ,author be selected1 and the game proceed as before4 ,,the ,,arsenal4 ,the players must be seated in a circle1 with the understanding that whoever smiles must pay a forfeit4 ,no4 #a turns to his neighbor on the left and sings1 while nodding his head1 ,are you going to the ,arsenal1 the ,arsenal1 ,and see the animals in ,central ,park8 ,the person addressed replies in the same tune1 nodding1 ,yes1 ,i'm going to the ,arsenal1 the ,arsenal1 ,and see the animals in ,central ,park4 ,then both sing and nod1 ,two of us are going to the ,arsenal1 the ,arsenal1 ,and see the animals in ,central ,park1 ,no4 #b then turns to ,no #c1 nodding and singing the same question1 who replies in the same way1 only singing1 ,three of us are going to the ,arsenal1 the ,arsenal1 ,and see the animals in ,central ,park4 ,and so complete the circle1 the chorus being added to by one or more each time4 ,,magical ,,reading4 ,ask your audience to be seated1 while you talk for a few minutes on the wonders of occult science4 ,having mystified them as much as possible1 you arouse their curiosity by announcing that you are now prepared to state whatever they may choose to draw or write1 provided the sentence is a short one1 by pressing the words or picture against your forehead1 instead of reading with the eye4 ,you then distribute lead pencils1 and equal sized slips of paper to all who wish to try1 and take your seat at a table1 on which you put a work-basket1 with the request that when they are finished1 they will fold the papers over once and then drop them in the basket4 ,when this is done you draw out any paper you may first touch2 unfolding it so that you cannot read1 you press it against your forehead1 being careful to cover the entire paper with the fingers of each hand1 which touch each other4 ,you must explain that this contact is necessary for your revelation4 ,after some minutes spent in thought1 you read it and immediately draw another paper1 laying each one before you1 behind the basket4 ,the trick is simple1 and consists in reading any word or sentence which may first occur to you1 for the first paper1 but reading the words thereon1 or noting the picture when you lay it behind the basket4 ,the picture or words on the first paper are read for the second1 the second read for the third1 and so on1 until the last one has been pressed to the forehead1 in removing which it is hidden by being crushed in the hand1 or in whichever way may prove the easiest at the time1 as the last paper is a necessity to make up for the one you falsely read4 ,it is not often that this trick is detected1 unless it is bunglingly shown1 and for that there is no excuse1 as it is ridiculous to exhibit magic without long and careful practice4 ,always change as much as possible the method of exhibition and never show this feat twice in one evening4 ,remember that diversion is an important feature in all magical entertainment2 therefore you should be a capital story-teller1 have a fund of funny stories on which you call at a moment's need1 for the attention of your friends must be constantly turned from your nervousness4 ,every one understands that they are being deceived4 ,you must be a clever magician or they will discover how4 ,,laughable ,,rhymes4 ,this game may amuse any number1 if those playing will each pleasantly do their part4 ,the company should be seated in a circle and the one in charge repeats from memory1 reads from a book1 or makes up a line of poetry4 ,the individual to whom he addresses it1 must add a line of the same rhyme and sense4 ,when the director has given his line1 he runs three times around the outside of the circle1 or he may spin a large tin platter4 ,the second line of poetry must be added before he completes his third round of the circle1 or before the platter has ceased to spin4 ,should the line fail to be given in time1 the one to give it must pay a forfeit4 ,the director then gives another line to another person1 the game thus continuing until all have taken part1 or the players desire a change4 ,the director may change any time with any one of the company4 ,poetry of merit is not expected4 ,examples3 ,director1 7giving a line71 8,miss ,beecher's class came down the street40 ,answer4 8,and every one looked perfectly sweet40 ,director1 8,ring1 ring1 rosy10 ,answer1 8,i'm your ,josy40 ,director1 8,i wandered by the brook-side40 ,answer1 8,i saw you on my morning ride40 ,another way of playing laughable rhymes1 is to give each one of the company a piece of paper and a pencil4 ,each paper has a verse written on it of the same number of lines in length4 ,but these lines are incomplete1 as each line is minus one word4 ,this word may be the last one of a line1 or it may be any of the others4 ,five minutes is a fair time to allow for the completion of these rhymes4 ,then the papers should be collected and read aloud1 the reader indicating the supplied words4 ,all failing to complete their verses within the time allowed must pay a forfeit4 ,examples3 8,it fell of itself ,the lazy ball ,and you needn't tell me ,i let it fall ,perhaps it was tired ,like me and you ,and wanted to rest ,a minute or two40 ,supplied word in parentheses above 7you7 8,what do think 7don't7 ,i'm sure ,i know4 7tell7 ,don't anybody 7oh7 ,oh1 no6 no6 7told7 ,somebody me 7else7 ,that some one said 7told7 ,that so and so them 7what7 ,you won't tell ,i said80 ,for older people1 try and pique their memories2 therefore some familiar poem should be selected1 or some sonnet of ,shakspeare4 8,on either side the river lie ,long fields of barley and of rye ,that clothe the world and meet the sky2 ,and thro' the field the road runs by ,to many tower'd ,camelot2 ,and up and down the people go ,gazing where the lilies blow ,round an island there below1 ,the island of ,shalott40 7for7 8,so oft have ,i invoked thee my ,muse 7in7 ,and found such fair assistance my verse 7got7 ,as every alien pen hath my use 7their7 ,and under thee poesy disperse4 7on7 ,thine eyes that taught the dumb high to sing1 7aloft7 ,and heavy ignorance to fly1 7the7 ,have added feathers to learned's wing 7double7 ,and given grace a majesty4 7which7 ,yet be most proud of that ,i compile1 7born7 ,whose influence is thine and of thee3 7mend7 ,in others' works thou dost but the style1 7graces7 ,and arts with thy sweet gracd be2 7and7 ,but thou art all my art dost advance 7my7 ,as high as learning rude ignorance40 ,,making ,a ,,dictionary4 ,this game is more suitable for scholars2 those who have made a study of biography and definition4 ,it is readily divided in two parts1 and each part may be played separately1 but it is more satisfactory to unite them4 ,the first part is to guess who is personated1 and the second is to write definitions4 ,if everybody understands or is studying ,french it would be a change to personate a ,frenchman1 and1 in like manner1 if every player understands or is studying ,german1 personate a ,german1 perhaps some author1 whose book is authority in school4 ,the leader of the game commences by stating1 8,i have compiled a dictionary10 and if he is personating a ,german1 before proceeding further he must give that clue4 ,example3 8,ever since the appearance of the vocabulary to my ,german ,reader in #ahgj1 ,i have been receiving1 from various quarters1 suggestions and solicitations of a more general ,german dictionary1 to be constructed upon the same plan40 ,and if he is personating a ,frenchman he must be equally helpful4 ,after this the leader is silent until asked questions1 which he must correctly answer4 ,should he be representing the notable ,noah ,webster1 the following would readily discover him4 8,were you born in the ,united ,states80 8,yes40 8,were you born in the ,south80 8,no40 8,in the ,east80 8,yes40 8,are you living80 8,no40 8,were you very old when you died80 8,yes1 in my eighty-fifth year40 8,what college did you attend80 8,yale40 8,what was your father's business80 8,he was a farmer and justice of the peace40 8,tell me about your mother40 8,she was a descendant of ,william ,bradford1 the second ,governor of ,plymouth ,colony40 8,were you married80 8,yes40 8,how many children had you80 8,six2 one son and five daughters40 ,by this time any player knowing the biography of ,mr4 ,webster would have guessed him4 ,the leader now distributes to each person equal sized pieces of paper1 on which the same and several words have been written4 ,he also gives them lead pencils4 ,the test is to write the best definitions for these words1 which1 if honestly done1 is without consultation4 ,a minute is allowed for each word1 and the papers being signed are then collected1 and by the leader read to the audience4 ,with a dictionary for reference there will be no dispute as to who has won4 ,test words should be common ones1 as they are much more difficult to define4 ,for instance1 ,defy1--a challenge4 ,fortieth1--following the thirty-ninth1 or preceded by thirty-nine units1 things or parts1 the quotient of a unit divided by forty4 ,to-morrow1--a day after the present4 ,wrist1--the joint connecting the hand with the arm4 ,rather than such as ,homing ,home1--used specifically of carrier pigeons4 ,subpna1--a summons for witnesses4 ,xanthine1--yellow dyeing matter in certain plants and flowers4 ,islamism1--the ,mohammedan religion4 ,this game played with the right people1 will give a delightful evening4 ,,desert ,,island4 ,make believe that you have heard of people living on a desert island1 on which there is absolutely nothing for their comfort or enjoyment4 ,distribute an equal number of pieces of wood1 and ask your guests to cut out utensils for cooking1 furniture1 etc4 ,or give papers1 and let each in the game draw articles1 or take the papers and fold to shape articles4 ,a limit of time must be named1 and in the end1 whoever has made or drawn or folded the greatest number of recognizable articles has won the game4 ,,the ,,butterfly ,,test4 ,cut white writing paper in uniform size--eight in width by ten in length4 ,have as many pieces of paper as the number of painters1 also several extra ones1 as undoubtedly the butterfly makers would want to try again and yet again4 ,one palette would suffice for a large company1 for every one likes to watch the development of his neighbor's work1 almost as much as he does his own4 ,but1 of course1 more palettes may be used if desired4 ,oil paints of divers colors must be placed on the palette1 having a larger amount of the yellow paint than of any of the others1 for not only are there more yellow butterflies1 but yellow often conspicuously appears in almost every butterfly4 ,as many palette-knives will be required as palettes4 ,brushes are not needed4 ,put one butterfly on one piece of paper only4 ,fold the paper you use exactly in half1 creasing it the longest way1 thus giving it the appearance of an ordinary sheet of letter paper4 ,this done1 take the palette-knife and on its point and edge gather a little of the paint1 putting the knife into the different portions1 and so getting the colors which you desire4 ,it is better to allow the paint to extend about half to two-thirds of an inch along the inside edge of the knife4 ,all the paint you would need would not more than cover a five-cent nickel4 ,when the paint is on the palette-knife1 open your sheet of paper1 and in the exact centre of the inside crease1 put the paint4 ,this is done by putting the edge of the point of the knife directly in the crease1 and pressing downward1 and also a trifle towards the right4 ,be satisfied with whatever leaves the knife the first time4 ,do not attempt to pick the paint off1 or stick more on4 ,then carefully remove all paint from the palette-knife4 ,for this you will need a small piece of soft cotton cloth4 ,where many people are at work several cloths should be in readiness4 ,the palette-knife now being clean1 fold the paper over in the crease first made1 being careful that you have folded it even1 otherwise1 the wings of the butterfly would be out of proportion1 one being higher than the other4 ,when the paper is folded you will distinctly see the blotch inside1 and in this press heavily with the end of the palette-knife1 starting at the crease and form an upward long arch1 then press again from the centre towards the right1 and arch in the same way1 only proportionately shorter4 ,the two arches should meet4 ,when you have pressed over and over again on the same places1 and find that it is impossible to further spread your paint1 open the sheet of paper1 and inside you will see a butterfly delicately tinted and veined1 his wings full spread as if to alight on a white clover1 or other sweet-scented wild flower4 ,in pressing out the paint you can more fully control the palette-knife1 as well as protect the paper1 if you put your fingers close to the paint4 ,sometimes a perfect butterfly is thus made the first time1 but with a little practice any one may make butterflies as they will4 ,before painting commences1 each artist should draw from a receptacle a small paper1 which will bear a number4 ,this paper must be held until the prize is given1 as an inexpensive prize would better be awarded to the one painting the most natural butterfly4 ,when the one in charge calls a number1 the one having it at once goes forward and paints a butterfly on a paper bearing the same number as the one he drew4 ,no matter how many butterflies this individual may paint1 each paper on which the painting is done must bear the number drawn4 ,as each butterfly is painted it is placed on the top of a large table4 ,when all are through painting1 the judge who has hitherto not been in the room1 examines all of the butterflies1 and decides according to number who is entitled to the prize4 ,example1 ,no4 #bc4 ,should there be two or more equally well done1 those who painted them must each try again4 ,the best of these is then awarded the prize4 ,a ,,skating ,,party4 ,all taking part should be in costume4 ,the costumes may relate to a special anniversary1 such as ,lincoln's or ,washington's ,birthday1 or a ,st4 ,valentine revel4 ,they may also be simply fantastic or pretty1 or they may recall the old ,knickerbocker days4 ,the fte would have to be under the direction of patronesses4 ,to their decision is left the programme1 time1 place1 etc4 ,suppose for example1 it is ,washington's ,birthday night1 some one of the number should represent ,general ,washington4 ,other characters should be prominent ,revolutionary heroes1 as ,john ,hancock1 ,general ,gates1 ,general ,lafayette1 etc4 ,then1 too1 ,mary and ,martha ,washington should be on skates1 and ,betty ,washington1 ,george ,washington's sister1 and other notable women of the ,declaration of ,independence period4 ,but besides these1 there should be ,clowns and ,dumpies4 ,,programme4 ,cornet solo1 followed by bugle call4 ,enter ,general ,washington on skates1 followed by two valets4 ,fifteen minutes of general skating in costume4 ,a sleigh race between the most prominent generals1 and their wives4 ,fifteen minutes of general skating in costume4 ,a musical match between the clowns and dumpies4 ,fifteen minutes of general skating in costume4 ,then all skate1 the onlookers and those taking part1 ,general ,washington leading4 ,,special ,f,,tes4 ,,lincoln',s ,,birthday ,,amusements4 ,give a sleighing party4 ,start immediately after a mid-day dinner and get home before the sun sets4 ,every one should attach a knot of tri-colored ribbon to his coat or jacket4 ,the horses1 sleighs and whips must be decked with flags and streamers4 ,when on the road sing songs of freedom4 8,john ,brown's body lies mouldering in the grave40 8,in the beauty of the lilies ,christ was born across the sea10 etc4 ,have a snowball game4 ,choose sides and decide who can pitch the farthest4 ,balance a snowball on the end of a cane1 and note which boy can longest keep it from falling4 ,try a snowshoe race by picked players4 ,make an immense snowball4 ,when it can be made no larger1 let three persons stand on the top4 ,the tallest should stand in the centre and wave the flag4 ,one of the party should take a snap shot at that moment1 for future amusement4 ,arrange a skating party the day before1 and test each one's skill on the ice--who can skate the most rapidly1--who can exhibit the most figures1 etc4 ,give an up-to-date military tournament on skates4 ,example1 ,america and ,spain4 99 99 99 99 99 ,if there is neither snow1 nor ice1 have a bicycle match4 ,trim the bicycle with red1 white and blue4 ,each rider should wear the same colors4 ,the match may be simply a question of speed4 ,in that case be careful to indicate the distance4 ,competent judges should witness the start and close of the race4 ,all difficult questions must be decided by an umpire4 ,,st4 ,,valentine ,,games4 ,a ,valentine ,hunt4 ,this should be given early in the evening1 as it removes shyness and establishes good fellowship4 ,hide as many small valentines as there are children1 and give five minutes to hunt for them4 ,those finding more than one should put the extra ones on a table1 and the children not finding any are then blindfolded and allowed to draw one each4 ,rose ,guess4 ,present a large rose and let each child guess how many petals it contains4 ,when all have guessed1 pick the petals off1 counting them as they fall4 ,the nearest guesser receives a prize4 ,an appropriate prize would be a bonbon box filled with candied rose leaves4 ,rose ,bowl ,game4 ,put on a small table1 a mat of pink crinkled tissue paper1 and in the centre stand a cut-glass rose-bowl4 ,the bowl should be covered with huge pink rose petals1 made of paper1 inverted as though the rose were held in the bowl1 the petals all meeting in the green calyx1 which covers the opening of the bowl4 ,through the calyx1 narrow green ribbons representing rose stems should appear4 ,each child1 at a signal1 should come to the table and draw one of the 8stems40 ,on the end of each will be found a pink candy heart1 and to one of these hearts will be fastened a tiny love-knot ring4 ,the ,walnut's ,fortune4 ,open a quantity of walnuts in half4 ,into each walnut slip a narrow piece of paper which will predict the future4 ,slip a small elastic over each nut1 which will prevent them from reopening4 ,the boys' walnuts should be put in one basket1 and the girls' in another4 ,the girls' basket should be offered first4 ,as each girl holds her hand over the basket she should repeat3 8,steady1 good fairy1 ,i am wary1 ,pray let my hand make no mistake2 ,i would only the right nut take40 ,then she puts her hand down1 lifts up a nut1 removes the elastic1 and taking out the paper1 reads her future aloud4 ,example1 8,you will travel around the world4 ,at the age of twenty-three you will sing before two thousand people40 ,and thus the future is predicted in similar style for other players4 ,naming the ,roses4 ,all the young people should personate favorite roses4 ,therefore1 there should be many varieties4 ,the parlors should have arches or wide doorways1 through which a procession may readily move4 ,the musicians are advised to play something between a march and a reel1 and immediately each boy signals out the girl that matches his rose4 ,if more than one match1 he asks the girl he prefers4 ,then1 all keeping time to the music1 they walk through the first arch or doorway1 and so on to the second1 thus in rotation going through all4 ,the couples should keep about two feet back of each other4 ,when all have passed through the last arch1 they join hands1 thus forming a circle1 and commencing with the first couple1 enter the ring two by two4 ,two only being in at a time1 when they come out1 the two that followed them in the march enter1 and so on4 ,when in the circle the boy should ask the girl1 8,which rose are you80 ,she answers1 8,tell me1 and ,i'll tell you40 ,very often his answer will be1 8,i don't know10 though once in a while he will make a perfect guess4 ,when his answer is right1 he asks the girl the language of her rose2 but if he has made a mistake1 he is obliged to leave the girl in the ring1 and stand under one of the arches4 ,if the girl cannot answer his question1 she must stand under an arch4 ,if the boy leaves the ring before inquiring the rose's language1 those forming the ring put the same question1 and if the girl does not properly reply1 she has to pay the same penalty as when not replying to the boy4 ,when both questions are answered correctly1 the boy and girl again join the hands of the others forming the circle4 ,when each couple has been in and left the ring the game is concluded4 ,among the rosebuds and their meaning are3 ,white rose-bud1 girlhood2 red rose-bud1 loveliness2 white and red together1 unity4 ,memory4 ,put a small table behind a screen4 ,on this table place thirty different articles1 including pulverized spices1 small bottles of liquid1 books1 etc4 ,each player is allowed ten seconds in which to familiarize himself or herself with the things on the table4 ,then each person writes a list of the things1 titles of books1 etc41 from memory4 ,the boy and girl whose lists are nearest perfection receive valentines as prizes4 ,love ,box4 ,present a pink silk bag to each of the young ladies1 and ask them to take out what they first touch4 ,each will then draw a small pink box1 inside of which will be her fortune written on ordinary sized note paper4 ,when the young ladies have finished drawing1 pass a red silk bag1 filled with red boxes of a similar size1 to the young men4 ,each paper in the pink boxes should be numbered one1 two1 etc4 and the same with the red4 ,the following are the examples of the fortunes4 ,whereso'er ,i am1 below or else above you1 ,whereso'er you are1 my heart shall truly love you4 ,my name is ,john4 ,you will married be ,at the age of thirty-eight1 ,or else ,i've made a mistake1 ,and the date is far too late4 ,now you must guess my name ,or this fortune's very tame4 ,or ask questions1 to be followed with appropriate answers4 8,shall ,i marry ,sue80 8,there's a rival in the case4 ,a very rich and stupid fellow40 ,the ,prophetic ,rose4 ,in an archway hang a huge rose made of tissue-paper of a deep red color1 the petals being dark at the centre4 ,the players are told that the darker petals belong to the boys1 and the girls should visit the rose first4 ,each girl in turn should step toward the rose1 and break off a petal4 ,on the reverse side she may read her fortune2 for delicately pasted to the rose petal will be a white one1 and on this the girls fortune will be written4 ,everybody reads their fortune aloud1 for all are as interested to learn the future of their friends as their own4 ,when the girls finish1 the boys follow in a similar way4 ,some of the fortunes might be3 8,thou drawest a perfect lot40 8,you will be wondrous happy40 8,mistress of the ,manse40 8,a curate--never slack in duty40 ,make a ,valentine4 ,this will create much merriment and prove equally suitable for grown-ups or boys and girls4 ,before the guests arrive1 have ready even-sized pieces of water-color paper4 ,the hostess should distribute these and explain just what should be done4 ,have water-color paints1 brushes1 etc41 conveniently near every one1 also a few well-sharpened lead-pencils might not prove amiss4 ,either have the people seated at one long table or at several small ones1 as would be convenient4 ,ring a bell when it is time to commence4 ,in thirty minutes ring again1 when all must stop4 ,as the designs should be original1 no one must look over his neighbor's shoulder4 ,the fact that some would not know how to paint would have nothing to do with it1 as the entertainment is only a bit of fun and every one should do his part4 ,valentines allow of such diversity in decoration1 from the extreme of the grotesque to the sthetic and beautiful1 that every one should be glad to try4 ,remember1 a line of prose or verse would be an added compliment4 ,for instance1 ,prithee tell me1 ,dimple chin1 ,at what age does love begin8 might be written under the dainty portrait of some winsome wee thing2 or1 ,my love is like a red1 red rose1 might be added to the picture of a flaming red cabbage rose4 ,when the valentines are finished they should be numbered1 each painter retaining his number on a slip of paper4 ,this done1 gather the valentines and submit them to the judgment of three people to decide as to their merit4 ,the painter of the best valentine should receive a prize4 ,then jumble together slips of paper on which are written numbers corresponding to the numbers of the valentines4 ,let each guest draw a slip1 and present him or her with the corresponding valentine1 which may be retained as a souvenir4 ,the ,court of the ,king of ,hearts4 ,decide who will be king4 ,he may get his costume from a costumer's or wear a home-made robe of gold color1 decorated all over with hearts cut out of crimson velvet1 six inches long and in correct proportion4 ,he should wear a gold crown ornamented with ,rhine stones1 and carry a sceptre4 ,there should be a throne1 which may be a large chair placed on a raised platform4 ,the throne and platform should be covered with gold paper1 sprinkled with diamond dust4 ,all the decorations should suggest ,st4 ,valentine's evening4 ,therefore1 pink or rose should be the color effect1 and such devices as ,cupid's arrows1 hearts1 valentines should appear4 ,ask the young ladies to gown themselves to represent roses4 ,therefore some would wear pink2 others1 white1 etc4 ,the gowns might further suggest the scheme by being trimmed with roses4 ,the young gentlemen should wear rose boutonnires4 ,all the guests compose the court4 ,the entertainment may be opened by the minuet1 danced by red and white roses1 after which the entire court enter1 marching two by two4 ,as they march they sing in honor of their king4 ,when the first couple reaches the throne1 the leaders separate right and left and turn facing each other4 ,the others do likewise1 keeping the distance between regular4 ,last of all comes the king followed by two pages representing ,cupids4 ,the king marches between the columns1 and finally reaches his throne4 ,when there he looks smilingly over his court1 and then seats himself4 ,the pages stand to his right and left4 ,then the court1 at a motion of the king's sceptre1 waltz1 after which the entire evening is spent amusing the king4 ,he likes songs1 and they become ,singing ,roses4 ,he likes recitations1 and the roses recite4 ,all the songs and recitations must be of the heart4 ,among the recitations may be 8,the ,garden of ,love10 ,william ,shakspeare2 8,the ,day-,dream10 ,alfred ,tennyson2 8,telepathy10 ,james ,russell ,lowell4 ,at the close of a song the king rises1 and waving his wand1 the company cease entertaining1 and the ,cupids1 leaving the throne1 walk side by side1 and finally stop at a huge blackboard4 ,then in colored crayons they each draw a valentine4 ,after which the ,king of ,hearts asks each one of the company to do likewise4 ,this affords much amusement1 as many of the valentines will be exceedingly grotesque4 ,when all have finished drawing1 the ,cupids return to the throne1 and the king signals for a dance4 ,and now a surprise4 ,eight dancers appear in heart and valentine dominoes4 ,each heart dances with a valentine1 and thus the king continues to be amused4 ,the first eight who have drawn valentines quietly absent themselves1 and thus they are ready at the desired time4 ,the dominoes are made out of white cheese-cloth1 the valentines and hearts are basted thickly over them4 ,after the dance the king should rise and thank the court for what has been done for his entertainment1 after which the recession of the court should follow4 ,the columns leading to the throne must be again formed1 the king rises1 and proceeds through the lines followed by his pages1 and then the two nearest to the throne go next1 and so on until all disappear4 ,,washington',s ,,birthday ,,entertainment4 ,if the hostess is a girl1 she should be costumed as ,lady ,washington2 if she has a brother1 his dress should be a faithful copy of ,general ,washington's4 ,the mother of the young people may take the character of ,mary ,washington1 mother of ,george4 ,ask your friends to wear an appropriate costume excepting that of the ,washington household2 that family excluded1 they are fancy free4 ,decorate the house with flags and bunting2 also give an eagle prominent position4 ,for evergreens use holly1 and whatever flowers may be peculiar to the ,state of ,virginia4 ,suggest red1 white1 and blue in the supper-room4 ,example3 ,cover the dining-table with blue silk or bunting1 and on it stand cakes frosted with red and white icing1 mottoes in red and white papers1 etc4 ,serve strawberry and vanilla ice-cream in blue dishes4 ,have all the confectionery red and white in color1 and served from a blue-covered stand4 ,should you not have blue china suitable for the confectionery1 deftly cover white china with blue crinkled paper1 and so preserve the colors4 ,open the evening with the flag dance4 ,this is any square dance you may please4 ,immediately before it starts1 present the dancers with a tiny ,american flag1 and whenever a bow occurs1 let the flags be triumphantly whirled4 ,they may be retained as souvenirs4 ,after the dance some one previously selected should come into the parlor4 ,he must be entirely enveloped in tricolor1 which may be done by the use of a large flag1 and if necessary a smaller one may cover the head4 ,the question now is to guess1 ,who is this distinguished visitor8 whether it is some one of the ,revolutionary period or of the present1 of our own country1 or of another4 ,when the domino is removed1 across his chest will be his name4 ,it is ,george the ,third1 who did not feel very comfortable at the time of the signing of the ,declaration of ,independence4 ,he should wear a crown1 which is easily made from pasteboard1 cover it with gold paper1 and for precious stones glue on rounded buttons covered to suit whichever gem you may please-jasper1 sapphire1 diamonds1 or what not4 ,whoever makes a correct guess should receive a gift suggestive of the occasion4 ,a book about a ,revolutionary hero would do1 or any article of jewelry1 suggestive of ,washington's time4 ,there are stickpins which may be used for scarfs also1 that have the flag in colored enamel4 ,after this1 another dance would be in place1 and follow that with games and patriotic songs4 8,the ,star-,spangled ,banner10 in march time1 would be appropriate to use as the march to supper4 ,,april ,,fool ,,games ,,and ,,tricks4 ,it is always a question whether these games should or should not be played4 ,therefore ,i offer them with this preface as also a few words of advice4 ,be good natured and do not take offence over other people's amusement at your expense4 ,never play a practical joke4 ,example1 ,mr4 ,m---- died last night4 ,mr4 ,m---- was an intimate friend of a party present1 and as the word pronounced dyed is capable of two different meanings1 one of the guests interpreted it in its saddest sense1 and immediately fainted4 ,wholesome fun promotes laughter and good-fellowship2 indulge in it all you will1 and so help your little world to be the merrier4 ,on a pure white tidy write in distinct letters upside down1 the words1 8,april ,fool10 and get some boy to lean back against them4 ,when he walks about the room afterwards1 his black jacket is decorated4 ,if you have an old cane-bottom chair1 cut the seat out1 but not too close to the frame4 ,fit this nicely in and offer the seat to any of the larger boys or girls4 ,instantly this individual finds himself slipping down1 but is more frightened than hurt4 ,upholster a long low box to represent a divan4 ,the top should consist of neatly tacked down stiff brown paper1 and over this throw a long thin rug4 ,suggest to two or three of your liveliest friends that they sit together on this divan4 ,in a few moments the room will resound with shrieks of laughter1 for they will be seated on the floor4 ,give a florist's box temptingly covered with tissue paper and tied up with gold cord to one of the guests4 ,he will unfasten the cord1 take off the paper1 and lift the cover only to find nothing within4 ,should your mother or sister be expecting a new spring bonnet1 beguile the milliner into letting you have one of her nicest hat boxes1 into which you should put your three years' old ,derby1 and then watch the result4 ,a questionable joke would be to send a party invitation to your old friend1 inviting him to an equally old friend's house1 and wait around to see him enter4 ,tell ,john or ,mary there is an oat for them at ,mr4 ,blank's4 ,they thinking you have said 8a note0 immediately go to get it1 and fully comprehend your meaning when they are handed a tiny package of tissue paper which serves as a covering to one oat and the words 8,april ,fool40 ,arrange portires so they may be drawn on either side of a long mirror1 as window curtains are drawn from the centre of a window4 ,before this make an effective group of a number of boys and girls4 ,the rear ones should stand1 the ones immediately in front should be seated on the floor4 ,above them should be written on a mirror these words1 8,april ,fools40 ,when every one is in place1 a boy standing on the left and right of the mirror should draw the portires4 ,a part of the refreshments for such an evening should be cakes frosted with salt and others stuffed with cotton1 oranges filled with sawdust1 tiny blocks of wood and small balls of cotton1 covered with chocolate1 so simulating chocolate caramels and creams4 ,have also motto papers deftly covering little pebbles1 and iced coffee1 which will be found to be the most acid of iced vinegar4 ,but do not let your refreshments end with such a menu1 or good nature even with the jolliest would cease to be a virtue2 when a little fun is gotten1 serve a delicious supper4 ,,easter ,,frolics4 ,the time for ,easter amusement is during the week which follows ,easter ,day1 and it would be a pretty idea at such a season to give a short tableau entertainment in connection with music and games1 the tableaux indicating the superstitions of various countries4 ,when the tableau is shown1 announce what it is intended to represent2 for example1 in ,russia the ,easter festival might almost be termed the 8kissing festival10 for beginning with the ,emperor1 who on ,easter ,day kisses various generals and even privates in his army1 the singular contagion spreads throughout the empire1 apparently affecting both aristocrat and plebeian4 ,tableau4--,a boy representing the ,russian ,emperor kissing a member of the army4 ,in the olden days of ,france it was the custom for a ,christian to give a ,jew an ,easter box4 ,tableau4--,two boys1 one representing the ,christian2 the other1 the ,jew4 ,the ,christian must be in the act of boxing the ,jew's ear4 ,follow this with the ,france of to-day4 ,tableau4--,an interior of a church1 extravagantly trimmed with flowers1 and brilliant with lighted candles4 ,it should be crowded with boys and girls1 mothers and fathers1 all in brand-new clothes4 ,show ,spain as a dark-haired girl1 with a mantilla over her head1 kneeling in a church before a mammoth candle--the ,paschal candle1 nine feet long4 ,in order to make it seem taller1 stand it on a marble pedestal4 ,rome1 with a procession of gayly attired children1 and a boy representing the ,pope1 in the most elegant of robes1 carried in a crimson chair1 over which is a canopy4 ,this chair must be preceded by two boys1 each carrying white ostrich-feather fans4 ,germany1 with a group of dancing girls and boys1 the girls wearing small1 close-fitting white caps1 full white aprons over dark gold-braided skirts and white sleeves2 the boys with knee-breeches1 white stockings1 showy vests and gold buttons4 ,or show a hare running from a nest filled with colored eggs1 before which two little children kneel4 ,the nest should be placed under a bush1 and one of the children should wear a laughing face1 for she holds up an egg4 ,england1 with a crowd of boys and girls returning from ,hampton ,court1 ,kew ,gardens1 or ,stoke ,pogis with their arms literally filled with willow-boughs and branches of blossoms--yellow1 pink1 and white--with which they will decorate the church for ,easter ,sunday4 ,switzerland1 with a band of musicians carrying guitars1 and going from house to house singing some sweet carol1 their hats and caps wreathed with flowers4 ,a very pretty way to amuse children of all ages is to hide eggs in the grass or under bushes1 and then have an egg-hunt4 ,all eggs found may1 of course1 be carried home4 ,give five minutes for the hunt1 and it will prove great sport for lookers-on also4 ,for another game1 raise a tent decorated with flags1 cheese-cloth streamers1 or ribbons4 ,opposite the tent in which the guests are to be seated1 and ten feet distant1 is a post or tree on which to put a prize4 ,at the base of the post put a basket of thin china eggs or glass balls1 and also one at the tent door1 only fill this basket with excelsior4 ,the game is to find the person that will throw the largest number of eggs from one of the baskets into the other and not break them4 ,whoever wins is rewarded by the prize4 ,for little children1 form a ring1 and pitch to the centre of the ring a hard-boiled egg1 and let them scramble for it4 ,for larger children1 let them pair off1 a boy and a girl2 thus alternating1 they form a ring4 ,then start thirteen china or glass eggs1 one after the other1 from hand to hand1 taking the egg in the right hand1 passing it to the left1 and so on round the ring4 ,if an egg drops1 it must stay where it falls until the other eggs have gone around the ring three times4 ,it may chance by that time that all the eggs have dropped4 ,when the third time around is complete1 immediately a grand chain is formed1 and the children dance1 and go back to position1 picking up the eggs as they dance4 ,if the egg is not picked up1 keeping time to the music which is being played throughout the game1 that person cannot retain it1 but must give it to the one following4 ,sometimes no eggs fall1 then the game is kept up until all the eggs have passed rapidly around three times4 ,but when dropped and picked up1 they must then go around once1 and after this final circuit the game is concluded4 ,boil a dozen or more eggs in logwood of different strengths of dye2 they will then be colored violet or purple4 ,give these eggs1 with a large pin or pen-knife1 to young people to decorate4 ,offer a prize for the best decorations within fifteen minutes4 ,still another game is to knock eggs4 ,hold an egg so that the small end is shown between the forefinger and the thumb4 ,sit or stand opposite to the person with whom you are playing4 ,then knock each other's eggs4 ,the knock should be swift and hard1 and whoever's egg is the first to crack must now be given to the opponent4 ,when starting1 each should have an equal number4 ,whoever has the most eggs after playing ten minutes has won4 ,finding the ,hare4 ,the hare is nothing more nor less than a box made in exact copy of a hare1 about six inches long4 ,when opened it shall be found full of rose-colored and rose-flavored confectionery4 ,the company are told that a hare is hidden and whoever finds it is the owner4 ,it is a bewitching sight to see the merry hunt and great sport for those engaged4 ,the ,parlor ,egg ,hunt4 ,buy confectioners' eggs1 which come in all sizes1 from the ostrich size to a humming bird's1 made of chocolate or icing1 and trimmed with flowers or tiny ribbons4 ,hide the small eggs1 and state in which rooms they are hidden4 ,allow five minutes for the hunt1 each striving to find the most4 ,ring a bell to start and end the game4 ,ostrich ,egg ,search4 ,this is played exactly like the thimble game4 ,put a confectioner's ostrich egg in full sight1 and at a signal every one begins to look for it4 ,when it is seen1 the finder signifies the fact by sitting down1 and this continues until all are either seated or give up4 ,the hostess inquires of the first one who sat down where the egg is1 and the answer is given in a whisper4 ,if correct1 it may be retained as a favor1 if not1 the egg must be drawn for4 ,the hiding must be cleverly managed1 so that while the egg is in sight1 it is1 however1 in an unexpected spot1 and where it cannot be handled4 ,then1 too1 there should be a bogus egg1 made from tissue paper1 closely resembling the confectioners egg4 ,many will mistake the egg4 ,basket ,eggs4 ,put two baskets at the end of a room1 each basket lined with wadding1 and containing a dozen of eggs4 ,opposite these baskets on the other side of the room1 have two empty ones lined in a similar manner4 ,two persons step forward1 and at the ringing of a bell start to put the dozen of eggs1 without cracking1 into the empty basket1 the one who succeeds first being victor4 ,the ,game of ,cluck4 ,perhaps this is the jolliest game of all1 and it is essentially for boys4 ,whoever gives the party should ask each of his friends to bring a chicken--a real live chicken--and if he is sure he would not recognize her when with a barnyard of others1 he must tie a ribbon around her neck2 he must also bring some hard-boiled eggs4 ,the court used should be surrounded with a high netting1 and the centre of the court marked with a cross4 ,at a signal all the players1 each with his fowl in his arms1 must enter the court1 and the host1 going to the centre1 now becomes auctioneer1 and taking each offered fowl in turn1 he loudly calls1 8,how many eggs am ,i bid for this chicken80--two eggs1 three1 or whatever the number may be2 no one must bid what he cannot pay1 and the chicken is given to the boy offering the largest number1 and the eggs are given to the previous owner of the chicken4 ,he may put them wherever he pleases1 only they must be somewhere within the netting4 ,the sale being over1 the 8cluck0 commences1 for it is now each one's aim to recover his chicken1 which can only be done by finding the requisite number of eggs given for her4 ,this is much easier said than done1 for the boys will have hidden them in their pockets and other peculiar places4 ,meanwhile the chickens1 running in every direction1 are very apt to 8cluck0 loudly4 ,the ,bird's ,nest4 ,put a bird's nest in a room2 hunt for it as you 8,hunt the slipper10 only1 instead of saying 8warm1 warmer10 and so on1 you cluck1 cluck1 cluck soft or loud as the party goes towards or from the nest4 ,only one person hunts at a time2 everybody else clucks4 ,,may-,,day ,,festivity4 ,a ,may-,queen party is conducted in a variety of ways4 ,very simply you may say3 8,i am arranging for a ,maying party2 will you come8 ,i shall be so glad to have you40 ,and without further form than the above invitation1 only mentioning the time1 place of meeting1 luncheon1 etc41 everything for a day's outdoor frolic is adjusted4 ,but the correct fashion is vastly different4 ,the invitation is of the same character as that given for any other party4 ,the paper on which the invitation is engraved should be decorated4 ,the decoration should be suggestive of the occasion--a trimmed ,may-pole1 a throne for the ,queen1 or the ,queen herself4 ,also1 in the left-hand corner of the invitation1 state the time when the tally-ho or carriages will start3 they start from the house of the giver of the party4 ,a good hour is ten o'clock1 and the guests should be there ten minutes earlier4 ,all ,maying parties should be in charge of a chaperone1 not only for ,madame ,grundy's sake1 who would do a great deal of talking1 but because there is then some one older than yourself to consult with in case of need1 as also some one to superintend those who would arrange the refreshment table4 ,and as this party must fall upon a day ,in the merry month of ,may4 everybody should wear holiday attire1 as1 ,in the days when we went gypsying1 ,a long time ago1 ,the lads and lassies in their best ,were dressed from top to toe4 ,in ,france this day was dedicated to the ,virgin1 and the most popular girl was called the 8,lady of the ,may40 ,she was always crowned and adorned with flowers1 and sat in state on a miniature throne made of flowers and branches1 while her maids of honor begged for money from all who passed that way1 to be spent on the religious feast held later4 ,and our ,may-,queen can have her white frock too1 as dainty and pretty as that of any ,parisian maiden1 if she will only wear warm flannels underneath it4 ,remember1 that though ,may days are oftentimes warm and sunny even to uncomfortableness1 their temperature cannot be depended upon4 ,the ,may-,queen should be arranged for by the giver of the party1 and also her six maids of honor4 ,the ,queen only wears white4 ,the maids should wear frocks of different hue1 and each represent a woodland flower or fern4 ,for example1 rose pink garlanded with pink rose-buds and roses2 baby-blue and forget-me-nots2 pale violet and violets2 cowslip yellow and cowslips2 ,nile-green and maidenhair-fern1 etc4 ,the guests should wear flowers1 and may or may not represent flowers1 as they choose4 ,only they must wear gay attire4 ,the boys might dress as gentlemen of the court1 adopting the fashion of princes1 lords1 pages2 and do not forget the fool1 with his cap and bells1 to amuse the ,queen4 ,or all may wear grotesque apparel--it is go-as-you-please fashion--only if the grotesque is decided upon1 all should adopt it2 the ,queen could personate ,maid ,marian1 with gilt crown on her head1 and one of the boys assume the character of ,robin ,hood4 ,it would be a delight could all of these occasions have a ,may-pole1 wound about with gay color1 and long ribbon streamers firmly fastened at the top1 which during the dances should be braided and unbraided again and again4 ,it requires a tall straight tree1 which should be firmly set in the ground1 after the order of a flag-staff4 ,the tallest ,may-pole ever set up in ,england was on the ,strand1 ,london1 and was one hundred and thirty-four feet high4 ,a pole twelve feet from the ground1 however1 will give just as much pleasure at the ordinary ,may-,queen party4 ,around it join hands1 and sing any familiar ,english ballads1 or songs from the opera of ,robin ,hood4 ,it might be well to have a rehearsal of two or three songs beforehand1 if you should be particular about your music at the time of the party4 ,as for dances1 they should be intermingled with the songs1 waltzes1 mazourkas1 schottisches--any dance that you may know4 ,besides this1 play one and another ring game1 even if you are ever such big boys and girls4 ,always remember to pay homage to your ,queen1 being sure that she is leading4 ,whoever gives the party is of course responsible for refreshments1 which are usually served picnic fashion on long tables in the woods1 near to the place where the games are played4 ,the provisions should be carried in a separate wagon1 and be kept out of sight until it is time for lunch4 ,the tables may be made very attractive by means of mosses1 wild flowers1 and grasses4 ,one such table was of exquisite beauty1 its only adornment being ferns4 ,a border of them was pinned or basted all around the cloth1 made higher at the corners4 ,a large cut-glass bowl stood in the centre of the table1 filled with maiden-hair1 and two tall slender vases1 one shorter than the other and filled with fine ferns and vines stood at irregular distances4 ,when the refreshments are ready1 the hostess must escort the ,queen1 and lead her to the position of honor4 ,next to follow should be the maids of honor1 and the rest as they will4 ,in every instance the ,queen must be served first2 indeed1 she should be shown every consideration4 ,the ,queen's throne should be erected near the ,may-pole4 ,it is generally made in a sort of bower of bushes4 ,sometimes a large stone has to form the seat2 cover this with flowers1 so that your ,queen is really sitting in a floral chair4 ,make her crown before leaving home2 it can be cut out of pasteboard1 and covered with gilt paper1 and when you get to the fields twine flowers around it2 or you may assimilate a crown with a wreath of wild flowers4 ,in either case present it to her with great formality4 ,having led her near the throne1 two of the boys should stand on either side of her1 and suspend the crown between them1 immediately above her head4 ,while they are in this position1 the hostess must step towards the ,queen and say1 8,in the name of this court1 we crown you ,queen of ,may40 ,the boy standing at her right then leads her to the throne2 when she is seated1 the other boy presents her sceptre1 and her entire court sing a chorus previously decided4 ,the girls might all carry wooden hoops1 and having wound flowers around them1 take them to some poor child or sick mother or sister on their return home1 and so have the pleasantest sort of an ending to the ,may-,queen party4 ,in our joy and gladness under the cloudless sky1 on a moss-covered walk1 with violets and other wild flowers at our feet1 we should not forget the many more to whom such a party would seem almost as a day in ,paradise4 ,,fourth ,,of ,,july ,,celebration4 ,every boy1 to properly celebrate ,independence ,day1 should be well stocked with torpedoes1 large and small1 fire-crackers1 cannon1 and gunpowder4 ,he should know that the starry flag flutters from his home1 and that the red1 white1 and blue is a part of his attire4 ,early in the day a battalion of patriotic boys should march and countermarch up and down the principal streets1 while all the while martial music is heard1 and the shrill bugle call answers the exultant drum beat4 ,a banner should lead such a procession1 and the ,star-spangled ,banner should triumphantly wave throughout the entire line4 ,jolly fun may be had in the after part of the day1 by setting an old barn on fire4 ,very often the boys' fathers or uncles own a barn that they would rather have out of the way than not1 and the ,fourth of ,july is the most appropriate time in the entire year for a conflagration4 ,when a barn is to be fired1 be sure that it is carefully prepared beforehand1 with a coating of tar and long wisps of tarred paper1 and the boys cannot be too cautious not to get on fire themselves4 ,should boys not be successful in finding a barn to burn up1 perhaps they could find a dead tree on a friend's vacant lot4 ,a tree would make a perfect tower of flame1 and could be seen for miles around4 ,it1 too1 will blaze all the fiercer if you apply a coating of pitch4 ,those engaged in this sport should wear their oldest clothing1 in order not to make themselves a nuisance to their mothers and sisters or thoughtlessly waste their fathers' money4 ,perhaps some of the boys would like a receipt for a powerful noise4 ,it is simple enough--nothing but chlorate of potash and sulphur mixed2 you should put several pieces of paper around it1 though1 and hammer it down as heavy as you can4 ,,hallowe',,en ,,games ,,and ,,tricks4 ,the ,nut ,trick4 ,the shell must be prepared before the performance4 ,remove the kernel by boring a hole1 or opening the nut at one end4 ,take out the contents by the aid of a lady's hat-pin1 and instead of the kernel1 slip in a short piece of scarlet-colored baby-width ribbon4 ,then putty or wax the opening over1 and color the putty or wax with a dye1 crayon1 or paint1 the exact shade of the nut4 ,the nut being thus prepared1 you may now lay it on the table before your friends1 and present a bunch of many-colored ribbons of the same width and length to them4 ,ask that some one select any piece he chooses2 you must have a don't-care air1 as though it didn't make any difference to you which piece was chosen4 ,while1 on the contrary1 you care so much1 that should a wrong selection be made you must at once tell an interesting story1 which will help your friends to forget that the ribbon has already been selected1 and you should make use of this opportunity to offer the ribbons over again4 ,this time the selection will likely be correct4 ,it would be wise to have the majority of pieces of ribbon the color of the piece in the nut1 as that color would catch the eye first and stand a better chance of being taken4 ,the right ribbon now being chosen1 make a great point of looking at it2 hold it up at arm's length1 so that all the audience may see it4 ,then ask the party who made the selection to put it back in the bunch with the others and mix them all up to please himself4 ,when he has finished1 face the bunch of ribbons1 and loudly repeat1 three times over1 8,ribbon1 go into the nut40 ,then ask your friend to go forward and take the little hammer which he will find on the table and crack the nut open4 ,when the nut is opened1 sure enough inside is a scarlet ribbon4 ,burn a ,lady's ,handkerchief1 but ,return it ,whole ,again4 ,this requires a tin cylinder about eight inches in diameter and twelve inches in height4 ,into this put a perfectly fitting tin vessel1 which is divided strictly in half4 ,when this vessel is slid inside of the cylinder the whole does not look unlike a canister with a cover at each end4 ,having the handkerchief1 hold it so that everybody sees it1 and talk fluently1 keeping the body constantly in motion2 indeed1 making so many motions that no one has noticed that you have packed this handkerchief in the upper division of the tin vessel1 and that1 as you are walking towards the candle1 you have turned the cylinder upside down1 and that also the handkerchief you are now holding is really not a handkerchief at all1 but a thin piece of muslin you have prepared to simulate a handkerchief4 ,pour on it a few drops of alcohol1 which will help it to burn even more rapidly2 tear it1 if you think it more effective4 ,when the owner thinks that her handkerchief is forever destroyed1 cleverly manage to invert the cylinder1 take out the handkerchief1 shake it well1 holding it so that all the audience sees that it is not even scorched1 and then return it to the lady4 ,the ,bowl ,trick4 ,fill a tiny tumbler with water and cover it with a bowl4 ,then state you will drink the water in the tumbler underneath without moving the bowl4 ,of course the company do not believe you1 and you ask all to turn their backs1 or close their eyes1 if they will promise not to look1 until one of the party counts ten4 ,immediately they have turned their backs1 or closed their eyes1 you pick up another glass of water and hastily swallow a few mouthfuls4 ,they hear the sound1 but no one can look until ten is counted4 ,by that time the glass from which you drank is hidden again1 and the company catch you wiping your moist lips4 ,undoubtedly one of the number will be so suspicious that he will lift the bowl to see1 and then is your opportunity1 for you at once pick up the glass and drink1 saying1 as you put it down1 8,i didn't touch the bowl40 ,an ,impossible ,jump4 ,take a gentleman's hat1 and1 turning it around so that every one sees it1 ask your friends whether1 if you put it on the floor1 they could jump over it4 ,of course they will answer1 8,yes40 ,then stand it close to the wall1 and tell them not to all try at once1 but take their turn to jump4 ,turn a ,goblet ,upside ,down ,without ,spilling the ,water4 ,fill a glass goblet so as not to allow any water to drop over the edge4 ,cover the top with a piece of paper2 on the paper put your hand1 and turn the goblet rapidly over2 then remove the hand4 ,the upward pressure of the air will prevent the water from spilling4 ,the ,hat ,omelet4 ,everybody who enjoys tricks is no doubt familiar with this4 ,it is very easy to do4 ,first state that you are about to make an omelet4 ,then break three eggs into the hat1 and appear to add a little milk and flour1 after which shake all together and hold the hat over a lighted lamp1 candle1 or gas4 ,after a few moments lift out the hot flaky omelet and pass it to your friends2 otherwise they will think they have been deceived4 ,the secret is1 the omelet was cooked on the range1 and was in the hat when you commenced to exhibit the trick1 the hat being held too high for the audience to see inside4 ,the eggs were not full1 only the shells1 the contents having been previously drawn through a tiny aperture at one end4 ,laugh and talk a great deal and it will not be noticed that you do not put in the cornstarch and milk2 also let a real egg drop1 as if by accident1 on a plate standing on the table before you1 or let a tablespoon or knife fall4 ,this will attract all eyes and further prevent discovery4 ,as in other tricks1 you should practise it before showing it to your friends4 ,the ,wonderful ,carafe4 ,an empty carafe is brought by your confederate4 ,this you should rinse and drain in the presence of your audience1 in order to satisfy them that there is really no mistake1 that the carafe is positively empty4 ,after it has well drained1 dry it1 wiping it around with the greatest care4 ,in the towel which your confederate brought you he also brought a bladder1 in which was a weak preparation made up of spirits of wine1 sugar1 and water4 ,in this way the carafe is filled without the audience detecting4 ,the glasses are already in position1 and in each one has been put a drop or two of flavoring extract1 such as pineapple1 lemonade1 orange1 peppermint4 ,the magician then inquires if any one would like a glass of lemonade1 and being answered in the affirmative1 he pours the same from the carafe by filling the glass in which the drops of lemonade extract have been placed4 ,in like manner he will give a glass of orangeade1 or whatever drink corresponds to the extract in the glasses4 ,the ,vanishing ,ten-cent ,piece4 ,put this coin in the palm of your hand and take pains to let everybody see it4 ,then state that if any one of the audience will call out1 8,vanish10 it will disappear4 ,the reason why is because the nail of your middle finger is covered with white wax1 and closing the hand forcibly the coin instantly fastens itself to it4 ,you must then open the hand wide and show that the ten-cent piece has really gone4 ,the tricks now being over1 the audience rose to congratulate their young entertainers and also to exchange a few words with one another1 and in so doing many of them did not discover that refreshments were about to be served until they were asked to take seats at the small tables that had most mysteriously appeared4 ,the refreshments were very simple1 being only vanilla and strawberry rolled wafers and delicious tea4 ,the tea was1 of course1 poured into the prettiest of ,japanese cups1 and carried on richly decorated trays1 on which were laid divers colored ,japanese napkins1 while the graceful1 cordial1 ,japanese-robed young girls added an indescribable charm4 ,and thus closed this dainty1 interesting entertainment amid the pleasant chatter of the happily seated1 congenial company4 ,blindfolded ,prophecy4 ,should you be in the country on ,all ,hallowe'en1 one of the party should be blindfolded and sent into the kitchen garden1 of course using every security against accident4 ,the person sent must pull up a vegetable1 and without shaking off the dirt from the roots1 bring it back with him4 ,should it have a great quantity of mould hanging to its roots1 that is a sure sign whoever has it will make a wealthy marriage4 ,if1 on the contrary1 there is but little mould1 he will make a poor marriage4 ,if the vegetable is tall and well shapen1 this proves he will marry a tall1 beautiful girl4 ,if1 however1 the vegetable is short and crooked1 he will marry a short and homely girl4 ,if a vegetable is brought in without any roots1 the person bringing it