From the collection of the
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Prelinger
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JJibrary
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San Francisco, California
2006
ed
P
IN AND OUT
DOOR GAMES
WITH
SUGGESTIONS FOR ENTERTAINMENTS
BY
MRS. BURTON KINGSLAND
"No pursuit or pleasure can b«carried onJjrthe best spirit without
being unselfish if it conduce^ to fne,pleasuj|ror others."
— LORD CHESTERFIELD
New York
SULLY AND KLEINTEICH
Copyright, 1904, by Doubleday, Page & Company
A FOREWORD
IN PRAISE OP GAMES
WE are probably all believers that "A merry
heart doeth good like a medicine," or to
paraphrase it — that "Merriment is the best
medicine," and hold that fun enjoyed in common
exorcises bad tempers, banishes blues, and " happifies"
people generally. We may therefore find it time not
ill employed to consider such games and pastimes as
may prove conducive to these beatific results.
Wellington's famous statement that the battle of
Waterloo was first won on Eton playground has been
often quoted, but not every one realises how essentially
play is youth's rehearsal for the acts of mature life.
A boy that is earnest in play is apt to be earnest in
work, and games of skill aid much in his development.
They quicken the perceptive faculties, sharpen the
wits, increase the imaginative powers, and social games
that involve intelligence and information stimulate
ambition to excel in these lines.
One meets obstacles, and is taught patience in over-
coming them — the pleasure of success leading to renewed
effort. When sides are taken, the mistake of one is
the common loss of all — and esprit de corps is educated.
New problems are continually arising, the conditions
are never quite the same, and ingenuity is called upon to
meet them. One must keep one's temper, play abso-
lutely fairly — careful to take no unlawful advantage —
vi A Foreword
and as umpire be strictly impartial to friends and foes
alike, and never lose one's wits for a moment.
One not too timid to make a venture but careful not to
be rash or over-confident, amiable under defeat, and a
generous antagonist — ready to acclaim the victor who-
ever he be, is one to be trusted in matters of graver
import.
On the other hand, games of chance, where there is
any material advantage to be won, have, as we know,
the contrary effect. The easy success encourages a love
of accumulation without effort, the excitement of the
hazard fosters the greed of gain that costs nothing and
makes no demand upon the will-power — relegating the
responsibility of success or failure to "luck."
But aside from moral effects, fun — sheer fun — is part
of the heritage of the human race, an instinct when we
are happy, and few things at our command call forth
such spontaneous, fresh-hearted laughter as a good
game.
As a means of bringing the members of a household
together, establishing companionship between old and
young, there is nothing more effective than the common
interest and merry emulation enlisted in favourite
games.
No parents can afford to let any other place contain
more attractions for their children than their own home,
nor should they fail to make themselves a part of those
attractions. The family fireside on long winter evenings,
or moon-lit gatherings on home piazzas in the pleasant
summer air, have been the scenes of frolics, tussles of
wits and plays of fancy that have helped to endear
home life and to lay up happy memories.
The entertainment of many guests for a week or
more at a country house is with us a comparatively
A Foreword vii
recent custom. In our grandmother's day a lavish
hospitality was shown, but it was chiefly confined to rela-
tives near or remote, and was expressed in the good
cheer at table — represented as "groaning under the
weight" of the hospitable provision — rather than in
other any form.
Now however we accept the responsibility for the happi-
ness of our guests while under our roof, and suggestions
for their amusement are cordially welcomed by the hosts.
Nothing so quickly breaks down barriers between
new acquaintances and thaws the ice of formality as
playing at games. Beguilement into participation in the
amusements of the children of the household before
their bed-time arrives often makes a good beginning
of which the most serious-minded of "grown ups"
seem pleased to avail themselves and continue with
infinite gusto. Victor Hugo says — "The child sleeps in
every man, other children wake it up." An old gentle-
man, who had known many sorrows, asked during one of
the panting pauses of a round game, the following
impromptu riddle: "What are the pleasant times that
we never forget?" and answered it himself — "Those
in which we forget ourselves."
The average hostess is not very inventive ; there is a
depressing uniformity about most entertainments, but
she is quick enough to recognise when boredom threatens
her guests. In Part II. I hope to come to her aid.
In the interchange of simple hospitalities among friends
— as one young woman remarked — ' ' Just feeding people
is not enough." After a little dinner, for instance, a
lively contest of wits — with, perhaps, a trifling prize
to make the victory more conspicuous — adds zest and
sparkle and gives one's friends the feeling of having had
"a good time."
viii A Foreword
The collection in this little volume is the harvest of
the years — from the nursery-days when I learned to
depend upon games and plays to teach valuable lessons —
sugar-coating the pill — to the present, when I claim to
be a veteran hostess of house-parties ; and I offer it with
the sincere wish that it may carry the same pleasure to
others that it has so often given to us.
I apologise for the personalities, but thus only can I
explain the circumstances under which I learned of
some of these games, which were the suggestions of our
guests, and I am ignorant otherwise of their source.
Some came to me as foundlings and I was obliged to give
them names. I hope that I have not trespassed on the
preserves of others. Many of the games are original.
Some are old ones made over, and others, the heritage
of the ages, are too good to be omitted. The enter-
tainments, with very few exceptions, are personal ex-
periences, and are therefore known to be practical.
The wisest of mankind has said that "there is nothing
new under the sun"; but, despite this discouraging
statement, we may take heart, for he made the remark
a long time ago.
CONTENTS
PART I
Page
A Foreword. In Praise of Games . . . . V
CHAPTER I—GAMES OF THOUGHT, WIT AND
MEMORY
WITH PEN AND PENCIL
Page
The Game of Definitions . . . . . $
Blind Illustration . . . . , . ... 5
Alliterative History . . . . . 6
Parodied Proverbs . . . . . , . &
The Parting of the Ways ; .. . . . ; B
"The Wedding of the Operas" . . . . 10
Juggling with Authors . . . . ,. . 12
Autographs ." . 1 3
Crambo ." . . . . . . . 14
Illustrated Songs . ... . . - . 15
"It Might Have Been'' . . , '"'"?' * . r6
Sequels . . . ... . ... .18
Literary Introductions . * .' . ,. . 19
Initials . . . ' .' « . -. » • 20
Identification ; fc" , . . f .21
Silhouette Portraits _,. • - • /« • 22
Doublets ^ . , „ * V . . . 24
Secfet History . . . . . f . 25
Book Reviews ^ . *. , . , . ^S
Contradictory Proverbs , , . \ t, , . «9
Androscoggin , ; ;, .;; 'ii;i . . 30
tx
Contents
Page
A Literary Love Tale 31
The Penny Puzzle 33
Name — Characteristics . . . . . • 35
A Book-Title Romance, in Rhyme . . . .36
Synonyms 37
Types in Type 38
Author's Significance 39
Telegrams . . . . . . . .40
Story-Play 40
Notable Numbers . . . . . .41
State Nicknames 42
Lightning Poetry . . . . . . .43
Hodge-Podge Verses 44
Localised Characters ...... 45
Historical Illustrations . . . . . .46
Predicaments and Remedies . . . . .47
Confidences 48
Wriggles ... .... 49
Five Points ........ 50
A Dictionary Game . . . . . .51
Capping Verses 52
The Secretary 53
A Literary Romance 53
A Bicycle Accident 55
Put in an Adjective 55
Hanging Proverbs . . . . . • 57
Literary Contest 58
CHAPTER II— GAMES OF THOUGHT, WIT AND
MEMORY
IMPROMPTU GAMES
Page
Dramatic Adjectives . . . . • • 59
Book-Title Pantomines . 6o>
Contents xi
Page
Men's Wives . .- .-'..-' . . . . 62
A Musical Romance . . . . . -63
Hide the Word . . . . . • * . 64
Picture Titles .... ,:. . . 65
Captains 66
Alphabet ........ 67
Predictions .67
Person and Thing . . . . . . .68
Story-Guessing . . . . . . .69
The Game of "It" 70
Dumb Orator 71
A Fagot Party 72
Who Was He? . 72
Compliments . . . . . . -74
Musical Neighbours . . . . . -74
A Culinary Courtship . . . . . -75
Introductions . . . . . . -77
Dumb Crambo ....... 78
Burlesque Pantomimes 79
Proverbs i . 80
The Traveller's A B C 80
Trade Pantomimes •;> . . . .82
Travelling Hints 82
Ghosts . . . 83
Century Court . . . . , . .84
Puzzle Pantomimes . . . .'- •• /•• . 85
Yes and No . .* .- .- .» . .« . 86
Twenty Questions . .- ., ' . - * ... v . 87
Throwing Light .- .- .%' • .- . . '•-•;• ,v, .88
Mistakes .» . . ,? ' . ,- . . 88
Clumps .* . ,* .. .- .. . 89
Gossip . *~ o .- .• . .- ,.!•• . 90
The Society Column — ^ . •> *V . 91
"Buz" .. ^ ^ .. ., . .. ,:., . 93
xii Contents
Pita
Quotations and Authors 94
Who am I ? 94
Shouting Proverbs , . .95
Character Guesses 96
Alphabet 97
Up Jenkins ........ 98
Alliteration 99
CHAPTER III— GAMES OF THOUGHT, WIT AND
MEMORY
MISCELLANEOUS GAMES
Page
Japanese Gobang . 100
Shadow Portraits and Pictures . . . . 101
Musical Mysteries 102
Illustrated Proverbs . 106
Word-Making, Word -Taking . . . . .106
Target Flip . . . . . . . .108
CHAPTER IV— GAMES REQUIRING PREPARA-
TION
PaZc
Turn About no
Game of the Senses in
A Trip Around the World 115
Dime Museum .118
Literary Catalogue . . . . . .120
A Baby-Show • f. -.^ . 121
A Musical Medley- Evening . . .... 123
A Spinsters' Tea 125
A Guessing Contest . . . . . . 126
"The Swap Party" . . . *. .4 .127
An Auction . . » 127
Contents xiii
CHAPTER V— PROGRESSIVE GAMES
Page
Rules for Progressive Games. . t- ;. . .130
Salmagundi „ . . ..,.,-,• . . 132
A Library Party . ,- . . ^. . . 133
Progressive Conversation . , . . 135
Military Euchre , . 137
Progressive Proposals . . . , . .139
National Conundrums . . . . . .141
CHAPTER VI— CARD GAMES
Page
Porrazo (Blow or Strike) . . . .:• .147
Blind Euchre . . . . /, j . . 149
Hearts . . . . * . . , . . 1 49
Advertisements or Patent Medicines .. * - T5°
Preference .. . . . , . .' . 151
Five Hundred Euchre . . . \ . • »••, . 152
Muggins .... :«, ;; *= . .154
Stop ! . . . . . ., .^ ; .155
Cheat . . 157
Snrff . . . ,f . , , ; ^ . 158
CHAPTER VII— CHILDREN'S GAMES
Page
Clip and Keep '„ •» * . »i ..• . 160
Yemari . . . > . , ; «. . ^ . r .160
The Ribbon's End . . . ,. > i .1 . . 161
Rhyming . . . > .- ^- . .162
Take Care V * • • • • * .162
Magic Music . .• «. . . . . .163
Open the Gates „ ^ » . ^.. . .163
The Minister's Cat . f »! ^»: -; ^ . 164
Orchestra ' p ^ , , . . .165
xiv Contents
Page
Bachelor's Kitchen 165
Blindman's Wand 166
A Peanut Hunt 166
Huckle, Buckle, Bean-Stalk 167
Hunt the Whistle 167
Book-Binder 168
Fire! Fire! 168
Post-office 169
The Four Quarters of the Globe . . . .170
Fox and Hen 1 70
My Lady's Toilet 171
" Nouns and Verbs " 172
Fly Feather! 172
Hold Fast! Let Go ! 173
The Queen and Her Attendants . . . .173
Stage-Coach . .174
Railroad 175
French Blindman's-Buff . . . . . 176
Blindman's-Buff Seated 176
Hiss and Clap 176
Twirl the Platter . . . . . . .177
Find the Ring . . . . . . . 177
Drop the Handkerchief 177
Here I Bake, Here I Brew 178
Cat and Mouse . . . . . . .178
Going to Jerusalem . . . . . . 179
Copenhagen 180
The Wolf and the Lambs 180
Tom Tiddler's Ground 180
Partners 181
Hul Gul ...../, . 181
Fox and Geese . . . .. . . . 182
Tag— Cross-Tag, Squat-Tag, Tag and Flag, Blind-
Tag, Stag-Tag . . . . . .182
Contents xv
CHAPTER VIII— ACTIVE AND OUTDOOR GAMES
Page
Japanese Fan-Ball . . . , . . 185
Pass It . .. , . . ... .186
Hop-Over . . . . . . .187
The Cushion Dance 188
A Bean-Bag Contest 188
Potato Race 189
Bubbles . 190
Floral Archery 191
Lawn Bowls .192
Volley-Ball 194
Tether-Tennis 196
Garden Hockey 197
Lawn-Skittles . . . . . . .200
FOR CHILDREN:
Duck-on-a-Rock . . . . . . .200
Prisoner's Base ....... 201
Warning .202
King of the Castle .' . 203
CHAPTER IX— CHILDREN'S SINGING GAMES
Page
Charley Over the Water 205
London Bridge . . . • .^ • • 2°6
Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush . . . 206
Little Sally Waters .... . . .208
"Green Grow the Rushes, O!" , . ,. . . 209
Oats, Pease, Beans . « . ... . 210
Miss Jennia Jones . . '>•'•"•/' . . .212
CHAPTER X— GAMES FOR SUNDAY EVENINGS
Page
Scripture Alphabet No. i ., . . . . 215
Scripture Alphabet No. 2 , , .,» «- .217
Bible Characters No. i. .218
xvi Contents
Page
Bible Characters No. 2. . . . . t, .219
Capping Quotations 220
Bible Conundrums 220
How to Play the Games of Queries . . .222
Miscellaneous Queries . . . . . • . 223
The "First Things" of the Bible . . . .229
Old Testament Queries 230
New Testament Queries . . . . . . 235
Books of the Bible 240
Scripture Cake 240
Benedicite 241
Prizes and Penalties ...... 243
Children's Forfeits . 247
CHAPTER XI— CATCHES AND RIDDLES
Page
Forest Lore ........ 250
Frenchman's Hamlet 250
Betty Botta . . . . . . . . 250
A Personal Puzzle 251
General Sapt 251
Artistic Reflections 252
George Canning's Riddle 252
Macaulay's Last Riddle . . . . .253
Riddle by Bishop Wilberforce . . . -254
Riddle by Charles James Fox ... . . . 255
"Puzzle Verse" by Dr. Weir Mitchell . . .256
Flower Riddles 256
Stings 257
Miscellaneous Riddles .,•'•' • • • .257
A Musical Test 259
Botanical Puzzle . 260
Changeful Additions . . . *'/•'•'* . 261
Anagrams » r . . . <* V . 261
Contents xvii
Page
Anagram Letter f v ' v ; »'."i1 , . . 262
Flower Anagrams 263
Famous Women <, . 263
Animal Contortions ^ . . . . . 264
Key to Anagram Letter . . . . '•. .264
Key to Flower Anagrams . . ... 264
Key to Famous Women Anagrams . ., . 265
Key to Animal Contortions ..... 265
CHAPTER XII— FORTUNE TELLING
Page
The Wheel of Fortune .... .' . 266
Tea-cup Lore . •' 269
Palmistry . . . . .'. . .272
The Nails ••.'•'. 282
The Mounts * . . . 283
The Lines . . . . . • ; - •«• • . 288
Mystic Fortunes . ". ••; . ' 'i . . 294
Fateful Questions . . . . . . -295
A Bit of Astrology. . . ..; ; . . .322
Page
CHAPTER XIII— MESMERISM 323
PART II
Page
Entertainments tor Special Occasions . I .329
CHAPTER XIV— JANUARY
Page
A Watch-Night Party . < / * • .331
A New -Year Resolution Party . . t * . 334
A Meeting of the Years . » *•:; ::•* ; . 340
Twelfth-Night Revels V ;. ; :\:v u- . 343
A Cake Carnival for Twelfth-Night <u ,1 . 346
xvdii Contents
CHAPTER XV— FEBRUARY
r*p
A Leap-Year Party 349
Candlemas 352
For Lincoln's Birthday 355
Presidential Puzzles 356
A St. Valentine Dinner 357
Famous Lovers 360
In Honour of St. Valentine 362
A Heart Hunt 363
"Broken Hearts" 363
Passing the Guests . . . . . . 364
Love's Target 364
A Heart-Contest ....... 366
The Matrimonial Noose 367
Fate 368
The Proposal Party 369
Washington's Birthday Celebrations . . . 370
CHAPTER XVI— MARCH
Page
A Merry Dinner for St. Patrick's Day . . -376
A St. Patrick's-Day Luncheon . . . .378
The Itinerary 379
Lenten Festivities 381
Kaffeeklatsch 381
Poverty Luncheons . . . . .382
" Mothering Sunday " 383
CHAPTER XVII— APRIL
Page
An April-Fool Dinner 385
Pillow-Climbing .387
The Historical Easter . . . ... 388
A Butterfly Luncheon 392
Contents xix
Page
Making Butterflies /<• :.V . ; v. ii •. . 393
An Easter F"te 395
, CHAPTER XVIII— MAY
Page
A May-Day Luncheon ...... 399
A Forget-me-not Luncheon 401
CHAPTER XIX— JUNE
Page
An Outdoor Fan Luncheon ..... 406
A Musical Fete, Out of Doors . . . . 408
CHAPTER XX— JULY
A " Fourth of July " Tea . . . .41*2
CHAPTER XXI— AUGUST
Page
An Indian Dinner .... :. -u -', . 416
Back -Yard Parties, in Town . . . . . 418
A "Trianon" Fe"te . . . v . . 419
CHAPTER XXII— SEPTEMBER
Page
A Harvest-Home Dance ' <i;i ,». .-* . ;, . 421
A Lawn Party by Moonlight . ..,.; , . •;. .421
A Colonial Country Dance . , ; \. i •* . 423
CHAPTER XXIII— OCTOBER
Page
Hallowe'en Frolics .. . . ; .«: . . .426
Further Hints for Hallowe'en • ;.: :., ; » . 432
A Leaf Party v.. =., • v *- . . ... . »i . 435
xx Contents
CHAPTER XXIV— NOVEMBER
Page
The Traditional Thanksgiving . . . .438
Twentieth-Century Thanksgiving Dinner . . 443
After- Dinner Amusements for Thanksgiving Day .445
Menu for Thanksgiving . . . . . .447
CHAPTER XXV— DECEMBER
Page
Christmas Festivities 449
A Twentieth-Century Christmas . . . .456
A Christmas Ghost Party 457
A Practical Christmas Dinner .... 460
Around the Yule-Fire 463
Old Christmas Games, Sports, and Diversions . 467
CHAPTER XXVI— CHILDREN'S PARTIES
Page
Children's Parties .479
December — Christmas Party 485
January— Twelfth-Day 486
February — A St. Valentine Party .... 489
Cupid's Target ..... 490
Heart Quoits 491
March or April — An Easter Party .... 493
May — A May-Day Party 495
June — A June Party 499
July — A Fourth of July Frolic .... 503
October — A Hallowe'en Party . . . .507
Trussed Fowls . . . . .510
A Nut Party * . 510
November — The Children's Thanksgiving , -.;;• . 513
Barmecide Feast for the Elder Children ,* . 516
Contents
CHAPTER XXVII— SPECIAL DINNERS, DANCES
AND LUNCHEONS
Page
A Children's Party for "Grown-ups" . . .518
An Ancestors' Reunion . .. . . . .520
A " Superstitious " Luncheon . . . . . 522
A Japanese Dinner . . . ... 528
A Frolic Cotillion ': . 531
A "Four Seasons" Luncheon 533
A Feast of Riddles 538
A vShakespeare Dinner 540
A Literary Luncheon ...... 544
A Luncheon for Every Month .... 546
Announcement Dinners and Luncheons. . -555
A Mother-Goose Luncheon . . . . .558
A Winter Picnic .... . 561
The "Cordon Bleu" Dinner ..... 564
CHAPTER XXVIII— TABLEAUX
Pige
General Directions ....... 565
Dresden China ....... 567
"The Spring Number of the New Magazine " . . 570
Titles of Books — Illustrated 572
11 The Seven Ages of Woman " . . -573
A Loan Collection of Portraits * • • -577
CHAPTER XXIX— WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS
PaEe
Cotton Wedding — First Year. . . . . 580
Paper Wedding — Second Year . , . . 583
Leather Wedding — Fourth Year . . *: . 585
Wooden Wedding — Fifth Year « , * . 589
xxii Contents
Page
Woollen Wedding— Seventh Year .... 593
Tin Wedding— Tenth Year 594
China Wedding— Twelfth Year . . . .597
Crystal Wedding — Fifteenth Year . . . -599
Linen Wedding — Twentieth Year . . .601
Silver Wedding— Twenty-fifth Year . . .603
Golden Wedding — Fiftieth Year .... 605
Diamond Wedding — Sixtieth Year .... 608
ILLUSTRATIONS
The Daily Game of "Post Office" . . Frontispiece
FACING PAGE
A Family Game in Camp 148
Soap Bubbles 190
Tea-cup Lore 270
Easter Morning 390
A Hallowe'en Witch 426
The Magic Mirror on Hallowe'en 434
Watchful Waiting on Christmas Eve .... 450
A Christmas Tree for All New York .... 456
A Christmas Cake 462
Bobbing for Apples 476
The Birthday Party 484
Ready for the St. Valentine Party .... 490
The May-pole Dance 496
A Fourth of July Frolic 504
"The Fantastics" — a New York Thanksgiving
Custom . . 514
PART I
THE BOOK OF INDOOR
AND OUTDOOR GAMES
CHAPTER I— GAMES OF THOUGHT,
WIT AND MEMORY
With Pen and Pencil
THE GAME OF DEFINITIONS
THIS game was played at the Court of Charle-
magne, and it is said that even the learned
Alcuin did not disdain to take part in it. It is
not therefore claimed to be new, but, though popular
in France, it is little known elsewhere.
In its modern form, pads and pencils are distributed
to the players and each is asked to write a question or
ask for a definition. The papers are folded and thrown
into a basket, from which they are withdrawn at hap-
hazard, and each person must write an answer to the
question that has fallen to his or to her lot.
The privilege of taking refuge behind a pseudonym
is accorded to the writers. When, at each round of the
game, the questions and answers are read aloud by the
leader or hostess and voted upon, the incognito is not
unwelcome. The one whom popular acclaim marks out
as the cleverest in definition "stands confessed" — and
is awarded a prize.
3
4 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The following examples — chosen from answers written
by persons of average wit — will make the explanation
clearer :
What is love? Heart-disease.
What is the heart ? A pendulum.
What is luck ? Other people's success.
What is pluck? Fighting with the scabbard when
the sword is broken.
What is a good intention ? A ladder that is too short.
What is the difference between tweedledum and
tweedledee ? Just the difference between u and mee.
Are you always of your own opinion ? Yes, when I
begin to talk.
How can one best keep a secret ? Forget it.
What is a hobby ? A horse that often rides his rider.
What are ancestors? Somebodies that make no-
bodies somebodies.
Sometimes one person only will write the question,
and each of the others writes an answer. For instance :
What is life? A sentence of death. Purgatory.
Opportunity.
What is a honeymoon ? The dessert that begins the
meal. A trip to Paradise — with a return ticket.
What is ennui ? The trouble of those who have no
troubles. Idleness, punished by itself. The child of
wealth and the mother of mischief.
What is a nose ? A trumpeter. Our National mouth.
Why is there " nothing half so sweet in life as love's
young dream"? Because it has not yet become an
old nightmare. Signed
MR. CAUDLE.
The fun is increased if the company try to guess the
writers of the definitions, since personality is often
unconsciously revealed.
With Pen and Pencil
BLIND ILLUSTRATION
The players may "match for partners," drawing from
two bowls filled with bits of paper, or cards, inscribed
with the names of ladies and gentlemen.
Or the hostess may pair her guests with a view to their
congeniality by giving to each man upon arrival a card
bearing a lady's name and a number.
Chairs are set about the room in couples, back to back
or side by side, facing in opposite directions, and upon
one of each pair is placed pad, pencil and India-rubber.
The players take their seats and it is then explained
to them that one of the partners must think of some
simple object which he or she shall describe in such
fashion as to enable the other to draw it. No hint or
help is to be given, except the bald but accurate
description of its outlines.
On no account must the sketch be seen by the coadju-
tor until, upon its completion, the name of the object
thought of is written at the foot of the paper and the
number added which shall identify the artist.
The question as to which one shall make the drawing
and which describe the object to be represented must
be a matter for the partners themselves to decide.
At the end of fifteen minutes, the hostess rings a bell
as a signal for all to hand in their sketches. They are
then placed on exhibition, and cards with numbered
lines are distributed upon which each person writes his
or her vote as to which drawing best depicts the object,
the name of which is written beneath it. When the
votes are counted, the first prize is awarded to the
most successful artist, the second, to his or her
partner, in recognition of that person's powers of
description.
The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
ALLITERATIVE HISTORY
To play this game, provide the company with pads
and pencils and request that each one shall write an
account of some historical event, familiarly known,
every word of which shall begin with the same letter.
It will be found an easier task if the letter chosen be
the initial letter of the subject. A time-limit is set, and
at its expiration the essays are read aloud. A secret
ballot is taken to determine which narrative is thought
to be the most clever. The votes are printed to avoid
the recognition of handwriting. These are collected
and counted and the writer of the most successful essay
is pronounced victor or awarded a prize.
The following examples will explain the modus
operandi :
Pocahontas and Captain John Smith : Popular
pioneer prostrate, pallid, palpitating. Penalty pending
Powhatan's pleasure. Perilous position !
Powerful pagan prince, pugnacious, pig-headed, preju-
diced, promptly pronounces "Peeled poll!"
Pathetic plight !
Pocahontas — peerless princess — pale, panting, per-
turbed, parts populace, prays piteously proud parent —
"Please, papa, pardon poor pilgrim!"
"Pooh," protests Powhatan. "Paltry plunderer!
plague ! poltroon ! Perish pernicious pirates ! "
Pocahontas, prone, persists persuasively, plucky
partisan! "Promise, papa, please pronounce par-
don!"
Powhatan profoundly perplexed.
Praise Providence ! pity prevails !
Powhatan proclaims pardon.
The Discovery of America : Christopher Columbus
With Pen and Pencil
commanding caravels, continues course — cleverly, cour-
ageously, conducting cruise.
Crew, chiefly Catalonian criminals — corrupt cravens —
challenge Captain's competence, chafe, complain clam-
orously — cowardly credulous concerning compass,
curiously changed.*
Columbus consults chart carefully, critically consults
compass. Consternation concerning compass, curiously
changed ! Constantly contemplates constellations.
Cantankerous crew congregate cautiously, call Cap-
tain "charlatan !" conspire craftily Columbus's capture.
Columbus, chagrined, chapf alien, convenes crew,
concealing choler.
Calmly courteous, counsels courage, claims considera-
tion, cleverly counterfeits cheerful confidence. "Com-
rades, cowardice creates calamity! "cries Columbus.
Contumacious crew churlishly concede compliance.
Caravels continue course. Columbus controlling con-
ditions.
Competent Captain's calculations completely con-
firmed ! Courage crowned !
Continental coast clearly conspicuous !
Columbus calls clarion-clear, "Cathay. Cathay!
Comrades, come contemplate Cathay!"
Crew crowds, clamorously crying, "Caramba! Car-
amba !"
Contrite crew cheers Columbus !
* NOTE. — Be it explained to any who may not have heard
of the circumstance, that John Fiske and others mention that
Columbus, having sailed into " the region of no variation," the
sailors, and he as well, were dismayed at the action of the
compass.
8 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
PARODIED PROVERBS
This is a game for nimble wits, but it is astonishing
how nimble very ordinary wits grow in the stimulating
society of other wits, when made aware that something
is expected of them. Each person is asked in turn to
write a new version of an old saw, signing a pseudonym.
The papers or cards are then tossed into a basket, from
which they are withdrawn by the hostess or leader, who
reads them aloud. A vote is then taken by secret ballot
as to which parody is the best, and the appreciation of
the company then naturally demands the revelation of
the incognito.
A little company recently evolved the following —
all original but the fifth:
"Too many girls spoil the ball" — Wallflower,
"A rolling gait gathers remorse" — Bacchus.
''Worry makes the hair go" — Elijah.
"All is not youth that titters" — Old Maid.
"A hair in the head is worth two in the brush " —
Old Bachelor.
"One swallow does not make a supper" — Hungry
Guest.
" Marry for pelf, and divorce at pleasure " — Girl of the
Period.
THE PARTING OF THE WAYS
The players are provided with pencils and sheets of
paper, and the leader, after telling the limit of time
allowed — usually ten minutes — announces a word which
each proceeds to inscribe at the top of his or her paper
as a starting-point. Then, in perfect silence, each writes
down in a column under this word a series of others
suggested by it — that is, the second is to be suggested
With Pen and Pencil
by the first, and the third by the second, and so on, thus
following out a definite train of thought. At the end of
the allotted time the papers are handed in to the leader,
who reads them aloud, and much merriment is the result,
particularly if guesses as to the authorship be requested.
That it is possible for two people to start at the word
" Boston " and land, the one in "Armenia " and the other
in "Russia," may be seen from the subjoined examples:
i — Boston
Culture
Joseph Cook
Evolution
Darwin
"Origin of Species"
Monkey
Africa
Egypt
Emin Pasha
Stanley
Gordon
Heroism
Arctic expeditions
Whales
vVhalebone
Dressmaker
Dress
Girl
Boy
School
Teacher
Cane
Tree
Forest
Jungle
2 — Boston
Beans
Pork
Chicago
Divorce
"A Modern Instance"
The American People
Equality
Democracy
Aristocracy
A fine lady
A pug dog
Luxury
Travel
The Eiffel Tower
Paris
The French Revolution
The guillotine
Marie Antoinette
France
Napoleon Bonaparte
St. Helena
Exile
Siberia
Czar of Russia
Assassination
io The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
i — Tiger 2 — Abraham Lincoln
Africa The Union
Gold-fields Stars and Stripes
Livingstone Flag
The Congo War
River Soldier
Water Army
Ice March
Snow Battle
The Alps Hospital
Mountains Nurse
Ararat Florence Nightingale
Noah's Ark The Crimea
Armenia Russia
"THE WEDDING OF THE OPERAS"
In this guessing contest, the introduction of music
gives variety.
Each player is given a doubled card or booklet, the
cover representing a miniature sheet of music. Upon
one page is a list of numbered questions, the answers to
be written upon the opposite page, suggested by selec-
tions from well-known operas and operettas played in
turn upon the piano, or other instrument.
The following was the program:
1. Who were the bride and groom ?
2. What was the bride called — from the circum-
stances of her wedding?
3. At what sort of entertainment did they meet?
4. He went in the character of a minstrel — what'
was he called?
5 . She went as a sort of gypsy — what was she called ?
6. What Spanish girl was maid of honour at the
wedding ?
With Pen and Pencil n
7. What noted Swiss was best man?
8. What two ladies (friends of Donizetti's) were
bridesmaids ?
9. What four Germans acted as ushers?
10. What mythological personage presided over the
music ?
11. Who sang at the ceremony ?
12. What noted person from Japan was present?
13. What famous bells were rung ?
14. What ship did they take for the wedding trip ?
15. When on the voyage, who captured them?
1 6. What virtue did they practise in captivity?
17. What gentleman of dark complexion rescued
them?
1 8. What historical people entertained them in
France ?
19. In Northern Italy what grand affair did they
attend ?
20. Who showed them the sights of Venice ?
And the music gave answer, as follows :
1. Romeo and Juliet.
2. The Runaway Girl.
3. A Masked Ball.
4. Trovatore.
5. The Bohemian Girl.
6. Carmen.
7. William Tell.
8. Lucia di Lammermoor and Linda di Chamoumx.
9. Lohengrin, Faust, Tannhauser, Siegfried.
10. Orpheus.
11. The Meistersinger.
12. The Mikado.
13. The Chimes of Normandy.
14. H. M. S. Pinafore.
12 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
15. The Pirates of Penzance.
1 6. Patience.
17. Othello.
1 8. The Huguenots.
19. The Carnival of Venice.
20. The Gondoliers.
JUGGLING WITH AUTHORS
A hostess — with a party of friends on her hands, for
whom to find amusement on a hopelessly rainy day —
suggested that each one should write a question, bringing
in a punning reference to an author's name. These,
thrown into a basket, were to be withdrawn at random,
and each person was to answer the question on the
paper that fell to his or her lot, incorporating in the
reply the name of another author.
For their encouragement she cited an example that
she had read, which had given her the idea. Once started,
they became enthusiastic, and the result of their efforts
is here given:
Why did Mark Akenside ? Because he let Rose Terry
Cooke.
Where did Henry Cabot Lodge ? In Sir Walter Scott.
What did Harriet Beecher Stowe? Something that
should make Leigh Hunt.
Where did E. P. Roe ? To a Shelley shore.
What did Richard Steele? The same that John
Home Tooke.
When does Lewis Carroll? When William Dean
Howells.
What started Walter A. Wyckoff ? The same thing
that made Victor Hugo.
When Ouida asks does Samuel Lover, what does he
do ? Samuel Smiles.
'With Pen and Pencil 13
Why did not Doctor Johnson Marie Corelli ? Because
he loved Hannah More.
What makes Thomas Hardy ? The same regime that
makes Edward Everett Hale.
What made Edward Whymper ? Lang pulled Augus-
tus Hare.
What agency made Captain Charles King? The
enthusiasm that made Alexander Pope.
What happens when John Kendrick Bangs? It
makes Richard Savage and drives Oscar Wilde !
What makes Rider Haggard? A little too much
"Holland."
What does Anthony Hope ? For the social entrde to
Oliver Wendell Holmes.
Can George Augustus Henry Sala boat ? Yes, so as
to make Ik Marvel.
What made Mary Mapes Dodge? Why did not
Charles Dudley Warner !
What did T. Buchanan Reid ? Mark Twain, but
thought John Greenleaf Whittier.
What makes Marian Evans Cross ? She is suffering
from a Bunyan.
The material seems to be inexhaustible.
AUTOGRAPHS
In entertaining a party of young persons, where
some are diffident and require to be drawn into
sociability, some plan of amusement that neces-
sitates moving about will be found promotive of
enjoyment.
Provide each guest with a large card with pencil
attached and announce that a prize will be given to the
one who succeeds in obtaining the most autographs of
those present in a given time.
14 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Should there be fifty guests, the time allowed
might be twenty minutes — marked by the touch of
a bell.
Each one will be so eager to secure his neighbour's
autograph, who in turn is seeking another's, that it will
be difficult to obtain as many as one might suppose.
The general hilarity occasioned will be gratifying to the
hostess.
CRAMBO
This is an old French game, called in the land of its
birth, ' ' Bouts-rime's " — (Rhyme-ends), and said to be
the invention of a poor poet whose talent was employed
by other poets to find rhymes for them.
Each player is provided with three bits of paper — one
larger than the other two. On the larger piece he
writes a question and upon each of the small bits
a word.
These are folded so as to conceal the writing and
dropped into a basket. After a vigorous shaking, the
basket is presented to the players in turn, who draw at
random a large paper and two small ones. It facili-
tates the choice if the large pieces are in one receptacle
and the smaller ones in another.
The questions must be answered in rhyme, introducing
the two words that have been drawn.
Great dismay is usually expressed on all sides when
the difficulty first presents itself of bringing utterly
incongruous subjects into harmonious relations, but
people do not know how clever they are until they are
put to the test — and Crambo has revealed many a poet
to himself. The game best fulfils its mission if the
rhymes are but doggerel that will amuse, and the effort
With Pen and Pencil 15
to make them tax the wits is pleasant. For example,
the question may be, "What pleasure lasts the long-
est?" The words drawn, "self" and "apple-pie." The
following nonsense incorporates them:
Some persons get their chief pleasure from books,
Others appear to care most for their looks.
Pleasure at best seems a kind of a dream ;
But the gratification of self-esteem
Has a lasting charm until we die.
A tramps ideal might be apple-pie !
ILLUSTRATED SONGS
This game has the advantage that no preparation is
required, except the distribution of pads and pencils
among the players. Each person is requested to draw
three pictures illustrating as many familiar songs, old
or new. The worse the drawing, the better the fun.
Twenty minutes is the prescribed limit of time, at the
expiration of which the productions are signed by their /
authors and numbered. The papers are then collected \J
and ranged about the room, pinned to curtains, tucked
into photograph frames, etc. The players go about
the room examining this art collection, and noting on
their pads what song they think each drawing is intended
to illustrate.
For example: Two modest houses in duplicate,
drawn in the style of architecture popular in children's
first attemps, and between them a large pot marked
"sugar," stands for "Home, Sweet Home."
An attempt at the representation of lilacs, daffodils
and pansies (each may be labelled if the artist is dis-
satisfied with his work) may suggest ' ' The Flowers that
Bloom in the Spring."
1 6 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
"IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN"
This game was suggested by Thackeray's clever
narrative of the fate of Ivanhoe as "it might have been,"
5n which that hero marries the gentle Rowena — accord-
ing to the wishes of so many readers — and lives to
repent it.
Each player selects his subject from some well-known
novel or tale and takes what liberties he chooses with
its characters. All are provided with pads and pencils,
a time limit agreed upon, and all set to work. At the
end of the allotted period, the papers are signed by
pseudonyms and handed to the hostess to be read aloud,
or to some one whom they think qualified to give each
tale its due expression and set it forth with fine effect.
At the conclusion of the reading, every one prints upon
slips of paper — that the hand-writing may not be
recognised— his or her vote as to which narrative is the
cleverest, and to its writer is given that award ot
honour or a prize.
For example, at a recent assemblage of choice spirits
where this game was played, one paper told the story ot
Trilby as "it might have been " if she had married
Little Billee.
She is introduced into the dull routine of life in a
sleepy little English hamlet where she is bored to the
verge of desperation. The provincial mind does not
feel the charm of her personality and distinctly disap-
proves of "her ways and her manners."
The family of Little Billee champion her at first foi
his sake, but, like many another family in like case,
wonder what he could have seen in Trilby to fascinate
him, when they know of so many other girls infinitely
With Pen and Pencil 17
(my eye) it jars upon all their conventional
sensibilities.
Little Billee, having won his inamorata, absorbed
in his art, feels that his whole duty is done when he
supplies her material wants and provides the society of
his beloved mother and sister for her companionship.
It all grates upon Trilby's nerves, and she loathes the
smug proprieties and narrow horizon and only gets a
glimpse of fun now and then when she ventures to shock
them. The atmosphere is suffocating and she finally
runs away, and in her beloved Paris meets with
Svengali. With him she "stars" it through Europe,
her voice creating a great sensation — a Bohemian and
a vagabond, but happy in her own way — a " reversion
to type."
Another drew the picture of Maud Muller as the wife
of the Judge. Her lack of education and training in the
conventions of his social environment lays her open to a
criticism that constantly wounds her, the more so that
the Judge himself grows impatient at her lapses, and,
seeing her in different surroundings, wonders at his
former infatuation.
Little by little his hurt pride grows so sensitive that
the love dies out of his heart as suddenly as it came, and
Maud goes back to her native village, maintained in the
state becoming her new position, but with no com-
munication with the Judge except through his lawyers.
One would think that the company were possessed
by the belief that when an author disposes of the crea-
tures of his imagination he is all-wise in the apportion-
ment of their destinies, and that others could not im-
prove upon them, had not one writer of the party which
I am recalling drawn a radiant picture of the happiness
of Owen Meredith's "Lucile" as the wife of Alfred
i8 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Vargrave and the mother of "the darling of young
soldier-comrades" whom it will be remembered that she
nursed as a Sister of Charity after the field of Inkerman.
Younger players might like to try what they can do
with "Jo" as the wife of "Laurie" in Miss Alcott's
matchless "Little Women."
SEQUELS
A game somewhat on the order of the last is called
"Sequels."
To the company it may be explained that, as the
average novel-writer conducts the hero and heroine to
the altar and there rings down the curtain, trusting to
the optimism of human nature to accept the pleasant
conclusion that "they lived happy forever after" — it
might be interesting to lift that curtain.
With the knowledge of the characters of the young
couple given by the author, it would not be difficult in
many cases to carry on the narrative and make a pretty
shrewd guess as to what their lives would be if prolonged
beyond the wedding day. Not necessarily unhappy —
far from it. The action of one temperament upon the
other is likely to develop strength and give value to
character, which often deepens affection and inspires a
better-founded admiration.
In lighter vein and more in the nature of a game "for
fun," the familiar jingles of "Mother Goose" offer op-
portunities for carrying on the story — which are briefly
suggested — to various conclusions.
Each player may have a separate problem set before
him, the subject of which the hostess or leader writes at
the top of a sheet of paper or pad, which the player
must carry out in rhyme so as to suggest a sequel.
Or, a subject may be given to the company collec-
With Pen and Pencil 19
lively, and each one writes a different version of what
might have resulted from the narrative as originally
given by the famous Dame Goose.
For instance, here are two views of the future of Jack
and Jill:
That accidental stumble
That caused young Jack to tumble
And little Jill to follow down the hill,
Was really but a sample
Of his subsequent example,
For she followed him through life for good or ill. And
At the foot of the hill, poor Jack lay still
His face looked pale and drawn and ill
And never a word he spake, until
There rolled down beside him his little friend Jill.
Then he said in a voice in which was a thrill
Of love and tenderness — "Good-bye Jill."
But she answered not, nor ever will,
For she, too, lay stiff and stark and still;
And the little birds, each with a leaf in its bill,
Covered over the bodies of poor Jack and Jill.
LITERARY INTRODUCTIONS
Unconsciously or otherwise, an author's works
determine in the reader's mind his or her personality,
and oftentimes very far from correctly. From this
fact doubtless was conceived this following entertain-
ment, the requirements for which are simple and easily
arranged.
The hostess collects from various sources — adver-
tisements, old magazines and periodicals — woodcuts,
engravings and photographs of well-known persons in
literature either in ancient or modern times. She
makes a list of them, together with the work for which
20 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
they were especially noted, and afterward removes the
names and numbers each one to correspond with the
cards prepared for the guests. She then arranges them
as a picture gallery, either by pinning them on the wall
or on large screens.
In one basket are placed the cards to be distributed
to the gentlemen players, in the corner of each a bow of
baby ribbon in different shades, no two alike. A basket
of pencils is passed to the ladies, tied with the same
coloured ribbons as decorate the cards. The gentleman
with the blue ribbon card finds the holder of the blue
decorated pencil, etc. The matching pair become
partners in the visit to the picture gallery, and in low
tones discuss and decide the name and work of the
author, and write it opposite the corresponding number
on the card. When all have made the round of the
pictures the names of the guessers are written on their
respective cards and they are then collected and com-
pared with the original list. The card with the greatest
number of correct answers wins first prize, and so on.
It is simply wonderful in this game to see how depend-
ent cultivated people are upon the name underneath to
determine the person. When removed, Shakespeare,
Scott, Bunyan, Milton, Kipling, Mark Twain, Dickens,
etc., get so mixed in each others society as to be very
absurdly mistaken one for the other, so much so that
they require a formal introduction to their most ardent
admirers. This game may be varied and rendered still
more puzzling by introducing the portraits of persons
notable in different lines.
INITIALS
A set of cards with pencils attached is prepared,
one for each member of the company, with as many
With Pen and Pencil 21
numbers on as the hostess has questions ready. These
questions must be answered only by words beginning
with the initials of the writer, in the order in which
they stand in his or her name. The hostess reads the
questions distinctly and a time-limit is given in which
to answer each one.
A specimen set of questions and answers is appended,
the answers being those of a gentleman whose initials
were R. G. W.
What is your favourite drink ? Rare Good Whiskey.
What is your favourite eatable? Rich Graham
Wafers.
What is your favourite diversion ? Rattling Good
Waltz.
What is your pet vice? Robbing Grocery Wagons.
What is your greatest virtue? Reforming Grave
Wrongs.
What do you most dread in the future? Raising
Gray Whiskers.
What do you most hope for in the future? Real
Gold Wings.
IDENTIFICATION
Slips of paper are prepared and disposed about the
room so as to be conveniently read by the guests, who
are provided with pads bearing numbers corresponding
to the slips, with pencils attached. On the slips are
written words the initial letters of which must correspond
to the initials of the individual to be identified ; the words
must also convey a clue to the identity of the person to
be guessed. For example:
A Liberator — (Abraham Lincoln).
Preached Brilliantly— (Phillips Brooks).
Rough Manager — (Richard Mansfzsld).
22 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Lovely Lady — (Lily Langtry).
Never Beaten (but once !) — (Napoleon Bonaparte).
Inspiring Pianist — (Ignace Paderewski).
The Roughrider — (Theodore Roosevelt).
A time-limit is set by the hostess, and at its expiration
the cards are collected and a prize is given to the person
who has the most correct guesses.
The questions can be multiplied indefinitely at the
discretion of the hostess, and at the conclusion the
inevitable prize can be awarded by vote, the hostess
reading all the papers to the company. They can either
vote by acclamation or can put down on another card
opposite each number what they think the paper is
entitled to, ten standing for the very highest approval
and so on down to one for the lowest grade. When all
have voted the cards are collected and the mathema-
tician of the company retires to seclusion to figure out
who has the highest vote. The voting is generally the
occasion of as much fun as the writing.
SILHOUETTE PORTRAITS
It is said that the first portrait was made by a youth
who, seeing the shadow of his sweetheart cast upon a
sunny wall, seized a sharp stone and gave permanence
to the likeness by following its outlines.
A game very popular with the youths and maidens
of our own day is based on this early attempt at por-
traiture.
Let the hostess use her best tact and powers of obser-
vation in pairing her guests, or she may leave it to the
hazard of matching flowers, rosettes or what not for
partners. To each pair are given two sheets of silhouette
paper dull black on one side and white on the other,
thumb-tacks, a pencil, a pair of scissors, and a lamp
With Pen and Pencil 23
with reflector, if possible, or a lamp may be shared with
another pair in the company.
One of every couple is first the artist and then the
model — each drawing the other's silhouette.
A sheet of the silhouette paper with the white side out
is attached to the wall and held in place by thumb-
tacks at the four corners — or to a drawing-board set
against the wall. The lamp is placed so that a person
interposed between it and the wall, and within six
inches of the latter, will cast a sharp, clear shadow
when the other lights in the room are extinguished.
It is then the simplest thing for one standing behind
the model to trace the outline of his or her profile, if
the sitter keeps perfectly still, and so secure an excellent
likeness. The face is then cut out (the pencilled out-
lines carefully followed) , and the black side of the paper
being turned out, it is pasted on a sheet of cardboard
and signed by the artist's name. When all are finished
an exhibition of the silhouettes is given, after which
slips of paper are distributed and each person is asked
to write a vote naming the artist of the most successful
portrait. This being the likeness of his or her partner,
a prize is given to the artist and the model. The little
instrument known as a "pantograph," for enlarging or
reducing drawings, adds much to the pleasure of the
game if it be desired to retain the silhouettes as sou-
venirs. The directions for its use come with it, and it is
very simple to reduce the portrait from life-size to the
proportions of the silhouettes that, before the days of
photography and of Daguerre's invention, were the
only likenesses obtainable other than miniatures or
portraits in oils. The pantographs come at prices
ranging from fifty cents to two dollars.
24 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
DOUBLETS
Two words are chosen containing the same number of
letters, which are written, the one at the top, and the
other at the bottom of the page. The puzzle consists in
the merging of the one in the other by the interposition
of other words, each of which, by the change of a single
letter, shall form a link contributing to the result.
The easiest doublets are made where the vowels and
consonants correspond in number and position in both
words.
The game is taken from a little volume by Lewis
Carroll, the famous author of "Alice in Wonderland,"
called "Doublets, a Word Puzzler," in which the fol-
lowing rules are given:
"The words given to be linked together constitute a
Doublet. The interposed words are the links, and the
entire series a chain.
"Each word in the chain must be formed from the
preceding word by changing one letter in it and one
only. The substituted letter must occupy the same
place in the word so formed which the discarded letter
occupied in the preceding word, and all the other letters
must retain their places.
"The score for the game is : the same number of marks
will be apportioned to each doublet as equal the number
of letters in the two words given. For example, for
"head and tail" the number of marks obtainable would
be eight; and this maximum will be obtained by the
competitor who makes the change with the least number
of changes. A mark in this case would be deducted for
every link used beyond four. If it be assumed that in
this instance the change cannot be made with less than
four links, then those who complete it with four links
With Pen and Pencil 25
would receive eight marks. Any competitor using five
links would receive seven marks, one using twelve
would secure nothing.
For instance, to change a boy into a man, soup into
fish, etc.:
Boy Soup ' Cat Black Flour
bay soul cot slack floor
may soil dot slick flood
man sail Dog slice blood
mail spice brood
mall space broad
malt spade Bread
mast shade
fast shale
fash whale
Fish while
White
Strange to say, it seems impossible to change wrong
into right — the words refusing to amalgamate.
SECRET HISTORY
Each player is requested to write, upon a card or
folded paper, the name of some well-known woman,
in history or fiction. The cards or papers are dropped
into a basket, and all are then asked to write upon
another set of cards the names of certain men whose
names and careers are familiar to the average student
of history or reader of popular literature. These cards
are consigned to a second basket or receptacle of some
kind. The baskets are violently shaken that the cards
may be thoroughly mixed.
Each player is thereupon required to withdraw a
card from each basket, the one bearing a man's and the
other a woman's name, and cudgel his wits to write a
26 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
story in which these two persons shall form the leading
characters or hero and heroine. The more divided by
time and space from one another in reality, while they
lived, the greater credit to the ingenuity of the writer
for bringing them together.
One young woman felt some dismay at having drawn
as her problem — Henry the Eighth of England and
"Topsy" of "Uncle Tom's Cabin." The following
narrative was her attempt to follow the rules of the
game:
"From the Secret Annals of the English Court, the
royal Harry was again a widower and soon gave evidence
of the usual symptoms of men in like circumstances.
He complained of loneliness, talked less and less of the
dear departed and more and more of the living, breathing
beauties of his court. Finally, as it was not seemly
to replace the dear decapitated within too short a time,
it was agreed to send a secret messenger to the Americas
— famous for beautiful women — and thence bring a
new wife, the marriage to be private until after the
proper interval.
'"Keep it dark' was the royal Bluebeard's last word
as he bade his emissary God-speed — little thinking how
significant the words would prove in their fulfilment.
"Many months elapsed and the faithful servant was
unable to induce the liberty-loving daughters of the new
world to risk their necks in such a matrimonial noose.
" His choice fell upon a young beauty of New Orleans,
lovely as a dream, an orphan who was obliged to accept
the grudging hospitality of an uncle. All possible
coercion was employed to force her to accept the role
of Bluebeard's fourth wife, but, her affections being
elsewhere engaged, she was adamant.
"Domestic persecution, however, finally seemed to
With Pen and Pencil 27
overcome her objection, and she promised her consent
on condition that she might take with her her old
'Mammy,' also a maid- and man-servant of her own
choosing, and that she might remain veiled until brought
into the king's presence.
"A plot was conceived in the ingenious brain of the
lover of the young woman, who saw therein his oppor-
tunity to carry off his bride. The young man, who had
very 'winning ways,' induced a certain dame called
Miss Ophelia to lend him a slave-girl named Topsy,
who, bribed by a diet of unlimited chickens and water-
melon, and the expected sight of new lands and people,
agreed to personate the veiled beauty. A little walnut
juice and wooly wigs transformed the young woman
and her lover into the semblance of mulatto servants,
and ' Mammy ' was a born actress.
"Arrived in England, the interview was soon arranged
with the impatient bridegroom elect. The supreme
moment at length arrived. The door was thrown open,
and Topsy, arrayed in sweeping garments, with enor-
mous lace ruff, her hair braided in many pig-tails and
broadly grinning, was ushered veiled into the royal
presence.
"Bluebeard turned purple and roared like a bull of
Bashan:
"'Off with her head!'
" Topsy lifted up her voice and howled. Her col-
oured escort turned pale under the walnut juice, but
'Mammy,' with blazing eyes, demanded indignantly:
' Who done stole my lamb and sont dis yere nigger
coon in her place ? Some o' you uns has done dis yere
dirty trick on me an' de King ! '
" It was whispered to the irate Bluebeard that another
decapitation so soon would be unpopular with his sub-
28 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
jects, and the story, become public property, might
subject him to ridicule. It was decided to hush the
matter up and send the whole party back to America.
"'Mammy' returned Topsy to her rightful owner and
then joined the happy bride and groom on their honey-
moon."
Another player, who drew "Xantippe" and "Rip
Van Winkle," solved the difficulty by representing
Rip's wife as the re-incarnation of the virago that proved
the curse of poor Socrates' domestic life.
BOOK REVIEWS
To play this game, each person has a sheet of paper
upon which, near the top, he writes the title of some
well-known book — poem, story, novel, scientific treatise,
etc. The sheet is then folded so as to conceal what has
been written and is passed to his left-hand neighbour,
with the request to write the name of an author. Again
the paper is folded and passed to the left for an adverse
criticism to be written upon the book and author, in
the manner of newspaper reviews; and following this is
a criticism in its praise. Each paper is then signed by
a pseudonym, and all of them are read aloud.
It may be pursued further by adding what different
classes of p.ersons say of the book. When the papers
are read the incongruous connection between author,
book and public is likely to be amusing.
A typical paper is the following:
Author, Shakespeare; book, "She." Criticism: "It
is with reluctance that we admit even to ourselves that
this author, like many of the craft, does not know his
limitations. He is a man of one book, and it is matter
for regret that he should not have been content with
his first success." The next "opinion of the press" is
With Pen and Pencil 29
favourable: "The announcement of a new book by
this author always arouses pleasurable interest. He
never repeats himself nor does he write like any one else.
There are occasional traces of the amateur, but it is
a purposeful book, more distinguished for earnestness
and high sentiment than for artistic finish."
Criticism of the "girl of the period " : "It is perfectly
sweet. I just love his books."
Criticism of young man who has the reputation among
his friends of being "literary": "Of all the men who
have had 'greatness thrust upon them,' this author
stands forth prominently. His characters are im-
possible; the style is stilted. Books of this calibre are
as numerous as plans for regenerating the world."
CONTRADICTORY PROVERBS
The first player gives a well-known proverb, to which
the next must present the opposite; as illustration:
" Out of sight, out of mind," quickly offset by the equally
familiar, "Absence makes the heart grow fonder."
A brief list of these seemingly contradictory proverbs
might be written upon folded cards, and one given to
each player, who must write on the opposite page the.
proverb that contradicts the one given ; as for instance :
' ' A stitch in time saves nine. ' ' "A tear is the accident
of a day, but a darn is premeditated poverty."
"A rolling stone gathers no moss." "If at first you
don't succeed, try, try, again."
"Beauty unadorned is adorned the most." "One
might as well be out of the world as out of the fashion."
"Marry in haste and repent at leisure." "Happy
the wooing that's not long a-doing."
"Discretion is the better part of valour." "Nothing
venture, nothing have "
30 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
"All's well that ends well." "A thing well begun
is half done."
"There is honour among thieves." "When thieves
fall out honest men get their dues."
" Fine feathers make fine birds." " Handsome is that
handsome does."
"A penny saved is a penny earned." "Penny wise,
pound foolish."
"A man of forty is either a fool or a physician." " He
who doctors himself has a fool for a physician."
ANDROSCOGGIN
No one can account for the name of this old favourite,
but it has lived long in spite of it. A word is selected,
preferably one containing many letters, which each
player writes at the top of a sheet of paper.
Each contestant must try to make as many words as
possible by combining the letters contained in the head
word, within a given time. Five minutes is a good
limit. The same letter may be used in a word only as
often as it is repeated in the foundation word.
The most entertaining way to play the game is to
make as many words as one may, beginning with the
first letter of the main word ; when all that are possible
have been made, then beginning with the next, and
so on.
The one whose list is the longest first reads aloud his
words, the rest of the players crossing out all those
which they have in duplicate, for only those that no
one else has written count to the credit of the reader.
The crossed words are the failures. The next player
then reads the words that remain on his list unmarked
by a cross, and so on around the circle. Every failure
eounts one to the person who alone has the word.
With Pen and Pencil 31
When all the lists of words beginning with the first
letter of the main word have been read, each player adds
up his failures, recording their number on the back of
his paper, and marking his honours as well. These
last are the words which he alone thought of.
The next letter in the foundation word is then taken
up, and so on until each has formed the initial letter of
a new list of words. When all the letters of the head-
word have been used in this way, and all its resources
and possibilities exhausted, the honours and failures are
read aloud and the victor stands confessed.
Where there is a tie, the one whose words contain the
most syllables wins the game.
From the word "incomprehensibility" — one of
the longest words in the language — one hundred and
eighty words were made by recombining the letters it
contains.
A LITERARY LOVE TALE
Copies of the following tale are given to the players,
who try to fill in the blanks with letters of well-known
books :
A girl whose name was (the title
of a poem by Whittier) is the heroine of our story.
She was born in (by Oliver
Goldsmith), and was as good and beautiful as (Spencer's)
por t^ purpose of educating
their daughter, her parents left their native town for a
large city, where they rented
(by Hawthorne). Here they hoped their
daughter would eventually become (by
Sir Walter Scott) of some worthy man, and would be
able to furnish them with plenty of
(by Charles Reade). However, (by Rider
32 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Haggard) refused to carry out their wishes, and the
family for a while had (by Dickens),
instead of having their (by Dickens)
realised. Her most intimate friend was a girl by the
name of — - (by Rider Haggard). As they both
had some artistic ability they decided to keep a
(by Irving). This afforded them much amuse-
ment, as it did also for a young man to whom they often
showed it, and whom they often styled
(by Dickens). However, our heroine became suspicious
that the young man was more attentive to the friend
than to her, and so began to play (by
J. Fenimore Cooper) upon him. —
(by Charles Reade), and you can under-
stand how he felt ! Her worst fears were realised, for
she saw the young man give her friend
(by Thackeray) , and heard the young lady give
permission to call in — (by
Barrie). As they lived in a seaport town, the couple
took one of the
(by Beatrice Harraden) and started
(by Charles Kingsley). Meanwhile, the parents of
our heroine were compelled to keep an
(by Dickens) for a livelihood and toil from
(by Haggard) till night, and finally return to
their native - (by Shakespeare). The girl was
often — (by Harraden), but one
evening she heard some one at her window singing
(by Tennyson). She
went, and being very much taken with the singer, it
was not long until a happy marriage put an end to all
her woes. She was perhaps the fonder of the two, but
he afterwards —
(by E. P. Roe).
With Pen and Pencil 33
ANSWERS TO A LITERARY LOVE TALE
1. Maud Muller.
2. A Deserted Village.
3. Fairie Queen.
4. The House of Seven Gables.
5. The Betrothed.
6. Very Hard Cash.
7. She.
8. Hard Times.
9. Great Expectations.
10. Jess.
11. Sketch Book.
12. Our Mutual Friend.
13. The Spy.
14. Put Yourself in His PUce.
15. The Rose and the Ring.
1 6. The Little Minister.
17. Ships that Pass in the Night.
1 8. Westward Ho!
19. Old Curiosity Shop.
20. Dawn.
21. Hamlet.
22. In Varying Moods.
23. Come into the Garden, Maud.
24. Fell in Love With His Wife.
THE PENNY PUZZLE
To play this simple little game so as to lend it the
most interest and importance, give to each player a tally-
card with pencil attached by a ribbon, and at the end of
another ribbon a penny with a hole in it. Write at the
top of the card the words, "A Penny for Your Thoughts "
and below it the following questions, leaving space
34 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
between them for the answers to be written in. A
time-limit is set and the one having the greatest number
of correct answers may receive a prize — or at least
the honour of success.
QUESTIONS
1. The symbol of eternity.
2. What goes before a regiment?
3. A messenger.
4. An Indian head-dress.
5. What should a soldier present to his foes?
6. A gallant.
7. A scion of one of the first families.
8. Emblem of victory.
9. Writings from the absent.
10. What does a prisoner pine for?
1 1 . What number and kind of buildings are included ?
12. Two sides of a vote.
13. A piece of armour.
14. A beverage.
15. A watchword.
1 6. What should a rogue possess ?
1 7 . One way of expressing matrimony.
1 8. A place ef worship.
19. What our forefathers fought for
20. Part of a hill.
21. What part of Boston?
22. What silver coin?
23. What part of wheat?
24. What represents youth and childhood?
25. The name of an ocean.
26. An emblem of royalty.
27. A scholar.
28. Part of a river.
With Pen and Pencil
35
I
29. Spring flowers.
30. The first pens.
31. Weapons.
32. A small animal.
33. A fruit.
34. An ancient mode of punishment.
35. The weapon of its infliction.
ANSWERS
I.
Circle.
19.
Liberty.
2.
Band.
20.
Brow.
3-
One cent (sent).
21.
O, N, and T.
4-
Feathers.
22.
Crown.
5.
Face.
23.
The ear.
6.
Beau (bow).
24.
Youth, 19 — 04, Child
7-
An Indian.
hood.
8.
Wreath.
25.
C (sea).
9-
Letters.
26.
Crown.
10.
Liberty.
27.
Pupil.
ii.
Ten Mills.
28.
Mouth.
12.
Ayes and Noes
29.
Tulips (two lips).
(eyes and nose).
30-
Quills.
13-
Shield.
31-
Arrows.
14.
Tea (T).
32.
Hare (hair).
!$•
Liberty.
33-
Date.
16.
Cheek.
34-
Stripes.
17-
United States.
35-
Lashes.
18.
Temple.
NAME— CHARACTERISTICS
This game will please those who like to tax their wits,
and who enjoy a problem, especially when competition
supplies a spur.
It consists in writing a descriptive account of well-
36 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
known authors, using only words beginning with the
letters composing their names, and in the order of suc-
cession in which they stand therein. The writers may
choose their own subjects or may dictate the choice to
one another. They are signed with pseudonyms and
given to the hostess or leader, who reads them aloud.
The identity of the author whose effort is pronounced
•;he best is alone divulged.
For example, the following attempts:
William Shakespeare
Whose immortal lines live in all memories. Sovereign
honour, above Mngly estate. Shakespeare's poetry
exhausts all rivalry everywhere.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
His extreme native refinement, yet willing adapta-
bility, delighted Society wonderfully. Our retiring
talented Permit loved only narration — gathering /aith-
fully each local legend obviously well.
Robert Burns
Sollicking, overfull feard, ever ready to brighten un-
demonstrative ruminating native Scotsmen.
The names of the persons present may be chosen
instead of those of authors, which usually adds interest
and fun to the game.
A BOOK-TITLE ROMANCE
IN RHYME
A copy of the following poem (?) is given to each
player, with blanks for the introduction of the title
of a modern novel :
The charming heroine, my friends,
Was known as ("Alice of Old Vincennes").
With Pen and Pencil 37
She lived when Indians were a power,
And not ("When Knighthood was in Flower").
And in those past times, quaint and olden,
She fell in love with (" Eben Holden ").
Then, while her friends began to marvel,
A rival came, named ("Richard Carvel").
Each rival his keen sword did draw,
And heeded not ("The Reign of Law").
They slew each other, alas ! and then
She married a man named ("Crittenden").
The merry bells rang loud in the steeple
And loudly cheered ("The Voice of the People ").
The two rode away on a double bike
And lived in ("Stringtown on the Pike").
They did not gossip with each neighbour,
But each one did ("The Portion of Labour").
SYNONYMS
A young woman who was fond of introducing some
little feature in her entertainments to "differentiate
them" from those of every one else, invited a dozen
friends to meet at luncheon. On the reverse side of the
place-cards were written a dozen sentences, each one
descriptive of the name of one of the guests present.
These were to be guessed viva voce:
"The voice of a trumpet" was Blair.
"The progeny of Thomas" — Thomson.
"A native of Caledonia" — Scott.
"Profits" — Gaines.
"The one who gives us our flour" — Miller.
"The oldest family in the world." — Adams.
"The head of a monastery" — Abbott.
"Happiness " — Bliss.
"A conductor and a motorman" — Carmen.
38 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
"A barrel architect" — Cooper.
"A harbinger of summer" — Martin.
"A workman" — Smith.
The hostess chose for herself —
4 'The value of speech" — Wordsworth.
After luncheon cards were distributed bearing a list
of words with a space under each one for the synonym
to be written. A time-limit was set and the Century
Dictionary accepted as authority for the correctness of
the work.
The list with the fewest mistakes won for its writer the
little prize of Roget's Thesaurus — a dictionary of syno-
nyms and antonyms — valuable as an addition to any
library.
TYPES IN TYPE
To those who enjoy taxing their ingenuity it is amusing
to try to draw different types of mankind, using only the
letters of the alphabet for all outlines at least — and it is
within the possibilities to make excellent pictures in
which letters figure exclusively, using large and small
type placed at various angles, though the diaresis and
comma are useful adjuncts, particularly for the hair.
To make a clown's head, for instance, use an I slightly
slanted, a V will form a sharp nose, an A for the mouth
in profile and a smaller one for an eye. A C suggests
an ear, a J the chin and jaw, a very large V forms the
foolscap, a series of J's his ruffled collar, and an I the
back of his head. For the front view of a face tiny A's
at different angles make expressive eyes, or O's placed
horizontally and elongated with a period or asterisk for
the pupil will do as well. An L for a nose, a diminutive
C and B for a mouth. U's to outline face and throat,
diaresis for eyebrows — and something remotely resem-
With Pen and Pencil 39
bling a human being will be the result. The combina-
tion of a V set upside down on an S suggests a hat.
A prize should be given to the one whose attempt to
delineate types by type is voted the cleverest.
AUTHOR'S SIGNIFICANCE
An author's name answers each question, which may
be put to the company viva voce. Or cards may be
prepared with the questions written thereon — leaving
space between for the players to insert the answers. A
time-limit should be set in the latter case.
1. A poet that takes precedence.
2. What all should have done in church.
3. A flowering tree.
4. A Scotch church and its colour.
5. An amateur of delicate fabrics.
6. The guardian of treasures.
7 . One of the ills that flesh is heir to.
8. Two marks.
9. An inferior officer.
10. What best becomes a face?
11. One who foretells danger.
12. Convenient for mountain-climbing.
13. To wonder at.
ANSWERS
1. Prior (Matthew).
2. Praed (W. M.).
3. Hawthorne (Nathaniel).
4. Kirk White.
5. Lovelace (Richard).
6. Key (Francis Scott).
7. Paine (Thomas).
8. Mark Twain.
9. Sargent (Epes).
40 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
10. Smiles (Samuel).
11. Warner (Charles Dudley).
12. Muhlbach (Louisa).
13. Marvel (Ik).
TELEGRAMS
Each person of the company is furnished with a pad
and pencil and all are in turn requested to suggest letters
of the alphabet to the number of ten — which are duly
written at the top of each sheet of paper, in the order in
which they were given. The players are then invited
to puzzle their wits to compose a telegram of ten words,
each of which must begin with the letters in sequence
that have been suggested.
Ten minutes is the time-limit, which, of course, may
be prolonged to suit convenience.
Examples— The letters given are T, E, L, E, G, R, A,
P, H, S.
"Thoroughly enjoying life. Everywhere good roads.
Automobile perfectly howling success."
"Theresa engaged Lord E . Great rejoicings.
Anticipating place high society."
STORY-PLAY
The company agrees upon as many nouns as there are
players — each in turn contributing one. Each person
writes these words at the top of his sheet of paper; and
the game consists in writing a short story, introducing
the nouns in the order in which they have been given.
At the end of the time agreed upon, they are read
aloud by the leader or hostess, while the others try to
guess the authorship. For instance, the nouns pro-
posed are, boy, favourites, horse, wood, girl, dragon,
fire, flags, cigarette, photograph, prize, ring.
With Pen and Pencil 41
Another player, with the same nouns, will doubtless
make an entirely different story.
"I took a boy to the circus the other day. Among
favourites one horse was easily first ; many seemed made
of wood. The one we favoured was ridden by a dashing
girl, who looked as if she could manage a dragon as
easily as the horse. Her eyes were full of fire. She
reminded me of Ouida's heroine in "Under Two Flags"
— Cigarette. I snatched a photograph of her with my
kodak as she dashed past. Of course the horse won
the prize — or whatever the blue ribbon is called — for
he was by all odds the best in the ring."
Another player writes:
"Ah, how the tales of chivalry stirred me as a boy !
One of my favourites was that of a horse passing through
a gloomy wood, ridden by a young and beautiful girl.
Suddenly a great and fierce dragon rushes from his lair,
belching fire and smoke — in puffs — as a man smokes a
cigarette. The courage of the maiden falters and flags
when suddenly a noble knight appears who with a blow
of his trusty sword soon lays the beast low. Ah, what
a theme for a painter ! or rather for a snap-shot photo-
graph, had such been known in those picturesque days.
Of course the maiden was the prize of the knight's
prowess, and a wedding-m/g closed the story, like those
of modern days."
NOTABLE NUMBERS
Each person of the company writes a number upon a
slip of paper, and all of these are then folded and
thrown into some receptacle. They are then shaken
together and passed around. Each player must with-
draw one of the papers and, upon reading it, promptly
42 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
tell why the number is famous, or in what connection
it is often quoted. For example:
No. 9. There were nine muses.
No. 7. There were seven wonders of the world.
No. i. The most important of beings — self.
No. 2. The ideal number for happiness — "Two are
company " or companionship.
Those who are unable to think of anything pass on
their papers to their neighbours, and those who respond
keep the papers as counters. The one who has the most
counters at the end of the game is naturally the
winner.
For clever persons, the game may be made more
difficult by confining the answers to old proverbs,
adages, facts, or quotations.
If No. 10 is drawn — "Ten cents make one dime."
If No. i — "One, two, buckle my shoe."
If No. 2 is drawn — "Two wrongs never make a right,"
or "Two heads are better than one."
Whoever fails to respond within one minute must
give a forfeit, to be redeemed later for the entertainment
of the company.
STATE NICKNAMES
A journey in the United States. The blanks to be
filled in by the nicknames of the various States.
The traveller started out for a walk. Having seen
the new South, he concluded to pay a visit to the op-
posite direction, the - , although he had
heard that the course of '• was in another
direction.
Taking his cane, he went to bid his daughter
— good-bye. She was in the kitchen,
grating a , which she mistook for a .
With Pen and Pencil 43
She ga^e him a luncheon of the wing of a ,
served in a iron dish.
He left his home and hurried over the bridge, on the
of which he paused to call his
servant, who was trying to a farmer,
sailing on the . Then directing his course by a
, which was just setting above the tops
of a lofty , he set out for the
and was soon lost to sight.
ANSWERS
* "Old North "—North Carolina.
v "Empire" State—New York.
'; "Palmetto" State — South Carolina.
tf "Little Rhody"— Rhode Island.
/"Buckeye" State— Ohio.
"Nutmeg" State — Connecticut.
"Blue Hen" — Delaware.
"Granite" State — New Hampshire.
#" Keystone " State — Pennsylvania.
j #' ' Creole ' ' State — Louisiana.
*/' Sucker" State (Succor)— Illinois.
,4'Hoosier" State — Indiana.
,"Bay" State — Massachusetts.
,V'Lone Star" State— Texas.
"Pine Tree" State— Maine.
f^'Old Dominion" — Virginia.
LIGHTNING POETRY
Every one is provided with pencil and pad, or a
generous supply of paper. A timekeeper is appointed.
The office is usually much sought for at first, as an
escape from the responsibilities of authorship. Each
person is then requested to write an original poem
44 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
within fifteen minutes. No talent is necessary, only
the courage to plunge.
A subject may be given, upon which all concentrate
their efforts, or each may follow the flight of his or her
separate fancy. Almost every one can write a jingle,
or at least a few doggerel lines, and the gratification of
some hitherto unsuspected poet at his own success is
amusing. It seems difficult at the outset only.
One young woman in desperation wrote the following :
"You ask me for something original,
But I cannot think of a thing;
There's nothing original in me
Except original sin!"
Encouraged by success, some one proposed taking
a half -hour limit and writing the poems (?) in French.
Whereupon that versatile maiden made a free transla-
tion of her former attempt:
"Helas, pensez vous me demander des vers?
A moi, qui n'en fit de ma vie —
A moi, dont 1'unique g£nie
Est de mettre toujours le bons sens a 1'envers ! "
After being collected in a basket, the hostess reads
aloud the effusions — the authors are anonymous.
Votes are taken and the most successful poet is crowned
with laurel.
HODGE-PODGE VERSES
This game is played in the same manner as the fore-
going one, except that the poem or couplet must be
composed of lines each from a different author. Or,
it may be played so that each person in succession
contributes a line, which rhymes with the preceding
one, while preserving the metre of the first line.
With Pen and Pencil 45
As an example of the first mode :
"Be to her faults a little blind" (Prior),
"All think their little set mankind" (Hannah
More).
In the second manner, one knows only the metre and
the last word of the line written by the player before
him, which is told him for the rhyme and rhythm.
The result following will justify the name of the game
in all probability, as, for example, as was once written*
"A frog he would a-wooing go" (Mother Goose).
"To tyrants ever sworn the foe" (John Quincy
Adams) .
"Man wants but little here below" (Goldsmith).
" Praise God from whom all blessings flow " (Doxology
by Thos. Ken).
LOCALISED CHARACTERS
This game is popular among the book-lovers, and
offers a test of memory to the readers of the company.
Cards or slips of paper, with pencils, are distributed
among the players, upon each of which is a list of
characters chosen from well-known books. A space is
left below each name wherein the players are to write
the titles of the books from which the characters have
been selected.
The time should be limited, and, at its expiration,
each player signs his name and passes his paper to the
person at his left.
The hostess or leader then reads the list aloud, as-
signing the characters to their correct place in literature.
At the mention of each, a line is drawn through the
incorrect ones, and those rightly assigned are counted
and their number written at the top of the page. The
46 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
papers are then collected, and the lady and gentleman
having the highest marks have that honour proclaimed,
and, if the hostess choose, a book may be presented to
each as a prize. Among those who are well acquainted
"booby prizes" add to the fun without embarrassment
to their recipients. A primer to the lady and a huge
fool's cap to the gentleman might be selected for the
purpose.
The number of characters may vary, of course, but
three dozen, with a time-limit of half an hour for writing
them, will be found to present the game agreeably.
Examples :
Meg Merrilies lago
Micawber Pecksniff
Gentleman Waif Effie Deans
Amy Robsart Kim
Quilp M. Madeline
Jessica Front de Boeuf
Messala Nydia
Tom Pinch Becky Sharp
Caliban Aunt Chloe
Priscilla Herbert de Brugh
Sairy Gamp Dinah Morris
Babbie Dr. Willum McClure
HISTORICAL ILLUSTRATIONS
Nothing but a knowledge of history common to all
educated persons, and no knowledge of art whatever,
is requisite. Each person makes a sketch illustrating
some historical event, the more absurd the better, the
lack of artistic ability but contributing to the merri-
ment: Pocahontas saving Captain John Smith, Ex-
celsior, King Alfred in the shepherd's hut, etc. The
papers are passed around to the left and each writes
With Pen and Pencil 47
his or her guess as to the subject of the picture, be-
ginning at the bottom of the sheet, folding the paper
so as to conceal what is written. The sketches are
returned to the artists, who first read the guesses and
finally explain what they have tried to delineate.
PREDICAMENTS AND REMEDIES
Ten minutes are given to the company for reflection,
during which each person must think of some predica-
ment— either dangerous, embarrassing, or ridiculous.
At the expiration of that interval, "Time !" is called,
and each one writes down the result of his cogitation —
pads and pencils previously provided — and throws his
or her contribution into a basket or other receptacle.
When all have been collected, the basket is passed
around and each player draws a paper, relating some
predicament for which he must find a remedy, writing
the suggestion on another paper, which he retains.
Having done this, he passes the story of the predicament
to his left-hand neighbour, at the same time receiving
from the person on his right the paper which he or she
has withdrawn from the basket. This, too, must be
considered, and some solution offered of the difficulty
set forth in the second paper, and so on until all the
predicaments have been read and passed upon by all
the players. Each one should be numbered.
The hostess or leader then reads aloud "Predicament
No. i," and each player in turn reads the remedy which
he has written, whereupon all note the answer which
in his or her opinion is the best. All in succession are
then read and silently voted upon. The one who has
received the greatest number of votes gets the prize.
For example, a woman offered this problem:
MI was going out of my house, and in shutting the
48 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
front door caught my dress in it. The storm-door was
closed and beyond my reach, so I could not ask a passer-
by to ring the bell for me, nor could I come near it to
ring it myself. What was I to do ? "
After various suggestions of banging on the door
with the fist, calling aloud, cutting off the piece of the
gown, etc., it was suggested to undo the skirt of the
dress, slip it off, watch the opportunity unobserved to
ring the bell, and stand screened by the storm-door
until admitted.
A man wrote:
"I was going out to dine, and had but just time in
which to dress. I lost my only collar-button down my
back and spent ten minutes in searching for it. I was
most anxious to impress my host with my businesslike
punctuality. Much depended upon it. What was I
to do?"
He was advised to dress in the cab and arrive promptly.
CONFIDENCES
Every one is supplied with pencil and paper, and
writes at the order of the hostess or leader :
1. Each gentleman writes a lady's name; each lady
that of a gentleman.
2. The name of a place.
3. A date in the past.
4. Yes or no.
5. Again each lady writes a gentleman's name, and
the gentlemen each that of a lady.
6. Yes or no.
7. The name of a virtue.
8. Of a fault.
9. Yes or no.
With Pen and Pencil 49
10. Each gentleman writes a gentleman's name;
each lady, a lady's name.
11. A number.
12. A life -motto.
At the conclusion of the leader's directions, each
player reads aloud in turn what he or she has written, in
reply to the questions which are asked in the following
order :
1. From whom (or to whom) did you receive (or
make) your first offer ?
2. Where did it happen?
3 . When did it take place ?
4. Did you love him (or her) ?
5 . Whom will you marry ?
6. Will you love each other?
7 . What is your most conspicuous virtue ?
8. What is his (or her) worst fault ?
9. Will you be happy?
10. Will you have a rival; if so, who will he (or she)
be?
1 1 . How many children will you have ?
12. By what principle will you guide your life?
The questions may, of course, be varied, or added
to, according to the leader's pleasure.
WRIGGLES
This artistic problem need frighten no one who may
lack confidence in his power to give expression to his
thought with his pencil — for this disqualification will
but add to the fun of the contest.
The players being provided with pad and pencil, each
draws a short irregular line upon the paper and then
passes it to his neighbour. The person who receives it
must address himself to the problem of drawing a
50 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
picture — figure, bird, beast, or what he pleases — in-
corporating the "wriggle." He may turn the paper
in any direction he pleases in order to facilitate his
success, and, before submitting it to the criticism of
the company, should make the "wriggle" part of the
drawing heavier in outline to distinguish it from the
rest.
When all the drawings are completed, they are
intrusted to the leader, who exhibits them in turn,
inviting the freest criticism. The name of the artist ( ?)
of the cleverest or most ridiculous of them is revealed,
and he should with becoming modesty accept the
plaudits of the crowd.
FIVE POINTS
It may be remembered that Tommy Traddles was the
little boy who used to divert David Copperfield from his
sad thoughts by drawing skeletons all over his slate.
It will be found that Tommy's talent is a widely dif-
fused one and that an amusing game may be played as
follows :
Let each contestant have a sheet of paper, and scatter
upon it five grains of rice. They may be pushed together
within the radius of a two- or three-inch circle, but not
otherwise directed in position. A mark is made in
pencil or a pin-hole pricked where each grain has fallen.
The rice is then removed, and the game consists
in each person's drawing a figure indicated among
the players.
Each person then has the same problem.
The one who makes the most successful drawing, keep-
ing strictly within the limits marked by the dots, receives
a mark of honour, and the one who has the most marks
at the close of the game is entitled to the honours of vie-
With Pen and Pencil 51
tory. Two cardboard letters — "N A" (National Acad-
emy)— may be bestowed upon the successful artist.
By the marks or pin-holes, using one for the head, two
for the hands and two for the feet, the position of
the figures is determined by the way in which the grains
of rice happen to fall.
It makes the problem easier if ten grains of rice are
used, in which case a group of two figures must be made.
Another way of playing the game is to take as many
sheets of paper as there are players and lay them all
together evenly. On the top sheet scatter the kernels of
rice and wherever they fall mark the spots and then with
a stout needle prick holes through all the sheets of paper
just where the dots are on the top sheet. At the holes
in each sheet of paper make dots with a pencil, and dis-
tribute the sheets.
A DICTIONARY GAME
This game doubtless originated in the marked changes
within a few years in the significance of many words
heretofore regarded as familiar and without question.
The requirements for the game are cards corresponding
in number to the players, and down the left side of these,
two dozen words or more are written, selected as doubt-
ful or confusing in exact definition. Pencils are pro-
vided, and (without conference) the players write oppo-
site each word what they decide to be its meaning. The
cards are then collected and compared with correct
definitions in accordance with the best and latest author-
ities. It is sufficient to say that the result is surprising.
If the first contest has been enjoyed, a second one may
be concerned with the pronunciation of words. In the
same way, words of disputed or uncertain pronunciation
are written upon cards, and each player reads his list
52 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
aloud in turn — one word at a time at each round. The
Standard, Century or Webster's dictionary may be
agreed upon as authority, and Phyfe's little book of
"Seven Thousand Words Often Mispronounced" is an
excellent work to cull from.
CAPPING VERSES
One person writes a line of poetry and, folding down
the paper to conceal the writing, passes it to his neigh-
bour, at the same time giving the last word of his line.
No. 3 writes a fresh line, which is rhymed by the next
player, and so on, until all have made a contribution.
The lines may be original poetry (?) or quotations,
but the result is naturally more pleasing if all agree
beforehand to follow the metre of some familiar
poem.
If preferred, each writer may start a fresh sheet and
pass it on as before described, which, keeping all busy
at once, makes the game more lively. Still another way
to play the game is for some one to quote a line of poetry,
when the person next him must promptly repeat another
line beginning with the letter which concluded the last
word of the previous line. It is continued from one to the
other until some one fails to respond, when he must drop
from the game — which is continued until one alone has
outdone all competitors.
For such impromptu quotations it would be too much
to insist upon the metre being alike — which removes
the chief difficulty. For example:
"Come, gentle spring, ethereal mildness come,"
"England, with all thy faults I love thee stil/."
"Love not, love not, ye hapless sons of eart/*,"
" He jests at scars who never felt a wound,
" Drink to me only with thine eyes," etc.
With Pen and Pencil 53
THE SECRETARY
This is a variation of the old game of Consequences,
but its more personal nature enhances its interest. The
players are seated at a table, provided with pencils and
paper, and asked by the leader, or secretary, as he is
called, to write their own names at the top of the sheet
and fold them over so as to conceal them.
He then collects the papers and distributes them,
with the order, "Write a character." The players
obediently address themselves to writing the description
of an imaginary character, good or bad.
The secretary again collects the papers, distributes
them, and directs their recipients to describe the past
of the unknown person whose name is hidden at the top
of the sheet. Then follows the order to describe the
person's present, future, fate or fortune — or anything
that the leader may direct.
The papers are finally collected and read aloud.
A LITERARY ROMANCE
A list of questions should be written in small books
similar to cards and furnished with tiny pencils on
tasselled cords. The cover may bear the title in gilt let-
tering, or two hearts transfixed by an arrow in the shape
of a pen, from which gory drops of ink are falling.
The hostess explains that the correct answers to the
questions are the titles of well-known books, to be writ-
ten on the page opposite, and at the foot of the page the
writer signs his or her name.
The contest, though not new, has the advantage that
it may be varied ad infinitum, using other book-titles.
A prize is usually given to the woman who has been the
most successful in answering the questions, and one to
54 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
the man who has the most correct showing on his little
book.
The following questions may be answered by the
names of books, which at present are familiar to all.
1 . Who was the Colonial bride ?
2. Who was the Colonial bridegroom?
3. Where they did meet?
4. What did he tell her?
5 . What was her face then ?
6. With what feelings did they look forward to their
wedding-day ?
7. What date was set for the wedding?
8. Who performed the marriage ceremony ?
9. Who assisted him in the ceremony ?
10. What did every one give the bride, on her appear
ance?
1 1 . What vow did they take ?
12. Who furnished the flowers?
13. Where did they go on their wedding journey?
14. What house was their first home ?
1 5 . What came to them a year later ?
1 6. What did their married life prove to be ?
1. "Janice Meredith" — Paul Leicester Ford.
2. "Richard Carvel" — Winston Churchill.
3. "Castle Craneycrow" — Geo. Barr McCutcheon.
4. "Twice Told Tales" — Hawthorne.
5. "A Study in Scarlet" — Conan Doyle.
6. "Great Expectations" — Dickens.
7. " Middlemarch " — George Eliot.
8. "The Vicar of Wakefield "—Goldsmith.
9. "The Little IVfmister"— Barrie.
10. "The Right of Way"— Gilbert Parker,
n. "To Have and to Hold"— Mary Joh. ston.
With Pen and Pencil 55
12. "Elizabeth and Her German Garden" — Anon.
13. " Far from the Madding Crowd " — Hardy.
14. "The House of the Seven Gables" — Hawthorne
15. "Heavenly Twins" — Sarah Grand.
16. "Bitter Sweet "—Holland.
A BICYCLE ACCIDENT
On the same principle as in the foregoing game, the
following questions may be propounded and the an-
swers given in by the names of cities of the United
States :
1. A young man and maiden planned a pleasant after-
noon together. How and where did they go ?
2. What caused her to fall from her wheel?
3. What did they give her to restore consciousness?
4. What surgical operation had to be performed ?
5. Blaming the town for the accident, what did her
father do?
6. What kind of a lawyer argued the case ?
7. How did it end for all concerned?
8. To whom were they grateful?
ANSWERS
i. Wheeling; 2. Rutland; 3. Newport; 4. Lansing;
5. Sioux City; 6. Superior; 7. Concord; 8. Providence.
PUT IN AN ADJECTIVE
There are two ways in which this game is played. In
one, somebody reads aloud a selection from an author
who is conceded to write pure and good English, leaving
out all the adjectives — Irving's "Bracebridge Hall"
would be a good choice, since his pleasure in and
appreciation of the people and things which he therein
describes inspired many adjectives.
56 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The reader pauses whenever an adjective is met with,
and all the players silently write down the one which
they think would be appropriately used in the connection
suggested.
After a page or two has been read, or at the conclusion
of the article or chapter, the selection is read again with
all the adjectives supplied as the author has given them.
Each person then notes, upon his or her paper, those
which correspond to the choice made by the author.
The one who has the greatest number wins the contest —
and all may be the wiser for a lesson in their parts of
speech.
The second way of playing the game aims merely at
amusement. Some one, who possibly wields the "pen
of a ready writer" or, better, has the faculty for making
fun, writes a story, leaving out all adjectives, though so
constructing the tale as to require the use of an enormous
number of them, which are represented, however, by
blanks on his or her pages. Each person of the company
is then requested to furnish adjectives, which are written
in the narrative in the order in which they are given,
regardless of the sense, the more inappropriate or absurd
the more the success of arousing amusement is assured.
If the persons present may be made the subjects
of the story and jokes of a personal nature introduced
the merriment is increased. Such adjectives as top-
lofty, outlandish, idiotic, tricky, lean, oppressive, illiter-
ate, barbarous, entrancing, will be found valuable in
description of persons to arouse animation if not
interest.
The account of the habits of some bird or beast is
often amusing with adjectives inappropriately applied
or without regard to sense. The following was the
result of one such haphazard arrangement :
'With Pen and Pencil < 57
"The sweet heron is a bird of hard shape, with a
transparent head, and an agitated bill set upon a hopeful
neck. Its picturesque legs are put far back in its
body, the feet and claws are false, and the tail very new-
fangled. It is a durable, distorted bird, unsophisticated
in its movements, with a stupid voice and tender in its
habits. In the disgusting days of falconry the places
where the heron were bred were counted almost shy,
the birds were held serious, and slight statutes enacted
for their preservation."
HANGING PROVERBS
Each person is provided with paper and pencil and
requested to draw a gibbet, with a noose hanging there-
from for each player. Some one thinks of a proverb,
and, without telling what it is, directs the players to
make as many dots on their papers as there are letters
in each word, separating the words by lines or spaces.
For instance, "Money makes the mare go" would be
writtenthus: 1 ,| 1 1--. The
players then in turn mention some letter which they
think may be found in the proverb, and, if correct, all
are directed to write it over the dot which indicates its
place.
If one gives a letter that is not included in the proverb,
a head is attached to a noose and the initials of the
person making the incorrect guess written above it.
If that person makes a second failure, a body is added
to the head, then an arm, a leg, until the figure is com-
pleted, when the one who is responsible for the six
mistakes must drop out of the game.
The repetition of the same letter in the sentence adds
to the mystification, as each one exacts a separate
guess.
58 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The person who first discovers what the proverb is
wins the game and is entitled to choose the next proverb.
LITERARY CONTEST
The players draw at haphazard, from hat or basket,
slips of paper upon which are written the names of well-
known books — preferably famous works of fiction. After
all have supplied themselves, five or ten minutes are
given them in which to recall and ponder all that
they have known of the book that has fallen to their
respective lots.
The hostess then touches a bell to notify them that
the time is up, and each in turn is requested to mention
his book, tell the author's name — supplying the real one
when a pseudonym is used — give a short synopsis of
the story, name the hero and heroine, the chief idea or
characteristic of the book, and any quotation from it that
can be recalled.
A secret vote is taken, when all have spoken, as to
which narrator has given the best idea of the book he
or she has endeavoured to describe, the names being
written upon bits of paper and collected by the hostess.
The one who has received the most votes is proclaimed
the winner and awarded the prize of a book, photograph
of a noted author, paper-cutter, book-mark, or some
trifle of literary suggestion — if the hostess please. A
second prize may be given — or merely "honourable
mention" — to the one who ranks next after the victor.
CHAPTER II— GAMES OF THOUGHT,
WIT AND MEMORY
Impromptu Games
DRAMATIC ADJECTIVES
ONE of the company leaves the room and the
rest agree upon some adjective that may be
easily acted. The person who is to do the
guessing returns and asks a question of the members
of the company in turn or at haphazard.
In making the replies, every one must act in such a
manner as to suggest the adjective agreed upon.
For example, the word selected may be "Weary,"
and each answer is prefaced with a sigh, a drooping of
the body, and an evident desire to lean up against some-
thing. Or, the word decided upon may be "Pedantic."
The questioner may perhaps ask, "Can you not give
me an idea of what it is ? " and gets for reply : " It depends
upon what you mean by an 'idea.' Prof. Porter says
that Plato defines an idea as 'the archetypal essence of
all things, subsumed under one concept.' " Not re-
ceiving much enlightenment, he may ask the next
player, "Will you not throw some light upon this
subject?" and receives the answer: "You know that
there are many kinds of light. There are the actinic
rays " He is apt to intercept further display of
learning by turning to some such safe topic as the
weather. But even here he may be told of meteorology
59
60 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
cal disturbances of our climate contrasted with that
of Egypt "when Osirtasu I. built his temple at Karnak,
over which always arched a cloudless sky," etc.
The person who furnishes the best clue to the dis-
covery must take the place of questioner.
BOOK-TITLE PANTOMIMES
This game has the advantage of requiring no prepara-
tion, but may depend for accessories upon such properties
as may be picked up in almost any houshold, as the
need may arise.
Two rooms opening into each other with portieres
or folding doors between lend themselves best for the
purpose, the audience being seated in one, while the
actors take possession of the other. Two persons, in
turn, recruited from the audience, fill the role of actors.
After consultation, the title of some book is decided
upon, which they endeavour to suggest in pantomime,
to be guessed by the audience — who may call aloud
what they suppose the representation to be, or note
their guesses upon cards. The writers, in the latter case,
sign their names at the foot of the cards, and these at
the close of the performance are received by the hostess
or some one appointed to collect them, and a prize is
awarded to the one whose card contains the most correct
answers. Or the names of those who have been most
successful in guessing may be proclaimed.
By way of suggestion for the pantomimes: The
portieres are withdrawn, revealing a step-ladder, up
which a young man ascends, carrying a horse-shoe,
which he fastens over a doorway — or drapes a flag over
a picture — while a girl holds the ladder, hands him the
hammer or whatever is required, and the portieres are
then drawn.
Impromptu Games 61
The horse-shoe, or flag, will probably focus the at-
tention of the audience and so mislead; for the book-
title intended for representation is "The Ascent of
Man,'' by Drummond. The young man may descend
the ladder before the portieres conceal him and so
represent Darwin's famous work, if it be preferred to
the former.
The next pair may sit at the ends of a small dining-
table set for two and smilingly raise their glasses to
pledge one another and drink to their mutual happiness
— which may serve to suggest "We Two," by Edna
Lyall.
A man, with his silk hat pushed over on the back
of his head (one of an old fashion preferred), looking
as countrified as possible and carrying a carpet-bag,
enters — a woman, in bonnet and shawl, clinging tightly
to his arm. He lays down the carpet-bag (or grip-sack
of antique pattern), and, looking at a painting or some
article in the room with a vacant stare, consults his
guide-book eagerly. The woman gazes about her —
looking indiscriminately at the ceiling or floor as if
ignorant of what she is expected to admire — all of
which is intended to recall Mark Twain's "Innocents
Abroad."
"Wild Animals I Have Known," by Ernest Thompson
Seton, may be represented by a strong-minded looking
woman in spectacles and a manish hat. She may
attack with her umbrella, opening and shutting it, an
imaginary bull at one side of the stage, or a dog might
be induced to bark at her, if the umbrella-flourishing
may be made sufficiently aggravating.
She may then mount upon a chair in an agony of
fright, while a toy mouse, wound up ^r made to go by
62 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
being drawn by a string from one side to the other of the
room, threatens her.
MEN'S WIVES
The hostess may announce this guessing contest to
be a sort of " fortune-teller," which should give each
man a clue to the name that his future wife should
bear. The "eternal fitness of things" had determined
the matter. It was for them to discover it. The
first name should be told, to make the subject clear —
which was that a chemist's wife should be named
"Ann Eliza" (Analyzer):
A civil engineer's? — Bridget.
A gambler's ? — Bettie.
A humourist's? — Sally.
A clergyman's? — Marie.
A shoe-maker's ? — Peggy.
A sexton's? — Belle.
A porter's ? — Carrie.
A dancing master's ? — Grace.
A milliner's ? — Hattie.
A gardener's? — Flora.
A judge's? — Justine.
A pugilist's? — Mamie.
A pianist's ? — Octavia.
A life-saver's ? — Car-o-line.
An upholsterer's ? — Sophie.
An astronomer's ? — Stella.
A doctor's? — Patience.
A bass-singer's ? — Aurora.
A fisherman's? — Nettie.
A gas-man's? — Meta.
A marksman's ? — Amy.
Impromptu Games 63
A MUSICAL ROMANCE
A guessing contest recently contributed much to the
success of a reunion of lads and lasses. Profiting by a
lull in the conversation, the young hostess announced
that a love-story of the Civil War would be related in
musical numbers, and to the one who should best
interpret them a prize should be awarded. All were
provided with cards and pencils, and a young woman
seated herself at the piano. The hostess then asked,
"What was the heroine called?" Whereupon the
familiar notes of "Sweet Marie" were heard from the
piano, and it began to be understood that the names of
popular airs — given with much spirit by the pianist —
would furnish the answers to the questions propounded,
to be recorded upon the cards. The story progressed
thus:
What was the hero's name? — "Robin Adair."
Where was he born? — "Dixie."
Where was she born? — "On the Suwanee River."
Where did they meet? — "Comin' thro* the Rye."
At what time of day was it ? — ' ' Just as the sun went
down."
When did he propose? — "After the ball was over."
What did he say? — "Only one girl in this world for
me."
What did she say? — "I'll leave my happy home for
you."
What did he then bid her?— "A soldier's farewell."
What did the band play? — "The girl I left behind
me."
Where did he go? — "Georgia."
Where did he spend that night? — "Tenting on the
old camp ground."
64 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
What did the band play when he came home ? —
"When Johnny comes marching home."
Where were they married? — "Old Kentucky Home."
Who were the bridesmaids ? — ' ' Two little girls in
blue."
Who furnished the music? — "Whistling Rufus."
Who furnished the wedding feast ? — " Rory O'Grady."
Where did they make their home ? — "On the banks of
the Wabash."
What was their motto? — "Home, Sweet Home."
Where did they always remain? — "America."
The music was a new feature, and the fact that the
airs were so well known but made it the more enjoyable.
The advantage of the winner being so slight, the pleasure
of success was the more general.
HIDE THE WORD
The game consists in putting a word, previously
agreed upon by the company, into a narrative so cleverly
that the person who is required to guess it shall be
unable to distinguish it. The word chosen must be one
that has several meanings, and the players in turn each
adopt a separate signification or manner of its use.
Each person tells a story, recites a verse of some poem,
or relates an adventure, bringing in the chosen word,
being careful not to mark it by additional emphasis.
Self-conscious persons are apt to hesitate at its
pronunciation, or slur it with such evident haste that
the secret is betrayed.
The one who inadvertently furnishes the clue must
then take the place of questioner. Words of two
letters are ruled out of the choice.
For example, the word "out," while remaining
unchanged, is used in several different senses :
Impromptu Games 65
The first player may speak of going out the first time
after an illness. A second refers to "going out" so
much more than usual, in the sense used in society.
A third may tell of some embarrassment at feeling
"out of it" when others were enjoying themselves.
A fourth of being "out of pocket." A fifth at being
cheated — in the English phrase — of being "done out
of what was mine by rights," or "There I was — so many
dollars out!" "Out of reckoning." "Out of 'sight."
Even the word "outrageous" may ring other changes.
A good way to mislead is to bring in some other
rather salient word — that is not the one selected and
have each narrator repeat it. The story, too, should
be long enough to make the chosen word inconspicuous.
PICTURE TITLES
This game has been very popular with book-loving
folk. Each one in succession portrays a scene as if
it were before the actual as well as the mental vision,
descriptive of the title of some book that is presumably
known to the company. It need have no real relation
to the story told in the book, but must suggest its title.
For instance, one person says :
"I see before me a great stone castle, with towers and
donjon-keep. From one of its narrow casements a
maiden surpassing fair is watching a falcon that has
escaped its thrall and has flown to a tall tree with its
lune (the string by which the bird is held) tangled
about its feet, so as to impede its flight. And now a
knight in full armour comes pricking by, to whom the
maiden makes appeal. 'Oh, Sir Knight, help me to
get my hawk, for if it be lost my father will slay me, he
is so hasty.' The knight makes answer, doffing his
cap, 'Fair lady, I will do what I may, though
66 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
in truth I am an ill climber, and the tree is passing
high.' And therewith he alights, but prays the lady
to come down and unarm him, which she blithly does.
With might and force he climbs up to the falcon, ties
the lune to a rotten bough and throws the hawk down
with it. When he has received the lady's thanks he
resumes his armour and rides away, but he carries more
away with him than he brought, and the maiden loses
more than the worth of the hawk she received, for
verily he takes with him the heart that has escaped
the lady's keeping even as had the bird."
It probably will not take the players very long to
discover that such doings relate only to the times
"When Knighthood was in Flower.**
CAPTAINS
From among the players two captains are chosen, who
then proceed to select a following, until the company is
equally divided. They either stand in two lines or sit
in chairs facing each other. It is a matter of agreement,
or toss-up or card-matching to decide which captain shall
begin the game, which he does by asking a question and
then slowly counting ten. Before he has finished count-
ing, the captain of the opposition must answer. If his
reply be correct he puts a question to the second player
in the ranks of his opponents, who questions in his turn,
and so on. If any player fail to answer or makes an
incorrect reply, he or she drops out. The interest is at
its height when two contestants only are left on the field
and the rest form an audience.
The game is adapted to questions on any subject — and
may be the source of much valuable information, if the
hostess, leader, or mother, takes the trouble, in advance
of the playing of the game, to collect questions that shall
Impromptu Games 67
arouse interest or even pique curiosity. These may be
written upon slips of paper with the answers below, and
supplied to the questioners.
Persons not well acquainted would hesitate, perhaps,
to betray ignorance, but in families or among near kins-
men or friends it is one of the pleasantest ways of acquir-
ing information. On national holidays the questions
might be confined to the history of the country.
ALPHABET
This game may be adapted to persons of all ages,
after they have graduated from the primer.
From a box of anagram cardboard letters each player
in turn draws one, naming it aloud. The first calls upon
the company to mention some famous man whose name
begins with that letter. To the one who can first recall
such a man, the letter is given. Number two, showing
his letter, may call for the name of a city the initial let-
ter of which is like the one he holds. A third may call
for something to eat, beginning with the letter drawn.
Famous Artists, Authors, Musicians, Philosophers,
Mountains, Rivers, Battles, Things to Wear, Qualities
of Mind, Virtues, Military Leaders, Flowers, Fruits,
Animals, Fish, Trees, Precious or Semi-precious Stones
(of which there is one for every letter of the alphabet) ,
Patriots, Kings, Popes, Famous Women, may all be
called for.
The game may also be played progressively.
PREDICTIONS
Among intimate friends, the following form of proph-
esy may occasion much sport:
Each person, in confidence to the hostess, makes a
prediction about some person present as to what he or
68 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
she will do during the course of the evening — all of
which that lady commits to writing, to be produced just
before the time of leave-taking for refutation or con-
firmation.
The ones whose predictions are verified receive a prize
or honour of some trifling kind.
The prophesies must not be of things that would natur-
ally happen — nor must personalities risk offending any-
one, but much harmless merriment may be had where
little peculiarities not generally observed are thus sug-
gested or some teasing allusion introduced.
PERSON AND THING
That "men are but children of a larger growth" may
be verified by playing "Person and Thing."
Two of the company leave the room and concert
together to mystify the rest — the one by personating
some well-known character, while the other assumes to
be something usually associated with the personage
selected — Balaam and his ass, Pyramus and the kiss
through the wall, Caesar and his famous message of
"Veni, vidi, vici," for instance.
The fun principally consists in dodging the issue by
misleading answers to the questions. It rather con-
centrates upon the person taking the part of the " ass,"
the "kiss," or Caesar's famous "telegram," as a child once
called the message.
Upon one occasion "Adam and the sweat of his brow "
was the selection made to puzzle the company. The
one who represented the "thing" assumed then that it
was beneficent, a friend to all the races of men, though
this particular one was the first the world had seen —
above all was it the poor man's friend, though little appre-
ciated. Spherical in shape, clear and transparent, it was
Impromptu Games 69
considered beautiful when seen elsewhere and in differ-
ent association, but no like compliment had ever been
paid to it. The solution of the mystery was not much
helped when it was added that it "could not walk, but
could run ! "
STORY GUESSING
This is a good game for twilight times, summer even-
ings on the piazza, or when the room is lighted only by
the glow of the fire around which the company is gathered.
Each person is asked to relate the story of some book,
familiar to the reading public, or, better, one well-known
to fame.
The audience listens carefully, makes no comments,
and at the close of the narrative each person in suc-
cession offers his or her opinion as to the plot of what
book has been described.
Every one who is willing makes the contribution of a
story, and the person who guesses the designation of the
greatest number of these narratives wins the game or
prize.
For instance, one says, "Mine is the story of a man
unconsciously good — one of the inconspicuous heroes,
so noble as never to suspect his own nobility — living
habitually in the atmosphere of 'that loftiest peak,
humility.' His was a dependent position in the house-
hold of a man whose name is synonymous with hypocrite,
but whom he idealised, until he was at length forced to
see him as he was. He loved the sweetheart of the
ostensible hero of the book, but expressed it only by serv-
ing them both. Money plays a conspicuous part in the
book — schemed for, sinned for. It warps many natures,
but the greed for it leads to the unveiling of the hypo-
crite by a clever plot — and our simple-minded, big-
70 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
hearted, all-loving humble hero never lacks a friend
and is honoured as he deserves.
"The blot on the book is a repulsive picture of some
of our countrymen, but few characters are more love-
worthy in all fiction than the hero of ."
Dickens is so familiar to nearly all readers that it will
be easily seen, perhaps, that the above description
belongs to Tom Pinch in the book "Martin Chuzzlewit."
When it is guessed, or all have tried and failed, the
next narrator tells a tale.
The game may be played, if desired, by every one's
writing the story of some famous book and reading it
to the company in turn. To many it is easier to write
than to narrate a story.
THE GAME OF "IT"
If there be still any one who has not heard of the game
of "It," he is precisely the one who may furnish fun for
the rest and be mystified to their heart's content. The
question must be diplomatically put, and when one
ignorant of the game is discovered it is well to wait a bit
before selecting him to be the first to leave the room.
He is told that they in his absence will choose an object
which he must discover upon his return by asking ques-
tions of each in succession, after the manner of the well-
known game of Twenty Questions. The company
arrange themselves in a semi-circle, and, should there
be others remaining in the room who are unacquainted
with the trick, it is explained to them that the object to
be guessed is the left-hand neighbour of each person ques-
tioned— always alluded to as "It."
It must be confessed that the fun is rather at the
expense of the questioner.
Another may be puzzled by the company's agreeing
Impromptu Games 71
upon the right-hand, or opposite neighbour, the person
whom they spoke to last, or their host or hostess.
The fun is increased if the company is arranged so that
the questioner interrogates a lady and gentleman alter-
nately.
DUMB ORATOR
This game is "as old as the hills," but its humour is of
such subtle flavour that it rarely fails to elicit the most
spontaneous mirth. It belongs to the class of things
that are so old as to be new to the present generation.
One person recites a poem, the more familiar the bet-
ter, provided it be dramatic and suggestive of impas-
sioned gesture. His hands are tied behind his back and
he seats himself in the lap of another person, who slips
his arms under those of the orator — thus supplying him
with substitutes for his own pinioned ones, with which
substitutes all the gestures are made. A cloak is
necessary to hide the dual personality. It is clasped
about the orator's neck, and covers the head and person
of the gesticulaton.
Some familiar poem should be recited very seriously,
while the one who makes the gestures taxes his ingenuity
to go as far astray from what would be appropriate as
possible. Hamlet's Soliloquy has been a successful
choice.
At the words, "take arms against a sea of troubles/'
the orator's arms are raised in threatening attitude with
clenched fists, suggestive of a prize-fight. When the
speaker says — "to die, to sleep " he is interrupted
by a loud snore. At the "pangs of despised love," his
hands are clasped to his heart and a large bandanna
handkerchief applied to his eyes — and nose. At the
"spur"i that patient merit of the unworthy takes," his
72 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
own ears are boxed, and a real bodkin from a work-
basket is produced at the suggestion of making his
"quietus." This is merely a suggestion, but the fun is
usually very spontaneous.
A FAGOT PARTY
This name has been given to an entertainment to
which every person invited must come prepared to tell
a story, sing a song, propose some game, or make other
contribution to the pleasure of the company. The time
consumed in the burning of a single small fagot is the
allotment of each entertainer in return. The efforts to
prolong the story — holding the denouement at bay or
hastening it to its close as the fagot burns for a longer or
a shorter time — tax one's ingenuity, to the amusement
of the friendly critics.
WHO WAS HE?
This game has the advantage of requiring no prepa-
ration, and can be played by any number of persons, in
almost any surroundings — in the dark on a summer's
evening on the veranda, or by a little company in a
lighted room; at a picnic with the grass for a seat, or by
the fireside. There is no rule of the game which forbids
studying up for it; indeed, if the players be forewarned
such preparation adds much to the interest, particularly
perhaps to those who contribute their bits of information.
This should be done in a sketchy manner, briefly touch-
ing on the most salient points of autobiography, so as to
leave a picture in the mind to be pigeon-holed in the
memory. A character is described by each player in
turn, suppressing the name, which is guessed by the
company only at the conclusion of the narrative. The
one who guesses it first has a mark to his cr her credit,
Impromptu Games 73
and the person who has guessed the most characters
wins the game and may perhaps be awarded a prize.
Sometimes votes are cast for the one who has described
the character of his selection in the most interesting
manner, and another prize is given.
The following example is given: "I see before me a
Breton peasant, a gentle soul, brought up on the Bible
and taught Latin by the parish priest. Ready at duty's
call on the death of his father to turn farmer, he is pre-
vented by his old grandmother, who believes in his
talent for painting. He goes to Paris and is laughed at
as a rustic setting up for originality. The romantic
school, then at its height, disgusts him.
" He is robbed and bullied, becomes self-conscious and
awkward; the pictures of the old masters are his only
friends. For years he paints pictures at five or ten
francs apiece. At length some artists of note begin to
hold out their hands to him and help him to his best by
their sympathy. He even now sells his drawings for a
pair of shoes, and lives with his wife on thirty francs for a
fortnight. He finally goes to a little village in a beauti-
ful forest, breaks from the slavery of conventional art,
and draws people as he sees them. He lives there
twenty-seven years. Still, his greatest picture is
rejected by the Salon. Finally glimpses of prosperity
come, and just before his death from consumption
comes the great news from Paris, 'The world recognises
your genius ; your pictures are selling for high prices ! '
He lives only long enough to know it."
Perhaps the indication of Millet's career is too
clearly given in this instance, but one is at liberty
to be as mysterious as he pleases — consistent with
correctness.
74 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
COMPLIMENTS
If both are present, the ladies and gentlemen should
be seated alternately. One then begins by saying, "I
should like to be such and such an object or animal —
what do you think is the reason for my choice ? " looking
for an answer at haphazard from any gentleman present,
who must at once give some complimentary explanation
why the resemblance would be appropriate. The one
who has answered then, in his turn, says what he
should like to be — and calls upon a lady, who must find
some flattering reason for the similitude. The more
unpleasant or disagreeable the object or animal, the
more difficult will it be to find a compliment. One lady
may say, for instance, "I should like to resemble a
mosquito. "Why, Mr. ?" and he may reply:
" Because you are musical, and when you are present it
is impossible to think of anything else. Now, I should
like to be a snail. Why, Miss ?" *' Because you are
slow and sure, and of so domestic a taste that you would
gladly carry your home with you wherever you are."
MUSICAL NEIGHBOURS
This is one of the games that has been preserved
through many generations of merrymakers, and so must
be allowed the claim to merit given to the "survival of
the fittest."
One-half the company must submit to be blindfolded,
the victims to be determined by lot or choice. These are
seated around the room in a wide circle, leaving a vacant
chair at the right hand of each one. The rest of the
company assemble in the middle of the room, keeping
absolutely silent while some one plays a familiar air on
the piano. The unblindfolded then creep very stealthily,
Impromptu Games 75
seat themselves in the vacant chairs, and instantly begin
to sing, disguising the voice as much as possible to con-
ceal their identity. The more absurd the musical (?)
result, the better. The blindfolded persons must listen
intently to try to discover who their tuneful neighbours
are. The piano accompaniment suddenly stops, where-
upon all are silent and the leader gives the order, "Blind
folk will please name their right-hand neighbours !" If
unable to do so, they must not remove the bandage,
though people usually do so, impulsively, in their
triumphant confidence in having guessed rightly — but
are obliged to try again.
The successful guessers then transfer their bandages
to their right-hand neighbours whose failure to mislead
concerning their identity subjects them to this penalty.
A CULINARY COURTSHIP
The answers may be given viva voce or in writing —
when the following questions are proposed;
SOUPS
1 . The groom was a Frenchman. What was his name ?
2. What was the weather on the wedding-day?
FISH
3. With what was the bride's gown trimmed?
4. How was it sent to her?
MEATS, WITH SAUCES
5. Who was the bride's favourite author ? The groom
was a Government official. Where was he employed?
6. What did his future mother-in-law give him? In
what did his small brother-in-law indulge?
7. Who was the groom's favourite essayist?
BREADS
8. In what manner did the bride dress her hair ?
9. What were her wedding-gifts from the groom?
76 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
SALAD
10. When asked to marry, what did the bride say?
ENTREE
11. They received congratulations from the groom's
friend, who was a conspicuous figure in the Dreyfus
case. What was his name ?
RELISHES
12. The best man was an official of the Chinese
embassy. What was his name?
13. What did the bride do in the conservatory ?
SWEETS
14. The bride was a brunette. By what nickname
was she called?
15. With what did the groom salute her?
1 6. The wedding invitations met with an accident at
the printer's. What did they become ?
DRINKS
17. In the excitement of the wedding feast, what did
the groom call his father-in-law ?
1 8. What did the best man have when asked to
respond to a toast?
ANSWERS
SOUPS
1. Julien.
2. Clear.
FISH
3. Scallops.
4. C. O. D.
MEATS, WITH SAUCES
5. Lamb — Mint.
6. Cold Shoulder — Capers.
7. Bacon.
Impromptu Games 77
BREADS
8. Rolls and Puffs.
9. Gems.
SALAD
10. Lettuce.
ENTREE
11. Pats' de Clam (Paty du Clam).
RELISHES
12. Chow-chow.
13. Piccalilli.
SWEETS
14. Brown Betty.
15. Kisses.
16. Pie.
DRINKS
17. Pop.
1 8. Champagne (sham pain).
INTRODUCTIONS
This absurd game has no "excuse for being" except
that it is apt to create very spontaneous laughter when
the players really enter into its spirit. One feels con-
strained to apologise for its introduction. It simply
consists of plays upon words. One is supposed to be
making introductions, giving the names of a gentleman
and lady, which are but parts of words — the completion
being revealed by the presentation of a third member of
the family. Each person in turn introduces a group of
three, or the players offer one as their wits may serve.
EXAMPLES:
Mr. and Mrs. Fortune and Miss Fortune (Misfortune).
Mr. and Mrs. Land and Mary Land (Maryland).
Mr. and Mrs. Harmonic and Phil Harmonic (Phil-
harmonic) .
78 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Mrs. and Mrs. Pole and May Pole.
Father and Mother Dote and Aunty Dote.
Mr. and Mrs. Cohol and Al Cohol.
Mr. and Mrs. Chovy and Anne Chovy.
Mr. and Mrs. Tionary and Dick Tionary (dictionary).
Mr. and Mrs. Terry and Miss Terry (Mystery).
Mr. and Mrs. Orr and the Orr kid (orchid).
DUMB CRAMBO
The players are divided into two parties, one of which
leaves the room, while the others decide upon a word to
be guessed by those without.
Upon their return they are furnished with a clew by a
word's being told them that rhymes with the word
which they must guess. They then return for consulta-
tion, and upon their reappearance proceed to represent
in pantomime what they fancy the word to be.
Properties necessary for dressing in character may be
supplied, which adds much to the fun.
For example : One of the audience tells the actors that
they have thought of a word that rhymes with "tin."
After a short preparation, the actors enter en masse,
making as noisy a racket as they can devise. The
audience promptly assure them that it is not "din" in
pity for their own ears. They then retire for confer-
ence and reappear. One creeps stealthily after another
and goes through the motions of picking a pocket, two
seem to be quarrelling, others openly fighting, while one
craftily drops upon the ground a bit of orange peel
which promptly causes another to fall with great appar-
ent injury. The audience finally decide that "sin" is
what they are trying to describe and deny that choice.
The actors withdraw and return with broad smiles upon
every face, but again are assured of failure — the word
Impromptu Games 79
not being "grin." At their next appearance they seem
to be swimming, holding their arms very close to their
sides and flopping them about as fishes do their fins,
while opening and shutting their mouths, as one observes
fishes do in an aquarium. Condemned to still another
trial, they enter the room staggering about and imitat-
ing the motions of extreme intoxication while periodically
drinking from their closed hands. It is not difficult for
the audience to recognise the word of their selection and
acknowledge that "gin" is the correct answer — where-
upon the audience and actors change places.
BURLESQUE PANTOMIMES
By way of variation from impromptu tableaux, a
burlesque representation of some familiar subject may
be given, with the assurance that it will not fail to
be found amusing.
For example, the tragic tale of the "Babes in the
Wood":
Scene I. — "A Gloomy Wood." The withdrawal of
the portieres reveals a darkened space with three or
four small Christmas trees in pots set about the room.
Enter two very tall persons, dressed in long pinafores,
with little caps tied under their chins. They rub their
fists in their eyes, look about in a bewildered way, and
finally stretch themselves on the ground side by side.
The curtain falls, but is immediately withdrawn for
Scene //.—"The Kindly Fowls of the Air." Two
or three men hop upon the stage, their bodies much
inclined, feather dusters protruding from their coat-
tails, and -with palm-leaf fans held in their mouths.
They twitter, whistle, hop about, and finally deposit the
fans on the bodies of the prostrate babes, going and
returning with more fans until they are entirely
8o The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
concealed, when the curtain hides the pathetic
scene.
PROVERBS
This is one of the games that old and young may
play together — with pleasure to both.
One of the party leaves the room, and the rest select
a familiar proverb, the words of which are apportioned
one by one in the order of their sequence among the
players.
Should there be more words in the proverb than there
are persons present, certain of the company divide the
extra words among themselves.
The questioner then returns and asks something of
each of the players in turn, each of whom must try to
introduce in the reply the special words allotted to him
in such a way as to escape the notice of the questioner.
Another way to play the game is for the exiled person,
upon his return, to put the questions at haphazard to
whomsoever he pleases — being careful not to address the
same person more than once while there remain any
players who have not answered.
This mode is the more lively in that it makes a more
sudden demand upon one's readiness of wit; since the
words can not be apportioned in advance among the
players.
The company must be certain that the exact wording
of the proverb be understood, each person repeating it
aloud accurately before the questioner is recalled.
THE TRAVELLER'S ABC
This is a game for quick wits, for each must speak
in his turn with scant time for thought. If the move-
ment is rapid, it is amusing.
Impromptu Games 81
The players sit in a row, and No. i mentions the name
of some place beginning with the letter A, to which he
is going, and asks of his neighbour what he shall do
there. No. 2 must answer in words beginning with
an A, and in turn name a city beginning with the letter
B, asking what shall be his occupation there. The
answer must be given so that the principal words begin
with B , and so on. For instance :
"I am going to Athens. What shall I do there?"
"Ardently admire Acropolis. My journey takes me
to Boston. What shall I do there?"
"Bolt baked beans. I am en route for Cologne.
What may I do there?"
"Catch cold in cathedral. I am going to Dublin.
What there?"
"Drink distilled 'dew' daily. I am to visit Edin-
burgh. What may I do there?"
"Enjoy everything. I am bound for France. What
may I do there?"
"Feast famously. I shall visit Granada. What is
there to do there?"
"Gather golden grapes. My journey takes me to
Hawaii. What shall I do there ? "
"Hasten homeward hurriedly. I am bound for
India. What there?"
"Indulge in idleness. I am off for Japan. What
there?"
"Just jaunt joyously. I go to Killarney. What is
there to do there?"
"Kiss Kate Kearney. I am going to London. What
shall I do there?"
"Live like a Lord. I'm off to Milan. What is there
to do?"
"Mount many monuments," etc., etc.
82 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
A prize may be given to the one whose answers are the
readiest.
TRADE PANTOMIMES
A variation of the old favourite Dumbo Crambo is called
"Trade Pantomimes." The players divide themselves
into two parties, called "The Masters" and "The Men."
After consultation the Men agree upon some trade or
occupation which they are to illustrate in dumb show.
The Masters must guess from their motions what trade
they have chosen, and for their help are told the first
and last letters of the word describing it,
For instance, the Men decide upon the word "gardener,"
and, giving the letters "g" and "r," they stand in line
and each performs in pantomime something representing
a gardener's work — planting the seed, mowing with
the scythe, digging, weeding, watering, etc. Not a
word is spoken, and but one guess is permitted to each
of the Masters. If one guesses correctly, the Men
"lose their job." If no one can discover the trade
indicated, the word is told, and they proceed to act
something else.
After the second failure of the Masters to guess the
word, the Men "strike" and they "quit work."
The Masters assume their places and take their turn
at pantomime.
If any one makes a motion that is not descriptive of
the chosen trade, in order to mislead, the whole "gang"
is discharged and their opponents take their places.
TRAVELLING HINTS
One of the company announces that he is about to
take a trip, and whispers to his neighbour to what
country he is going. He then requests advice of three
Impromptu Games 83
players whether he shall go by land or sea, in what direc-
tion, and by what conveyance to go and return. Having
received his answers, it is for him then to reconcile them
and describe how he can reach his destination if obliged
to act upon all the advice given him.
One may travel by balloon, bicycle, on sledges,
camels, ox-carts, skates, by wheel-barrow, gondola,
tram-car, diving-bell, automobile, naphtha launch, don-
key, rail, go-cart, four-in-hand, yacht, chaise-a-porteur,
omnibus, hansom-cab, "shank's mare," and to any
part of the known world.
One person, for instance, may be required to go to
St. Petersburg by water, and is advised to travel in a
perambulator and return on stilts.
GHOSTS
The ghostly nature of the game does not appear at
once ; but the company gathers in a circle and the leader
explains that they are to play a game of word-making.
Some one is requested to think of a word and name
aloud only its first letter. Another at his left must
accept the letter and add a second to it, having also
some word in mind. The next player then thinks of a
word beginning with those two letters in succession,
and adds a third, being careful not to give one that
shall complete a word that may stand alone. The forfeit
for so doing is to lose a life, of which, at the beginning
of the game, each person is supposed to have three.
The penalty of three such delinquencies is that one
becomes a ghost, is invested with a "winding-sheet"
(a sheet wound about one) and a mask cut from white
paper-muslin. Thus relegated to the land of shades,
they drop out of the game, except as haunting presences.
Their object then is to induce some "living" one to
84 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
speak to them; when, if successful, that person so
entrapped loses a life. The object is not wholly mali-
cious, for the phantom most successful in seducing the
living is awarded a prize.
An example may make the game seem a little clearer:
The first player, thinking of the word "temple,"
gives the letter "t." The next thinks of "tract," and
adds "r." No. 3 must now accept "tr," and, having
"trap" in mind, gives out "a," No. 4 avoiding the "trap"
set for him to induce the completion of the word,
thinks of "transcript," and adds "s." No. 5, thinking
of "transubstantiation," mentions "u." No. 6, hesitat-
ing beyond the allotted time of half a minute, loses a
life. No. 6 having failed, No. 7 thinks of "d," to make
the word "transude"; and No. 8, with " transudation "
in mind, adds an "a," and so on.
The interest of the game culminates when but two
players remain, when at length one is cornered. The
victory remains to the player who forces his opponent
to complete a word. If it be suspected that a person
giving a letter has no word in mind, he may be challenged,
and if he is unable immediately to mention the word he
loses a life. If, however, the challenger has been mis-
taken, one of his lives is forfeited.
A volume of Poe's works would be an appropriate
prize, or one of the many clever collections of ghost
stories.
CENTURY COURT
This game, like many others, requires one person to
leave the room, while the rest agree upon some century
in the world's history with the characteristics of which
they are familiar.
Upon the return of the exile he is at once taxed with
impromptu Games 8 5
all the faults, failures, crimes, and abuses of the century
which he is supposed to represent, or commended for
its services to the world — its heroism, its great men, or
any redeeming feature. He must make his own de-
fence as cleverly as he can, or accept the compliments
with becoming modesty, while he tries to guess what
century it is for which he is held responsible.
When he thinks he has collected sufficient evidence to
justify a conclusion, he addresses the company in legal
phrase: "May it please the court that, whereas the
century has been lauded and condemned with
such impartial fairness, my sins have been brought home
to me as to occasion most poignant remorse, I move
that Miss , whose ably pressed charge gave me
the best clue to my identity, be the next person to be
indicted."
White's "Eighteen Christian Centuries" would be a
helpful guide in preparation for the game — the salient
points of each century being accessible within few pages.
PUZZLE PANTOMIMES
The fun of this game depends much upon the spirit
with which the pantomimes are given. The hostess
in advance prepares as many slips of paper as there are
to be guests; one of which is drawn, folded, or enclosed
in an envelope by each person. Each in turn is
expected to give in pantomime the revelation to the
audience of what the slip of paper contained — which
they are to guess — at the conclusion of each perform-
ance, secretly and silently writing their conjectures in
booklets furnished them for the purpose. A prize may
be given to the one whose guesses prove most correct.
For instance, one young woman reads on her paper:
41 The staff of life." She rolls up her sleeves, or
86 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
makes the motions to suggest it, ties on an imaginary
apron, perhaps finds a convenient sofa-pillow to thump
and knead, and ends by consigning it to a supposititious
oven under a chair — patted into the nearest possible
similitude to a round loaf. A man may be condemned
to represent "a pic-nic" all by himself. He walks as
if over rough ground, cultivates an animated expres-
sion, frequently interrupted by a cross frown, as he
slaps his own face in pursuit of the elusive mosquito,
goes through the motions of "doing the polite" to
imaginary fair ones, and, sitting uncomfortably on the
ground, eats with his fingers, as if under protest, con-
stantly getting up and sitting down, as if obligingly
waiting upon the wishes of others. He wipes his face
with his handkerchief and fans himself with whatever
he can lay his hands upon, as if suffering from intense
heat.
YES AND NO
This good old game will bear frequent repetition.
One of the party leaves the room. In his absence the
rest choose a subject, which may be a person, place,
object, idea, or event belonging to any period of the
world's history or the domain of the imagination.