will be a bachelor or old maid4 ,care should be taken in the playing of this game to prevent the house and clothing from getting dirty2 therefore be watchful and hold the vegetable you bring at arm's length4 ,the best place to decide the vegetable's shape1 mould1 etc41 would be in the kitchen1 or on the piazza4 ,if the latter is enclosed1 lamps could be carried out there1 if not1 possibly the light from the windows and hall way would be sufficient2 or try a lantern4 ,the ,divining ,mirror4 ,hold an unpeeled apple in the right hand and a lighted candle in the left1 while you stand in an empty1 unlighted room before a mirror4 ,then you must eat the apple and watch sharp1 for you are to see your future husband's or wife's face in the mirror4 ,the face will appear over your left shoulder4 ,this game is also part trick1 as fairy folk are apt to be famous tricksters and therefore not very trustworthy1 especially if it is after dark4 ,one of the boys will likely have stolen back of you1 disguised with a false face4 ,he has reached you on his hands and knees1 and when all of a sudden he rises1 you will be so startled that it will be an easy matter for him to escape without detection4 ,or a girl could do the same as a boy4 ,in order to more fully cover one's tracks1 it would be well for the tricking player to blow out the candle as he appears over the shoulder4 ,this1 too1 will partly conceal the features1 for puckered lips and eyes fixed steadily on the flame will not look natural4 ,the ,tumbler ,test4 ,fill three tumblers with water4 ,one must hold blue water1 such as the laundress uses for clothes1 another must hold soapy water1 and another clear water1 while still another must be empty4 ,these tumblers should stand on a table directly before the individual who is to be blindfolded4 ,after he is blindfolded1 change the position of the glasses1 placing one where the other one stood1 and so on4 ,then instruct the party to dip his fingers into one of the tumblers4 ,having felt around1 his fingers are dipped into the clear water1 and thus he learns that he is to marry a beautiful rich girl4 ,had he dipped into the soapy water1 it would have meant that he would marry a poor widow2 if in the blue water1 he would be a noted author2 if in the empty glass1 he would die a bachelor4 ,this game is played in the same way with the girls1 only1 of course1 changing the sex1 as1 for example1 marrying a rich1 handsome man4 ,the ,penknife ,trick4 ,before leaving the room state that while you are away any one may place a pen-knife where he may please1 and without any word being spoken you will find it4 ,of course you have a confederate1 who remains behind and notices where the knife has been put4 ,when you enter1 walk towards one of the corners in the room2 if your confederate is looking up1 you will know you are in the right corner1 but if he is looking down you must try another4 ,if you notice he is not looking up when you have tried all the corners1 then walk towards the centre of the room1 and between the corners2 at one of these points he will raise his eyes4 ,in this way1 you will get the location4 ,you must then diligently search1 and when your confederate lets something drop on the floor you will know you are very close to the penknife4 ,sometimes it is in a person's pocket2 for that reason watch just the moment when your friend has given you the clue4 ,possibly your hand may be on some one's shoulder2 this would indicate to search that person4 ,ball ,trick4 ,a girl must take a ball of rose-colored worsted and toss it out in the garden as far as she can4 ,she must be careful1 however1 not to lose hold of the end of the worsted4 ,then she should walk up and down the parlor or piazza1 winding the worsted up2 as she walks she sings1 ,who holds my thread8 ,who holds my clue8 ,for he loves me and ,i him too4 ,all of a sudden1 if the game is properly played1 the worsted will refuse to come4 ,if the worsted breaks in her exertion to wind it1 she will never marry2 but she should keep firm hold and wind slowly1 and in time will thus surely reach the person who has caught the other end4 ,this individual is to be her future husband4 ,generally the 8husband0 part is a trick1 for some one will hold the worsted that she would never marry2 for example1 a boy many years her junior1 or her old grandfather1 or brother4 ,this game being played for the same reason as many another1 8only for fun40 ,the ,fortune ,apple4 ,on several pieces of wood1 thin as paper1 write1 in ink or paint1 girls' names4 ,slip each name into an apple4 ,this set will do for the boys2 make similar ones for the girls4 ,fill three portable tubs with water1 and set an even number of apples floating in each tub4 ,fasten the arms of three boys securely back1 and cover them entirely with water-proof cloaks4 ,lead each boy to a tub and ask him to repeat distinctly1 ,witches and wizards and birds of the air1 ,goblins and brownies1 all lend me your care1 ,now to choose wisely for once and for all1 ,and ever your names in praise loudly ,i'll call4 ,then each boy must put his head down and try to catch in his teeth an apple4 ,in it he'll find the name of one of the girls present1 and she will be his fate4 ,if the name is a strange one1 there will even then be teasing enough for him4 ,after the boys have all tried the game1 then it is time for the girls4 ,lead a girl up to a tub and blindfold her2 lead her around while she repeats the rhyme1 and with the words 8loudly ,i call10 she must bend down and try to catch in one hand an apple or1 if she prefers1 she may try to spear an apple with a fork4 ,if the latter way1 only one drop of the fork will be allowed4 ,if it sticks far enough in an apple not to fall altogether1 her fate is sure4 ,the ,money-,maker4 ,this is one of the large number of trick games1 and like all the others it is very easy when you know how4 ,it is played by two people1 both of whom understand the trick1 and it should be the effort of the company to discover as soon as is possible what that trick is4 ,when the trick is discovered the game is simple4 ,to prove that you know it1 you should take the place of one of the players4 ,if the game then goes on satisfactorily you are out1 but the others remain in until they either give up or learn the secret also4 ,the money-maker leaves the room and on his return his confederate will ask him questions4 ,his answer will prove to the company that he understands which business1 trade or profession they have decided he must enter in order to make money4 ,the secret is easy to discover if you are on the alert2 it is the first business named after a question which has commenced with the letter ,o or which contains the exclamation oh6 ,example3 ,the company have decided that the one who has left the room must be a publisher4 8,will you be an organ grinder80 8,no1 ,i thank you40 8,will you be a physician80 8,i would not like night work40 8,how would you like farming80 8,not at all40 8,oh1 ,i know6 you'd like to be a tailor40 8,but ,i know ,i wouldn't40 8,well1 will you be a publisher80 8,just the thing40 ,,christmas ,,jollity4 ,the ,yule ,log4 ,young people should costume themselves in grotesque apparel4 ,they may be ,twelfth ,night characters1 ,viola1 ,olivia1 ,sir ,andrew ,aguecheek1 ,sir ,toby1 ,sebastian1 sea-captains1 lords1 priests1 officers1 musicians1 etc41 or assume any disguise indicative of ,christmas4 ,early in the evening1 several of the company should disappear1 but with great hilarity return1 drawing in the ,yule log4 ,this is nothing more or less than a rugged log4 ,knotted at each end with long strong ropes1 by which it is pulled4 ,as the young people draw it they should sing1 ,welcome be ye that are here1 ,welcome all and make good cheer2 ,welcome all another year1 ,welcome ,yule4 ,this verse should be sung over and over until the ,yule log lies on the hearthstone4 ,christmas ,pie4 ,two people1 each wearing interesting costume1 and with masked faces1 walk in1 rolling before them on a wheelbarrow an enormous pie4 ,it is made after the fashion of a ,jack ,horner pie1 being in a deep dish covered with diamond-dusted white paper1 with tiny ribbons exposed4 ,the first performance is to roll the pie all around the room1 and then to the centre1 where they will sing1 ,who'll have a bird from this ,christmas pie8 ,whoever guesses me may answer ,i4 ,for a few minutes all the company keep quite still1 then the guessing commences2 when the correct names are mentioned1 the couple unmask1 and at once the correct guesser draws a ribbon4 ,he will find on the end of it a candy bird1--perhaps a robin redbreast made of candy and stuffed with sugarplums4 ,as soon as the bird is drawn1 one of the parties who has rolled in the wheelbarrow imitates a bird-song on a harmonica4 ,this is easily effected without discovery1 as everybody's attention is directed to what has been drawn4 ,tableaux ,vivants4 ,a catchy tableau series would be ,mother ,goose and her children celebrating ,christmas4 ,tableau ,first4--,mother ,goose in her tall1 cone-shaped hat1 riding on an enormous goose4 ,copy her and all the other costumes from ,mother ,goose's book4 ,tableau ,second4--,her children faithfully charactered4 ,little ,jack ,horner should be sitting in a corner1 eating his ,christmas pie4 ,the ,king in his parlor should be dressed to represent a king4 ,simple ,simon should meet a pieman going to the fair1 etc4 ,tableau ,third4--,a sleeping apartment1 ,mother ,goose and her family in bed4 ,great prominence must be shown to ,mother ,goose1 whose bed is in front1 and near her some of her more notable children4 ,this scene may be readily arranged by putting small cots on the stage2 the children can lie down dressed1 the coverlets hiding their clothing4 ,near each bed put that which would indicate their character1 as example1 the big pie for the pieman4 ,tableau ,fourth4--,santa ,claus at home about time to start4 ,interior of a room1 simply packed with all sorts of hobby-horses1 dolls--big and little1 dressed and undressed--musical birds1 woolly sheep1 sleighs1 drums1 tenpins1 everything in the toy line that could be imagined or described2 while in a large easy-chair before the lighted grate-fire sits old ,santa himself1 as gray-bearded1 fat1 and jolly as ever4 ,tableau ,fifth4--,little ,bo-,peep fell fast asleep and dreamed-- ,show ,santa ,claus again1 this time out-of-doors1 on his sled drawn by swift reindeer2 but the reindeer have stopped1 for ,bo-,peep stands before them1 her shepherd's crook leaning over her shoulder1 her sheep all around1 and they1 as also ,bo-,peep1 gazing at the presents--sled1 ,santa ,claus's pack1 at hat1 beard1 miniature tree1 full stockings1 and all4 ,bo-,peep wears a regular shepherdess costume1 the sheep are toy sheep on wheels4 ,the bells should jingle loudly until ,bo-,peep appears4 ,tableau ,sixth4--,the ,christmas tree4 ,a large tree filled with toys2 leaning against it is a ladder1 which ,mother ,goose climbs1 and then unfastens the various gifts4 ,her children are all grouped around the bottom1 and impatiently await the arrival of their presents4 ,tableau ,seventh4--,the ,christmas dance4 ,mother ,goose and her children dance around the ,christmas tree4 ,waltz music is played2 they dance once around1 when the curtain is drawn4 ,tableau ,eighth4--,mother ,goose's children eating their ,christmas supper4 ,a long table covered with a white cloth1 and decorated with lighted candelabra1 flowers1 bonbons1 fancy cakes1 china1 silver1 and cut glass4 ,all the children are seated around1 ,mother ,goose at the head1 and to her right her son ,jack1 then ,jack's wife1 then a boy1 then a girl1 and so on around4 ,each child is in the act of eating1 drinking1 lifting a cup1 a candy1 or indicating some natural movement at a supper table2 their heads should be turned as though they were in conversation4 ,tableau ,ninth4--,mother ,goose and her family in a well-arranged group now stand and sing a jolly good-night song4 ,this song may be acted by those on the stage1 but the singing is done by an unseen chorus4 ,follow this with two tableaux1 opposite in meaning4 ,tableau ,one4--,the empty stocking4 ,a poverty-stricken looking room--bare floor1 a hard-wood chair and table 7on the table stand a few pieces of cheap china71 a window with a broken pane1 in which a bunch of paper or canton matting is stuffed to keep out the snow2 a small kerosene lamp1 the light from which comes dimly4 ,a poorly clad and as poorly fed appearing little girl2 one of her thin hands rests on the table1 while the other holds an empty stocking1 on which the child sadly gazes4 ,tableau ,two4--,bless you honey-bugs6 ,yo' feels gay4 ,this also is a plainly furnished room1 but it is trimmed with ,christmas greens1 a large star and tree being particularly conspicuous4 ,there are several colored children running around1 some dancing1 with toys in one hand and a full stocking in the other1 others taking things off a little tree1 others again eating sugarplums1 or striding across the bare floor in eager pursuit of a dropped cornucopia or cinnamon cake4 ,their dusky-faced mammies1 meanwhile1 laugh at them through the half-open doorway4 ,and thus tableau might be described after tableau4 ,but a few hints may be helpful4 ,carefully study scenic effect4 8,how beautiful60 is so often the exclamation regarding a well-dressed stage1 even before any person appears or one word is spoken4 ,remember to use harmonizing colors1 and to throw on different-colored lights4 ,the latter may cost a little money1 but it will repay a hundredfold4 ,a white light changing to pink1 again to yellow1 rose or green1 as the scenery may require4 ,in every way catch the eye4 ,remember1 the tableau is but for a minute2 let that minute be perfection4 ,sometimes1 for example1 let a fountain play in the large grounds or garden4 ,this can be easily arranged by the proper management of a hose4 ,you can surely place a piece of oilcloth under the moss over which the water flows1 and have sponges conveniently near4 ,be careful to select pretty and noticeable toilettes4 ,if you are taking the character of a queen at a drawing-room1 dress as the queen1 not as her maid2 but should you be a maid1 wear jaunty1 gay attire1 and do not costume yourself in a severely cut brown-cloth tailor suit4 ,use all the accessories possible--music1 song1 recitation1 as either may be given off the stage as an accompaniment to a tableau4 ,be sure there is no catch in the stage curtain1 and that the prompter understands all his duties4 ,every one should be punctual at rehearsals2 and the night of the entertainment all the cast should be ready thirty minutes ahead of time1 as that will prevent worry and nervousness4 ,and if everybody is calm1 and understands his part1 there is no question as to success4 8,the ,birds' ,christmas ,carol0 would make a pleasing tableau4 ,the ,annunciation4 ,the angel greets the ,virgin mild2 ,hail1 ,mary1 full of grace6 thy child ,the ,son of ,god shall be4 ,this tableau represents an interior3 the room has a deep frieze drapery over the mantel1 before which ,mary kneels on a low cushion2 to her left1 and considerably before her1 is a large jardinire filled with ascension lilies2 and directly before her is a table1 on which is a roll of parchment partly unfastened4 ,by the table stands the angel with hands outstretched towards her4 ,tableau ,second4--,the shepherds see the angels bright4 ,scene out of doors1 with shepherds in their usual costume1 each shepherd holding a crook1 while back of them1 huddled close together1 stand the herds of sheep4 ,before the shepherds1 and a trifle to their right1 is the angel1 with outstretched hands1 indicating the way4 ,,birthday ,,ideas4 ,a ,birthday ,picnic4 ,a pleasant number is twenty4 ,ten girls and ten boys4 ,be driven to the destination in large market or hay wagons made festive with flags4 ,each girl should bring luncheon enough for herself and one of the boys4 ,and the boys should be responsible for the outfit for games1 such as ropes1 archery1 grace hoops1 tennis net1 balls and racquets4 ,if you are not going to a regular picnic ground1 you will require tables4 ,therefore borrow five cutting tables from your mothers and these can be folded and put in the bottom of the wagon1 and four persons can easily sit at each4 ,the boys can arrange the seats1 which might be the wagon seats built to the requisite height by supporting each end on a pile of stones1 or convenient rocks may be chosen1 or take the rails from the post-and-rail fence adjoining4 ,only in that case1 remember to put them back again4 ,use plated spoons1 forks1 etc41 so as to save worry1 and ,japanese napkins1 which may do double duty1 as they make pretty tablecloths1 and there is no fuss about having to carry them home4 ,if you take sandwiches1 wrap them neatly in white tissue or waxed paper4 ,use thin wooden platters instead of china1 and no one will be afraid of chipping them2 besides they are so light1 and after luncheon they1 as also the napkins and tablecloths1 may be burned up1 if you are careful not to set the woods on fire4 ,you might find it pleasant to put the lunches1 wraps1 etc41 in one wagon1 and have all the picnickers in the other4 ,trusty drivers for both wagons will be necessary4 ,after the lunch is over and cleared away1 games and races will be the order of the day4 ,but don't forget you must be home by sundown4 ,when all have bundled into the wagons to return1 let song follow song4 ,one of the big boys might act as director of the chorus4 ,a ,birthday ,floral ,ball4 ,the entire house1 including the halls1 should be trimmed with asparagus and ,japanese lanterns4 ,from the drawing-room ceilings suspend inverted cones of asparagus1 and as pendants from these fasten ,japanese lanterns4 ,string evergreens around the stair banisters and halls4 ,indeed1 make of your house1 including the dining-room1 a sort of fairy bower1 on which the ,japanese lanterns at happy intervals1 cast light and color4 ,the orchestra should be hidden in a tiny forest1 and their music should be jolly1 light and pretty4 ,among the numbers have the 8,dance of the ,flowers10 by ,tschaikowsky4 ,follow this with several flower dances4 ,example1 8,the ,sweet ,peas ,waltz40 ,the girls' costume should be white tarletan1 effectively trimmed with sweet peas4 ,the boys should have sweet pea boutonnires4 ,the ,pansy ,cotillion4 ,for this dance wear crpe lisse1 tarletan1--indeed any flimsy material you choose1 but it must be of one of the pansy colors2 and as the pansy has so many shades of brown1 yellow1 purple1 deep rose1 etc41 the variety which would mingle1 as the several figures are given1 would result in a kaleidoscopic effect of color and beauty4 ,perhaps a few solo dances could be arranged4 ,if so have a ,cowslip dance1 when the little maiden should be frocked in pale yellow1 or the ,heliotrope1 with a frock of lilacs4 ,another might dance the ,forget-me-not1 and wear a gown of blue4 ,while still another dance might be termed the ,water-,lily1 which would necessitate a frock of white and gold1 as the blue and pink water-lilies are comparatively rare4 ,whichever flower is represented should be worn1 either on the hair or dress4 ,then should come the ,wild ,flower ,minuet when daisies1 buttercups1 clover1 chicory1 violets1 honeysuckle1 and other wild flowers could vie with each other in the stately graceful movements4 ,follow the minuet with the ,butterfly promenade and dance4 ,in this a large number should engage1 as it is quite proper there should be butterflies flitting from flower to flower4 ,any dance may be appropriated to the butterflies1 but they should select their own partners from any of the flowers they please4 ,the butterflies will wear almost as many colors as the pansies1 and silver1 gold or other butterflies should be fastened on the shoulders or on other parts of their costume4 ,a ,birthday ,matine4 ,the afternoon may be made perfectly fascinating by giving a birthday matine4 ,a young lady should costume herself as ,little ,buttercup of ,pinafore fame4 ,wear a large hat1 grotesquely ornamented1 short parti-colored skirts1 and above all things carry a well-filled market basket4 ,she should sing ,little ,buttercup's song1 and also act and dance4 ,as the whole thing is a burlesque1 it need not be correctly done1 only be sure to get some graceful girl to take the part1 and one who will bring out the laughter by her bits of humor here and there4 ,if the party is for children1 the basket should contain inexpensive toys1 and when singing1 8,i've ribbons and laces1 to set off your faces10 waltz up to a group of children and distribute the toys4 ,continue this when singing the chorus1 as also during the playing of the interludes1 until each child has a gift4 ,should the party be for older people1 instead of toys give suggestive presents4 ,example1 a whip to a horsewoman1 or a tiny pair of oars to a rower4 ,the music is from the opera ,pinafore and can be purchased or mailed from almost any bookstore4 ,when people are through laughing over this part of the programme1 tell them that confectioners' buttercups are hidden in the drawing-room1 library and hall2 that they are in three colors1--violet1 white1 and pink1--and that all of the guests are expected to hunt for them2 that a bell will be rung as a signal to commence the hunt1 and in like manner to close it2 that five minutes time will be allowed4 ,three prizes will be awarded2 the first to be given to the finder of the most pink buttercups1 the second to the one finding the greatest number of buttercups adding all the colors together1 the third to the one finding the fewest4 ,should any one be so unfortunate as not to find any1 his penalty will be to pay a forfeit4 ,if this individual is a musician1 his forfeit should be a song or an instrumental solo1 or should he be a recitationist1 he must read or recite1 if neither of these1 require him to put himself through a key-hole4 ,this is done by writing the word 8himself0 on a small piece of paper1 rolling it over until still smaller and slipping it through the key-hole4 ,you will require two pounds of buttercups1 dividing that amount in the colors mentioned4 ,roll each candy separately in tissue paper1 corresponding in color1 and hide with care4 ,if for a children's party1 place bric--brac and all breakable articles beyond their reach1 and direct the little people so as to avoid accidents4 ,,birthday ,,tableaux4 ,tulips4 ,group the children so that they look pretty4 ,they could wear green clothes to represent stalk and leaves1 and have large1 colored-paper petals fastened to their waists1 and with wire shaped and bent upward they would look like veritable tulips4 ,then a few others could1 in a previous tableau1 show the act of planting tulip bulbs and watering some growing tulips4 ,the ,cotillon4 ,eight girls and boys should be dressed in ,knickerbocker attire1 and stand as if ready for the first figure of the ,cotillon4 ,this tableau should be set in a drawing-room4 ,flitting ,fairies and ,butterflies4 ,gay music is heard and in come the fairies dancing1 followed by a train of dancing butterflies1 costumed in red1 yellow1 and white4 ,the wings may be of tinted crpe paper or tarletan held in place by stiff wire4 ,the fairies should wear short fluffy gowns of airy gossamer1 heavily covered with spangles and diamond dust4 ,with each movement they must glimmer and glisten4 ,the scene may be set in any pretty drawing room1 but more properly with a background of palms and potted plants4 ,,methods ,,of ,,choosing ,,partners4 ,pass baskets of flowers to the ladies4 ,enough bunches have been prepared and laid in the baskets for each one of the ladies4 ,on a tray are bunches of leaves and vines2 pass these to the men4 ,the leaves will match the flowers1 as a bunch of pansies will have a corresponding bunch of pansy leaves1 a bunch of lilies of the valley its bunch of lily leaves1 etc41 etc4 ,where roses are used1 a bud matching the rose may be put with the leaves1 or better1 the ribbon tying a bunch of rose leaves1 might match the rose it is supposed to go with4 ,of course1 the pansy-leaf man will hunt out the lady with pansies2 and the lily-leaf man1 the maid with the lilies4 ,take bristol-board and cut it in small pieces1 the size and shape of large rose petals4 ,tint these pink with a bit of yellow on the narrow end1 where the petal is supposed to have left the rose4 ,write in gilt paint on each of them a word1 any noun1 verb1 adjective1 etc4 ,then bend and twist in the fingers until they look like veritable ,katherine ,mermet or ,la ,france petals4 ,have enough so that each girl invited may have one4 ,take more bristol-board and make deep red petals2 on these write with gilt paint a part of speech1 noun1 verb1 adverb1 etc4 ,make enough to supply each man4 ,these at the time of entertainment should be passed just before you wish the partners chosen4 ,then the man whose petal reads adverb will seek among the pink-petaled girls until he finds an adverb4 ,of course1 in a large company there will be several nouns and several adverbs4 ,but the noun man will of course offer his arm to the first pink noun he finds4 ,be sure to have the petals match4 ,if you must have five red petals reading verb1 be sure to have an equal number of pink verb petals1 e4 g4 pink petals reading play1 dance1 sing1 run1 talk4 ,have two baskets1 one knotted with pink ribbon and the other with red4 ,these baskets should each contain paper hearts1 about three inches long1 and wide in proportion4 ,the hearts may be suspended by means of narrow pink satin ribbons1 and each heart is slightly decorated with water-color paints4 ,in the same basket no two hearts are alike1 but their duplicates are found in the other basket4 ,when the duplicates are found1 partners are decided4 99 99 99 99 99 ,have two bags of walnuts4 ,one is to be passed to the girls1 the other to the boys4 ,to each walnut a tiny slip of paper has been glued1 on which half of a familiar quotation is written4 ,one half of the quotations are in the girls' bag1 the other half in the boys4' ,the girls' bag is passed first4 ,when the boy is able to complete his quotation1 he discovers his partner4 99 99 99 99 99 ,when an equal number of boys and girls are present1 for example1 ten each1 mark ten slips of paper according to the numerals1 #a1 #b1 and so on4 ,then throw them into a bag and jostle them together4 ,after which pass to the girls4 ,they should each draw one paper4 ,when the girls have drawn1 offer slips of paper in the same manner to the boys1 who will draw likewise4 ,corresponding numbers are partners4 ,,tangles ,,and ,,forfeits4 ,,tangles4 ,charades4 #a4 ,when ,i go gunning ,i'm very bright4 ,and it's my delight ,to keep good sight4 ,when ,i go fishing ,i like to hook1 ,and when ,i sift ,a pretty book1 ,i help our seamstress and our cook1 ,then all around the room ,i look ,and think of all ,i've undertook4 ,second4 ,i'm beating ,america1 ,so folks say1 ,as through the air ,my horses tear1 ,and snap1 snap1 snap1 ,i cannot hold them back4 ,whole4 ,black and sweeping1 ,swimming and weeping1 ,so wet1 so tender1 ,sometimes the scorning of't ,others the sorrow of't1 ,lifting so joyfully1 ,drooping so coyly4 #b4 ,my first shouts freely in1 ,my second's a pretty letter1 ,my third a valiant instrument4 ,but my fourth1 alas1 ,just has to pass1 ,as wound and scar1 ,from beauty's law it doth debar1 ,for it doth seal and hurt and mar4 #c4 ,my first comes over the sea1 ,and delicious it is to me1 ,my second of use to draw1 ,and of variety score upon score1 ,my whole has letters six1 ,and while the clock ticks1 ticks1 ,i am sure you'll guess my name1 ,for ,i've told you very plain4 #d4 ,i am a word of five letters1 ,and a torment to my betters1 ,my first and last are alike they say1 ,my second and fourth the same trick play4 ,my three middle letters ,come every one's way ,and make a brief stay1 ,on all alike1 ,just before night4 ,,anagrams4 #a4 ,cover no sin4 #b4 ,tim ,n4 may gain4 #c4 ,go nurse4 #d4 ,train on time4 #e4 ,claim a part1 ,g4 #f4 ,a mad girl4 #g4 ',tis veteran ,mylo1 ,d4 #h4 ,a rude song4 #i4 ,any one can4 #aj4 ,thomas rap again4 ,,cross-,,word ,,enigmas4 #a4 ,my first is in saddle1 but not in pony2 ,my second is in spaghetti1 but not macaroni2 ,my third is in water1 but not in sand2 ,my fourth is in ,indian1 but not in command2 ,my fifth is in plank1 but not in board2 ,my sixth is in saving1 but not in hoard2 ,my seventh is in make1 but not in lose2 ,my eighth is in gaiters1 but not in shoes2 ,my ninth is in candle1 but not in light2 ,my tenth is in horses1 but not in bite2 ,my eleventh is in inch1 but not in measure2 ,my twelfth is in satin1 but not in treasure2 ,my thirteenth is in coke1 but not in ton4 ,my whole is a useful invention4 #b4 ,my first is in silent1 but not in loud2 ,my second is in alone1 but not in crowd2 ,my third is in example1 but not in talk2 ,my fourth is in buying1 but not in bought2 ,my fifth is in fancy1 but not in reality2 ,my sixth is in brains1 but not in vanity2 ,my seventh is in angels1 but not in ghosts2 ,my eighth is in goodness1 but not in hoax2 ,my ninth is in religion1 but not in cant4 ,my whole is the name of a useful plant4 #c4 ,my first is in lamb1 but not in beef2 ,my second is in mouth1 but not in teeth2 ,my third is in ,neptune1 but not in sea2 ,my fourth is in steward1 but not in me2 ,my fifth is in slow1 but not in fast2 ,my sixth is in never1 but not in last4 ,my whole is a great city4 #d4 ,in house not in lawn1 ,in take not in form1 ,in lark not in sky1 ,in toil not in try1 ,in borrow not in lend1 ,in tatters not in mend1 ,in draught not in buy1 ,in loaf not in pie1 ,in page not in book1 ,in novel not in took4 ,my whole is a flower4 ,,numerical ,,enigmas4 #a4 ,i