Nothing is barred from choice.
The banished player is summoned, and must try by
adroit questioning of each person in succession to dis-
cover what the object decided upon must be, putting
his inquiries so that they may be answered by "Yes,"
"No," or "I do not know."
These three forms alone are allowed, which prevent
such leading questions as shall reveal the mystery prema-
turely. The answers must be honest, on the surface at
least^ though misleading ones are not forbidden.
Impromptu Games 87
The question may go the rounds again if the ques-
tioner be unsuccessful, but the one by whom he obtains
the best clue to the solution desired must take his
place, and leave the room in his turn to allow a new
choice to be made. The game is the more enjoyable if
the rules are strictly followed. If there be a difference
of opinion or if any answer be challenged, the protest
should be expressed by raising the hand — the explana-
tion of the objection to be reserved until later, since
discussion is liable to betray too much to the questioner.
TWENTY QUESTIONS
Another form of the game may be played by dividing
the company into two sides. One party selects the
subject, and each of the other side in turn asks a question
of an opponent.
There may be consultations among the allies, who
may divide the questions — which are limited to twenty —
among themselves, so that no opportunity may be
wasted of "cornering" an adversary. Some of the
subjects that have occasioned mirth and interest have
been the following:
"The hospitable spider who invited the fly."
"The pie that Jack Homer ate."
"Time's scythe and hour-glass."
"The beanstalk that Jack climbed."
The game may be played so that the thing chosen is
taken from some familiar proverb, as for instance,
"The thief Procrastination." "The lean will, occa-
sioned by the fat kitchen," etc.
Still another way of playing it is to choose two cap-
tains, who, after dividing the company into two parties,
retire together from the room to confer and decide upon
something to be guessed. Each captain then returns
88 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
to the side of his opponent and is questioned by each one
of them in turn.
THROWING LIGHT
A word that has a variety of meanings is chosen by
two players to be the subject of conversation between
themselves alone. The rest of the company listen
attentively and try to discover what it is. Any one
who guesses the word or thinks he knows it makes no
announcement of his supposition, but joins in the
conversation with the original pair, discussing the
subject as if in the secret. If correct, he is accepted
and contributes to the "light," to help the others to a
solution. The quality of the light, it must be con-
fessed, is open to criticism, as generally the knowledge
is used to mislead, rather than to illumine.
One perhaps says :
"There is nothing in which society appears so attrac-
tive." And the others continue, "Yes, but there are so
many accidents and college boys are so venturesome."
"The worst of all is when one hears it in the night,
just as one is enjoying that semi-consciousness between
sleeping and waking."
And so the chat goes on — one by one joining in as
they discover that the word ball (bawl) is the chosen
word.
The penalty for making a mistake and assuming to
know the word is to have a handkerchief thrown over
the face of the culprit, which may not be removed until
the right word has been guessed.
MISTAKES
The cleverness of this game consists in making con-
scious misstatements, to discover whether or not the
Impromptu Games 89
rest of the players will detect the error. The one who
does so must, however, correct the mistake or pay a
forfeit. If he can do this he recovers a counter or bean,
of which each player receives the same number at the
beginning of the game.
The first player may say :
"I have been enjoying Robert Browning's beautiful
poem, 'In Memoriam,' said to be the most beautiful
tribute to a lost friend in the language, written at the
death of the Prince Consort." Some one may announce
that the poem is by Tennyson, written in memory of his
friend, Arthur Hallam, who was the chum of his youth
and early manhood.
A second player: "Henry VIII. divorced Catherine
of Arragon on the ground of consanguinity — feeling the
need of a plea, before he got into the divorce habit."
"Pardon me," objects another. "Catherine was the
widow of his elder brother, Arthur, and had been his
wife for twenty years when his conscience (?) began to
trouble him about the marriage."
CLUMPS
The company divides itself into two hostile camps,
which take possession of different parts of the room.
Two captains are chosen, a representative of each party
or "clump." These two retire from the room and decide
upon some person, object, event or idea which is to be
guessed by the rest of the company.
Upon their return, each captain joins his adversary's
party and is questioned by them in turn. Every one
tries to frame the question in such a manner as to elicit
a comprehensive answer.
The side which first guesses the thing chosen is, of
course, victorious, and takes into its ranks the two
90 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
captains. One from each side is then chosen, and the
game is continued. When the play is finished, that side
wins which numbers the most persons — whether adher-
ents or prisoners.
GOSSIP
Human nature is arraigned before the bar in this
game, and it may have the salutary effect of making the
participants more accurate in their statements and
more lenient to the lapses of others when they find how
easy it is to falsify unintentionally.
One of the company composes a narrative which he
writes down, reads it over carefully , and then puts it
away out of sight. He then repeats it as accurately as
possible to his neighbour, who in turn tells it to the per
son next to him. The story may be whispered or each
pair may leave the room in company in order to receive
the tale in strictest confidence, until all have heard it.
The more numerous the company, the more interesting
the test will be.
When the repetition of the story has been passed on
by a dozen or more, the last one to hear it recounts
aloud the version that has been given him, which is
then compared with the written narrative — with usually
many and amusing discrepancies.
Every one protests that the change did not originate
with him — believing his statement, in all probability, for
it is a difficult thing to tell the truth — quite aside from
the intention to deceive.
The following story was narrated in whispers to a com-
pany of persons of the highest respectability and with a
reputation for honesty and reliability:
"Mrs. Sigismund Sedelmyer inherited about thirty
thousand dollars from her Uncle Isaac Mosenthal, but
Impromptu Games 91
thought that in marrying Sedelmyer she was going to be
fabulously rich, as he was known to have several valu-
able pieces of real estate. The old fox, however, on the
day before his wedding, settled all his fortune upon his
children by his first wife, who was the rich Miss Gold-
schmidt, and depended for his support upon the few
thousands left by old Ikey — who hated Sedelmyer like
poison." The player at the end of the line repeated the
story thus:
"A woman named Mrs. Siegfried Schleiermacher mar-
ried for his money a man named Ikey Goldsmith, but
found that he had given away all his property to his
wife's relations. It was suspected that she so hated him
that she poisoned him."
THE SOCIETY COLUMN
(Celebrated Poets as Reporters)
The questions in this game are answered by the names
of the wearers of the costumes.
Question i:
"A gown of grass-green silk she wore
Buckled with golden clasps before;
A light-green tuft of plumes she bore
Closed in a golden ring."
Question 2:
"Her mantle rich whose borders round
A deep and fretted 'broidery bound,
In golden foldings sought the ground."
Question 3 :
. . . "At her spinning-wheel
In russet gown and apron blue."
Question 4:
"A chieftain's daughter seemed the maid,
Her satin snood, her silken plaid,
Her golden brooch such birth displayed."
92 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Question 5:
"A diamond circlet, and from under this,
A veil that seemed no more than gilded air
Falls by each fair ear — an Eastern gauze
With seeds of pearl."
Question 6:
"At church in silks and satins fine."
Question 7:
"Diamonds to fasten the hair, and diamonds
to fasten the sleeves;
Laces to drop from their rays like
A powder of snow from the eaves."
Question 8:
"In gloss of satin, and shimmer of pearls."
Question 9:
"With her Norman cap, her kirtle of blue, and
her ear-rings
Brought in olden times from France."
Question 10:
"In a college gown that clad her like an April
daffodilly."
Question n:
"Clad all in faded silk."
It seems but fair to give an added word of explana-
tion. The women whose toilets are thus exquisitely
given are characters in the works of well-known poets.
The solution is to give name of character and poet.
ANSWERS
1. Guenevere — Tennyson.
2. Clare — Scott.
3. Lucy — Wordsworth.
4. Ellen— Scott.
5. Camilla — in "Golden Slipper" — Tennyson.
Impromptu Games 93
6. Madam Blaize — Goldsmith.
7. The Court Lady — Mrs. Browning.
8. Maud — Tennyson.
9. Evangeline — Longfellow.
10. Melissa — "The Princess" — Tennyson.
11. Enid — Tennyson.
"BUZ"
The players sit in a circle and count in turn "one,"
"two," "three" and so on until, if possible, a hundred is
reached. There are ways and ways of counting, how-
ever, some of them not so easy after all. The number
seven must always in this particular game be replaced
by "Buz," as must any of its multiples, as fourteen,
twenty-one, twenty -eight, etc. Rules of the game are
these :
Rule i. "Buz" to be said for every seven or seven
times that number.
Rule 2. Any one breaking this rule pays a forfeit, and
is out of the game — i. e., sits silent.
Rule 3. As soon as saven or a "seven times" number
has been said, the count must begin at one, by the player
sitting at the left of the expelled member.
Rule 4. If any player forgets his number while the
count is going on, or miscounts after a "Buz," he pays
a forfeit, but is not out of the game. It will be found
that "Buz" will be so often forgotten in its right place,
or the number of players will so soon diminish from
miscount that to reach a hundred will not be easy, as
every time, after any blunder, the count goes back to
one as a fresh beginning. This game proves a very jolly
and amusing one.
An amplification of this game has been called "Buzz
Fizz." In addition to the requirements of number 7,
94 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
whenever the number 3 or any of its multiples, or any
figure in which it occurs, appears, the word "quack"
must be given instead. All the 30 's begin with "quack."
At every return of the number 5 or its multiples the
word "fizz" is used; all the 5©'s begin with "fizz." For n
and its multiples the player says " Cock-a-doodle-doo ! "
Thus: 1,2, quack, 4, fizz, quack, buzz, 8, quack, fizz,
cock-a-doodle-doo, quack, quack, buzz, etc. 15 is
quack fizz, 3 times 5 being 15.
As a player fails he retires from the game, and the
rest begin with one again. The victor must have quick
wits and much concentration — and deserves a prize.
QUOTATIONS AND AUTHORS
One offers a quotation, and the first person who can
name the author receives a counter and may then offer
a quotation in his turn. The one who can show the most
counters, of course, wins the game.
Or the quotations may be prepared in advance, written
upon slips of paper which are drawn by the players in
turn, from a hat or basket. If the author is correctly
named, the slip of paper is kept as a trophy. If the per-
son is unable to assign the authorship, he passes it to his
neighbour. If the bits of paper are very small, they
may be folded and glued with a drop of mucilage to
pieces of tissue paper of various shades of green, cut out
and crinkled into a semblance of lettuce leaves, or pink
paper cut into rose leaves. The latter mode makes a
pretty effect and is very little trouble to prepare.
WHO AM I?
This game rarely fails to please, and though not new
•may always be given a new form by the choice of char-
acters.
Impromptu Games 95
The hostess prepares in advance as many slips of
paper as there are guests expected, writing upon each
the name of some well-known character in history or
fiction.
Upon the arrival of her friends, following her greeting
of them, she pins one of the bits of paper upon the
shoulder or back of each. The wearer does not know
what character he or she is supposed to represent, but
is expected to guess it from the remarks of the rest,
who are careful not to reveal the name.
For example: "The Queen of Hearts" may be com-
plimented upon her housewifely talents and her delicious
pastry, and be earnestly asked whether her dishonest
servant had reformed as he promised.
"Little Red Riding-Hood" may be condoled with on
the tragic death of her grandmother, and warned of the
danger of making chance acquaintances on the road;
"Henry VI II.," rallied on his fondness for the sex;
"Lady Macbeth," ostentatiously shunned on account of
her "shady past"; "Goliath," advised to "pitch into a
man of his size and not bully a little fellow"; and when
a pretty girl once asked "Columbus" archly whether
he thought that "we were worth discovering," the
answer was a foregone conclusion.
SHOUTING PROVERBS
One person leaves the room and the rest decide upon
some proverb which he is to guess.
The words are appointed among the players, one word
to each in succession. If there are more players than
words in the proverb selected, two or more may say
the same word.
At the reappearance of the banished person, all shout
at once in a loud voice the words which have been given
96 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
them to say, and he must endeavour to catch the sounds,
disentangle them from the combination and tell what the
proverb is. If incorrect or unable to guess it, he must
go out again, or, if successful, the one who furnished the
clue must take his place.
CHARACTER GUESSES
One of the company leaves the room while the others
decide upon some well-known person in history or fiction,
living or dead, whose name is composed of the same
number of letters as there are players present.
The letters of this name are divided among the com-
pany, each of whom must select another familiar char-
acter whose name begins with the letter assigned to him,
whom he is to represent. The absent player is then
recalled, and proceeds to question the others in turn, to
discover the character whom each impersonates and so
get the letters composing the name originally chosen.
It should be decided at the outset which of two ways
the game should be played. Some persons think it
more enjoyable if the questions are put so that only
"yes," "no," and "I don't know" may be answered.
Others prefer to play it so that the ingenuity of the
questioner may be taxed, and those who answer have
opportunity for wit and clever evasion, and afford more
amusement to the rest of the company.
For example: We may suppose that there are six
players — who have chosen "Darwin" — the letters of
whose name they divide among themselves. The first
player to whose lot falls the " D " takes Diana, the second
Adam, the third Roosevelt, the fourth Walt Whitman,
the fifth Iphigenia, and the last Nydia.
The questioner asks the first player, "Do you belong
to history or fiction?" Answer — "In a measure to
Impromptu Games 97
both." "Are you man or woman?" "Neither; but I
partake of the nature of woman." "Are you living or
dead?" "I never lived nor died," etc., etc.
When by these investigations the questioner has
secured three or four letters of the main word, he can
usually make a pretty good guess at the name selected
by the company, and the person who has given him the
best clue or has confirmed his dawning suspicion of the
truth must at his instigation take the place as
questioner.
In selecting a character about which one will be
individually questioned, it goes without saying that a
reasonable amount of information in regard to him or her
is a desirable qualification for its choice. The selection
may be adapted to literary or artistic tastes by confining
the choice of characters to authors or artists.
ALPHABET
From a box of anagram cardboard letters twenty are
dealt to each player, which are turned face downward
on the table before him.
Beginning at the left of the dealer, the first player
turns up a letter so that all can see it and calls for a
quotation from some standard poet, or an epigrammatic
saying from some well-known author, beginning with the
letter turned. As soon as the letter is exposed, the per-
son appointed to be timekeeper either slowly counts
thirty aloud or keeps his eyes on his watch, calling out
"Time" when the half -minute has elapsed. If in that
interval no one has answered, the drawer of the letter
may then give a quotation himself and retain the letter
— or, if all fail to respond, it is laid aside to be given to
the one who next wins a letter.
If some one makes a quotation that is unfamiliar to all
98 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
present, he may be challenged to give the author. If
unable to do this, the letter is thrown out.
The same quotation may not be given twice.
When X or Z is turned it may be added to the win-
nings of the player who drew it, without requiring him
to give a quotation. The present generation is not so
well versed in poetry as the preceding one; hence this
is one of the games in which the elders may find
entertainment.
UP JENKINS
There are few merrier games than this, and no self-
respecting book of games would omit it, lest any reader
should happen not to know it and so miss the fine flavour
of its fun.
"Up Jenkins" is most enjoyable when played by
eight or more people, and its only requirement is a silver
quarter.
The company seats itself at a table, the opponents
facing each other. All the hands of the side which has
the coin are held under the table until the person acting
as captain of the opposite side gives the order "Up
Jenkins !" when all hands tightly closed are held up
high above the table. At the captain's order, "Down
Jenkins," all hands are brought down simultaneously on
the table palms downward, as much noise as possible
being made so as to drown the dink of the coin. Care
must be taken to obey only the command "up" or
"down Jenkins" — nothing else — and to obey no one
but the person acting then as captain (each person takes
that position in turn), otherwise the coin has to be for-
feited to the other side.
The captain looks at the hands before him and orders
Impromptu Games 99
each hand in turn off the table that he has decided has
not got the coin under it.
If the coin is discovered to be in the hand last ordered
off the table, the coin goes to the side of the captain who
guessed correctly, but if he guesses ^correctly, and the
coin is under one of the hands that he has ordered off, the
side holding the piece of money keeps it again, adding
to its score the number of hands still remaining on the
table that were not ordered off.
A time-limit is the only way to end this game.
ALLITERATION
This is a memory -exercise. The leader begins by
repeating the first sentence, which is said by each player
in turn. The leader in every case adds the new line,
copied by the other players in succession. Any one mak-
ing a mistake or omission drops out of the contest. As
the ranks grow thinner, the players are required to
repeat the sentences more rapidly, and no time for
hesitation allowed. The one who makes no mistakes is
entitled to a prize.
The sentences are as follows:
1. One old ox opening oysters.
2. Two toads teetotally trying to trot to Trixburg.
3. Three tony tigers taking tea.
4. Four fishermen fishing for frogs.
5. Five fantastic Frenchmen fanning five fainting
females.
6. Six slippery snakes sliding slowly southward.
7. Seven Severn salmon swallowing several shrimps.
8. Eight egotistical Englishmen eating enormously.
9. Nine nautical Norwegians nearing neighbouring
Norway.
10. Ten tiny, toddling tots trying to train their
tongues to trill.
CHAPTER III-GAMES OF THOUGHT,
WIT AND MEMORY
Miscellaneous Games
JAPANESE GOBANG
THIS is the Japanese equivalent for our game of
checkers, and, while it seems simple at first,
requires considerable skill to become the winner.
All who try it admit it to be interesting.
The game is played on a board ruled into 256 squares,
each alternate square being coloured, using twenty-four
coloured disks. Each player has a different colour.
Two, three, or four persons may play.
As it is difficult to find the requirements for the game
at the shops, they may easily be achieved by home
talent and ingenuity. The board may be made in
imitation of a checker-board, or of the kind used for
the game of "Helma," cut out of pasteboard or heavy
cardboard. The coloured disks may be bone buttons —
that come in various shades — or they may be cut from
Bristol-board, using a thimble or penny for a pattern.
The game is played as follows:
Each player, in turn, lays a disk on a square. The
order is repeated until each player has five pieces upon
the board. The aim is to make a row of five counters
in a line, either vertically, horizontally, or diagonally on
the board — which plan the opponents, of course, try to
frustrate and oppose. If none of the players succeeds
100
Miscellaneous Games 101
in making a row of five, other disks are laid down and
the game continues. If no row of five appears until
all the disks are on the board, then the pieces are moved
in turn, in any direction, but one square at a time, until
one succeeds in making the line of five. It is as much
the object to prevent one's opponents from making a
line as to form one's own.
Another way of playing the game, where there are
but two contestants, is to give to each fifty pieces.
With these, each player tries to place the counters of
his opponent in such a position as to be unable to
move. When one is successful in entirely surrounding
a piece, that piece is forfeited and is taken off the board.
The one who keeps his men longest on the board wins
the game.
SHADOW PORTRAITS AND PICTURES
A sheet, suspended from the rod on which portieres
are hung between two rooms, should be stretched
tightly and made smooth by tacking to the floor and to
the sides of the opening. It should be made uniformly
wet with a large paint-brush or a sponge. The room
where the audience is seated is left in total darkness;
that on the other side of the curtain, occupied by the
actors, is lighted by a lamp placed on a table two feet
in the rear of the sheet. The actors, disguised with
masks, wigs, false moustaches, etc., then walk or stand
between the light and the sheet so as to throw their
shadows on the latter, while the audience shout their
guesses as to whose shadow is seen, or write them on
the cards previously provided. Only persons and things
seen in profile are seen effectively.
In the effort to mystify the spectators the tall players
seem short, the short stand upon stools to increase their
102 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
height, the men wear women's clothes, and the gentlest
of her sex will assume the airs of a bravado. False
noses and chins, or at least supplementary ones, may be
made out of beeswax, which adheres closely to the face
and may be easily removed. A Punch and Judy fight,
not forgetting the baby, may be depicted in shadow;
and the rhymes and stories of Mother Goose are the
simplest of problems for representation. Little Jack
Horner, wearing a big collar and pinafore and holding a
mince pie from which he takes the traditional plum to
transfer it to his mouth; Tom, Tom, the Piper's Son,
with a pig under his arm, cut out of pasteboard, may
run across the illuminated field; or Simple Simon may
be seen fishing in a pail of water, according to the
legendary account of his vast simplicity.
One of the most effective exhibitions of shadow art
was given illustrating the story of the "Tall Young
Oysterman" and his emulation of Leander's swimming
feat. It lends itself easily to the various scenes of the
thrilling tale, the interest of which is furthermore en-
hanced if some one sings a verse of the song in explana-
tion of the successive scenes.
MUSICAL MYSTERIES
Upon arrival, the guests were given cards, with small
coloured pencils attached by narrow ribbons of the same
shade, upon which cards were numbered lines.
It was explained that they were to note upon these
lines their guesses as to what they supposed the different
articles about the room represented — each object having
some musical significance.
Their attention thus drawn to the peculiar furnishings
of tables, book-case, mantels, etc., they set to work
with interest to read the riddle, hunting in couples or
Miscellaneous Games 103
alone, and writing their guesses with great eagerness
and merry rivalry.
The articles scattered about the room were :
1. A quire of paper.
2. Three little dolls dressed alike and looking alike.
3. A carpenter's brace.
4. A watch.
5. A razor.
6. The chin-rest from a violin.
7. A card on which was written XL.
8. A name written on a sheet of paper.
9. A pair of apothecary's scales.
10. The base taken from a table-bell.
11. A peck measure containing two beets.
12. A heavy string.
13. A flatiron with the letter B on its face.
14. A cardboard letter C hung from the gas-fixture.
15. A lump of tar.
1 6. A pipestem.
17. A large half-tone engraving.
1 8. A bank note.
19. A baby's shoe with an O on the sole.
20. A vStout cane.
21. A love-letter which starts out bravely, but has a
large blot half-way down the page.
22. A necktie.
23. A bar of iron.
24. A door-key.
25. A pocket rule or tape-measure.
26. A twenty-five-cent piece with a black court*
plaster dot pasted on it.
27. A small bunch of flowers and a lock of hair tied
with a ribbon.
104 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
28. A circular piece of cardboard cut into three equal
pieces.
The musical terms these things were supposed to
represent were:
1. A choir.
2. Triplets.
3. Brace.
4. Time.
5. A sharp.
6. A rest.
7. Forte.
8. Signature.
9. Scales.
10. Bass.
11. Two beats in a measure.
12. Chord.
13. B flat.
14. High C.
Another way of playing the game, which requires less
preparation on the part of the hostess, is to give the
players pads and pencils and request them to describe
the following articles in musical terms:
1 . A support for the trousers.
2. Twenty.
A story in an apartment-house.
Not artificial.
The beginning and end of one of Shakespeare's
15- Pitch.
1 6. Stem.
17. Half-tone.
1 8. Note.
19. Solo.
20. Staff.
Accidental.
Tie.
Bar.
Key.
Measure.
26. Dotted quarter.
27. Natural.
28. Thirds.
21.
22.
23-
24.
25-
3-
4-
5-
plays.
6. Oxygen and nitrogen combined.
7. By chance.
8. A material that defiles.
9. Twine.
10. The name of one of Milton's poems.
11. A cane.
Miscellaneous Games 105
12. The man with hour-glass and sickle.
13. A warlike defense and the letter most in use.
14. To observe.
15. An army officer.
1 6. Necessary condition for surgical instruments.
17. A promise to pay three days after due.
1 8. Three times as much.
19. Strengthening medicine.
20. A quiver of the voice.
21. To filter.
22. The stone that binds an arch.
23. Beat (beat).
24. The table in a shop.
25. A topic.
26. The reverse of ''so loud."
27. A faint.
28. What children do in winter.
29. Remedy for fatigue.
30. One under age.
ANSWERS
1. Brace. 16. Sharp.
2. Score. 17. Grace note.
3. Flat. 18. Treble.
4. Natural. 19. Tonic.
5. Measure. 20. Trill.
6. Air. 21. Strain.
7. Accidental. 22. Key.
8. Pitch. 23. Beat (beet).
9. Chord. 24. Counter.
10. Allegro. 25. Theme.
11. Staff. 26. Solo.
12. Time. 27. Syncope.
13. Forte (fort-e). 28. Slide.
14. Note. 29. Rest.
15. Major. 30. Minor.
io6 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The prizes awarded to the most successful ones were
copies of a new work on music, and the booby prizes
were a jewsharp and a toy trumpet.
ILLUSTRATED PROVERBS
This game must be prepared in advance by cutting
from advertisements, papers, and magazines pictures
or parts of woodcuts and pasting them upon cards to
illustrate the old saws which have been denned as
"the wisdom of the many in the wit of one." Seven
dogs in a row, with the name of a day of the week under
each, may stand for "Every dog has his day." A
shapely new pair of shoes, "All's well that ends well."
A man's and a woman's head approaching to kiss each
other will surely suggest "Two heads are better than
one." "Pears' soap" may suggest "Cleanliness is next
to Godliness."
WORD-MAKING, WORD-TAKING
With the addition of new rules, this game has acquired
much interest.
The ordinary cardboard letters are used ; they may be
procured at the shops for twenty -five cents.
It may be played by almost any number, and made
far more intricate and interesting than it is generally
regarded by following the additional rules herein given.
First, each player is provided with as many letters
as can be conveniently accommodated in the left hand;
the rest of the letters, turned blank side up, are placed
at hand for reinforcements when the supply is exhausted.
The first player is determined by laying down letters
upon the table. The one that has the prior place in
the alphabet decides the precedence of the player who
draws it, After which, each player in turn draws i
Miscellaneous Games 107
letter, placing it right side up so that all may see it, and
tries to form a word of not less than four letters with
this letter added to those collected in the middle of the
table — the pool — where all are placed that cannot be
used. He may continue to draw new letters as long as
he can continue to make use of them, according to the
rules of the game. Each player tries to use his letter
to take away his opponent's word; if by its addition he
can form a new and different word, he then transfers
it to his own side. No derivatives, no proper names or
words not found in standard dictionaries are allowed;
nor is the addition of s to form plurals to three-letter
words admitted. A player may also use his letter to
reinforce and protect his own words, which is only
second in importance to the taking of his adversary's
word and to making a new one to add to his store.
Ten words constitute a game, but any player who
first makes nine words, though allowed to continue
making four-letter words, cannot go out until he makes
one of five letters. The signal that one cannot use the
letter is given by laying it upon the table. When once
left, it cannot be recalled — should an opportunity to
use it be perceived. If a player overlooks a chance to
change an opponent's word, the one who sees the
omission takes advantage of it, and gives a forfeit to
the one who failed to profit by the opportunity. The
letters turned face-down will answer forfeits. When
there are four letters of one kind in the pool, the one
drawing a fifth may set it aside and draw another.
The winning of the game may sometimes depend on
the luck of drawing the desired letters, but the forfeits
implying mistakes are undoubted evidences of the
player's lack of skill. The rule may be varied when
but two are playing; the one incurring a forfeit may
io8 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
take one of those that have counted against his opponent,
so one has a chance of wiping out the disgrace.
If a player wishes to make a word of the existence of
which he is doubtful, or one which an opponent chal-
lenges, an appeal to a standard dictionary must decide
it. He must declare his word before looking for it, and,
if it is not in the dictionary, he forfeits his turn in
playing.
The winner of one game is entitled to the first play in
the next. It is curious that with the addition of but
one letter, "thing" may become "hating"; "gate,"
"agate"; "bait," "habit"; "scum," "music"; and the
addition of an r turns a "fiend " into a "friend."
TARGET FLIP
Turn down on a sheet of paper, or, better still, on the
top of a kitchen table, a large-sized dinner-plate. Mark
around the edge with pencil or crayon. In the centre
of the circle just formed place a smaller plate, then a
saucer, teacup, and after-dinner coffee-cup, marking
around each in turn until five distinct circles are made
as nearly as possible equi-distant. Mark values upon
each, the middle or smallest 100, the next fifty, twenty-
five, ten, and for the largest or outside circle, five. Any
number of persons may engage in the game, each player
being given six common white beans. One player acts
as scorekeeper, and is furnished with pencil and paper
for the performance of his duties in that direction.
All are seated around the table upon which the target
is spread or marked, the idea of the game being to flip
the beans one at a time by snap of the finger to land in
the highest-counting circle possible. Each player flips
his or her six beans in succession, and then the count is
taken, and the beans removed to leave the target free
Miscellaneous Games 109
for the next player. The following simple rules govern
this merry little game:
1. Ten turns for each player constitutes a game.
2. Unless the bean is entirely within a circle it counts
for the least value.
3. The largest count of any one player takes the
prize.
CHAPTER IV
Games Requiring Preparation
TURN ABOUT
A CONTEST which never fails to amuse is one in
which the gentlemen of the party sew buttons
on a piece of cloth and the ladies drive tacks
in a plank. Two contestants start at once, and a time-
keeper, watch in hand, allows ten minutes in which to
prove who of the ladies has driven the greatest number
of tacks in straight, and which of the gentlemen has
sewed on the most buttons in a way that he would
himself approve if on his own apparel. Bruised and
pricked fingers carry their own penalty.
The ladies and gentlemen take turns alternately, and
a prize is awarded to the victor on each side.
There is another form of such a contest in which the
ladies whittle the nearest approach to a boat that they
can manage and the gentlemen trim hats. For the
latter, hat -frames, bright - coloured tissue paper, pins,
ribbons, and flowers may be provided. The ladies
who have not won prizes may be condemned to wear
the hats for the rest of the evening — each man selecting
the victim that shall flaunt the result of his unskillful
effort.
One lady acts as secretary and three as judges, the
former giving out the materials, while impartiality of
verdict is secured by each competitor's drawing a
no
Games Requiring Preparation m
number which he affixes to his work, his name not being
announced until the judges have given their decisions.
The specimens then are handed round for general
inspection, with the buttons on upside down, as they
are often put, and the holes not invariably fashioned in
a manner to meet the approval of the inspectors of needle-
work to the education department. There is a work-
manlike solidity about the tasks of some of the men
who have learned the primitive lessons of self -helpfulness,
but even the unfortunate ones who do not win are not
wholly to be pitied. It is certain there will be some
kindly young lady who will think a man's helplessness
deserves her sympathy, and the movement of deft
white fingers as she shows him afterwards how he
ought to have done it is no hindrance whatever to
flirtation.
This contest is especially adapted to a Leap-Year
party where dancing is not the feature of the occasion.
GAME OF THE SENSES
A game or diversion that will occupy and amuse a
little company during the greater part of the evening
has a distinct advantage over the shorter ones, in that
it avoids breaks and interruptions of interest, gives an
impression of unity and completeness, and makes the
award of the prizes a more effective climax.
The Game of the Senses may be elaborated to offer
an evening's entertainment to a dozen or more, if the
hostess is willing to take a little trouble beforehand in
making preparations. When the guests are assembled,
each one is given a tiny booklet of a few pages, held
together by a narrow ribbon passed through a hole in
the top, one end of which is left long, and to this is
attached a small pencil. On the outside of the cover
ii2 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
may be printed the quotation, "The senses do not de-
ceive us, but the judgment does." — Goethe.
At the top of the first page the word SIGHT is printed
in capitals; and below it, "The keenest of all our senses
is the sense of sight." — Cicero.
Below this are a number of lines, one for each article
to be guessed. The company gather around or near
a table upon which the hostess throws a number of
things from a large box: books, paper, sewing materials,
bits of ribbon, toilet articles, desk furnishings. Every-
thing being on the table, the players are to look carefully
at them while the hostess counts twenty-five, whereupon
she sweeps all out of sight, and then requests each person
to write a list of what he has seen in the little book, as
a test of sight.
At the head of the next page of the booklet is the
word SMELL, followed by:
"When I want hard work done I always choose a
man, who is suitable otherwise, with a long nose." —
Napoleon.
The hostess hands to the person nearest her a small
vial of blue glass with the number i marked on the
cork. He removes the cork and smells it, and, passing
it to his neighbour, writes down what he judges the
bottle to contain. The hostess then passes him number
2, and then follows it with all her collection, until each
has passed from hand to hand around the circle and
their contents have been noted.
The vials should contain familiar scents, like co-
logne, bay rum, camphor, alcohol, tea, kerosene,
lemon, turpentine, vanilla, sherry, ammonia, ink,
lavender, orange juice, vinegar, coffee. If desired, the
hostess may request all to close their eyes while she
holds under each nose in turn flowers of several kinds,
Games Requiring Preparation 113
apples, sandalwood, orris root, smelling-salts, camphoret,
and perhaps two flowers in combination, as a final
puzzle. Lists are made after each test.
On the third page of the little book the players read,
HEARING; and underneath it:
"We are less convinced by what we hear than by
what we see." — Herodotus.
The hostess goes just outside the door, or in an ad-
joining room, and plays on a comb, jews'-harp, or
musical instrument, touches a note or chord on the
piano, passes a wet finger around the rim of a finger-
bowl, pours water, strikes matches, tears paper, knocks
glass on glass, wood against wood, metal on metal,
makes ice clink against a glass containing water, then
repeats the sound on a glass containing mineral water,
etc.
The little book marks TASTE to be the next test,
and quotes:
"Pleasant tastes depend, not on the things them-
selves, but on their agreeableness to this or that palate."
— Locke.
From small boxes, procurable at any chemist's shop,
the hostess gives to each person in turn a tiny bit
of allspice, cinnamon, clove, sassafras, wintergreen,
aniseed, chocolate, carraway-seed, vanilla, mace, various
nuts, a speck of alum, peppermint or lemon candy,
calamus, horseradish, licorice, etc. It is well to follow
each disagreeable flavour with something pleasant to
the taste.
FEELING comes last, and is usually productive of
the most fun, after the players have read on the book:
"Seein's believin', but feelin's the naked truth." —
Rustic Proverb.
The lights are extinguished, and the following articles
ii4 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
must be passed from hand to hand very quickly, so as
to give no time for examination: a raw potato, one
stuck full of wooden toothpicks porcupine-wise, a
powder-puff, a bit of ice, a wet sponge, a handful of
gelatine, or a flower, a toy spider, a kid glove filled
with moist sand. These, taken into the hand without
any premonition of their character, produce very un-
canny sensations, and, following in quick succession, are
puzzling to name. It is usually the occasion of some
excitement, and makes a merry ending to the game,
always to be desired, as it leaves in people's minds an
impression of having had a pleasant time.
A single prize may be awarded to the one whose lists
are longest and most correct, or a variety of trifling ones
may be divided among those whose senses best stood
the various tests, not forgetting booby prizes to those
who failed, since they are usually mirth-provoking.
Any object the enjoyment of which depends upon
the sight — book, picture, photograph frame, sym-
metroscope, or ornament — may be given to the one
who best used his eyes. The booby should have a huge
pair of burlesque spectacles, or lorgnon made of oiled
paper and wire, a pen-wiper in the shape of a bat —
proverbial for its blindness, or an owl, pictured, stuffed,
made of wood, or otherwise represented.
For the one whose olfactories were the most sensitive,
a bunch of violets or a bouquet of flowers, a pretty
sachet, a salts-bottle, a vinaigrette, a bottle of cologne
or a pine-balsam pillow may be given.
A baby doll with an onion in lieu of a head was once
given as a booby prize. Also a bottle of assafoetida and
one of sulphur tricked out with crepe-paper petticoats.
A small silver bell, a sheet of music, a pretty shell
that "sings of the sea," or a tiny musical box would
Games Requiring Preparation 115
not be inappropriate for the one whose hearing was the
keenest; while a fish-horn, whose sound would penetrate
the dullest ears, or an imitation ear-trumpet (made "by a
tin-man) would suit the unfortunate booby.
Of course a box of bonbons or fruit of rare quality
is the proper award for the one of most accurate taste ;
while a duplicate box might contain the less toothsome
morsels known as April-fool candy, chocolate creams
containing cotton- wool, pastilles liberally flavoured with
red pepper, etc.
An atomiser, Japanese hand-stove, a sofa-pillow or
a fan will gratify the one whose perception of feeling
is sensitive; while to the one whose sense of touch has
been proved to be the least accurate a boxing-glove,
which amateur talent may easily improvise, or an
Irish shillalah, may be suggested.
A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD
This game requires in advance of the guests' arrival
a little preparation, which contributes to the fun for
the hostess if she be a person that enjoys wearing her
"thinking -cap."
The rooms in which she is to receive her friends should
be arranged with the chairs in two rows through the cen-
tre, an aisle between to resemble a "parlour car," or with
the chairs placed in couples in the more plebeian fashion
of railway travel, with, in this case, a gain to sociability
— permitting friends to sit together.
Upon arrival, each person is met at the door by the
hostess, wearing an automobile cap with visor, who
presents a ticket, with her welcome, inscribed,
From Funville to Where- You-Will,
Good for this trip and train only.
(Date.)
n6 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
They are next met by a person who punches the
tickets and hands to each a small red-covered paper
book with "Baedeker's Guide" in gilt letters upon it-
its leaves covered with numbered lines. They are
requested to take their seats in the train, to await the
hour of starting — in order that all shall be present before
the game begins — and of course seek their friends or are
presented to their travelling neighbours. In the mean-
time, a boy or young woman, dressed to suggest an
imitation of the vendors in the trains, passes up and
down between the chairs, calling out the wares in the
sing-song, perfunctory tone of the train -peddlers, and,
regardless of interrupting conversations, thrusts peanuts,
candy, books and periodicals upon the notice of all who
are seated.
When a sufficient number of guests have arrived, the
hostess shuts the door with a bang, a bell is rung in the
distance, and the " choo-choo-choo " of the engine is
heard (produced by a vigorous shaking of rice or tea in
a tin vessel) , as the train is supposed to glide out of the
station.
Five minutes later and the noise stops, the hostess
shouts, "Descendez, Messieurs les Voyageurs," or the
same words in any foreign language, in order to sug-
gest that European stopping-places are included in
their travels. They are then at liberty to examine the
various articles scattered all about the rooms, on tables,
book-cases, mantels, and all available places. Each has
a number — and the travellers are expected to note in
their guide-books, on the line marked with a correspond-
ing number, what place the article is supposed to recall
or represent. Puns are in order as well, and a prize is
offered to the one whose book will show the greatest
number of correct guesses.
Games Requiring Preparation 117
By way of suggestion:
A cigar may stand for Havana.
A cup and saucer for China.
Manila paper for Manila.
Box of cold-cream for Greece.
A new Noah's Ark for Newark.
A bit of Castile soap for Castile.
A cork for the city of that name.
A Leghorn straw hat, Leghorn.
A bit of coral, Naples.
"The Red Sea and plane beyond" — represented by
a red letter C and a carpenter's plane.
A picture of a man on a bicycle, Wheeling.
A bottle of cologne to suggest that town.
An alphabet card of capital letters to represent "All
the capitals."
A bit of Dresden, Delft or Sevres china to recall the
places of their manufacture.
A bit of the linen called "brown holland" to suggest
that country.
An orange for Florida.
Brazil-nuts will recall the land where they grew.
Macaroni for Italy.
And a philopena ought, by a little stretch of the
imagination, to remind one of our new possessions in
Asia.
The refreshments should be served in the dining-
room at a high table, made to represent as nearly as pos-
sible a counter at a railway station. Pyramids of fruit,
cakes, pies, and sandwiches under glass covers, a huge
coffee-urn at one end, with cups at hand.
Two or three girls dressed as barmaids stand behind
the counter and serve those who approach. To see the
eyes of a pretty girl twinkle over a wedge of pie held in
nS The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
her hand — as the supremest reach of Bohemianism of her
wildest imaginings — is a sight truly amusing. Novelty
adds spice.
While the guests are regaling themselves, the hostess
collects the various little books, each with its sig-
nature, and counts the guesses in order to award the
prize to the most successful. This may be a new and
entertaining book of travels, or a print or etching of some
old cathedral or world-famed spot.
The game may be easily adapted for children or for a
church sociable, where a small sum is charged for the
ticket and for the refreshments.
DIME MUSEUM
This is a variation of "Mrs. Jarley's Wax -Works,"
that had so long a popularity.
A good showman should be selected, one who is a
ready speaker and possessed of a keen sense of humour.
He announces to the audience that he has a collection
of curiosities and antiquities unequalled in extent and
variety in any other part of the world — indeed, the
"Greatest Show on Earth." Then, perhaps, he leads
before the audience, from behind the curtain, the "Prize
Beauty" — a young woman with cheeks vividly rouged,
eyebrows darkened, and her bodice covered with gilt-
paper, jewelry, and medals. The showman then pro-
ceeds to tell her story, of the bloody deeds done for love
of her "beaux yeux," that she had travelled from Maine
to Texas, challenging any woman to dispute with her the
championship of beauty.
A blonde might next appear as an albino — her hair
profusely powdered and brushed out as if she were
experiencing an electric shock. Her story might be
most pathetic (?) — a princess in her native land — vaguely
Games Requiring Preparation 119
described as being near the equator — stolen by members
of the Ethnological Society to prove some pet scientific
theory, and thrown helpless upon the charity of a cold
world when the theory had exploded. The subject
should keep her eyes half -closed, and the showman
assures the audience that, if she could bear the light,
they would see that her eyes were pink.
The next withdrawal of the curtain might reveal ' ' The
Chinese Giant." By one's standing upon a stool, wearing
a long chintz robe, the ruse of height would be concealed.
A pair of yellow slippers, their toes showing beneath the
gown, would help the illusion. The giant may wear a
smoking-cap, from beneath which a long queue hangs
down behind, made of — possibly there may be dark-
haired women interested in his appearance, whose
dressing-table drawers may yield up their secrets for his
benefit. A long, drooping moustache of black sewing-
silk will give him quite a Mongolian appearance. He
might tell his own story in pigeon-English, or corroborate
the statements made concerning him by the showman.
The "Bearded Woman" could be easily arranged for.
A man, in a rather "sketchy" tennis suit, might pose
for the "Modern Hercules," his muscles of cotton wool
enormously developed. He could lift (light) tables with
his teeth, crush bits of iron (licorice sticks) with one
hand, and strut about as if he could annihilate the
whole company with a touch.
"The Two-headed Girl" requires two girls for the part
— as may be surmised. Their feet concealed by a long
gown fastened around both waists, a sash as well, with
a fichu around both necks crossed in front and tied
behind — the illusion is not altogether impossible. Each
puts one arm in a sleeve and encircles the waist of her
companion with the other— which is hidden under the
120 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
dress. The eyes of both should blink at the same
moment and both mouths open to speak in concert. A
system of signals will ensure this.
Perhaps the best "exhibit" of all is an "Egyptian
Mummy" — which should be carried before the curtain
and deposited upon a table. With arms bound to the
side, the person should be tightly rolled first in burlaps,
and then in cheese-cloth dipped in coffee and tattered
in places. The head must be bandaged as well, and the
face stained with walnut - juice, smeared with wood -
ashes, and the cheeks drawn in to simulate emaciation.
The body should be held perfectly rigid, while the show-
man dilates upon the funeral customs of ancient Egypt
and the judgment of the dead before the tribunal of
Osiris. (A short account may be culled from Ingraham's
"Pillar of Fire," page 252.)
It may be effective, if, at the conclusion of the show-
man's peroration, the mummy give an unearthly yell,
open his or her eyes, and, helped off the table, hop into
the midst of the audience as a "grand finale." Supper
might then be announced.
LITERARY CATALOGUE
The same idea as is suggested in a former game may
be used to illustrate the titles of books to be guessed.
Pictures cut from periodicals and advertisements are
hung or placed all about the room, supplemented by
whatever ingenuity or artistic talent may be available.
The company, provided with cards or tiny books with
pencils attached, "hunt in couples," and the guesses
are recorded on the cards. Since there is confidence
between the partners, the prize must be something that
can be divided between two, shared, or duplicate articles
awarded them.
Games Requiring Preparation 121
Examples :
1. Three small calendars for June, July and August.
2. Two dressing-combs, with "latest style" written
beneath the picture.
3. A sleeping baby.
[i <;?' 4. A donkey, followed by the letters O. T.
5. A picture of Queen Louisa of Prussia,
6. A mother clasping her child in her arms.
7. A man climbing a ladder.
8. A staff of music with the note "b" preceded by a
trill.
9. An " S" and a "B" made of nickel (or these
letters may be pasted on a 5 -cent piece).
10. A string of fish.
11. Several men and boys standing in a line.
12. A variety of men — fashion plates, workmen, etc.
ANSWERS
1. "One Summer" — Blanche Willis Howard.
2. "The Newcomes" — Thackeray.
3. "Kidnapped" — Robert Louis Stevenson.
4. "Don Quixote" — Cervantes.
5. "A Lady of Quality" — Frances Hodgson Burnett.
6. "To Have and to Hold" — Mary Johnston.
7. "The Ascent of Man" — Drummond.
8. "Trilby "— Du Maurier.
9. "Nicholas Nickleby" — Dickens.
10. "Fisherman's Luck" — van Dyke.
11. "A Hero (He row)" — Dinah Maria Mulock.
12. "All sorts and conditions of Men" — Walter
Besant.
A BABY-SHOW
Among persons well acquainted this entertainment is
sure to be a merry one.
122 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The hostess requests in her note of invitation that
each guest shall send her on the day preceding the one
appointed for their reunion the earliest photograph of
himself or herself as an infant or young child that they
may happen to have or can beg, borrow or steal.
This gives time to arrange them in a way to exhibit
their attractions in most approved style — in frames of
gilt paper hung about the room, or in openings cut in a
vscreen of scarlet velvet paper covering a clothes-horse,
which makes an effective setting.
Each picture is numbered, as in an art gallery, and
catalogues with corresponding numbers, and with pen-
cils attached, are given to the guests upon arrival, with
the request that they write therein their guesses as to
which person in the room each picture represents.
It adds to the fun if a name is found for each picture
and it is catalogued by its name as well as number. At
such a Baby-Show last winter one picture of an infant
was called "Voices of the Night," the child's expression
being suggestive. Two others, as companion pictures,
were dubbed "Dignity and Impudence." Another,
"A Home-Ruler," and for a pretty one Wordsworth's
description was quoted, "The sweetest thing that ever
grew beside a human door." One innocent, taken in its
little night-dress, inspired the title "Of such is the King-
dom of Heaven."
When all have written their votes and guesses, and
signed their names, the catalogues are collected by the
host.
A prize is given to the one whose perspicacity or
Yankee faculty for guessing has enabled him or her to
name the originals of the greatest number of portraits,
and a second prize to the one whose infantile charms
have been pronounced by vote to be the most entrancing.
Games Requiring Preparation 123
Upon the occasion, recalled above, the first prize was an
enormous rattle, ingeniously made of a tin dipper, in the
bowl of which a tin cup of like dimensions was fitted and
laced together by wire passed through holes perforated
in the rims. Bonbons rattling against the tin made
plenty of noise. The whole was wound about with sil-
ver foil and tied with gay ribbons.
The second prize — to the most beautiful baby — was a
hand-mirror in the wooden frame of which holes were
made, and in each was strung a tiny silver bell, which
made a rattle pleasing even to grown-up babies. On
the back of the mirror these words from Mother Goose
were burnt into the wood:
"And she shall have music
Wherever she goes."
A MUSICAL MEDLEY-EVENING
With taste and ingenuity this may be made an occa-
sion of rare fun.
The invitations request that the women guests shall
come in costume, representing some well-known song —
and the men prepared to play upon some musical instru-
ment, from a violin to a jewsharp, or a comb. Those
with mischievous propensity may hire a hand-organ,
graphophone or music-box, but "every man is expected
to do his duty," and bring with him whatever movable
instrument he chooses — mandolin, zither, guitar, banjo,
drum, kindergarten musical toys, etc., prepared to
entertain his fellow guests, each, in turn, at the call of
the hostess.
The first part of the evening is devoted to guessing
contests, for which booklets are provided in which to
record the guesses, and trifling prizes awarded to the
successful. Some one may play upon the piano a few
124 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
bars of popular airs or famous compositions, according
to the musical taste or proficiency of the company. At
the conclusion of each selection, every one writes what
composition he or she thinks it belongs to. The open-
ing notes are generally the parts chosen.
Then the hostess may pass around, or have hung up
or otherwise disposed about the room, photographs or
woodcuts of famous or well-known composers — the
names of whom the players must endeavour to supply
— writing their guesses in the little books opposite num-
bers corresponding to those on the pictures.
Another contest may occupy the company in guessing
the names of the songs which the young women are
dressed to represent. Their guesses are noted by the
hostess or by the "embodied song," to be later corrected
or confirmed. The hostess announces the musical per-
formance with a great flourish of trumpets.
Whereupon one verse of every song must be rendered
by the person who represents it; but the less voice,
time, or ear displayed in the execution the more amus-
ing and jolly will be the performance.
A rule forbids that the singer shall be seated until the
song represented is correctly guessed, which adds much
to the merriment.
One young woman proved a most tantalising puzzle
at one such reunion. She wore a white gown with three
letters in gilt — Y, E, S — on its front. It was only when
she sang the first verse of the old song, "Answer," that
any one got the least clue to the mystery. "Two Little
Girls in Blue" was given as a duet by a pair of timid
songstresses — who welcomed the moral support of a
comrade.
Another appeared in garments tattered and torn, and
Games Requiring Preparation 125
had finally to explain that she did not suggest a song, but
a musical measure — ragtime !
Clever people will find many opportunities for them-
selves from the world of popular songs.
Alternating with a song, one of the "instrumental
selections " should be played by a masculine contributor.
By secret ballot, the most successful singer and musician
should be voted prizes.
A SPINSTERS' TEA
Two or three girls were bewailing the fact in mock
heroics that the recent debut of their younger sisters
had relegated them to the limbo technically known as
"the shelf," when it was proposed that they amuse
and console themselves by giving a "Spinsters' Tea,"
bidding other antiquated damsels of from 25 to 30.
The invitations were headed by pen-and-ink drawings
of cats, parrots, and cups of steaming tea, and the guests
were requested to come attired as old maids.
They appeared with side-curls, high combs and spec-
tacles, wearing mitts and carrying reticules and bead
bags, from which they refreshed themselves occasionally
with fennel and peppermint drops.
About the room were large sheets of paper, upon
which heads of cats, cut out of black paper, were pasted.
Some were cross-eyed, some had one eye closed in a sly
wink. All were bewhiskered, but different in some way
from each other.
Tea, cookies and doughnuts were served on a bare
mahogany table from old-fashioned china.
A guessing-match was a feature of the afternoon's
entertainment. The questions and answers were as
follows :
A dangerous cat (Catastrophe).
126 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
An aspiring cat (Catamount).
A cat that can swim (Catfish).
A cat that can fly (Catbird).
A cat that will be a butterfly (Caterpillar).
A library cat (Catalogue).
A cat that asks questions (Catechism).
A cat's near relation (Catkin).
A cat that is good to eat (Catsup).
A horned cat (Cattle).
A cat that throws stones (Catapult).
A tree cat (Catalpa).
A water cat (Cataract).
A cat that flavours the grapes (Catawba).
A cat that covers acres of ground (Cataclysm).
A subterranean cat (Catacomb).
A cat, that, living, appears dead (Catalepsy).
A cat prized as a gem (Catseye).
A cat with a cold (Catarrh).
A GUESSING CONTEST
A game that requires but simple preparations and
that rarely fails to amuse is a guessing-match. Arrayed
upon a table and duly numbered are several articles of
familiar use, and to the players are given cards with
numbered lines and pencils attached whereon to write
their guesses respecting certain details of these objects.
The leader has, of course, previously ascertained the cor-
rect answers, which are written upon his or her card:
By way of suggestion, the following questions may be
asked :
What is the height of a man's silk hat ?
How many seeds in an apple or orange ?
What is the weight of an egg?
How many peanuts in a pint ?
Games Requiring Preparation 127
How many spots in a pack of cards ? (Answer without
time for computation.)
Draw the face of a clock. (The difficulty arises when
the V is reached.)
How many pins in a paper ?
How many safety -matches in a box ?
What is the exact diameter of a half-dollar?
How many spokes in a wheel ?
If it be desired to give prizes to the best guesser, it
should be something national (Yankees being pre-
eminent in that accomplishment) — if only a flag. A
nutmeg might answer for a "booby prize," as the com-
memorative of a Connecticut Yankee of inglorious fame.
"THE SWAP PARTY"
Why not the word "exchange " instead nobody knows,
but at all events it has become very popular, alike with
old and young. Every guest brings four or five little
neatly wrapped and tied bundles. The more misleading
in shape as to contents the better. The packages may
contain anything from candy to soap, starch, tea, book,
handkerchief, sun-bonnet, etc., the more absurd the fun-
nier. Each person recommends his or her own bundles,
describing the contents as wittily, and in a way to deceive
as much, as possible. The bargaining becomes very
shrewd and merry until all the parcels have been swapped,
oftentimes more than once. Then they are opened, the
best bargain winning first prize, the poorest compelling
the holder to tell a story, suggest a game, sing or recite
for the entertainment of the company. The universal
verdict — "no trouble and lots of fun !"
AN AUCTION
This is a favourite game at summer resorts where the
guests oi a hotel are well acquainted.
i28 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Every one who chooses may contribute one or more
articles, which should be so wrapped as to entirely dis-
guise the character, and these are offered to the highest
bidder by some one with a glib tongue who will consent
to play auctioneer. Every one is provided with a like
number of beans wrapped in a Japanese paper napkin,
which represents his or her entire finances. If too much
is bid for one parcel, one's resources are crippled for the
next. It is the etiquette of the game that, when an
article is "knocked down," the purchaser shall open the
parcel and display its contents.
The game may be played with pleasant results when
entertaining guests at home. The articles offered
should be but trifles — with an occasional treasure-trove
— to encourage the interest and excitement in bidding.
Mock catalogues, type-written, add to the fun, espe-
cially when each item is a conundrum, and greatly
facilitates the part of the auctioneer. For instance:
1. A bit of old lace — Shoe lace.
2. A portrait of Her Majesty, Queen Victoria —
Copper penny.
3. Study in black and white — Chalk and coal.
4. Souvenir of the wedding day — Rice.
5. The traveller's guide — Time-table.
6. The fruit of disobedience — Apple.
7. A letter from Hell— H.
8. A marble group — Several marbles.
9. A revealer of men's thoughts — Paper-knife.
10. That which we neither borrow nor lend,
E'en to our best and dearest friend — Tooth-brush.
1 1 . A pair of slippers — Bit of orange peel and banana.
skin.
12. A mighty weapon — A pen.
13. A bit of Indian jewelry — A bead bracelet.
Games Requiring Preparation 129
14. The first American — Cent, with Indian's head.
15. The most honoured American — Postage-stamp
with Washington's head.
1 6. A new writing machine — A pencil (new).
17. Emblem of confidence — Sealing-wax.
1 8. Hawthorne's masterpiece — Letter A, painted
scarlet.
19. The way to a girl's heart — Flowers, or a box of
bon-bons.
The bidding begins when all have arrived and are
seated. Their money and catalogues are then given to
them.
CHAPTER V
Progressive Games
RULES FOR PROGRESSIVE GAMES
THE number of guests must be divisible into
parties of four, preferably composed of both
sexes in equal proportions. Twenty -four makes
a good number. A small table for every four players
will be required, and all should be placed about the
room where the light is good, leaving sufficient space
between for the players to change their seats without
inconvenience to any one. Tables three feet across,
the tops covered in green baize, are satisfactory and
are the kind usually supplied for this purpose by the
best caterers. One is marked the head table; the next
in order, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The tables are identified by
cards with these numbers fastened to them by thumb-
tacks. Each table is supplied with a box of tiny stars
with mucilage on the back, like stamps, one of which
is stuck on the score-card to mark each victory. A
tally-card is provided for every person and each is
marked number i, 2, etc., respectively, to assign the
seats at the tables for the first game. These cards
may be of various colours, but always two of the
same tint, to determine the partners. Or white cards
may be tied with bows of different coloured ribbons
and small pencils attached, and of these each must
have its duplicate. The honours may be marked ir>
Progressive Games 131
pencil upon the cards and the star counters dispensed
with.
The names of the guests are often written upon the
backs of the cards and the partners' names given below
them.
It is sometimes pleasant as a relief to the little awk-
wardness felt in the beginning of an evening in a society
where there are many strangers if the hostess arrange
to have friends play as partners for the first game.
The usual way of determining partners is to put the
cards in two baskets, from one of which the ladies draw
their cards on their arrival, from the other the gentlemen
each taking one, and matching the cards or ribbons to
determine the partners.
When all are seated, the hostess or leader rings a
bell, and all set to work assiduously to play the game
until the bell rings again, when all must stop. The
completion of the game played at the head table de-
termines the length of time allowed. But courtesy,
of course, imposes the obligation of waiting a few
moments if the game at some table is nearing its com-
pletion. If to finish it would require too long a deten-
tion, the two players who are ahead in the count are
regarded as the winners.
At the first table the winners should remain where
they are, the two who are worsted go to the sixth or
last, and, at each table except the first, the winning
players move to the one next above them. At each
progression there is a change of partners, though some
prefer to play the game by keeping the same partners
to the end. The players mark their score-cards as a
game is lost or won.
At the end of an hour or more, according to cir-
cumstances, the hostess rings a bell, the games are
132 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
counted, and a prize is awarded to the most successful
lady and to the victor among the men. The one whose
score is lowest receives a booby prize in mock derision,
or a "consolation" prize is given either as a second or
third award, or it is drawn for by the contestants who
have not been the winners of the others. This is
generally done by drawing a card from the pack, each
in turn. The person to whose lot the first ace falls is
the fortunate one.
The supper is often served at the little tables.
SALMAGUNDI
Of all progressive games, this one of the strange
name is probably the one most widely popular. As in
all others, a small table is provided for every four
players, but Salmagundi is distinguished from other
games in that a different game is played at each table.
Games of cards may be chosen — if preferred — Hearts,
Euchre, Five Hundred, Sniff, etc., or such games as
Dominoes, Jack-straws, Tiddle-dy-winks, Conette, Lotto,
Halma, Pit, Fish-Pond, the rules for playing which
are supplied with the game when purchased. There is
no rule against such games as "Patent Medicines,"
"Menagerie," etc., which certainly contribute to a
merry uproar.
The winners progress at sound of the signal given
at the head table, and play a new game; the losers
retain their places and must play the same game over
again.
The introduction of variety adds much to the pleasure
— and, as there is a change of partners at each "pro-
gression," everybody meets everybody else.
When every couple has made the rounds of the tables
and played all the games, as nearly as their varying
Progressive Games 133
fortunes will permit, the prizes are awarded and supper
is served.
A LIBRARY PARTY
Place four or five small tables about the room — •
arranged as for the usual progressive game. The players
may be paired by each drawing half of a quotation —
which, reunited, determines their partnership at the
beginning of the game — as, for instance, one finds this
appropriate question, "How happy could I be with
either?" on the paper that falls to his lot; so he must
seek for "Were t'other dear charmer away." The
young women need not wait to be sought, but may be
as active in looking for their mates as if Leap-Year
privileges were permanently conceded. As the players
take their seats — four at each table — one set finds a
list of questions, written upon four cards, and a blank
card for each person, whereon to record the answers.
For example, at the first table the cards ask:
1. Who wrote
"I remember, I remember
The house where I was born"?
2. Who,
"I love it, I love it, and who shall dare
To chide me for loving that old arm-chair?"
3. Who is the author of
"Mary, Mary, quite contrary
How does your garden grow?"
4. And who of
"Man wants but little here below
Nor wants that little long"?
5. Who wrote
"'Twas the night before Xmas"?
134 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
6. Who said these words :
"With malice toward none,
With charity for all,
With firmness in the right,
As God gives us to see the right'*?
The cards are signed as the bell gives the signal, and
the hostess collects them at each table, compares the
answers with her "key" — and returns those of the
winning pair, who then progress to the next table.
At the second table, the questions may be of the
authorship of famous or well-known books, of foreign
lands, and of our own:
Who wrote:
1. "Bracebridge Hall"?
2. "Love Me Little, Love Me Long"?
3. "Corinne"?
4. "Consuelo"?
5. "Evelina"?
6. "L'Aiglon"?
7. "Telemaque"?
8. "Wilhelm Meister"?
9. "Denis Duval"?
10. "Tom Brown at Rugby"?
11. "Rasselas"?
12. "Don Quixote"?
13. "Robinson Crusoe"?
14. "Anna Karenina"?
The third table may offer a variety from the first
ones, having strewn over its surface a number of pictures
cut from periodicals, illustrating the titles of books,
pasted upon numbered cards. The guesses of the
players are written upon the blank cards supplied them
— numbering each one in accordance with the picture
that offers the problem.
Progressive Games 135
Example:
1. The picture of a whip or switch.
2. A buxom negress.
3. A photograph of a Venus — slightly coloured.
4. A woman washing clothes.
5. People at work, or Millet's "Angelus."
6. A map of Africa cut out of black paper — a chalk
line across it.
7. The words, " New York and Philadelphia."
ANSWERS
First table:
1. Thomas Hood. 4. Goldsmith.
2. Eliza Cook. 5. Clement C. Moore.
3. Mother Goose. 6. Abraham Lincoln.
Second table:
1. Washington Irving. 8. Goethe.
2. Chas. Reade. 9. Thackeray.
3. Mme. de Stael. 10. Thomas Hughes.
4. George Sand. u. Dr. Johnson.
5. Frances Burney. 12. Cervantes.
6. Rostand. 13. Defoe.
7. Fe*nelon. 14. Tolstoi.
Third table:
j. "The Parents' Assistant" — Maria Edgeworth.
2. "Black Beauty"— Anna M. Sewell.
3. "The Tinted Venus" — Anstey.
4. "The Madonna of the Tubs' '—Elizabeth Stuart Phelps.
5. "The Workers"— Walter Wyckoff.
6. "Across the Dark Continent" — Stanley.
7. "The Quick and the Dead "-— Amelie Rives.
PROGRESSIVE CONVERSATION
An equal number of young men and maidens take
part. The girls are seated, and the men, butterfly-like,
flit from flower to flower,
136 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Each person is given a card containing a list of
subjects which should be discussed in the order in
which they are given. Small coloured pencils are
attached to the cards by ribbons of the same shade, and
the man and maiden holding matching colours are
partners for the first conversation.
At the touch of a bell by the hostess, the men seat
themselves, and each pair in the room discusses the
first subject mentioned on their cards. At the end
of fifteen or twenty minutes the bell rings again, where-
upon all the men rise and, passing to the left, each one
seats himself at the left side of the next young woman
in the line and takes up the second subject on the list for
their mutual consideration.
When each couple have met and discussed every
topic, a secret ballot is cast as to which is the most
interesting conversationalist — the ladies voting for the
gentlemen and the gentlemen for the ladies. The
names are printed or the hand-writing is disguised ; the
papers are folded and thrown into a hat or basket.
There should be a lady's prize and one for the men.
If it be desired, additional honours may be voted
for the wittiest, the most profound thinker, the most
convincing in argument, etc. The subjects most likely
to interest and provoke discussion are chosen, of course.
The following topics ha^e been found suggestive:
"Which does a man love best, his mother, his wife, or
his sweetheart?"
"Which is the way to a man's heart — through his
eyes or his ears?"
"Should women vote ? "
"Favourite books and why they are favoured?"
"Madam Grundy."
" Which loves better, a man or a woman ? ''
Progressive Games 137
"What is your ambition?"
"What are woman's rights?"
After the prizes have been awarded, some of the
clever or amusing things said during the evening are
repeated for the benefit of the rest. One man was
reported to have answered to the first question: "A
man loves his sweetheart most, his wife best, and his
mother longest." A young woman's reply to the
second question on the list was quoted as — "Love
knows all the roads — but they do say that the highway
to a man's affections is down his throat."
MILITARY EUCHRE
This game is a variation of "Progressive Euchre,"
and is especially appropriate to be played when some
such diversion may be wanted upon national
holidays.
It is played at small tables — four persons at each
one, as are all progressive games — but every table is
called after some fort that has been conspicuous in our
country's annals, and is decorated with a pennon bearing
its name and a small national flag. These may be
easily arranged to stand proudly aloft, if an ordinary
brick be covered with Turkey red, or with scarlet cotton-
velvet tied round about with a red, white and blue
ribbon. A small flag-staff is inserted at each end of the
brick, held in place by the ribbon. The national colours
should overtop the other flag. Tiny toy cannon,
mounted on the bricks — between the flags — give a
military suggestion.
The score-cards are small flags, of which the blue
fields are without stars. A bit of blue silk, neatly stitched
over the starry corner, will offer the opportunity to the
players to restore the accustomed glories to the flag —
138 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
when the winners mark a victory with the usual gilt
stars, made to use on score-cards.
On Washington's Birthday or the Fourth of July the
names of forts belonging to Revolutionary fame sBould
be chosen — Fort Ticonderoga, Fort William Henry, or
Fort Duquesne of Colonial days. On Lincoln's Birth-
day or for Decoration Day, Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie,
Fort Donelson, and Fort Fisher will be appropriate.
The game of Euchre is played as usual until the
signal of a bugle, blown at the head-table, calls a halt
at the end of each game. The losers then progress to
the next table, the winners keep their places, and the
reward of victory, when afar from the fort of their first
allegiance, is that they bring all their honours back to it.
Each player at the end of the game, before the prizes
are awarded, returns to his or her original place and the
stars are counted for honours on the flags of the four
players. It is then announced which fort has won, and
the prizes are given to the four players who began the
game at the table named for that fort.
It is sometimes played in another manner. The
partners who have lost the first game progress at the
close of each one from table to table, until they find
themselves back to their starting-places, whereupon the
next pair progress until they, too, have made the rounds
of the tables.
This brings all the players back to the forts of their
original allegiance before the prizes are given. During
their progress, the hostess gives to the winning pairs a
tiny flag to chronicle each victory, and these they attach
to the staves of those on the fort to which they owe
fealty. This, instead of using the gilt stars on the flag
score-card. The table that flaunts the most flags
represents, therefore, the victorious iort.
Progressive Games 139
The prizes should be suitable as gifts to a conqueror.
A laurel wreath of artificial leaves makes a "coiffure"
that almost any woman would find becoming, and a
vivandiere's barrel filled with bonbons would fitly
reward the lady combatants. There are swords and
other weapons that would please a hero who has artistic
leanings on the subject of household embellishment,
a toy sword, bugle, cymbals, military accoutrements,
even a band of gold braid for his coat-sleeve, a timsel
gilt star, a decoration or "order" (many varieties of
which are made for cotillion favours) would appro-
priately recompense the heroes of such a bloodless field.
The caterers in all the large towns have individual
moulds for ices in the form of cannon-balls, drums,
cocked hats, etc., and a large one that may almost
always be counted upon is in the form of Bunker Hill
Monument. These may appropriately form part of
the refreshments.
PROGRESSIVE PROPOSALS
Among persons who are fairly well acquainted, or
upon occasions where playing at love is the openly
avowed entertainment — as on St. Valentine's evening
or after an engagement dinner — this game will be
productive of much fun.
An equal number of young men and women take
part. The ladies are seated, and at the left hand of
each a vacant chair is placed, or the chairs may be
arranged in pairs, tete-a-tete fashion — facing opposite
ways.
The men stand, pending the signal to take their
places — and, if the hostess please, partners for the
first conversation may be determined by drawing slips
of paper from two receptacles, upon which the names
140 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
of world-famous lovers are written — Romeo and Juliet,
Antony and Cleopatra, Dante and Beatrice, etc. Or
quotations in praise of love are in one basket, their
authors in another.
To the ladies are given cards with the names of the
different men present written upon them, a blank
against each name, and small boxes containing miniature
red hearts, and mittens with mucilage on the reverse
side — like stamps.
At a touch of the bell every man takes a seat and
proceeds to lead up to the prettiest proposals that he
can frame in speech. There must be no crude haste;
the subject must be introduced both delicately and
diplomatically. Ten or fifteen minutes is the interval
allowed in which to make an offer of one's hand and
heart in so beguiling a way as to induce the lady to
paste a red heart over against one's name. At the
expiration of the time-limit the touch of a bell indicates
that the opportunity is no longer open, and the ardent
swain passes on to lay siege to another damsel. It is
the aim of the men to propose to every girl in the room,
that of the maidens to fence so adroitly as to prevent
their "coming to the point."
The man who has succeeded in placing the greatest
number of definite proposals is determined by examina-
tion of the ladies' cards. The man, opposite whose name
are the most red hearts thereon, wins the prize of a heart-
shaped photograph frame or sofa-pillow, perhaps, made
in the same form, or silver key-ring. The man whose
failures are chronicled in mittens may receive a card
of buttons, with needles and thread, contained in a
worsted mitten.
To the most successful damosel — who has known
how to control the situation, permitting only the offers
Progressive Games 141
which she pleases to receive — may be given a heart-
shaped bonbonniere or one of the little travelling ink-
stands that are made in that form, of highly polished
metal or silver. A heart-shaped lock fits with a spring
into a tiny heart-shaped clamp, needing release before
the lid springs up to permit the use of the ink. A large
heart, made of Turkey-red cotton, filled with rice,
might answer for a "booby prize" to the too susceptible
maiden.
The supper should include heart-shaped sandwiches
and cakes, kisses and ices in the form of cupids and true-
lovers' knots.
NATIONAL CONUNDRUMS
Upon one of our national holidays a little party of
friends met at the house of a lady whose enforced
residence abroad had made her, after her exile, the
more eager to be "thoroughly American" in her
entertainment, which offered the attraction of
novelty.
Four tables were arranged for a progressive game of
"National Conundrums." The tally-cards were small
silk flags, and over the starry corner of each a piece of
blue silk was sewn — blotting out the stars, which were
to be restored one by one as a victory was marked,
using for the purpose the small gilt ones that are made
to serve as counters for progressive games.
On the first table, a small box, made to represent a
fire-cracker, was at each place. One contained a bit of
paper upon which was written the following :
What do you know of famous American soubriquets ?
1. Who was called "Fuss and Feathers"?
2. Who was known as "Old Hickory"?
3. What vessel was fondly called "Old Ironsides"?
142 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
A second fire-cracker contained a paper with the
same initial question, followed by:
4. Who was called the " Rail-splitter"?
5. Whose nickname was " Tippecanoe " ?
6. Who was called "Old Rough and Ready"?
The third paper had for special questions:
7. Who was first called "Brother Jonathan"?
8. What was the real name of "Stonewall Jackson" ?
9. What State was called "The Mother of Presidents " ?
The fourth paper had:
10. Who was "Little Mac"?
11. What Revolutionary general was known as
"Mad Anthony"?
12. What was the "Terrapin" policy?
Papers were given upon which to write the answers —
which were collected by the hostess at the signal of fire-
crackers being set off on the hearth. The two whose
answers were most correct moved to the next table, the
other two remained and found new questions — in other
fire-cracker boxes.
The correct answers are:
1. General Scott.
2. Andrew Jackson.
3. The frigate "Constitution."
4. Abraham Lincoln.
5. William Henry Harrison.
6. Zachary Taylor.
7. Jonathan Trumbull, Governor of Connecticut.
8. Thomas Jonathan Jackson.
9. Virginia.
10. George B. McClellan.
11. General Wayne.
12. Jefferson's Embargo. The terrapin draws its
head and feet into its shell when frightened.
Progressive Games 143
At the next four tables they were to guess the
names of cities of the United States, "buried" in the
following sentences, written upon papers folded into
cocked hats — a tri-colour rosette painted on the side
of each:
1. "He walks with a calm, dignified air."
2. "In hottest August, inertia seizes one."
3. " Either must the arm be sinewy, or knee-joint
limber."
4. "For ailment stomachic, a good laugh is the best
medicine."
5. "We played blind-man's-buff a long time last
night."
6. "The religion of the Hindu, Luther carefully
investigated."
7. "My burden verily is greater than I can bear."
8. "In setting the stove, make the zinc level and
straight."
9. " You may eat scrambled eggs or omelette."
10. "With great pomp, aristocracy takes its airing
in the park."
11. "Once under the matrimonial ban, you cannot
escape."
12. "To a bargain sale, men never go."
The answers:
1. Ithaca. 7. Denver.
2. St. Augustine. 8. Cleveland.
3. New York. 9. Rome.
4. Chicago. 10. Paris.
5. Buffalo. ii. Albany.
6. Duluth. 12. Salem.
At the third table they were asked to answer punning
questions on the common abbreviations of the names
of the States. These were written on booklets con-
144 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
taming a few leaves, the covers of which were in imita-
tion of the heraldic shield of the United States :
1 . What is the most religious State ?
2. What the most egotistical State?
3. The State where the untidy should live?
4. The father of States?
5. The maidenly State?
6. The State for students?
7. The best for miners?
8. The most unhealthy State?
9. The State to cure the sick?
10. The decimal State?
11. Best in time of floods?
12. The State of astonishment?
ANSWERS
1. Mass. 7. Ore.
2. Me. 8. 111.
3. Wash. 9. Md.
4. Pa. 10. Tenn.
5. Miss. ii. Ark.
6. Conn. 12. O.
At the fourth table, the little tally -booklets were
in the form of "Liberty Bells" — the covers of silver
paper, with the traditional "crack" indicated in sepia.
Each contained half a dozen sentences supposed to be
characteristic of well-known American authors, artists,
statesmen, heroes, noted women, etc., the first letter
of each word giving the initials of the person's name.
For example:
1. Thoroughly ^Reliable.
2. How Wonderfully Lyrical !
3. Grandly Daring.
4. Many Merry Doings.
5. .Rarely Proved Hardihood.
Progressive Games 145
6. /ustly Honoured.
7. Notes Words.
8. Joyous Reformer.
9. 5ome Laughter Causes.
10. A True Marine.
11. jEver Ardent Artist.
12. Kindly, Dainty, Winsome.
13. Can .Draw Girls.
14. Just Writes .Rhymes.
15. Will Attempt Work.
1 6. Much En joyed Water.
17. Preacher Beloved.
1 8. Meritorious Actress.
19. .Rebel Ever Loved.
20. Her Book Succeeded.
ANSWERS
1. Theodore Roosevelt.
2. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
3. George Dewey.
4. Mary Mapes Dodge.
5. Richmond Pearson Hobson.
6. John Hay.
7. Noah Webster.
8. Jacob Riis.
9. Samuel L. Clemens.
10. Alfred T. Mahan.
11. E. A. Abbey.
12. Kate Douglas Wiggin.
13 C. D. Gibson.
14. James Whit comb Riley.
15. Walter A. Wyckoff.
16. Mary E. Wilkins.
17. Phillips Brooks.
1 8. Mary Anderson or Maude Adams.
146 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
19. Robert E. Lee.
20. Harriet Beecher Stowe.
The prize was a copy of a "History of the United
States," by a well-known author; and the self-convicted
"booby" had presented to him a small volume on the
same subject, written for very young beginners.
CHAPTER VI
Card Games
THE GAME OF PORRAZO (BLOW OR STRIKE)
THE terms in this now popular game are Spanish,
and it was introduced into this country from
Mexico.
The game may be played by any number from two to
eight, in partnership or not. Cards have their usual
values, except that ace is low.
Three cards in a bunch are dealt to each player, and
before play begins each must announce whether or not
he holds a "randa" or pair. Three of a kind is called a
"randine." He must not say what the pair is, how-
ever. When the hand is played out, "randas" count to
the person that holds the highest — spots counting one
point, jacks two, queens three and kings four. A randine
is the same as three different pairs and counts accord-
ingly— spots three, jacks six, etc.
The spot cards, one, two, three, four, count for place
as follows: If the board is bare, the ace played counts
one. If there is one card on the board and you play a
two-spot, it counts you two. If you play the three-
spot so that it is the third card on the board, or the
four-spot so that it is the fourth card, they each count
for their number. Cards match by denomination, not
suit; but, in addition to taking up the card that you
match, you take up all that follow in regular sequence
147
148 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
after it. Thus, if a ten, jack, queen, king, ace and two-
spot lay upon the board and you hold the ten, you could
take them all. If two cards of the same kind lie on the
board, you cannot, however, take them both up at once
with a match card.
At the end of the deal of the whole pack, cards count
to the person or side having the greatest number as
many points as the difference between that and the next
lower. On the last hand, the person taking the last
trick takes the cards remaining on the board.
The really interesting feature of the game is " porrazo."
If you can match the card just laid down and left on the
board it is "porrazo," and counts you just what a
"randa" of those same cards would count — spots one,
jacks two, etc. But if the person next to you holds the
same card, he announces "contra porrazo" and carries
off the cards (with any sequence that may accrue), and
is credited with what a "randine" would give him. A
"contra porrazo " of kings, for example, is twelve points.
If a fourth player chances to hold the same card — which
happens only at intervals — it is called "San Beinto,"
and wins the game, irrespective of what the score may be.
A sweep or clearing of the board is called a "limpia,"
and gives the person that makes it whatever a "randa"
would be on the last card taken up in the sequence.
Thus, if there were a ten, jack and queen on the board
and you played a ten and cleared the board, you would
get three points, but if there were, in addition, the
king, one and two, you would get only one, for that is
all a "randa" of two's would give you. You must
take up the card that matches the one you play and all
in sequence, whether you wish to or not, excepting when
you play for "in place." Then it is optional whether
Card Games 149
you match and take up or leave your card on the board
for place.
Once during the deal the dealer is entitled to take a
"tendido," which means "layout." He throws, face up
on the board, four cards, two at a time. He is entitled
to score all the place cards, counting from either end
(but not both) ; and, to bring them in place so as to make
them count, he may change the order in the two couples,
but not from one couple to the other. He may also
make up as many randas and randines and fours (which
count for six randas, queens eighteen, for example) as
he can make up in the tendido and the cards already on
the board. The tendido is then thrown in with the
other cards on the board. Sixty-one points constitute
a game. Extra cards, if odd number of players, are
turned up on the board.
BLIND EUCHRE
The cards are dealt in the usual way. No trump is
turned, and the players hold their cards with the faces
turned away from them, so that each person sees the
cards of all the rest, but has no idea of his own hand.
The person to the left of the dealer makes the trump,
basing his selection on what he has seen in the hands of
his opponents.
The maker of the trump then leads, and each one
plays a card without knowing what it is until he sees it
on the table. The tricks are taken in the regular way.
There is no skill in the game; it is ridiculous, but amus-
ing. It is also called "Lunatic Euchre."
HEARTS
The game may be played by four, five or six players,
each one for himself. A full pack is used, one card dealt
150 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
at a time. The ace ranks highest. An equal number
of cards is dealt to each player, the odd cards being left
on the table face up.
The person on the dealer's left may lead what he
pleases, the others follow suit, the highest card takes the
trick, there being no trumps.
Any player unable to follow suit may throw away
any card he chooses. The object of the game is to avoid
taking any trick which contains a heart. Therefore it is
well at the beginning of the game to get rid of one's
highest cards, because then the others are more likely
to be able to follow suit. Later on, when the suits are
exhausted and the players begin to throw away their
hearts, it is desirable not to have the cards of high
value to take the tricks. At the end of each "hand"
the players count the number of hearts in the tricks
they have taken, when the one having the fewest hearts
wins the game.
A time-limit must be set for the conclusion of the
game.
The count may be made with chips, in which case, at
the end of each "hand" the players who have taken
heart cards pay a chip for each one. These are divided
among those who have avoided taking heart cards.
The game may be played progressively.
ADVERTISEMENTS OR PATENT MEDICINES
This game is played with the whole pack of cards
divided among the players. Each player chooses the
name either of an advertisement or of a patent medicine
— as long and complicated a name as possible, so. as to
make the game the more difficult.
All put their cards in packs face downward on the
table in front of them and each in succession turns over
Card Games 151
one card at a time from the top of his pile. If a player,
in turning over a card, discloses one of the same value
as that already exposed on another's pack, he must call
out the patent medicine or advertisement chosen by his
opponent, before his adversary can shout his.
Much of the fun of this game lies in the rapidity with
which the cards are turned. Each must play as quickly
as possible.
PREFERENCE
A GAME FOR THREE
This game is so old as to be new to this generation.
It may be recalled that it was a favourite game with the
" Crawford" ladies. The rules are as follows:
Take out all cards below the eight in the two red suits,
but retain the sevens in the two black suits.
Shuffle, and deal a card to each one until nine cards
have been given each person. Retain the remaining
three for a widow. The one at the left of the dealer
bids for the trump, then the next person, then the dealer
(as in six-handed Euchre), each succeeding person being
obliged to raise the bid in order to secure it. The
highest bidder gets it. If no one bids, the next person
deals; six must be bid, nothing lower being allowed.
COUNTS
6 on Spades 40 6 on Clubs 60
7 on Spades 140 7 on Clubs 160
8 on Spades 240 8 on Clubs 260
9 on Spades 340 9 on Clubs 360
6 no trump j 20 7 no trump 220
6 on Diamonds 80 6 on Hearts 100
7 on Diamonds 180 7 on Hearts 200
8 on Diamonds 280 8 on Hearts 300
9 on Diamonds 380 9 on Hearts 400
8 no trump 320 9 no trump 420
152 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
"Preference" means taking all nine tricks without
the widow, and counts 500.
Each one begins with 500, and the one who first
reduces the score wins, or, if two go out, the one farther
out wins.
In case the party bidding loses, the amount bid is
deducted from the score of each of the others and added
Y> the score of the loser, as in Euchre.
If the party bidding wins, he can count only the
amount bid, but each one winning tricks, aside from the
bidder, counts ten for each trick, except when there is a
euchre.
If any one bids six on spades the next one can bid
six on clubs, six on diamonds, or six on hearts.
The player making the trump is entitled to the widow,
but when ready to play must have only nine cards in
hand. First lead must be a trump, except when the
"no trump" bid is accepted, when simply follow
suit.
• It is a charming game for a social gathering. Have,
for instance, four tables with seats for three at each —
and a written description of the rules for playing the
game. The interchanges and possibilities are very
interesting, and for any one who knows Euchre it is not
at all difficult to learn. In the corner of the invitation
the word "Preference" may be written, which will be a
pleasant mystery to the uninitiated. If a prize be
desired, a copy of "Crauford" would be an appropriate
one.
THE GAME OF FIVE HUNDRED EUCHRE
FOR Two, THREE OR FOUR PLAYERS
This is a variation of the foregoing game, but thought
by many to be a great improvement upon it.
Card Games 153
SCHEDULE
BIDS
6
7
8
o
CLUBS . ....
40
80
I2O
1 60
SPADES
60
I2O
I 80
24O
HEARTS
80
160
240
72O
DIAMONDS ....
IOO
2OO
3OO
4OO
No TRUMPS
1 20
24O
^60
48o
jww
T.<_>\->
Illustrations: A bid of six on Spades 60 is higher
than six on Clubs 40 ; and a bid of eight on Hearts 240
is higher than nine on Clubs 160.
RULES
1. For three-handed, as usually played, use all cards
above six -spot; for two-handed, use all cards above
eight-spot; for four-handed, play partners and use all
cards above four-spot. Joker is always used.
2. Deal three cards to each player, three times
around, then one to each, leaving remainder for the
widow. In two-handed, leave two for each player as a
pick-up, and one for the widow.
3. Each player has one bid; the highest makes
trump, takes the widow, discards all but ten, and leads.
4. When "no trump" is played the cards rank as at
Whist, with the Joker only as a trump card.
5. When playing a "no-trump" hand, whoever leads
the Joker calls for any suit desired, and a card of the
suit called for must be played upon it.
6. If a player takes the number of tricks bid, or
more, he scores only the number which his bid calls for
in the schedule. Should he take every trick, however,
he counts 250, or more, if his bid calls for it.
154 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
7. Each player, other than the bidder, counts ten for
every trick he takes.
8. Failure to take the number of tricks bid sets the
player back the number his bid calls for.
Each player starts with 500. He subtracts the
amounts he wins and adds the amounts he loses. The
first to reduce his 500 to o wins the game.
The game may be played by two, three, or four (as
partners). In the latter case, the partners change at
the end of each game, which makes it possible to de-
termine the individual score, and so give prominence
to the victor.
MUGGINS
In playing "Muggins" only five cards of each suite
are used — the King, Queen, Knave, Ten and Two.
Each of these has a name — the King of Hearts is Mr.
Ninkum-twitch ; the Queen is Mrs. Ninkum -twitch ; the
Knave is Mr. and Mrs. Ninkum-twitch's son Jack; the
Ten is Mr. and Mrs. Ninkum-twitch's dog "Tray"; and
the Two is Mr. and Mrs. Ninkum-twitch's dog-cart.
The King of Diamonds is Lord Funny duster; the
Queen is Lady Funny duster; the Knave is Lord and
Lady Funny duster's son Jacky; the Ten, Lord and
Lady Funny duster's dog "Trot"; and the Two is Lord
and Lady Funnyduster's dog-cart.
The King of Clubs is "Club, the Policeman"; the
Queen is "Club, the Policeman's wife"; the Knave is
"Club, the Policeman's son John"; the Ten, "Club, the
Policeman's dog 'Tramp'"; and the Two is "Club, the
Policeman's patrol-wagon."
The King of Spades is "Spade, the gardener"; the
Queen, "Spade, the Gardener's wife"; the Knave,
"Spade, the Gardener's son John"; the Tenr M Spade,
Card Games 155
the Gardener's dog 'Trip'"; and the Two, "Spade, the
Gardener's watering-cart."
The object of the game is to get as many "books" as
possible. A book consists of the five cards of any
suit.
Each person asks of any player the card that he
needs toward completing his book. If he does not get
it, his turn is over, but if he succeeds in obtaining it he
has the privilege of asking for others. If he neglects to
call the card he desires by its exact name, or if he does
not say "Thank you" before touching it, the card is
forfeited to the first person who, on seeing his mistake,
shouts ' ' Muggins . ' '
If a player finds himself with no more cards in his
hand, he is what is called a "Ghost" and any one speak-
ing to him becomes a Ghost.
A Ghost's object, therefore, is to try to get somebody
to speak to him, for if he succeeds he shouts "Muggins,"
and obtains the cards of the person who has just
answered him, and that person becomes a Ghost in his
stead, but a Ghost may carry on a conversation with
another Ghost and pays no forfeit.
STOP!
Place the cards — Ace, King, Queen, and Knave, each
of a different suit — in the centre of the table, from a
pack not otherwise used in the game. From another
pack take out the Four, Six, and Eight-spot of Diamonds,
which are set aside and not used. Give to each person
two or three dozen counters, and have at hand a pool, or
bank, from which to borrow when any player becomes
bankrupt of counters — the number being strictly ac-
counted for at the end of the game.
156 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Cut for deal as in all card games, and the holder of
the lowest card is the dealer.
While the cards are being dealt the player at the
dealer's left "dresses" the cards, placing four counters
on the Ace, three on the King, two on the Queen, and
one on the Knave. The player at the left of the dealer
begins the game, laying the card down, face upward, in
front of himself — the object of the game being to get
rid of the cards in hand. One should lead from one's
longest suit, beginning with the lowest of a sequence.
Whereupon the player holding the next card of the
suit lays it down before him on the table, and so on until
the Ace is reached, which is a "natural stop," there
being none higher. The player of the Ace may then
begin a new suit.
It is important to remember the cards that have been
played in relation to those in one's own hand. Any
card may be a "natural stop" provided the one next
above it has been played. If, for instance, the Eight
of Hearts has been played and the card above it, the one
holding the seven of hearts should know that it is a
"natural stop," and when played entitles him to another
lead. If he hold smaller hearts he should begin with
them, and lead up to the seven, and so get rid of more
cards.
"The "stop-cards" are the Five and Seven of Dia-
monds— because the Six and Eight have been removed.
They are the most desirable cards to hold, for they
control the lead.
If at the end of a sequence played one is about to lose
the lead, the holder of a "stop-card" may place it
quickly on the table, instantly following his last play,
and saying "Stop!" before an opponent can play the
next card of the suit. He then may lead again with
Card Games 157
another suit. A stop-card must always follow another
play of the one who holds it.
Whoever first disposes of all his cards wins that hand,
and all the players in turn must pay him as many
counters as they have cards left in their hands.
The excitement and interest of the game are further
enhanced in that, every time any one plays a duplicate
card to those exposed in the middle of the table, the
counters upon those cards become forfeit to the player
of the corresponding cards.
If, however, at the close of the hand or round, the
counters still remain "dressing" the central cards, the
players who have the corresponding cards in their hands
have to add to the store of counters upon them a number
equal to those already there.
The same suit may not be led twice consecutively.
A forfeit of one counter must be paid to each player by
any one breaking this rule. Players who become
bankrupt may borrow from their neighbours or from
a pool. The one who at the close of the game can show
the most counters is the victor.
A time-limit alone determines the end of the game.
CHEAT
The game is played with two packs of cards, and any
number of persons may take part in it. The cards
being dealt, the player at the left of the dealer lays a
card in the centre of the table, face down, but naming
the suit and value of the card. The next person then
places a card on top of it, say-ing that it is the next in
order — though truth is not insisted upon. It may be,
and it may not be, what he represents it. If any one
doubts it, he may challenge it, saying, "I doubt it!"
The card is then shown, and if it prove not to be the
158 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
one declared, the player is obliged to take all the cards
that are on the table, and the object is to get rid of
one's cards.
If, however, the card prove to be the one that the
player represented it, the doubter must take all the
cards on the table.
Sometimes the bad morals of the game so infect a
player that he tries to put down two cards at once,
when, if he is discovered, he is obliged to take every
card on the table into his own hand.
The one who first gets rid of all his cards beats the
game. The cards should be played rapidly.
SNIFF
Sniff is a game of either dominoes or card dominoes,
and may be played by two persons or four as partners.
The four-handed is the better game.
The dominoes are posed face down, and each player
takes six, the rest being left in the stock. The one who'
has the highest double opens the game. If no one has
a double, each draws in turn from the stock until one is
found. He places this in the centre of the table. This
domino is called "Sniff," and the next player on the
left must place next to it another piece, one end of
which must correspond to the numbers of Sniff. If
he cannot do this he must draw from the stock. If
after drawing three pieces he is still unable to play, he
loses his turn.
All four sides of Sniff may be played to, and the
object of the game is to place the pieces so that the sum
of all the pips may make five or a multiple of five.
Each five, or multiple of five, made by a player is added
to his score, and the one first reaching 100 or 200 (as
agreed upon) wins the game.
Card Games
It is of great advantage to get rid of one's dominoes
quickly, for the first one to do so adds to his score all
the pips in his adversaries' hands.
Five, or a multiple of five, alone is counted. For
instance, if the opponents' pips added together make
seven, he adds five to his score; but if eight, he adds ten.
The player of Sniff adds ten to his score, but if Sniff
is double-six it counts twenty.
In the diagram double-two is "Sniff," and counts the
player :
A, 10. jB, plays No. 2 and counts 5 (2 plus 3 equals 5).
Player (7, No. 3, does not score (3 plus 6 equals 9), but
the players of No. 4, D, and No. 5, A, count 10 and 15
respectively. The score would therefore read thus:
SCORE OF A AND C SCORE OF B AND D
10
25
5
10
15
CHAPTER VII
Children's Games
CLIP AND KEEP
THIS game is of French origin and affords the
children — particularly the spectators — no end of
fun. It shows how little idea of distance we
have apart from sight.
Two wires or ropes are drawn across the end of the
room, and suspended from them by gay ribbons are
inexpensive gifts wrapped in tissue papers of many
shades. Those for the girls are distinguishable by the
paler colours — pink, light blue, yellow, pea green —
while the articles intended for the boys are wrapped in
scarlet, deep green, blue, violet, orange, etc. The
guests are blindfolded in couples and each given a pair
of round-pointed scissors. At a given signal, each must
turn around three times and then advance to the lines
and cut therefrom a gift. Interference is warranted only
when the boy goes to the girl's side or vice versa. If
bits of cotton are laid over the eyes in addition to the
bandage, it will give to all assurance of absolute fairness.
It is surprising to see how far some will go astray, while
others will proceed almost directly toward the mark.
YEMARI
A pretty Japanese game known by the musical name
"Yetnari" is now very popular as an amusement for
1 60
Children's Games 161
juvenile parties, or the home-circle, affording both fun
and exercise. The word means ''hand-ball," but the
method of playing is unlike any ball game of this country.
The ball is a gay little affair about two inches in diameter;
the players stand in a circle, and one of them takes it
and throws it perpendicularly to the ground. As it
rebounds she strikes it back with the open hand, and
continues to do so as long as it remains within reach
without moving from her position in the circle. When
it moves nearer some other player, as it very soon will
do, then he or she must strike it down, and so the game
goes on until some person fails to hit or make it rebound,
which forfeits his or her place in the circle. One after
another they meet this fate until a single player remains,
and thus claims kachi, or victory, and also the prize.
Recently, and very appropriately selected for the purpose,
was given a blooming plant of the flower of Japan — its
particular variety a prize-winner at the chrysanthemum
show of 1897 — beautiful "Pennsylvania."
Another very merry game of Japanese origin, there
called "Catching the Tail," is here more gracefully
known as
"THE RIBBON'S END"
The players place themselves in a row, one behind the
other with hands on the shoulders of the one in advance.
The person selected as catcher then stands in front, but
some feet away, and attempts to catch the " ribbon's
end," which, as the row is graduated, is the smallest
player. The entire line try to prevent this by twisting,
turning, etc., without breaking the chain. If the
catcher push any one in the row it is counted a foul.
When the person at the end is finally captured he
becomes catcher, the former one taking last place in the
line. This is a noisy but, if the rules are strictly
162 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
observed, not necessarily a rough amusement, and has
the charm of povelty at least.
RHYMING
Any member can join in the game, the player who
leads saying to the one on his left: "I see something
which rhymes with brass. What is it ? " The time given
for reply is while ten may be counted rapidly. If the
person addressed fails, the guess is open to all. The
one who gives correct answer first changes places with
the one who missed and gives the next rhyming word,
which may be any article, place, or person in the room
for which there is a word to rhyme. This seems very
nonsensical, but a trial of it will show that it is really
very funny after all. Children's ideas of rhyming are
oftentimes as odd and original as they are far from the
mark.
This same example of the word "brass" being given,
may serve to show how the game may be made more or
less difficult. If it be desired to make it easy for little
folk, "glass" will be accepted as the correct answer —
but one may insist upon the special rhyme that one has
thought of for older ones, and "lass" will prove more
puzzling. A boy once thought of "ass," applying it
to himself for not being brighter at the game.
TAKE CARE
Here is a contest for very little ones for the Fourth of
July:
A small flag is placed in the centre of a flower-pot
filled with sand or earth. Each child, in turn, then has
to remove a little sand from the pot on a stick, without
upsetting the flag or at all impairing its upright position.
At each attempt they all cry, "Take care ! "
Children's Games 163
The interest toward the close of the contest grows
most exciting, and the one who upsets the flag pays the
forfeit of a "traitor" who degrades and insults the
flag of his country. The culprit is condemned to be
shot — blindfolded, stood against the wall, and is the
target for a bean-shooter pistol.
MAGIC MUSIC
The very little ones will enjoy this : While one of the
players is out of the room a handkerchief is hidden,
which, upon his or her return, is to be searched for,
guided by the music from the piano.
When far away from the object of search the music
is low and very slowly played, but becomes louder and
more joyous as the right spot is approached, ending
with a crash when the handkerchief is found. Volunteers
are asked for to be the next seeker.
OPEN THE GATES
The antiquity of this game speaks for itself, and it has
been a favourite with many generations of children.
Two players are chosen captains — to represent Eng-
land and America. These two stand, with arms up-
raised and hands joined, so as to form an arch for the rest
to pass under, one by one, and holding by each other's
clothes. All sing:
"Open the gates as high as the sky »
And let King George and his troops pass by."
Or "Yankee Doodle" may be sung instead, making
the last line
"Now we have you handy."
At these words, or at the conclusion of the former song,
164 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
the arch-makers suddenly bring their arms down, im-
prisoning one who happens to be passing.
The question is then put to him whether he will be
English or American — and according to his answer he
is arranged behind one captain or the other. When all
have been caught and made their choice, they have a
tug of war, and the victory lies with the side which
succeeds in forcing the other to abandon its position.
A time-limit may be set, or such intrepid fighters might
never be willing to yield and confess themselves beaten,
or a dividing-line may be fixed, which, being passed,
decides the issue.
It may be better to propose recruits for Germany or
France, Russia or Japan, where the choice would be
less prejudiced. To fight against one's country, even
in play, is always unpopular — to say the least.
THE MINISTER'S CAT
This will brush up the wits of the little folk, and the
contest is usually voted good fun.
Each one in turn is required to apply some adjective
beginning with the letter "A0 to the Minister's Cat,
which is supposed to be under discussion. No two
answers must be alike. One may say: "The Minister's
Cat is an aristocratic cat." The next: "The Minister's
Cat is an aggravating cat," etc.
When any one is unable to answer in turn he drops
out of the game, and only when the supply has been ex-
hausted so that all have dropped out, the players start
anew with the adjectives beginning with "B," "C," and
so on. It is not permitted to have recourse to a dic-
tionary.
Children's Games 165
ORCHESTRA
A conductor is chosen, and the members of the orches-
tra range themselves in a semi-circle around him.
Each one has chosen some instrument, which he promises
to imitate to the best of his ability. The conductor then
announces some familiar, lively air, raps with his cane,
umbrella or ruler baton for attention, and, as he raises
it and makes the first stroke, every performer contributes,
by voice and gesture, an imitation of the instrument he
or she has chosen. The conductor sings the air, and
flute, trombone, drum, violin, etc., form the accompani-
ment. The game usually affords much fun if carried
out with spirit.
At the call of the conductor, solos must be given, or a
forfeit paid by the one who fails or refuses, or is unable
to control the propensity to laugh.
BACHELOR'S KITCHEN
All the players sit in a row, except one, who inquires
of each person what he or she will give to furnish the
Bachelor's Kitchen. Each one answers by naming some
article that might find place in a kitchen — but no two
may be alike.
The questioner then begins with the first player, and
puts to him all sorts of questions, to which he may reply
only by the repetition of the name of his contribution.
If, for example, one has given a pail, the questioner
asks, "What did you wash your face in this morning?"
— "A pail." " From what did you eat your breakfast ? "
— "A pail," etc. The object is to make the players
laugh — which subjects them to a forfeit ; as does also
the addition or substitution of any word to their chosen
answer.
1 66 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
BLINDMAN'S WAND
This is an old favourite, but may be always counted
upon to please> The players form a circle, holding
hands, and one is placed in the middle, blindfolded, and
a wand (a cane or hoople-stick) is given him. The
rest dance around him, singing some popular chorus.
Suddenly the piano accompaniment stops, and im-
mediately all in the circle stand perfectly still, loosing
hands. The blindman now reaches out his wand, and
the person to whom it points must advance and hold
the other end. The blindman then imitates the sound
of some animal, which must be echoed by the holder
of the wand, at the same time disguising the voice so
that his identity may not be discerned. This test may
be thrice repeated, changing the cry or roar each time,
and then the blindman may pass the wand over the
person under consideration, touching him here or there,
while he crouches or stands on tip -toe to deceive the
blindman about his height. If the former guesses cor-
rectly he must give the name of the person detected,
who then changes places with him and becomes blind-
man in his turn.
A PEANUT HUNT
This .game is suggested as a convenient one to fill
intervals when preparations are being made for some
change of programme, though too well known to require
further description than the statement that a quart or
more of peanuts is concealed about the room in every
imaginable place that a peanut may be induced to stay.
They may be wrapped in different coloured tissue papers
or left in their pristine simplicity. The party is re-
quested to enter into competition as to which shall find
Children's Games 167
the greatest number of peanuts. A small bag of bright
tissue paper is given to each person in which to stow
away their treasure-trove.
At the end of twenty minutes, or longer if desired, the
hostess claps her hands and all proceed to count their
peanuts and give in returns. A prize is given to the
one most successful.
HUCKLE, BUCKLE, BEAN-STALK
All the players leave the room but one, who hides a
piece of money in the place least likely to be observed,
only it must be in plain sight. Upon the entrance of
the company the search begins, but whoever perceives
it should make no demonstration whatever, but quietly
seat himself and look as unconcerned and misleading as
possible. When all are seated, with the exception of
two or three, the fun is at its height.
When the last person at length finds the money, all
the rest shout in chorus: "Huckle, buckle, bean-
stalk!"
HUNT THE WHISTLE
The children form a circle around some novice in the
game, whose eyes are blindfolded.
The whistle, having been previously shown him, is
supposed to be hidden where he is to find it, and while
his eyes are being bandaged the whistle is strung on a
ribbon surreptitiously and thereby attached to the back
of his coat. The bandage is then removed, and he
must seek for the whistle. When his back is turned,
one of the players steals behind him on tip -toe and
blows the whistle. As opportunity offers, others blow
the whistle — but he is encouraged to continue his
search for the whistle until he discovers the trick,
1 68 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
BOOK-BINDER
The leader stands in the centre of a circle. Each one
holds out his hands, palms upward, and upon them a
book is placed. The leader then goes around the circle,
catching up the books in turn, and trying therewith to
strike it upon the hands that hold it. Each one tries
to withdraw his hands before they are struck. The
same leader continues until he is able to strike some one's
hands, whereupon the victim must take his place.
If one's hands are withdrawn and the book falls to the
ground, because of a feint on the part of the leader,
it is as if his hands received the blow.
FIRE! FIRE!
After two captains have been chosen, they proceed to
select their particular following so that the company
may be divided into two equal sides. They seat them-
selves in two rows, facing each other.
One of the captains begins the game by throwing a
ball or knotted handkerchief to one of the players on
the opposite side, crying aloud at the same time:
"Earth!" "Air," "Fire," or "Water."
He generally tries to throw it to one who is apparently
least expecting it. If "Air" is the word called, the
person in whose lap or near whom the missile falls
must promptly name some bird; if "Water," a fish or
some denizen of the water; if "Earth," an animal —
before the other can count ten — but at the word
"Fire !" no reply whatever must be made.
If the player answers correctly, he then throws the
ball or handkerchief in his turn to one of his opponents ;
but if he fails to answer in time or replies incorrectly, or
speaks when it is the prerogative of another, he drops
Children's Games 169
out of the game. This rule is inexorable, for so is the
winning side determined, the game progressing until all
of one side have had to retire from the conflict.
POST-OFFICE
This is a variation of the old game of stage-coach, and
few merrier games can be found for a large party of
children.
Around the room, from which all extra chairs have
been removed, all the players seat themselves in a wide
circle — with the exception of the "Postman" and the
"Postmaster."
The former is blindfolded and stands in the middle of
the room, while the Postmaster gives the name of some
city or town to each player, with careful instructions to
answer to it when called.
He then takes his place by the side of the Postman
and calls out, for example, "A man sent a letter to his
sweetheart from New York to Chicago." The players
to whom the names of these cities have been assigned
hasten to change places. As he hears them pass him,
the Postman tries to catch one of them, or seat himself
in one of the vacated chairs, guided by the sound of the
footsteps coming from the direction of their places.
If he is successful, the victim of the capture, or the one
whose seat he has taken, must submit to be blindfolded
and take his turn as Postman.
The Postmaster will find it a help to have a written
list of cities for reference, and especially is it useful when
he has to call out the names of various places in quick
succession.
He must call them so as to make a merry scrimmage
and exciting bustle, but not so rapidly as to create so
much confusion that the attention of the players is
170 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
bewildered. The position of Postmaster is therefore
one of some responsibility and should be regarded as
complimentary to the one selected for the office.
Some little trifle of costume seems to confer honour
and reconcile its wearer to the tasks imposed ; so a news-
paper chapeau, with panache of cut paper, or a mural
crown covered with old postage-stamps, may be worn
to distinguish him from the other players. When tired
of the office, he may appoint a successor.
THE FOUR QUARTERS OF THE GLOBE
This is a masquerade geography lesson, but the chiK
dren will not at once discover it, and we but imitate
nature when we tempt them for their good.
One player takes a handkerchief, and, throwing it at
another, cries "Europe!" A timekeeper then begins
counting ten rather rapidly, and the person to whom the
handkerchief was thrown must name some place, river,
mountain, person or thing, connected with the countries
of Europe, before number ten is reached. It may be
arranged that the person answering correctly puts the
next test-question; if incorrectly, or unable to answer, a
forfeit must be paid.
The players must be alert and alive, for often the one
throwing the handkerchief looks at one while throwing
it in quite another direction.
The game may be made more difficult if special coun-
tries are named, and for adult players a century may be
given, and the famous characters belonging to it must
be quickly recalled.
FOX AND HEN
This is a good game for out of doors, though it may
also be played in the house.
Children's Games 171
One of the players is selected to be the Fox and
another chosen for the Hen. The rest of the players
are her chickens, who stand in a row behind her, holding
each other by the waist.
The Fox then hides in his den — the most sequestered
spot he can find — and a tract is set apart to represent
the farm-yard, on reaching which the chickens are safe
from the Fox, who must return to his den.
The venturesome Hen, followed by her brood, goes
nearer and nearer the Fox's den, asking politely, " Please,
Mr. Fox, can you tell me what time it is?"
If he, to disarm her fears, answers mildly, one, two or
three, etc., they may go away without danger of pursuit,
but if he replies "Twelve o'clock at night!" the Hen and
her chicks must turn and fly, for he dashes out of the
den and tries to seize one of them. If the Fox succeeds
in catching the Hen, she must then become the Fox, and
the game begins again. If one of the chicks is caught,
it is carried to the den, but endeavours to escape the
next time that the Fox is called out — which complicates
the difficulties.
A sly Fox will delay the fateful and fearsome answer
until the Hen has grown less cautious, or he may answer
her question by "Twelve o'clock — noon !" during which
the uncertainty is most exciting until it is known which
division of the day is coming.
MY LADY'S TOILET
The players are all seated except one, who personates
the "Lady's Maid" — and for whom no seat is provided.
She goes about assigning to each child the name of some
article of apparel, which must be carefully remembered.
The Maid then stands before them and says, "My lady
is going to a ball and wants her fan." Whereupon the
172 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
player personating the fan must instantly rise, and,
swaying back and forth, imitate the movements of a fan.
The one called "My lady's necklace" rises and clasps
her hands about her throat. Nearly every article may
be expressed in pantomime, but, if difficult, the child
may rise, spin around and seat herself instead.
Occasionally — and as unexpectedly as possible — the
Lady's Maid says, "My Lady is going on a journey — or
a visit — and wants all her wardrobe." Whereupon all
the players must arise and change seats, and in the
scuffle and confusion the Lady's Maid tries to secure a
place. If successful, some one else will be left out, who
must take the office of Lady's Maid in her turn.
"NOUNS AND VERBS"
The children will find amusement and also instruction
in the simple little game here given. To begin with the
definition — "A noun is the name of anything." The
players either spell with letter-blocks or write on a
blackboard a list of nouns until a mistake is made in
the part of speech. Another player takes the place, and
so on, the greatest number of nouns given without mis-
take winning a prize. In the same way verbs are given,
and a lesson in grammar is impressed by fun rather than
by dull study.
FLY FEATHER !
This is another old English amusement which affords
lots of fun. The players put their chairs together to
form a close circle. A small downy feather with very
short stem is procured and thrown as high as possible
in the air. It is then blown, the object of each player
being not to be touched by it. The person it falls upon
Children's Games 173
pays a forfeit, and these are redeemed at the end of the
game.
It must not be blown too violently, or it will fly so
high that it will be difficult to reach — and the one who
blows it outside the circle must also pay a forfeit.
When children play it, they usually prefer to dance
around in pursuit of it, but they must not let go each
other's hands to catch it in its descent. The player
who goes through three rounds without being touched
wins the game.
HOLD FAST! LET GO!
This is appropriate for very little folk. Four chil-
dren each hold the corner of a handkerchief or napkin.
Another standing by gives the order, "Hold fast!"
Whereupon all must let go. When he says "Let go!"
they must continue to hold fast. Those who fail to do
this must drop out of the game and others take their
places, or they pay a forfeit if that penalty be preferred.
The habit of obedience is opposed in this case to quick-
ness of wit and alert attention.
THE QUEEN AND HER ATTENDANTS
This is an appropriate game where a May-queen has
been chosen, or one, by chance of the ring or pea, has
been made "Twelfth-Night Queen."
The Queen names or numbers each of the players —
who sit in two rows, facing each other. Her Majesty
sits at one end, and when ready calls " It is time for
to start." Whereupon the person named or designated
by number rises. "Bring him to me" is the next
order. The second one then starts and tries to catch
the first, who runs between the rows of players, then
around the company, and finally back to the Queen
174 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
again passing between the rows. If caught, he stands
behind the Queen's chair. If not, his pursuer takes
that place, and two more are pitted against one another,
until all have been caught. They then march around
the vacant chairs until suddenly the Queen claps her
hands and all rush for a seat. As one of the chairs
should have been removed, as unobtrusively as possible,
one player will find himself without a place, and must
then submit to perform any penance which the Queen
may choose to impose. A good forfeit for a boy who
would take it good-naturedly might be the following:
The culprit is banished from the room, and in his absence
two chairs are placed with a vacant space between and
all these are covered by a shawl or other large drapery.
This constitutes the throne. The Queen seats herself in
one draped chair, one whom she names as King occupies
the other, and the courtiers range themselves about their
Majesties.
The banished one is then recalled and is told that since
his fault lay in not having wit enough to secure a seat,
where others succeeded, he is to be allowed to seat him-
self upon the royal throne between the King and Queen.
As soon as he has done so, the King and Queen rise sud-
denly, and the victim finds himself upon the floor.
STAGE-COACH
The players sit in a row in chairs around the room,
and the leader gives to each one the name of some part
of a stage-coach, its harness or furnishings.
The leader then proceeds to tell or read a story, in
which all the articles are mentioned, the names of which
have been assigned to the players, whereupon each one
bearing the name must, when it is called, rise, turn
around and resume his seat. When the leader mentions
Children's Games 175
the word stage-coach — which he does as casually as
possible — all the players must rise, spin around and
change their seats. In the scrimmage the leader tries
to get a place for himself, whereupon the person left
chairless must become the leader.
RAILROAD
This is a modern adaptation of "Stage-Coach.'*
The chairs may be placed in rows of two, to imitate a
railway car — or in the old way around the room against
the wall.
To each player is given one of the following names,
and when, in the course of the story which is read or
invented at the time, the names are mentioned, the
players must act as the leader has instructed them.
Rails — Must rise and hold out the arms straight before
him.
Engine — If a boy, must rise and whistle. If a girl,
must run around the room once, saying "Choo-choo-
choo."
Drawing-Room Car — Must rise and bow or courtesy
politely.
Newsboy — Must walk around the circle, calling out the
daily papers by name.
Conductor — Must rise and call out the name of some
station.
Station — Must sit still and do nothing.
Buffers and Sleepers — Must shut their eyes.
Wlteels — Must rise and turn around.
Candy Vender — Must walk around, calling out his
wares in wheedling tones.
Window — Must not move, but look obstinate.
These duties may, of course, be added to according to
the pleasure of the leader, but when he or she announces
176 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
a collision or declares that the train is off the track, there
is merry confusion, for all the players simultaneously
must perform the several duties assigned them and
meantime find seats. One chair having been removed,
the player left out must be the story-teller.
FRENCH BLINDMAN'S-BUFF
In France, they tie the hands behind the back, instead
of blindfolding the pursuer, which affords quite as much
sport — and incurs less risk of accident.
BLINDMAN'S-BUFF SEATED
The players seat themselves in a circle, and, after one
of their number has been blindfolded, they all noise-
lessly change places. The blindman then seats himself
in the lap of some one, without groping or touching any-
one with his hands. He must then guess the name of
the person in whose lap he is sitting. If successful,
that person then becomes the blindman. It is some-
times played where a question is asked and then
answered in a whisper as a help to the solution.
HISS AND CLAP
This game proclaims itself an old one by its suggestion
of gallantry, which the children of the present fortunately
have not had instilled by their elders in their play -times.
The boys are all sent from the room, the girls are seated,
leaving a vacant place beside each one at her right hand,
to be occupied by the boy whom she shall choose. The
selection is not kept secret, but frankly announced.
Each boy is then in turn recalled and asked to guess
which girl has chosen him to sit beside her. If his guess
is correct, he remains in his place, while the players clap
their hands in approval of his success. If he guess
Children's Games 177
wrongly, he is apprised of the fact by hisses, upon hear-
ing which he beats a hasty retreat.
TWIRL THE PLATTER
This offers a contest of agility. All sit around the
room on chairs, on the floor, or about a table. Every
player may be known by a number, if their names are
not well known to one another.
One then takes a tin plate and spins it. As his hand
leaves it, he calls upon one of the company by name or
number, who must catch the plate before it falls or pay
a forfeit. As the dexterity of the spinner is probably
an unknown quantity, the one who is called upon must
be very alert. He or she then spins the platter, calling
upon another to catch it, and so on.
FIND THE RING
A ring is slipped on a long piece of heavy twine, which
is held by the players, standing in a circle. One person
stands in the centre and tries to seize the hand that holds
the ring, which meantime is rapidly passed on from hand
to hand — or a feint of passing it is often made in order to
mislead the one on the alert to detect its place. This
bewilders him, but, when successful, the person in whose
hand the ring is found must take his place in the circle.
DROP THE HANDKERCHIEF
The children join hands in a ring, and turn around,
singing some familiar song. One of their number is left
outside and holds a handkerchief. He walks quietly
around the circle, and when not observed drops the
handkerchief behind some player on the floor, and then
crying "Find!" runs off. The one behind whom the
handkerchief lies must pick it up and try to catch the
1 78 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
one who dropped it there, before he can make his way
to the ring and take his pursuer's place.
Each player must be on the alert for himself, for no,
one is allowed to draw another's attention to the fact
that the handkerchief has been dropped.
HERE I BAKE, HERE I BREW
The players join hands in a circle, with one of their
number in the middle, who is supposed to be a captive,
longing for freedom and reduced to diplomatic means
to secure it.
The prisoner then touches one pair of joined hands in
the circle, saying, "Here I bake"; then, passing to the
other side, says, "Here I brew," as she touches another
pair of hands. Suddenly, then, in a place least sus-
pected, perhaps whirling around and springing at two
of the clasped hands behind her, or at the pair which
she had touched before, if their owners appear to be off
guard, she exclaims, "Here I mean to break through!"
and forces her way out of the circle if she can.
The players must be on the alert and strongly resist the
captive's effort to escape.
Those who permitted her to regain her freedom —
through inadvertence, or weakness — must then make use
of the "counts" familiar to all generations of children,
to decide which of them shall take the place of the
prisoner.
CAT AND MOUSE
This is always a favourite. All the players form a ring,
joining hands, except one called the Mouse, whom they
enclose within the circle, and one who is on the outside
who represents the Cat. They then dance round and
round rapidly, raising their arms at intervals. The
Children's Games 179
Cat watches the chance to spring into the circle at one
side, and the Mouse dashes out at the other — public
sympathy being with the Mouse. His or her movements
are aided when possible. When the Cat is in the circle,
the players lower their arms so as to keep the enemy
prisoner. The Cat goes around meekly, crying "Mew,
mew," while the rest dance around her. With a sudden
"Miaow !" she tries to break through any weak place in
the chain of hands.
As soon as she escapes she tries to catch the Mouse,
who runs for safety into the ring again, hotly pursued.
If the Cat is so near as to follow the Mouse into the ring,
before her entrance can be prevented, or if she catches
the Mouse outside the circle, the Mouse must pay a for-
feit. If the Cat is unsuccessful, then she must pay the
forfeit. Two more players are then named by the Cat
Mouse to succeed them.
GOING TO JERUSALEM
If asked suddenly to name the most popular game of
childhood, nine out of ten persons would name "Tag,"
but the second choice, I think, would be "Going to
Jerusalem."
A row of chairs, facing alternately different ways, is
placed through the centre of the room — a chair for every
player except one.
Some one at the piano plays a lively air, first fast, then
slow, very loud, then low — while the children march
around the chairs without touching them, keeping time
with the music. When the music suddenly stops, all rush
for a seat. A chair must be taken away each time the
marching recommences — until but two chairs remain,
when the excitement becomes intense. The one who at
the moment that the music ceases has the good fortune
i8o The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
to seat himself or herself in the one chair remaining,
wins the game and possibly a prize.
COPENHAGEN
A rope is held by the players in a ring, while one per-
son, who is called the "Dane," remains within the circle
of the rope. He tries to slap the hands of those who
have hold of the rope, which they must elude by letting
go in time. If he succeeds, the person whose hands are
slapped must take his place.
THE WOLF AND THE LAMBS
The players form a line, one behind the other, holding
on to each other's clothes, and at their head is the leader,
called the Shepherdess — while they are supposed to be
her flock of lambs.
Another player personates a Wolf, who stands in a
threatening attitude at a little distance. The Shep-
herdess tremblingly says, "Kind Wolf, I beg that you
will not hurt my lambs." To which the Wolf replies,
"I wish only for this one"; whereupon he potmces
upon the last "lamb" in the line. The Shepherdess
tries to defend it, and if, after all, the Wolf carries off the
lamb, he takes it to his den and returns for another of
the flock. If on the way to the den the lamb can slip
away from the Wolf and join the Shepherdess, the Wolf
must yield his office to that lamb and take his place at
the end of the line.
The Shepherdess loses her leadership for having lost
a lamb, and the one next behind her takes her place.
TOM TIDDLER'S GROUND
This is an old English game, which American children
have altered to "Dixie's Land." It is played in the
same way.
Children's Games 181
One player personates Tom Tiddler, who is supposed
to be the owner of vast stores of buried treasure on his
ground — a tract set definitely apart and allotted to him.
The other players invade his territory, and, as tres-
passers, he tries to catch them. They shout in tones
meant to be tantalising,
"Here I stand on Tom Tiddler's land,
Picking up gold and silver,"
or
"I'm on Dixie's land,
Dixie can't catch me!"
If Tom or Dixie can touch any trespasser, while on his
land, that player becomes the defender. Some special
line should define the boundary to forestall any possible
dispute about the landmark.
PARTNERS
All the company, with one exception, choose partners
and sit in a double line, face to face, the partners oppo-
site one another. The odd player is called the Lawyer,
and asks questions of any one of the players, but the
person addressed must not answer, but leave the reply
to be made by his or her partner opposite. If the
Lawyer be alert and put his questions rapidly, first on
one side and then on another, the players will become
confused, and it will be easy to catch them. If the per-
son spoken to makes answer, or the partner fails to do
so, the one in fault must take the Lawyer's place.
HUL GUL
The players stand in a circle, each with a bagful of
beans, from which he takes some in hand. One then
addresses his left-hand neighbour, saying —
182 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
"Hul Gul
Hands full
Parcel how many?"
The second player then guesses the number. If, for
example, the guess is five, and the hand holds seven, the
first says, "Give me two to make it seven."
If a player guesses more than are in the hands, he
must give the difference to the questioner. If less, the
questioner must give him the difference.
This game is honourable, if age can confer that dis-
tinction. It is alluded to by Xenophon as in use in his
day in the game of "How Many?"
FOX AND GEESE
This game is also called "Tierce" and "Touch the
Third."'
The players stand in a circle two deep, excepting in
one place, where there are three.
One representing the Fox stands outside the circle
and must not go inside it. His object is to touch the
third player wherever he can reach him, but when he
makes the attempt the one so pursued darts into the
circle and stands before some other pair, which at once
endangers the outer one of the pair, who thus becomes
the third, 'and therefore the object of pursuit.
The aim of the Fox being thus transferred from one
to another — since his prey is always the one who forms
the outside of a row of three — the fact makes the pur-
suit very lively. Any Goose that is caught must then
become the Fox.
TAG
It would almost imply an accusation of lack of intelli-
gence in one's readers to offer to them a description oC
Children's Games 183
the ordinary game of "Tag," or impugn one's own, but
there are varieties of the game less known, and their
origin is interesting.
The original form of the game seems to have been
"Iron-Tag" or "Tag on Iron." In the game, the
pursued party was safe whenever touching iron in any
shape, as the ring of a post, a horseshoe, grille, or fence.
This reveals its original meaning.
As in other old-time games of chase, the pursuer
represents an evil spirit, from whose attack, according
to ancient superstition, iron was a protection. There
are many forms of the game.
In Cross Tag, the pursuer must follow whoever comes
between him and the pursued.
In Squat Tag, the fugitive is safe while in that position.
Tag and Flag. — The players are divided into sides,
each of which chooses a captain. A chalk-line is marked
between the antagonists, and twenty feet on either side
of it a flag is planted in the ground.
Each group tries to defend the flag of its allegiance,
while skirmishers go out from each party to try to seize
that of the enemy's. The leaders only may prevent
this by "tagging" any one who comes near — who if
thus caught must drop out of the game.
If the pursuit can be eluded by dodging, and another
of the opponent's side perhaps engage the attention of
the Captain, and lead him by stratagem far afield, leaving
the flag unguarded, the opportunity comes of seizing
the colours and bearing them off in triumph.
The conquered then become prisoners to the victors,
and after walking in their train once around the field,
while the captured flag is borne proudly aloft at the head
of the procession, the flag; is restored and the battle
renewed,
1 84 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Blind Tag is so called because the pursuer, commonly
known as " It," is known only to the person who "tagged"
him, and who keeps up a feint of trying to catch others,
to mislead the rest. A sense of mystery is the attraction
of this form of the game, and the additional excitement
of seeing a possible enemy player who approaches near
enough to touch one.
Stag-tag is a merry variety of the game that is popular
with girls and little children. The "It" is called the
"Stag," who, when successful in touching another
player, appropriates him or her as an ally, and hand in
hand they pursue the others, until a third joins them
and then a fourth, forming a line, until all the players
have joined the chain.
CHAPTER VIII
Active and Outdoor Games
JAPANESE FAN-BALL
THIS game is adapted for a lawn -party, when
active young muscles feel energetic.
It is played with the ordinary Japanese paper
fans with handles, or with palm-leaf ones, and pretty
paper balls of different colours, six or eight inches in
diameter, which are inflated by the breath through a
tiny hole. This closes with a paper valve from the
inside, which prevents the slightest escape of air.
A goal-post — two uprights, six feet apart, and a cross-
piece — is set up at each end of a field the size of a tennis-
court, and a smaller one in the centre, mid-way between
the end goals.
Two captains are chosen, who each makes his or her
selection of a team, so that the players are equally
divided. Two antagonists play at once, standing in
front of their respective goals, advancing at a signal
from the captains, fan in hand. As the umpire claps
her hands — for it is preeminently a woman's game — the
captains on both sides toss their balls high in air. The
two players then try to keep the balls aloft, each by
fanning and guiding them towards her opponent's goal.
The balls should be made to go over or under the middle
barrier and then through the goal of the opposite side.
If the ball falls to the ground, the player may pick it
185
1 86 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
up on her fan, as tennis balls on the racket — without
touching it with the hand — and toss it anew, if it may
be done before her opponent has finished playing.
The more adroit of the pair scores a success for her
side, and then two more try their skill, until all have
played.
The honours are counted, and the winning team may
be presented with prizes in the form of pretty Japanese
fans, which may be had at all prices and in endless
variety. The paper balls may be had at the Japanese
shops in kaleidoscopic colours or in plain colours.
The effect of the game is exceedingly picturesque to
those looking on, and to the participants far less fatigu-
ing than tennis — a matter for consideration in warm
weather.
PASS IT
A lively game that makes a pleasant diversion after
some contest of wits — when young muscles are tired
from inactivity — is the following:
At each end of the room have an empty clothes-
basket and one filled with articles of all sorts and ot
varied sizes — books, balls, pencils, clothes-pins, pint
measures, thimbles, sofa-pillows, spools of thread, pin-
cushions, papers of needles, clothes-brushes, nail*
polishers, old hats, skeins of worsted, walking-sticks,
postage-stamps, powder-puffs, etc. Two captains are
chosen, who select their teams, and an equal number
of players stand in line facing each other. A full basket
is at the right hand of each of the captains, and an
empty one at the left of the player at the end of each
line. At a signal each captain selects an article from
his basket and hands it to his neighbour, who passes
it down the line as rapidly as possible. One object after
Active and Outdoor Games 187
another is passed on in feverish haste and dropped into
the empty baskets at the end of the lines. If any
object be dropped in its transit, it has to be given to the
captain and started over again. The side which has
first landed all the articles safely in the basket wins, and
it adds much to the excitement if some non-combatant
stands by and reports which side is ahead every time
there is a change ; or two persons may fill this role, taking
sides and shouting lustily for the cause they have es-
poused, like the sympathisers at a ball game.
The prizes should be something divisible among
the players of the winning side — tiny boxes of bonbons,
packages of chocolate cigarettes for the boys, and the
same confection in other pretty forms for the girls; or
pencils of silver or nickel that may be had resembling
matches, screws, keys, nails, etc.
This game could as well be played out of doors.
HOP-OVER
This is a game that children under thirty all seem to
find vastly enjoyable.
All the players stand in a ring, about two feet apart
from each other, except one, who takes the place in the
middle, holding a long, stout string, to the other end of
which is firmly tied a small book wrapped in paper.
The person in the centre then whirls the book around
the circle, on the floor, holding by the string — each time
coming nearer the feet of the players forming the ring,
who, as it nears them, must jump over it. As the book
is whirled very rapidly the jumping is most lively, for if
it touches the foot of any one that person must take
his or her turn in the middle and try to hit the feet of
some one else whose owner is not sufficiently alert.
Sometimes one throws the line so deftly that it winds
1 88 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
around and around the ankles of the person off guard —
fairly entrapping him or her.