am composed of five letters4 ,my #c1 #b1 #e1 shows hindrance4 ,my #d1 #a1 a part of speech4 ,my whole is a ,spartan title4 #b4 ,i am composed of twenty-seven letters4 ,my #bj1 #af1 #ag1 is a condition of atmosphere4 ,my #ad1 #ac1 #bf1 #ah1 was a rich woman4 ,my #a1 #i1 #be1 #aa1 #aj1 is indicative of knowledge4 ,my #f1 #bc1 #bd1 #bb1 relative to curvature4 ,my #h1 #c1 #d1 #ab1 shows docility4 ,my #ai1 #ae1 #g1 #ba1 is a girl's name4 ,my #b1 #bg1--e1 ,insert a letter in the blank space and you'll have the end4 ,my whole is a proverb4 #c4 ,i am composed of nine letters4 ,my #d1 #b1 #f1 #e1 is a space4 ,my #c1 #h1 #a1 is a quick inclination4 ,my #g1 #i1 with one of the letters doubled indicates comfort4 ,my whole is a flower4 #d4 ,i am composed of eight letters4 ,my #g1 #d1 #e1 #c1 is a kind of skin4 ,my #f1 #b1 #h1 represents a number4 ,my #a is a part of speech4 ,my whole is an animal4 ,,decapitations4 #a4 ,behead a stream of water1 and leave a bird like a crow1 behead a carpenter's tool and leave a passage1 behead a section of a carriage and leave the hind part of a section of the body1 behead an edible fish and leave a multitude4 #b4 ,behead a supplication and leave light1 behead a short time and leave a hide1 behead a covering and leave relations1 behead a relative and leave something different4 #c4 ,behead a wading bird and leave a wooer1 behead to charge and leave one that is unsound1 behead a dance and leave a fish1 behead an officer and leave a verb4 #d4 ,behead a weapon of war and leave a fruit1 behead an ensign and leave a unit1 behead a low1 flat-built vessel1 and leave a narrow passage1 behead a ruminating animal and leave a plant and its seed4 ,,drop-,,letter ,,riddles4 #a4 -h- w-s -u-h -u-e -o -o-z8 #b4 -h- w-l-e- o- e-r-h1 -h- t-l-e- o- e-r-h1 -h- r-b-k-d - m-n -o- s-n2 -h-'s -o- o- e-r-h1 -h-'s -o- i- h-a-e-1 -o- l-k-l- t- g-t -n4 #c4 -h- d-d -d-m -i-e -h- a-p-e -v- g-v- h-m8 #d4 -h-t -i- a-a- f-r-t -e- i- t-e -a-d-n -f -d-n8 #e4 -h- a-e -d-m -n- e-e -n -n-m-l- i- g-a-m-r8 #f4 -o- d-d -o-h -r-s- h-s -a-r -n -h- a-k8 ,,drop-,,letter ,,puzzles4 #a4 ,m-,k- ,h-,y -,h-,l- ,t-,e -,u- ,s-,i-,e-4 #b4 -a-l- -o -e- -n- -a-l- -o -i-e1 -a-e- -e- -e-l-h-1 -e-l-h-1 -n- -i-e4 #c4 -o -o -h- -n- -ho- -luggar-1 -onside- -e- -ay- -n- -e -is-4 #d4 -i-t-e -l-n- i- h-p-i-e-s -e-o-4 ,,opening ,,lines ,,of ,,familiar ,,song4 #a4 ,ho odtn' uyo eeerrmmb twese eclai ebblton1 ,etswe claei ihwt iahr os rnbwo2 ,esh pwte tiwh gdtheil hwne uoy aevg ehr a eimls ,dan lteredmb hiwt aefr ta uyro wrfno4 #b4 ,hte peehtnla own esog urdon1 ,eht dnba gsiben ot aypl1 ,teh ybso aer daunor hte ykmeno gcea1 ,u'oyd treebt ekpe ywaa4 #c4 ,i aeddr eht yad u'yllo gftore em grreeiamtu ,nda lilst i okwn ti oosn lwli ecmo1 ,het iteesvf aecdn1 eht ihcr teh yga1 ,os fetfrdnei rmof rou emho umeegairrt4 ,,answers ,,to ,,charades1 ,,anagrams1 ,,etc4 ,charades4 #a4 ,eyelash4 #b4 ,independent4 #c4 ,teapot4 #d4 ,level4 ,anagrams4 #a4 ,conversion4 #b4 ,magnanimity4 #c4 ,surgeon4 #d4 ,termination4 #e4 ,pragmatical4 #f4 ,madrigal4 #g4 ,demonstratively4 #h4 ,dangerous4 #i4 ,annoyance4 #aj4 ,phantasmagoria4 ,cross-word ,enigmas4 #a4 ,sewing-machine4 #b4 ,saxifrage4 #c4 ,london4 #d4 ,heliotrope4 ,numerical ,enigmas4 #a4 ,helot4 #b4 ,a soft answer turneth away wrath4 #c4 ,dandelion4 #d4 ,antelope4 ,decapitations4 #a4 ,brook1 rook2 #b1 plane1 lane2 #c1 wheel1 heel1 trout1 rout4 #b4 ,pray1 ray2 #b1 spell1 pell2 #c1 skin1 kin2 #d1 mother1 other4 #c4 #a1 plover1 lover2 #b1 blame1 lame2 #c1 reel1 eel2 #d1 mate1 ate4 #d4 #a4 ,spear1 pear4 #b4 ,mace1 ace4 #c4 ,galley1 alley4 #d4 ,goats1 oats4 ,drop ,letter ,riddles4 #a4 ,why was ,ruth rude to ,boaz8 ,because she trod on his corns1 and pulled his ears4 #b4 ,she walked on earth1 ,she talked on earth1 ,she rebuked a man for sin2 ,she's not on earth1 ,she's not in heaven1 ,nor likely to get in4 ,balaam's ,ass4 #c4 ,why did ,adam bite the apple ,eve gave him8 ,because he had no knife4 #d4 ,what did ,adam first set in the ,garden of ,eden8 ,his foot4 #e4 ,why are ,adam and ,eve an anomaly in grammar8 ,because they are two relatives without an antecedent4 #f4 ,how did ,noah dress his hair in the ,ark8 ,with the fox's brush and the cock's comb4 ,drop ,letter ,puzzles4 #a4 ,make hay while the sun shines4 #b4 ,early to bed and early to rise1 makes men healthy1 wealthy1 and wise4 #c4 ,go to the ant1 thou sluggard1 consider her ways and be wise4 #d4 ,virtue alone is happiness below4 ,the ,opening ,lines of ,familiar ,songs4 #a4 8,oh6 don't you remember sweet ,alice1 ,ben ,bolt1 ,sweet ,alice1 with hair so brown2 ,she wept with delight when you gave her a smile1 ,and trembled with fear at your frown40 #b4 8,the elephant now goes round1 ,the band begins to play1 ,the boys are around the monkey cage1 ,you'd better keep away40 #c4 8,i dread the day you'll forget me1 ,marguerite1 ,and still ,i know it soon will come4 ,the festive dance1 the rich1 the gay1 ,so different from our home1 ,marguerite40 ,forfeits4 ,the exacting of forfeits for tardiness or failure in the playing of games will usually lead to as much amusement as the games themselves4 ,those who subject themselves to forfeiture may give a trivial article just as satisfactorily as an expensive one1 or they may simply write their names on a slip of paper1 and hand that to the person in charge4 ,each player is bound to redeem his name4 ,at the conclusion of the game the host1 or any individual he may appoint 7provided that person has no forfeits71 collects all and puts them out of sight of the audience1 and commencing with the one at his right1 he takes the players in turn4 ,that party now sits down and the one in charge holding over his head one of the trinkets or whatever the object may be1 says3 8,what a jolly thing6 ,what a smart1 pretty thing6 ,what will the owner do80 ,the party in the chair inquires1 8,does it belong to a lady1 or to a gentleman80 ,he is at once answered correctly and then responds by advising a difficult or ridiculous performance4 ,the individual who owns the forfeit must now perform what has been advised4 ,as soon as the party has redeemed his pledge1 another forfeit is redeemed after the same method1 and so on1 one by one1 until all articles are returned to their owners4 ,each forfeit is naturally redeemed amid peals of laughter4 ,the following may prove helpful to those who have to declare penalties4 #a4 ,fold a piece of note-paper in the shape of a fish4 #b4 ,say1 ,quizzical ,quiz1 sister ,smith1 five times running without drawing a breath4 #c4 ,count twenty backwards without smiling4 #d4 ,mention five synonyms for the word1 ,jabber4 7,chatter1 gabble1 mumble1 prate1 prattle47 #e4 ,repeat three times without a mistake3-- ,david ,daldron dreamed he drove a dragon1 ,did ,david ,daldron dream he drove a dragon8 ,if ,david ,daldron dreamed he drove a dragon1 ,where's the dragon ,david ,daldron dreamed he drove8 #f4 ,repeat the following lines twice1 ,oliver ,ogilvie ogled an olive and oyster1 ,did ,oliver ,ogilvie ogle an olive and oyster8 ,if ,oliver ,ogilvie ogled an olive and oyster ,where is the olive and oyster ,oliver ,ogilvie ogled8 #g4 ,touch the features while you solemnly recite1 ,here sits the ,lord ,mayor1 forehead4 ,here sit his two men1 eyes4 ,here sits the cock1 right cheek4 ,here sits the hen1 left cheek4 ,here sits the little chickens1 tip of nose4 ,here they run in1 the mouth4 ,chinchopper1 chinchopper1 chinchopper1 chin6 ,chuck the chin4 #h4 ,repeat the alphabet similar to example4 ,a was an archer1 and shot at a frog1 ,b was a butcher1 and had a great dog4 ,c was a captain1 all covered with lace1 ,d was a dunce with a very sad face4 ,e was an esquire1 with pride on his brow1 ,f was a farmer and followed the plow4 ,g was a gamester who had but ill luck1 ,h was a hunter and hunted a buck4 ,i was an innkeeper1 who lov'd to house1 ,j was a joiner1 and built up a house4 ,k was a king1 so mighty and grand1 ,l was a lady who had a white hand4 ,m was a miser who hoarded up gold1 ,n was a nobleman1 gallant and bold4 ,o was an oysterman1 and went about town1 ,p was a parson1 and wore a black gown4 ,q was a quack with a wonderful pill1 ,r was a robber1 who wanted to kill4 ,s was a sailor1 and spent all he got1 ,t was a tinker1 and mended a pot4 ,u was a usurer1 a miserable elf1 ,v was a vintner1 who drank all himself4 ,w was a watchman and guarded the door1 ,x was expensive1 and so became poor4 ,y was a youth1 that did not love school1 ,z was a ,zan1 a poor1 harmless fool4 #i4 ,sing to the tune of 8,oats1 ,pease1 ,beans and ,barley grows40 ,tom he was a piper's son1 ,he learned to play when he was young2 ,but all the tune that he could play1 ,was 8,over the hills and far away40 ,now ,tom with his pipe made such a noise1 ,that he pleased both the girls and the boys1 ,and they all stopped to hear him play ,over the hills and far away4 ,tom with his pipe did play with such skill1 ,that those who heard him could never stand still2 ,whenever they heard him they began to dance1 ,even pigs on their hind legs would after him prance4 ,he met old ,dame ,trot with a basket of eggs1 ,he used his pipe and she used her legs2 ,she danced about till the eggs were all broke1 ,she began to fret1 but he laughed at the joke4 ,he saw a cross fellow was beating an ass1 ,heavy laden with pots1 pans1 dishes and glass2 ,he took out his pipe and played them a tune1 ,and the jackass's load was lightened full soon4 #aj4 ,blow out a candle4 ,the candle is rapidly flashed before the person to blow it out4 ,if passed to and fro quick enough1 it will afford much laughter before it is blown out4 #aa4 ,stand on a chair and do just as you are bidden without laughing4 #ab4 ,put a cord on the floor where you cannot step over it4 7,put it against the wall47 #ac4 ,put two chairs back to back and take off your shoes and jump over them4 ,this is only a trick1 you take off your shoes and jump over them1 not over the chairs4 #ad4 ,act the part of a dumb servant4 ,if it is a lady who is redeeming the forfeit1 she must apply to a gentleman for a place1 and if a gentleman1 he applies to a lady4 ,whoever is engaging the servant asks seven questions1 all of which are answered by dumb motions4 ,example3 ,how do you dust8 ,how do you sew8 ,how do you open the hall door8 ,how do you blacken boots8 etc4 #ae4 ,ask a question that cannot be answered in the negative4 7,the question is 8,what does ,y ,e ,s spell807 #af4 ,give a conundrum unfamiliar to all4 #ag4 ,dot and carry one4 7,hold your ankle while you walk across the room47 #ah4 ,imitate a banjo player4 #ai4 ,dance a blind lanciers4 7,try this when a number of forfeits have to be redeemed4 ,eight people are blindfolded and led to position4 ,another of the company plays the lanciers4 ,as those who are blindfolded will surely make ridiculous errors1 everybody will heartily laugh4 ,this forfeit creates much merriment47 #bj4 ,make a three-minute address1 in which every word commences with the same letter4 #ba4 ,tell who wrote the ,star ,spangled ,banner4 7,francis ,scott ,key47 #bb4 ,tell who wrote ,home ,sweet ,home4 7,john ,howard ,payne47 #bc4 ,tell who wrote the ,battle ,hymn of the ,republic4 7,julia ,ward ,howe47 #bd4 ,walk out of the room with two legs but walk back with six4 7,when you return1 bring a chair with you47 #be4 ,give numerical poetry4 ,any verse that is familiar counting as example3 ,shuffle-,shoon 7one7 and 7two7 ,amber-,locks 7three7 ,sit 7four7 together 7five7 building 7six7 blocks 7seven7 ,shuffle-,shoon 7eight7 is 7nine7 old 7ten7 and 7eleven7 gray 7twelve7 ,amber-,locks 7thirteen7 a 7fourteen7 little 7fifteen7 child 7sixteen7 ,but 7seventeen7 together 7eighteen7 at 7nineteen7 their 7twenty7 play 7twenty-one7 ,age 7twenty-two7 and 7twenty-three7 youth 7twenty-four7 are 7twenty-five7 reconciled 7twenty-six7 ,and 7twenty-seven7 with 7twenty-eight7 sympathetic 7twenty-nine7 glee 7thirty7 ,build 7thirty-one7 their 7thirty-two7 castles 7thirty-three7 fair 7thirty-four7 to 7thirty-five7 see 7thirty-six74 #bf4 ,spread out a newspaper and stand two persons on it1 so that they cannot possibly touch each other4 7,to accomplish this put the newspaper on the floor1 half on one side of the door1 and half on the other4 ,a person stands on each piece1 and the door is shut between them47 #bg4 ,sing one of the topical songs4 #bh4 ,sing the scale backwards4 #bi4 ,draw a picture of a bicycle race4 #cj4 ,build a house with cards4 #ca4 ,sew a hem4 #cb4 ,repeat rapidly either of the following tongue twisters4 ,susan shineth shoes and socks2 socks and shoes shines ,susan4 ,she ceaseth shining shoes and socks1 for shoes and socks shock ,susan4 ,strict1 strong ,stephen ,stringer snared six sickly silky snakes4 ,swan swam over the sea2 swim1 swan1 swim2 swan swam back again2 well swum swan4 ,six thick thistle sticks4 ,flesh of freshly fried flying fish4 ,give ,grimes ,jim's great gilt gig whip4 ,,in ,,the ,,adirondacks4 ,it was the last week of ,july1 and the guests of a certain hotel1 located amidst the pine and balsam of the famed ,adirondack wilderness1 were thrown into a flutter of excitement4 ,it had been steadily raining for three days and nights1 and now that the fourth day was nearing its close a golden light appeared in the west4 ,the mirror-like surface of the lake before the hotel rapidly revealed the many shades of crimson red and deep gold1 while fleecy clouds of pink and white merged into deeper tints4 ,every one was on the piazza1 called there by an enthusiast to witness the beauty of it all4 ,every face smiled because the long storm was over at last1 and there seemed a promise of radiant sunshine for to-morrow4 ,suddenly a voice from the north piazza called to a young gentleman who had been walking about with a rather dissatisfied air1 8,i hear wheels4 ,now for the excitement of an arrival40 ,it was only the waiting of a few moments1 and two bay horses1 much bespattered with mud and mire1 drew the heavily built two-seated surrey to the hotel steps4 ,guests stood about by twos and threes1 most of them with half-averted faces1 not willing to openly show the inquisitive feeling that each possessed4 ,however1 many furtive glances were cast4 ,perhaps among the most searching1 were those given by the dissatisfied young man4 8,permit me1 madam40 ,it was the proprietor's voice1 as he aided a tall1 fair-skinned1 stern and aristocratic-looking matron to alight1 assisting her meanwhile to unfasten her travelling cloak1 which had caught on a nail in the end of a seat4 ,the lady slowly remarked1 as her feet touched the horse block4 8,that nail has been rather too much in evidence40 ,by the matron's side a young lady had sat4 ,this fact had been observed by all the guests1 before they had turned their heads away1 and now that she too had left the carriage1 her golden hair and soft hazel eyes were mentally remarked1 as also her graceful carriage and elegant tailor-made gown4 ,the proprietor1 lifting one of the hand-satchels1 leaving the umbrellas and other small luggage for the porter1 led the way to the office4 ,then they hastily entered1 and a few minutes later walked through the dimly-lighted corridor1 for it was not yet dark enough to illuminate4 8,i reckon that girl has never been in the woods before10 said the dissatisfied man to his friend4 ,for now1 side by side1 he and a young fellow about thirty strode slowly up and down1 exchanging confidences and chatting in a desultory fashion4 8,she does not seem to the manner born1 that's a fact10 said the other1 8but she's an interesting type1 and probably an addition to our house party40 ,he turned an interested face towards his friend and said3 8,there's far more the flavor of ,narragansett ,pier or ,bar ,harbor about her than of the woods1 or she may have come from ,saratoga4 ,we'll not have to wait long to see1 or ,i'm not a correct judge1 but her mother may prove a formidable chaperon40 ,the mother and daughter1 for their relationship was at once identified1 some one having accommodatingly referred to the register1 and reported information to the others1 were not long in reappearing1 and the young men1 still walking back and forth1 were not surprised to discover that their prediction was correct4 8,maud1 dear1 how shall you exist here80 were the half-petulant words overheard as the mother languidly seated herself4 8,it will not be ,saratoga1 ,i confess4 ,but isn't that lake enchanting80 ,the girl's face was very fair and bewitchingly amiable4 8,yes1 it is pretty4 ,but shall you ever forget our trip to this hotel8 ,such roads60 ,maud met her mother's questioning eyes1 then noting a middle-aged woman approaching them1 with face full of kindly greeting1 waited4 8,you are strangers10 were this lady's first words1 adding as she reached forth her hand3 8,i fear you will feel lonely and tired1 after the long drive40 ,the mother at once extended her hand4 ,then the lady asked the girl1 8,have you ever been in the woods before80 8,never1 and my mother fears ,i shall not like it4 ,it did seem lonely1 the last drive through the pines10 and the sensitive mouth quivered ever so slightly1 as she explained4 8,the drive up was so long1 the roads so thickly wooded1 and here10 with a half-frightened glance about1 as though she feared a fox or a bear would cross the walk before her1 8you have only the lake40 ,without a word the lady laughed merrily1 but hastily checked herself4 8,i promise you that if you will only join in our sports you will find that there is much here besides the lake4 ,though10 coyly scanning her1 8the lake has its amusements1 fishing1 boating4 ,oh1 the gentlemen here will be delighted to introduce you to it40 ,maud's mother looked both surprised and confused4 ,the lady continued1 as though she noted her not4 8,you will find the camps about the lake quite as entertaining as ,saratoga's ,floral ,fte1 or indeed any fashionable watering-place amusement40 8,camps8 ,i don't quite understand10 ,maud's mother remarked1 with a touch of bitterness in her tone1 for the darkening wood about1 now that night was coming fast1 made her slow to relent4 ,it was strange she had chosen to come to such a spot4 8,i think one has to visit these camps to understand10 the lady explained4 8,but you will always find them hospitable1 furnishing afternoon tea every day you care to call4 ,and some days there are special ftes1 full of pleasant surprises1 when amusements such as the thimble game and proverbs are played1 at which prizes are sometimes offered as an added incentive4 ,last season the hostess of one of the camps gave a children's party4 ,there happened to be a few here that year1 for children are a rarity in the ,adirondacks4 ,of course their parents1 uncles1 aunts and cousins came1 too4 ,that entertainment has been talked about ever since4 ,the party opened with the wild flower hunt4 ,small bouquets had been hidden among the balsam boughs1 low enough for the little ones to reach2 others were behind bushes or rocks4 ,these bouquets were made up of clover1 daisies and wild roses4 ,whichever child found the most wild roses received a prize4 8,this amusement was followed by the hunt for ,cinderella's ,slipper4 ,the successful one at this game also received a prize4 ,after this1 the hostess invited all the children into the balsam-covered lean-to1 and told them a story about the old man of ,humbug ,mountain4 ,humbug ,mountain towers just behind1 you notice the tallest mountain over there1 don't you80 and the lady motioned to the left1 as they faced the lake4 8,yes1 but what has reddened the trees so8 ,why1 mother1 did you ever see anything as beautiful80 and while pronouncing the word 8beautiful10 ,maud's countenance was full of delight4 8,that is the afterglow10 the lady replied1 but not waiting for further remark1 she continued3 8,i was telling you about the old man of ,humbug ,mountain4 ,the hostess explained to the children that sometimes he visited her camp1 and when he did so he whistled1 and that if he should whistle that afternoon1 she would take the children back of the lean-to to see him4 ,at that very moment a whistle clear and shrill was heard1 and the children1 already enamoured with the story1 could scarcely be sufficiently restrained to allow the hostess to proceed4 ,when the laughing1 curious children ran behind the lean-to1 sure enough1 as had been promised1 there was an old man4 ,he was standing on a table4 ,it was a dwarf skilfully arranged by two people40 8,oh that was it80 ,maud interrupted1 for she had listened intently1 and was apparently as eager to discover the identity of the old man of ,humbug ,mountain1 as had been the children of the party1 and then she added3 8,i happen to know about that1 for ,i was part of a dwarf once10 and with a wise little shake of her head explained1 8,it is arranged by two people40 8,yes1 and is it not capital80 8,fine1 when it is well done10 and ,maud who was already feeling at home with her companion1 added3 8,and of course the dwarf from the mountain would be well done40 8,indeed he was4 ,he told short1 witty stories1 laughed1 danced and capered to the children's great delight4 ,they would clap their hands for joy4 ,it was a rare sight for the grown-ups to watch the color come and go in their expressive faces1 their fluffy curls and tangle of waves and braids tumbling about as the little girls shook with laughter1 and some of the boys were even more amusing than the girls1 because they looked so earnest1 even solemn1 in their efforts to find an explanation for the old man4 ,one little chap said he would get his father to carry his rifle now all the time1 because they might meet the old man sometimes when he wouldn't feel as jolly1 and what then8 ,in fact he was about certain he had seen the old man one day stealing away behind a big stump1 and even some of the children laughed when he explained3 #8,it was the very same day1 that ,i almost saw a black bear4 ,i could hear him growl4 ,i tell you ,i ran6 ,like as not there was a fox too1 or a wild cat80 8,well1 after the dwarf exhibition1 there were refreshments at which the children toasted marshmallows and popped corn40 8,why1 after all1 ,maud10 said her mother1 thawing out suddenly1 8,i fancy you may like it here4 ,there seem to be things going on40 8,like it10 quoted the lady4 8,no one ever wants to go home when she once gets a taste of ,adirondack life4 ,it is like the hounds following the deer4 ,people take to the woods40 ,suddenly there sounded through the hall the first measures of an orchestra4 8,the music has begun1 and ,i must dress10 said ,miss ,friend-in-,need1 noting the questioning glance between mother and daughter4 8,that music is a signal to-night4 ,a few of us give a part of the ,midsummer ,night's ,dream this evening1 in the parlor1 and we are to costume ourselves as far as possible before supper4 8,what fun we've had getting the affair up6 ,you may not know that it has simply poured here for days and days1 but we've laughed until we've cried at our rehearsals1 and so have scarcely been troubled by rain4 8,you'll surely come to the first and last performance of this wonderful company1 will you not80 and walking away1 the lady looked over her shoulder for an answer4 ,and having won a reply in the affirmative1 the lady rapidly hurried to her room4 ,after supper1 as ,maud's mother took her seat1 to which she was shown by a young man acting as usher1 she noticed the parlor had been lavishly trimmed with boughs of green4 ,there was also a tiny wood adjoining the stage1 made of small balsam trees4 8,i suppose10 she remarked to her daughter1 8they went out between the drops and gathered them40 ,and then both ladies interestedly noticed the guests1 as one after the other1 with an air of expectancy1 entered4 ,programmes were passed and eagerly scanned4 ,it was indeed a gala night4 ,had ,maud and her mother known the various performers1 it would have greatly added to their entertainment1 but as it was1 they could not help adding their applause to that of the others4 ,even though ,maud was a stranger1 the joyous shouts of laughter proved too contagious to be altogether resisted1 and indeed before the performance was over1 close contact with these merry people made ,maud feel as though she was one of them1 so quickly does one touch of nature make the whole world kin4 ,as the programme indicated the different characters1 they were carefully read1 and many ejaculations were overheard1 such as3 8,oh1 that's ,isabel's character10 and 8,why1 ,carl ,adams will be a sight1 he's such a swell1 you know4 ,how did such an exquisite ever consent to humble himself in this way80 ,to ,maud and her mother1 however1 all were strangers1 with the one exception of the proprietor of the hotel1 but they very soon learned the names of the people about them4 ,besides1 as ,maud's mother very truly said1 8,without it ,i am not positive that ,i could remember who the different ones are in the piece1 as it is a long time since ,i have read the ,midsummer ,night's ,dream40 ,therefore1 while waiting for the first scene1 they read3 ,,theseus1 ,duke of ,athens1 ,proprietor of the hotel4 ,,egeus1 ,father to ,hermia1 ,mr4 ,a----4 ,,lysander1 ,,demetrius1 in love with ,hermia1 ,mr4 ,c---- and ,mr4 ,h----4 ,,philostrate1 ,master of the revels to ,theseus1 ,mr4 ,t----4 ,,quince1 a carpenter1 ,master ,carl ,adams4 ,,snug1 a joiner1 ,master ,john ,jones4 ,,bottom1 a weaver1 ,mr4 ,sam ,s----4 ,,flute1 a bellows-mender1 ,mr4 ,ralph ,r----4 ,,snout1 a tinker1 ,master ,diedrick ,delk4 ,,starveling1 a tailor1 ,mr4 ,percy ,p----4 ,,hippolyta1 ,queen of the ,amazons1 betrothed to ,theseus1 ,miss ,genevieve ,b----4 ,,hermia1 daughter to ,egeus1 in love with ,lysander1 ,mrs4 ,ralph ,r----4 ,,helena1 in love with ,demetrius1 ,mrs4 ,sam ,s----4 ,,oberon1 ,king of the fairies1 ,mr4 ,james ,d----4 ,,titania1 ,queen of the fairies1 ,miss ,isabel ,m----4 ,,puck1 or ,robin ,goodfellow1 ,master ,alexander ,marvin4 ,,peaseblossom1 ,,cobweb1 ,fairies1 ,,moth1 ,,mustardseed1 ,the ,misses ,wilson1 ,bruce1 ,sim1 ,conger4 ,other fairies attending their ,king and ,queen1 ,misses ,kate ,w----1 ,fanny ,t----1 ,eva ,m----4 ,attendants on ,theseus and ,hippolyta1 ,masters ,goodwin1 ,bartlett1 ,carrington and ,scott4 ,as ,maud's mother inquired when in the seclusion of their own apartments1 8,did you really like it so very much80 ,maud answered laughing1 8,more than ,i can express40 ,the following morning it was a question1 8,what would be the proper costume for breakfast80 ,from one of their windows they had a partial view of the lake1 but from the other nothing but tall trees met their eyes4 ,pines were in abundance1 but there was an occasional hemlock1 spruce1 birch and maple4 8,it is summer4 ,would you think that this white organdy would do80 asked ,maud1 and the frock1 apparently only a cloud of ,valenciennes lace1 was held towards her mother4 8,do8 ,i am sure ,i don't know what is considered correct for such a wilderness1 but you might not be warm enough4 ,i fancy it is cold outdoors40 8,i'll tell you what ,i'll wear10 said the young lady presently1 for she had a wonderful conception of color values1 and knew what would look best with her dark eyes1 and also what would produce the most fetching effect1 should she be able to induce her mother to walk among the trees after breakfast4 8,i am going to put on my crimson piqu1 bodice and all10 for she had several waists that could be worn with the same skirt1 and as her quick eyes looked over the guests at breakfast1 she was not sorry the decision had been against the organdy4 8,all night my dreams were of the entertainment10 said ,maud1 as1 sitting opposite her mother1 she tried to pour the cream into her coffee4 8,it is almost too thick to stir4 ,did you ever see such cream80 she said4 8,i never saw thicker4 ,and this trout is delicious4 ,it would be singular indeed if ,i were won to this place4 ,but1 ,maud1 tell me about your dream1 dear40 8,oh1 ,i dreamed of ,titania and ,oberon1 ,queen and ,king of the fairies1 you know4 ,i could see the airy things moving over the green4 ,it was ,midsummer-,night's ,dream truly1 for ,i dreamed of the pretty piece1 and isn't this ,midsummer80 8,why1 ,maud6 ,i fancy you slept well4 ,perhaps you'll be surprised to learn that ,i too dreamed of our evening's pleasure40 8,surprised6 ,yes1 indeed60 and ,maud's eyes sought her mother's4 8,what part did you dream about80 8,i think it is the opening of the second act1 when the fairy replies to ,puck1 ,over hill1 over dale1 ,thorough bush1 thorough brier1 ,over park1 over pale1 ,thorough flood1 thorough fire1 ,i do wander everywhere4 ,you remember how it goes1 don't you80 8,perfectly2 and didn't that fairy look lovely8 ,i am sure ,i shall be glad to know her4 ,but ,puck ,i am not as sure about40 8,could you pass me the rolls1 ,maud80 8,certainly1 take that one10 and ,maud turned the plate so that her mother could have a temptingly brown roll4 8,and now10 continued her mother1 as she contentedly broke the roll open1 8tell me more about your dream40 8,you know towards the close1 ,oberon and ,titania entered with their train40 8,do you mean where ,oberon sings1 ,though the house gives glimmering light1 ,by the dead and drowsy fire1 ,every elf and fairy sprite1 ,and so on80 8,yes1 those are the very words4 ,and didn't ,titania have a sweet voice8 ,i hope she'll sing often4 ,i am sure everybody must enjoy listening to her4 ,i thought this beautiful3 ,first rehearse your song by rote1 ,to each word a warbling note4 ,hand in hand with fairy grace1 ,will we sing and bless this place40 ,as ,maud said1 8bless this place10 the lady who had welcomed ,maud and her mother the evening before was walking past their table1 and having overheard the words1 she stopped4 8,just what ,i like to hear40 ,then mischievously looking at ,maud's mother4 8,but ,i did not expect the