THE CUSHION DANCE
A sofa-pillow or hassock is placed end upward on the
floor. The company divides itself into two sides, which
face each other, and then joining hands they dance
around the hassock a few times, until suddenly one side
tries to pull the other forward in such a manner that
one of their adversaries shall touch the hassock and
overturn it. There is a merry scrimmage until finally
some one's foot touches the hassock and over it goes.
The culprit drops out of the ring, and the game goes on
until but two contestants remain, when they fight it out
to the bitter end — cheered on by their respective
partisans.
The players try to hop over the hassock to avoid
contact with the cushion, throw themselves back, or by
some device contrive to keep out or danger. Few games
are merrier.
A BEAN-BAG CONTEST
This game is perhaps too well known to need descrip-
tion, but some may have forgotten its simple rules. It
has the advantage of being a game in which all can join.
Two leaders are chosen, who then proceed to select
their followers from among the company. These
range themselves in two lines facing each other, the
captains at their head. At the end of the lines farthest
from the captains a large clothes-basket is placed.
Bags, about ten inches square, of two contrasting
colours — a dozen red and a dozen yellow, perhaps —
filled with beans, constitute the ammunition. Each
leader has his bean-bags piled on a chair at his side, and
Active and Outdoor Games 189
at the signal to begin each of them takes a bag in his
right hand, passes it to his left, and then to his neigh-
bour, who does the same as rapidly as possible, and so
down the line. At the end of the line it is dropped into
the basket. Meanwhile, another bag is being sent in
hot haste, following the same course. When all have
been collected in the basket, they are sent back again
in the same manner, and the side whose bags have
first reached the starting-point counts one. If a bag is
dropped it must be picked up and started from the
beginning of the line again. The side first scoring five
points wins the game.
Another way of playing it is to divide the sides into
partners, who stand opposite to each other in the rows.
The leader on each side throws his bag to his partner,
who stands second in the opposite line. He throws it
to the third person in front of him, and so on until all
the bags have reached the ends of the rows and are
dropped into the basket. They are then sent back
again, and the captain who has first received the bags
on their return trip wins the game for his side.
POTATO RACE
This is a contest in which both sexes and all ages may
join. Two rows of potatoes are laid along the ground,
for a distance of a hundred feet or so — about five feet
apart. A basket or pail is placed at the farther end
from which the contestants start. Two persons begin
together, each armed with a spoon, and must pick up
the potatoes, one by one, on the spoon — without
touching them with the hand — and carry them safely
to be dropped into the basket. One may select the
potatoes in any order one pleases, but must make a
separate trip for each one.
190 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Sometimes they try. to fling the potato in the basket
from a distance, but if it fall short it must be picked up,
and time is lost. When all have had their turn, the
winners are pitted against each other until one of the
two remaining contestants has proved himself the
more skilful.
BUBBLES
In summer the pleasure is doubled by having sports
and games out of doors.
A soap-bubble contest is productive of fun, and is a
pretty sight if the party is divided into sides and play
against each other on a tennis court. Clay pipes are
provided for all the players, tied with ribbons — the
colours of which determine the side of their allegiance.
A large bowl of soapy water, to which has been added
a tablespoonful of glycerine — which contributes to the
beauty of the prismatic colours — is placed on a table
near at hand.
The girls make the bubbles and the boys blow them
over the net from their side, and try to prevent those of
their opponents from coming over into their domain.
Each bubble that floats over the net counts fifteen
points to the side from which it came.
The prize should be a box of bonbons or a basket of
tiny bouquets, that all the victors may alike share in
the honours.
Competition may take other forms, and a prize be
awarded to the one who blows the largest bubble, the
one that lasts longest, for the greatest number of bubbles
blown from one dip of the pipe, and for the longest chain
of bubbles.
For the last a wooden pipe in the shape of a mallet is
used, the head of which is a hollow tube like the stem.
I
PQ
Active and Outdoor Games 191
Players may try for the prizes in pairs, the matching
colours of the beribboned pipes guiding the selection
of partners.
A third bubble contest may be held on a table covered
with a woolen cloth, upon which ribbon-bound wickets
are placed at intervals. Sides are taken, and each player
may blow three bubbles at a turn, endeavouring to
fan or blow them through the wickets before they burst.
It counts five points if the bubble passes one wicket, ten
for two, fifteen for three.
These games may be played indoors if, for the first,
a rope or ribbon be stretched across the room in place
of a net.
FLORAL ARCHERY
When the weather permits out-of-door sports this
promises to be a favourite amusement. Large paper
roses, pansies. sunflowers, daisies, and ribbon-trimmed
bows and arrows comprise the outfit. For the summer
game the flowers were backed with cardboard and sus-
pended as targets from trees, shrubs, and projecting
points of porch wherever opportunity afforded. Sway-
ing in the wind, it was not easy to send the arrows to
the centre, making the game more difficult and, there-
fore, more exciting. In the drawing-room they serve
as fixed targets, the players taking sides, the one that
scores the most points winning the prize. The modern
drawing-room, brilliantly lighted and pro tern trans-
formed into a shooting-gallery, is a very attractive place.
Cupid is ever busy, and oftentimes hearts are pierced
instead of the rose and pansy targets. Like throwing
the boomerang, floral archery is a very graceful game
and a novelty indoors.
192 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
LAWN BOWLS
"Bowls" is a corruption of the word "balls," which
in its way is an evidence of the ancient origin of the
game.
Before the Revolution, it was the favourite sport of
New Yorkers, when the Battery was the centre of the
city's fashion — and the end of its main thoroughfare
still retains the name of the " Bowling Green."
The game is played with balls about four or five
inches in diameter, so that they are held easily in the
hand, and made of lignum vitae, enamelled in colours, so
as to be gaily effective on the grass. They are slightly
flattened at the poles, and are sometimes made oval
for scientific play, in order to give them a bias direction
at will. A small, round white ball, called the "Jack,"
is first thrown to one end of the lawn.
The bowlers, each using two balls, which are num-
bered to distinguish them, take up their positions at a
certain distance from the "Jack," and each in turn
bowls toward it. He whose ball comes nearest counts
one. The game is usually fixed at twenty. When there
are more than two players, sides are formed, the balls
being played alternately, and the ball that comes
nearest to the "Jack" counts one point for the side that
threw it.
When there are but two players they stand side by
side to deliver their balls, but when there are several on
a side the usual plan is to bowl from opposite sides of
the "green," the Jack having been placed in the
middle.
The art in bowling consists in knocking away the
opponents' balls from their positions near the Jack, or in
carrying off the Jack itself from among the opponents'
Active and Outdoor Games 193
balls, and in bowling nearer than any other without
disturbing one's own balls or the Jack.
If, when sides are taken, and both sides have de-
livered their balls, two balls of one side are nearer than
any balls of their opponents', they count a point for
every ball.
A "green" is about seventy feet square, level, and
with the grass closely cut. A bank as a boundary is
desirable — where spectators may sit to watch the game.
Four players form what is called a "rink." They
are called the "Leader," the "Second" player, the
"Third" player, and the "Skip" or "Captain."
Each contestant plays two balls alternately, and the
privilege of playing first is tossed for.
The starting-point in a game is that portion of the
green on which the "Footer" is laid — a cloth about a
yard square, of carpet or canvas. The player places his
foot upon this when about to roll the ball.
In a match-game the "Skip" has entire charge of his
side in the contest.
POINTS OF PLAY
The main point is first to roll the ball as near to the
Jack as possible. The next point is to "guard" or
"block" it— that is, to roll the next ball so that it may
form an obstruction to the attempt to drive the counting
ball from its position near the Jack.
The "riding" of a ball is rolling it with great force,
and is only employed in emergencies. "Raking" the
ball is rolling it with force enough to strike the opponent's
ball out of position and put your own ball in its place.
"Chucking" is striking a counting ball out of range,
and thereby adding to your own counting balls, or
striking one of the balls of your own side into a counting
place.
194 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
An "in-wick" is a ball that curves in to the Jack; an
"out-wick," one curving from the opposite direction —
points made by oval balls.
An "end " is the completion of an inning on each side,
and the playing of so many "ends" — mutually agreed
upon — constitutes the completion of a game.
VOLLEY-BALL
Volley-ball is a combination of tennis and hand-ball.
Any number of persons may play. It consists in
keeping the ball in motion over a high net, from one
side to the other.
Play is begun by a player on one side serving the
ball over the net into the opponent's court. It must
be batted with the open palm. The opponents, without
allowing the ball to strike the ground, return it, and it
is kept going back and forth until one side fails to
return it or it strikes out of bounds. If the serving side
fails to return the ball in the opponents' court, it counts
as an out. If the receiving side fails to return the ball
in the opponents' court, the serving side scores a point.
The game consists of twenty-one points.
The court is fifty feet long by twenty-five wide,
divided by a net. The net is two feet wide and twenty-
seven feet long, so as to be a foot outside the lines on
either side. It is suspended on uprights, and the top of
the net should be seven feet six inches from the
ground.
The boundary line should be plainly marked, so as to
be visible from all parts of the court.
The ball is made of rubber bladder, covered with
leather, twenty -five to twenty -seven inches in cir-
cumference, weighing ten to twelve ounces.
Active and Outdoor Games 195
SERVICE
The server stands with one foot on the back line.
The ball is served over the net into any part of the
opponents' court.
A service which strikes the net or anything within the
playing space, even if it falls in the court of the opponent,
is a fault; if it falls without the opponents' court, the
server retires.
A server loses his service if he serves two consecutive
faults.
In a service the ball must be batted at least ten feet —
no dribbling allowed. To "dribble" is to strike a ball
quickly and repeatedly into the air.
A service where the ball would strike the net but is
struck over the net by a player of the same side, is good.
The person then serving continues to do so until
"out," by the ball's being knocked out of bounds by his
side or on their failure to return it.
SCORING
Each good service unreturned, or ball in play unre-
turned, or ball knocked out of bounds by the side
receiving, counts one point for the side serving. A side
scores only when the opposing side makes a failure.
PLAY
Should any player during the game touch the net,
it puts the ball out of play and counts against him.
If said player is on the serving side, the ball goes to his
opponents; if on the receiving side, one point is scored
for server. Should two opponents touch the net
simultaneously the ball is declared out of play.
If the ball strikes any object outside the court and
bounds back again it shall count against the side which
struck it last.
196 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
A ball knocked under the net shall be declared out of
play, and counts against the side which struck it last.
TETHER-TENNIS
This comparatively new game developed out of Lawn
Tennis. It is interesting, inexpensive, requires but a
field twenty feet square, and has the advantage of
tennis in that the difficulty of recovering the balls that
have been driven is obviated.
The ball is tethered to an upright post, and as, when
struck, it has a tendency to wind the string around the
post, the game is a contest between two players to
drive it in opposite directions.
The pole is an upright wooden pole, ten feet high
and seven and one-half inches in circumference at the
base, and stands firmly embedded in the ground. A
black band is painted around it six feet from the ground.
The ball — a tennis ball with linen cover — is fastened
to a string with a ring made of stout linen cord. It is
suspended from the top of the pole by a heavy, braided
fish-line, seven and one-half feet long, leaving two and
one-half feet between it and the ground, when in rest.
The court should be a smooth piece of ground. On
the ground around the pole a circle is drawn, with a
radius of three feet, with a straight line traversing it
twenty feet long, dividing the court into two parts. Six
feet from the pole, at either side, at right angles to the
dividing line, two crosses are marked.
RULES
The game is played by two opponents, who toss rackets
for the court.
The loser serves.
The winner of the toss may choose the direction in
which to wind the ball. His opponent must try to
Active and Outdoor Games 197
prevent his winding the ball in that direction and
endeavour to wind it in the opposite one.
Tennis rackets are used to strike the ball so as to
wind the string up the pole above the black line. The
ball may be hit once and must then go into the op-
ponents' court.
The game is begun by the server, which is done from
ihe middle of each person's court, at the places marked
by the crosses.
Each player must keep himself, his arm and his
racket within his own court, never stepping within
the circle about the pole.
If, in taking a ball for service, it must be either
wound or unwound on the pole a half- turn, in order to
reach the other side, it should be unwound.
Fouls: The violation of any of the above rules
constitutes a foul.
If the string winds around the handle of the racket
or about the pole below the black mark, this counts
against the person in whose favour it is wound.
The game is over when the string has been wound
completely on the pole above the black mark.
GARDEN HOCKEY
Garden Hockey is played between two parallel
straight lines, which are marked out with tape upon
the lawn — three feet six inches apart. The goal-posts
are placed between the lines at opposite ends of the
field of play.
The width between the goal-posts should be fourteen
inches. They are formed of two short uprights with a
cross-piece. The length of the tapes or side-lines
should be twelve yards for two or four players, but may
198 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
be extended where there are more. The game is
played with balls and hockey-sticks.
RULES
1. Before beginning the game, the players are drawn
up in line on either side, a captain with each team.
2. To commence the game, the ball is placed in the
centre of the space between the side-lines and the two
captains.
3. The two captains then first touch the ground with
the heads of their clubs, each on his own side of the ball,
and then cross their clubs so as to meet and touch above
the ball twice before striking.
4. The ball is "in play" from the moment that it
has been struck off until (i) it has passed through the
goal, or (2) has passed the line of the goal, but not
between the posts, or (3) has crossed either of the
boundary side-lines, or (4) such error has been com-
mitted as to cause a free hit to be allowed — when it is
"out of play."
5. When the ball is "in play," the players, each on
his own side, shall endeavour to "pass on " the ball from
one to another, and so to the goal-striker, who tries
to drive the ball under the chain between his oppo-
nents* goal-posts and thus to score a "goal."
The player nearest his opponents' goal on each side
is termed the "goal-striker," while the one nearest his
own goal on either side is the "goal-keeper."
6. When in the course of the game the ball is struck
so as to cross either side-line, it shall be returned to the
centre of the field and opposite the point where it went
out. And (i) if the ball was touched last by the club
of one of the opposite side, there shall be a "bully," i.e.,
play shall be recommenced from that point by the two
nearest opponents, as in the original strike-off. (2) But
Active and Outdoor Games 199
if the ball were touched last by the club of a player on
the same side as that on which the ball crossed the line,
the opponents may claim a free hit.
7. It shall not be lawful for a player to allow himself
to be touched by the ball on the field of play, or to
touch the ball in any way, other than with the playing
end of the club, while the ball is "in play," under penalty
of a free hit to the opposite side.
8. No player may step over his line in the act of
play, under penalty of a free hit to his opponents.
9. When a free hit is allowed the ball shall be placed
in the centre of the field opposite the point where the
error was committed.
10. No player may in any way interfere with an op-
ponent when allowed a free hit, neither may he advance
his club to within three feet of the ball or of the club of
the striker; except that an opponent may always place
the head of his club in the immediate front of his goal
to guard it in the event of a near free hit.
11. The play shall be always from the wrist, and in
striking, the head of the club must never be raised, nor
swung, above eighteen inches from the ground, under
penalty. No hard hitting is allowed.
12. When the ball passes behind the line of the goal
(without passing between the goal-posts), it shall be
replaced in the centre of the field at a distance of three
feet from the centre of the goal. And (i) if the ball
was touched last by an opponent, then the goal-keeper
shall have a free hit. (2) But if the ball was touched
last by one of that side to which the goal belongs, then
shall the goal-striker have a free hit at the goal which
may alone be guarded by the club of the goal-keeper —
remembering Rule 10.
200 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
13. The goal-keeper may not stand nor play at the
ball from behind the goal-line.
The game is won by that side which either scores the
larger number of goals in a given time or which scores
the majority out of seven goals.
LAWN-SKITTLES
A pole is firmly fixed in the ground and a heavy ball
suspended by a rope attached to the top.
Two slabs of stone are sunk into the ground at equal
distances from the pole and at opposite sides. The
player stands upon one of these and, taking the ball in
his hand, aims it at the ninepins, that are arranged
upon the other flagstone. He is allowed three chances
and then another player has his turn. To obtain the
best success it is necessary to swing the ball around
the pole before letting it fly at the pins. The number
of the count is agreed upon by the players.
Another form of Lawn-Skittles is played with balls
and ninepins, as in a bowling alley. A back-net is
necessary.
DUCK-ON-A-ROCK
This game has been the delight of numberless genera-
tions of boys. A large, rough stone is chosen for the
"rock," and each player provides himself with a stone —
about as large as can conveniently be held in the hand.
A line is then drawn about ten or twelve yards from the
block — beyond which is "home."
They then "pink for duck" — that is, each boy throws
his stone toward the rock, and the one whose stone is
farthest from it becomes "It," and must place his stone
'on the rock as a mark for the rest. This is the first
"duck." "It" then places his stone on the rock and
Active and Outdoor Games 201
stands near it. The rest then in turn throw their stones
so as to try to knock off the duck-stone.
When one succeeds, there is a general stampede for
"home"; but if "It" can replace his stone and then
touch any one before passing the home line, the latter
becomes "It " and then places his stone upon the rock
for the rest to aim at.
Occasionally a very fleet runner, so touched, will
manage to run back, place his stone upon the rock and
touch the former "It" before he has had time to get his
stone and get "home."
If all the stones fail to dislodge the "duck" their
owners cannot touch them. They are forfeit to "It"
and must make terms with him to recover their stones
and carry them home.
One may be allowed to "jump" home — which means
hold the stone between the feet and, so loaded, hop
home. Another may ask the privilege of "kicking."
The stone is worked onto the foot and kicked homeward.
Or "heeling" may be accorded — upon demand. This
consists in a backward kick of the stone towards home,
effected with the heel.
While the test is going on no other player must go
home.
The privilege of trying these various feats is eagerly
sought, and the first one who fails in getting his stone
home must become "It."
PRISONER'S BASE
Two captains are chosen — who select a player al-
ternately until all belong to one side or the other.
They then proceed to mark out two bases or homes,
opposite and at some distance from one another, and
202 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
near to each a smaller base, called the "Prison." They
toss for bases.
The game begins by one side's sending out a player,
who goes as near as he dares toward the base of the
opponents, until one of the enemy starts out in pursuit
of him, when he makes for home. If he is touched
before he gets there he becomes a prisoner to the side
which captured him, and must stand in their prison.
He goes alone to take his punishment, for the pursuing
player is himself the object of pursuit by another player
of the opposite side, detailed to make reprisals.
A player may touch only an opponent who has left
home before himself, and can be touched only by the
one who left home after he did.
When a player has made a prisoner he may return
home untouched — and is subject to capture only after
making a fresh sally.
One of the exciting points of the game is when a
player runs the gauntlet of the enemy and delivers out
of prison one of his own side who has been made captive.
A prisoner is only obliged to keep part of his body in
durance. If but one foot be within the prison line, he
may reach out as far as he can in the direction of home —
which facilitates his deliverance by a comrade. When
there are several prisoners, all that is required is that
one of them shall touch the prison, while the rest may
join hands in a line stretching homeward. But one
prisoner, however, may be delivered at a time.
The game continues until all the players on one side
or the other are in the prison.
WARNING
One of the players, having been chosen "Warner,"
takes his stand at the place marked off as "home," the
rest remaining at a little distance from it.
/•? Active and Outdoor Games 203
The Warner then calls " Warning!" three times, and
sallies forth with his hands clasped in front of him. In
this position he must try to touch one of the other
players, who strive to make him unclasp them by
pulling his arms, drawing temptingly near, etc. If
they succeed in making him loose his clasp, or if he
does so by inadvertence, he must run home as fast
as possible.
If he is caught before reaching there he loses his place
as Warner. If he succeeds in touching any one without
unclasping his hands the captive becomes his ally and
they both run home as fast as they can. Once home,
they are safe — and they then start out hand in hand,
after calling the three warnings, and try to capture
another, without loosing their hold. Every captured
player is added to their ranks, but every one must be
taken home first before he is admitted to a share in the
fight.
The line of Warners thus increasing, the difficulty of
evading capture grows greater at every accession to
their ranks, but it is also a source of weakness, being
unwieldy — and if the hands do not hold to each other
very tightly, a player at large may break through at
any weak point in the line and escape capture.
The field of play must be within rather narrow limits,
for the only chance of the pursuing party to make
captures is to pen or corner the fugitives.
The last player to escape being taken becomes the
next Warner.
KING OF THE CASTLE
The King is chosen by any one of the counting-out
rhymes. Fate, therefore, having rejected all but one,
he takes possession of a mound or hillock and bids
204 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
defiance to his foes. He taunts them with abusive
epithets, as:
"I'm the King of the Castle,
Get down, you cowardly rascal ! "
He is then assailed by the other players, every one a
claimant for his position of eminence — and, alone, he
must try to maintain it.
Fair pulls and pushes are allowed, but the clothes
must not be pulled, under penalty of being set aside as
a Prisoner of War, which really means expulsion from
the game.
Sometimes the King is permitted to have an ally, who
merely stands by to see fair play, and to capture any
one breaking the rules.
The odds against the King, beset by so many enemies,
are so great that he does not long retain his position, and
the one who dethrones him takes his place and possession
of the "Castle."
CHAPTER IX
Children's Singing Games
CHARLIE OVER THE WATER
THIS game is said to owe its origin to the genera-
tion of English and Scotch who were favourable
or unfavourable to the claims of Charles Stuart
— afterward Charles II. — when an exile in France.
The children clasp hands and dance around one in
their midst, singing —
fit*- "1 I
35— ft — • • 0 « * —
-^ — I
3 —
Char - lie o
r
- ver the vva - ter,
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J •'
- ver the
sea .
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— | =r-
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Char -lie caught a black bird, Can't catch me.
1
i I
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3 II
W£ _L_
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Pecf,
20S
206 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
At the last word all squat down, and if the one in the
centre of the ring can catch one of the others before the
squatting position is taken that one must then take his
olace.
LONDON BRIDGE
Two players hold their joined hands up as high as
they can to form an arch, which represents the bridge.
Each has previously chosen some object, which he or she
is supposed to represent — a rose or a lily, a pearl or a
diamond, and the train of children pass under, holding
on to each other's skirts and jackets, singing —
LdL^Z p_s —
— J r~ — •
— j J J-
• I
m-4 — t? —
— | 1
"Lon -
don bridge is
fall - ing
down,
1 k. IS
i v r" ' jv -*s
" i
\/L\t i J
« «
v. * • £
* « 1
inV J *
.., r i P ..
Fall - ing down, Fall - ing down, Lon-don bridge is
m
^B
fall - ing down, So fares my la - dy."
Suddenly, the bridge falls, and the arms enclose a
prisoner, who is detained until he or she makes a choice
between the lily or the rose, the pearl or diamond, and
then takes a stand behind the player whose device is
chosen. When all have made their choice, a tug-of-war
ensues.
HERE WE GO ROUND THE MULBERRY BUSH
This is adapted for very little folk — as a ring game,
probably played by their ancestors to remote genera-
tions. The children join hands, dance around and sing—
Children's Singing Games 207
m
Here we go 'round the mul - ber - ry bush,
The mul- ber -ry bush, The mul - ber - ry bush,
* K "IT- K ..
2
Here we go 'round the mul - ber - ry bush,
i — r ±-=t
So ear - ly in the morn - ing.
Then they stand and, singing the second verse, accom-
pany it with the motions of washing their dresses —
"This is the way we wash our clothes,
Wash our clothes, wash our clothes,
This is the way we wash our clothes,
So early Monday morning !"
Then they dance around again, singing —
"Here we go round the Mulberry Bush — "
Again they stop and pretend to iron, singing —
"This is the way we iron our clothes,
Iron our clothes, iron our clothes,
This is the way we iron our clothes
So early Tuesday morning !"
The dance is again resumed and at the next pause
they sing —
"This is the way we scrub the floor," etc.,
So early Wednesday morning !"
For Thursday they make the motions of sewing,
singing —
208 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
"This is the way we mend our clothes." ,
For Friday they sweep in dumb show, and sing —
"This is the way we sweep the house."
For Saturday they sing —
"Thus we play when our work is done,
Our work is done, our work is done;
Thus we play when our work is done
So early Saturday morning."
Whereupon each child frolics after his or her own
sweet will.
LITTLE SALLY WATERS
This game is a favourite with very little folks.
" Lit - tie Sal - ly Wa - ters a - sit - ting in the sun3
*— •— -4-.
Cry - ing and weep - . ing for a young man ;
4-
1
gU
'
Rise Sal - ly rise, wipe off your eyes,
Fly to the East, Fly to the West,
Fly to the ver - y one that you love best."
Children's Singing Games
209
One little girl sits on the floor and pretends to be cry-
ing, while the rest join hands and circle around her,
singing. At the conclusion of the song, they all stand.
Sally rises and chooses one from the ring. A kiss is
given, and the chosen one takes Sally's place.
"GREEN GROW THE RUSHES, O !"
Chairs are placed in a circle in which the girls sit, leav-
ing a vacant chair between each pair.
13^3 1
_H ,_
— 1 —
{? i" • *
"Green grow the
_£ J_
rush - es,
^j
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Green grow the
|^h •__ — ^J —
_t
1 —
— 1 ; 1
rush - es. O ! He who will my true love be,
1$ — i * T r—< —
— f*
-j J
— ^
Come and
sit
by the side of me!*'
The boys then enter the room and seat themselves in
the vacant chairs, one by one. If the wrong boy — the
one not mentally chosen by the girl — seats himself
beside her, she sings, joined by the others —
"Pick and choose, but choose not me,
Choose the fairest you can see !"
When the right boy takes the seat reserved for him,
his welcome is sung in chorus :
"Give her a kiss and let her go,
Green grow the rushes, O !"
2io The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The boys then take their turn, and the girls have to
guess who has chosen them.
OATS, PEASE, BEANS
Of all the singing games, this is first favourite.
The children join hands in a circle, one standing in the
middle.
" Oats, peas, beans and bar - ley grows,
— I H*— ! h -i ix j =3
— 0 w 0 4 j j j_ ^.
Oats, peas, beans and bar - ley grows;
^=^ f ,_/ ;~£^ — T~]
I u i— g «^=±=r *-H
You, nor I, nor no - bod - y knows, How
& 1-
oats, peas, beans and bar - ley grows.
i
Thus the farm - er sows his seed,
m
Thus he stands and takes his ease,
I N I J = = 1 ^-
-tamps his foot and claps his hand, And
Children's Singing Games
211
turns a - round to view his land, A -
wait - ing for
part - ner,
A -
b?n? — « 3
H P j-
1 P 1
iqr •
* *
0 *
wait - ing for a part - ner; So
\Jf t,
0 —
,...-4^- ...-J
, p
wv
p
i {
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± — * —
w
o -
— \f
pen
*.
the ring
y —
and choose one
in, And
n_ j II
l/kb-
I*
J
*
~r ' J
— j — H
^Vlr
• • m
• •
d
kiss
her
when
you - get her in ! "
At the words, "Thus the farmer sows his seed," the
children loose hands and stand swinging their arms,
imitating the motions of seed-sowing. At "Thus he
stands and takes his ease," they stand with folded arms
or hands on hips. During the next couplet they stamp
their feet, clap their hands and turn around, then join
hands again and move around in a circle, singing the
rest of the song given above. After which they all
stand still, and the one in the centre, if a boy, chooses a
girl, kisses her, and they both kneel together in the ring,
while the others take up the song —
"Now you're married, you must obey,
You must be true to all you say,
212 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
You must be loving, kind and good,
And keep your wife in kindling-wood."
The first half is addressed to the wife, the second to
the husband.
If a girl is in the centre, she chooses a boy, whereupon
he kisses her and leads her into the middle of the ring.
MISS JENNIA JONES
This game is a very ancient one and must appeal to
children's taste to account for its survival. One player
represents the mother, who is seated with her daughter,
Miss Jennia, in her arms, apparently ill. The rest join
hands, advance and retreat, singing —
JJL '
1
i "
J
1 1
rm
.... J .
_J,...
J
- V
ia
We've come to see Miss Jen - ni - a Jones,
Miss Jen - ni - a Jones, Miss Jen - ni - a Jones.
?3
We've come to see Miss Jen - ni - a Jones,
n
And how
s
she
to
day?"
One of their number steps forward, and the Mother,
laying her daughter down tenderly and coming forward,
announces unblushingly that " Miss Jennia Jones is wash-
ing."
Children's Singing Games 213
The inquirers take up the song again, while dancing
back and forth, to the words —
"Miss Jennia Jones is washing,
Is washing, is washing,
Miss Jennia Jones is washing
And can't be seen to-day."
The questions are taken up again, and reply comes
that she is ironing, sweeping, baking, etc. Finally it is
confessed that she is very ill, then worse, then dead.
The news is received with pantomimic expressions of
deep grief.
The question of her apparel is then taken up :
"What shall we dress her in,
Dress her in, dress her in ?
What shall we dress her in,
Dress her in to-day?"
Some one suggests "Blue" and the chorus sings —
"Blue is for sailors,
For sailors, for sailors,
Blue is for sailors
And that will never do."
Green ?
"Green is forsaken,
Forsaken, forsaken,
Green is forsaken,
And that will never do."
Black?
"Black is for mourners,
For mourners, for mourners,
Black is for mourners,
And that will never do.'1
Pink?
"Pink is for babies,
For babies, for babies,
The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Pink is for babies,
And that will never do."
White?
"White is for dead people,
Dead people, dead people,
White is for dead people,
So that, of course, will do."
Then they continue —
"Where shall we bury her,
Bury her, bury her,
Where shall we bury her?
Under the apple tree."
"I dreamt I saw a ghost last night,
A ghost last night, a ghost last night,
I dreamt I saw a ghost last night,
Under the apple tree."
At this Miss Jennia Jones revives.
The ring breaks up and flies with shrieks, pursued by
the ghost of Miss Jones. The one caught must take the
place of Miss Jennia, and the game goes on.
CHAPTER X
Games for Sunday Evenings
SCRIPTURE ALPHABET
THE slenderest rhyming facility only is needed to
play the game of Scripture Alphabet.
One person writes a line beginning with "A,"
which must be the initial of somebody or something
mentioned with some prominence in the Bible. The
second player must write the next line in the same
metre, beginning with "B"; the third "C," and so on,
until the end of the alphabet is reached — passing the
paper from one to another. Any one who confesses
inability may refuse, and the next player writes the
line, until finally one person may be left alone as victor.
If two or more contestants still dispute the victory
when "Z" is reached, they may recommence with
"A."
SCRIPTURE ALPHABET
No. i
A was a traitor found hung by his hair.
B was a folly built high in the air.
C was a mountain o'erlooking the sea.
D was a nurse buried under a tree.
E was a first-born, bad from his youth.
F was a ruler, who trembled at truth.
G was a messenger, sent with good word.
215
216 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
H was a mother, who lent to the Lord.
I was a name received at the ford.
J was a shepherd in Arabian land.
K was a place near the desert of sand.
L was a pauper begging his bread.
M was an idol, an object of dread.
N was an architect, ages ago.
O was a rampart to keep out the foe.
P was an isle, whence a saint looked abovfc.
Q was a Christian, saluted in love.
R was obscure, yet a mother of kings.
S was a Danite, who did wondrous things.
T was a city that had a strong hold.
U was a country productive of gold.
V was a queen whom a king set aside.
Z was a place where a man wished to hide.
ANSWERS TO SCRIPTURE ALPHABET
A-bsalom . , . . . II. Sam. xviii, 9.
B-abel . . . . . . Gen. xi, 49.
C-armel ..... I. Kings xviii, 42, 43.
D-eborah . . . . . . " Gen. xxxv, 8.
E-sau Heb. xii, 16.
F-elix . . . . . Acts xxiv, 25.
G-abriel Dan. ix, 21.
H-annah I. Sam. i, 27, 28.
I-srael Gen. xxxii, 22 ,28.
J-ethro . . . . . Exodus, iii, i.
K-adesh-barnea .... Deut. i, 19.
L-azarus Luke xvi, 20, 21.
M-olech . . . . . . Lev. xx, 2,3.
N-oah Gen. vi, 13, 22.
O-phel II. Cron. xxvii, 3.
P-atmos Rev. i, 9.
Games for Sunday Evenings 217
Q-uartus . . jr' . •••>*'/;) Rom. xvi, 23.
R-achab . V*&i' . . . . Matt, i, 5.
S-amson Jucl. xiv, 5, 6.
T-yre II. Sam. xxiv, 7.
U-phaz Jer. x, 9.
V-ashti . >-ik . . . Esther i, 9, 19.
Z-oar „ Gen. xix, 22.
SCRIPTURE ALPHABET
No. 2
The following doggerel was the result of an attempt
at an impromptu alphabet given viva voce by the players
in turn — quoted for the encouragement of feeble-
minded folk:
A stands for Abigail, noble and fair.
B is for Balaam, whose ass had a scare.
C is for Cain, who his brother did slay.
D is for Daniel, prayerful three times a day.
E for Elijah, who by ravens was fed.
F is for Felix, who trembled with dread.
G is for Gideon, who had a famed band.
H is for Haman, both tricky and bland.
I is for Ichabod, last of his race.
J is for Jezebel, who painted her face.
K is Karenhoppock, a daughter of Job.
L is for Levi, who wore the priest's robe.
M is for Mary, who had seven devils.
N is for Noah, who escaped many evils.
O for Onesimus, who did run away.
P for the Publican, who taught us to pray.
Q is the Queen, who came from the East.
R is for Reuben, whom Joseph did feast.
S is for Stephen, killed by a stone.
T is for Titus, of whom little is known.
2i8 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
U for Uriah, killed in the fight.
V for the Virgins without any light.
W the widow, whose cruise never failed.
X was the letter at which we all railed.
Y was the young Man who buried the liar.
Z for Zaccheus, who tried to climb higher.
The players, one by one, retired from the conflict, until
one alone remained in possession of the field.
BIBLE CHARACTERS
No. i
A character is chosen by the company in the absence
of one player, who, upon his return, is told, for example,
that the person selected is "a woman of the Old Testa-
ment, whose eagerness to secure a blessing for her son
brought sorrow instead of joy."
Each person is then questioned in turn, and each has
chosen a new character, the initial letters of which in suc-
cession will spell the word originally decided upon.
No. i answers, "I am one whose rejection of faithful
counsellors led to a national rebellion."
No. 2. "To me was the charge of the Tabernacle
committed during the wilderness journey."
No. 3. "I was so wrong-headed that even my dumb
beast tried to lead me aright."
No. 4. "I am a prophet who was a witness for God
before multitudes, and yet fled for my life at the threat
of a woman."
No. 5. "I am the father of a man who made a failure
of his life, though in appearance 'every inch a king.' "
No. 6. "I represent the place of Israel's first defeat
after entering Canaan."
No. 7. "I had a fine navy, which brought great riches
to Jerusalem."
Games for Sunday Evenings 219
ANSWERS TO BIBLE CHARACTERS
No. i
Rebekah:
1. Rehoboam.
2. Eleazar.
3. Balaam.
4. Elijah.
5. Kish, father of Saul.
6. Ai.
7., Hiram of Tyre.
BIBLE CHARACTERS
No. 2
To be written and the answers appended:
Who like the lion seeketh to devour,
The godly man in an unguarded hour?
Whose occupation did the apostle share
When forced to labour for his daily fare?
In what did Ruth her present take away,
Which to her mother she did straight convey?
To what great sin was Israel's nation prone ?
Which robbed their God of what was his alone ?
Who was by faith enabled to despise
The lion's yawning jaws and glaring eyes?
Take the above initials, and you'll find the name of one
most favoured of mankind. He, choosing in his youth
the better part, was called by God one after his own
heart.
ANSWERS
Devil.
Aquila.
Veil.
Idolatry.
220 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Daniel.
The initial letters of which spell David.
CAPPING QUOTATIONS
One person gives a quotation from the Bible, which
must be promptly followed by another from the next
player beginning with the letter that concluded the
former quotation. For example:
' ' Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right.
4 The way of transgressors is hard."
"Delight thyself in the Lord, and He shall give thee
thy heart's desire."
"Endure all things."
"Search the Scriptures.-"
"Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of
thes* "
" Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above."
"Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is counted
"Evil communications corrupt good manners."
"Seek, and ye shall find"
"Do good and lend, hoping for nothing again."
"Not every one that saith unto me Lord, Lord, but
he that doeth the will of my Father."
"Rejoice in the Lord always," etc.
BIBLE CONUNDRUMS
No. i
What character is mentioned in the Bible, though not
by name, a part of whose winding-sheet is in every house;
and whose last act was chosen as the title of a book that
made famous an American author?
Games tor Sunday Evenings 221
No. 2
We left our little ones at home,
And whither went, we did not know,
We for Religion's sake did roam
And lost our lives in doing so.
We wandered in a perfect way,
With many wicked in full view,
We lived for man, we died for God,
Yet of religion nothing knew.
No. 3
God fashioned Adam out of dust,
But in His wisdom made me first;
A living creature I became,
And Adam gave to me a name.
Then from his presence I withdrew,
Nor more of Adam ever knew,
But God, whose purpose none can see,
Next put a living soul in me.
But soon that soul He did reclaim,
Though changed in this, not changed in name,
I have no legs, no arms, no soul,
I wander now from pole to pole.
I labour hard both night and day,
To fallen men much light display.
To heaven I shall never go,
Nor to the grave, nor hell below.
No. 4
My name declares my date to be
The morning of a Christian year;
Though motherless, as all agree,
I am a mother, it is clear;
222 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
And, not to puzzle you too much,
'Twas I gave Holland to the Dutch.
No. 5
The highest gift of God to man,
When all His wondrous works we scan,
That which we always lose with sorrow,
And sometimes are compelled to borrow.
The lover's gift, the poet's song.
What art makes short and nature long,
And made the mighty Samson strong.
ANSWERS TO BIBLE CONUNDRUMS
No. i. Salt. The book, "Looking Backward," by
Bellamy.
No. 2. The milch kine are supposed to tell of their
experience in being compelled by the Philistines to leave
their calves, and drag the cart bearing the Ark of the
Covenant out of the land, where its presence had brought
trouble upon the enemies of the Lord — wherever it was
kept. Driven out, they wandered into the land of God's
people, where the cart furnished the wood, and the kine
a burnt offering, as a sacrifice of thanksgiving for the
safe return of the Ark. I. Sam. 6, 10-14.
No. 3. The Whale that swallowed Jonah.
No. 4. Adam, a dam (mother), a dam (dyke).
No. 5. Hair.
HOW TO PLAY THE GAMES OF QUERIES
The following games of questions may be played in
two ways:
First, the questions may be written upon slips of
paper and thrown into a receptacle, from which they are
withdrawn by the players in succession. After a few
moments for reflection, the first player gives the answer
Games for Sunday Evenings 223
to the question that has fallen to his lot. If correct,
according to the list of answers kept by the leader, he or
she pins the bit of paper on coat-lapel or bodice. If un-
able to answer, or if the answer be wrong, it must be
passed on, until some one is found who can give the right
reply. The one who has the most "decorations" wins
the game, and — bristling with paper slips — the victory
is very apparent.
Another way is for two leaders to be chosen, who
divide the company between them. Each leader in
turn puts a question to the followers of his opponent,
and at every failure to answer correctly the delinquent
is lost to the side of his original allegiance and must join
the enemy.
In order to divide the questions, one leader might
choose those marked by the even numbers and the other
those marked by the uneven.
At the close of the game, curiosity is often felt and
expressed about some question or answer, which leads
to " looking it up " in the Bible, which helps to familiarise
the players with the book.
MISCELLANEOUS QUERIES
1. Which were written first, the epistles or the gospels ?
2. Who wrote the book of Acts?
3. Which was the first book of the New Testament
written ?
4. Which was written first — John's Gospel, or the
Revelation ?
5. Where was Tarshish?
6. What were "the Isles"?
7. What does the "God of Sabaoth" mean?
8. What was the Talmud?
9. What were the Targums?
224 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
10. What were "the Urim and the Thummim"?
11. What is called the "Royal law " in the New Testa-
ment?
12. How did St. Peter die?
13. Which of the Apostles was first martyred?
14. How did St. Paul die?
15. What is the difference between a disciple and an
Apostle ?
1 6. Is regret the same as remorse? and is remorse
repentance ?
17. Where were the disciples first called Christians?
1 8. What does the oil typify in the parable of the
Virgins ?
19. Why were miracles performed by Moses and our
Lord?
20. In Oriental languages, how is truth taught and
thought communicated?
21. What in symbolic language does the No. 7 stand
for?
22. What is the symbolism of "eyes "?
23. What is the symbolic meaning of "horns "?
24. What was the first religious or national observance
that marked the Jews as a people?
25. What is the meaning of "Mammon"?
26. What is the meaning of the word "mercy " ?
27. What is the meaning of "grace"?
28. What did the "seed" typify in the parable of the
sower ?
29. What is the difference between a prophesy and a
prediction ?
30. When was the Bible divided into verses?
31. Who first translated the Bible into Latin?
32. What is meant by a "canon" of Scripture?
Games for Sunday Evenings 225
33. What things were kept in the Ark of the Cove-
nant?
34. What language did our Lord speak?
35. What interval of time elapsed between the chroni-
cles of the Old and New Testaments — represented by the
blank pages in our Bibles?
36. Who wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews?
3 7 . What was the last epistle that St. Paul ever wrote ?
38. What was the leviathan mentioned in the book
of Job?
39. Who was the Pharaoh of the Oppression ?
40. Who was the Pharaoh of the Exodus?
41. How much was a mite?
42. What was the measure of a cubit?
43. How far was a "Sabbath day's journey "?
44. How is Jewish time computed by modern reckon-
ing? What time, for instance, is the "third hour," the
"sixth hour"?
45. How much was a talent?
46. How is Ahasuerus, of the Book of Esther, known
in profane history?
47. Who was Gallio, who "cared for none of these
things"? Acts xviii, 17.
ANSWERS TO MISCELLANEOUS QUERIES
1 . Paul wrote his epistles twenty -five years before any
of the gospels were written.
2. St. Luke.
3. The Epistle to the Thessalonians.
4. The Revelation was written many years before St.
John wrote his Gospel.
5. Called Tartessus by the Romans — on the coast of
Spain, the extreme western limit of the world known
226 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
to the ancients. Jonah went there when commanded
to go east to Ninevah.
6. The islands of the Grecian Archipelago.
7. The God of Hosts or Armies.
8. The Talmud is a commentary on the Hebrew
Scriptures, and eventually came to be regarded as
quite as binding upon conduct.
9. They were the Aramaic translations of the Hebrew
Scriptures, also interpretations and paraphrases. Hebrew
was a dead language in our Lord's time.
10. The words mean "Light and Perfection." They
were the sacred symbols worn "on the heart" of the
High Priest. Some scholars suppose them to have been
the twelve gems of the breastplate, others that they
were two additional stones. Josephus says that they
emitted rays — if God's response was favourable — when
consulted as an oracle.
11. "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," called
the "royal law." James ii, 8.
12. He was crucified with his head down, at his
request, as unworthy to die like his Lord.
13. St. James, the brother of John, beheaded at
Herod's order. Acts xii, 2.
14. Shortly after Nero's persecution of the Christ-
ians, to divert from himself the blame of the firing of
Rome, Paul was imprisoned, treated with great rigour,
and finally led out beyond the walls of Rome on the
road to Ostia, and beheaded.
15. An apostle is a divinely accredited messenger.
A disciple is a learner or follower. There were twelve
Apostles, Paul taking the place of Judas; the other
believers were called disciples.
1 6. To feel regret is to remember with dissatisfaction
or sorrow. Remorse is the anguish caused by a sense
Games for Sunday Evenings 227
of guilt, compunction of conscience, self -accusation.
Repentance adds the deep purpose of self-amendment.
17. At Antioch.
1 8. Character.
19. To attest their claims.
20. By symbolism, where we use imagery. When
the Western mind tries to understand Eastern thought,
it must not make pictures in imagination, but interpret
its meaning by the symbols that stand for things incapa-
ble of representation. "The Revelation" becomes
intelligible and sublime thus read, abhorrent if its
descriptions are pictured.
21. Completeness.
22. Intelligence.
23. Power.
24. The Passover.
25. Money — God's great rival.
26. Compassion, forbearance. We appeal from God's,
justice to His love.
27. Undeserved favour, unmerited love.
28. The seed of the parable is the word, which contains
a thought, that germinating moulds character, controls
action, inspires conduct.
29. A prediction is a forecast of the future based upon
something that the present or past has shown. A
prophesy is a foretelling of events that have no relation
to past or present. Men may predict, but, uninspired,
they can never prophesy.
30. In the ninth century the work was begun, but in
the thirteenth century a more systematic division was
made (ascribed to Archbishop Langton) to facilitate
reference to the text — later into chapters.
31. St. Jerome — living in Bethlehem twenty-one years
for that purpose.
228 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
32. Canon — Greek word for a straight rod, testing-
rule, as a rule of life and gauge of excellence. From
the time of Origen, applied to those books regarded as
genuine and of divine authority.
33. The stone tables upon which were the Ten Com-
mandments, written by the finger of God, a sample of
the manna, and "Aaron's rod that budded."
34. Aramaic, a mixture of Hebrew and Chaldaic.
After the captivity in Babylon, Hebrew in its purity was
no longer spoken, but from that time a language was
formed by its admixture with Chaldaic.
35. Four hundred years.
36. Some ascribe it to Apollos, but most critics believe
Paul to be its author.
37. The second epistle to Timothy, written just before
his martyrdom.
38. The crocodile.
39. Rameses II.
40. Menephtha — son of Rameses II.
41. One-sixteenth of a cent.
42. The length of a man's forearm, from his elbow to
the point of his middle finger, about 20 inches.
43. About seven -eighths of a mile.
44. In order to transpose the Jewish reckoning to the
modern mode, add six to the Jewish hour, and if it makes
more than 12, then subtract 6. The third hour would
thus be 9 o'clock.
45. A talent in American money equivalent would be
$26,280, and would probably purchase ten times as
much as the same sum now. A Roman penny (about
fifteen cents) was then regarded as a good day's
wages.
46. He is generally supposed to be the same as Artax-
erxes.
Games for Sunday Evenings 229
47. A younger brother of Seneca, a very handsome
but shallow youth, spoiled by popularity.
THE "FIRST THINGS" OF THE BIBLE
1 . What was the first command of God ?
2. On what occasion did man first exercise his power
of speech?
3. Who was the first human transgressor?
4. What was the first recorded prophecy?
5. Who was the first exile in Bible times ?
6. Who told the first recorded lie?
7 . Who was the first bigamist on record ?
8. Who was the first person that died a natural
death?
9. Who offered the first recorded prayer?
10. What was the first mentioned meat for food?
11. By whom was the first land purchased ?
12. What is the first recorded use of current money?
13. How was the first recorded oath administered?
14. Of what did the first wedding-present consist?
15. Where is the first mention of giving a tenth to
God?
1 6. Who erected the first monument to the dead?
17. With what operation are physicians first men-
tioned ?
1 8. Who was the first Jewish High Priest?
19. Who was the first sacred historian ?
20. Which of the tribes marched first in the wilderness
journey ?
21. Who was the first to commit suicide, and how?
22. Where is the first mention of a library?
23. What was the text of our Saviour's first sermon?
24. Who was the first recorded Gentile convert?
230 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
ANSWERS TO THE "FIRST THINGS" OF THE BIBLE
1. "Let there be light."— Gen. i, 3.
2. On giving names to the animal creation. — Gen.
ii, 19.
3. The woman Eve. — Tim. ii, 14; Gen. iii, i.
4. The coming of Christ. — Gen. iii, 15.
5. Adam. — Gen. iii, 24.
6. Cain. — Gen. iv, 9.
7. Lamech. — Gen. iv, 23.
8. Adam. — Gen. v, 5.
9. Abraham. — Gen. xviii, 18.
10. Veal. — Gen. xviii, 7, 8.
11. Abraham. — Gen. xxiii, 3, 4, 16, 18.
12. By Abraham in the purchase of land. — Gen. xxiii,
16.
13. By putting the hand of the person sworn under
the thigh of the person administering. — Gen. xxiv, 2.
14. Ear-rings, bracelets, jewels, etc. — Gen. xxiv, 22,
30. S3-
15. Jacob at Bethel. — Gen. xxviii, 22.
1 6. Jacob, at the grave of Rachel. — Gen. xxxv, 20.
17. The embalming of Jacob's body. — Gen. 1, 2.
1 8. Aaron. — Ex. xxviii, i.
19. Moses. — Num. i, i.
20. The tribe of Judah. — Num. x, 14.
21. Saul, by falling on his sword. — I. Sam. xxxi, 4.
22. The house of the rolls, or books, the king's library.
— Ezra vi, i.
23. Repent. — Matt, iv, 17.
24. Cornelius. — Acts x, 3.
OLD TESTAMENT QUERIES
1. Who built Ninevah?
2. Who suggested selling Joseph to the Ishmaelites ?
Games for Sunday Evenings 231
3. What was the name of Joseph's wife in Egypt?
4. From whom did Moses receive his name ?
5. Who built a monument in the middle of a river,
and why?
6. What criminal in his confession said, "I saw, I
coveted, I took"?
7. Who said, "As for me and my house, we will
serve the Lord"?
8. Who said, "Ye are witnesses against yourselves"?
9. Who told his life's secret to a woman with disastrous
results ?
10. What is the most noted instance of devoted
friendship ?
11. Six women once took a journey which resulted
in a wedding. Who were the bride and groom ?
12. From what king's head did David take a crown
and place?
13. Whose head was cut off and thrown over a wall
at the suggestion of a woman ?
14. Who does the Bible say had six fingers on each
hand and six toes on each foot ?
15. Who preferred in the time of trouble to fall into
God's hands, rather than into man's?
1 6. Whose daughter was Solomon's first wife?
17. Who built Tadmor (Palmyra) in the desert?
1 8. What two Old Testament persons fasted forty
days?
19. What queen sent a message with a forged signa-
ture?
20. Who destroyed the brazen serpent Moses made?
21. What labouring men were so honest that no
accounts were kept?
22. By whom was Solomon's temple destroyed?
232 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
23. To which son of Jacob was the birthright given
when taken from Reuben ?
24. Whose faces were like the faces of lions ?
25. What tribe furnished the counsellors of Israel?
26. What tribe of Israel was specially characterised
by sincerity?
2 7 . Who were the doorkeepers of the Ark ?
28. To whom was applied the military title of general "*
29. What king had eighty-eight children?
30. Who was in command of one million of soldiers ?
31. What queen in Bible times is described as that
"wicked woman"?
32. Who, of the Kings of Israel, was carried captive
to Babylon, and brought back to Jerusalem?
33. What king of Judah had not seen a copy of the
law till he was twenty-six years old ?
34. What women helped to rebuild the walls of
Jerusalem ?
35. Who said, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath
taken away " ?
36. Who said, "All that a man hath will he give for
his life"?
37. Who expressed a desire to be where the wicked
cease from troubling and the weary are at rest ?
38* Who said, "Though he slay me yet will I trust
him"?
39. Who says, " In his heart there is no God " ?
40. Who acknowledges that the lines are fallen unto
him in pleasant places?
41. Who said, "All men are liars"?
42. Who said, "He who ruleth his spirit is better
than he who taketh a city" ?
43. Who said, "A man that hath friends must show
himself friendlv " ?
Games for Sunday Evenings 233
44. Who does the Scriptures say "cannot prosper"?
45. Who prayed, "Give me neither poverty nor
riches"?
46. Who said, "There is no discharge in that war"?
47. To whom was it revealed several hundred years
before that the Redeemer should be born of a virgin ?
48. Who said, "The heavens shall be dissolved"?
49. Who lamented " the harvest is past, and the
summer is ended ' ' ?
50. Who asked, "Can the Ethiopian change his
skin"?
5 1 . What other nation besides Israel is to be scattered
to all people ?
52. Who was Belshazzar's successor as king of the
Chaldeans ?
53. Who said, "Ephraim is joined to his idols, let
him alone ' ' ?
54. What prophet was a herdsman ?
55. What prophet was sent as a missionary to the
Gentiles ?
56. What prophet said," In wrath, remember mercy " ?
57. What prophet said, "They save wages to put
into a bag with holes" ?
58. Who said, "At evening time it shall be light"?
59. Who asked the question, "Will a man rob God?"
60. What became of the golden calf set up by Aaron
in the wilderness journey ?
61. For how long did marriage exempt a man from
going to war?
ANSWERS TO OLD TESTAMENT QUERIES
1. Asshur. — Gen. x, n.
2. Judah. — Gen. xxxvii, 26, 27.
3. Asenath. — Gen. xli, 45.
234 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
4. Pharaoh's daughter. — Ex. ii, 10.
5. Joshua, in Jordan, as a memorial of God's de
liverance. — Josh, iv, 9.
6. Achan. — Josh, vii, 21.
7. Joshua. — Josh, xxiv, 15.
8. Joshua. — Josh, xxiv, 22.
9. Samson. — Judges xvi, 5, 6.
10. That of Jonathan and David. — I. Sam. xviii, i.
11. Abigail and David. — I. Sam. xxv, 42.
12. From the head of the king of the Ammonites. —
II. Sam. xii, 30.
13. The head of Sheba. — II. Sam. AX, *i.
14. Goliath. — II. Sam. xxi, 20.
15. David. — II. Sam. xxiv, 14.
1 6. The daughter of Pharaoh, King of Egypt.—
I. Kings iii, i.
17. Solomon. — I. Kings ix, 18.
18. Moses and Elijah. — Ex. xxiv, 8; I. Kings xix, 8, c
19. Jezebel used Ahab's name. — I. Kings xxi, 8.
20. Hezekiah. — II. Kings xx, i.
21. Workmen on the Temple. — II. Kings xxii, 7.
22. Nebuchadnezzar. — II. Kings xxv, i, ii.
23. To Joseph. — I. Chron. v, i.
24. The Gadites. — I. Chron. xii, 8.
25. Issachar. — I. Chron xii, 32.
26. Zebulon. — I. Chron. xii, 33.
27. Obed-Edom and Jehiah. — I. Chron. xv, 24.
28. Joab, of David's army. — I. Chron. xxvii, 34.
29. Rehoboam. — II. Chron. xi, 21.
30. Zerah. — II. Chron. xiv, 9.
31. Athaliah. — II. Chron. xxiv, n.
32. Manasseh. — II. Chron. xxxiii, ii, 13.
33. Josiah. — II. Chron. xxxiv, i ; i, 8.
34. The daughters of Shallum. — Neh. iii, 12.
Games for Sunday Evenings 235
35. Job. — Job i, 21.
36. Satan. — Job ii, 4.
37. Job. — Job iii, 17.
38. Job. — Job xiii, 15.
39. The fool. — Psalms xiv, i.
40. David. — Psalms xvi, 6.
41. David. — Psalms cxvi, n.
42. Solomon. — Prov. xvi, 32.
43. Solomon. — Prov. xviii, 24.
44. He that covereth his sins. — Prov. xxviii, 13,
45. Agur. — Prov. xxx, 8.
46. Solomon. — EC. viii, 8.
47. Ahaz. — Isaiah vii, 14.
48. Isaiah, God's command. — Isaiah xxiv, 4.
49. The Jews. — Jer. viii, 20.
50. Jeremiah. — Jer. xiii, 23.
51. Elamites. — Jer. xlix, 36.
52. Darius. — Dan. v, 31.
53. The prophet Hosea. — Hosea iv, 17.
54. Amos. — Amos i, i.
55. Jonah. — Jonah i, 2, 5.
56. Habakkuk. — Hab. iii, 2.
57. Haggai. — Hag. i, 6.
58. Zechariah. — Zech. xiv, 7.
59. Malachi. — Mai. iii, 8.
60. It was ground to powder, mixed with water, and
the Israelites forced to drink it. — Ex. xxxii, 20.
61. For a year. " He shall be free at home for one
year, and he shall cheer his wife which he hath taken."
— Deuteronomy xxiv, 5.
NEW TESTAMENT QUERIES
i. Who was reigning in Judah when Joseph returned
Egypt with the child Jesus?
236 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
2. Who were the first called of the disciples ?
3. Whose birthday was celebrated by dancing?
4. With whom did Jesus spend his last Sabbath ?
5. Who was the only person, according to the sacred
Scriptures, who raised a voice in behalf of Jesus during
the trial?
6. Who rose from the dead without the interposition
of the Prophets, Jesus, or the Apostles?
7. What prophet was seen i ,500 years after his death ?
8. Of whom was it said, "She hath done what she
could"?
9. What are the first recorded words of Jesus ?
10. Who paid the hotel bill of a man who had been
robbed?
11. To what king did Christ refer when he said, "Go
ye and tell that fox" ?
12. Who asked Jesus, "Art thou only a stranger in
Jerusalem"?
13. Who testified of Jesus that he was both his suc-
cessor and predecessor?
14. By whom are we told to "search the Scriptures" ?
15. What is the test of discipleship ?
1 6. Whose curiosity was checked by Christ, telling
him in effect to mind his own business ?
17. Who is pronounced a Doctor of the Law?
1 8. Who was reading the writings of a prophet while
riding in a chariot ?
19. What were Paul's first words after conversion?
20. Who was the first Apostle to raise a dead person
to life?
2 1 . Which of the disciples was a tanner ?
22. Who, in speaking of Christ, said, "He went about
doing good " ?
23. Who was the first Christian convert in Europe?
Games for Sunday Evenings 237
24. What Athenian judge was converted under Paul's
preaching ?
25. What emperor banished all Jews from Rome?
26. Of whom was it said, "He was mighty in the
Scriptures"?
27. What prisoner in chains stood on the steps of a
castle and addressed a multitude ?
28. Who was St. Paul's teacher?
29. What unrighteous judge trembled before a
prisoner in chains?
30. Who was captain of the guard that took Paul to
Rome?
31. Who was the chief man on the island of Malta,
where Paul was shipwrecked?
32. How long did Paul preach at Rome?
33. What apostle expressed a desire to travel in
Spain ?
34. What Christian was recommended to the apostles
for hospitality?
35. What woman carried St. Paul's epistle to the
Romans ?
36. Who said, "At the name of Jesus every knee
shall bow" ?
37. Who said, "Hold fast to that which is good"?
38. What example have we of early piety in the New
Testament ?
39. Name three heathen writers whom St. Paul
quotes ?
40. Who said, "To the pure all things are pure"?
41. Who said, "Every good gift and every perfect
gift is from above"?
42. Who said, "The devils also believe that there is
one God"?
238 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
43. Name three persons whose afflictions were a
source of enjoyment?
44. What member of the primitive church tried the
patience of the loving disciple John ?
45. God will wipe away all tears from the eyes of
whom?
46. Give the name of two angels mentioned in the
Bible ?
47. Who was the first Christian martyr?
48. From what place in Palestine did the Ascension
take place?
ANSWERS TO NEW TESTAMENT QUERIES
1. Archelaus. — Matt, ii, 22.
2. John and Andrew. — John i, 37-41.
3. Herod's. — Matt, xiv, 6.
4. Simon, the Leper. — Matt, xxvi, 6.
5. The wife of Pontius Pilate. — Matt, xxvii, 19.
6. "The Saints that slept arose." — Matt, xxviii, 52.
7. Moses, by Peter, James, and John. — Mark ix, 2
and 5.
8. The woman who poured the ointment on the
Saviour's head. — Mark xiv, 3, 8.
9. "How is it that ye sought me?": — Luke ii, 49.
10. The good Samaritan. — Luke x, 35.
11. King Herod. — Luke xiii, 31, 32.
12. Cleopas. — Luke xxiv, 18.
13. John the Baptist. — John i, 15.
14. Our Saviour. — John v, 35.
15. "If ye have love one to another." — John xiii, 35.
16. Peter's. — John xxi, 21, 22.
17. Gamaliel. — Acts v, 34.
1 8. The eunuch. — Acts viii, 30.
Games for Sunday Evenings 239
19. "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?" —
Acts ix, 6.
20. Peter. — Acts ix, 40,
21. Simon. — Acts ix, 23.
22. Simon Peter. — Acts x, 38.
23. Lydia, at Thyatira. — Acts xvi, 14.
24. Dionysius. — Acts xvii, 34.
25. Claudius. — Acts xviii, 2.
26. Apollos. — Acts xviii, 24.
27. Paul. — Acts xxi, 40.
28. Gamaliel. — Acts xxii, 3.
29. Felix. — Acts xxiv, 25.
30. Julius. — Acts xxvii, i.
31. Publius. — Acts xxviii, 7.
32. Two years. — Acts xxviii, 30.
33. St. Paul. — Rom. xv, 24, 28.
34. Gaius. — Rom. xvi, 23.
35. Phebe. — Rom xvi, 27.
36. Paul, to the Philippians. — Phil, ii, TO.
37. Paul. — I. Thes. v, 21.
38. Timothy.— II. Tim. iii, 15.
39. Aratus. — Acts xvii, 28. Menander. — I. Cor. xv,
33. Epimendes. — Titus i, 12.
40. Paul. — Titus i, 15.
41. James. — James i, 17.
42. James. — James ii, 19.
43. Paul. — Rom. v, 3; II. Cor. xii, 9, 10. James. —
James i, 2. Peter. — I. Peter ii, 25.
44. Diotrephes. — III. John, 5.
45. Those who have washed their robes and made
them white. — Rev. vii, 13, 17.
46. Gabriel. — Dan. ix, 21; Luke i, 19. Michael. — •
Jude i, 9; Rev. xii, 7.
47. Stephen. — Acts vii, 54, 60.
48. Bethany.
240 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
BOOKS OF THE BIBLE
A contest in which all present write the names of the
books of the Bible, in their correct order of succession,
will be found to offer surprising difficulty among adults
as well as children — unless they have been brought up
so that ignorance of that subject would rank with
lack of knowledge of the multiplication table. Instead
of making lists, separate cards each with the name of a
"book" written upon it will facilitate the arrangement
for the competitors. A time-limit should be set, and
the one who takes the place of umpire receives the lists
or inspects the rows of cards, and announces the winner,
who should receive some little honour.
SCRIPTURE CAKE
Here is a contest for finding out the recipe for a very
delicious cake. The cake itself may be served at the
conclusion of the game with afternoon tea, or would
probably not be unacceptable at any hour. Those who
can write the correct answers either from memory or by
guesswork, naturally win the, contest. For verifica-
tion, or in looking up the various ingredients in the
Bible, interest is likely to be aroused in the subjects
which occasion their mention.
RECIPE
4.J cups of I. Kings iv, 22,
1 cup of Judges v, 25, last clause,
2 cups Jeremiah vi, 20,
2 cups I. Samuel xxx, 12,
2 cups Nahum iii, 12,
2 cups of Numbers xvii, 25,
A pinch of Leviticus ii, 13,
6 Jeremiah xvii, ii,
J cup of Judges iv, 19, last clause,
Games for Sunday Evenings 241
2 teaspoonfuls of Amos iv, 5.
Season to taste of II. Chronicles ix, 9.
BENEDICITE
A game that stimulated reading and investigation in
many directions was invented by a mother to entertain
and instruct her family of growing boys and girls — based
upon the Benedicite of the Prayer-Book, which, as is
supposed, was the song sung by the "Three Children in
the fiery furnace."
After several Sunday evenings devoted to playing it,
the children declared that when the "Benedicite" was
sung in church they really understood how birds, beasts,
fishes, and stars could praise God.
Each verse of the famous psalm was written on separ-
ate bits of paper. These were thrown into a covered
basket and withdrawn, one by one, by the players in
turn.
The person to whose lot fell the lines calling upon any
one of God's creations to praise Him, was expected to tell
some fact in relation to that being or object.
Failing to answer, the paper was passed on.
Each person who contributed any interesting fact
received a counter with the name of the subject in which
he had shown himself well informed written upon it.
One who showed greater proficiency and familiarity with
the subject was given a card with a picture upon it that
had to do with that topic.
A sample game, for instance, would be: "A" receives
the line of the psalm calling upon "the ice and snow to
praise the Lord," and he tells how water, when cooled
below a certain temperature, passes into ice and, becom-
ing lighter, rises to the surface, interposes a barrier to
the cold air, and leaves a body of water below it, in
242 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
which the fish can live and move freely in a temperate
region.
To "B's" lot falls the opportunity to tell of "mount-
ains and hills" that act as loadstones to the clouds and
draw down the fertilising rain, and also form the great
watersheds of the earth, where the rivers rise, so dis-
tributing the water-supply and preventing it's lying in
stagnant pools, as it would if the earth were flat.
"C" may draw the paper about the "fowls of the air,"
and, beyond appreciation of their singing as a contribu-
tion to the joys of life, knows little and passes on the
paper.
"D" tells of their plumage — so light that that of an
owl weighs but an ounce and a half, warm to resist the
heat-robbing currents of the air, and made waterproof by
the bird's power to secrete an oily substance to smear
over the feathers. The bones, hollow for lightness, and
their structure so strong that a swallow flies ninety
miles an hour, unwearied.
For the "beast and cattle" one tells perhaps of the
internal reservoir of the camel, which is filled with water
when opportunity serves, its complex stomach set around
with deep sacs which, compressed, give forth their con-
tents for the beast's refreshment. The hump, too,
gradually disappears during a long journey, having con-
tributed to the animal's nourishment.
The subject of "green things upon the earth" gives
great scope, and the attempt to tell of the "stars of
heaven" — the nearest fixed star twenty millions of
millions of miles away — Sirius three times as far — leaves
one mentally gasping in the effort to imagine space.
The "powers of the Lord" offers opportunity to tell
c/ interesting facts of electricity.
Each player kept the counters and cards teceived
Prizes and Penalties 243
until a certain time agreed upon, when prizes were given,
appropriate to the subjects that had won distinction
for those who had proved themselves best informed upon
them.
For example, the one who knew about fishes received
a globe of gold fish; he who contributed interesting facts
about beasts and cattle was given a framed picture of a
noble lion's head. The girl who knew about birds was
made happy by the gift of a canary, and the one who had
informed herself about "Angels of the Lord," having
read Geo. Macdonald's interesting essay, and, being the
only one not taken unawares by the subject, had told
much that was new and interesting, received as her
reward one of Fra Angelico's angels, set in the usual
little shrine of gilt wood.
The children thought the questions had all the charm of
conundrums, and the fun for the parents came in when
the young folk esteemed it a privilege to "study up"
for the game.
PRIZES AND PENALTIES
In playing games, while the interest and pleasure of
winning should be sufficient reward in itself, a simple
prize to mark the little victory and make it more con-
spicuous certainly adds much to the eclat of the occasion
and makes an effective climax to the fun.
The etiquette of giving prizes — according to the pres-
ent dicta of those who make a fashion by adopting it —
requires that they are not seen until the moment of
their bestowal by the hostess. They are usually
wrapped very daintily and tied with ribbons, that the
moment of impatient curiosity may be shared by all the
players and the pleasure to the victor be enhanced by
the little delay. Where there is a ladies' prize and one
244 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
for gentlemen, when both are playing, the host awards
the former and the hostess the latter. Of course, the
recipient unwraps it at once, that the other players may
see and admire.
Among friends who are well acquainted, or where the
entertainment is very informal, a " booby" prize — some
absurd article suggestive of crass ignorance or failure
in the particular line emphasized by the success of the
victor — certainly adds much to the fun. A stranger,
however, or a very sensitive person, would feel embar-
rassed by its bestowal, and therefore upon many occa-
sions it is preferable to have a second prize both for
ladies and gentlemen, which goes by the name of the
"consolation" prize.
All who have not won the first award cast lots for
this. The usual mode of doing so is to place a pack of
cards, face down, upon the table, when each player in
succession turns up a card. The first one to turn an ace
is entitled to the prize.
It is a grave mistake to provide prizes so costly or so
much to be desired as to arouse cupidity and tempt those
who are ostensibly playing for pleasure to really play for
gain. Neither does one wish to go so far to the other
extreme that that which is intended to do honour to the
winner shall be seen only to be despised. Better than
this is it to have some little mock ceremony in which the
victor shall be made prominent.
He or she may be crowned with a laurel wreath, given
a palm-branch, or flag with "Victory" in gilt letters
upon it, or "decorated" with an imitation "order"
or medal. A broad moire ribbon adorned with a gilt
tinsel star may be worn by the successful contestant
across the breast, or a gorgeous "Order of Victory" be
evolved out of gilt paper or tinsel cord and mock
Prizes and Penalties 245
gems. A leather medal, a dunce-cap, or a toy donkey or
goose, make good "boobies."
Small, round boxes tricked out in cre"pe. paper frills
make pretty, inexpensive prizes or favours, particularly
for children. Scarlet ones look like poppies, pink like
roses, or if the petals are notched, like carnations; green
of two shades like heads of lettuce, etc. The cr£pe
paper lends itself to manipulation so that the petals look
most natural. Any one with the ordinary complement
of wits and fingers can make them.
For the penalties, required by some games in order to
redeem the forfeits given, something in the nature of
"stunts " or "parlor-tricks " will make an amusing enter-
tainment in itself. Some one with inventive wits should
be chosen to impose the task for each culprit. Some-
times each player writes a penalty upon a bit of paper.
Those for the gentlemen and ladies, respectively, are
upon papers of different colours. They are then collected
by the leader.
Here are a few suggestions:
1. Stand an umbrella upon its end in the middle of
the room, let go its handle, pirouette rapidly, and snatch
the umbrella before it falls.
2. Stand against the wall, drop a handkerchief at
your feet, and, without bending the knees, stoop and
pick it up.
3. Make a paper ball of any size, lay it upon the floor,
then stand away from it the distance of three times the
length of your own foot and try to kick it out of the
way.
4. The leader may impose this penalty upon two
delinquents together: They are told to stand upon an
open newspaper in such a manner that they cannot pos-
sibly touch one another. Their puzzled attempts may
246 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
be ineffectual, until it is explained that if the newspaper
be placed over the sill of a door, the feat may be accom-
plished if they each stand upon the paper with the door
closed between them.
5. Two other culprits may be ordered to kneel oppo-
site each other, one holding a lighted candle and the
other one unlighted. Each then takes his or her left
foot in the left hand, and balancing upon one knee, tries
to light the one candle from the other. No suspicion of
its difficulty will appear until it is tried.
6. Another feat with a candle is to drop upon one
knee, holding the other foot straight out before one. A
lighted candle is then placed on the floor at one side, an
unlighted one at the other. Balanced thus on the one
knee and without touching the floor with the hands, one
is required to pick up both candles, light the one from
the other, replace them, and rise to one's feet.
7. Eating a string rabbit-fashion is an amusing feat,
if there is a person at each end and a bonbon suspended
between. The string is taken into the mouth, drawn in
with the lips — each one endeavouring to reach and
appropriate the bonbon before the other.
8. Two persons are blindfolded, and, starting from
opposite ends of the room, are told to shake hands.
Their efforts to comply are amusing to the spectators.
9. A gentleman is sentenced to speak to every lady
in the room, merely saying, "Poor Pussie," to which
they each respond, "Meow!"
10. Two persons are blindfolded and each is given a
bowl and spoon. They are then requested to feed each
other. The bowl contains flour, bread or cracker-
crumbs, or rice. The fun remains with the spectators.
n. A gentleman is ordered to propose his own health
in a complimentary speech.
Prizes and Penalties 247
12. Two persons, blindfolded, are sentenced to waltz
together.
13. This is called "The Knight of the Rueful Counte-
nance." The condemned must take a lighted candle in his
hand, and select some other player to be his squire, who
takes his arm and leads him before each lady in the
company, whose hand the squire must kiss, and after
each kiss must carefully wipe the Knight's mouth with
a handkerchief. The Knight must carry the candle all
through the penance and preserve the utmost gravity.
14. This rather difficult feat should be given to an
athletic player. A card with ends folded down is placed
upon the floor. The person under sentence is told to
pick it up without touching it with his hands. He
must kneel, and, placing his elbow against his knees,
reach out his arm at full length on the ground. Where
the point of his middle finger reaches, the card is placed
with its upright end next him, and, with both hands
behind his back, he must pick up the card.
CHILDREN'S FORFEITS
The time-honoured mode of imposing the penalties for
forfeits is for one to hide his or her head in the lap of
another, who takes the articles up one by one, and hold-
ing it up, the following dialogue ensues:
"Here is a thing, and a very pretty thing. What
shall the owner do to redeem it?"
"Fine or Superfine?" (meaning boy or girl).
The answer is given and the owner is called by name
and sentenced.
For example:
i. Two persons are told to "sail the ship." Their
feet are braced together, and they must whirl rapidly
around, and then slowly come to a standstill. The gait
248 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
of the " sailors " immediately thereafter will suggest
rough weather and a heavy sea.
2. A bit of paper is pinned to a curtain or portiere,
and then blindfolding the culprit, he is requested to
remove it.
3. One is told to kiss himself or herself — which may
be done on the hand or on the reflection in a glass.
4. "Walking Spanish" is an old favourite. A cane
or umbrella is given to the person under sentence, which
he rests upon the floor, puts both hands upon its top
and then rests his forehead upon them. "While in this
position, he must turn around three times, and then,
with head erect, walk straight ahead.
5. A large bottle is placed upon its side. The delin-
quent is seated upon this, with the heel of his right foot
resting upon the ground and the heel of the left foot
against the toe of the right. A good-sized needle is then
given him, and a thread which he must endeavour to
pass through the needle's eye without losing his balance.
6. A boy or girl may be told to lie down at full length
on the floor and rise with the arms still folded.
7. A German band is announced as about to give a
performance. Three or four of the company are re-
quested to imitate the sound of some musical instrument
in concert — to some popular and familiar air.
8. Blindfold a person, and then let each of the com-
pany give him a spoonful of water from a glass until he
guesses who it is that is feeding him.
9. A favourite sentence for transgressors of the laws of
games is the following : Two persons stand at opposite
ends of the room, each holding a lighted candle. They
advance slowly, and with deep gravity look into each
other's faces. When they meet, the following dialogue
takes place:
Prizes and Penalties 249
"The Princess Hugger-Mugger is dead, defunct and
gone."
"Can it be possible! Alack and alas!"
They then retreat to their starting-points with the
same solemnity. The fact that they must not smile
makes it very difficult to refrain.
10. The penance of a pilgrimage to Rome is another
old favourite. The penitent announces his intention,
and, going around to each of the company, begs for some-
thing to take on his journey. Every one must give him
something — the more cumbersome the better. When
he has collected them all, he may be relieved, but not
before.
1 2. The person whose forfeit is called is sent into exile —
i. e., banished to the part of the room the most remote
from the rest of the company, with whom he is forbid-
den to communicate for five minutes unless he can
repeat "Bandy-legged Borachio Mustachio Whisken-
fusticus of Bagdad, boldest, bravest of bandits, beat
down a bumble-bee at Balsora." ;
A good way to impose the collection of forfeits is to
supply every boy with a bag of peanuts or hickory nuts
and every girl with one of beans or clothes-pins, each
bag containing a like number. When a forfeit is incurred
a nut, bean or clothes-pin is given up, and the one who at
the end of the game has the most nuts, beans, or pins
left is accounted the winner of the game — and perhaps
of a prize. This is appropriate for any game like "Yes
and No," in which a failure does not impose banishment
from the competition.
CHAPTER XI
Catches and Riddles
CATCHES
i.
A QUESTION OF FOREST LORE
TO be repeated rapidly:
" How much wood would a woodchuck chuck
if a woodchuck could chuck wood?" "If a
woodchuck could chuck, a woodchuck would chuck as
much wood as a woodchuck could chuck if a wood-
chuck could chuck Avood."
2.
A Frenchman's report of Hamlet's famous soliloquy—-
To be repeated after one hearing.
"To was or not to am,
To were or is to not,
To shall or not to be !"
3-
Betty Botta bought some butter.
"But," she said, "this butter's bitter,
"But a bit o' better butter
Will but make my batter better."
So she bought a bit o' butter
Better than the bitter butter,
And it made her batter better.
So, 'twas better Betty Botta
Bought a bit o' better butter.
3 CO
Catches and Riddles 251
A PERSONAL PUZZLE
Put down the year in which you were born, to which
add 4, then add the age which your next birthday will
make you, provided it comes before January first, other-
wise your age at your last birthday. Multiply result
by 1,000, and deduct from this 693,423; substitute for
the figures, corresponding letters of the alphabet: A, for
i, B for 2, C for 3, D for 4, etc.
The result will give the name by which you are popu-
larly known.
This arrangement is for the year 1904. For each suc-
ceeding year add 1,000 to the amount to be deducted.
Thus for 1905 deduct 694,423, for 1906 695,423, and
so on.
GENERAL SAPT
This catch is simply a matter of memory and atten-
tion, but it is surprising how few persons are able to fol-
low its directions to a successful issue. Sometimes a
dozen persons will make the attempt in turn, and every-
one be tripped up on some point omitted.
The leader sets the example-^ and, telling the players to
watch carefully that each in turn may do as he has done,
he raises his wine-glass held 'between his thumb and fore-
finger, saying, "I drink to the health of General Sapt."
He takes one sip and sets the glass upon the table with a
marked tap of the glass on the wood, strokes his mous-
tache with the right forefinger, then on the opposite side
with the forefinger of the left hand, taps the table once
with each forefinger, stamps once with each foot, bows
once, and rises and reseats himself once.
Next, he raises his glass held between thumb and two
fingers, exclaiming, "I drink to the health of General
252 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
vSapt, Sapt," He sips twice from the glass, sets the
glass down, tapping the table with it twice, smooths his
moustache twice in succession with two fingers of the
right hand, then twice with two of the left, taps the
table with two fingers of the right hand, then two
taps with two of the left. He stamps twice with each
foot, bows twice, rises twice from his chair, and then
resumes it. This is repeated, doing everything in
threes, then in fours. The one who makes no mistake
is entitled to applause.
ARTISTIC REFLECTIONS
Seat a person at a table and place before him a mirror.
Give him pencil and paper and request him to draw the
following design while looking in the glass :
Hold a sheet of paper over his right hand so as to hide
it entirely from his sight.
It will be found surprisingly difficult to draw the
diagonal lines.
Another test may be to write his own name while
looking in the glass.
GEORGE CANNING'S RIDDLE
There is a word of plural number,
Foe to peace and tranquil slumber.
Now, any word you chance to take,
Catches and Riddles 253
By adding "s" you plural make;
But if you add an "s" to this,
How strange the metamorphosis;
Plural is plural now no more,
And sweet what bitter was before*
Answer: Cares — Caress.
MACAULAY'S LAST RIDDLE
Let us look at it quite closely —
Tis a very ugly word,
And one that makes us shudder
Wherever it is heard.
It may be very wicked,
It must be always sad,
And speaks of sin and suffering
Enough to make us mad.
They say it is a compound word,
And that is very true,
And when we decompose it —
(Which, of course, we're free to do) —
If from the letters we take off
And sever the first three,
We leave the nine remaining ones
As sad as sad can be !
For though it seems to make it less
In fact it makes it more,
For it takes the brute creation in
Which it left out before.
Let's try if we can mend it ;
'Tis possible we may,
If only we divide it
In some new-fashioned way.
Instead of three and nine, then,
Let's make it four and eight;
254 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
You'll say it makes no difference,
At least, not very great.
But only see the consequence,
That's all that need be done,
To change the note of sadness
To unmitigated fun !
It clears off swords and pistols,
Revolvers, bowie knives,
And all the horrid weapons
By which men take their lives.
It wakens better feelings,
And how joyfully is heard
The native notes of gladness
Compressed in that one word.
Yes, four and eight, my friend,
Let that be .yours and mine,
Though all the hosts of evil
Rejoice in three and nine.
Answer: Manslaughter — man's laughter.
RIDDLE BY BISHOP WILBERFORCE
I am a singular piece of mechanism, as all allow.
1. I have a chest,
2. Two lids,
3. Two musical instruments,
4. A number of articles indispensable to a carpenter,
5. Two lofty trees,
6. Two good fish,
7. A number of shell-fish,
8. A fine stag,
9. A number of small animals, swift and shy,
10. Two playful animals,
11. A number of weathercocks,
12. Two established measures,
Catches and Riddles 255
13. Two implements of war,
14. Whips, without handles,
15. The steps of a hotel,
1 6. The sides of a vote,
17. Fine flowers,
18. A fruit,
19. Two scholars,
20. Two places of worship,
21. Ten Spanish noblemen to wait upon me,
22. A way out of difficulty,
23. A poor bed,
24. A desert place,
25. A probable remark of Nebuchadnezzar when
eating grass.
ANSWERS TO BISHOP WILBERFORCE'S RIDDLE
The human body, which has:
1. A chest. 14. Lashes.
2. Two eyelids. 15. Inn-steps.
3. Drums (ear-drums). 16. Ayes and noes.
4. Nails. 17. Tulips.
5. Palms. 1 8. Adam's apple.
6. Soles. 19. Pupils.
7. Muscles. 20. Temples.
8. Hart. 21. Ten-dons.
9. Hares. 22. Cheek.
10. Calves. 23. Pallet.
11. Vanes. 24. Waste.
12. Feet, Hands. 25. "I browse" (eyebrows).
13. Arms.
RIDDLE BY CHARLES JAMES FOX
What is pretty and useful in various ways,
Tho' it tempts some poor mortals to shorten their days;
Take one letter from it, and there will appear
256 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
What youngsters admire every day of the year ;
Take two letters from it, and then without doubt
You are what that is, if you don't find it out ?
ANSWER: Glass, -lass, — ass.
"PUZZLE VERSE" BY DR. WEIR MITCHELL
"A simple go-between am I,
Without a thought of pride;
I part the gathered thoughts of men,
And liberally divide.
I set the soul of Shakespeare free,
To Milton's thoughts give liberty,
Bid Sidney speak with freer speech,
Let Spenser sing and Taylor preach,
Though through all learning Swift I glide
No wisdom doth with me abide."
ANSWER: A paper-cutter.
FLOWER RIDDLES
1. What did the bull do in the old woman's china-
shop ? — Buttercups.
2. What did the man on the ice do to his nose ? — Bluet.
3. What facial characteristics have we all? — Tulips.
4. What do unmarried men lose ? — Bachelor's-buttons.
5. What followed the tax on tea? — Tea-rose.
6. What is a popular girl who can't go to a ball. — A
blue-bell.
7. What's an unpopular one who does go? — A wall-
flower.
8. When you go to buy an alarm clock, what do you
ask for? — Four-o '-clock.
9. What are fire-crackers? — Poppy.
10. What are they mostly connected with? — Cat-
tails.
Catches and Riddles 257
11. A fact which the cat is inclined to what? — Rue,
12. Old-fashioned flowers were planted in what? —
Primrose.
13. When a bashful young man is calling, conversation
is apt to what ? — Flag.
14. What are stage-houses made of? — Shamrock.
15. What is often impressed on little boys? — Lady's
shippers.
STINGS
1. A sting that cures fatigue?
2. A sting that cures hunger?
3. A sting that tidies your room?
4. A sting that cooks your meat?
5. A sting that makes you laugh?
6. A sting that foolish people indulge?
7. A sting that spoils your tools?
8. A sting that browns your bread ?
9. A sting that makes you read a book through?
10. A sting that tries?
1 1 . A sting that adapts ?
12. A sting that shop-keepers dislike?
ANSWERS
1. Resting. 7. Rusting.
2. Feasting. 8. Toasting.
3. Dusting. 9. Interesting.
4. Roasting. 10. Testing.
5. Jesting. ii. Adjusting.
6. Boasting. 12. Trusting.
MISCELLANEOUS RIDDLES
My name declares my date to be
The morning of the world's first year;
Though motherless N as all agree,
258 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
I am a mother, it is clear.
A father, too, without dispute,
And when my son comes, he's a fruit,
And not to puzzle you too much
'Twas I gave Holland to the Dutch?
ANSWER : Adam — a dam — Adam — a damson — a dam.
The highest gift of God to man,
When all his wondrous works we scan;
That which we always lose with sorrow,
And sometimes are compelled to borrow.
The lover's gift, the poet's song;
What art makes short, and nature long.
ANSWER: Hair.
My first some men will gladly take
Entirely for my second's sake;
. But very few, indeed, there are,
Who both together well can bear.
ANSWER: Mis-fortune.
My first is what,
My second is not,
And my whole is a piece of furniture.
ANSWER: What-not.
Unto a certain numeial
One letter add, sad fate!
What first was solitary
You will annihilate.
ANSWER: One — n-one.
In my first, forever flow
Sounds of mirth and sounds of woe;
Catches and Riddles 259
In my second, newly made,
Thousands every day are laid;
In my whole, we never jest,
Prayers are said and sins confessed.
ANSWER: Ear-nest.
My first means company,
My second shuns company,
My third calls company,
My whole entertains company.
ANSWER: A conundrum.
My first is everything,
So is my second,
My third is also.
ANSWER: Also.
My first is private property,
My second is its friend,
My whole we guard with jealous care
And borrow not, nor lend.
ANSWER: Tooth-brush.
An old king of England,
By violence heated,
Endangered the weal of his soul —
To atone for my second,
My first he repeated
Full nine times a day on my whole.
AN s w E R : Ave-r age .
A MUSICAL TEST
QUESTIONS
1 . Where is the earth ?
2. An old man's friend?
260 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
3. What do the weary need?
4. A useful article to a cook ?
5. Found plentifully in most rivers?
6. Part of a fish?
7 . An important part of a letter ?
8. What title is coveted by military men?
9. What do all public speakers do sometimes?
10. Not served in bar-rooms?
1 1 . The most popular style of music with debutantes ?
12. What locks the stable when the horse is gone?
13. The one who guesses the most answers?
ANSWERS
1. In space. 8. Major.
2. Staff. 9. Repeat.
3. Rest. 10. Minors.
4. Measure. n. Hymns.
5. Bars. 12. Key.
6. Scale. 13. Beats.
7. Signature.
BOTANICAL PUZZLE
What may be found in a boat ? Leeks.
On any clock twice in twenty-four hours? Four
o'clock.
About a shepherd? Phlox.
A travelling Israelite? Wandering Jew.
In historical works ? Dates.
A body of water? Bay.
Found on a ship ? A ragged sailor.
In a king's cap ? Prince's feather.
In my watch? Thyme.
At dawn ? Daisy. (Day's eye.)
In the alphabet? L.M. (elm); U. (yew).
Catches and Riddles 261
In a book ? Leaves.
In the water? Currants. (Currents.)
CHANGEFUL ADDITIONS
1. Add 50 to a drink and find a water-bird.
2. Add 50 to an animal and find part of a monk's
costume.
3. Add 50 to a girl's name and find a record.
4. Add 50 to a piece of glass and find part of a
wainscot.
5. Add 50 to an ocean and find an animal.
6. Add 50 to a weapon and find a round vessel.
7. Add 50 to a place of burial and find small stones.
8. Add 50 to a vegetable and find a loud noise.
9. Add 50 to a thicket and find a loose covering.
ANSWERS
1. Tea-1. 4. Pane-1. 7. Grave-1.
2. Cow-1. 5. Sea-1. 8. Pea-1.
3. Anna-1. 6. Bow-1. 9. Shaw-1.
ANAGRAMS
From a box of letters printed on small cardboard
squares, one selects those forming a word or short sen-
tence, to be made into quite a different word by the
players through transposition of letters. It is men-
tioned whether the word, after its metamorphosis, should
result in one, two or more words. For instance, the
words "Best in Prayer" are laid out upon the table to
be transposed into "Presbyterian." "Golden Land"
becomes "Old England." "Flit on Cheering Angel"
is "Florence Nightingale." Another that is probably
known is "I hire Parsons" for "Parishioners," and to
"Use a blunder" is "Undesirable."
262 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
No. i
The following anagrammatic letter will interest those
who enjoy a puzzle.
Rubhendig, Tanscold
Bear jury, Ruth-ten-foe.
MY DEAR ERIN-GLADE:
I send you a letter in a rag-man, knowing that the
house-rats of such learned books as yours will soon come
to an red nuts and gin of my meaning.
I can imagine that no stern action of your good father,
the crymangle, should this early bat of my feelings for
surly foe fall into his hands.
So I will place it upon the / creep safe, where you will
find it when you descend to your quite spntce garden.
Any of his / hire parsons would expect the heaviest
nine thumps which words could inflict, in approaching
the crymangle as the accepted there we sat of his only
aged Ruth.
Please advise me whether to employ a Pliny ate no
tripe, or whether to come myself with what mad policy
I can command.
To-night I shall go to the I roar too. I wish that you
might be with me to hear the new a dry shop performed
by the cart horse. When I return, I shall look for the
light of your nice herald as no moon-starer ever looked
for the light of a new planet. If it is burning, I will
accept it as a sign that I may present myself as a cat
dined for into my arm to your respected Norse cat, so to
call him.
If you do not approve, send me word by great help.
I am much occupied at the Nay I repent it. The stains
crash have excited a spirit of I love ruin among the men.
One of them has been shot. I was his go nurse and
must attend his real fun to-morrow. During his last
Catches and Riddles 263
days he told me that he had acquired the law by the sale
of oil soap, but had wasted it all in trying to crush the
ten tea-pots of different countries. He assured the live
agents who visited him that he belonged to the Best in
Prayer Church, and maintained with his latest the bar
that he had never sympathised with the neat herds of
the doctrine of sin sat on a tin tar tub, but on the con-
trary thought it a Simon Peter in tears.
Two sly ware of my acquaintance tried with their
witty hair mops to obtain control of his effects, but he
left everything to the Sheep at Cairo, who attended him.
I have a ring of thy mates which is of somewhat neat
leg design, which I consider one hug.
Love Teddy,
For an end.
No. 2
FLOWER ANAGRAMS
In each sentence find the name of a flower by trans-
posing the letters.
1. Love it. 7. In a grade.
2. Thy china. 8. One lucky she.
3. Get me no tin. 9. A wee pest.
4. Tears. 10. Chant mus rhyme.
5. List came. n. Me in a rug.
6. One name. 12. Untie Pa.
No. 3
ANAGRAM— FAMOUS WOMEN
Each sentence contains the name of a woman known
to fame in the past.
1. A rusty tram. 4. Clatter, hoary cod.
2. Net a frill, going hence. 5. An oar of J. C.
3. I never quit a Co. 6. To hash capon.
7. Miss Marie.
264 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
No 4
ANIMAL CONTORTIONS
1. Shore. n. Talligora.
2. Soon gome. 12. Hungry Doe.
3. Tassy cup. 13. Present.
4. Areb. 14. Fullborg.
5. Kendoy. 15. Kacopec.
6. Sinob. 16. Gip.
7. Kats Rum. 17. Obar.
8. Chowdouck. 18. Act.
9. Padrole. 19. Somue.
10. Allam. 20. Somsoup.
These hieroglyphics are written upon cards, to which
small pencils are attached, with space between the words
in which to write the name of each animal, the letters
of which have been so transposed as to offer a problem.
No. i
KEY TO ANAGRAM LETTER
Edinburgh, Scotland, February fourteenth. Geraldine
anagram, authoress, understanding, consternation, cler-
gyman, betrayal, yourself, fire-escape, picturesque,
parishioners, punishment, clergyman, sweetheart, daugh-
ter, plenipotentiary, diplomacy, oratorio, rhapsody,
chandelier, astronomer, candidate, matrimony, ancestor,
telegraph, penitentiary, anarchists, revolution, surgeon,
funeral, wealth, sapolio, potentates, evangelist, Presby-
terian, breath, adherents, transubstantiation, misrepre-
sentation, lawyers, aphorisms, apothecaries, amethyst,
elegant, enough. Devotedly, Fernando.
No. 2
KEY TO FLOWER ANAGRAMS
1. Violet. 7. Gardenia.
2. Hyacinth. 8. Honeysuckle.
Catches and Riddles
265
3. Mignonette. 9.
4. Aster. 10.
5. Clematis. n
6. Anemone. 12.
No. 3
KEY TO FAMOUS WOMEN ANAGRAMS
i. Mary Stuart. , 4. Charlotte Cord ay.
Sweet-Pea.
Chrysanthemum.
Geranium.
Petunia.
2.
Florence Nightingale.
3. Queen Victoria.
5 . Joan of Arc.
6. Pocahontas.
Semiramis.
No. 4
KEY TO ANIMAL CONTORTIONS
1. Horse.
2. Mongoose.
3. Pussy-cat.
4. Bear.
5. Donkey.
6. Bison.
7. Muskrat.
8. Woodchuck.
9. Leopard.
10. Llama.
11. Alligator.
12. Greyhound.
13. Serpent.
14. Bullfrog.
1 5 . Peacock.
16. Pig.
17. Boar.
1 8. Cat.
19. Mouse.
20. OpossurD
CHAPTER XII
Fortune Telling
THE WHEEL OP FORTUNE
THIS form of unveiling the mysteries of the future
would be appropriate for a valentine party, or
one given to announce an engagement, or in
honour of the approaching nuptials of a young woman
who wishes to entertain her bridal attendants in some
way suggestive of the same kind of happiness in which
she is presumably revelling.
After dinner, or whenever the guests are ushered into
the room where their fortunes are to be put to the test,
they should find lying upon a round table a wheel three
feet in diameter that, at a touch, revolves on a pivot. It
is cut from heavy pasteboard, and its entire surface
covered with pink paper roses. Upon one of the spokes,
a gilded arrow is fastened, pointing outward.
A number of cards must have been previously prepared
with fortunes, characters, etc., written upon them, four
for each guest if but few are bidden, two or three if a
numerous party be expected.
These cards are dealt in a circle around the wheel,
blank side uppermost, placed either on the table or the
floor by the person who is to unveil the future and learn
his or her fortune by setting the wheel in motion by a
vigorous whirl. When it has ceased its revolutions, the
arrow will point to a card which records the answer.
266
Fortune Telling 267
The first question should have reference to the future
art, profession, or business of the inquirer — to what he
or she will owe success. For this, a separate set of cards
is prepared. Upon one is fixed a tiny thimble, on the
others a ring, a button, a dime, a butterfly, a laurel
wreath (sketched or painted), a pill-box, a pen, a legal-
looking document tied with red tape, a paint-brush, a
booklet marked "sermons," a "folly" bell, a marble (to
typify a rolling stone), which may be enclosed in a bit
of tarletan pasted to the card.
If the symbol be inappropriate to the sex of the
questioner, it may be assumed as belonging to his or
her future mate.
The third set of cards will reveal the character of the
one who sets the wheel of fate in motion.
One may read:
"Gay without folly, good without pretense,
You have that rarest virtue — common sense."
Another :
"A man he seems of pleasant yesterdays and confident
to-morrows."
A third, perhaps, will be flattered by:
"Framed in the prodigality of nature."
Many a man would like this to be regarded as applicable
to him:
"He would not flatter Neptune for his trident,
Or Jove for his power to thunder."
A young woman will be pleased with:
"To know her is to love her
And love but her forever ! "
A good one will like :
"She hath a daily beauty in her life —
A tear for pity and a hand
Open as day for melting charity."
268 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
And a pretty one, this:
"There's nothing ill can dwell in such a temple."
Suckling's line may apply to many a maiden :
"She is pretty to walk with,
And witty to talk with,
And pleasant, too, to think on."
The answers are more graceful when given in the shape
of quotations from noted authors.
Especially are the poets rich in suggestion for the
third set of cards, which has to deal with love and
marriage. Bartlett's "Familiar Quotations" will be
found helpful.
What man would not be glad of the following pleasant
picture of his future wife :
"Whoe'er she be,
That not impossible she
That shall command thy heart and thee,
A happy soul, that all the way
To heaven, hath a summer's day."
Another may read and make of this what he please1
"Still an angel appear to each lover beside,
She'll still be a woman to you."
The following may apply to the inquirer of destiny
or the one whom he is dreaming of:
"Her tongue will not obey her heart."
These promise serene happiness as a portion:
"The soul's calm sunshine and the heart-felt joy."
"Fireside happiness and hours of ease,
Blest with that charm — the certainty to please.**
"A guardian angel o'er his life presiding,
Doubling his pleasures and his cares dividing/*
This has a consolatory suggestion:
"Know this the truth — enough for man to know —
Virtue alone is happiness below."
Fortune Telling 269
If a fourth set of cards is needed, descriptions of the
future mates will interest the questioners — and add
to the fun. Upon each card should be written some
descriptive adjective: Tall, lank, fat, pretty, plain,
dark, blonde, thin, stupid, charming, adorable, beautiful,
aristocratic, fascinating, etc.
The interest is more sustained if each person suc-
cessively has a turn at the wheel — and reads his or her
card aloud. Or, if very flattering, it may be passed to
the hostess to be made public.
TEA-CUP LORE
Any amount of harmless fun and merriment may be
had by telling fortunes by the grounds in the tea-cup.
Given a little imagination, figures, initials — all sorts of
indications may be seen. After the tea has been
drunk — leaving but a few drops to "carry the grounds"
— the inquirer must make a wish, repeating it in mind
three times, after which the tea-cup must be whirled
around vigorously to throw the grounds as much as
possible into the upper part of the cup. This must be
done three times from left to right, when the cup is
turned over into the saucer to "settle the affairs of the
future," given three turns again from left to right and
then handed to the fortune-teller, without looking into
the cup one's self, or else, so the oracle says, the spell
will be broken.
The prophet or prophetess then picks it up and begins
reading from the bottom of the cup (the past), and
then around spiral fashion until the top (present or
near future) is reached; or three cups may be used —
one for the past, the second for the present, the third
for the future.
.4 man is indicated by a long, hard leaf, with
270 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
something that suggests a hat or cane, or legs that
fork.
A woman by a light-coloured leaf that spreads to
indicate a gown, or with something atop that may
be imagined to represent a woman's headgear.
A figure in kneeling posture denotes an offer of marriage,
either made or received. Groups of dots near means
acceptance. If these are absent, the suit will be re-
jected.
One figure alone, surrounded by a group of grounds,
promises a lover or sweetheart.
A figure alone, with no grounds near, means single
blessedness at the time indicated by its position in th^
cup.
A heart promises a love affair and much pleasure.
Two hearts, a marriage.
Two figures near together, with no grounds very near,
means an engagement.
Three figures together is the sign of a speedy marriage.
A love letter is indicated by four dots forming a square.
If near the top, it will be received in a short time. An
extra dot within the square, or just outside, means good
news; many small specks about it, bad news.
Three dots in a group promises the granting of your
wish, as does a triangle.
A number of tea-leaves, short and tall, means a company
of great and small.
Crosses, adversity.
A ring, a happy marriage.
Dots in form of a parallelogram, sickness or bad news.
Fine dots reaching in a long line, a journey. Many
dots clustered about the end of the line means many
new friends and pleasures.
An anchor, if at the bottom of the cup, means success:
Fortune Telling 271
at the top, love; in the middle, constancy. If sur-
rounded by "clouds," the course of true love will not
run smooth.
A star, if not surrounded by "clouds," means happi-
ness; if circled by dots, long life.
Mountain, favour of persons of high position, social
success. If clouded on its summit, ill-success in society.
Serpent, an enemy. If near the top of the cup, you
will be successful, and, finally, turn him or her into a
friend. If near the bottom and clouded around, the
enmity will cause you sorrow.
Fish, lucky news from over seas. If clouds are near,
the reverse.
Seven dots in a row, great prosperity.
A straight line, if surrounded by many grounds, fore-
tells an illness.
Wavy lines, if circled by dots, money; if cloudy,
reverses of furtune, either past or to come — according
to their position in the cup, near the bottom or top.
Tears are indicated by drops at the bottom of the
cup, or by many thick dots there.
A succession of large dots in a line foretells difficulties
to be overcome. Many fine dots among them, un-
friendliness will be superadded.
A leaf folded over the rim promises something un-
pleasant.
// the rim of the cup is clear a happy future is assured.
The following jingle is always quoted as a good
condensation of the subject. It is a translation of an
old Chinese "chia" (tea) song, for the "science" is very
ancient :
"One leaf alone, alone you'll be;
Two together, the priest you'll see.
Three in groups, your wish you'll gain;
272 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Four, a letter from loving swain.
Five, good news the letter 11 bring;
Six in a row, a song you'll sing.
Seven together, great fortune waits
For you, so say the Tea-Cup Fates.
Tea-leaves short and tea-leaves tall
Bring you company great and small.
Tea-leaves many and dotted fine
Are, of bad luck, the surest sign.
Tea-leaves few and clean the rim,
Your cup with joy o'erflows the brim."
PALMISTRY
An amateur may give much pleasure and entertain-
ment to friends by a little knowledge of the science of
palmistry, and few accomplishments make one more
popular than proficiency in that which purports to read
character and forecast the future — even while one has
little belief in it and has recourse to it ''just for fun."
Every one's hand being different, and every line and
elevation having its peculiar significance, variety adds
its spice to the interest. Begin your "stance" with the
grave statement that "Nature makes no mistakes, and
every one carries his fortune in his hand."
The hands should be stretched out for inspection
without resting upon anything.
The lines and mounts in the left hand are those formed
by the acts of our parents and ancestors — the char-
acter with which we were born. The right hand reveals
what we have made of ourselves, how indulged, curbed
or cured inherited tendencies — which also implies that
we may yet do much. Our hands are written up to
date, but they do not seal the destiny. The will is
free.
Fortune Telling
273
The next claim is that one's future and one's fortune
are indicated in the hand. "Show me thy hand and I'll
show thee thy life." Shakespeare's universal genius
1eaves little untouched.
A hand too slim, narrow, and feeble indicates a weak
character — instincts without capacity. If pliant and
in good proportion there will be to its owner an appre-
ciation of all the pleasures of life. If unduly thick or
hard, it is the evidence of instincts of an unthinking
animalism.
JOINTS
or
ORDER
274 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
TYPES OF HANDS
There are no two hands just alike, but they resemble
each other sufficiently to be divisible into seven principle
types — of which there are many varieties.
The Elementary Hand. — This hand is the lowest type
— on the borderland between brute and man. The
hand is short, thick-set and clumsy; the thumb also
short, barely reaching the base of the index-finger.
There are very few lines upon it. People with such
hands are found in occupations requiring only un-
skilled labour. Such have little self-control, and often
are the victims of violent tempers.
The Square Hand. — This hand may be depended upon.
It belongs to those who are practical, conscientious,
upright, and honest. They respect law and order, are
methodical, punctual, trustworthy. They are natural
leaders, executive, enterprising, courageous in emergency.
They make good and true friends, loyal and constant.
They have boldness to undertake difficult tasks, are not
quarrelsome, but very determined in their own views.
This is the hand of a thorough business man, successful
lawyer or statesman. The square hand is so called
because the palm is square at the wrist, square at the
base of the fingers, and with the fingers themselves
square. It is sometimes called the useful hand. Their
owners have little originality, imagination, or ideality.
Their chief fault is that they are too material.
The Artistic Hand. — The fingers, bulky at the third
phalange, taper thence to the extremity. The thumb
is small, the palm well developed.
Those who have this hand care more for form than
substance, for what pleases than for what feeds. They
love beauty — are fond of leisure, novelty, and liberty,
are ardent, humble, yet vain. They have more dash
Fortune Telling 275
than force; more sentiment than thought; are impulsive,
enthusiastic, impatient of routine and monotony. They
are lovers of colour, music, poetry, luxury ; open-handed,
light-hearted, liberal-minded. They are magnetic and
hospitable. They make friends quickly, but are some-
what fickle — are mercurial, gay one moment, moody
the next — given to gloomy forebodings.
This has also been called the conic hand, and the
"hand of impulse." People with such hands are
excellent conversationalists, they grasp the drift of a
subject quickly, but it must be confessed that they are
more or less superficial.
Women with such hands love admiration. They
must love very deeply before one can be certain of the
constancy of their affection.
People with this type of hand are quick tempered,
but the mood soon passes. They are generous, sym-
pathetic, but to a certain extent selfish where their own
personal comfort is concerned.
The Spatuled Hand. — The name of this hand is taken
from the instrument that a chemist uses in mixing his
preparations — the fingers flat and bulging round at the
end.
This hand has confidence in itself. To it belongs the
sense of tangible things, an instinctive knowledge of the
real, the practical, a genius for calculation, applied
sciences, mechanical arts.
Those having this type of hand are unassuming,
persistent, and most happy when engaged in real active
work. They are logical, full of energy, purposeful,
moral rather than religious. They are self-reliant,
utilitarian, and appreciate wealth rather than luxury.
They love horses, dogs, hunting, sailing, war, agri-
culture, commerce, bodily exercises. Those who hav«
276 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
smooth fingers ending in a spatule proceed by instinct,
intuition, passion. Those with knotty fingers terminat-
ing in the same way advance to their conclusions by
calculation, reason, deduction.
The smooth fingers will be dexterous. Those with
spatuled hands have nerves that move in harmony
with a sanguine temperament and muscles respondent
to an iron will.
The palm itself is spatulated, sometimes broad at
the base of the fingers, tapering back to the wrist, or
very broad at the wrist, sloping towards the base of the
fingers. The first is the more practical of the two.
The Philosophic Hand. — This is the most easily
recognised of all, being long, angular, with bony fingers
and developed joints. People possessing such hands
have a marked personality, more or less peculiar.
They are unselfish, self-denying. Their motto is,
"Plain living, high thinking." Their success lies more
in literature, metaphysics, and scientific research than
in accumulating wealth. When they have it, they use
it largely for others. They are silent, secretive, rather,
proud of being different from others.
The developed joints show the love of analysis. The
fingers may be square, pointed, or spatuled — which will
influence the action and ideas of the person, by their
peculiarities.
The Psychic Hand. — This is of all types the most
beautiful and the rarest — rare, because our modern
civilisation does not encourage the reproduction of the
temperament of which it is the index.
The owners of these hands are the idealists, essentially
religious, contemplative, and poetical. These are the
dreamers of dreams and the seers of visions. They are
little adapted to fight their way in the world — but the
Fortune Telling 277
world without them would probably have become
grossly material. These are the soulful ones.
Mixed Hands. — This name is given to the hand whose
undecided character seems to belong to two or more
types. The intelligence represented by a mixed hand
attaches to each of the types which its form recalls.
When type meets type of an antagonistic kind, the
effect is a modification of both.
A mixture of types denotes versatility, but a person
changeable, uncertain in the use of his talents. If a
strong head-line rule the hand, there will be a chance of
success — but the mixed hand usually belongs to a
talented dilletante.
THE PALM
Those with soft palms are emotional, demonstrative
in affection — they love deeply, but are less constant
than others. They are inclined to laziness, ease, and
luxury.
Those with firm palms are energetic, active ; they have
great powers of endurance, and plenty of vitality.
Persons with very hard palms are apt to be un-
sympathetic, sometimes cruel.
A well-developed palm, taken with other signs not
contradicting, denotes success.
A hollow palm shows delicate health.
A slim, narrow, feeble palm indicates instincts without
capacity.
The hard, wrinkled hand, which is stretched out with
difficulty, indicates intractability, a mind without
pliancy, unelastic.
To keep the hands always closed denotes secretiveness
— often untruthfulness. It is said that the person who
tells a lie usually closes the hand while doing it.
The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The habit of holding the thumb concealed in the
other fingers indicates a covetous and sordid dispo-
sition.
THE FINGERS
There are four principal types of fingers : the square,
the spatuled, the conic, and the pointed. The various
shapes are indicated in the design.
Fingers with knotty joints indicate good taste and
inclination to be orderly. If the upper joint is large, it
denotes administrative ability, a philosophic, reflective
disposition, love of harmony. If both joints are large
on all the fingers, and the hand well formed, the actions
will be guided by reason. Scientific analysis will be
enjoyed.
Smooth-fingered people are impulsive, careless in many
things. Such fingers are the evidence of artistic tenden-
cies, love of poetry, music. They have often creative
genius. They proceed by intuition rather than reason;
by sentiment rather than knowledge.
Long fingers belong to those who are painstaking,
regardful of minutiae, capable of good work, easily
sympathetic. They worry over trifles.
Short fingers show quickness in thought and action —
in those who have them — but such persons jump at
conclusions, are careless of appearances, apt to lack tact,
restless, and easily discouraged.
Thick fingers at the base denote love of ease and
luxury, pleasure-loving disposition, indisposed to ex-
ertion.
Conic, or taper fingers are evidence of artistic instincts,
love of the beautiful.
Very long and pointed fingers denote religious zeal
and indifference to worldly interests.
// the forefinger (Jupiter) is short on both hands, it is
Fortune Telling 279
the evidence of a cheerful disposition. If long, of
vanity. Of medium size, a love of ruling.
The second finger (Saturn), if long, denotes a morbid
nature; if medium, a well-balanced mind.
Third finger (The Sun), if short, a mercenary nature
is betrayed; medium, love of admiration; if long, specu-
lative temperament.
Fourth finger (Mercury), if short, shows quick per-
ception ; if long, great powers of expression ; if medium,
a progressive, energetic nature.
Fingers rising straight upward show a well-developed,
well-balanced mind, good character, and promise suc-
cess.
Twisted, crooked fingers are evidences of a hysterical
nature.
// the fingers turn towards the thumb a morbid disposi-
tion is indicated.
// the fingers bend towards the little finger (Mercury)
a love of art and romance is shown.
If much space is shown between Jupiter and Saturn,
independence of thought is proved. If between Saturn
and the Sun, an easy-going disposition is revealed. If
between the Sun and Mercury, it is an indication of
independence of action.
Large spaces between the fingers when the hand is
fully opened betray great interest in other people's
affairs.
Close together, conventionality.
THE PHALANGES
Every hand has fourteen phalanges, of which each
finger has three and the thumb but two.
The first or nailed phalange is the tip; the third, the
one that joins the palm. In the thumb, the second
joins the palm.
280 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The nailed phalange of all four fingers represents the
moral and spiritual qualities.
The second has to do with mental traits and capacities,
natural and acquired.
The third, with physical, material instinct, and
development.
The index finger has been named for Jupiter, the
next for Saturn, the third for Apollo, or the Sun, and
the little finger for Mercury. The thumb is so important
that we will consider it separately.
Jupiter's first phalange, if long, shows superstition;
a long second phalange shows ambition ; the third, thirst
for power.
Saturn's first phalange, if long, denotes melancholy;
the second, love of country; the third, economy.
The Sun's first phalange, if long, shows love of art;
if short, love of show; medium, intellectual art.
Mercury's first phalange, if long, is the evidence of
oratorical powers; if the second is long, it shows business
capacity; if the third is long, scheming power is
denoted.
The first knot, called the philosophic, forms the
boundary, say the chiromants, between the divine
world and the moral.
The first phalange receives, as it were, light inspiration.
The second joint challenges, examines, discusses, then
exacts proof, and in turn forms the boundary between
the realms of reason and of matter. Matter accepts
the laws of reason on condition that they be profitable.
The knots modify each class of hand, whether the
fingers be pointed, square, or spatuled.
THE THUMB
The thumb is the king of the hand. A celebrated
author says: "The man is in the thumb"; for it is, of
Fortune Telling 281
all the hand, considered by chiromancy as the best
index to character.
It symbolises the will — the inner or moral sense that
we oppose to our inclinations and to the allurements
of our instinct and senses. Very young infants keep
their hands shut with the fingers above the thumb, but
as the mind develops the thumb shuts over the fingers.
In the Roman circus, if the thumbs were raised, the
prostrate gladiator received his life; if they were re-
versed, his death was decided.
According to the form, size, and general appearance
of the thumb, the weight of the mental and physical
strength is measured; and, above all, the degree of
will-power and self-control.
The first phalange of the thumb — that which has the
nail — represents the will, invention, initiation.
The second is the sign of logic, of perception, judg-
ment, reason.
The mount at the inner base of the thumb (say the
chiromants, who have given to it the name of the
mount of Venus) , the greater or less power of the senses
— particularly that 'of love. Three worlds are repre-
sented— spiritual, mental, physical.
If the first phalange of the thumb be longer than the
second one, the will power and ideas will be little affected
by others, aggressive, executive, self-reliant. If the
second phalange is long and well formed, it shows good
reasoning powers. If of equal length, well balanced
nature, self-control.
People with small thumbs are governed by the heart ;
are more at ease in an atmosphere of sentiment than
in one of thought — are idealists.
People with large thumbs are governed by the
head, and breathe more freely in an atmosphere
282 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
of thought than of sentiment ; they see with the eye of
reflection.
Those with very small thumbs lack decision, are
swayed by their inclinations, impressionable, sensuous.
Those with very large thumbs are overbearing.
Their principles are their laws, but they are inclined to
despotism. They are true, but they lack grace; are
strong, but not pleasing.
It is easier for the great thumbs to outstep the limits
of their nature than for the small.
A firm- jointed thumb shows more will and determina-
tion thai? a bendable, supple- jointed kind with large,
full nail phalange — it shows obstinacy. Supple joints
denote pliant natures. The supple joint on the nail
phalange shows adaptability to people; that of the
second phalange adaptability to circumstances.
The first is marked by generosity, extravagance — the
person is more easily swindled than one with a supple
second joint.
The more obtuse the angle made by the thumb, the
more independence of will and action is shown. If the
thumb lie off from the hand or stand at right angles,
the subject is too independent and hard to manage.
No two thumbs were ever alike, and the markings do
not change from infancy to old age.
Criminals have been identified from impressions that
had been taken from the fleshy part of the thumb, when
pressed upon paper, smoked or slightly greased. Mark
Twain's story of "Pudd'nhead Wilson" turns upon
this peculiarity.
THE NAILS
The nails are divided into four classes — long, short,
broad, and narrow.
Fortune Telling 283
Long vails do not indicate physical strength;
rather, threatening delicacy of the chest. Bluish at the
base show bad circulation. Persons with long nails are
more impressionable, gentler in temper, less critical,
than short ones, but they are inclined to be visionary
and to shirk what is distasteful.
Short Nails. — People with short nails are more inclined
to suffer from heart trouble. Spots all over them show
a weak, nervous system. Those with short nails are
critical, analytical, and practical. Nails short from
biting show a nervous system somewhat impaired.
Broad nails indicate a rather quarrelsome disposition.
Narrow nails show spinal weakness, particularly if
curved.
Pink, well-formed nails are an indication of a refined
nature.
Long and Fluted. — They reveal weak lungs.
Short and Ugly. — Pugnacity.
THE MOUNTS
There are seven planets or stars that are supposed to
have an influence on the destiny of man ; so also each has
its significant position on the hand.
At the root or base of the fingers and thumb are cer-
tain elevations called "mounts," each of which corre-
sponds to a planet from which it is supposed to receive
favourable or unfavourable influence.
These influences are:
Jupiter. — Noble ambition or foolish pride.
Saturn. — Good or bad fortune.
Apollo or the Sun. — Love of art or of riches.
Mercury. — Cunning, or activity, industry, prompti-
tude.
Mars. — Self-government or cruelty.
284 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Luna, or the Moon. — Imagination or folly.
Venus. — Love or dissipation.
The mount of Jupiter is found under the index finger
— that which orders, threatens, points. Jupiter's mount,
if prominent, gives fervid religion, noble ambition, love
of nature, honour, gaiety. In excess, he gives supersti-
tion, love of pomp and power for itself, a desire to shine.
If little prominent or depressed, it is the evidence of
indolence, irreligion, egotism, want of dignity.
Saturn's mount is found under the middle finger.
Saturn is fate. Time is charged to execute the work of
the Parcae. When his mount is large, he gives prudence,
wisdom, success. In excess, he gives sadness, asceticism,
remorse, morbid feelings. If the mount is low, he gives
an insignificant life.
The Sun or Apollo:
The mount of the Sun is found under the third finger.
If it is prominent, he gives a taste for arts, genius, suc-
cess, glory, hope, the grace which charms, riches. In
excess, he gives love of gold, celebrity at any cost, pride,
haughtiness, levity, boastfulness. If the mount be low
or depressed, carelessness of beauty and art is shown,
low aims, monotonous life, like a day without the sun.
Mercury's mount is under the little finger. Mercury
gives to his favourites science, invention, eloquence,
love of labour, activity in thought and action. In
excess — pretentious ignorance, untruthfulness, cunning.
The absence of this mount shows inaptitude for com-
merce or science, a useless life.
Mars has two mounts. The first is beneath the
mount of Jupiter inside the life-line. This gives active
courage, presence of mind in danger. In excess — a
quarrelsome, aggressive spirit. The second mount of
Mars is found beneath the mount of Mercury. It
Fortune Telling 285
denotes moral courage, self-control. When undevel-
oped, a worrying, childish, apprehensive nature.
Luna's mount is found under that of Mars, which
thus terminates the palm of the hand opposite to the
root of the thumb.
Luna gives imagination, love of mystery, solitude,
silence, harmony in music, poetry, aspirations, medita-
tion, dreams. In excess, she gives caprice, discontent,
restlessness, presentiments, superstition. Its absence
shows barrenness of thought, mental weakness.
Venus. — The mount of Venus is found at the base of
the thumb. If well developed, it indicates sympathy,
the love of pleasing; it gives grace, beauty, the desire
of being loved, benevolence to all, charity, tenderness,
charm. If the mount is depressed, it shows the want
of these qualities. Its excess is coquetry, vanity, light-
mindedness, inconstancy, debauchery. The most
prominent mount is the keynote to the person's char-
acter.
The Marks. — The following is the interpretation of a
famous Roumanian palmist, of the marks on the hand:
On the mount of Jupiter:
/ (one line) means Success. *•
= (two lines) Disappointment.
X (cross) A happy marriage^
* (star) Ambitious love.
O (circle) Great success.
O (island) Disappointed ambition.
A (triangle) Political honour.
n (square) Safety.
• (spot) Misfortune.
On the mount of Saturn:
/ Happy old age.
286 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
= Trouble.
X Charlatanry.
* Threatening fatality.
O Rapid progress.
O Sad experiences.
A Occult powers.
D Safety in danger.
* Evil influences.
On the mount of the Sun:
/ Success and honour.
= Many business transactions.
X Failure in art.
* Great achievements.
O Glorious life.
O Failure through inconstancy.
D Protection against failure.
* Retreat from society.
On the mount of Mercury:
/ Financial success.
= Success in science.
X Tendency to kleptomania.
* Dishonest nature.
O Death by water.
O Too restless to succeed.
A Diplomacy.
* Failure in investments.
On the mount of Mars under Mercury:
/ Aggressive courage.
= Violent temper.
X Quarrelsome disposition.
* Bodily danger.
Fortune Telling 287
O Disaster of some sort.
O Cowardly nature.
A Great military tactics.
D Military or other promotion.
O Danger of wounds.
Mars under Jupiter:
Many lines indicate worry and opposition.
On the mount of Luna:
/ Strange presentiments.
= Self-torturings.
X Deceptive nature.
* Dangerous journey.
O Inclination to suicide.
O Mental weakness.
A Calculating nature.
n Well-balanced imagination.
• Diseased nervous system.
On the mount of Venus :
/ A love affair.
= An over-affectionate nature.
X Unhappy love affair.
* Misfortune through love.
O Too susceptible.
O Lightly loved.
A Unfortunate marriage.
a Tender troubles.
• Deserted in love.
The Grille ^ is often seen. It indicates an uncer-
tainty in the character of the subject that militates
against the success of the qualities shown by the mount
on which it appears.
288 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
THE LINES
Nature's hieroglyphics on the hand are claimed by
chiromancy to be a forecast of the future of its owner.
The most important line in the hand is the life-line,
which surrounds the mount of Venus, at the base of
the thumb. Clearly defined and well coloured, with
rays crossing it, it indicates a happy, prosperous life.
The shorter the line, the shorter the life; a break in it
means an illness. A full-length line reaching to the
wrist promises a very long life. The reckoning of years
is made toward the wrist. The ancient cabalists divided
the line into seven or ten sections, each representing ten
years of existence, and they thus indicated at what
epoch would happen the incidents of life; diseases, death,
by examining in what section the predicting signs were
placed.
When the life-line, instead of setting out at the
extreme edge of the hand, begins under Jupiter's mount
or sends out branches towards it, ambition is signified.
If cut by many little lines, many diseases are indi-
cated.
When it is not joined by the head-line, or a large space
lies between the two, it reveals in the subject folly, envy,
or falsehood. When these are interwoven, the person
is easily discouraged.
When separated from the head-line by a broad, empty
space, and when the lines are wide and red, it is a sign of
cruelty, vanity, inordinate love of money. A medium
space is best.
The wrinkles on the life-line are maladies. If the line
is double along its entire length, it promises great pros-
perity and enjoyment of life.
Branches from the life-line passing through the plain
Fortune Telling 289
of Mars to the mount of Luna mean travel, change. A
branch leading to Jupiter denotes increase of power,
some position of authority. A good, long line leading to
Mercury promises a marriage. Twisted or with an
island — that is, a space enclosed by lines — it foreshadows
divorce.
Branches leading to other mounts take significance
from those upon which they end. One leading from
the life-line to Saturn is important if there is no other
fate-line in the palm. One to the Sun promises success
and glory. Lines that rise to Saturn (favourable) and
those that come from Saturn to the life-line (unfavour-
able) are distinguished by the fact that they are heavier
at the starting-place. Many lines running parallel to
the life-line denote a nature very dependent upon
affection, betray extreme caution, sensitiveness, and
little self-confidence.
The Line of the Heart. — This line is placed horizontally
at the top of the palm, and runs along the bases of the
mounts. It may begin at the mount of Jupiter, or at
Saturn, or between the two.
Rising from the centre of Jupiter, it shows capacity
for the highest type of love — the worship of the heart's
ideal — proud of its object.
The farther the line of heart goes up through Jupiter
to the base of the finger, the more jealous the nature will
be, and the more exacting.
The line starting from the mount of Saturn denotes
a more sensual and a more selfish love, though it may
be strong.
The heart-line rising between the first and second
fingers goes with a calmer temperament in matters of the
heart, but the devotion is very deep and strong. Pride
is less prominent than in those whose heart-line begins
2QQ The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
at Jupiter. They can forgive all faults, restore their
idol if it fall, and go on worshiping as before. This is
more often found on women's hands than on men's.
The line of heart, marked by many little lines crossing
or running into it, denotes inconstancy, many flirtations.
When the line is bright red, it shows an ardent tem-
perament.
When pale and broad, an indifferent one.
When very thin, the person is cold, with little capacity
for affection.
When the line is broken, it tells of disappointments in
love.
When full of islands, the love is unfortunate.
When a line is broken, it is fatal only when repeated
in the other hand. One alone cannot indicate a catas-
trophe.
The Line of Fate. — This line may begin at the wrist,
the line of life, the centre of the palm, or from the
mount of Luna.
The line of fate relates chiefly to worldly affairs —
success, failure, to the people that influence one's career.
When it sets out from the wrist and rises in a straight
line to the mount of Saturn, it is luxuriant good fortune
and great success. If the line cuts the root of the mid-
dle finger, it is a great destiny, good or evil. When the
line begins at the life-line, it shows that one will work
his way to success without help from others. Starting
from the centre of the palm and running to Saturn, it
promises good luck, but an uneventful life. Running
into the finger itself indicates success, but also of matter
going beyond one's control.
Starting from the mount of Luna, one's success may
depend upon the opinions of others, and the caprices of
others will influence one's destiny.
Fortune Telling 291
When the line stops at that of the head, it denotes
that the judgment is at fault and will influence one's
career. When stopped at the heart-line, the career will
be ruined through the affections.
Twisted, it denotes ill-luck.
An island in the line indicates some scandal.
A break in the line means losses or misfortunes.
There are people who have no line of destiny — it is a
sign of a life of insignificance. The Esquimaux generally
lack this line, from their vegetative existence.
If the line of fate should go or send branches to any
mount other than that of Saturn, it promises success in
the qualities of that mount.
A straight line, coloured at the end, promises a happy
old age.
If the line is straight and full of branches which rise
high up, it is passing from poverty to riches.
Bright-coloured lines betray quick temper and ardent
natures. Very few lines coming outward denote a
nature very self-contained.
The Head-Line. — The line of the head relates to the
mentality of the subject, the intellectual development,
and the diseases that may affect the brain.
It may rise from three points — from the mount of
Jupiter, the line of life, or from the mount of Mars, just
inside the life-line, and it crosses the palm. A long line
rising from Jupiter indicates great brain-power, especially
if near the life-line. Separated from it, a loss of capacity
and balance is shown.
A head-line rising on the mount of Mars indicates a
worrying nature, irritable, and quarrelsome.
When the line of head is straight, clear, and even it
denotes practical common sense and a love for material
things more than the imaginative.
292 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
When straight in the first half and then slightly slop-
ing, it shows a level head, a well-balanced nature. When
it has a long, gentle slope, the general tendencies are
imaginative, and the line shows a love of art, music,
etc.
When very sloping — on the mount of Luna — it de-
notes intense idealism, love of the romantic, mysticism,
etc. When the head-line is so high on the palm that
it leaves a very narrow space between it and the heart-
line, it denotes that the head will rule the heart. ! If a
branch from it rises upward and joins the heart-
line, some great affection or fascination will rule the
subject.
Islands betray a poor memory.
A double head-line shows great versatility. Bifur-
cated at the end near Luna's mount, it indicates self-
deception.
A deep, well-formed, good-coloured line shows a good
memory.
A line, twisted or ill-formed, curving on the mount of
Luna, indicates worrying timidity, morbid imagina-
tion.
A head-line far apart from the life-line shows rashness ;
very closely connected, lack of self-confidence.
A line chained or linked indicates want of intelligence.
If it goes to the side of certain mounts, the idea turns
towards the qualities inspired by those mounts. If
toward Mercury, it is commerce; if toward the Sun, it is
power, celebrity, or riches.
The Line of the Sun. — This has been variously called
the line of Apollo, of success, of fortune. It is found
ascending to the third finger. This line promises a life
full of brightness, glory, success, if not contradicted by
little or no fate-line or a bad head-line, in which case it
Fortune Telling 293
denotes a nature longing for such things without power
of expression.