woods to have won so much enthusiasm already1 did you80 8,no1 ,i did not10 and the mother's lip unbent into a sunny smile4 8,but there is no telling what we may both say yet40 8,this fish breakfast has been delicious1 and besides everybody looks rested and cheery40 8,that is just the point2 no one can help being rested1 because midnight-oil is unknown here and how can people help being cheery1 when this bracing air is a tonic2 ,and besides we have so many delightful sports4 ,there are to be charades1 and rollicking games1 such as ,twirl the ,platter1 and ,going to ,jerusalem1 this evening1 and to-day there are several things on hand4 ,one is a driving and riding party4 ,all the young people1 with two chaperones1 are going over to the next hotel to dinner4 ,by the way1 do you ride80 ,and ,maud1 whose face was flushed with the memory of her many pleasant hours on horseback1 answered1 8,i could ride almost forever40 8,then you are the very young lady we want10 and turning to ,maud's mother1 8,i'm to be one of the chaperones4 ,i'll promise to bring her home safe4 ,there is a fine saddle-horse waiting to be ridden1 and----a fine young man1 who is in despair because every one but himself has a riding companion4 ,he is a ,new ,york lawyer4 ,may ,i introduce him80 were her words1 as the trio left the breakfast-room together4 ,the answer must have been 8,yes10 because1 an hour later1 one dowager said to another1 8,did you hear that new girl1 that airish creature with the golden hair1 and sleepy-looking dark eyes1 who came just before supper last evening1 has gone off horseback riding with the one we called #8the dissatisfied young man8' ,he seems to be perfectly satisfied now4 ,i suppose neither of our daughters was good enough for him40 ,,the ,,flower-,,test4 ,the postman rapped at my door1 and presently the trim little maid brought me a big square letter on a tray4 ,i knew that hand4 ,nobody but ,penelope writes in that scraggly style1 plain1 too1 as a pikestaff1 and easy to read4 8,darling ,gertrude10 she began1 8,i am about to plead for a visit4 ,it seems a little bit of forever since ,i saw you and ,i want you here in my country house where we'll have time to enjoy one another1 talk of the past and present tenses to our hearts' content1 and perhaps plan a happy future4 8,let me tell you whom you'll meet3 ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,burkhardt1--you remember that sweet little girl bride who succeeded so well in blinding us--at first2 dear old ,general ,bolton1 and his youngest brother1 who paints almost as well as he talks2 pretty ,elsie ,sterling and my cousin ,bob4 ,you see ,i put them together1 but so would you if you could look out of my window and see them now4 ,bob has just mounted ,elsie on ,white ,baron1 and now as ,i write the words he's up on ,caper and off they go4 ,well--we'll borrow ,white ,baron and ,caper later on1 you and ,i1 and perhaps as we canter along side by side we may feel ourselves back again1--back--how many years8 ,never mind1 we'll not count4 ,the years have been happy to us both1 ,i hope4 8,but you'll come--you must not say no1 remember4 ,cordially your friend1 8,penelope ,t4 ,gerard40 ,indeed ,i would not say 8,no40 ,i would arrange and rearrange my summer plans to meet ,penelope once more4 ,it was scarce three years since ,i last saw her4 ,she was then a bride of but two months and ,i spent three days with her just as ,i was leaving for ,germany4 ,during the interval our letters were more or less frequent1 and so in a way we each kept track of the other and felt as close friends as we had been since our childhood4 ,so it was with infinite pleasure ,i wrote an acceptance4 8,the ,maples0 is an unpretending rambling sort of a house1 with piazzas1 and 8corners10 and nooks where one would least expect them4 ,there is no rhyme or reason to the architecture1 and an architect would shake his head in sad consternation4 ,however1 if he were told that three generations of ,gerards had idled their summers happily away within and without its walls1 and that each owner had added his share to the original pile1 perhaps the exact architect would turn his critical smile to one of content and count himself fortunate to be allowed to enter this abode of happiness4 ,it was a sunny day when ,i first drove up the long maple-lined driveway and there on the lawn1 close to the entrance1 was ,penelope making tea and laughing one of her old merry laughs as the ,general stood before her4 ,i suppose he was telling her one of his funny stories4 ,i don't know1 for of course ,i only saw them a moment before the carriage stopped1 and once more ,penelope and ,i were together4 ,the ,general had known us both as girls1 and soon we were talking over old faces and scenes1 and it seemed as though we had never been parted4 ,the rest of the party had gone for a long drive and would not be back until seven o'clock4 ,so we three talked on and on4 8,oh1 it does seem so good to be here1 ,pen10 ,i said1 and added1 8,as ,i came up the driveway1 the first thing ,i heard was your laugh4 ,you know how mamma used to like to hear you laugh40 8,yes1 ,i remember how irrepressible ,i was4 ,but1 ,trudy1 you too would have laughed if you'd heard the ,general hang me40 8,hang you80 8,why1 yes4 ,don't you know the game80 ,then seeing my bewilderment1 she went on4 8,you must learn it4 ,it's fine for two people4 ,especially when one gets short of subjects to talk about40 ,here ,general ,bolton threw back his head and laughed heartily4 8,short of subjects to talk about6 ,i guess ,trudy would as soon believe the ,atlantic had gone dry as to think your nimble tongue was ever still4 ,no1 indeed6 ,on the contrary1 ,trudy1 she was bound she would make me let out a secret1 and ,i1 old fool1 would probably have fallen into her trap1 only she warned me by--but never mind how she warned me1 or even that will fail me next time4 ,so ,i hung her4 ,yes1 ,i caught her well40 ,then with a chuckle4 8,tell her how1 ,pen1 you know best how1 for you know you were hung1 and well hung40 ,and again he laughed4 8,that's true4 ,but try me again sometime1 or rather1 ,i'll try you and we'll see who does the hanging4 ,no1 not now1 you need not look so eager40 8,bah1 you're afraid40 8,no1 indeed ,i am not4 ,just now however ,i mean to take ,gertrude and show her where her room is4 ,she has been ever so patient40 8,but1 my dear1 please explain first about the hanging4 ,it sounds so sanguinary40 8,well1 it is4 ,now listen and ,i'll explain1 and then we'll go indoors4 #8,to hang a person with a word1' is the name of the game4 ,you take any word you like in your mind and simply mention the number of letters it has4 ,the other party has to guess1 by letters1 without making twelve misses4 ,if she fails to guess without twelve wrong guesses1 she is hung as ,i was4 ,that doesn't seem very clear to you1 ,i suppose40 8,well1 not exactly40 8,i'll take a word and show you4 ,now1 ,general1 ,i did not mean to give you your battle now4 ,but you may have it if you're ready40 8,steady1 fire40 8,all right40 ,then she whispered to me the word 8,eyelet40 8,well1 ,i'll hang you1 ,general ,bolton1 with a word of six letters40 8,bah1 that's easy4 ,first1 ,i'll guess ,l40 8,right4 ,it has fourth place40 ,then she explained to me1 8,you have to tell the position of the letter40 8,m40 8,wrong4 ,that's one4 ,you help me keep count1 ,trudy4 ,remember1 twelve wrong guesses and ,i've hung him40 8,a40 8,wrong4 ,that makes two40 8,e40 8,right4 ,first place40 8,i40 8,wrong4 ,three40 8,o40 8,wrong4 ,you see he's trying the vowels4 ,how many does that make80 8,four40 8,oh1 you girls need not look so jubilant2 four doesn't make much4 ,i'll guess ,u1 next40 8,five10 we both shouted4 8,well1 ,t40 8,right1 and sixth place40 8,an e1 an l1 and a t4 ,let me see4 ,any n's in it80 8,no4 ,that makes six4 ,oh1 we have you1 ,general1 that is half the number40 8,the battle is not won yet2 no1 nor lost yet4 ,well1 ,i'll guess ,g40 8,seven40 ,he looked down at the grass and drummed his fingers on his knee1 then said1 8,d40 8,eight40 8,an e1 an l1 and a t4 ,that's a queer combination when all the other vowels are out4 ,holloa6 ,is there another e80 8,yes4 ,third place40 8,oh1 and another l80 8,nine40 8,i hope this word is in the ,english language80 8,oh1 yes4 ,it is ,english and it is used to-day1 but a generation back it was used more frequently40 8,a generation back6 ,bah60 and he straightened himself and rising strode back and forth with his hands clasped back of him4 8,i have it6 ,that is1 ,i am pretty certain4 ,has a y1 hasn't it80 8,yes--second place40 8,eyelet60 he shouted4 8,bah1 you thought you had me4 ,well1 you almost did4 ,those pesky vowels were at fault40 8,never mind1 ,i'll hang you yet4 ,i have another word in mind4 ,but not to-day4 ,come1 ,gertrude4 ,you see it all now1 ,i guess1 and we must hurry in1 or ,will and the others will be back before we are ready for dinner4 ,good-bye for a time1 ,general4 ,look to your guns4 ,i shall be after you again40 ,,ii4 ,breakfast was more than half over1 some mornings later1 when in came ,bob and ,irving ,bolton4 ,a chorus of 8,fie1 fie10 greeted them1 and ,elsie ,sterling shook her fingers threateningly as ,bob explained1 8,pen1 don't be hard on a fellow4 ,irving and ,i talked too late1 ,i suppose1 last night4 ,at any rate ,i know ,i should never have turned up this morning only that he yelled across to me that lunch was most ready4 ,and then he loitered to help me share the blame of our lateness4 ,hey1 old fellow80 and he looked across at ,irving as he slid into the vacant place between ,elsie and ,mrs4 ,burkhardt4 8,you are both rascals1 both of you10 growled the ,general4 8,burkhardt and ,i have been up hours and have planned the finest sort of a day for the rest of you ungrateful ones4 ,shall we tell them1 ,burkhardt80 ,before ,mr4 ,burkhardt had a chance to reply1 ,penelope interposed1 8,let me try and guess40 8,all right1 ,mrs4 ,gerard1 but you'll have to try twenty questions or some such game or you'll not hit it4 ,it's a fine scheme40 ,and ,ned ,burkhardt nodded triumphantly while he put a piece of buttered toast on his wife's plate4 8,i'll guess just once1 and without the help of twenty questions either4 ,it's a picnic40 8,bah60 exclaimed the ,general4 8,you overheard1 or somebody told you40 8,perhaps ,i did1 or perhaps that omnipresent #8little bird' chirped it in my ear4 ,but1 at any rate1 it's a fine idea4 ,what say the rest of you80 8,just the thing4 ,fine10 was the reply4 8,how shall we go1 ,will1 and where80 8,oh1 let's go to ,sylvan ,grove4 ,it is only ten miles4 ,let me see4 ,two of you can ride horseback4 8,will you and ,irving ride1 ,gertrude8 ,and1 ,burkhardt1 you and madame and ,elsie and ,bob might take the buckboard1 and we three old fogies--pardon me1 ,general1--will follow on with the provisions4 ,will that suit1 ,penel80 8,all right4 ,and now let's get ready4 ,can you all start in three quarters of an hour80 8,yes1 indeed40 ,promptly we all sallied forth1 and it was a merry party4 ,the air was perfect1 and ,irving1 ,bolton and ,i cantered on ahead1 and finding ourselves far in advance1 we turned and rode across country for a few miles4 ,it was a perfect day1 and the picnic was a perfect success4 ,at dinner that night we voted it as the best day yet4 8,well1 to-morrow is the golf tournament1 you know10 said ,will1 and turning to his wife1 he added1 8,didn't you say there was a dinner on too80 8,oh1 yes4 ,i nearly forgot4 ,dear old ,mrs4 ,preston asked us all to dinner40 ,turning towards me she said1 8,you remember at our tea1 the day after you came1 a white-haired lady accompanied by her granddaughter80 8,yes1 indeed ,i do4 ,i think you said she lives in that gray stone house we passed to-day40 8,yes1 that is the one4 ,it's a lovely house too--and such china6 ,why1 ,mrs4 ,burkhardt1 she has a willow set that would make your mouth water4 ,perhaps we'll see it40 ,then turning swiftly1 for dinner was over and we were just leaving the room1 8,listen1 all of you1 please4 ,to-morrow night at ,mrs4 ,preston's1 and next night nowhere4 ,it is ,gertrude's last night here and let's spend it all alone10 and having made her little speech she slipped her arm around my waist and we went out together4 ,we passed through one of the ,french windows1 out on the piazza1 and sat there late into the night4 ,snatches of conversation came to us again and again1 and ,mrs4 ,burkhardt's sweet soprano as she and ,elsie sang together1 while ,irving accompanied on the mandoline4 ,but we1 ,penelope and ,i1 remained alone1 each happy in the other4 ,the last night came1 as all 8last nights0 must1 and with it1 8in sympathy with our mood10 was the ,general's courteous construction1 came a heavy1 moaning storm4 ,will poked the fire and piled on the logs as though a blizzard were raging without4 ,finally1 he paused and said1 8,i guess1 ,pen1 dear1 you may have your wish4 ,no one will disturb our family serenity this night40 ,how cosy it seemed and how happy all appeared4 ,elsie and ,mrs4 ,burkhardt1 ,irving and ,bob were playing checkers in the next room4 ,ned and ,penelope were talking about dogs and horses and comparing their relative intelligence4 ,the ,general was looking over some foreign photographs1 while ,will and ,i bestowed our attention on the fire4 8,truly10 spoke ,general ,bolton1 8did you ever get up early enough to see ,covent ,garden ,market in its glory60 8,oh1 ,general1 do you mean to infer absolute laziness1 or do you mean that the gray gloom of ,london would forbid an early awakening80 8,never mind what ,i inferred4 ,did you ever go to the market--early80 8,strange as it may seem to you1 ,i did4 ,i went one morning to ,covent ,garden ,market1 and early1 about six o'clock1 with an ,english girl4 ,it was a wonderful sight40 8,see10 he interrupted1 8it was this picture of a costermonger with the palms and ferns that made me ask you40 8,it is very natural--the little donkey1 the barrow and all4 ,and how very cheap the plants and flowers are--why that morning ,i bought for sixpence as many moss roses and buds as ,i could carry40 8,gertrude1 did you ever see that80 ,and ,will gave me a printed slip that he had been searching for in his pocketbook4 ,it was called the ,floral ,test4 8,no1 but isn't it good8 ,let's ask the others the questions and see who can answer the most40 8,come1 all you people10 called ,will1 and he stepped over to the next room4 8,aren't you tired of checkers8 ,gertrude has a new game40 ,when all were seated around expectantly he said3 8,now1 ,gertrude1 you ask the questions and we'll reply4 ,it is called10 he explained1 8the ,floral ,test4 ,she'll ask questions and we'll give answers in the names of flowers40 8,tell me the name of a maiden1 and the color of her hair40 8,maria-gold10 shouted ,irving4 8,good for you1 old fellow4 ,how did you know80 questioned ,bob4 8,o here10 and young ,bolton tapped his forehead significantly4 8,what adjective fitted her and what was her brother's name80 ,all were silent until ,mrs4 ,burkhardt timidly said1 8,is it ,sweet-,william80 8,that's right4 ,now try this1--,what was his favorite sport in winter80 8,that's easy4 ,snowball10 and ,bob threw his handkerchief at ,will1 who sharply returned it4 8,ned1 what was his favorite instrument80 8,is it the trumpet80 8,that is right4 ,can you tell me1 ,elsie1 at what hour he awoke his father by playing on it80 8,four o'clock40 8,yes1 and what did his father apply to him80 8,a golden-rod10 two or three shouted4 8,what office did his father occupy in the church80 ,all seemed puzzled4 ,finally ,elsie said1 8,was it elder80 8,right4 ,what was the young man's name1 and what did he write it with80 8,that is a poser1 ,trudy4 ,you'll have to tell them1 ,i guess10 suggested ,will4 8,jonquil1 don't you see80 8,bah60 exclaimed the ,general1 while the others laughed4 8,irving1 what candy do you usually buy80 8,he doesn't know10 said ,will1 8but wait a moment and ,i'll show you some10 and he went to a closet and brought back a box of buttercups4 8,well1 what did ,john do when he popped the question80 8,aster10 yelled the ,general4 8,that is correct1 ,general4 ,see if you can tell what ghastly trophy he offered her40 8,oh1 that is easy4 ,a bleeding heart40 8,well1 what did she say as ,john knelt before her80 8,why1 ,johnny-jump-up1 of course40 8,that's right4 ,you are fine at this game1 ,general4 ,can you tell me what minister married them80 8,oh1 ,jack-in-the-,pulpit10 exclaimed ,penelope4 8,what did she wear in her hair80 8,bridal-wreath40 8,what flowers bloomed in her cheeks80 8,roses40 8,what did ,john say when obliged to leave her for a time80 8,forget-me-not40 8,that is all4 ,it is a fine game1 ,will4 ,where did you find it80 8,oh1 ,i came across it in a paper1 and ,i know ,pen likes that sort of thing1 so ,i cut it out4 ,but ,i forgot all about it until you two were talking over ,covent ,garden and the early market40 8,i think ,i can add one to that list of questions10 and ,penelope arose and1 drawing me up by the hand1 said1 8,what flower should we put in the candle tray at night80 8,poppy10 came the quick reply1 and ,bob quoted1 ,the ,rock-a-bye lady ,from ,hush-a-bye street1 ,the poppies they hang ,from her head to her feet4 8---- oh1 ,i say1 ,pen10 he called1 as we were on the stairs1 8what shall we all do when ,gertrude leaves us80 8,do you mean that as a ,floral ,test question80 8,yes40 8,i know what ,i'll do1 but ,i don't know any flower or plant to describe it40 8,why1 ,penelope1 we'll all balsam40 ,,hours ,,with ,,the ,,poets4 8,felicia ,hemans was an ,american1 born #8down ,east' somewhere2 ,i think in the same section ,nora ,perry hails from10 was the startling announcement uttered in my hearing1 by a 8sweet girl graduate0 of so short time ago as ,june1 #ahib4 8,pardon contradiction10 ,i called from my end of the library1 8but ,felicia ,hemans was an ,englishwoman1 and her birthplace was ,liverpool40 ,the surprise the above incident created caused my own thought to revert to the honored and beloved poets who have so lately left us1 as well as to the mighty revered army1 from ,chaucer down1 who have more or less an abiding-place in our hearts4 ,and then followed another thought1--would it not be a wise use of time for some of us to study the lives and works of these poets1 the minor as well as the more prominent ones1 and so save ourselves from similar ludicrous blunders as the one above given8 ,and particularly do ,i appeal to the young girls just out2 but even the busy schoolgirl would have the opportunity if she would only systematically arrange her work4 ,afternoon classes might be formed1 or evening ones if preferred2 the latter would have the advantages1 as then the big brothers might come4 ,simple refreshments1 too1 would not jar on harmony1 but rather tend to sociability4 ,these could be provided by the hostess1 for the girls should take turns in having the class meet at each house4 ,it would also be found to be a benefit to have a president and secretary for such a class1 or1 if an old person could be gotten1 popular and wise enough to take charge1 that would prove still more satisfactory4 ,it is quite the fashion now to be a member of a dancing class1 why not be a member of a poets' class1 and so take care of your head as well as your heels8 ,indeed1 classes are the 8order of the day10 for language1 music1 riding1 cooking1 wood-carving1 needlework1 indeed everything1 and the young girls or boys who may read this sketch certainly want to be into things as well as their fellows4 ,in these hours with the poets1 take a different poet for each time the class meets4 ,before the close of one meeting decide on who will be the next one taken up4 ,for example1 will it be ,keats1 ,saxe1 ,bayard ,taylor1 or ,jean ,ingelow8 ,that settled1 name who will be the one to give a biographical sketch of the poet4 ,this may be in the form of an original paper1 or read directly from an encyclopedia4 ,also name two or more members to read or recite poems from the poet under consideration4 ,discussion and criticism should be freely allowed1 and unanswerable questions should be always answered at the next meeting before entering on the new poet4 ,it would save time to have the hostess answer the questions left from the week before1 as she could have numerous books at hand1 and of necessity would be present4 ,do not say this is too difficult a task4 ,nothing is too difficult for those who try4 ,and do not think such study and hours are unnecessary4 ,if you do1 find out how many of your classmates can at once answer whom ,ben ,jonson adopted as his poetical son8 ,he was a pastoral lyrist1 and left behind him thirteen hundred poems4 ,he was a bachelor1 though he lived to be eighty-four years of age4 ,he was born at ,cheapside1 ,london1 in #aeia1 and died in #afgd1 at ,dean ,prior1 which living was presented to him1 for at times he was very poor4 ,his name was ,robert ,herrick4 ,or does my reader know that ,thomas ,gray was a close student of ,dryden1 or that the author of the first important body of ,english sonnets was the romantic hero1 ,sir ,philip ,sidney1 and that he died when but thirty-two years of age1 having been conspicuous at the court of ,elizabeth1 was a soldier of great promise1 a leading statesman1 and has a prominent place in history8 8,,thank ,,you60 8,i sent her a basket of fruit for ,christmas4 ,the basket was of the finest ,chinese straw1 and decorated with handsome pale green satin ribbon2 and the fruit1 ,bartlett pears1 mandarins1 and white grapes2 but she has not acknowledged it by either verbal or written thanks40 8,perhaps she never received it10 was the reply4 8,i know that she did1 for my daughter called one day and recognized the basket1 which stood on the table in the hall through which she passed40 8,well1 but you know she is a very busy woman40 8,that is no excuse4 ,people may be ever so busy1 but they should not forget decent courtesy4 ,indeed1 my experience has been that the busy people are1 oftener than otherwise1 the most polite people4 ,my theory is1 they do not allow themselves to rust in any direction2 duty should be done1 and is done4 ,if an individual cannot take time to thank a friend for a ,christmas gift1 next year that friend may not take time to give one4 ,i am sure it is not the question of time2 it is the question of knowledge or carelessness4 ,there are people who really don't know enough to be polite2 and others know1 but are too indifferent to take the trouble1 forgetting that their conduct reflects most disagreeably upon themselves4 ,one would think a kind heart might dictate1 if common-sense did not4 ,but ,i suppose some people have neither common-sense nor kindness of heart40 ,overhearing the above conversation1 the listener was reminded of a similar instance lately experienced in her own life4 ,a letter had been written1 which had honorably adjusted a money complication that concerned the gentleman to whom she wrote and a society which he represented1 but did not concern or reflect upon the writer in the smallest degree excepting for the goodwill she bore her friend1 and yet for this same letter she did not receive one word of thanks--not even the acknowledgment of its ever having been received4 ,that it was received was later proved by a printed report that it would have been impossible to set in order without it4 ,the examples given are by no means rare and peculiar1 but may be duplicated over and over by every intelligent person4 ,and in this age of letters1 when printed matter was never so reasonable1 and when teachers and schools may be really had 8without money and without price10 when lectures on all topics are inexpensively if not1 indeed1 freely given1 where is the excuse for knowledge not to be the power of all8 ,it would almost seem as if even those indifferently educated could not help but have learned to say 8thank you10 or to acknowledge by pen or voice any accommodation1 help1 or present4 ,blood is sure to tell1 and with ,emerson we say that 8man is physically as well as metaphysically a thing of shreds and patches1 borrowed unequally from good and bad ancestors40 ,to those of gentle blood1 rudeness would be impossible4 ,if there are partial lapses of manner with those looked upon as the refined1 the question is asked1 8,where does she get that trait80 and possibly the answer may be1 8,her great-grandmother40 ,for thus are the sins visited upon the children of even the third and fourth generations4 ,the deportment of the real gentleman or woman can never be unpleasantly criticised4 ,they could not be ungracious1 no matter how hard they should try4 ,if there is ever a question about how far politeness should extend1 err on the side of too much rather than that of too little4 ,have too much manner rather than not enough4 ,be too profuse in thanks rather than too scant and meagre4 ,when a gift has been received or a courtesy of any kind shown you1 at once acknowledge it1 unless you are too ill so to do1 or a positively important matter prevents4 ,if it is impossible to write to the one you are indebted to that day1 do it the next4 ,but as it is so easy for most of us to have good intentions1 do not put off for to-morrow what should be done to-day4 ,the note should not be long1 but heartily and pleasantly worded4 ,some people might reflect1 8,i would not tell a falsehood1 and how can ,i say ,i like a thing if ,i do not80 ,or1 as happened lately1 two boxes of wild flowers were sent me from ,california by two little boys1 with a note in one of the boxes containing the words1 8,which flowers got to you best1 ,pierre's or mine80 and ,i was obliged to at once put both boxes in the fire4 ,should ,i write of the sweetness of the blossoms and the purity and beauty of their coloring8 ,by no means4 ,but ,i would not wound the childish hearts by telling of the condition of the flowers at the time they were received4 ,remember the thought that prompted the gift4 ,dwell on that altogether if you will4 ,send a loving message to the donors1 and they will never dream you did not like their offering in the one case or were obliged to burn it in the other4 ,after all1 remembrance is the sweetest of all earthly gifts4 ,when the dear ones with whom we journey are no longer here1 we will miss their gentle ministry4 ,may not any one of us then know the bitterness of remorse1 but rather let us hasten to send abundant1 hearty thanks to those who have taken time to think and care for us6 ,a ,,story ,,within ,a ,,story ,it was the time when lilies blow1 ,and clouds are highest up in air1 that four young people were vivaciously talking on the front piazza at ,aunt ,mary's4 ,aunt ,mary was everybody's friend1 but particularly beloved by the nephews and nieces1 of whom this story tells4 ,and her home1 8just the jolliest kind of a place to visit10 ,jo said1 as he described beforehand the expected good times his sister ,madeline with their cousins1 ,madge and ,ernest1 were to have in the week's vacation given them for recuperation after the half-yearly examination4 ,aunt ,mary's house was in ,new ,jersey2 of course1 it was on a farm1 for whoever would think of looking for such fun and frolic anywhere else8 ,and as all the cousins came from city homes1 and ,jo and his sister from a small flat of a large apartment house1 the freedom of space which the country had given1 added to the bracing air and sunny1 cheerful atmosphere1 was a delightful contrast4 ,but no one would have thought1 though1 that ,madeline was seventeen years of age1 or that ,madge was called 8,miss ,propriety0 at home1 for they would race over the farm1 playing the wildest of games 8like a couple of tomboys10 their brothers said4 ,but ,aunt ,mary let them do exactly as they pleased1 and would always sigh when she would talk of their shut-in city life1 and point to their red cheeks with great pride1 which she assured them came from living with her4 ,and the boys1 too1 had seemed wonderfully benefited by their running1 racing1 riding1 ball and tennis playing4 ,even the hallooing 8got plenty of fresh air in their lungs10 ,ernest said1 which1 with other things too many to mention1 had been done in this brief holiday4 ,to-morrow they must start homeward2 and just because they were exhausted with one and another game1 they are1 at the commencement of our story1 resting and talking on ,aunt ,mary's front piazza4 ,ernest is rubbing his right arm meanwhile1 for he says1 8,it has pained me dreadfully ever since that last catch at the ball40 ,and ,aunt ,mary has just joined them1 carrying with her a big tin waiter on which is a large molasses cake1 so fresh that it is yet hot from the oven1 and a four-quart pitcher of milk1 which ,bessie1 the brown-eyed ,alderney1 had given at the morning milking hour4 ,at sight of their aunt thus laden1 three cheers were laughingly and loudly given1 for if there is one way quicker than another to young people's hearts1 perhaps it is by the way of hot molasses cake and ice-cold fresh milk1 as rich as many city folks have their cream4 ,jo1 who was eighteen years old on his last birthday1 is considered the young man of the party4 ,he has always been a gentleman1 and he at once rushed to the sitting-room for his aunt's favorite rocking-chair4 ,as ,ernest has already disposed of the tray by putting it on a spruce-bark covered table which stands for all sorts of convenient purposes on the piazza1 ,aunt ,mary is comfortably placed in her easy-chair before she realizes that ,jo had gone for it4 8,oh1 what delicious cake60 8,how kind you are60 8,i must have another glass of that milk40 8,isn't this lots better than being in school80 etc41 were the pleasing comments and ejaculations which any stranger might have heard passing on the other side of the road from the house1 or1 indeed1 a quarter of a mile beyond it4 ,after awhile1 however1 the eating and drinking were over1 and 8,what shall we do now80 was the question4 8,i'm tired out1 for one10 said ,ernest1 and 8,i for another10 continued ,madge2 8still1 these are our last hours and we must do something2 we cannot afford to lose a moment4 ,aunt ,mary1 you tell us what to do40 8,will you promise to do what ,i tell you80 8,we will10 answered ,madeline4 8,of course we will10 continued ,ernest2 8a likely thing we could say no1 now1 of all times1 after the way this cake and milk have disappeared40 8,well1 it's agreed1 then10 said ,aunt ,mary4 8,i want you to entertain me awhile by telling a story40 8,a story6 ,how8 ,we don't exactly understand1 do we80 asked ,jo1 looking at one and another perplexed face4 8,the story10 answered ,aunt ,mary1 8must be altogether1 #8made up1' as ,madge would say4 ,it must be divided in four chapters or parts1 as nearly equal in length as is possible4 ,jo can begin it1 and1 after talking1 say for two minutes1 ,madge must follow1 then ,ernest and ,madeline will close40 ,these words were followed with whistles from the boys1 and 8,oh1 my60 from the girls1 to all of which ,aunt ,mary said1 8,you promised1 and of course you will do it4 ,and when the story is told1 we will all drive over to ,bear's ,gulch1 and that will take the remainder of the afternoon40 ,these words were followed by a halt and sighs4 8,but it would be a burning shame10 said ,madeline1 8not to please ,aunt ,mary2 besides1 of course1 we can do it4 ,we can do anything1 if we try40 8,so say we all of us2 so say we all10 sang ,ernest4 ,and ,aunt ,mary laughingly replied1 8,the sooner the story is started1 the sooner it is through1 and the sooner it is through1 the sooner we have the drive40 8,well1 as ,i'm the starter1 here goes60 said ,jo4 8,and10 interrupted his aunt1 8when your time is up ,i'll call ,madge's name1 and so on4 ,don't let us have any breaks4 ,tell me a story just as smoothly as if you were reading it from a book4 ,now1 ,jo40 8,my title is1 #8,the ,adventures of an ,irish ,setter4' ,when ,ned ,armstrong was so small a boy that he yet wore knickerbockers1 he received a short visit from his cousin ,william ,adams4 ,he1 too1 was a little boy and was often called #8,sweet ,william1' on account of his sunny disposition1 for1 notwithstanding he was sole heir to great wealth1 being the only child of rich parents1 rich enough to count their wealth by many millions of dollars1--he was neither selfish1 exacting1 nor in any way disagreeable1 thereby an example to some grown-up people we have met4 ,when ,william came on this visit1 he brought with him a large1 well-trained dog4 ,he was a magnificent fellow1 and ,ned1 his cousin1 was as amazed as he was pleased to find that the dog was a present to himself from ,william's father1 his ,uncle ,ned1 after whom he was named4 ,this uncle had long known he must sometime part with ,moselle2 he had been his own from the time ,moselle was a puppy but two months old4 ,the reason for the separation of master and dog was the giving up of housekeeping for life in a hotel1 as ,aunt ,cornelia1 ,uncle ,ned's wife1 was now too much of an invalid to continue caring for a house1 even with the assistance of a housekeeper1 of whom she had tried many1 and dogs are among the #8not allowed' in hotels4 ,so1 ,uncle ,ned1 remembering his little nephew in the country1 and knowing how he would prize and kindly treat his old pet and friend1 sent ,moselle by his son ,william to him4 ,this gift made ,ned1 however1 nearly crazy with delight1 and the old gardener often feared the results to his flower beds after the races which ,ned and ,moselle would take over them4 ,indeed the dog was not to blame if he forgot many of his well-trained ways1 country life with the little boy was so ungoverned by comparison with what it had been with his staid1 but kind old master4 8,one day1 five months after ,moselle had changed his home1 ,ned was missing4 ,no one knew where the child had gone4 ,he did not have a regular nurse2 but an old colored servant called ,tamar had been in the family many years1 and she1 with other duties1 was supposed to keep an eye on this child4 ,but ,tamar had been negligent this time4 ,ned was missing4 ,the big garden was searched everywhere1 thinking possibly he had fallen asleep under some of the rose or berry bushes1 but ,ned was not in the garden4 ,strangely enough1 as the boy and dog were counted inseparable1 ,moselle was all right and contentedly sunning himself on a pansy bed1 which was a favorite place of his1 though often scolded and chased away for thus flattening the beautiful flowers----0 8,madge1 it is your time40 8,as ,ned was not found in the garden1 the next place to look was all over the house1 while the cry of #8,ned6 ,ned6' was heard in every room and from several windows1 for as one after another looked they would throw up a window-sash1 thinking ,ned must be somewhere outside in the grounds and would surely hear them call1 and they would hear his voice in answer1 even if they did not see him4 ,but it was all in vain4 ,ned could neither be seen nor heard1 and his mother and sister ,mary1 a girl of twelve years old1 who were the only ones of the family then at home1 finally cried with fright and anxiety4 ,but their fright was of short duration1 for1 before an hour had passed1 ,ned was back perfectly safe1 without scratch or injury1 and having the rested dewy look to his eyes which all children have who have lately woke from sleep4 8,it was ,isaac1 the stableman1 who found him4 ,no one ever could really explain why ,moselle was not with him at the time1 but the child had wandered alone into the stable1 and the man passing in and out had not noticed him1 who1 probably tired with play1 had fallen asleep on the hay4 ,while thus asleep1 ,isaac had closed the stable door and fastened it1 preparatory to a three miles' drive to the flour mill4 ,on his return with the meal1 the clatter connected with the moving of the stable door and getting the horses back had wakened the child1 who came hurriedly out1 rubbing his eyes as he ran1 and calling at the top of his lungs for ,moselle1 not knowing others had as loudly been calling for him4 ,but ,moselle did not answer4 ,there was no running1 jumping and wagging of the tail from his dog-friend1 for ,moselle was now the missing one4 ,in the gladness of ,ned's being found1 neither ,mrs4 ,armstrong1 nor ,mary1 nor1 indeed1 any of the servants1 had given the dog a thought1 and it was not until ,ned refused to be comforted that one of the help slowly said1 #8,there was a poor old soldier here this morning1 just at the time ,isaac came home with the meal4 ,i thought1 perhaps1 ,isaac had given him a lift up4 ,he asked for a cup of coffee1 but ,i had none made1 and didn't want to take the trouble to make any1 so ,i gave him a couple of slices of bread with apple-sauce between4 ,i reckon he's made way with the dog1 the mean1 contemptible wretch6' 8,and he had4 ,moselle was already miles away from the house of little ,ned ,armstrong1 and his companion was the same poorly-clad half-sick looking soldier that the housemaid had given the apple-sauce sandwich to that morning4 ,the dog was prevented from running home by a strong cord fastened around his neck at one end and the other end firmly clutched by the man's hand1 and both dog and man had had several helps over the road1 as their rested-looking condition proved4 ,that night1 in the city of ,wilmington1 ,north ,carolina1 the soldier sold the dog for twenty-three dollars to a handsome young army officer1 at present stationed at ,old ,point ,comfort1 but who had a three days' leave of absence to visit a sick relative at ,wilmington4 ,the dog and his new master had already started for #8,old ,point' when the officer suddenly remembered--0 8,ernest1 your time now40 8,that he had forgotten to ask the dog's name1 and1 as he could not take time to hunt the man up from whom he had bought the dog1 he decided to christen him ,duke4 8,it was the month of ,march1 and the ,hygeia ,hotel was a gay scene of life and beauty4 ,among the guests was a charming young woman1 talented and rich1 but also very lame4 ,she could not walk without the aid of a crutch2 but1 notwithstanding this detraction1 she fascinated everybody by her lovely manner and cheerful1 sunny disposition4 ,the gentleman who had bought ,moselle1 now called ,duke1 daily dined at the ,hygeia1 and in a particularly fortunate time was presented to the lame lady4 ,he was1 therefore1 the envy of all the unmarried army officers who1 with every one else1 would delight in thinking of her as their friend4 ,the young lady admired ,duke very much1 and often petted and caressed him1 and the dog seemed proud and pleased to be in her company4 ,however1 the time came for the lame lady to return to her home in ,new ,york1 and the dog was left alone with his master1 though ,i might add1 not alone1 for everybody living at the #8,point' seemed to know ,duke and would always praise his beauty4 ,one old gentleman offered two hundred dollars for him once1 but it was refused1 his owner saying1 #8,i will never sell ,duke1 though some day ,i may be tempted to give him away4' ,duke was taught many tricks while at the ,fortress1 among others1 to carry letters4 ,these he would hold in his mouth1 but would neither tear them with his teeth1 nor wet them with his tongue4 ,he was also taught to #8say his prayers1' which he always did kneeling on a wooden chair1 with his head resting with closed eyes on the back4 ,when #8,amen' was said this was the signal to jump over the chair-back and shake himself as if pleased to have prayer-time over4 ,one day1 as the mail was being distributed1 ,duke1 as was his wont1 was standing near1 and one of the officers putting a letter in the dog's mouth1 said3 #8,take that to your master4 ,it's from his friend1 the lame lady4' ,this the officer meant for a joke1 but it was really true1 and1 as the letter concerned ,duke1 we will insert it here3 8#8,,dear ,,mr4 ,g----3 8#8,according to promise1 ,i write you the result of the operation1 which ,i am sure you will be glad to learn is a complete success4 ,my physicians say if ,i will have patience for another month ,i will then walk as well as anybody4 ,please give ,duke an extra pat on my account1 and whenever you feel constrained to part with him1 remember 8#8,your friend 8#8,,pauline ,,jerome4' 8,that settles it60 exclaimed ,duke's master4 #8,i learned last night ,i was soon to be sent to ,california1 and ,i at once decided my good dog and ,i must separate4 ,and now that he can have so kind a mistress1 and ,i have this opportunity to win the gratitude of my lovely friend1 what a fool ,i would be to hesitate longer4 ,on my way to ,california1 ,i will arrange to pass through ,new ,york ,city1 and will then personally give my dog to ,miss ,jerome4'0 8,madeline1 will you finish the story80 8,six months have now passed since ,duke exchanged his home at ,fortress ,monroe for the luxurious apartments of his beautiful mistress4 ,the dog is constantly tended with the greatest care1 groomed as tenderly as if made of human flesh4 ,he sleeps in my lady's room and seems truly aristocratic with his lordly bearing4 ,his baby-blue satin ribbon bow1 knotted into the solid gold collar1 which bears his name and address1 a ,christmas gift from his mistress1 causes him to appear what indeed he has become--almost spoiled with good fortune4 8,but what a change a few short hours can make6 ,that night there was a cry of #8,fire6' ,my6 the alarm and panic it raised6 for the fire was not noticed until there was so much flame and smoke that it was with the utmost difficulty the inmates of the house escaped with their lives4 ,nothing else was saved4 ,miss ,jerome calling to a fireman1 said3 #8,take care of my dog1 and ,i will pay you well4' ,the man1 catching the dog harshly by the collar1 fairly dragged him out of the burning building1 for ,duke seemed dazed with smoke and fright4 ,but1 on reaching the street1 the dog was entirely beyond control1 and1 with wonderful strength freed himself from the man's grasp1 strong as it was1 and dashed down the street4 ,miss ,jerome offered at different times large rewards for his return2 but it was useless1 ,duke and his mistress were never again to meet1 he was as lost to her as if he had never existed4 ,several months passed1 after the fire1 and the dog once more found friends1 a home1 and his old name1 ,moselle4 ,peculiar events happen in life1 and few more so than the following4 ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,adams of whom this story first told1 had gone to the ,south of ,france1 hoping to recover the health of ,mrs4 ,adams1 on whose account it will be remembered the valued dog had to be parted with4 ,they were accompanied by ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,armstrong and their children1 ,ned and ,may4 ,the older people of this party were one morning talking on the lawn connected with the ,htel de ,grace1 when ,ned and ,may suddenly burst upon them accompanied by a large dog1 who was jumping and tearing around as if wild with joy4 ,seeing ,mr4 ,adams1 he left the children1 and1 jumping on his lap1 laid his head on his shoulder and moaned and actually seemed to weep with gladness4 #8,this is ,moselle1 ,moselle6' shouted ,ned2 #8we saw him with an old fiddler out here on the road4 ,i thought he looked like my dear old dog1 though he is so thin and starved looking1 and ,i called 8,moselle10 and you should have seen him run4 ,those long legs of his fairly raced to reach me4 ,indeed1 he knocked me down4 ,he was too happy to behave1 wasn't you1 ,moselle8' and ,ned tenderly smoothed his beautiful head1 which he yet kept on his old master's shoulder1 as though they must never be separated again1 while his tender brown eyes seemed to speak of affectionate content4 ,the family never again parted with ,moselle until he died1 which sad event occurred towards the close of the same year4 ,the dog's exposures and privations after the fire1 during his varied life1 seemed to have weakened and injured him to such an extent that1 though tender care was constantly lavished1 it came too late4 ,all that ,mr4 ,adams ever learned of ,moselle's history1 he heard from the fiddler1 who had bought him from an old woman1 who said he belonged to her son1 and that they had had nothing but bad luck since the dog was theirs1 and she would be glad to get rid of him at any price4 ,the fiddler thought the son had stolen the dog1 and1 as he was himself having bad fortune1 he determined to leave ,america and return to his own country1 and had brought the dog over the sea1 thinking in that way if there was any wrong dealing connected with the dog he would never be discovered4 #8,but1' said the old fiddler1 gravely shaking his head1 #8,i've always heard 8wrong will out10 and ,i'm thankful to dispose of him for so liberal a compensation as you have so kindly made me4' ,with these words1 the fiddler folded his money over1 thrust it in his pocket and walked away40 8,thank you for such an entertaining story10 said ,aunt ,mary2 8and now we will have our promised drive40 ,,orrin ,,the ,,bootblack4 8,shine1 shine1 shine60 the cry was as earnest as it was pitiful4 ,i rose from my seat in the cabin of the ,fulton ,ferry boat1 for ,i was crossing from ,brooklyn to ,new ,york at the time1 and found the boy2 one glance into his honest blue eyes did the rest4 ,i at once gave him my boots to blacken1 regardless of the opinion of my man ,dennis1 that he had put on them an extra polish that morning1 and1 while the almost baby hand continued to shine them into as dazzling a glare as blackened boots could reach1 ,i asked him his name1 and1 giving him my card1 told him to call on me that evening at seven o'clock4 8,mr4 ,adams1 you surely do not mean me to understand that your protg1 who to-night delivered the valedictory address in this honored college1 and the bootblack are one and the same80 8,i do40 ,the above conversation was between the ,president of the college and the senior member of the ,board of ,trustees4 8,yes2 he is the same1 and yet not the same1 because then he was such a sad little fellow1 and now he is full of jokes and wholesome pranks1 a merry wit that gladdens my old days1 and almost makes a boy of me again4 ,at one time1 though1 ,i thought he would never laugh2 it was such an apology for a smile that ,i first saw cross his prematurely wizened face4 ,but how long ago it now seems6 ,let me see10 thoughtfully counting one1 two1 three on his fingers1 8why1 it must be twelve years since then4 ,how time flies60 8,yes1 time always does fly1 when we are busy and happy4 ,but are you aware that your ,orrin is one of our youngest men8 ,he gave his age as twenty-two60 8,quite correct40 8,well1 ,i am confounded at your information4 ,i am as curious as ,i am interested4 ,would you mind some time telling me the rest of the boy's story80 8,not at all2 why not spend to-morrow evening with me8 ,you know we sail ,saturday for the continent1 and after that our movements are uncertain4 ,orrin has worked hard1 and ,i have promised him this treat1 and1 though he does not know it1 ,i am contemplating leaving him at ,oxford for a year or two4 ,by the way1 ,i would like your opinion as to that4 ,but one thing is sure--if he stays in ,england1 ,i stay too4 ,i could not put the ocean between us4 ,you cannot imagine how my heart holds that boy2 so1 if you really want to hear my chap's story1 you would better come to-morrow night40 8,i will come40 ,it was evening1 and1 when the two men were comfortably seated in ,mr4 ,adams' library1 the following was told4 ,mr4 ,adams prefaced the recital with the words3 8,i will photograph ,orrin as he first appeared in my home1 and then1 as nearly as my memory can recall our conversation1 ,i will give it4 ,twelve years ago1 about seven o'clock in the evening1 a maid told me that a small poorly-clad lad1 with a box under his arm1 was asking to see me4 ,he had entered by the lower door4 ,i directed her to bring him to me1 and1 strangely enough1 in my comfortable lounging-chair1 with the evening paper for companion1 ,i had entirely forgotten the engagement ,i had made1 but the girl's words instantly recalled all1 and1 a few moments later1 ,i was addressing him4 ,his manner was neither shy nor bold4 ,he appeared neither surprised nor bewildered4 ,i did not note the confused air1 which ,i could reasonably expect4 ,he met my gaze with the honest1 frank look that ,i first noticed1 but he seemed sad1 even painfully4 ,he was such a small boy4 ,he evidently was what is so rarely found--a gentleman4 ,i almost exclaimed as he stood in the doorway1 for ,i noticed the way he held his cap2 ,beau ,brummell in his most happy days could not have done better1 and the bow with which he answered my #8good evening1' as well as the response to my asking him to take a chair1 made me say to myself1 #8,adams1 you must look out1 or this little bootblack will leave you leagues rearward in the manner question6' ,his hair was dark1 very glossy1 and slightly curly4 ,his face and hands almost shone with cleanliness4 ,i especially noticed his nails1 and1 knowing his business1 was surprised to find that they1 also1 were quite clean4 ,his height was decidedly small for his age 7he did not really seem to grow much until he was about seventeen years old1 and then how he shot up6 he is just six feet tall now72 his clothes were not patched1 but threadbare and ragged4 ,the material was fine4 ,his trousers only came to his knees1 and both shoes and stockings were visibly the worse for wear4 ,he was not a pretty boy1 but a manly-looking little fellow4 ,his complexion was fair1 but pallid2 indeed1 the boy wore a starved1 pinched look4 ,his jacket1 which was buttoned with brass buttons to the neck1 hung on him1 as if he had grown thinner since it was made4 ,so much for my photograph4 ,now for our conversation1 which will give you a better idea of the boy1 than if only using my own words4 8#8,good evening1 my little man4' 8#8,good evening1 sir4' 8#8,you blackened my boots so well this morning1 ,i thought ,i would like to talk with you about your business to-night4' 8#8,thank you1 sir4' 8#8,how long have you been a bootblack8' 8#8,seven weeks4' 8#8,have you made much money8' 8#8,i make more now than at first1 sir4' 8#8,how much is the most you have made a week8' 8#8,last week1 sir1 ,i made ninety-five cents4' 8#8,how much is the least you ever made8' 8#8,fifteen1 sir2 that was my first week1 when ,i was new in the business4' 8#8,you live with your parents1 ,i suppose8' 8#8,no1 sir4' 8#8,don't live with your parents8 ,whom do you live with8' 8#8,with myself4' 8#8,you1 a little midget like you1 live by yourself6 ,where do you sleep8' 8#8,wherever ,i can find a place4' 8#8,where did you sleep last night8' 8#8,you won't tell1 sir1 if ,i tell you8' 8#8,no4' 8#8,well1 ,i've slept for three nights1 now1 in a covered wagon4 ,it has been left outside1 and1 some way1 no one has ever seen me crawl into it4 ,please don't tell any one1 sir4 ,i really don't hurt the wagon4' 8#8,but why don't you go home8 ,do your parents drink8' 8#8,i have no home1 sir2 my parents are dead2 they are both in heaven4' ,and then the little hands hastily undid the few top buttons of his jacket1 and untied a black shoe lace which served as a chain4 ,then1 stepping nervously towards me1 he said2 #8,would you like to see mamma's picture8' 8,i tell you what1 sir1 this action1 united to the boy's words1 unmanned me4 #8,john ,adams1' ,i asked myself1 #8you'll befriend this boy8' ,and ,john ,adams answered1 #8,i will4' 8,the picture was painted on porcelain1 a medallion resting on dark blue velvet2 the whole was framed in a band of narrow gold4 ,the woman was a blonde1 delicate looking1 but very beautiful4 ,she had an intellectual face1 and seemed of good birth4 ,in age about twenty-five years4 8#8,has your mother been dead long8' ,i next asked4 8#8,she died when ,i was born1 and ,i am ten years old4 ,papa gave me her picture1 and ,i always wear it4 ,i would starve1 sir1 but ,i would never part from it4' ,i am sure the boy has it on now1 but ,i would not like to ask him to show it to you4 ,he is sensitive1 and ,i would not risk hurting him40 8,no1 indeed1 ,i would not have you1 if you were ever so willing4 ,and what more1 ,mr4 ,adams8 ,it is well ,i did not know of this while he was in college2 ,i am afraid ,i should have spoiled him40 8,well1 ,i asked him if he had brothers or sisters4 ,his reply was-- 8#8,i had one brother2 he died a year ago4' 8#8,how long since your father died8' 8#8,eight weeks1 sir4' 8#8,and you started at the boot-blacking business one week later8' 8#8,yes1 sir4' 8#8,what was your father's business8' 8#8,when he was in business1 he was a stockbroker4' 8#8,a stockbroker6' ,i exclaimed1 although ,i was positive before1 judging from his mother's picture1 that he was born above his present position4 #8,and you say there was a time when your father was not in business4 ,how long ago was that8' 8#8,the last two years of his life1 after he became blind4' 8#8,tell me all about it1 my good boy4' 8#8,my father1 sir1 must have made a great deal of money2 we lived in such a handsome house4' 8#8,as handsome as this8' 8,looking around before he replied1-- 8#8,oh1 yes1 sir4' 8#8,you say your mother was dead4 ,who1 then1 kept house for you8' 8#8,mrs4 ,prentiss1 our housekeeper4 ,i had a nurse first1 ,nurse ,ann1 and when ,i got to be a big boy1 ,i had a governess4 ,she taught me to read1 write1 and all ,i know4 ,i have never been to school4 ,we had several servants1 and my father kept horses4 ,it was the house in which mamma died1 and everything1 papa said1 must be as she kept house4 ,but1 one day1 ,i know not how it happened1 my father lost a great deal of money1 and a lot of strange people came to the house1 and almost all of our beautiful things were sold4 ,all the servants left but one1 and my governess4 ,papa and ,i lived then in a few rooms4 ,i used to hear papa talk about his eyes1 at that time1 and one day he went to see a doctor about them4 ,when he came back he told me3 #8,my son1 ,i am going to be blind1' and then explained to me exactly what that meant4 ,he told me that the reason he would be blind was because he had used too much tobacco4 ,my father smoked a great many cigars every day1 and sometimes a pipe4 ,he chewed tobacco too4 ,i felt frightened when ,i heard all of this1 and ,i remember ,i cried and papa comforted me4 ,he afterwards asked me to repeat these words after him4 #8,my papa was blind4 ,his optic nerves were hurt because he used too much tobacco4 ,i will never smoke or chew4' ,my papa had me repeat these words until ,i knew them perfectly1 and then ,i said them once every day to him until he died4 ,i say them every day to myself now4 ,my papa became blind very soon after we left our home1 and about six months before he died he was sick most of the time4 ,my governess left one day1 and then ,i had no more lessons4 ,and almost every day our things would be sold1 until1 when papa died1 we had most nothing left4 ,about a week after he was buried1 some men came to our rooms1 and then our girl left1 and the men told me ,i must go too4 ,i could not live there any more4 ,they gave me my clothes1 and one of the men gave me a dollar4 ,i cried so hard that another man said he would take me home with him1 and ,i could stay two or three nights at his house until ,i could get some work and make money for myself4 ,that was why ,i became a bootblack4 ,this man told me it was a good business1 and1 because ,i was so little and did not know what to do1 the man and his wife made me a present of my outfit and told me to watch other bootblacks and cry out3 8,shine1 shine10 and so get business4 ,the man gave me his boots to black while ,i stopped at the house and that taught me the way1 for ,i never had blackened boots before4 ,i stayed with these kind people for one week1 and since then ,i have taken care of myself4' 8#8,have you no relations8' 8#8,none ,i have ever seen4 ,the day before papa died1 he told me ,i was soon to be all alone in the world1 that ,i had no relatives1 and then he said3 8,your relatives are all dead1 my son1 or dead to you40 ,that is all ,i know1 sir4' 8,my heart ached for the child as he finished1 and ,i thought1 let the consequence be what it would1 he should not leave my house that night4 ,i asked him his name4 8#8,orrin ,thorndyke1' was the reply4 8,i told him he was to remain overnight with me1 and that to-morrow ,i would investigate his story4 ,this he readily did4 ,he seemed to be satisfied to do exactly as he was told2 he had evidently not yet gotten away from the manner of obeying his father4 ,i think ,i told you he was prematurely old2 his strange life had made him so4 ,that night ,i scarcely slept1 so full of plans was ,i for the future4 ,as you know1 ,i have always been a bachelor with plenty of money and no relatives who will ever need help through me4 ,before morning ,i decided that1 if on investigation ,i found the bootblack's story correct1 ,i would at once adopt him and do for him as ,i would for an only son4 ,this ,i have conscientiously tried to do1 and1 coming in and out of this house as the friend you are1 ,i trust you think ,i have done right40 8,you certainly have40 8,i have noticed your admiration for my boy1 and ,i have been very glad of it2 and how well ,i remember the first time you saw him6 ,you said ,i was to be congratulated in having for my protg such a manly little fellow1 and then you added1 #8,blood is sure1 ,adams1 and ,i give up judging forever after1 if good blood is not in this boy's veins4' ,of course1 when the child became mine1 ,i wanted him to bear my name1 but you never knew before that the ,orrin ,thorndyke part was his own4 ,some way1 ,i could not ask him to part with it altogether1 and so ,i had mine simply added40 8,oh1 what a man you are2 it takes time to know you1 ,adams4 ,and at last1 ,i have found out why you so suddenly gave up smoking40 8,that is a fact4 ,how could ,i smoke with that child's story running not only in my ears1 but through my heart8 ,but what do you think of ,orrin smoking three cigars every day60 8,surely1 you are joking60 8,no2 ,i will tell you how he does it4 ,when he was fourteen years of age1 ,i gave him a monthly allowance1 because ,i wished him to early learn the management of money4 ,one day1 shortly after1 he came to me with the question1 would ,i permit him to set aside the value of three five-cent cigars a day1 and when the amount would reach five dollars he desired to put it in the bank and so open a smoking account4 ,he also said he would regularly add to this amount as he could accumulate five dollars1 and that he would not withdraw the money1 but allow it to increase both principal and interest until he was thirty years of age1 at which time he and ,i could decide what would be done with it4 ,this ,i readily agreed to do4 ,and now that he has been #8smoking1' as he puts it1 three five-cent cigars every day for eight years1 the amount already in the bank1 at four per cent4 interest1 is not a small one4 ,why1 in the first year1 without interest1 he saved nearly fifty-five dollars60 8,if only ,i had tried that scheme when ,i was fourteen years old1 ,i would be a rich man now10 replied the ,president2 8however1 it is not yet too late to start the plan with my grandchildren40 ,,breakfast-,,table ,,decoration4 8,mabel60 8,well1 mamma60 8,come to breakfast1 dearie40 ,the call was given through the wide lattice which opened on the garden4 ,and at once the little girl obeyed the summons4 ,and what a charming picture was given when the child presented herself in the half-open