If it rise from the line of life and the rest of the hand
is artistic, it means success in an artistic career. Rising
from the fate-line, it increases whatever is promised by
that line — great distinction if the line be clear.
When it runs from the wrist straight up to the third
finger, it indicates exceptional success in any career.
If the line runs from Luna up to the third finger, it
means an eventful life — full of changes — and the subject
of a changeable disposition, dependent, too, upon the
fortunes of others and their caprices.
Rising from the plain of Mars, it denotes success after
great difficulties, or a fighting chance.
Parallel to a good fate-line, it is the promise of the
acquisition of wealth.
The absence of the line indicates that the recognition
of the world will be hard to gain.
If the line of the Sun goes to Saturn, it denotes sorrow.
The Health-Line. — This line runs from the mount of
Mercury down the hand.
The less of this line, the better. When absent, the
constitution is stronger. The heavier the line, the more
the nervous system is impaired.
When the line of life and the health-line meet, there
will be probability of death when that meeting-place
occurs.
When the line is red and heavy, it shows tendency to
fever.
When forked or broken, bad digestion.
Lines of Marriage. — Long, horizontal lines on the side
of the mount of Mercury relate to marriages; shorter
ones to love affairs.
One long, deep, well-formed line foretells a happy
294 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
marriage. A line dropping low down in the palm sig-
nifies that the person will lose his or her life-companion.
When the line curves upward the subject is not likely
to marry at all.
When little hair-lines drop from it toward the heart-
line, it tells of trouble and worry in marriage.
A strong line joining the line of Fate predicts the
date of the marriage.
When the line of marriage divides at the end into a
drooping fork, sloping toward the centre of the palm, it
threatens a separation or divorce.
When full of islands, it foretells unhappiness and disap-
pointment in married life.
Children are indicated by fine, upward lines from the
middle or end of the line of marriage on the mount of
Mercury.
Deeply marked lines denote male children ; those more
faintly marked, female. Clear lines denote healthy
children.
The numbers are counted from the outside or middle
of the marriage-line in toward the hand.
Life Bracelets, or Rascettes. — On the wrist are found
these lines — three of them, if one is to live to a good old
age. Clearly traced, they denote good health. Twisted,
criss-crossed, they show uneven health. A star on the
centre of the rascettes signifies unexpected good fortune ;
a cross — they foretell a laborious life.
MYSTIC FORTUNES
To find your mystic fortune, you must first discover
the number upon which hangs your fate. To do this,
multiply the day of the month upon which you were
born by seven — the magical number.
The extreme left-hand digit of the product will be the
number upon which hangs your fate.
Fortune Telling 295
Select now from the list of questions the one to which
you want an answer, and, turning to the "Magic Tables,"
you will find the number of the section which contains
the answer in the column opposite the number of your
question and in the column below your mystic number.
For example :
You want an answer to question No. 2. You were born
on the 8th of the month, which, multiplied by seven,
equals 56 (8x7 = 56). Five is therefore your mystic
number. Turn to the Magic Table and find No. 2 at
the extreme left of the page under the heading "Fateful
Questions" and No. 5 at the top of the page. The
number below No. 5 and on a line with No. 2 is the num-
ber of the section in which your answer will be found,
being in this case Section No. 62.
Your mystic number being 5 , the answer to your ques-
tion will be the fifth in that section.
FATEFUL QUESTIONS
1. Shall I soon fall in love?
ot. 11 T f make I ,.
2. Shall I soon -L [ a proposal?
(have j
3. Shall I have social success ?
4. Shall I have many friends?
TT T , , . , (husband) 5
5. Have I alreadv met my future « ... y ?
( wife J
f man
(woman
shall marry?
6. Where shall I next see the I "Wi I whom I
TT rc 1. 11 T (make) -
7. How many offers shall I 1 , v ?
(have J
, _..„ f husband ) ,
8. Will my 1 . . J be handsome ?
( wife )
9. Will the course of my love run smoothly?
\o. Shall I inspire true love?
296 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
ii
01. « T u (husband si _ , .
Shall I be my 1 .. , [ first love ?
[ wife s j
1 2 . Shall I have a happy life ?
01 11 T i 1 ( maid ) ..
13. Shall I be an old -L L?
(bachelor j
14. Shall I have wealth?
15. Shall my life be eventful?
1 6. What event or act of my life will bring me the
greatest happiness?
17. Will youth, middle age, or old age be the happiest
time of my life ?
1 8. What will constitute my just claims to be loved?
cu 11 T -11 (husband) ....
1 9 . Shall I , or will my -I v , be the more in love ?
20. What fault of my disposition will cause me most
unhappiness ?
21. Shall I have children?
22. What will be the most interesting event in my
life?
23. What quality have I that will contribute to my
happiness ?
24. What good shall I do in the wrorld?
25. Shall my children bring me pride, happiness, or
anxiety ?
26. Will my ambitions be realised?
27. Shall I have a happy home?
28. May I look forward fearlessly to the future?
29. Shall I realise my ideals?
30. For what will I be envied?
3 1 . Shall my social position be a desirable one ?
32. What will be my chief title to the consideration of
strangers ?
33. For what will my friends care for me?
34. Shall I travel or be a stay-at-home?
35. What pursuit will bring me the most pleasure?
Fortune Telling 297
36. Will love for me increase or diminish ?
37. With the passage of the years, shall I improve or
deteriorate ?
38. Shall I live in town or country ?
39. What natural or acquired trait will influence my
destiny ?
40. What shall I do to win the one I love?
41. For what reason shall I marry?
42. Shall I marry more than once?
43. Have I enemies?
44. Shall I have many flirtations ?
\TTI i ' r r r ( husband ) ..
4<;. What will be the chief fault of my 1 . . v ?
( wife j
* -pen -11 t, (husband's) ,. r .., ..
46. What will be my 1 ., , x chief good quality ?
( wife s J
47. What will be my chief ambitions?
48. Which one of us will rule in our household ?
01 11 T 1-1 (husband's) . . 3
49. Shall I like mv -j .r , [• relatives?
- ( wife s j
50. Shall I have good health ?
51. In life's troubles, what will be my best comfort?
52. What will be my excuse for living?
53. Will the world speak well or ill of me ?
54. Will my family approve my marriage?
55. Shall I know poverty?
56. What will be my greatest anxiety?
57. What will be my life-motto?
58. Shall I retain my looks, such as they are?
59. Shall I receive a legacy?
60. Shall I live to be old ?
61. What shall I recall with most pleasure near the
end of life?
62. What will be my epitaph?
, ,,,..„ (husband) . .
63. Will my -j ., v marry again?
298 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
MAGIC TABLE
FATEFUL
QUESTIONS 1
a.
, i :
5-
6.
7-
8.
9-
I.
33
40
47
54
61
5
12
19
26
2.
34
4i
48
55
62
6
13
20
27
3-
35
42
49
56
63
7
14
21
28
4-
36
43
50
57
i
8
IS
22
29
5-
37
44
5i
58
2
9
16
23
30
6.
38
45
52
59
3
10
17
24
3i
7-
39
46
53
60
4
ii
18
25
3*
8.
40
47
54
61
5
12
19
26
33
9-
41
48
55
62
6
13
20
27
34
10.
u.
42
43
49
50
56
57
63
i
7
8
14
IS
21
22
28
29
35
36
12.
44
51
58
2
9
16
23
30
37
13-
45
52
59
3
IO
17
24
31
38
14-
46
53
60
4
ii
18
25
32
39
IS-
47
54
61
5
12
19
26
33
40
16.
48
55
62
6
13
20
27
34
41
17-
49
56
63
7
14
21
28
35
42
18.
50
57
i
8
15
22
29
36
43
19-
5i
58
2
9
16
23
30
37
44
20.
21.
52
53
59
60
3
4
10
ii
11
24
25
31
32
38
39
Jl
22.
54
61
5
12
19
26
33
40
47
23.
55
62
6
13
20
27
34
41
48
24.
25-
56
57
63
i
7
8
14
IS
21
22
28
29
11
42
43
49
50
26.
58
2
9
16
23
30
37
44
51
27-
59
3
10
i?
24
31
38
45
52
28.
60
4
ii
18
25
32
39
46
53
29.
61
5
12
19
26
33
40
47
54
30.
62
6
13
20
27
34
41
48
55
31-
63
7
14
21
28
35
42
49
56
32.
I
8
IS
22
29
36
43
50
57
33-
2
9
16
23
30
37
44
51
58
34-
3
10
17
24
31
38
45
52
59
35-
4
ii
18
25
32
39
46
53
60
36.
5
12
19
26
33
40
47
54
61
37-
6
13
20
27
34
41
48
55
62
38.
7
14
21
28
36
35
42
49
63
39-
8
15
22
29
43
50
57
i
56
40.
9
16
23
30
37
44
5i
58
2
41.
10
17
24
31
38
45
52
59
3
42.
43-
II
12
18
19
',1
32
33
39
40
46
47
53
54
60
61
4
5
44-
13
20
27
34
41
48
55
62
6
45-
14
21
28
35
42
49
56
63
7
46. -
15'
22
29
36
43
50
57
i
8
47-
16
23
30
37
44
51
58
2
9
48.
49-
17
18
24
25
31
32
38
39
Jl
52
53
oS
3
4
10
ii
50.
19
26
33
40
47
54
61
S
12
51.
20
27
34
41
48
55
62
6
13
52.
21
28
35
42
49
56
63
7
14
53-
22
29
36
43
50
57
i
8
IS
54-
23
30
37
44
Si
58
2
9
16
55-
24
31
38
45
52
59
3
IO
17
56.
25
32
39
46
53
60
4
ii
18
57.
26
33
40
47
54
61
5
12
19
58.
27
34
41
48
55
62
6
13
20
11:
61.
28
29
30
35
36
37
42
43
44
49
So
Si
56
[I
63
i
2
7
8
9
14
ii
21
22
•I
62.
31
38
45
52
59
3
10
17
24
63-
32
39
46
53
60
4
ii
18
25
Fortune Telling 299
i
1. Your unfailing courtesy.
2. Over-indulgence will have its effect.
3. Your beauty.
4. \ [ has had fancies, like other people,
(bhej
5. As long as you live you will never lack them.
6. Yes; you will see your great-grandchildren.
7. Your own little world will applaud you.
8. Devotion to you.
9. Patience.
2
1 . You are always ready to do one a good turn.
2. Yes, but then you will want something else.
3. There is not much to choose.
4. Far above the average lot.
5. You have heard of \ , [• and you will meet J« j-
for the first time in travelling.
6. The position to which you have attained by youi
personal qualities.
7. No one would be thought quite good enough.
8. To marry for love.
9. Fish are cheap that are easily caught.
3
1. You will travel a little, but with keen appreciation.
2. It all depends upon you.
3. The desire to shine and outshine.
4. You will have grave fears for a time, but all will turn
out well in the end.
5. On an ocean steamer.
6- •! 01. r was a noble character.
{SheJ
The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
7. Long enough to teach you sympathy for others.
8. It will be mutual forbearance.
9. Your many attractions.
4
1. Singing.
2. Your pleasant dreams will all come true.
3. An only son, who will be the joy of your life.
4. Sufficient.
5. More than you will care to remember.
(he ) ..
6. How can \ , }• ?
(shej
(husband's
's
8. Very much.
9. You will be faithful to the one love.
-r I ilUUUcUiUL & f i
7. Your \ .. , }• love.
I wife r
5
1. You will be all in all to a few.
2. Little by little.
3. When you meet your first love again.
4. Quiet, serene, peaceful, contented.
5. Yes, such will be the world's verdict.
6. Within the year — desperately.
7. Be sure you're right, then go ahead.
8. Good days, and bad days.
9. Not one.
6
1. Life will be a fine schoolmaster.
2. Your social success.
3. The power to make friends.
4. Falling in love.
5. There will be the usual lovers' quarrels.
6. Some one has the thought dearly at heart.
Fortune Telling 301
7. You will fade early.
8. Your husband's love.
9. Just for fun.
7
1. In the suburbs of a large city.
2. You will have the entree where you please.
3. Sympathy with those who grieve and those who
laugh. ' . '
4. Youth promises much, which middle age will ful-
fill.
5. Not until you conquer your frivolity.
6. You will win by your merry temper, and keep by
your sweetness.
7. Yes, from a most unexpected quarter.
8. You will use your money for the good of others.
9. Over-conscientiousness.
8
1. Thoroughness. Leaving nothing to chance.
2. Social qualities.
3. You will be a proud and happy \ [.
{mother]
4. Your reliability.
5* 1 SVi f t^im^:s so» an(^ believes it implicitly.
6. You may throw off your friends
Like a traveller his pack,
For you know when you will,
You can whistle them back.
7. Yes, happy and serene.
8. You will meet its kindliest judgments.
9. High breeding.
302 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
9
1. Forget yourself utterly.
2. Because you are such a good friend.
3. We always succeed, in a measure, in accomplishing
what we try for. You are no exception.
4. Each will make that claim, and believe it.
5. It all depends upon yourself.
. ^T (him) , fhim)
6. You saw \ , \ once, but you do not know \ , L
(her j [her J
7. The good that you have done.
8. They will welcome your mate with open arms.
9. To be of use to those you love.
10
1. You are so companionable.
2. You will be familiar with many lands.
3. After you have learned the art of home-making.
4. Jealousy.
5. There are worse fates than that.
6. At a friend's house.
7. Heaven will be the pleasanter.
8. Rich in purse, and rich in love.
will wear the "breeks."
ii
1. Only once.
2. Art.
3. Happy, when you have learned a little philosophy
in trifles.
4. You will need a roomy nursery.
5. A steadily increasing income.
6. Cela depend.
7. Not unless \ ® j- commits bigamy.
Fortune Telling 303
8. That your beloved will die before you.
9. They will be dearer than your own.
12
1. You are not to blame if you have.
2. You will have fewer friends, but truer ones, as
time goes on.
3. Yes, for your ideals will change.
4. Your engagement, the most interesting, not neces-
sarily the happiest.
5. You will go through many emotions whatever hap-
pens.
6. The most fastidious would call \ Iso.
| her f
7. Not seriously; just for fun.
8. God — not luck. Deus, non fortuna.
g. You will enjoy poor health.
13
1. No, you are too conscientious.
2. You will grow old gracefully.
3. Your charm of manner.
4. The conviction that what is, is right.
5. The birth of your second child.
6. Money matters will make trouble, soon sur-
mounted.
7. Yes, and profit by the occasion.
8. You will always appear lovely to those who love
you.
9. The love that you have inspired.
14
1. Extravagance.
2. In middle life you will live in town, in your old age
in the country.
304 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
3. Prominent.
4. Show the world a contented •!
( woman
5. In youth you will have most pleasure, in middle
life most happiness, in old age most contentment.
6. A true woman can do that.
7 . You will shine in your own little coterie.
8. Yes, an uncle will appear, and disappear at the
right moment.
9. Your children will be a credit to you.
JS
1. Generosity.
2. Thrift.
3. Your social position.
4. They will tax all your powers to train them, with
great success after a time.
5. You are so comfortable to live with.
6. At least you are •! , 5 ( last love — which is better.
(her )
7. Those you have you will keep.
8. You will never be old to those who love you.
9. "The world will praise thee when thou doest well
to thyself."
16
1. To belong to the creme de la creme.
2. Learn to make cages as well as nets.
3. Your equable temper.
4. No, but your happiness does not depend upon that
5. The husband more, the wife longer.
6. Your sunny nature will do much toward making
it so.
he )
0, Dill -j
him )
7. No, but \ , ;- will appear when you most want
Fortune Telling 305
8. The happiness that you have given.
9. All your geese they will consider swans in the end.
17
1. You will rule by love.
2. Your winsomeness.
3. A regular globe-trotter.
4. Your ideal realised.
5. Love of ease.
6. Your wedding-flowers are now in bud.
7. In your dreams.
o XT ( him ) , ( him )
8. None knew -L k but to love -L }• ; none
, ,. N / her ( / her \
, ( him ) , {
named j , V , but to praise.
9. Yes, at first, but every year will see you better off.
18
1. Some of them.
2. You will not have the opportunity.
3. Yachting.
4. All that will come to you of ill will be but a purga-
tory.
5. Two boys and two girls.
6. No, but you will make the ends meet comfortably.
7. One too many for your peace of mind.
8. j ^, twill never love again.
9. Your health.
19
1. Delicate, but you'll never hang out the yellow flag
as a signal of distress.
2. Yes, but they are harmless.
3. As your charms of person wane, your attractions
of disDOsition will grow the stronger.
306 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Yes, you will marry -j ^"" >• .
( him
(her
5. A sea voyage.
6. You will have your ups and downs, but both will
be good for you.
7. No, but fascinatingly plain.
8. Yes, and with one every way worthy.
9. Devil take the hindermost.
20
1. Your sense of having done what you could.
2. 77 faut Men passer le temps!
3. "As you sow, so shall you reap."
4. Your happy disposition.
5. The happy-go-lucky.
6. Your engagement.
7. Your relatives will make trouble.
8. In a year and a day.
9. Yes, with care for your health.
21
1. The friend of all who suffer.
2. Laziness.
3. You will have a fine house in town.
4. None better, in the place where you live.
5. Giving happiness, and taking its rebound.
6. You will make all three happy.
7. At eighty, if you choose.
8. You will be liked both by men and women.
9. Yes, when too rich to care for it.
22
1. You will share the fate of all — some good, some
ill, will be spoken of you.
2. Domesticity.
Fortune Telling 30;
3. Tact.
4. You take so much trouble for others.
5. They will inherit your faults, unless you mend
them.
6. Your cheerful disposition.
7 You will both believe it.
8. All your friends are lovers.
9. You will not outlive your friends and those you
love.
23
1. They will sympathise with all your feelings.
2. To make a good appearance.
3. Clear the coast.
4. Loyalty.
5> Life would have to be a kaleidoscope to do that.
6. The man's love the deeper, the woman's the more
demonstrative.
7. Your happiness demands too many conditions;
study contentment.
8. Yes, for \ I is an old friend.
(she )
9. The burdens you have lifted.
24
1 . You will never be very rich nor very poor.
2. You will think yourself master.
3. Money, but it will be the least of your attractions,
it will be found.
4. "East or West, Home is best" — you will think.
5. You will be hard to please if you do not think so.
6. Vanity.
7. What can you expect, when you are so particular?
8. Wherever you go next.
9. Who will make us laugh now — and drive away the
blues >
308 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
25
1. Your dress.
2. Not at first.
3. You will have many temptations.
4. Reading.
5. When you have learned not to expect the im-
possible.
6. You will be a happy father, or "a joyful mother,"
of children.
7. Economy is wealth.
8. Only one, but it will be the right one.
9. No.
26
1. Take care of the pence, and the pounds will take
care of themselves.
2. One serious illness.
3. Yes, through envy.
4. It will never diminish.
5. Better try to idealise the real.
6. You would not believe it if you were told.
7. Its events will not be tragic, at least.
8. Better than handsome.
9. You will love one who already loves you.
27
1. Your face, yes — but you will lose your figure.
2. Your friends.
3. Yes; and, playing with fire, burn your fingers.
4. Where you pull up a weed you will plant a flower.
5. Your facility in making friends.
6. Contentment.
7. Banting.
8. Every day will increase your mutual affection.
9. Next leap-year.
Fortune Telling 309
28
1. Yes, a small one, soon spent.
2. All may count upon your sympathy.
3. Jealousy.
4. Town.
5. So good as to be able to confer favours.
6. Be a sunshiny presence wherever you go.
7. All three will be happy.
8. The truest \ man I ever had.
( woman J
9. In every sense of the word.
29
1. Not so very old.
2. Whatever you do, whatever you say, some will
criticise.
3. Truthfulness.
4. Perseverance.
5. Your cordiality.
6. The girls will be a delight, the boys your pride.
7. Frank honesty.
8. Yes, the very first.
9. Many more than you know of.
30
1. The love that you have inspired.
2. They will be sharply critical.
3. To be considered clever.
4. Feel much and express little.
5. You are such a good sort.
6. Not your present ones. You will change them.
7. The wife at first, but she will win him to perfect
devotion.
8. It will be like a summer's holiday.
9. Yes, but you do not know it.
310 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
-^ , ( him )
1. Every one loved -j , v.
2. What seems poverty to you would seem wealth to
many.
3. You will try to.
4. Your simple goodness and lovableness.
5. You will be forever on the go.
6. You will be like the snail — carry home with you,
wherever you go.
7. Extravagance.
8. Many lovers, long' indecision, the right one at
last.
9. At a Hallowe'en party.
32
1. Circumstances will prevent.
2. Your money.
3. Better than they like you.
4. You will be the happier to avoid second marriage.
5. The use of horses.
6. Your happy disposition will brighten the path.
7. A large family, each one dearer than the other.
8. A very large fortune with the power to enjoy it.
9. A baker's dozen.
33
1. Yes, and then you will begin to live.
2. Penny -wise and pound-foolish.
3. No one will know it, if you are not well.
4. Do not think of it — the enmity will not last.
5. You will get what you give.
6. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
7. An extraordinary adventure.
8. Uneventful, but full of usefulness.
Fortune Telling 311
9* j W i a^racti°n wiU consist in beauty of expres-
sion and style of carriage.
34
1. Not for some time yet.
2. You will be considered well-preserved.
3. Your indomitable pluck that will never say die.
4. No; flirtation is the sacrifice of others to self, and
you are not selfish.
5. It depends upon how you meet circumstances.
6. Your well-stored mind.
7. The forgetfulness of yourself.
8. Your marriage.
9. You will share the fate of other true lovers.
35
1. Yes, in spite of your shyness.
2. You will expect one, but be disappointed.
3. You will serve as a warning.
4. Quick temper.
,r (husband) .„ ...
5. Your 1 ., \ will decide.
( wife )
6. A Bohemian one, but lots of fun.
7. Raising others by your example to higher ideals.
8. In each you will think yourself happiest.
9. In far too many hearts, alas !
36
1. No, only a few very true ones.
2. Yes, and enjoy life to the last.
3. The world will rate you at your true value.
4. Constancy.
5. Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst.
5. Your family.
312 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
7. You will live their life with them and always be
young.
8. Your unselfishness.
9. Not unless you met in the nursery.
37
1. No, but you will soon.
2. Your successes.
3. It will gratify their ambition.
4. To be good.
5. "Be worthy love, and love will come."
6. You are so uniformly kind.
7. Yes, your worthiest ones.
8. Two hearts that beat as one.
9. A life that any one might envy.
38
i. In church.
( He ) -11 v.
2- •! 01. r W1" ^e much missed.
(She)
3. No, you will sometimes wish that you could —
satiety palls.
4' ] Sh \ W^ k° a patient Grissel.
5. Social position, and also because •! , ( could not
(she)
help it.
6. Your travels will make you a delightful "racon-
teur."
7. Love in a cottage.
8. Carelessness.
9. The \ ^ ( comes often disguised — do not
( princess )
t , ( him )
overlook -I « V .
I her C
Fortune Telling 313
39
1. You are too conscientious and too wary.
2. One experience will be enough.
3. The fear of losing your hair.
4. They will think that you do.
5. At your age, dignity, as well as inclination, would
forbid.
6. Authorship.
7. Make the most and the best of every day, and the
future will take care of itself.
8. One girl, who will be the ideal daughter.
9. You will not care for it; you will have other ideals
and ambitions.
40
1. One to be proud of.
2. You know that you have. Why ask ?
3. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
4. Yes, with ordinary care.
, ( man / . . , .
5. A dark \ V is jealous of you.
( woman )
6. It will alter, when it alteration finds.
7. Yes, your best ones.
8. Winning the friendship of a great man.
9. Sufficiently so to be interesting.
1. Yes, the love will be deep and true on both sides.
2. Yes, but you will not \ , ^ , v .
( be accepted J
3. You will always look younger than you are.
4. The conviction of duty done.
5. Yes, butterfly that you are.
6. It depends entirely upon yourself.
7. Your talents.
314 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
8. The power to win love.
9. Helping others.
42
1. Yes, at any and every period of your life.
2. You will be very popular.
3. Not a red cent.
4. The good that you will do.
5. Self-indulgence.
6. If you know what is good for you, you will choose
the country.
7. Always respectable.
8. By doing little kindnesses "which most leave
undone or despise."
9. You will be loved in all three, and one who is that
is either happy or ungrateful.
43
1. The first real love of \ ^1S i life.
|herf
2. Yes, like bees about a hive.
3. You will never outlive your interest in life.
4. You will know little, and care less, for its opinion.
5. Patience.
6. Self-control.
7. Conversational abilities.
8. Yours will be a merry, happy household, the child
inheriting but the virtues of the parents.
9. The truthfulness of your nature.
44
1. Yes, and you will make it so out of any materials
at hand.
2. Yes, at a house-party.
3. Your office of peacemaker.
Fortune Telling 315
4. They will resent any one's taking you from them.
5. To rule.
6. Try to be what you seem.
7. Your good dinners.
8. Beyond your wildest dreams.
9. You can never tell.
45
1. No, indeed.
2. In a picture-gallery.
3. How much did \ . I leave?
(she \
4. A little, but never its pinch.
5. j y V will be master.
6. You are such a satisfactory person.
7. Many unimportant journeys.
8. The dearest spot on earth to you.
9. Quick temper.
46
i. "Content is rich," says the Saxon proverb.
Ar ... ( make )
2. You will -{ J- a proposal soon.
( receive )
3. A burnt child dreads the fire.
4. Your children.
5. You will feel toward them as they toward you.
6. Three times: first for love, then for money, then
for rank. ^
7. Outdoor sports.
8. Your life will be full of sunshine.
9. A merry, happy brood.
47
1. "Happy is the life that has few annals."
2. A most pleasing face and form.
316 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
3. Many times.
4. Do the duty that lies nearest.
5. Yes, except small ailments.
6. "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned "•
man is not more forgiving.
7. What you have won you will keep.
8. Beyond your most ambitious dreams.
9. You have already experienced it, but you did not
make the most of it.
1. The consecration of your powers and influence.
2. Happiness is worth suffering for.
3. You flirt so much that you will not be taken
seriously.
4. Your expression will always give charm and
interest to your face.
5. The belief that every one else is in the wrong.
6. You are not without the feline instincts.
7. You will be the same old two-and-sixpence.
8. Your handsome husband.
9. The realisation that "God's in His heaven, all's
right with the world."
49
1. Each period will have its peculiar satisfaction.
2. In far too many hearts, alas !
3. Many will find you charming.
4. Yes, at a most opportune moment.
5. Your patriotism will inspire others.
6. Wilfulness.
7. In the country.
8. So good as to make you unconscious of it.
9. Showing others the silver lining of the clouds.
Fortune Telling 317
i. Loyalty to what is best.
( He ) ( his ) ., ,
2' ] Sh i gave i h ( calf-love to another.
3. You will have the same kind of friends as you are
yourself.
4. Yes, an honoured old age.
5. The world will honour you when you cease to
care about it.
6. Unselfishness.
7. Fairness — justice.
8. Hospitality.
9. They will be the joy of your life.
Si
1. A drawn game.
2. You will have your ups and downs.
3. No, but you will at your next ball.
4. Your family relations.
5. They will be much gratified.
6. To be well-read and well-bred.
7. Make your prize worthy your game.
8. Constancy.
9. It depends upon what they are.
52
1. Self -consciousness.
2. " Gather ye rosebuds while ye may."
3. At the wedding of a friend.
4. What shall we do without j ,im I ?
5. You will think so, but everything is by com-
parison.
6. j Y j- will have j t own way through tact.
318 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
7. Beauty.
8. You will travel widely in your own country.
A t, A j ( husband )
9. A spacious home, a devoted -j ... >-.
53
1. Twins.
2. Yes, through your own exertions.
3. It is not wise to count them.
4. No, for you will outlive \ .
5. The dread of false teeth.
6. You will wish them all in Jericho.
7. Yes, both times for love.
8. Music.
9. Yes, it holds much happiness.
54
1. The event toward which all your present plans
are directed.
2. You will have a varied experience.
3. Distinguished-looking, not handsome.
4. No, but you will lose nothing by waiting.
5. Might makes right.
6. Robust health and good spirits.
7. Every one that amounts to anything has.
8. Yours till death.
9. Through much tribulation.
55
1. The habit of getting all the happiness possible out
of the present day.
2. Forming a certain friendship.
3. It will be in your own hands.
4. Wait a little longer.
5. You will improve in appearance as you grow older.
Fortune Telling 319
6. Your mother.
7. Just to make some one else jealous.
8. You will grow more lovable all the time.
9. Your opportunities.
56
1. Always ready to help.
2. If you learn to live in the present, happiness will
last to your life's end.
3. Yes, when you give true love.
4. Yes, but you will care little for it.
5. Do not hope to wear dead-men's shoes.
6. Your studies will be of value to the world.
7. Self -consciousness.
8. Wherever you wish.
9. Obscure, but honest.
57
i . They will go through the follies of youth.
2. Your tact.
3. Do not be too curious.
4. Yes, staunch and true ones.
5. Yes, and cantankerous sometimes.
6. You will be very popular.
7. Strength of character.
8. Truthfulness.
9. Your nimble wit.
1. Some of them.
2. The husband at first.
3. Pick the flowers by the way— don't expect a rose-
garden.
4. Only in your dreams.
5. Your usefulness.
320 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
6. Much opposition at first; cordial approval in the
end.
7. Politics.
8. Be your own sweet self.
9. Your sunshiny disposition.
59
1. Humble, but happy.
2. Love of approbation.
(He ) (he )
3* i sh \ not w^en i v, c mav' mav not
(he )
when •{ . v will,
(she )
4. When next you need a friend.
5. Death canonises, but ] ^ [ had -j 1S I faults.
6. No, for you are thrifty.
7. He will rule so wisely that she will not know she
is ruled.
8. Pure love.
9. Your travels will be in imagination; it takes wits
to do that.
60
1. ' 'Shadow and shine is life," says Tennyson.
2. Boy and girl.
3. More than you will know what to do with.
4. The oracle is silent.
5- No.
6. That you will not be considered to belong to the
best society.
7. They will prove your best friends.
8. Heaven forbid !
9. Dress.
Fortune Telling 321
61
1. They are too lofty for nature's daily food.
2. A certain house-party.
3. Crowded with interests.
4. No; but there will be so many other attractions
you will not care.
5. You will think so, but it will not last long.
6. "Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof."
7. You will net know you have a body.
8. You will turn them into friends.
9. Your little faults of temper will strain it, but your
warm heart will win in the end.
62
1. Your honourable name and position.
2. The habit of looking on the bright side.
3. Forgiving.
Tr r ( lover )
4. Yes, as far as you and your-^ }•
I sweetheart [
cerned.
5. Two years from to-day.
6. Buxom — fair, fat, and forty.
7. Your children.
8. Yes, innocent ones.
9. You will resemble your ideal.
are con-
63
1. Honourable, but not prominent.
2. Plucky to the last, nothing can daunt you.
3. The future will always seem bright to you.
4. You are certainly very loveworthy.
5. Liked, but not envied.
6. No; what your fortunes will be will depend only
upon yourself.
7. You will help to purify politics.
322 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
8. Over-indulgence to you.
9. Country in summer, town in winter.
A BIT OF ASTROLOGY
The young girl of the period may enjoy knowing her
character as predicted by astrology in accordance with
her birth month.
A girl born in January will be a prudent housewife,
good-tempered, but inclined to melancholy.
In February — humane and affectionate as wife and
tender as mother.
In March — a chatterbox, fickle, stormy, and given to
quarrels.
In April — pretty, dainty, inconsistent, and not given
to study.
In May — handsome in person, and contented and
happy in spirit.
In June — gay, impetuous, and will marry early.
In July — fair to look upon but sulky in temper and.
jealous.
In August — amiable, practical, and will marry rich.
In September — discreet, affable and generally beloved.
In October — pretty, coquettish, and oftentimes un-
happy without cause.
In November — liberal, kind, amiable, and thoughtful
for others.
In December — well-proportioned, gay, fond of novelty
and inclined to be extravagant.
In this, as in other predictions, it is consoling to feel
that as a rule they come wide the mark of truth.
CHAPTER XIII
Mesmerism
ONE may pretend to have occult powers and
claim that one can mesmerise any who are
willing to yield to the influence.
When some "gullible" person is sufficiently impressed
to wish to test the boast, or obliging enough to offer his
services as a victim, ask that person to sit down, make
passes before his eyes and about his person, then sit
down and say: "You cannot get up alone now, try as
you may." Then in stentorian tones, say: "Get up !"
The person may have misgivings, but he gets up, and
so do you, saying: "There ! I told you you could not
get up alone."
Tell your friends that, though not the seventh child
of a seventh child, you are one of seven generations
(who is not?), and that, therefore, you have powers
that are not possessed by less fortunate ones. Offer
to leave the room, and, after the company shall agree
to choose some playing-card, you will return and
find out what it is by feeling of the brain of each
in turn.
After the company have made their selection of a
card in your absence, return and touch the forehead and
temples of those present, but among them a confederate
will indicate the card by holding the back teeth very
tightly together and then relaxing them, which moves a
323
324 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
muscle in the temples. One contraction of the muscle
indicates hearts, two diamonds, three spades, four
clubs. A pause and then the number of the spots is
given by repeated contractions. For the picture cards
the contractions are given in very quick succession —
four for the king, three 'for the queen, and two for
the knave. It is very mystifying to those who do not
know it.
A very elaborate system of questions and answers
may be agreed upon between the confederates — the
manner and form of the question giving the clue to the
answer. A sheet over the head of the one who makes
the replies, while apparently increasing the difficulty,
enables him to consult a written guide to aid the
memory.
At table may be tried a new toy that has made fun
for the "grown-ups." A slender rubber tube is passed
under the tablecloth, at one end of it being a tiny bulb,
which is placed under some one's plate. The other
end terminates in a larger bulb, which, when surrepti-
tiously squeezed, inflates the small bulb and lifts up the
plate. This is repeated now and then, and the uneasy
manner of the one who has been selected to be the victim
is usually a source of intense amusement to those who
are in the secret.
As one man said : "I had taken so little wine that I
made up my mind that I must certainly give it up
altogether, if I was so easily affected."
Make the claim that, if each of the company will
write a quotation, proverb, saw, or saying on a slip of
paper, you will ask some one to hold each paper against
your forehead, whereupon you will read it with your
eyes closed. You then choose your confederate — who
collects the papers and places one upon your forehead,
Mesmerism 325
taking apparently great pains to conceal it from you.
You then repeat some proverb or quotation at random,
haltingly , as if reading it with difficulty — which quotation
your confederate immediately claims, saying, "That's
mine," It is then laid open in your lap, where you may
snatch a glimpse of what is written, and repeat it when
the next paper is placed against your mighty brain.
Or you may openly read it, as if to verify your
former statement, remembering what it is, so as to
ascribe it to the paper that follows. The second in
your lap, you pretend that what you read belongs to the
third, which you are assuming to decipher with closed
eyes. Each person acknowledges his or her own, and
it appears as if all had been read in turn — to the
mystification of all not in the secret.
You may then descant upon the extreme sensitiveness
of touch that comes to those who have occult powers,
and assure the company that, all humbug aside, and
purely by the sense of touch, you will tell them whether
the spots on playing-cards are red or black, holding the
pack against your forehead — the faces turned outward.
You feel card after card with the forefinger, and, promptly
naming it red or black, place it on the table.
The difficulty is not great. A confederate sits near
you — the opposite side of a table is best — and touches
your foot when a red card appears, and refrains from
any signal when a black one is revealed — the sense of
touch alone deciding it, as was claimed.
A popular game, called "Mesmeric Influence," is
played without trickery or any "double-entente."
One person leaves the room and in his absence all agree
upon something that he shall do upon his return. At
his reappearance all concentrate their attention upon
him — willing him to do the thing agreed upon. In
326 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
many cases the person will, after a moment of hesitation,
do the very thing that the company decided that he
should, though it must be confessed that sometimes the
result is disappointing.
A better way, because more successful, is for one
person to offer to do what he is willed to perform,
saying: "I will not only obey your behests, but I ask
that two of you volunteer to will me to do different
things — each shall hold one of my hands, and the one
with the strongest will must control mine, and therefore
my action."
It does not matter which two persons offer. When
each takes the hand of the mesmerist, he or she is so
eager to prove the possession of the stronger will that,
unconsciously and inadvertently, each will draw or
push, restrain or relax, the hold — that will give strong
intimation of the direction, first, then of the particular
thing agreed upon to be done — especially if your
motions are very rapid, when they will be taken un-
awares and act impulsively. The audience must be
told in advance what the two things are that are to so
influence your conduct in competition, while you are
conducted by a trusty emissary beyond sight and
sound of the company.
Again, the mesmerist may hold two chains and invite
three ladies to hold on to one and three men on the
other, to prove which sex has the stronger will-power —
the one trio willing him to do one thing, the other
quite a different thing. Among the three, there will
always be some one who will unintentionally give
intimations that will help you to a solution, if your
movements be very impetuous.
The rivalry tempts.
A really curious card-trick, which yet is not a trick,
Mesmerism 327
but comes nearer to verifying the claims of mesmerism
than anything I have known, is the following: Choose
five cards from the pack, select some one of them in
your mind, spread them out fan-fashion — their faces
turned down. Now, hold the right hand of some person,
tell him to shut his eyes and command him to draw the
card from the fan of five which you hold out to him.
Without any action on your part to further it, he will,
nine times out of ten, take the card which you have
chosen that he shall do. There is no explanation — it
simply happens.
PART II
ENTERTAINMENTS FOR
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
CHAPTER XIV
January
A WATCH-NIGHT PARTY
A YOUNG couple, who have won a reputation for
being the most original of entertainers, last year,
on December 3ist, gave a charming Watch-
Night party. The invitations, which fairly piqued even a
dull curiosity, were unique. They were cut in hour-glass
shape from heavy buff paper. The sketching of the hour-
glass, the lettering of the invitations, even the address on
the buff envelope, was done in sepia ink. The house was
decked with evergreens, festoons of pine and balsam
were looped about the walls and fell from the chandeliers,
wreathed windows, doors and arches, and twined about
the bannisters. There was no holly — that belonged to
Christmas and was a thing of the past — but here and
there hung bunches of pearl-berried mistletoe, in memory
of a druidical superstition that mistletoe, cut from some
sacred oak and wreathed about a dwelling before
the coming of the New Year, guards a household from
evil spirits and ill-luck. Here and there, over doorways
and arches, hung scarlet banners with 1902 and 1903 in
tall letters made of cotton batting. The guests were
received by the pretty hostess and three of her girl
friends dressed to represent the four seasons. Spring
wore a wreath of dandelions on her golden hair; her
332 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
clinging robe of delicate green was girdled with white.
Summer, a brilliant creature in scarlet, wore red poppies
in her brown hair. Autumn was a vivid brunette in a
gown of warm brown, with gleams of red and gold in it.
Gorgeous autumn leaves were woven into her black hair.
Winter was a pale blonde, garbed in white, with a crown
of holly and mistletoe.
Downstairs, the young folks danced on floors from
which the rugs had been lifted. Two upstairs chambers
and a hall had been transformed into card-rooms. The
plan for pairing off partners was odd. The ladies were
led blindfolded to a table and asked to pick up the first
object they touched. There were all sorts of odd favours,
each one signifying a holiday or anniversary. A naked
doll suggested the shivering infant by which an artist
portrays the New Year. A heart-shaped locket, of
course, brought St. Valentine's Day to memory. There
was a portrait of Abraham Lincoln for February i2th, a
hatchet for Washington's birthday, a shamrock for St.
Patrick's Day, a miniature hot-cross bun for Good
Friday, a dunce's cap for All-Fools' Day, a bust of
Shakespeare for April 23d, a tree from a doll's farm-
yard for Arbor Day, a portrait of Dewey for May ist, a
rose tied to the Star-Spangled Banner for Decoration
Day, a firecracker for the Fourth of July, a toy spade for
Labour Day, a jack-o'-lantern for Hallowe'en, a minia-
ture ballot-box for Election Day, a papier-mache* turkey
for Thanksgiving, a tiny matting-covered tea-chest for
the Boston Tea Party, a sprig of artificial arbutus for
the landing of the Mayflower, and a well-stuffed doll-
stocking for Christmas Day.
While the ladies chose their souvenirs, the gentlemen
gathered about their host in the smoking-room, where
he dealt out a pack of cards. In his hand each gentle-
January 333
man found a card bearing a date. The lady who held a
favour suggesting that day became his partner. The
dance programmes and whist counters were souvenirs
of the Watch- Night party. They were silvered bell-
shaped cards, with a tiny calendar filled in sketchily at
the top, December 3ist standing out in scarlet letters
from among the other figures. The stars, which did duty
as counters, and the pencils on the programmes were also
in scarlet. The whist prizes were dainty little diaries,
curious calendars, a silver table-bell, an hour-glass paper-
weight, a tiny clock, and other trifles which suggested
the passing of time.
At eleven o'clock supper was announced.
The centre of the table held a wreath of evergreen with
a heap of mistletoe inside. From this centrepiece a nar-
row scarlet ribbon ran to each plate, ending in a pert
bow, tied to a sprig of mistletoe.
After supper each guest pulled from under the mistle-
toe the ribbon beside the plate. At the end of it hung
an English walnut which had been split, emptied of its
meat, and glued together again. Inside, folded in a tiny
wad, was a New -Year sentiment, which was read aloud
to the party. The poets have done justice so liberally
to the New Year that it is easy enough to find quotations.
On the eve of January ist, it was the custom of long
ago to open wide the house-door, and with great formality
let out the old year and let in the new.
At ten minutes to twelve, before the party had left
the table, the door opened, and an odd figure entered. It
was an old, old man, with flowing white hair and beard.
He wore the satin breeches, silk stockings and buckled
shoes of Revolutionary days. He carried a scythe over
his shoulder and an hour-glass in his hand. There could
be no doubt of his identity. He was the Old Year — the
334 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
last grain of sand was falling through the hour-glass.
He did not speak; he simply walked about the table,
shaking hands with each guest. As he stood in the
doorway, waving a pantomimic good-bye, the clock
began to strike twelve, and the city's bells rang out a
clamour of joyous welcome. The Old Year disappeared ;
in his place stood a tiny, golden-haired child, robed in
white and garlanded with flowers. It was the infant
New Year. From somewhere in an adjacent room came
an outburst of music, and a fine, clear soprano voice,
singing:
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty night,
The year is dying in the light;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.
Ring out the old, ring in the new;
Ring, happy bells, across the snow.
The year is going, let him go.
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
Merry greetings followed, toasts to the New Year,
more song and music. Then good-byes were said, and
the guests turned homeward under a clear, starlit sky in
the first hour of a New Year.
A NEW-YEAR RESOLUTION PARTY
For a frolic on New Year's eve, it is well to begin with
something lively and active, to get every one in the spirit
of fun.
The hostess may inform her guests that, on the eve of
a New Year, untried, unknown, it will be of supreme
interest to all to learn whether it promise good or ill.
She then draws aside the portiere in the doorway lead-
January 335
ing to an adjoining room, saying, "Thus I draw aside
the curtain that veils our future," and upon the floor are
twelve candles in a row, all alight and each of a different
colour. She explains that each candle stands for a
month of the coming year — the white one for January.
February has a blue candle, tied with red and white rib-
bons, to suggest the national holiday. March, pale
green; April, bright green ; May, violet ; June, pale pink ;
July, bright pink; August, yellow; September, lilac;
October, crimson; November, orange; December,
scarlet.
Each person in turn is invited to jump over the can-
dles, one at a time, and if the feat be accomplished with-
out extinguishing a single candle, prosperity and happi-
ness are in store through all the months in the coming
year ; but, whichever one or ones are put out, ill-luck
threatens in the month whose shining is thus eclipsed,
while to knock one over presages dire calamity.
That this is a children's game, and a favourite, need
not deter their elders, if the young women are careful to
wrap their skirts safely about them. I have known
even " Going to Jerusalem" to be enjoyed by those
whose nursery days are but distant memories.
After the vigorous activity of such a testing of the
fates, the guests may enjoy a pad-and-pencil game. The
hostess announces twelve guests, whom they are all
expecting to meet, though not in evidence yet, except
in suggestion upon cards, distributed by way of intro-
duction, each bearing the following lines:
"Twelve daughters these of ancient race
Rich and gifted and fair of face.
Their grace by poets ofttimes sung,
Their virtues known to every tongue.
336 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
So come ye witty and come ye wise,
Guess these maidens and win the prize."
The twelve questions given are answered by the names
of the months.
I.
"A provident matron, and a thankful withal,
Somewhat serious-eyed, she belongs to the fall."
II.
"With dreamy eyes and arms all blossom-laden,
'Mid fields of softest green, she comes, a gentle maiden."
III.
"A daughter of Ceres, tall and fair,
She scatters golden blessings everywhere."
IV.
"She's a wilful girlie with wind-tossed hair,
Who brings for the housewife a weight of care."
V.
"Eldest of all, the one most dear,
She carries a message of royal cheer."
VI.
"I love a rose," she cries, "and lo !
I scatter its fragrance where'er I go."
VII.
"She greets you with frowns and she greets you with
smiles,
Beware, oh, beware of this coquette's wiles ! "
VIII.
"A crown of leaves, bright, golden and red,
She twines in the nut-brown curls of her head."
January 337
IX.
;'When they're mating and cooing, the bluebird and
dove,
Comes our maiden of two with her tokens of love."
X.
"A woman of melting lang'rous glance
Who holds her subjects in sultry trance."
XL
"Sizz! Boom! Bang! Hello!
You don't like my style, I know.
Yet prize the gift I bring— Ho ! Ho !"
XII.
"A fair little, dear little, winsome maid
Of good resolutions — alas — -how they fade !'
1. November. 7. April.
2. May. 8. October.
3. September. 9. February.
4. March. 10. August.
5. December. n. July.
6. June. 12. January.
Calendars make appropriate prizes. Across the
pages of a simple one, if the hostess have a talent for
jingles, she may write a couplet for each month, and thus
make it a really prized souvenir. On the cover of one
such I saw —
"Days of busy, busy hours,
Days of idling among flowers,
Days of joys and days of sorrows,
Dark to-days and bright to-morrows;
Days of health and days of weakness,
All make up the year's completeness."
338 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Upon the page for April was written :
"What'er beside the changing years prove true,
Behold, dear friend, my love unchanged for you."
For one of the flowery months:
"I would your path might never know a stone,
And fragrant blossoms meet your steps alone."
Another "home-made" calendar might have a se-
lection from an American poet for each month.
For April:
"Oh, rainy days ! O days of sun !
What are ye all when the year is done ?
Who shall remember sun or rain ?
O years of loss ! O joyful years !
What are you all when Heaven appears,
Who shall look back on joy or pain ?"
Whittier says of October:
' ' Our common mother rests and sings
Like Ruth among her garnered sheaves ;
Her lap is full of goodly things,
Her brow is crowned with autumn leaves."
What prettier for May than Longfellow's lines ?
"Then comes the lovely spring
with a rush of blossoms and music,
Filling the earth with flowers
and the air with melodies vernal."
By this time the company should be sufficiently
impressed with the fateful moment — waiting at the
threshold of a New Year — for the hostess to propose the
game of
GOOD RESOLUTIONS
Each person is given a paper and pencil and requested
to write at the top of the page the word "Resolved," fol-
January 339
lowed by expressions of amendment that he or she is
conscious of needing. One such attempt at self-
examination resulted in the following resolves :
"I will be as honest as the times will permit."
' ' I will spend less time before my mirror — be the self-
denial what it may !"
"I will break no more hearts."
"I will not cross bridges before I get to them — it
would be too difficult."
"I will be good to all, but gooder to myself."
"I will tell no more lies — except social ones, which
are necessary, or I should be ousted from society."
These are read aloud, and the authorship guessed.
At the second round, the hostess insisted the resolves
should be really serious — if only for the sake of contrast,
when, perceiving the artistic value of that argument,
the following were evolved:
"I will be what I wish to be thought."
"I will live closer to my ideals."
"My best self shall rule."
"Where I pluck out a fault, I will try to plant a
virtue."
"I will look at life through rose-coloured spectacles."
"I will welcome all the bits of happiness by the
way."
At the third round, each player selects some one else
of the company, and writes his or her resolutions for the
New Year, signing the paper with the name of the victim.
On the occasion that I am recalling, the following are a
sample of the resolutions suggested by "friendly
enemies " :
"I will part my hair lower down."
"As I probably deserve to be hung, I will be thankful
if I am only drowned.'*
340 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
At the end of the game, all the correct guesses at the
authorship of the resolves are counted, for the prize of a
china mug, with "For a Good Girl" or "For a Good
Boy" in gilt letters upon it. Both may be purchased
without too great an inroad upon one's pocket-book, so as
to be prepared to reward the victor of either sex.
Supper should be served early enough to insure the
return of all the company to the drawing-room a few
minutes before the entrance of the New Year.
Just before midnight all should be assembled — to the
men are given tin whistles and horns, and to each girl a
bell of some kind — sleigh-bells may be borrowed or hired
for the occasion. All join hands in a ring, and, accom-
panied by the piano, sing in chorus "Auld Lang Syne,"
until the clock begins to strike twelve. All then are
silent until the last note has sounded, whereupon all
shake hands, wish one another a "Happy New Year,"
blow their horns, ring their bells, and otherwise make
noisy demonstrations.
The evening may conclude with a Virginia Reel, or
anything that suggests joy and jollity — typical of the
outlook for the New Year, which always promises
" There's a good time coming."
"Kind hearts can make December
Blithe as May,
And in each morrow find
A New Year's Day."
A MEETING OF THE YEARS
Our invitations stated that all guests were requested
to wear cards attached to their dress, upon each of
which should be represented something suggestive of a
certain year in the world's history. It was a variation
January 341
of the book-title party, which has had such vogue, but its
new form was further emphasised by the costumes of our
host and hostess. The lady was dressed to represent
the world. Her gown, of sea-green tarletan with a sil-
very lining, was covered with maps, cut out in sections
and glued on to form a pattern — South America and
Africa lending themselves prettily to the front of the
corsage. A gilt ball was worn on a hair ornament to
suggest her attendant satellite, the moon.
Our host wore a costume of orange cotton cloth, cov-
ered thickly with disks of gilt paper — the type of gar-
ment worn by the "beef-eaters " of the Tower of London
— covering him to the knees. On his breast was a gilt
paper sun with many pointed rays, and we were informed
that he represented that luminary about which the world
frequently revolved. Some one ventured to guess that
he personated "Mammon," the god of this world, his
presence being not inappropriate, since his wooing has
been most devoted to Madame Terra throughout the
ages, some say with much success !
Upon arrival, all were given cards with pencils attached,
and when all were presumably assembled, Sir Sol made
proclamation that we were to guess one another's "age"
and note the guesses on our cards, adding that a prize
would be awarded to the one whose card showed the
greatest number of correct answers.
Then ensued a merry clatter of tongues, and intro-
ductions were felt to be entirely superfluous when a
stranger's card arrested one's interest. Formality was
thrown to the winds, and people who had never met
before were hobnobbing like old friends in the excite-
ment of recognising one another's epoch. One young
woman wore a card upon which was glued a tiny map
of the United States torn in two with jagged edges, a
342 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
bit of army blue and a bit of gray cloth, with two swords
crossed above them. At sight of it :
"In eighteen hundred and sixty-one
That cruel war was first begun,"
said itself to those of us who knew the old jingle with its
sad burden.
Another had upon her card a white flag with a red
cross, and underneath the words, "God wills it," with a
cross, a crescent, and a sword dripping with blood. The
year of the first Crusade was not difficult to guess from
its suggestions.
A third card bore upon it the picture of an Indian and
the drawing of a caravel, while underneath it was
written, "We are discovered!"
The card of another guest had upon it a few letters
printed in script — the capitals done in red ink — to sug-
gest the year of the first successful printing-press in
Europe. The red capitals were believed to be done
with blood, it will be remembered, when the marvel was
thought to proceed from Faust's dealings with the devil.
The year of the Reformation was represented, of course,
by the picture of an open Bible, and the year 1776 by a
picture of the Liberty Bell and a few bars of the music
of "Yankee-Doodle" — splashes of red paint to represent
blood, and palms to suggest victory.
All were not as simple and easy to guess as these.
The initial year of the Renaissance was suggested by
small cuts of a cathedral, a painting, a bit of bric-a-brac
of pure, elegant, and artistic outlines.
The card that was found to be the most puzzling was
one decorated with a cannon pointed at a knight who
was falling off his horse, while a Chinaman was faintly
outlined in the distance of one corner. It was intended
to represent the year of the introduction of gunpowder
January 343
in Europe, when the histories say, "At its first discharge,
knighthood fell forever from its saddle." The China-
man's presence indicated his claim of having known it
two centuries before its supposed first invention.
We were put upon our honour to give no hints or sug-
gestions other than the cards furnished, and at the end
of a very busy hour the prizes were given. The first
prize was a very little clock, suggestive of marking the
flight of Time; the second, a very entertaining volume
entitled "Eighteen Christian Centuries," by White.
Every one else was given a pretty little calendar by way
of souvenir.
"The world is very young for its age" — and all the
years joined in a merry contra-dance to the music of
popular airs of 1904.
TWELFTH-NIGHT REVELS
Twelfth-Night has an unfamiliar sound to American
ears, but to our ancestors, be their nationality what it
may, the holiday for which the words — or their equiva-
lent— stood was as well known as Christmas and as
widely observed.
In olden days the festivities of Yule-tide, the gala time
of all the year, lasted twelve days, which was the time
supposed to have been consumed by the Magi in their
journey to Bethlehem.
This brought the last evening to the sixth of January,
when the gaiety culminated in an entertainment on
what was known as "Twelfth-Night."
This had distinctive features belonging to its celebra-
tion as well recognised as Christmas itself.
One of the special observances of Twelfth-Night was
the baking of a huge cake which contained a bean and a
pea. When the cake was cut, the person to whose lot
344 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
fell the bean was named the "Twelfth-Night King," and
invested with full powers over the rest of the guests until
midnight — hence the traditional "King of the Revels."
The chance of the pea determined the queen, and their
mock majesties, arrayed in fanciful robes, directed the
mummeries that wound up the Yule-tide merry
makings.
When Mary Stuart cut the cake on Twelfth-Night at
Holy rood, 1563, her maid Mary Fleming drew the pea,
and was forthwith dressed in the robes of her royal
mistress and treated with queenly honours.
In France even now "// a troue via feve au gateau" (he
has found the bean in the cake) is applied to one who
has met with exceptionally good luck. Later, a ring
and a coin replaced the bean and pea.
The revival of old-time merry makings, in order to add
a spice of novelty to the entertainments of the present,
found amusing expression on the Twelfth -Night of last
year.
Its traditional social features were closely followed by
the hostess, whose guests, being well acquainted, fell in
readily with her suggestions.
A mammoth star-shaped cake adorned with flowers,
among which tiny electric lights were hidden, was cut
when all were assembled.
It was made after the recipe for the Twelfth -Day cake,
which still exists, dating back two hundred and fifty
years. It was composed of flour, honey, ginger, and a
little pepper, stuffed full of "plums" (the old name for
raisins), and with caraway seeds soaked in cider.
The coin determined the "king," whose wishes were
to be laws to the rest of the company until midnight,
and the recipient of the ring assumed the role of "queen."
They were at once invested with royal mantles of Tur-
January 345
key red, lined with white canton flannel, dotted with
black worsted tabs in imitation of ermine.
Two arm-chairs on a dais did duty for thrones, and here
the sovereigns received their insignia of royalty — gor-
geous crowns of gilt paper, lined with red cotton velvet,
and sceptres of pokers wrapped with tinsel and gilt
paper, which made the coronation very impressive.
They made the tour of the rooms with their train-
bearers to the music of a stately march — all bowing low
at their approach.
It was explained that a forfeit would be exacted from
any one present who presumed to turn his back upon
the royalties or failed to address them as "Your
Majesty " — which gave rise to some merry confusion.
The rest of the company then proceeded to "draw for
characters" by lot, according to ancient precedent,
which they were to assume for the rest of the evening,
and which were to be guessed by the company.
As soon as they had read their fate upon the cards
drawn from hat and "reticule" (old custom again), they
were ushered one by one into an adjoining room. Here,
their hostess, glancing at each card, selected something
appropriate to the character inscribed thereon, from a
lot of "properties" provided for the occasion, that a
hint of costume might help to a solution of the mystery
of each personality. For example, the lady who found
"Ophelia" on her card donned a wreath of straw and
scarlet paper poppies, let her abundant hair fall about her
shoulders, and looked sweetly distraught.
The man who found " Mephistopheles " assigned to
him was given a red skullcap adorned with two slender
feathers, like antennae (a duster had been despoiled),
three yards of red cotton for a cloak, and a piece of burnt
cork. To give himself fierce, black eyebrows, elevated
346 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
at their outer ends, and the ends of his moustache an
upward curve, was but the work of a moment, and he
appeared "a very devil." "Friar Tuck" was accom-
modated with a brown bath -gown and rope girdle, with
a sofa-pillow to add rotundity. "Punch" was provided
with a mask — with hooked nose and chin tipped with red
— and a peaked cap ending in a tassel, while Red Riding
Hood stood confessed in a cloak of Turkey red, carrying
a basket on her arm.
The guests not being on formal terms, the affair was a
merry frolic, ending with a dance.
The hostess declared that it was not half so much
trouble to get up the "properties" as to find favours for
a cotillion, and the guests averred that to an ordinary
dance it added the charms of a "costume ball, " with no
trouble of preparation.
Fortunately— perhaps not wholly by accident — the
"Twelfth -Night King" was the "prince of good fellows"
and did much to make the affair the success that it
proved.
A CAKE CARNIVAL FOR TWELFTH-NIGHT
Twelfth -Night was to the pastry-cooks what Easter is
to the florists of our own day — the opportunity to dis-
tinguish themselves by most wonderful achievements.
All London turned out on the eve of Twelfth -Night to
look in the pastry-cooks' windows, lighted with unac-
customed brilliancy and gorgeous with cakes of all shapes,
sorts, and sizes, often surmounted by marvellous struc-
tures, from a dragon emitting fire to a miniature man-of-
war, furnished with tiny loaded guns, that went off with
a loud report.
The " four-and-twenty blackbirds baked in a pie" was
not all a myth, for live birds were concealed under the
January 347
pastry of enormous pies, and, when liberated, flew
about the room, "which gave much delight to the com-
pany," according to Horace Walpole.
Cakes, then, must be conspicuous at any Twelfth -
Night celebration, and one hostess last January invited
her friends to a merry frolic at which a modern adapta-
tion of Twelfth -Night features was attended with suc-
cess. It was called an "Animated Cake Carnival," for
which the guests were requested to appear in costumes
representing familiar cakes and to guess each other.
A girl in classic draperies of white cheese-cloth, with
large wings of cotton batting, was lovely as "Angel
Cake," to whom a contrast was afforded by "Ginger-
snap" in a snuff-coloured gown, her pockets supplied
with many of the "snappers" used in mottoes, which
went off from time to time.
A pretty girl dressed as a bride was intended to sug-
gest "Wedding Cake," and seemed to be successful in
conjuring visions of the special variety of the cake, if
not of the plummy loaf itself.
"Sponge Cake" was all in soft, yellow cheese-cloth, a
bath-sponge forming the crown of a hat, of which the
brim was of the material of the gown.
The most difficult puzzle of the evening was the wearer
of a gown covered with newspaper, with a fringe of
"ticker-tape" in short lengths. An erection on her
head was made of bits of paper, on which were type-
written words bidding one "Vote for Cupid!" "Vote
for Home-Rule!" She proved to be "Election Cake,"
once so popular.
A gown trimmed with strings of raisins and dried cur-
rants in festoons represented "Fruit Cake," and no cos-
tume was prettier than "Nut Cake" in noisette brown,
348 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
with green leaves galore, and crowned with a wreath of
green filberts.
The men, though not required to come in costume,
conformed to the spirit of the occasion by wearing small
patty-pans as boutonnieres.
When the fun began to flag, the guests were set guess-
ing the following cake riddle:
What kind of cake should a geologist eat ? — Layer cake.
What kind for a pugilist ? — Pound cake.
What kind for a lover? — Kisses.
What kind for a gardener ? — Fruit cake.
What kind for a glover? — Lady-fingers.
What kind for a man who lives on his friends ? — Sponge
cake.
What for a politician? — Election cake.
What for a jeweler? — Gold and silver cake.
What kind would one have who ate all these? —
Stomach-ache.
This last answer was whispered in confidence.
A cake-knife was the prize given to the most success-
ful guesser.
A cake-walk made a merry "finale" to the evening.
A cake of imposing dimensions, iced and decorated with
candied fruits, was mounted on a round, flower-decked
table in the centre of the room, and the contestants,
indulging in all sorts of antics and capers, danced or
marched around it.
They were expected to emulate the toilettes, airs and
graces which marked the competitors in a cake-walk on
a Southern plantation long ago.
The girl, with hair braided in numberless pig-tails,
each tied with a ribbon of a different colour and her
escort with flashy neck-tie, enormous shirt-collar, and
paper sunflower boutonriiere, won the prize.
CHAPTER XV
February
A LEAP-YEAR PARTY
ONLY in one year out of four does the opportu-
nity occur to enjoy the fun and frolic that con-
stitute some of the privileges of Leap-Year —
and one of the secrets of happiness is to take whatever
of pleasure the hour brings. A Leap- Year party may
be given at any time through the year ; the favourite
dates are December 3ist and February 29th.
Upon receipt of an invitation upon which the numerals
of the year are conspicuously written at the top of the
sheet, and the words "Leap- Year Dance" in the lower
left-hand corner, the young women hasten to write to
the men with whom they wish to dance the cotillion,
requesting that pleasure— though it is wise first to
inform themselves whether or not the gentlemen in
question have been included in the invitation.
On the evening of the entertainment many favoured
swains are the recipients of large boxes from the florists
— who usually have a sense of humour that may be
appealed to — containing a tiny buttonhole bouquet in
the midst of many wrappings — like a needle in a hay-
stack— or one of huge proportions, composed of cabbage
leaves, or an onion or cold-slaw cleverly wired to make
a burlesque imitation of a chrysanthemum. These, of
course, must be worn at the dance.
349
350 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Upon the arrival of the young men, they crowd
together and hold each other's hands, after the manner
of some timid debutantes, while the girls give themselves
lofty airs of lords of creation. Some copy the type of
male creature who refused to dance the early part of the
evening, remarking that he "always let the girls look
and long for him a little while first !"