doorway1 with her big blue eyes1 the blue of the sky overhead1 cheeks that rivalled the peach blossom's rich redness1 and lips wide parted1 with the merry laugh that rippled over and over the upturned face2 for at that moment she was bubbling beyond control with mischief and sparkle1 partly on account of the buoyancy of the early morning atmosphere1 but mostly because of the raid she had made on the morning-glory vines1 as her laden hands and arms could testify4 8,i haven't struck the right combination yet10 were her mother's words1 at the same time touching a majolica dish of flowers that served as ornament for the breakfast-table4 8,well1 ,i have6 ,an idea has just sprung on me1 seized me1 as it were6 ,stand still where you are1 little sister1 until ,tom comes back again10 and then away the boy flew1 in his clumsy energy tripping over an ottoman that was always at ,mabel's place at table1 because she was not yet tall enough to put her feet on the floor4 ,it seemed but a second when he returned with a cut-glass bowl in his hands1 filled within one-third of the top with fresh1 cold water2 and with an air of triumph he removed the majolica dish1 depositing the bowl in its stead4 ,then1 going to the little girl1 who had stood motionless in obedience to her big brother's command1 and with the words1 8,let ,tom have some of your pretty flowers10 he took first one and then another4 ,the color values1 as she held the morning-glories1 appealed to him1 there was such richness of reds1 purples1 lavenders and white1 with their many intermediate shades1 which blended softly with the green leaves1 vines and tendrils4 ,when he had taken enough to fill1 not crowd the bowl1 there were many exclamations of satisfaction1 for all was harmony4 ,the white tablecloth was a fitting background to the variety of color1 and the delicate1 graceful flowers gave such a pleasant welcome at this first meal of the new day4 ,morning-glories should be oftener used for the breakfast-table4 ,try what you can do with them1 boys and girls1 and thus give a pleasant surprise to your mother4 ,another pretty table decoration would be to plant woodland vines1 and also ferns1 oxalis1 and pretty wild grasses in an ornamental piece of earthenware1 one that would add beauty to the dinner-table4 ,take such a piece to the country with you1 and remember to fill it with forest mould before you put in the woodland plants2 it will be most pleasing1 and prove a joy all winter if you will properly water it2 that is1 keep it wet1 not soggy4 ,,how ,,they ,,planted ,,the ,,nasturtiums4 ,such a clamor of voices reached grandma's ears that her first thought was that the children must have the garden1 at the very least1 half filled with their schoolmates4 ,but when the old lady rose from her big armchair to take a sharp look around from the window1 she was amazed to learn that all the confusion was made by her two happy1 healthy grandchildren ,margaret and ,marshall1 and they were as busy as could be1 planting and fussing over nasturtium plants4 8,see us1 grandma10 were the pleasant if imperative words when they saw their grandmother with her head stretched out as far as possible1 looking first one way and then another4 8,see you8 ,well1 ,i should say ,i did1 and what are you doing with that old umbrella frame1 ,marshall80 was the questioning response4 8,getting ready for our nasturtiums10 and the boy tossed his head laughingly towards a large quantity of the golden brown blossoms1 digging energetically all the while1 though1 as if moments were more precious than he could tell4 ,as grandma was anxious to learn all about the planting1 first ,marshall and then ,margaret told her just what they were about to do4 ,the gardener at the ,jenkins place explained what he did4 8,and ,i never saw nasturtiums look as pretty before10 said ,margaret1 with a sedate shake of her head4 8,besides1 it is an altogether new idea1 not the old sort of a thing that everybody knows4 ,it commences by planting an umbrella frame1 putting the handle deep enough down not to break off with the first strong wind1 or with the weight of vines1 either1 in case they should grow a trifle heavier on one side than the other1 though1 of course1 this we will try to prevent4 ,the umbrella should not be put in a corner1 but in an open bed1 where people can walk all around it4 ,this frame of ours has eight sticks1 and at each one we will plant a root4 ,and we are going to plant two at the handle1 one on either side1 and not close enough to crowd each other4 ,as the vines grow1 they will be trained up the handle and along the sticks1 making the effect of a diminutive tent1 and while this old frame is rather an ungainly sight at present1 in a few weeks the bed will be simply gorgeous4 8,oh1 they are so pretty60 ,margaret continued1 lightly and fondly touching the bright flowers1 8such a variety of shades1 yellow1 orange1 even to a deep brown1 and the vine is willing to wind any way we will2 it is naturally graceful1 with just enough foliage and not too much4 ,why1 the old frame will be the prettiest thing in all the country around40 8,i only hope our neighbors will not watch and try the same thing for themselves10 was ,marshall's interjection4 8,they probably will not before next summer10 was grandma's assuring comment1 8and then your nasturtium umbrella would be one year old40 ,a ,,garden ,,party4 ,dinners1 receptions1 and concerts have been attended through the winter until everybody is tired of the old routine2 but entertainment which is associated with trees1 flowers1 gorgeous sunsets1 out-of-door life1 touches the heart and makes of every such occasion a real joy4 ,how shall we give a fte champtre8 ,a lawn is a necessity1 and should the trees not prove sufficiently exclusive1 surround the grounds with canvas4 ,the canvas may be concealed with boughs of green1 running vines1 flags1 banners1 or anything that will lessen its ugliness4 ,the entire grounds must be decorated4 ,japanese lanterns might be used freely2 several hundreds of them will be required1 as they should be liberally scattered everywhere--not only in the grounds1 on the trees or canvas serving as fence1 but on the piazzas of the house4 ,a good orchestra should be hidden behind a clump of balsam or other bushy trees4 ,the leader should be untiring in his efforts to give enough and desirable music4 ,if ballads are sung1 the orchestra leader is responsible for the accompaniment1 and he is equally responsible for the dances1 should such be given4 ,the air should be filled with music1 but to the pleasure and not the annoyance of guests4 ,conversation and music are always important factors of entertainment2 but to these an extravaganza may be added1 or a play--for example1 the whole or part of ,as ,you ,like ,it1 or ,a ,midsummer ,night's ,dream4 ,should ,as ,you ,like ,it be given1 screen a section of the lawn to represent the ,duke's palace4 ,a conversation-room may readily be arranged4 ,remove one or more screens and see a room1 the ceiling of which would be the sky2 the side walls folding screens1 which may be adjusted to any shape and size2 the floor would be the grass covered with rugs4 ,on these rugs stand a few chairs1 a couch1 and a small table4 ,with such surroundings1 altogether at home would ,celia seem1 while she would say3 8,why1 cousin2 why ,rosalind2-- ,cupid have mercy6--,not a word80 ,the many songs1 especially 8,under the ,greenwood tree0 and 8,what shall ,he have that killed the ,deer80 would prove very appropriate in the forest of ,arden environment1 and the trees would be quite in place for the love-verses of ,orlando4 ,or the guests might be served with a literary salad4 ,paste or draw pictures on cards to illustrate the title of a book1 and give one to each person4 ,whoever shall make a correct guess without assistance within fifteen minutes may be presented with a wreath of laurel4 ,this may be worn on the head or carried on the arm4 ,sometimes a fte champtre is given for sweet charity4 ,it then assumes a different phase1 as booths1 chalets1 or tents are erected1 within which saleable articles are offered4 ,an effective fte might be given in athletic grounds1 which should be noticeably gay with streamers of bunting and little and big flags4 ,at such a fte a large orchestra should play the entire afternoon4 ,it would be very attractive if those in charge of the chalets would represent milkmaids1 as this allows picturesque apparel4 ,the young ladies might go bareheaded1 or wear a gay handkerchief coquettishly knotted under their braids or curls1 or cover their heads altogether by donning the new lawn sunbonnet1 which is such a dainty feature of this summer's outing4 ,the chalets should be small lean-tos1 their roofs tilting towards the back and resting on four poles1 one at each corner4 ,these chalets should be festively trimmed1 and contain such products as milk1 cream1 cheese1 and eggs4 ,as these are all necessities in housekeeping1 the financial result should be quite large4 ,gowns and hats1 flounces and ribbons1 form a conspicuous part of a fte champtre4 ,sheer grenadines1 nets1 and gauzes1 clouds of ,valenciennes lace1 beflowered organdies1 any of the effective summer costumes1 the more fetching the combination the more satisfactory the attire4 ,the color contrasts are allowed to a greater extreme than for street apparel1 and brilliant colors produce a smart effect on the lawn2 and yet the dainty white1 yellow1 pink1 or blue fabrics may be always afterwards worn to advantage1 they are so fresh and youthful4 ,the smart costume requires the broad-brimmed hat coquettishly rolled1 and massed with lilacs1 morning-glories1 sweet-pease1 roses1 or carnations1 and the often added long ribbon streamers4 ,but the flower toque1 and the parasol of white mousseline de soie trimmed with flowers and a flounce of lace1 and the pretty or quaint fan1 aid the charming gown in producing an artistic effect4 ,the guests arrive in pony carriages1 high carts1 or victorias1 and the closed brougham1 like an old friend1 is always admissible4 ,the host and the hostess seem especially cordial1 standing1 as they do1 under the broad branches of a tall tree4 ,indeed1 stern ,madam ,propriety would deem such warmth of welcome scarcely permissible under a lighted chandelier4 ,but if1 as it has been known to happen1 the day of the fte should also be the day of the worst storm of the entire season1 the guests are received1 if possible1 on the piazza1 and all aid in making merry and helping the hostess to such an extent that people forget that a fte champtre was ever considered1 and that it was not meant to be a house party from the beginning4 ,of course no one should allude to the weather2 that would be decidedly out of form1 and be very unkind to the hostess1 who certainly cannot stop the storm4 ,in such a shaping of events refreshments are served in-doors1 if possible using the same little tables intended for the lawn1 the cloths1 which are edged about with ferns and field-flowers in variety1 added to the pretty china and cut glass used in serving the menu1 lend the charm of beauty4 ,the menu for such a function may be the same as that given at an evening reception1 or it may be the simple refreshment provided for an afternoon tea1 with an added salad or ice4 ,but as an afternoon spent in the open air gives good appetite1 liberal refreshment will be in order4 ,,the ,,king',s ,,children4 8,pearly6 ,pearly60 ,it was a woman's shrill voice that fiercely shrieked the name out into the morning air4 ,we were homeward bound from the ,old ,red ,spring in ,saratoga1 when we were arrested by her screams4 ,the sun shone brightly1 the robins and other song birds were trilling out their sweetest melodies1 the air was heavily scented with white clover blossoms and sweetbrier4 ,it was a rarely beautiful ,july morning4 ,all the world to us was melody1 save the jar made by this thin1 haggard1 unkempt woman4 ,in her effort to be heard she travelled along the road in the direction she thought ,pearly must have gone1 crushing the daisies and buttercups down before her4 ,two ,sabbaths before we had sat at the communion table1 and then felt a kinship to all1 that our brothers and sisters were not only those of our very own by ties of blood1 but were close to us the round world over4 ,the ,sabbath before1 as the clergyman said1 8freely ye have received1 freely give10 we thought more of the giving of ourselves than of our money1 more of letting others have a share of the good gifts that had been our lot1 joy1 music1 loving-kindness generally1 than of offering our filthy lucre4 ,indeed1 it seemed a great descent1 for we had been taken up on the moment by our pastor's tender words1 and now must remember ,vanity ,fair and the necessity for money in this worldly world4 ,and so thinking1 this woman with the wild1 disagreeable voice1 stopped us2 and should we not do something to help her1 was the question put to ourselves4 ,she was one of the resident ,saratogians4 ,cross1 possibly1 because she was tired2 haggard1 because she had no time for rest4 ,to her the ,spring waters were as a myth1 and the dry1 bracing air little considered in her work-a-day existence4 ,we1 therefore1 turning in the direction in which this woman went1 commenced our search for the little girl1 for such we decided she was1 but all in vain4 ,whether ,pearly1 familiar to the harsh voice and recognizing extra work or disagreeable duty as a result of coming to the front1 had hidden behind the large clumps of elderberry bushes which grew thickly around1 or had run off to the woods for protection1 we know not2 we only know that we had to leave the woman to conclude her search alone4 ,but the words1 8,pearly6 ,pearly60 now and again caught our ear1 though indistinctly1 as the distance widened between us1 and later we lost the sound altogether4 ,then it was that another ,pearly came into our thought4 ,she had been baptized ,margaret2 but the old-fashioned long name had been shortened during her babyhood to the beautiful name1 8,pearl40 ,she has always been loving and lovable1 and always seemed consecrated1 even from her cradle4 ,many of the wise people have often gravely said of her1 8,that child can never live to grow up4 ,she is too good40 ,but she has lived to grow up1 and1 nothing happening1 in a year or two more she will be graduated from one of our most respected women's colleges4 ,she1 even as a little child1 never had to be punished4 8,pearl1 that is wrong2 you should not act or speak that way10 was the most serious chiding she ever needed to receive2 for when told she had done wrong1 she would immediately say1 8,i will try never to do that again40 ,and she invariably would keep her promise4 ,as a schoolgirl she is a general favorite1 being popular enough to receive the unanimous vote for class president1 for ,pearl is a sunny1 bright1 sympathetic girl4 ,the truly good are always the truly happy4 ,her religion is of the character to attract1 not to repel4 ,and possibly there are nowhere to be found keener or more severe critics than schoolgirls are of one another4 ,the long-faced piety1 as it is sometimes called1 would receive from them only ridicule and contempt4 ,the abandon of youth is not slow in exposing what they consider trustless and wrong4 ,but my story would be too long to tell many incidents in the life of ,pearl2 to tell the many ways she has helped all with whom her short life of eighteen years has brought her in contact2 to tell of her sympathetic words1 helpful handclasp1 feet swift to run on deeds of kindness1 voice raised in song1 thus aiding others in the schoolroom1 the prayer-meeting or the home4 ,indeed1 ,pearl was constantly forming new ties1 thus binding the hearts of all who met her to herself4 ,the incident of which ,i would particularly write is her work as a ,king's ,daughter4 ,she was one of the earliest to join this organization1 and the first band she formed was to pay for the education of a young girl in the same school as herself4 ,this young girl was the only child of a rich father1 but it was the old story--a dishonest partner used the firm's money for speculating purposes1 and in an evil hour all was gone2 not only money1 but reputation also1 and ,elsie1 the only child1 must now leave school1 it seemed1 forever4 ,then it was ,pearl came to the rescue2 and first binding her ten to secrecy1 because it would wound ,elsie to ever know1 it was arranged with the ,president and officers of the school that this band should pay for ,elsie's schooling2 and she will graduate with ,pearl1 all unconscious of the one to whom she is indebted4 ,elsie's father was notified by the school ,president that his daughter was too much beloved not to have an opportunity to finish her education4 ,if he was ever able to refund the money1 all right1 if not1 it was still all right2 and this is all ,elsie or her father know4 ,since then ,pearl has started nine other bands1 each doing noble work for ,christ and humanity4 ,with only one of these is she herself connected4 ,it every year supports ten poor1 aged women1 who otherwise would be obliged to go to the almshouse4 ,by the help of this ,king's ,daughters' ,band these women remain in their own little homes1 passing the hours as their desires dictate1 and not feeling the pain which ,will ,carleton so vividly describes in his poem1 8,over the ,hills to the ,poorhouse40 ,no wonder that these poor old women frequently ask ,god's blessing on these young girls1 for they are so comfortable and happy as they thus quietly wait for the summons to the other home whose builder and maker is ,god4 ,and no wonder that ,pearl wears a happy face1 for the face indicates the heart within4 ,the good she has done1 and may yet do1 will never be known here1 nor is it necessary4 ,sufficient for ,pearl will be the words which we hope will also be ours some day1 8,enter thou into the joy of thy ,lord40 ,,for ,,the ,,boys4 ,why should not the boys be as busy and helpful as the girls8 ,why should not the boys form their 8,try ,bands10 8,working ,circles0 and 8,king's ,sons' ,societies80 ,there is no reason4 ,will not1 therefore1 the willing1 manly boys who read this enlist their friends to help at least one of their heathen brothers to a ,christian education8 ,it is work that will give abundant reward4 ,american boys know how much care is taken for their education4 ,not only are their teachers1 but their mothers1 fathers1 brothers sisters and other relatives1 their constant instructors4 ,the greatest culture and opportunity surround them2 valuable libraries are ever at their disposal4 ,there are numberless free schools1 art rooms and museums4 ,beside the private academies1 institutes1 and colleges1 there are ,young ,men's ,christian ,association rooms1 ,christian ,endeavor ,societies1 churches and ,sunday-schools1 all open and giving hearty welcome4 ,not so are the privileges of the boys in ,india1 ,china and ,japan4 ,for though the ,bible and our missionaries have done a great deal to help the heathen boy1 his surroundings are dark indeed1 in contrast with those of children in ,christian lands4 ,indeed1 it is rare that a heathen boy is not a castaway by his family when he confesses ,christ4 ,instead of relatives being a help to his life1 they are among his greatest sorrows4 ,boys ought to be willing to give other boys a chance1 especially when they stand alone4 ,if ten boys would form a band1 they could easily collect thirty dollars a year1 and thirty dollars would pay all the yearly expenses of a boy in a mission school or academy4 ,this academy prepares boys for the theological seminary1 and the seminary fits them for the ministry4 ,indeed1 when in the academy1 boys often go out to talk and sing to those who do not know of ,christ4 ,they feel sure that their heathen friends are missing so much in not knowing ,jesus1 that they cannot wait until they have completed their studies2 but as soon as they know about ,jesus themselves they are impatient to tell others4 ,they can talk to their friends with greater effect than missionaries from this country1 because they understand their customs and ways4 ,besides1 the terrible heat in ,india does not affect them as it does people who go from this country4 ,very often our missionaries and their families have to return to ,america on account of their health4 ,some of the boys in ,india are very bright4 ,i will tell you of one who is about fifteen years of age1 and is a student in the ,arcot ,academy1 ,india4 ,his name is ,joseph1 son of the catechist ,israel2 his mother's name is ,rachel4 ,you will notice they are all ,bible names4 ,this family were once heathen1 but now all know and love ,christ1 and are happy in working for ,him4 ,i lately had the pleasure of reading a letter written and composed by ,joseph1 without any aid from his instructors4 ,i wish it were possible for my boy readers to see his penmanship2 it seemed nearly as perfect as copperplate4 ,each letter was very distinct and prettily shaded4 ,every word was spelled correctly1 and while his composition had not the exact style we would use1 it was very direct and intelligible4 ,i doubt if many ,american boys of ,joseph's age could do better with a ,french or ,german letter1 or in writing in any other language than their own4 ,thinking you might be interested in hearing from ,joseph1 particularly as he tells of what he does on the ,sabbath1 and of his school life1 ,i will quote directly from his letter3 8,,madras ,,presidency1 ,ranipet1 ,india4 8,,most ,,respected ,,and ,,kind ,,madam3 8,my superiors1 teachers and fellow-students are doing well up to this time by the grace of our ,almighty1 hoping the same for you4444 8,i solicit you1 dear madam1 pray for me that ,i may obey my superiors2 ,i don't like to have the name of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ in vain4 ,but ,i want to publish ,his name4 8,every ,sunday we all go over the country and preach about the ,gospel4 ,many of the heathen become ,christians4 8,there are eight bands in the school4 ,when we are going to preach1 each band will take three or four lyrics1 some tracts1 a cymbal1 and a jalar or tambourine4 ,when we are singing many men and women and children will come to hear us4 8,after our preaching is over we take account of the men1 women and children who come to hear our preaching4 ,most of them will ask questions1 and we will answer them4 ,many of them will abuse the name of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,though they abused ,him1 we won't leave these men1 since they don't understand what ,christ has done for the world4 ,we have meeting every ,friday evening1 and in that meeting we will give our reports of the men who heard the ,word of ,christ40 ,referring to his studies1 he writes3 8,now there are four classes1 viz41 matriculation class1 the fifth class1 the lower secondary class1 and the lower fourth class4 ,there are five teachers1 including our manager4 ,each class changes its lessons after one hour4 ,our manager teaches general ,english for the four classes1 and also takes ,english history for the fifth class1 and science1 physics and chemistry for the sixth class4 ,he shows many good examples and gives us good games4 ,he is very kind toward us4 ,we have many sorts of games4 ,tennis and football and cricket and gymnasium exercises4 ,our manager teaches us cricket every evening40 ,as this boy is writing to the one who supports him1 he closes in the following manner3 8,i thank the ,lord for having given me a supporter4 ,i render my warm and delightful obeisance to respected and dear madam4 ,i remain your most obedient 8,,ponnor ,,isaac ,,joseph40 ,after reading this letter1 which is not a fancy sketch1 picture in your mind ,joseph1 his surroundings1 a young ,hindoo boy1 whose dark-skinned face glows enthusiastically with his love for ,christ and with his ardent desire to tell others of his love1 writing in a strange tongue to a lady whom he has never seen4 ,he has her photograph1 and has received letters from her1 but her voice and manner are only conjectures in his mind4 ,he is writing to this lady1 who has been the means of his salvation1 of freeing him from his yoke borne by his countrymen4 ,try to picture this1 and then see if in your own heart there is not a strong desire to free more than one boy in that dark land4 ,in freeing one1 you free others3 do not forget that4 8,i ,,wish ,i ,,were ,a ,,general40 8,if wishes were horses1 ,beggars might ride40 8,have you ever heard that1 ,jo80 8,heard it1 what kind of a bringing up has a fellow had1 do you think8 ,you know well enough that ever since ,i was in knickerbockers1 that immortal rhyme has been drilled into me4 ,i'm sick and tired of sermonizing1 and all ,i have to say is1 if you don't wish for something grand1 something beyond you1 you never will amount to anything40 8,that is true1 ,jo1 but wishing without action will not accomplish much4 ,i've heard you make at least twenty wishes this morning4 ,one1 #8,i wish ,i was rich6' just as though that were anything new2 all boys wish that4 ,then you wished you were somebody great1 somebody famous1 like ,csar or the ,czar of ,russia1 or the ,president of the ,united ,states4 ,then you wished your father could only let you have a college education so that you might be a lawyer4 ,and then1 to go on to smaller matters1 you wished it was ,christmas1 so that you might have vacation4 ,and lastly1 you wished you were a fine bicycle rider1 so that you might win the prize in the coming race4 ,i tell you1 old fellow1 ,i long ago learned such a wholesome lesson on the wishing point1 that it made me over new1 so to speak40 8,how so1 ,john8 now ,i am interested1 for ,i thought you had been perfect from your youth up40 8,well1 to begin with the beginning and make an out-and-out confession1 ,i'll have to introduce you to my ,uncle ,charles4 ,i wish you knew ,general ,journay2 ,i know you would like him even if he is an odd-looking man2 he was once very handsome4 ,he is too sensible to think he is handsome now1 though1 for there is no denying that he's fat4 ,he says it is constitutional1 and maybe it is4 ,i notice he is very uncomfortable1 short of breath1 you know2 gets a red face in climbing up the stairs to the elevated road1 and all that1 but he's jolly and good1 and says he wants me to be a manly man1 and ,i am going to try my best to please him4 ,you know ,i am not as rich in relations as you are1 for my parents died when ,i was a baby1 and ,i never had either brothers or sisters2 perhaps that's one reason ,i think so much of you1 ,jo4 ,well1 to go on with my story1 when ,i was about twelve years old ,i went to visit for a week at my ,uncle ,charles' home4 ,he was delighted to have me with him1 and ,i never tired of his companionship1 or of looking at his soldier's uniform1 his sword and his medals4 ,one day ,i said to him1 #8,oh1 ,uncle1 ,i wish ,i were a ,general1' and he replied1 #8,there is no reason why you cannot be one1 my boy1 if the right material is only in you4'0 8#8,what do you mean by right material1 ,uncle8' ,i inquired4 8#8,why1 humility1 obedience1 courage1 honesty1 truthfulness4' 8#8,i did not know that soldiers were ever humble4' 8#8,you must be humble enough to enter the lowest ranks1 obedient enough to follow orders1 courageous enough to face any emergency1 honest enough to submit to pain rather than to steal1 and truthful enough never to soil your lips or conscience with a lie4' 8,then my uncle told me of his own boyhood1 of his poverty1 his hindrances1 his temptations2 and ,i saw that the rank of ,general did not come by wishing1 but by the greatest endurance1 study1 and hard work4 ,i tell you what1 ,jo1 as ,i listened to his story ,i felt so ashamed1 and so small1 ,i thought ,i would like to crawl away in a hole1 anywhere almost1 if ,i could only hide1 for you know my uncle is such a noble1 grand man4 ,then1 too1 my uncle told me of our great inventors1 officers1 rulers1 whom the world is delighted to honor1 and ,i saw that wishing had but little to do with their achievements and successes4 ,i saw ,i had to buckle on my own armor and go to work4 8,that night ,i could scarcely sleep2 ,i kept thinking how insignificant uncle must think me1 for ,i knew ,i had often wished for this1 that and the other thing in his presence1 and so when ,i did sleep ,i dreamed that ,i was in the woods1 and ,i thought that all the bushes and trees were waving1 and one big branch seemed like a long1 bare arm beckoning to me4 ,i felt an awesome1 queer1 uncanny feeling1 and ,i was sure ,i was losing my way4 ,i saw one and another path1 but which one to take ,i knew not1 when suddenly ,i heard a laugh2 this frightened me so much that ,i jumped2 then a voice said1 #8,you little goosey-gander1 what a brave soldier you would make1 to be sure1 afraid of a little laugh2' and then ,i heard ha6 ha6 ha6 and what seemed to me to be the most uproarious laughter1 the shout of a hundred fairies4 ,soon a tiny old woman approached me saying1 #8,i am a fairy queen4 ,ask for whatever you may wish while you are in my domain8' 8,at once ,i exclaimed3 #8,i wish to be the oldest ,general living4' ,and there ,i was1 a general in very truth1 but so old ,i could scarcely see1 so deaf ,i could scarcely hear2 and ,i was dressed in a costume similar to my uncle's4 ,my hands were wrinkled1 a long beard hung over my breast1 but it was as white as snow4 ,my mouth felt so queer that ,i lifted my hand to discover the reason1 and alas6 my teeth were all gone4 ,i tried to walk1 but ,i was so stiff ,i could scarcely place one foot before the other4 #8,oh1 what a fool ,i have been1' ,i thought4 #8,if only ,i were a boy again8 ,oh1 ,uncle ,charles1 ,uncle ,charles6' ,i screamed4 8#8,why1 my boy1 what is the matter1 you were groaning and moaning so in your sleep1 ,i thought something must be wrong8' were his words4 8,wasn't ,i grateful1 though1 to find it was only a dream4 ,it seemed too good to be true1 to learn that ,i was really a boy again1 that life was before1 and not behind1 me4 ,i tell you1 ,jo1 ,i could scarcely wait for day to come1 to get at positive work4 ,and since that horrible nightmare1 which taught me the silliness of wishing1 ,i have been a changed boy1 and ,i do not think ,i will ever fall into that purposeless talk again4 ,but you don't like sermons1 excuse me1 ,jo40 8,you are a good fellow1 ,john2 ,i should not be worthy of friendship such as yours1 if ,i did not benefit by what you have told me4 ,i will try to follow your example4 ,what do you say to our both being manly men80 8,those words have the right ring40 ,and so saying the two friends walked off arm in arm4 ,a ,,hebrew ,,christian4 ,sydney ,arnheim was a ,jew4 ,i say was1 because he has thrown off the yoke of the ,jewish faith1 and this little story will tell you how it all came about4 ,sydney is an only child2 his parents are rich2 his father1 a famous ,wall ,street broker1 is a power among his kind2 his mother also belongs to a wealthy ,hebrew family1 and her refined taste and education show clearly in her surroundings4 ,anything that appeals to her exquisite judgment is purchased1 so that ,sydney's home shows everywhere the touch of elegance1 as well as the fitness of perfection4 ,sydney's own room bears the print of her careful taste1 and yet prominent among the rich hangings and delicate furnishing you see a ,winchester rifle1 a trout pole1 also a buck's antlers1 a blue crane1 a kingfisher1 and several other well-known birds1 all so skilfully prepared by the taxidermist that you could scarcely be blamed if you thought them yet alive4 ,yes1 ,sydney is a regular boy1 and loves to keep trophies of his sport in sight1 as well as his gun and trout pole4 ,he says at times1 8,it makes it seem as if ,i'm in the ,adirondack woods whenever ,i look at them1 and simply lifting my rod recalls some experiences with papa in the boat with our guide1 or else wading the streams with my tutor and drawing out big fish40 ,so ,sydney's mother1 knowing the comfort these recollections bring1 allows her son to place his sporting equipments just where and as he pleases4 ,thus the room has an odd1 menagerie style of appearance4 ,and thus the home of this ,israelitish family everywhere tells of comfort and luxury4 ,sydney1 from his babyhood1 was carefully trained in the customs and belief of his people4 ,his mother1 so frequently his companion1 constantly talked about the greatness of his lineage1 and told him of the patriarchs1 legislators1 warriors1 singers and prophets which were among the ,hebrew people4 ,she also told him of ,abraham and ,moses1 and of the covenant with ,abraham at ,jehovah-jireh1 8,in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed10 and also what the ,lord said to ,jacob at ,bethel1 8,the land whereon thou liest1 to thee will ,i give it1 and to thy seed40 ,and she daily urged her son to walk in the footsteps and keep the covenants of his people1 and always to serve the ,lord ,god of ,israel4 ,the rabbi also would frequently visit their home1 and ,sydney was accustomed to talk to him1 as well as to receive the old man's instruction and blessing4 ,sydney loved to hear from him the stories of ,moses1 ,aaron and ,joshua2 of the ,tishbite and his servant ,elisha2 of ,solomon and the temple2 of the son of ,jesse1 ,david1 the sweet singer1 and of the promise of the ,messiah to come4 ,and so it was when ,sydney had attained his seventeenth year that when asked what he would most like for his birthday-gift he replied1 8,the education that will fit me the most thoroughly to preach1 not alone to my people1 but to win many erring ones1 believers in the #8false ,christ' to turn to the true faith40 ,he was at this time1 therefore1 and for seven anxious1 wearisome months afterwards1 the ,jewest of all ,jews1 a devoted follower of ,moses1 but not of the ,lamb4 ,about the time of the birthday above alluded to1 there came for a visit of three months a cousin of ,sydney1 a little girl about three years his junior4 ,she1 young as she was1 however1 was a ,christian1 and had the ,easter previous publicly confessed ,christ1 and united with the same church her parents had long attended4 ,the question might readily be asked1 8,since she was ,sydney's cousin1 how was it that she was not also a believer in the ,hebrew faith80 ,the reason is this4 ,her mother was ,sydney's father's sister1 and when very young1 only seventeen years of age1 had surprised and grieved her family by stating she was about to marry a gentleman who was not of her religion4 ,many words regarding the matter were exchanged at the time1 but they were useless in preventing the marriage1 and a year later she saddened her parents yet more by renouncing her ,hebrew faith1 and connecting herself with the church of her husband4 ,he was a most exemplary gentleman1 however1 and1 notwithstanding his religion1 his wife's people could not fail to have a most profound respect for him4 ,so1 in time1 the families visited back and forth1 but the topic of religion was never introduced4 ,sydney's father would sometimes sigh wearily1 when talking of his sister1 and say his hope was that she would yet return to the belief of her forefathers1 and that in time all must be well4 ,so now the little ,edith was to spend many weeks with her ,jewish relations1 but she had been told to be careful about her attendance at church1 and ever watchful of her conduct1 indeed to act in every way as the child of the dear ,christ whom she loved so well4 ,her mother1 however1 before consigning her to her brother's care1 simply said to her1 8,i will pray for you1 dear1 that your faith fail not10 and 8,have no fear1 mamma10 was the sweet reply4 8,jesus will be with me in ,uncle ,nathan's home1 as well as in my own4 ,perhaps ,he will even have work for me to do there4 ,you know ,dr4 ,m---- last ,sabbath morning talked to us on the subject of missions1 and said there were many kinds1 and while we should pray and work for the foreign and domestic fields1 we must also remember those of our own household1 indeed1 all everywhere1 who do not love the ,saviour40 ,so ,edith's mother had no fear for her child1 and into the uncle's home there came a blessing1 the measure of which cannot be counted by any earthly rule or computation1 for who can measure the joy of even one soul turned to the ,saviour8 ,edith and ,sydney were now great friends1 for while they had known each other always1 the constant companionship led to the warmest friendship1 and they were therefore as good comrades as a boy and girl cousin could well be4 ,neither religion nor any topic bearing on it was ever discussed before ,edith4 ,she never attended their church1 nor they hers4 ,when the ,sabbath came she would always be accompanied to the church door1 and when the service was out some member of the family would be found without waiting to walk home with her1 and during her entire visit neither by word or action was she allowed to feel she stood apart from her ,jewish relations1 and therefore the time passed all too rapidly onward4 ,she remembered her promise to her mother1 and most earnestly she prayed to ,god to direct and help her4 ,she also prayed for her uncle and aunt1 imploring the ,father in heaven to lead them into the light2 but particularly she prayed for her cousin ,sydney4 ,they were such comrades1 so nearly of an age1 and yet she felt there was a great gulf fixed1 and therefore she constantly plead that he might learn of the ,christ1 the ,saviour4 ,one day1 just after a most fervent prayer for ,sydney1 her cousin approached her unobserved while she was reading from the ,new ,testament4 ,he exclaimed1 on seeing the title1 8,why1 ,edith1 ,i never had a copy of that book in my hands4 ,i should like to read yours sometime1 if you don't mind40 8,mind6 why no1 ,sydney4 ,take it along with you now40 ,and he did4 ,when her cousin left1 ,edith prayed as she never had before1 beseeching the ,father to let the scales drop from his eyes and show unto him the ,christ4 ,and ,god did open the boy's eyes4 ,he did not read through a glass darkly1 but with clearest vision4 ,the brightest light fell on the divine ,word1 the light which later led to his giving up his old ,hebrew faith1 and his acceptance of ,jesus4 ,all did not come at once4 ,at the first reading he was troubled1 anxious1 but not satisfied4 ,he had many old questions to settle2 he had much pride to put aside2 he spent many hours1 and at times away into the night in prayer4 ,but peace at last came1 the peace which he feels will endure until the day when he will see the ,king in ,his beauty4 ,and now ,sydney longs for the conversion of his parents1 and of all of his people4 ,his wish is to preach ,christ1 and so do all in his power to lead his brethren1 the ,jews1 unto the everlasting joy of the ,new ,jerusalem4 ,,the ,,baby',s ,,lesson4 ,it was blossom-time1 and in the quiet of the early ,may morning the church bells rung out their loving call4 8,come1 come1 come60 they seemed to say1 and1 accepting the invitation1 we shortly found ourselves sitting1 with other strangers1 in the ,episcopal church of a favorite resort4 ,it was during the ,scripture lesson that a little maiden of about four years of age quietly walked up the long aisle1 looking to right and left1 scanning the faces in every pew1 until she had reached the chancel4 ,the clergyman's voice was no doubt familiar to her1 for she showed no timidity4 ,not seeing the one she sought1 she turned and tripped down the aisle again4 ,but on nearing the door she put out her hands and extended her arms in a pleading baby fashion1 as if to say1 8,i do not want to go away4 ,i cannot find my papa or mamma1 but will not some one lift me up8 ,i came to church to stay40 ,and a kind-hearted man1 seeing the gesture1 took up the baby beside him4 ,the little one reverently entered into the worship of the hour4 ,as prayer followed prayer1 the blue eyes closed tight1 and the wavy golden hair fell forward over the bent head4 ,at the time of singing she rose with others1 and her voice carolled out the tune1 though her words were those of her own devising4 ,one little hand tightly clasped a penny1 and as the collection-plate was passed she eagerly dropped in her contribution4 ,it was time to go home1 and as nearly all present were strangers1 many watched to see what the baby girl would do4 ,a mother by my side said to her1 8,i have a little girl at home1 about as big as you4 ,i would not want her to be lost1 and if you will tell me where you live ,i will take you home40 ,then a quiet dignity seemed to possess the wee maiden1 as with courteous action she pointed to a large white house about one hundred feet away4 ,lifting the blue eyes to the lady's face1 she replied1 8,i live there4 ,i love to come to church1 and ,i thought ,i should find papa2 he always goes1 but0--gravely shaking her curls--8,i couldn't find him this morning4 ,but ,i can go home by my own self40 ,and then1 child fashion1 she ran on1 as though to satisfy us that she knew the way4 ,walking under the apple boughs back to the hotel1 we thought of the sermon this child's presence had preached4 ,and the question came1 ,why do not all parents so train their little ones that they love ,god's house8 ,this little girl had given the congregation a lesson which should make a children's day of every ,sabbath the year around4 ,the ,bible says1 8,their angels do always behold the face of the ,father10 and 8,unless ye become as a little child1 ye cannot enter the kingdom40 ,where young children sit side by side with their parents in church1 and so learn to 8remember the ,sabbath day10 they will early wish to consecrate their lives to ,christ4 ,they will not enter heaven 8so as by fire10 but 8as kings crowned10 for they will not wait to work for the ,master until the time when the 8grinders shall cease because they are few1 and those that look out of the windows be darkened10 but will use the hours of every day as in ,god's sight1 and in the companionship of ,him who is invisible4 ,,parlor ,,fortune-,,telling4 ,nothing so much lends enchantment to the hours or wings them to merry flight as fortune-telling4 ,and particularly fascinating is the art of foretelling the future through the medium of palm-reading4 ,when a bright girl who has the faculty of revealing character and prophesying the future by inspecting the hand is in a drawing-room1 the hostess need not fear for the pleasure of her guests1 for the fair magician will take care of beaux and belles alike1 leading them on to happy marriages and boundless wealth 7for no real fortune-teller ever forgets matrimony and money74 ,nor will the young people alone be anxious to learn what is written in the palms of their hands1 for more or less superstition lingers with us all4 ,and what if there has been a small error regarding character-reading1 or a trifling discrepancy relative to past events1 one happy guess will cause all such mistakes to be forgotten3 and besides1 the necessity for verification is seldom urgent4 ,palmistry is not altogether pastime1 any more than divination is altogether jugglery1 for no hand is exactly like another hand2 the intersection of the lines1 the stars1 the mounts1 the texture1 really do supply a guide to the character of the owner4 ,and if1 added to the knowledge of hand-reading1 you are a student of the face--and every one is more or less a physiognomist--you will arrive at fairly correct conclusions4 ,palmistry is linked with astrology3 the first finger belongs to ,jupiter1 the middle to ,saturn1 the third to the ,sun1 the small finger to ,mercury2 ,venus is in the thick part below the thumb1 the plain of ,mars is directly under the mount of ,mercury1 the moon controls all beneath the kingdom of ,mars4 ,this link between the planets and the hand was arbitrary2 astronomers distributed deities among the planets1 and the planets were supposed to partake of the nature of the gods and to influence life4 ,palmistry also depends on analogy and symbolism4 ,every mark on the hand has some mystical meaning4 ,a star denotes success1 barred lines indicate obstacles2 where several parallel lines are formed instead of one1 they show a variety of pursuits1 instead of force only in one direction4 ,if lines are long1 gently curved1 and red1 they indicate a gentle disposition2 if you have a special talent1 there will surely be a perpendicular line from the base of the hand toward the fingers2 this line is sometimes doubled4 ,long tapering fingers indicate high mental qualities1 a love of the arts1 a thirst for knowledge1 and strength of memory1 while the contrary shows a tendency to rapid progress at first1 only to be followed by failure in all intellectual undertakings4 ,people with short fingers are apt to be impulsive1 if they are very short1 they indicate lack of tact4 ,long-fingered people go into detail1 and are punctiliously careful about trifles4 ,twisted fingers with short nails show tyranny and a worrying temperament4 ,if the fingers fit closely together1 their owner is apt to be avaricious2 if smooth1 they indicate indiscretion and talkativeness4 ,but if twisted and showing spaces between1 the person is sympathetic and generous4 ,sensitiveness is shown by the small fleshy protuberances1 which stand out from the curved surface of the finger-tips4 ,if your fingers are broad1 you will love things for their practical uses2 your taste will be for industries1 mechanics1 commerce4 ,if your finger-tips are square1 you will be fond of literature1 logic1 language1 you will be inclined to theorize1 and you will have respect for authority4 ,the joints of the fingers have an importance1 so they too must be carefully examined4 ,indeed1 no one part of the hand can be taken alone2 a joint or a line or a mount may so change the meaning of what you have already observed1 as to greatly modify your conclusions4 ,conic fingers show a love for the beautiful1 the ideal and romantic1 but the well-developed joints may add moral force1 as also does a large thumb4 ,hands that are always white1 regardless of temperature1 tell of selfishness and conceit1 lack of sympathy for the sorrows of others4 ,soft hands tell of a lazy1 lethargic temperament2 hard hands show a love of exercise and labor4 ,soft hands indicate tenderness rather than fidelity1 while hard hands indicate true love1 but not much tenderness or passion4 ,smoothness of the hands shows delicacy of mind4 ,a wrinkled hand1 if soft1 shows sensitiveness2 if hard1 irritability4 ,pale lines in a hand show a phlegmatic disposition1 in a man amounting to effeminacy4 ,each mount is of as much import as are the indications found on the fingers4 ,on the mount of ,jupiter you will learn of honor1 ambition1 religion4 ,if it is very large it shows tyranny and ostentation2 if small1 idleness1 egoism1 vulgarity4 ,a cross found on this mount will tell of a happy marriage2 if a star is found as well1 the marriage will be wealthy and satisfactory to the highest degree4 ,a spot on this mount shows ignominy and dishonor4 ,the mount of ,saturn1 which is at the base of the second finger1 tells of caution1 credulousness1 timidity4 ,if very large1 the individual will be melancholy1 quiet1 and morbid4 ,a solitary line on this mount indicates bad fortune4 ,the mount of the ,sun1 when prominent1 insures success1 genius1 pride1 eloquence4 ,if the mount is extremely large1 wealth extravagance1 luxury4 ,a single line on this mount means glory4 ,below the little finger on the outside of the hand we look for the mount of ,mercury1 and there learn of invention1 speculation1 agility4 ,excess of this mount indicates cunning1 treachery1 and falsehood4 ,below this mount we find ,mars1 which if very prominent1 shows the owner to be brusque and violent2 if it is small1 look out for cowardice and meanness4 ,the mount of the ,moon1 which is found lower still1 denotes a love of the mysterious2 those possessing this mount to a high degree are also inclined to revery1 as well as to idleness4 ,they are likewise capricious1 changeful1 and irritable4 ,in hard hands you will also read discontent and fanaticism4 ,the most important of all the lines on the hand is the line of life4 ,if long1 clear1 and straight1 it shows long life and good character2 if pale and broad1 the indications are ill health and a weak disposition2 if thick and red1 the owner is apt to be violent to brutality2 if varying in thickness1 this will show a fitful and high temper4 ,the greatest caution must be used by any reader of the hand1 and before even a pretension is made to judge character or to foretell the future1 much careful study of the many books on this subject should be given4 ,the student must learn from different authorities1 as well as by thoughtful study and comparison for himself4 ,many rules must be applied1 and there are many conflicting forces to harmonize4 ,the hand is of the utmost importance in human economy4 ,aristotle denominated it 8the organ of the organs40 ,after the murder of ,cicero at ,caieta1 not only his head but also his hands were exhibited in the ,roman ,forum4 ,the homologies have been traced between the human hand and the paws of the brute creation1 and it has been proved that to man alone was the perfect hand given1 exquisite in beauty as well as paramount in usefulness4 ,palmistry is an old science4 ,as early as the year #aejd there was a book published in the city of ,london on ,the ,art of ,foretelling the ,future ,events by ,inspection of the ,hand4 ,it has been asserted that ,homer wrote on the lines of the hand4 ,probably most people are familiar with the verse assigned by the superstitions as ,scriptural warrant for indulging in this popular art3 ,job xxxvii4 #g1 8,he sealeth the hand of every man1 that all may know his work40 ,,church ,,courtesy4 ,it was only a smile as the ,hymn-book and ,psalter were offered2 it did not cost the young man anything1 but it gave us1 the recipients of his courtesy1 pleasant satisfaction4 ,we did not feel as if the books were grudgingly given1 but rather that a sympathetic bond had united us1 that we would like to know this cordial generous young fellow1 and thought if this were a sample of the people in that church1 we would like to make it our home4 ,the entire service was so heightened by the incident that we scarcely missed our old familiar surroundings1 and really had almost forgotten that we were strangers1 so one with us the people appeared2 and when the preacher later gave for his text the words1 8,the greatest of these is ,love10 it seemed only natural that this should have been the thought selected4 ,by contrast1 we felt severely the difference which the following ,sabbath brought4 ,it was again the early service1 and we sat strangers in another city church4 ,the opening hymn1 which was not a familiar one1 was announced1 and an old man sitting in a pew behind gave us his book4 ,two young men occupying the seat with him each had a hymn-book with notes1 but instead of looking on the same book1 so having one to spare1 they each selfishly kept their own1 neither offering one to the old gentleman who1 ,i later learned1 had gone without for our sake1 nor giving a book to two ladies who were in the pew with me1 and were strangers like ourselves4 ,as a result1 we all felt uncomfortable2 the clergyman's sermon1 excellent though it was1 did not meet with proper response4 ,our thoughts were divided1 the atmosphere was unpleasant1 we claimed that the church seemed very cheerless1 that even the lighting of it was not satisfactory1 and1 indeed1 we were so unhappy by the ungracious action of the two young men back of us that we were glad when the benediction was pronounced1 and we could1 borrowing an illustration from the time of the ,apostles1 shake the dust off our feet1 and turn toward home4 ,the question is sometimes asked1 ,why are there so many vacant pews in our churches8 ,and the blame is laid on the hard-working minister4 ,well1 his shoulders are broad and accustomed to carrying burdens4 ,all the sorrows and annoyances of the people become a part of his daily load4 ,but stop4 ,let us put the answer to this question where it belongs1 not on the minister1 but nine-tenths of the time on the congregation4 8,be not forgetful to entertain strangers10 are the words of the ,bible1 and we cannot go to a better book for advice4 8,be courteous10 are also two words found there4 ,a young man1 not a church-goer1 once said to me1 8,i wandered into ,dr4 ,l4's church the other morning1 and ,i was shown into one of the very best pews4 ,later the family came1 and they gave me every attention4 ,when the service was over1 the gentleman who sat at the head of the pew allowed his family to pass out1 and waited for me4 ,then offering his hand1 said he was very glad ,i had been put in his pew1 and he hoped ,i would come to church again very soon1 every ,sunday if ,i would1 and then he added1 #8,young man1 don't ask an usher for a seat1 come right in here with me any time4' 8,now10 continued this young gentleman1 8that's what ,i call business4 ,i enjoyed the service that morning1 was not made to feel as if ,i was an offscourer1 but as if ,i was welcome4 ,i'll go again soon2 that's the right kind of a church4 ,the singing was beautiful1 and ,i'm fond of music2 the sermon1 too1 touched the right place1 but ,i think what had more to do with it than anything else1 was that courteous family and the hearty hand-shake afterwards40 ,we1 neither of us1 can weigh the influence we have on our neighbor4 ,perhaps it is better for our own peace we cannot4 ,but we must remember a smile may save a soul4 8,inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these1 ye have done it unto me40 ,a ,,brave ,,boy4 8,how shall our class raise one hundred dollars for the benefit of the church-debt fund80 was a question recently put to eight young girls by their ,sunday-school teacher4 8,have a fair in the early fall2 we will work for it all summer10 was the first answer4 8,no2 that might interfere with the ladies' fair1 which comes during ,december4 ,it is to be a mammoth one this year1 and we must not anticipate the event nor risk retarding its prosperity1 but rather do our part to push it forward40 8,suppose1 then1 we have a cake sale10 was the suggestion by the eldest one of the party4 ,that was at once vetoed1 as more properly belonging to our mothers and grandmothers4 8,i tell you what1 girls60 ejaculated ,jessie1 8let us make candy2 get all the orders we can and supply our customers4 ,we can make lots of money that way40 8,yes1 if we can get the customers10 added ,hattie1 8,i thought maybe we could get up an entertainment1 and so ,i brought a book containing a colloquy in three parts1 which will just take in all of us4 ,there are eight characters1 so it would fit exactly40 8,good for you1 ,hattie10 was the quick reply1 and the bright eyes and excited manner of each of the scholars showed that such enthusiasm could not fall to result in success4 ,later a satisfactory programme was arranged1 consisting of music1 recitations1 tableaux and the above-mentioned colloquy4 ,the entertainment was to be given in the parlors of one of the scholars1 and the tickets for young and old were to be offered for the sum of twenty-five cents each4 ,my6 how the girls worked1 not alone in the necessary preparation for their part of the programme1 but in the sale of tickets1 which were disposed of rapidly4 ,at last the much-looked-for night had come1 and never did stars seem more brilliant1 or moonlight more beautiful4 ,such a crowd6 ,long before the time for showing the tableaux1 which were to open the entertainment1 the parlors and halls and even the stairs were full4 ,a man was stationed at the door to receive the tickets and any money which might be offered4 ,but was it any wonder that little ,theodore ,vandervoort1 who is connected with one of the younger classes of the ,sunday-school1 found himself surrounded by so many bigger and older people1 that he was not seen8 or that the money he had expected to give at the door should not be taken8 ,what a temptation this now presented6 ,his father and mother would never know4 ,the twenty-five cents would buy a great deal of candy1 or the new ball he wanted so much1 or a box of figs1 or several bananas1 of which he was very fond4 ,but no1 ,theodore was an honest boy and would therefore scorn to use money which was not his own4 ,this twenty-five cents had been given to him to pay for the entertainment he was now enjoying1 and he would not expend it for any other purpose4 ,so the following morning1 before he entered school1 he paid his debt1 personally going to the house of the teacher who had charge of the entertainment and1 with a few words of explanation1 leaving the money4 ,and so ,theodore ,vandervoort proved himself a hero1 an example to many an older boy1 as well as to many fathers and mothers4 ,even in a small boy we see the future man1 and if ,god wills that ,theodore ,vandervoort shall grow to manhood1 we are not afraid to predict great things of him1 to prophesy that he will be a man above reproach1 a king among his fellows4 ,may the boys who read this story beware of falling into temptation1 or doing the first dishonest act2 but rather let them be brave1 noble and upright1 as was little ,theodore1 and so receive not only peace of conscience in the present life1 but the joy which is eternal4 ,as for the entertainment1 it met with the success that generally attends zeal and hard work1 and so overflowing was the treasury that the girls scarcely needed the added twenty-five cents4 ,yet honest ,theodore1 in taking his first opportunity to get out of debt1 which is out of danger also1 had set for all who read these words an excellent example4 99 99 99 99 99 ,transcriber's ,notes3 ,obvious punctuation errors repaired4 ,varied hyphenation retained4 ,page #ah1 8carboard0 changed to 8cardboard0 7a square of cardboard7 ,page #bc1 8varities0 changed to 8varieties0 7think what varieties of7 ,pages #be1 #adi 8where-ever0 split over two lines was changed to 8wherever0 7,girl runs wherever7 7may put them wherever7 ,page #eg1 8though0 changed to 8through0 7through which he has7 ,page #eg1 8andthis0 changed to 8and this0 7and this game should7 ,page #ia1 8fete0 changed to 8fte0 7the popular fte7 ,page #if1 8matinee0 changed to 8matine0 7occasional matine performance7 ,page #ig1 8mad0 changed to 8made0 7be made of white7 ,page #afb1 8fastents0 changed to 8fastens0 7instantly fastens itself7 ,page #ahd1 8couse0 changed to 8course0 7course1 the pansy-leaf7 ,page #ahi1 8maccaroni0 changed to 8macaroni0 7but not macaroni7 ,page #aid1 8urdona0 changed to 8urdon0 7own esog urdon7 ,page #aid1 8,mda0 changed to 8,nda0 7,nda lilst i okwn7 ,page #aid1 8aec dn0 changed to 8aecdn0 7,het iteesvf aecdn7 ,page #aid1 8f'tfrdnei0 changed to 8fetfrdnei0 7,os fetfrdnei rmof7 ,page #aif1 8eyes0 changed to 8hair0 7hair was so brown7 ,page #aii1 8tlp0 changed to 8tip0 7tip of nose7 ,page #aii1 8smilar0 changed to 8similar0 7similar to example7 ,page #bjj1 8wth0 changed to 8with0 7with pots1 pans1 dishes7 ,page #bce1 8similiar0 changed to 8similar0 7similar ludicrous blunders7 ,page #bdj1 split across two lines1 8forget-getting0 changed to 8forgetting0 7the trouble1 forgetting7 ,page #bdi1 8the0 changed to 8this0 7negligent this time7 ,page #bee1 8immates0 changed to 8inmates0 7difficulty the inmates of7 ,page #caf1 paragraph break introduced after the line ending1 8with me anytime0 as the quotation pattern seemed to suggest it4 ,page #cai1 8eharge0 changed to 8charge0 7charge of the entertainment7