The hostess may delegate the duty of receiving the
guests upon their entrance to her husband, if she chooses
— or, perhaps, rather, if he choose — and stalk about as
if disclaiming any responsibility.
The men find seats; the girls walk about or stand in
groups near the door. They may, and should, solicit
introductions, and are brought up to the men by host
or hostess.
As the music strikes up, the girls seek the desired
partners, often selecting for especial devotion some man
whose absence of conceit makes the flattery innocuous.
In the pauses of the dance, the young women gallantly
fan their partners for a moment or so, but soon transfer
that attention to their own faces in apparent thought-
lessness— after the manner familiar to girls as one of
the ways of mankind.
When walking about the room, the girls offer their
arms to the young men, which are accepted, of course,
but many have to be instructed in the proper manner of
resting but the tips of their gloved hands upon the
forearms of their escorts, at the bend of the elbow.
Compliments are in order, and mock declarations, if
made, so that the fun is enjoyed on both sides.
At supper-time the men get their revenge for any
teasing of which they have been the object, and, seated
at their ease, they sometimes keep their partners
running back and forth to supply abnormal demands of
February 351
hunger, giving them no opportunity to satisfy their own
claims of appetite, until they cry quarter.
The cotillion may be a "Frolic German" (described
elsewhere), when all are supposed to know each other,
and may choose to favour strangers as well as acquaint-
ances, according to the European custom.
Some girls prefer to "dance doe" instead of having a
partner, and occasionally they agree to punish —
"freezs out" and condemn to adorn the wall — some
fellow who has been conspicuously disobliging in times
past and selfishly "danced stag" when some girls were
partnerless.
This should not be prolonged, however, beyond the
limits of a harmless tease (save to suggest the thought
to the culprit), for no greater discourtesy could be
offered to a hostess than for one guest to deliberately
mar the enjoyment of another — if no higher principle
were at stake.
Among the favours for the girls may be small boxes
of chocolate cigars and packages of cigarettes of the
same composition, and for the men, "housewives"
containing scissors, needles, thread, and buttons.
Tissue-paper hats and bonnets of the prevailing
fashion will be found amusing, if not becoming to the
sterner sex, who are, however, condemned to wear them,
for a time at least, and tam-o'-shanters, billycock hats,
Scotch bonnets, sombreros, jockey-caps, and military
chapeaux with gorgeous "panaches'1 — also fashioned of
the ever-accommodating crepe paper — look very "fetch-
ing" above the saucy, smiling faces of merry girls.
Bonbon boxes with "Sweets to the Sweet," or other
appropriate quotation, in gilt lettering on the covers,
may be also offered to the gentle swains, and toy -pistols,
swords, and gorgeous "decorations" for "bravery on
352 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
the field" will please the young women — or German
pipes and "bocks," manufactured for cotillion favours.
It is the girls who are clever enough to combine the
sparkle of fun and merry aping of manners masculine,
while not altogether relaxing the charm of femininity,
who may be said to score the greatest success at a
Leap-Year party; and the men, who, in the midst of
frolicsome gaiety, never "go too far" and who prove
that their gallantry and breeding is innate, will be
remembered with favour when the Leap-Year is past
and gone.
The especial privileges of the evening cease when the
good-byes are said. At the door of exit Madam
Grundy draws the line sharply between the sexes, and
no self-respecting maiden will proffer her escort home
to any youth, however timid and unprotected !
CANDLEMAS
It is the delight of a hostess to have the character of
her entertainment suggested by special holiday occa-
sions. It gratifies a sense of fitness when the Christmas
dinner table is ablaze with holly and scarlet decorations
— suggestive of cheer and joyous festivity. The Fourth
of July imposes patriotic emblems, and the month of
February is especially rich in gala days.
"Candlemas," falling on the second of February, lends
itself to pretty and unique decorations, and its cele-
bration has the attraction of novelty for us latter-day
holiday-makers.
It is a church festival that was observed by our remote
forbears as conscientiously as Christmas. In its ec-
clesiastical meaning it is the feast of the Purification of
the Virgin, the candle being a symbolic representation of
the body of our Lord, its wax not made by human
February 353
hands, unchanged by time, "not seeing corruption,"
serves but to supply the needful nourishment to the
flame— the "Light of the World."
In mediaeval times the burning of candles at Can-
dlemas was supposed to frighten off evil spirits from the
house for a year.
The celebration, I think, would find favour at a
luncheon. The American hostess is as eager as .the
Athenian of St. Paul's time for "something new."
In arranging the table a lighted candle should be
before each place, white and without shades. Snow-
drops are the "proper" flowers for the occasion — but
are not always to be had. "I can light a taper to our
Virgin Mother on the blowing of the white snow-drop
which opens its floweret at the time of Candlemas,"
is quoted from an ancient book by a Franciscan Friar.
A low centrepiece of lilies of the valley, or Roman
hyacinths with maidenhair fern, is lovely, and among
the blossoms many small white candles all alight.
If the ends are heated, the wooden splints that florists
use may be inserted or wired firmly to the candles.
Strands of asparagus fern or smilax on invisible wires
hanging from the chandelier and carried to the edge of
the table, fastened at the edge under a spray of leaves
or flowers, make a pretty bower-like effect. The cakes,
bonbons, etc., should be iced in white or green.
One ambitious hostess, who had some skill in water-
colours, painted in the lower left-hand corner of each
name-card a representation of a lighted candle, the
smoke spelling the name of the guest as it passed off
in attenuated curves.
It may give a turn to conversation at table, and
interest those who care for old customs, to learn that
the superstitious notions and observances connected
354 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
with candles are relics of the once far-spread worship
of the sun and fire.
The burning of the candle on this day has for ages
been regarded with superstitious faith, as an augury.
It may amuse twentieth-century maidens to try their
fate by it. At a certain time, wax matches should be
passed around, and each person in turn is requested to
light her candle.
A bright spark in the candle flame denotes that the
person nearest will receive a letter. A thief in a candle
is the prophecy of a wedding — the lover stealing away
the light of the home is presumably the flattering
origin of the superstition.
Windy weather is foretold by the waving of the flame
without visible cause, and wet weather if the flame does
not light readily. In most parts of Europe the peasants
believe that a fine Candlemas portends a severe winter.
In Scotland they say:
" If Candlemas be fair and clear
There'll be twa winters in the year."
The one that burns longest means a happy and
prosperous marriage ; the one going out first, a poor and
luckless one. This is always extremely exciting, and
will be eagerly watched.
Before leaving the candles to burn themselves out, a
test of fortune may be made for fun. Each girl
stands three paces from her candle and endeavours to
extinguish the light with as few puffs as possible — for
each puff counts for a year's delay of her marriage.
The candle idea may be carried out further in the
refreshments. The caterers have ice-cream candles in
pretty cardboard candlesticks of any colour, and a
blanched almond inserted for a wick will burn for several
minutes.
February 355
FOR LINCOLN'S BIRTHDAY
If we Americans are ever in danger of setting up a
saint of our own, we shall canonise, I think, the simple-
minded, great-hearted hero whom the world reveres
under the name of Abraham Lincoln.
Those who in the past scoffed at the "rail-splitter"
for president now hold him next in honour to Washing-
ton— and to him is paid the great compliment of a
general holiday on the day of his birth.
Anaxagoras, the philosopher of Athens and preceptor
of Pericles, it may be remembered, when asked how
they best could show him honour, replied: "Give the
school-children a holiday — in remembrance of the day
of my birth. Then my memory will be loved."
No special observance of Lincoln's birthday has as
yet become general — it is just a day to be happy in, to
gratefully remember the man who bore the chief burden
in our time of national peril, and to rejoice in our re-
united country and restored brotherhood.
A dinner is the most popular of all entertainments,
particularly a little dinner among friends. For such a
modest feast, the hostess may give free play to her
fancy in the table appointments, unhampered by any
rule or precedent.
The centrepiece, if of flowers, may be of the national
colours — red and white carnations with bluets, which
bloom in February in hot-houses, and are of the same
size as the carnations. Failing these, a blue ribbon may
be tied about the dish. Surrounding the flowers,
leaving a space of a few inches, a chain made of card-
board, covered with tin foil or black paper, may be
placed, the links severed in one place — to typify the
broken shackles of slavery.
356 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
At each place a little black china doll, dressed in the
blue-and -white-checked garment of the Southern " picka-
ninny," may hold the name-card. An American flag
should be attached to the chandelier, or a small one
might stand up from the mound of blossoms. In any
event, the "restored flag" should be a conspicuous
feature.
If it be desired to give favours :
Each guest might receive a small map of the United
States, with a line of red ink drawn between the States
that were at variance. The country represented as a
whole is a testimony to Lincoln's wisdom — and his
famous motto, "With malice toward none, with charity
for all," might be written on the margin of the map.
After dinner, some little entertainment, game or
contest of a national character would probably be
welcome, for which I would suggest:
PRESIDENTIAL PUZZLES
The questions are propounded, and all are provided
with pads and pencils, in order to write the answers.
The hostess should know the dates, and any bit of
information that may add to the interest and pleasure
of her guests.
A good prize might be any one of the many excellent
accounts of the. "Life of Lincoln," tied up with ribbons
of two colours — "the blue and the gray."
1. Which President his horse bestrode
And off to his inaugural rode ?
2. Who first his oath of office took
In open air where all might look ?
3. Who, fearing much some dark surprise,
Came to his office in disguise ?
4. Who first at Washington did swear
The Nation's good should be his care?
February 357
5. What man to his inaugural hied
Just one short month before he died ?
6. What President took the oath of state
On other than the usual date ?
7. Wlio at his New York residence
Became one of our Presidents ?
8. Who was succeeded by the one
Whom he succeeded the next run?
9. What President to Quakertown
To his inaugural came down ?
ANSWERS
1. Thomas Jefferson, March 4, 1.801. Rode on
horseback.
2. George Washington took oath April 30, 1789, on
the balcony in front of the Federal State House, New
York.
3. President Madison.
4. John Adams, inaugurated March 4, 1797, at Wash-
ington.
5. William H. Harrison, inaugurated March 4, 1841.
Died April 4, 1841.
6. President Monroe, on March 5, 1820.
7. President Arthur, 1881.
8. Grover Cleveland.
9. George Washington, second inauguration, 1793,
at Philadelphia, and John Adams.
A ST. VALENTINE DINNER
An agreeable way of observing the day which is
sacred to the patron saint of lovers is to invite half a
dozen young people to a dinner, which shall in all its
details recall the subject in which St. Valentine presum-
ably most delights.
Let the centrepiece be heart-shaped and composed of
358 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Jacqueminot roses or red carnations, pierced by a
gilded arrow, which may be had at a very moderate
cost.
In these days nearly every home possesses some deco-
rative piece of Dresden or bisque, of which a cupid is
usually a prominent feature. These, though designed
to hold flowers, may appropriately be pressed into
service as receptacles for the salted almonds, cakes, and
bonbons. These last should be in the shape of hearts,
which any confectioner will undertake to make to order.
Even the bread at each place may be cut in the same
form.
The name-cards should of course be hearts, and may
be made to serve the double purpose of name-card and
menu. They should be made to imitate a heart as
nearly as Bristol-board and red paint can be made to do,
carefully shaded to represent its inequalities, with a
tongue of flame burning at the top between its two
lobes. The names may be written in gilt across its
ardent surface, while on the reverse side is given the
MENU
Oysters
SOUP
Cream of Love-Apples
FISH
Twin-Soles
ENTREE
Sweetbreads
ROAST
Tenderloin of Beef
GAME
Turtledoves
Ice-cream
(Form of two doves kissing each other)
Kisses Coffee Bonbons
February 359
When interpreted, "cream of love-apple" soup may
read "cream of tomatoes'* — "love-apples" being the
pretty alias under which that vegetable was known to
our ancestors.
Soles, so delicious in England, take the name of
flounders in America, and properly cooked are very
palatable. Two good-sized fish would be sufficient
for eight persons.
The turtledoves would be better known as squabs,
but would not be so suggestive of "billing and cooing."
The ice-cream birds may be made of any compound
preferred, provided that the outside coating be white,
to recall the doves' plumage.
The small meringues called "kisses" from time
immemorial have inspired conversation and repartee
among young men and maidens for some occult reason.
IN PRAISE OF LOVE
After dinner, an adaptation of the once popular game
of Literary Salad may be played. Shut up within two
red paper hearts, the edges of which are lightly pasted
together, may be a heart-shaped bit of white paper
inscribed with some quotation in praise of Love. Every
known poet has waxed eloquent upon the theme.
For instance:
"For love is heaven, and heaven is love."
WALTER SCOTT.
"All love is sweet
"Given or returned. Common as light is love,
But its familiar voice wearies not ever."
SHELLEY.
"Tis better to have loved and lost
Than never to have loved at all."
TENNYSON.
360 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
"Oh, there's nothing half so sweet in life
As Love's young dream ! "
MOORE.
"Pains of love be sweeter far
Than all other pleasures are."
DRYDEN.
"There's beggary in the love than can be reckoned."
SHAKESPEARE.
The hearts enclosing the quotations are passed
around, each one that was withdrawn is torn apart,
the selections then read aloud by the players in turn,
and either correctly ascribed to its author by the chance
recipient or passed on until some one can give its
source. The one whose memory proves the most
dependable receives a prize.
A prize once awarded to the young woman whose
mind proved to be best stored with the tender thoughts
of the poets, was a panel picture of the little God of Love
lying at ease among roses — a copy of Bougereau's
picture, " Le Reveil de /' Amour" It was enclosed in a
large valentine envelope, addressed to her in Cupid's
care.
The young man who was least successful was given
for the "booby" prize a huge red worsted "mitten,"
since he was told that he "evidently knew nothing about
love."
FAMOUS LOVERS
Famous Lovers is another game that is adapted to
St. Valentine's evening.
Hearts of red cardboard are divided into two halves —
cut or torn apart. Half the number are placed in one
grab-bag, made of Turkey red in the shape of a heart,
and the other halves of the severed members in another
February 361
The ladies draw from one, the men from the other, and
then proceed to "match for partners." Those whose
pieces fit must then choose the names of some well-
known pair of lovers — which the others try to guess,
after the manner of the game of Twenty Questions.
A wedding march might be played, and the couples
make the tour of the room, and then, seating themselves
— each pair is questioned in turn.
The host and hostess take the lead in putting the
questions, remarking that they are all eagerness to
know whom they have the honour of entertaining.
The general trend of the questions to make the couple
reveal their identity may run thus:
"Are you fact or fiction?"
"Do you remember where you met?"
"Was it love at first sight?"
"Did the course of your love run smooth?"
"Did love end in marriage?"
"What was the most interesting feature in your
relations with each other?"
The questions may be improvised, each person asking
one in turn for three rounds, after which the next
couple are under examination. Ivanhoe and Rowena,
Miles Standish and Priscilla, Hiawatha and Minnehaha,
Dante and Beatrice, Othello and Desdemona, are offered
as suggestions.
A good prize for such a game would be a box of bon-
bons, which the winner could share with his or her
partner. If made of red satin, in the shape of a heart,
a cheap little clock might be hidden among the bonbons
— so that it could be distinctly heard to beat. In those
of inexpensive make the tick is usually the more per-
ceptible.
A prize for the ones who were least successful in
362 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
guessing might be a tea-cup and saucer for the lady —
as the "cheering cup" is popularly supposed to be one
of the spinster's consolations — a worsted parrot or a
live kitten. For the man, a card of buttons, with a
tiny work-box with sewing material — for those who
fail on St. Valentine's Day are supposed to be fore-
doomed to a single life.
IN HONOUR OF ST. VALENTINE
St. Valentine's evening is the time of all the year that
lends itself most easily to special features in entertaining
that never lose interest for young men and maidens.
The invitation for an informal frolic for that interesting
occasion should be written on heart-shaped cards. If
the guests are wide-awake, nimble-witted young persons,
each may be requested in the invitation to write a
valentine, to be brought on the appointed evening — the
more ridiculous the better.
These must be distributed in such manner among the
company that chance — or fate — alone shall determine
the destination of each glowing epistle.
Those for the ladies, written by the young men, and
those destined for the masculine guests, composed by
the young women, should be placed in different recep-
tacles and drawn therefrom at haphazard. If an even
number of both sexes be present, and it is desired to
pair them for some subsequent game, the male authors
of the ardent verses and their recipients may be re-
garded as partners. It is for the young men to discover
during the evening to whom they are indebted for the
valentine which they have received.
It may add to the fun if each person in turn is asked
to read aloud the one that has fallen to his or her lot.
February 363
A HEART HUNT
may form another diversion, played after the mannei
of the well-known peanut hunt.
Several dozens of paper hearts are scattered about
and hidden all over the rooms. A prize is to be awarded
to the finder of the greatest number. Occasionally
one comes across a candy or chocolate heart — trophies
for the finders — but only the paper ones count in the
competition for the prize, which should be something
in the shape of a heart — a bonbonniere, perhaps, or
photograph frame.
Instead of paper hearts, those made of opaque white
candy may be used instead. Each has some tender
message or love-sick protestation done in red lettering.
These confections were known in the days of our re-
motest grandparents.
Especial prizes may be given to those who find both
parts of a divided heart that fit perfectly together.
"BROKEN HEARTS"
This contest requires a little preparation in advance.
Sheets of red cardboard are cut into many heart-
shaped pieces. The easiest way for its accomplishment
is to draw one heart within a space six inches square,
cut it out and use it for a pattern, tracing from it the
outlines of all the others, which are also cut out with
a sharp pair of scissors. When one has a sufficient
number of these large red hearts to supply one for each
pair of guests expected, each one is cut into six pieces —
wedge-shaped, square, crescent, and circular bits.
The parts of each heart are put into separate envelopes.
Each pair of guests is given one of these envelopes and
the problem is offered them to piece together the bits
364 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
of the broken hearts so that they may appear whole
again — after the manner of dissected maps. The pair
who first attain that success rise and announce the
fact, and to them is awarded the prize of being crowned
with paper roses — one of the classic honours bestowed
by Cupid. The young man may find a wreath of
laurel leaves less embarrassing to wear.
PASSING THE GUESTS
One of the prettiest ways to pair one's guests, if it be
thought desirable to do so by chance selection — which
must be ascribed to fate on St. Valentine's Day — is to
offer flowers — natural or of paper — from two different
baskets. To the stem of each flower is tied a card
containing the names of famous lovers of history and
fiction. The man drawing "Romeo" then seeks the
girl whose card is inscribed with "Juliet's" name;
"Hamlet" finds "Ophelia"; Leicester, Queen Elizabeth;
Petrarch, Laura; Dante, Beatrice; John Alden, Pris-
cilla; etc. If there are more gentlemen than ladies,
which advantage a hostess should always try to insure,
the "extra" men may draw the names of certain faithful
lovers whose devotion has not been crowned with
success — as, for instance, Sydney Carton, Tom Pinch,
etc.
LOVE'S TARGET
This oracle of fortune will offer a pleasing variety to
the foregoing games. The target should be made with
a wooden frame in the shape of a heart, over which is
stretched white muslin. This is painted with a border
of green, three inches wide. A second row within it of
black, of the same width, and next that again one of
yellow, a fourth of blue, a fifth of red, and a bull's-eye
February 365
of gilt are painted. Each band, of course, retains the
heart shape, one inside the other.
Or, a cheaper target may be made of heavy card-
board, twenty-five inches long by twenty inches wide,
covered with muslin, and painted as before directed.
The target should be set up at the end of a spacious
room, from which the smaller furniture has been re-
moved.
A gilded bow of classic shape, such as Cupid carries,
should be provided, and as many arrows as there are
guests. Each one takes a shot in turn, and as the arrows
hit their marks the success or failure is announced
by St. Valentine, who presides at the wheel, dressed
as the "King of Hearts," in the following couplets:
If your arrow hits the red
You will very shortly wed.
Should your arrow pierce the green
No wedding bells for you, I ween.
When your arrow hits the blue
Cupid takes a shot at you.
If the arrow touch the black
A true love you'll never lack.
If it chance to hit the white
You will meet your fate to-night.
If the dart go wide astray
You will throw your heart away.
Should it pierce the heart of gold,
Joy for you and love untold !
The costume of the King of Hearts may consist of a
coat of Turkey red with hanging sleeves, knee-breeches
of blue denim, cut in points at the knee and covered
366 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
with red paper hearts, a broad collar, made of three
heart-shaped pieces, and a red cap, also made of three
hearts — their points meeting at the top. A band of
gilt paper encircling the forehead serves for a crown.
Next on the programme
A HEART-CONTEST
might be given.
Out of compliment to the little God of Love, the ten
questions should be presented very daintily, that they
may form a souvenir of the occasion. Heart-shaped
booklets, the covers artistically decorated with cupids,
roses, lovers '-knots, etc., may be used, or as a substitute
the pretty, old-style, lace-edged valentines. Pencils are
attached by narrow satin ribbons, preferably pink,
love's colour, as the rose is its flower. It should be
stated to the guests in distributing the questions that
every answer begins with the word "heart."
QUESTIONS
1 . What she takes from us ?
2. How we greet her?
3. Where we sit?
4. What disease threatens?
5. What oftentimes her conduct?
6. What then comes to us?
7. How do we feel?
8. Describe the catastrophy ?
9. What flower consoles us?
10. Under its influence, what do we become ?
The answers are written opposite the questions, the
guests often guessing in pairs, as being more sociable
than singly. The cards are taken up, and the prize-
winners determined by the greatest number of correct
answers. The prizes selected should be appropriate to
February 367
the occasion — a silver chain and heart, a "Friendship"
bracelet, two hearts united as a brooch, a heart-shaped
box of ''sweets/' a silver paper-cutter with arrow handle,
etc., etc.
ANSWERS
1. Hearts. 6. Heart-ache.
2. Heartily. 7. Heart-sick.
3. Hearth. 8. Heart-rending.
4. Heart-burn. 9. Heart 's-ease.
5. Heartless. 10. Heart-whole.
THE MATRIMONIAL NOOSE
After these diversions, if one's guests are well
acquainted, the hostess may venture to tie by the wrists
each man and maiden in pairs, as they may be found
together.
The noose is made by taking two pieces of string a
yard long, crossing them like the letter X, and attaching
an end around the wrists of each of the pair. A wedding
ring, or brass curtain ring, may be slipped upon the
string.
The problem before them is how to separate. Their
devices and contortions are very amusing until they
discern the simple trick of getting their freedom. To
do this, one of the fettered pair takes the under string
at its point of intersection with the upper and — careful
not to twist it — makes a loop, which is then passed
through the ring, over his companion's hand, and
slipped under the string that is binding that person's
wrist. This done, the bound are free.
A cynic might make some invidious remarks — not at
all appropriate to the day — but salutary if the influences
of the season have induced ephemeral emotions.
The refreshments should carry out as far as possible
368 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
the features peculiar to the occasion; the sandwiches
cut heart-shaped, the cakes iced in rose colour, pink
peppermints, or other bonbons in the form of hearts.
The caterers have moulds for ices in the shape of
cupids, wedding-bells, hearts, and doves in pairs kissing
each other. A dish of the little meringues called
"kisses" would not be forgotten.
After supper the fun is apt to flag a little, and to
prevent this it may be intimated that something very
interesting is to follow.
FATE
When all have returned to the drawing-room, the
hostess may appear dressed all in black, a bandage over
her eyes, a black veil over her head — which should fall
over her forehead. She makes the announcement that
she is fate, blind, as they see, and therefore "no respecter
of persons." She claims that with unerring certainty
she can give to every man present the name of his
future wife — admitting that she is not yet sufficiently
proficient to tell the names of the future husbands,
with precision. The men are then asked to come for-
ward and receive at the hands of the King of Hearts a
card for each man present, inscribed with the name of
the wife whom Fate assigns him. She then draws from
some receptacle under her veil an envelope, which she
hands to St. Valentine, who passes it to the man to
whom it is addressed — with the injunction that it is
not to be opened until a signal is given for all to read
their fate. When every one has received his card, the
hostess raises her hands solemnly to her head, palms
down, elbows extended, then stretching her arms out-
ward as if in blessing, with bent head, mutters
the incantation said to have been used by the great
Cagliostro :
February 369
41 Eludor Mir pan Gulith
Harcon Dibo"
She then says in unison with St. Valentine: "Read
your fate ! " Whereupon every man opens the envelope
in his hand and finds therein one of his own visiting-cards
with the word "Mrs." written before it !
"A Proposal Party" and "Progressive Courtship"
are other appropriate entertainments for St. Valentine's
evening — directions for which are given below.
THE PROPOSAL PARTY
Tnis function is conducted according to immemorial
precedent — that is, by lottery — which is said to govern
Dan Cupid's manipulation of the marriage market.
Men and maidens, therefore, are invited to draw at
random from separate baskets tiny gilt bows and arrows,
each pair of which is tied by a different shade of narrow
ribbon.
The bows naturally belong to the men, as the active
ones in the chase — who fasten them to a vest button —
and the arrows are worn by the "victims" in their hair,
or otherwise conspicuously placed.
The man discovering a girl wearing a ribbon matching
his own in colour understands that he has met his fate,
and during the evening must contrive to offer for her
acceptance his hand, heart, and worldly goods without
reservation.
She meanwhile must do everything in her power to
avoid the important climax.
Not alone in words, but by note or flower, expressing
sentiments of affection, may the sweet message be
conveyed. A prize is offered to each man who succeeds
in placing his proposal so that a definite answer must be
?yo The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
given ; and one to each girl who is so watchful and adroit
as to prevent an avowal.
One bright young woman managed to drop the note
in the most natural way possible before reading it, when
her swain had grown so desperate by her clever fencing
as to resort to writing his proposal.
The men's prizes were heart-shaped key-rings; the
women's, bonbonnieres of the same interesting form.
In Leap-Year, the maids may be the ones to carry the
bows, and follow with ardent attentions the holders
of the arrows, who must on their side defend themselves
with armour of nimble wit.
WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
The average American of middle age hardly knows
what to do with a holiday when he has one. An ex-
haustive perusal of the morning papers, a walk, or a
drive in the park, or possibly a horse-back ride, is in the
large cities his usual programme. He has almost for-
gotten how to have a good time, and, like his English
cousins, "takes his pleasures sadly." In the evening,
perhaps, he may attend a fine dinner or go to the play —
but why might it not be a pleasant change to invite him
to a luncheon ?
It would be a novelty to most business men to meet a
few choice spirits of both sexes at that pleasant and
informal meal, and Washington's Birthday might
furnish such an occasion.
Every one is on the alert to provide entertainment
for the young people, but the good husbands and
fathers are usually counted out of most of the pleasures
of life.
Leaving St. Valentine's day to the young folk, let us
claim the fete day of the greatest American for the men
February 371
who are bearing the burdens and carrying the responsi-
bilities of the country.
I would suggest a thoroughly national menu, and
anything in the way of table decoration that might be
suggestive of the man in whose honour the day has been
set apart.
The Colonial colours, blue and buff, may be recalled
by a centrepiece of daffodils, tulips, or other yellow
blossoms, the other decorations to be of the same shade,
with blue plates and dishes, if one is the fortunate
possessor of dark -blue Staffordshire, Canton, or even
the cheap imitations of the willow pattern.
If onejs china does not lend itself to this colour
scheme, a centrepiece appropriate to Washington
tradition would be a miniature palm called the "Ardecia,"
which, though not two feet high, makes a very creditable
imitation of a cherry tree. The little trunk is about
two inches in diameter, and the leaves long and pointed
like those of the tree so famous in the history of the
Father of His Country. The pot, placed on a tray and
banked with moss, would look as if growing on an
elevation. If the natural clusters of berries are re-
moved and artificial cherries hung in their place, with
a toy hatchet laid at the foot of the tree, the imagination
will be further stimulated.
Fold the napkins into cocked hats, and at each place
a bonbon box in the form of a hatchet, with a bunch
of artificial cherries tied to the stem with red, white and
blue striped ribbon. The shops are full of these things.
Name-cards, with cuts of the heads of George and
Martha Washington upon them, may be easily procured.
If the hostess has a little skill in the use of watei-
colours, she may cut bits of Bristol-board in the shape
of a heraldic shield and decorate them to represent
372 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
the Washington arms. In the language of heraldry,
"two bars gules and in chief three mullets of the second,"
which being interpreted is simply a white shield crossed
horizontally by two red bars, and above these three red
stars. This is surmounted by a coronet out of which
rises the head and wings of a nondescript bird, remotely
resembling an eagle. Almost any attempt at drawing
our national bird could not fail to equal if not surpass
the one forming the Washington crest.
On the reverse side, in quaint gilt lettering, might be
given the motto of the Washington family: "Exitus
Ada Probat" "The result approves the act." And
for variety upon each card a quotation from some
well-known writer who has delighted to honour our
hero should be inscribed. These may be read aloud
in turn.
The following quotations may be suggestive:
"In a gallery of sculpture, were I asked whose form
would best grace the tallest pedestal, I should name
that of Washington." — GLADSTONE.
"Washington has left
His awful memory
A light for after times."
— SOUTHEY.
"The hand to tyrants ever sworn the foe
For Freedom only, deals the deadly blow;
Then sheathes in calm repose the vengeful blade
For gentle peace in Freedom's hallowed shade."
— JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.
"To the memory of the man, first in war, first in
peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen!" — -
GEN. HENRY LEE.
February 373
"Here's to the pilot that weathered the storm." —
CANNING.
For the menu, I would suggest only such dishes as are
notably American :
Grape Fruit with Brandied Cherries
Clam Bouillon
Planked Shad
Grouse, Canvasback, or other Game Ducks, with
Celery Salad
(Canned) Whortleberry or Pumpkin Pie
With this the "wine of the. country" — cider — must
have recognition.
If a dinner be preferred, the menu may be as dis-
tinctively national:
Blue Points
Clam Soup
Terrapin
Roast Turkey, Cranberry Sauce
Sweet Potatoes
Cherry Sherbet (with artificial cherries tied to the
handles of cups or glasses)
Game Ducks, with Celery Salad
(Served in Green Peppers)
"Whips"
Frozen Custard
This last is the ice-cream of Washington's day — first
served in America at a reception given by him at
Philadelphia.
The turkey is peculiarly American. By some mis-
apprehension that caused the people of our newly
discovered continent to be called Indians, our national
bird upon its introduction into France was called
" poulet d' Inde," later contracted into "Dinde" and
"Dindon" its diminutive. In England they confounded
374 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
India with Turkey, in their ignorance, and called the new
bird after that country.
After luncheon, while sipping the coffee in another
room, or after dinner, when the gentlemen rejoin the
ladies, a game is often productive of fun, even to those
for whom the heyday of youth is past. The human
heart at forty or fifty is not so very different from the
same organ at twenty. If it be desired to give a national
character to the game on Washington's Birthday, we
may easily prepare a game of questions that will
reveal how much that is interesting and little known
there is in our national history. It is played like the
game of "Definitions," previously described.
For example :
What was the first American fag? — An English
Union Jack was hastily prepared for its new character
by sewing strips of white cotton cloth across the red
surface, thus forming the stripes. The stars after-
ward supplanted the cross in the corner of the English
flag.
What is the origin of the word "Yankee'*? — It is
said to have been originally an imitation of the manner
in which the Indians pronounced the word "English "
(Yengese).
What was the origin of the term "Brother Jon-
athan" ? — The earliest mention of it has been traced to
a pamphlet published in 1643. When speaking of the
monument to Queen Elizabeth, it reads, "Our Brother
Jonathan wrote her epitaph in a loyal poem, before
he had a thought of New England."
What were the original thirteen States? — (It is
astonishing how few can name them without a mis-
take.)
February 375
Massachusetts. Pennsylvania.
Connecticut. Maryland.
Rhode Island. Virginia.
New Hampshire. North Carolina.
New York. South Carolina.
New Jersey. Georgia.
Delaware.
How often has the United States been at war since
1776? — War with the Barbary States, during Jefferson's
presidency, 1804; war with England, Madison, president,
1812; war with Mexico, Polk, president, 1845 ; Civil War,
Lincoln, president, 1861; war with Spain, McKinley,
president, 1897.
A prize of Irving's "Life of Washington" may be »
given.
Other appropriate games are given elsewhere in this
volume, as, for instance: "The Nicknames of the
States," "Sobriquets of Noted Americans," "Military
Euchre."
A colonial tea or "An Ancestors' Reunion" would
also be in accord with the traditions of the day.
CHAPTER XVI
March
A MERRY DINNER
FOR
ST. PATRICK'S DAY
EVEN for those who are not sons and daughters of
the Emerald Isle, the day chosen to do honour
to its patron saint affords opportunity for the
introduction of special features, of which they may
take advantage to give to an entertainment a spice of
novelty.
Such a Hibernian feast was given recently.
To each invitation was added a postscript requesting
that every guest should come prepared to tell an Irish
story or anecdote, recite a poem or sing a song belonging
to the nation that claims the seventeenth of March as
their own.
When the guests entered the dining-room, they found
a table profusely decorated with soft green foliage. A
harp wound closely and thickly with smilax, and having
strings of the tiniest white "immortelles," formed the
centrepiece, raised on a mound covered with ferns.
The skeleton harp was hired from a florist, and home
talent did the rest.
The dishes holding the cakes, bonbons, and salted
nuts were all wreathed with smilax and ground pine,
376
March 377
and the name-cards were daintily painted and cut in
the shape of the "shamrock, so green." The bonbons
were merely sticks of chocolate, made thicker at one end
by a complacent caterer, in order to resemble the black-
thorn "shillalah" of pugnacious fame, while the little
cakes were excellent imitations of the national "praties,"
their surfaces covered with chocolate dust, and with
bits of almonds for "eyes." They are obtainable of
almost any caterer.
The candelabra were twined with smilax, and the
candle-shades made of small paper Irish flags, crimped
into shape, as folding fans are made. Nothing is more
grateful to the eyes than a green-shaded light, and, unlike
blue, it is not unbecoming.
The menu was made to conform as far as possible to
the sentiment of the day.
The entree was a most savoury and highly seasoned
Irish stew, served very hot, in little earthern saucepans.
In France it would have masqueraded under some pretty
alias — such as mouton braise a la jardiniere, but no
fancy name was needed to enhance the enjoyment of the
blended flavours of bay -leaves, thyme, clove, celery,
pepper-corn, parsley-root, and onion — which last is "to
cookery what accent is to speech."
The piece de resistance created a sensation upon its
appearance — for it was no less than "the gintleman that
pays the rint" — a "sucking pig," with an apple in its
mouth. This dish, so popular with our forefathers, is a
novelty to this generation.
With it was served, with marked honours, smothered
in parsley, a dish of potatoes, in their jackets, which
were so tight a fit that the flowery roots burst all bounds
and looked like snowballs or cotton bursting from the
pod.
378 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The Irish cook had prepared the dinner con amore,
feeling herself "under compliment," as she expressed it,
to do honour to the occasion. Some one proposed her
health, which was drunk in something that was pro-
nounced more like real ''mountain dew" than the fiery
"poteen" with the pretty name — a "wolf in sheep's
clothing. ' '
The ice-cream was in the form of a prosperous-looking
porker, which stood firmly on his short legs, and when
laid low by the sacrificial knife revealed in his interior
all sorts of deliciousness in the form of "marrons" and
candied fruits.
Stories and anecdotes of Irish wit and humour, bulls
and blunders, circulated freely around the table, every-
one's memory seemingly well stocked when once the
train of thought was started. Some were gifted with a
rich "brogue" that greatly enhanced the effectiveness
of their narration.
One of the guests surprised her audience by saying
that St. Patrick was not an Irishman at all, but a Scotch
lad, who in the fifth century was stolen by a wild band of
Irish pirates, and, when finally restored to his home,
could not forget the heathen in the land of his captivity,
and so returned to them as a missionary, devoting his
life to their service.
When, after dinner, a young girl sang "Kathleen
Mavourneen," with its pathos of love and longing, it
was the more effective in contrast with the rollicking fun
that had preceded it, and the little company separated
with many protestations of enjoyment so unconvention-
ally expressed as to carry their own evidence of sincerity.
A ST. PATRICK'S DAY LUNCHEON
Green at once suggests itself as the colour most appro-
priate for a St. Patrick's Day luncheon. As there is
March 379
nothing more refreshing to the eye nor more effective
in table decoration than the various shades of green, a
luncheon given on the day of Ireland's patron saint can
be made an extremely attractive affair. A snowy cloth,
dainty china and sparkling silver, with a centrepiece
of Battenberg lace over green silk, upon which rests a
large cut-glass bowl of tulips gleaming white among
their pale-green leaves, will certainly make the guests feel
that spring is at hand, no matter what the weather may
be outside. The colour scheme may be still further car-
ried out by means of tall vases of ferns at either end of
the table, green candles whose light is softened by green
paper shades, and at every plate little nests of spun
sugar of verdant hue, containing wintergreen and pepper-
mint bonbons. The menu may also be made to suggest
the spring season in colour and substance as follows:
Green pea soup served in cups; timbales of fresh cod,
with parsley sauce; cucumbers; spring lamb, with mint
sauce; Bermuda potatoes and spinach; asparagus salad
served on lettuce leaves; pistache ice-cream and little
cakes cut out in the form of the shamrock. Coffee.
Crime de mentke served in green liqueur-glasses.
After luncheon, by way of diversion, the hostess invites
her guests to accompany her on a trip through Ireland,
by giving to each one a card haying a pencil attached to
it by a narrow green ribbon. Upon each card is inscribed
in green ink the itinerary of the journey clothed in the
following riddles, which the guests must solve in order
to discover for what places they are booked:
THE ITINERARY
1. A sovereign and a city.— Queenstown.
2. A stopper. — Cork.
3. Adam's ale and a crossing. — Waterford.
380 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
4. To slay and to brave. — Kildare.
5. The capital of Ireland. — Dublin.
6. A popular girl and to be speedy. — Belfast.
7. Part of a lamp and an adjective. — Wicklow.
8. To be cunning and to depart. — Sligo.
9. A winter garment. — Ulster.
10. A pathway for one of huge stature. — Giant's
Causeway.
The prize for the one guessing correctly the greatest
number of names may be either inexpensive or costly , as
the hostess may choose. A bunch of spring flowers tied
with a green ribbon, a volume of Moore or Goldsmith —
the poets from Erin who immortalised in verse the joys
and sorrows of the Irish peasantry. For the booby, a
paper snake, to be had at the Japanese shops.
If it be desired, one of the following quotations from
Moore might be written upon each place-card at table:
"When friends are nearest,
When joys are dearest,
Oh, then remember me."
"Here still is the smile that no cloud can o'ercast,
And a heart and a hand all thy own to the last."
" You may break, you may shatter the vase, if you will,
But the scent of roses will hang round it still."
"Oh, there are looks and tones that dart
An instant sunshine through the heart !"
"There's nothing half so sweet in life
As love's young dream."
" Oh ! if there be an Elysium on earth,
It is this, it is this."
March 381
"My only books were woman's looks,
And folly's all they've taught me."
"When once the young heart of a maiden is stolen,
The maiden herself will steal after it soon."
"'Tis never too late for delight, my dear."
LENTEN FESTIVITIES
During the few weeks of Lent, whether or not we
regard the season as having any restraining claim upon
our consciences, it would be good for all of us to take the
opportunity to show hospitality, instead of entertaining.
The things are not synonymous. Hospitality opens
doors of welcome, "hoping for nothing again." There
is nothing commercial about it. Let us seek out the
lonely, the burdened, those who have few pleasures,
whom we may know, and give them a "thoroughly good
time."
If our merry-makings have a character peculiar to the
season, we shall assuredly lose nothing of enjoyment.
"Lenten festivities" have an incongruous sound, but
we believe in these days that it is "religious" to be
happy and to try to make others so, if we but use inno-
cent means. One way leading to success is to link our
pleasures with ultimate good to others.
Sewing societies have great vogue in Lent, but their
novelty has certainly passed by. Why not try a
" Kaffeeklatsch," at which the company of friends make
"layettes" for the little babies of the very poor?
A "Kaffeeklatsch," or, being interpreted, "Coffee
and Chatter," is a variation of the afternoon tea. Being
of German origin, with the coffee should be served the
various kinds of cake and bread peculiar to that people
— zwieback, pretzels, sandwiches made from brown
382 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
bread with caraway seeds, and the small cakes which the
German bakers have in great variety. The coffee should
be of the best and served with whipped cream.
It should be understood that at a " Kaffee " the guests
bring their work and "make an afternoon of it." Invite
them at half after three and serve the refreshments at
five. A little music is in Order, or the entertainment
would lack its German character — "homely" music,
that encourages others to contribute what they have to
give. It is a great mistake to do things too well.
"Poverty Luncheons " offer another way of combining
pleasure and philanthropy — they are more nearly synony-
mous than many think. Half a dozen girls agree to
meet at the home of each, in turn, once a week, or once
a fortnight, for luncheon. At every meeting each guest
brings fifty cents, which is given to some charity, and
each hostess pledges herself not to exceed three dollars
in preparing her entertainment. These prices and con-
tributions may, of course, be varied at pleasure. At the
close of the meal the hostess must tell the price paid for
each article of food, which the guests note upon their
menu cards. It taxes ingenuity, teaches economy,
stimulates interest in the preparation of new and inex-
pensive dishes, pleases by its novelty, and makes possi-
ble an interchange of pleasant sociability to some who,
otherwise, would deny themselves the pleasures which
they crave and sometimes need.
A sample menu would be : canned bouillon (15 cents) ;
creamed codfish, served in green peppers (40 cents);
two pounds chops (50 cents) ; with pur£e of French chest-
nuts (15 cents); salad of chopped apple and celery with
mayonnaise, served in red apples (35 cents); pineapple
ice, served in the whole rind (45 cents) ; coffee (8 cents);
bread and butter (15 cents). Total, $2.23.
March 383
The idea for "Poverty Luncheons" may be carried
out in a dinner, and the young men be invited as guests.
They may contribute their donation for the charity,
limited strictly to the small sum given by the girls, or
they will feel that in order to appear generous they must
make a gift larger than inclination warrants, and the
pleasure will be lost.
After dinner few things will be more productive of
amusement than giving the men to understand that they
have met to sew for charity; and that there must be no
drones, each girl may teach her cavalier to hem an apron 1
"MOTHERING SUNDAY"
An old English custom, which still survives in some of
the rural districts among that conservative people, cele-
brates mid-Lent Sunday as a day for special devotion to
one's parents.
It is called "Mothering Sunday" and is observed by
the assembling of all the sons and daughters of a house-
hold, who come from far and near, bringing gifts, and
intent upon making the occasion a joyous one to the
"old folks at home."
The fruits of housewifely zeal or of the industry of
nimble fingers are proudly brought for the mother's
acceptance and approval, while a gift of home-brewed
ale, or some exceptionally fine farm produce — treasured
for the occasion — is offered to the father.
We may easily imagine the pleasant little feast that
brings the family around a common table, as in the days
before their separation — the happy faces, the exchange
of loving glances, the narration of personal affairs that
cannot fail to find sympathetic and interested listen-
ers, and, best of all, the grateful love and reverence
expressed for the faithful parents, who must indeed have
counted that Sunday a red-letter day.
384 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
We have national holidays, we set apart special days
for the honour of saint and patriot, but, without an
enactment of Congress or official authorisation, we may
privately follow the pretty custom, and do honour to the
dear household saints, than whom none surely are more
worthy our most loving homage.
So thought a certain family in an American city not
very long ago.
During the day mysterious parcels were left at the
door, merely addressed to "Mother," which upon
investigation were found to contain gifts from each of
her children, accompanied by loving messages and fond
little notes that are likely to be long cherished.
The happiest kind of a "surprise party" met at din-
ner, which included all the sons and daughters, married
or single. The "consorts" did not appear, but only
those who owned themselves "her very own," and all
did their best to make the occasion a happy one.
At each place at the table was a name-card, upon the
reverse side of which some quotation in praise of mother-
hood was written, and these were read aloud in suc-
cession.
For example:
"A mother is a mother still — the holiest thing alive." —
Coleridge.
"God cannot be everywhere, so he made mothers." —
Arab Proverb.
"Her children arise up and call her blessed." — Pro-
verbs, 31-28.
Before leaving the table, the eldest son proposed the
toast :
"Mother! God bless her!" and all arose, glass in
hand, to pledge her to long life and happiness.
CHAPTER XVII
April
AN APRIL-FOOL DINNER
"A bit of folly now and then
Is relished by the wisest men,"
SUCH was the preface to the invitations sent to the
masculine guests by a certain young hostess for
a dinner on April the first. Others bore "Come,
catch folly as it flies," and other quotations in praise
of inconsequent light-heartedness — to which one reply
read, "Fools rush in where angels fear to tread —
therefore expect me"; and another, "Where ignorance
is bliss, 'tis folly to be wise — I would not be other than
unwise."
The guests, half suspecting a hoax, found the decora-
tions of the table were intended to symbolise the cus-
toms of the day. In its centre, the flowers (daffodils)
were held in a large fool's-cap inverted, made of pale
yellow satin with narrow ribbons criss-crossed around
it, to which were attached many little round bells, the
"badge of office" of fools and jesters.
The name-cards were in the form of fishes ; the fish is
in France the type and expression of the customs of the
first of April. As we use the term "April Fool," they
say " Poisson d'avril," in allusion to the fact that they
are easily "caught."
386 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
At each lady's place appeared a round bonbonniere
about six inches across, surmounted by a doll's head and
trunk without arms, the dress being gathered around
the neck with a lace ruffle and its edge pasted around
the cover of the box. Each one was different. One
doll was dressed to represent a king's jester. Another
painted a dead white, with a close-fitting, white kid cap
and a dress of white linen, was intended to suggest the
French Pierrot — their national clown — while another of
papier-mach£ had the hooked nose and prominent chin
of Punch. These boxes when opened revealed only
peanuts, rice, white beans and coffee-grains — beneath
which the sweets were concealed.
Among the bona fide dainties were "April-fool" bon-
bons, "chocolate creams" stuffed with cotton, wooden
button -moulds covered with chocolate, and round
yellow pill-boxes filled with flour, and iced to represent
little cakes.
There is a well-known English dish called "Goose-
berry Fool" — a compound of crushed gooseberries and
cream. In the case which I am recalling, strawberries
were substituted and frozen in cream, which dish they
called "Strawberry Fool."
After dinner the hostess announced that she had a
picture to show her friends that had arrived that day
and which had given her much pleasure. A curtain
was hung before it, which, when withdrawn with grave
ceremony, revealed a mirror, reflecting the expectant
faces of the group before it, while upon its surface were
written with soap the words, "April Fool !"
Then followed all sorts of attempts to "fool" one
another, the hostess offering a prize to the one who
should not be fooled once during the evening, and
April 387
another to the person who had been successful in ' ' catch-
ing" the greatest number.
Forewarned was forearmed, but after a while it was
pretended that the effort was useless and other forms of
amusement were ostensibly resorted to. One then
claimed to have special mesmeric powers and asked for
volunteers upon whom to show his spells, and two empty
saucers. A single person offered, and was seated before
the mesmerist, who looked his victim sternly and fixedly
in the eyes, as though to gain an empire over his will.
Each was then given an empty saucer, and the mesmer-
ist touched with his forefinger the underside of the one
he held and then passed his forefinger across his fore-
head, down his nose, touched his chin and both cheeks,
commanding the "subject" to follow faithfully his every
motion. A mirror was then produced and the victim
beheld himself and discovered the reason of the sup-
pressed laughter that he had been hearing, for although
the saucers were apparently alike, the under side of the
one held by the mesmerist was clean, while that of the
other was smeared with lampblack. Only one unac-
quainted with the hoax would have offered himself
when the saucers were produced.
Another "April fool" was tried after the suspicions of
the company had been somewhat lulled to sleep by
other tricks and "stunts," one of which was called
PILLOW-CLIMBING
In the middle of the floor were scattered sofa-cushions,
plates, books, etc., and a volunteer was directed first to
walk over the course between these articles, so as to fix
in his mind the distance and the situation of the various
things. He was then blindfolded and requested to
thread his way as carefully as possible between them so
388 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
as not to touch one. Meantime, the articles were
removed noiselessly one by one, and it was extremely
amusing to the audience to see how earnestly the walker
strove to avoid stepping upon anything, the pleased
look at his success, and his surprise when, the bandage
having been removed, he found that he had been
"made a fool of."
THE HISTORICAL EASTER '
Among our Saxon forefathers, the goddess Eastre —
the personification of the opening year or spring as well
as of the dawn or east — was worshipped with most
elaborate ceremonies. The return of spring, observed
as a season of rejoicing in almost every land, was espe-
cially welcomed among northern peoples, where its con-
trast with the previous desolation was the more marked.
When the church, in the persons of the earliest mission-
aries to Britain, sought to lead its new converts to a
joyous recognition of the great truth of our Lord's resur-
rection and the promise of their own — the Christian
festival was, with the usual policy, grafted on a pagan
stock, and a new significance was given to their popular
custom.
Joy in the rising of the natural sun and the awakening
of the earth from the death of winter the people were
led to regard as typical of the rising of the "Sun of
Righteousness."
We Anglo-Saxons have retained the name of Easter,
but among other nations the season is known as Paques,
Pasque, etc. — according to lingual peculiarities — derived
from the Paschal feast of the Jews, which was coincident
with it.
It is the fashion to decry the present, and in the opinion
of the pessimists, "the world is going the way of all flesh
April 389
— to the devil" — but a comparison of the ancient modes
of commemorating the great feast and our own more
reverent observance is certainly reassuring.
During the middle ages Easter was regarded as a
religious carnival. The reaction after a Lent of aus-
terity led the people to give themselves up to the
wildest sports, dances, and farcical exhibitions. Even
in the pulpit the clergy tried to move their audiences to
laughter, and it is on record that one priest preached his
sermon with his head encased in a mask imitating the
head of an ass !
Puritanism in England and the teachings of Calvin
on the continent taught the people more reverence and
dignity.
Eggs have always been a feature of the Easter cele-
bration. Formerly it was forbidden to eat them in
Lent, but they were preserved until Easter, as peculiarly
appropriate to typify life out of dead matter and intro-
duction into a new phase of existence, just as the chick
makes its way out of the narrow cell into the great
world where new powers attend new experiences.
The vast accumulation of eggs therefore led to various
games and customs connected with their use — of which
that of "matching eggs" is the most common. The
eggs are struck together, and the broken one is forfeited
to the person whose egg resisted the attack.
Eggs coloured in all the tints of the rainbow were first
blessed by the parish priest and then distributed among
the poor, while gilded ones were the exclusive preroga-
tive of royalty.
Lovers exchanged eggs upon which sentimental
verses were written, like those in old valentines. Gifts
of beautifully painted ones, which were often real
works of art, were interchanged among friends. Even
390 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Watteau and Lancret did not disdain to paint them — •
some of these are still preserved. The subjects were
usually of a sacred character.
Nowhere has Easter been observed with more elaborate
and joyous ceremonies than in Russia. It is still the
custom for persons meeting on that day (emperor or
nioujik) to greet one another with a kiss — after which
one says "Christ is risen," and the other responds,
"He is risen, indeed."
In Poland an ancient custom exacted that on Easter
morning every host and hostess should divide an egg
with each visitor. Even in exile, the Polish nobles
preserved the custom in the lands of their adoption.
Prince Czartoriski used to receive many guests at his
fine hotel in Paris, at Easter. Standing at the door
of his salon, he broke the traditional egg with all
comers — merely touching to his lips the half he retained ,
while the visitor was expected to eat his portion, ac-
cording to the etiquette of time and place.
Paris at Easter is seen at its most typical season.
The churches are gay with flowers and thronged with
people who, in their newest clothes and with holiday
faces, "make to themselves the duty of being happy,"
as they, themselves, express it.
The finest, most uplifting music aids their devotion,
and after the religious service the day is given up to
every kind of pleasure.
Among the more sober-minded, and notably the
ancienne noblesse, family reunions, such as mark our
Thanksgiving Day, are the accepted forms of hospitality.
The origin of "Easter bonnets" has its interest.
Many years ago the fashionably religious used to com-
promise with their consciences by going to church
frequently, but made choice of one a few miles distant
Easter Morning
April 391
from Paris. This secured a pleasant drive both ways
and one met acquaintances on the route.
There was an abbey at Longchamps and thither the
fashionable saints would drive, in the quiet garb pre-
scribed by good taste during Lent, but, the penitential
season over, the toilets made that thoroughfare the
place for all Paris to congregate to see the inauguration
of the spring fashions.
The significance of the hare in connection with Easter
is of German origin.
Instilled by nursery lore and very ancient is the belief
of German children that on Easter eve a snow-white
hare visits every household where the little folks have
been "good, obedient, truthful and kind to each other"
since the previous Easter. Timid after the nature of its
kind, it waits until everybody is asleep and then soft-
footed it brings and secretes in odd, out-of-the-way
places any number of wonderful coloured eggs that the
children may find and enjoy on Easter morning. " Early
to bed and early to rise" is the rule in nurseries of
Germany on that particular night, the little Hanses,
Gretchens and Karls in bed, but not asleep, waiting and
watching for the beautiful and beloved guest, meanwhile
wondering whether their conduct has been such as to
merit visit and gift. Finally sleep triumphs, drooping
lids close over dreamy eyes, and the "Easter Hare"
comes and goes unseen and unheard as in former years.
The day previous the mother goes to market as usual,
and on her return, hidden under vegetables and house-
hold stores, are eggs galore, together with lengths of cheap ,
gaily coloured prints. These are very carefully guarded
that they may not be discovered by the "kinderchen,"
thus spoiling their belief in the hare. In the kitchen
late at night the loving parents wrap each egg in a piece
392 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
of print and boil them until dyed red, blue, green, or a
variety of colours united. This accomplished, they are
unwrapped and hidden in readiness for the joyous hunt
in the morning. The children are up and dressed with
the dawn, when the search begins — the entire family
joining in the fun. Each egg discovered is with name
attached as testimony to the good behaviour of the
recipient.
A knowledge of the reason why we follow certain cus-
toms in connection with our gala days is certainly
necessary to our intelligent observance of them. It has
been said that "the world is very young for its age,"
and most of our holy-days have become mere holidays.
Easter alone still holds its sacred character, and is the
one day in all the year that educates and emphasises
the duty of praise.
"It is a pretty fashion to be glad;
Joy is the grace we say to God."
A BUTTERFLY LUNCHEON
With Easter week comes a revival of social pleasures,
and the lovely messages entrusted to the flowers on the
preceding Sunday still lingering in their minds, some
young girls planned an Easter luncheon, recognising no
incongruity between so innocent an enjoyment and
the lessons taught by the holy season.
The ancients regarded the butterfly as so perfect an
emblem of the soul that in Greece the word "Psyche,"
which properly means the human soul, was used also
to signify the butterfly.
These young girls then determined that these "flying
flowers" should be the prominent features of their little
f£te. In the centre of the table, above a low, round
basket filled with growing hyacinths — white, pink,
April 393
lilac, yellow — eight or ten little butterflies were ap-
parently hovering over cr lightly poised on the blossoms.
Made of Japanese paper, some white, some yellow,
and about two inches across the outspread wings, they
represented the most common species found in this
country and usually seen fluttering in pairs — "twin
souls" — in our lanes and byways. Attached to tiny
spiral wires concealed among the flowers, they had the
tremulous motion that simulated life.
A wide, pale-yellow satin ribbon was tied around the
basket.
The candle-shades were of white crimped paper, with
large yellow butterflies surrounding them; the wings,
just meeting at the tips, were marked with fantastic
designs, and the little nervures slightly traced like the
veinings of a leaf.
It needs but the most superficial skill in water-colour
painting to decorate their wings, and every public
library can furnish plates that are easily copied.
Since there are over three thousand different varieties,
one could improvise the markings of a wing and hardly
fail to find its counterpart in nature. The little bodies
were mere tiny bundles of paper, divided so as to
indicate the head, and the antennae were of fine wire.
At the place of each guest was a little bonbonniere of
yellow satin, upon which was poised a large butterfly,
trembling on its wire as though just about to take
flight. No two were alike, and each guest claimed to
have been favoured in the one assigned to her, as across
the wings, in quaint gilt lettering and in zig-zag lines,
she read her own name.
MAKING BUTTERFLIES
An appropriate contest by way of entertainment after
the luncheon would be the making of butterflies —
394 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
a favourite amusement of the art-students in Paris.
To each person is given a sheet of note paper and a
palette-knife, paper-cutter or silver table-knife, and
each should have access to about a dozen tubes of
colour — King's yellow, Naples yellow, flake white,
ivory black, Prussian blue, cobalt vermilion, Venetian
green, Antwerp blue, cerulean blue, burnt umber — are
some of the shades that are most successful in depicting
the tones of the butterflies' wings.
The scrapings of a palette, or various dabs of paint
squeezed from the tubes taken at random, are trans-
ferred to the sheets of paper — say about as much paint
as would cover the surface of a silver quarter. The paint
is applied on the inside of the paper, near the crease
where it is folded and exactly in the centre.
The papers are then folded together, thus repeating
the dabs of colour and various markings, of course, in
exact duplicate. They are then held against the
window-pane, which permits the paint being seen, and
with a clean palette-knife or paper-cutter one presses
upward and outward, starting at the left edge of the
folded paper, thus spreading the paint in that direction
to form the upper and larger wing and outward and down-
ward to indicate the lower one. The folded papers
show the butterflies in profile, but when opened a great
variety of them with spread wings is revealed — some
of them wonderfully beautiful, the haphazard designs
far transcending anything that one would probably have
thought out with intention. Some made up entirely of
several shades of blue and others of different yellows in
combination are especially attractive. Sometimes,
if the quantity of paint used be a bit in excess of the
requirement, the tiny scales on the wings are represented.
A body and antennae may then be added to each
April 395
butterfly with a few strokes of the brush; the whole is
then cut out, and a drop of mucilage will hold the body
fast to a card, while the wings are slightly raised, as
if the insect were about to take flight.
They are then ready to be placed on exhibition, and
votes are taken as to which is deserving of the prize.
The artist's name should be on the back of each
card — unknown until the votes have been taken.
An appropriate prize might be a large paper butterfly,
made to screen the eyes from the too direct glare of gas
or lamp, or a pen-wiper in the form of a butterfly. A fan,
upon which numbers of butterflies are seen disporting
themselves, is a favourite design on inexpensive Japanese
fans, or home talent may be equal to turning a small
white or yellow folding fan of paper into the semblance
of a sober-hued butterfly by tracing the nervures with
lines done in sepia — either of which would make a good
prize. More acceptable still might be one of the pretty
gauzy -winged butterflies of white or black "mousseline
de soie," studded with silver spangles and tiny Rhine-
stones, made to be worn in the hair.
AN EASTER FETE
We had been reading of old-time festivals in England
and learned of the joyous celebration of Easter among
our Saxon forefathers.
The modern demon of restless activity had not yet
gotten possession of the world, and people had leisure to
rejoice together for eight consecutive days at Easter-
tide. "Joy was duty, and love was law."
Fired by the description of such a golden age, it was
proposed to give an Easter fete, and all agreed that the
idea would find pleasantest as well as most reverent
expression in a family party — when old and young
396 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
should meet together and the children have an especial
welcome.
An early dinner on Sunday was to be followed by
music, games, singing — anything that should be pro-
motive of joy and impress the lessons of the day.
Our first care was to send to the country for large
bundles of fruit - boughs — mere sticks as yet — -with
which to decorate the rooms. These dry twigs would
blossom like Tannhauser's fabled staff after a few days
in the warm atmosphere of the kitchen, if kept in water,
and be ready with their Easter message of how life can
come out of death and beauty and fragrance out of
materials most unpromising.
Our fancy-work for a few days consisted in cutting
out butterflies — myriads of them of all sorts and sizes.
The little bodies were mere rolls of paper pinched into
shape to indicate the heads, and the decoration of the
wings required but the most slender talent in water-
colour painting.
The preparations were complete when Easter dawned
— lovely as sunshine and balmy air full of hints of
spring could make it. After the tuneful service at
church, our guests assembled. The rooms were all
abloom; every twig had seemingly kept its promise.
A little buzz of admiration pleasantly rewarded our
efforts upon entering the dining-room. A mass of
Annunciation lilies decorated the centre of the long
table. A single lily at each place held in its deep cup a
bunch of lilies of the valley — like the "bouquet-holders"
of our grandmother's day.
At one end of the table a vase held a bundle of dry
twigs upon which a chrysalis or two hung like dried
leaves. A similar vase at the other end held small
apple-boughs covered thickly with their fair white
April 397
blossoms, while tiny white and yellow butterflies
perched upon or hovered above them on invisible wires.
The cakes and bonbons were in the forms of eggs or
flowers.
At each place was a bonbonniere in the shape of a
feathered fowl (the shops are full of them at Easter) —
hens, roosters, ducks, etc., and wee chicks for the
children. On their backs were tied cards inscribed with
barn-yard names, supposed to be appropriate to the
recipients. "Cock of the walk" was given to the head
of the family, and "Pride of the nest" to his gentle
consort, "Prize Bantam" to one of small stature,
"Speckle-top" for one gray -haired person, and "Silver
Crest" for another; a chick was called "Yellow fluff"
for a golden-haired lassie, while the planners of the feast
reserved for themselves the euphonious names of
"Biddy" and "Old-Scratch-gravel."
Upon the reverse side of the cards the grown person
read quotations appropriate to the day — such as:
"Sow a seed, and you reap a habit;
Sow a habit, and you reap a character;
Sow a character, and you reap a destiny."
And again:
"Earth cannot long ensepulchre
In her dark depths the tiniest seed;
When life begins to throb and stir
The bands of death are weak indeed."
Another was :
"God's plans, like lilies, pure and white, unfold.
We may not tear the close-shut leaves apart;
Time will reveal their calyxes of gold."
The children found printed upon their cards selections
from the classic of "Babyland," "Mother Goose":
"Hickety, pickety, my black hen,
She laid good eggs for gentlemen ;
398 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Gentlemen came every day —
But the eggs got up and walked away."
"Humpty-dumpty sat on a wall," etc.
For the older children, riddles were written, to which
"an egg" answered all:
"I know a little creature,
Of powers manifold,
An undeveloped nature,
But a heart of gold ! "
A well-known French riddle was also given:
"On me jette en Vair
Je monte blanc
Je retombe jaune."
Grace was said by the youngest child present, with
plump hands folded and with bowed head — suggesting
to the elders "Of such is the kingdom of heaven."
The "menu" consisted of dishes which carried out
the same "colour scheme" as the decorations:
Grape Fruit
Little-neck Clams
Cream of Celery Soup
Planked Shad
Creamed Sweetbreads (en caisses)
Cream Cheese and Lettuce Salad
Ice-cream
The cream cheese was moulded into egg-shaped balls
and served in a nest of lettuce leaves, and the ice-cream
was also in forms of various coloured eggs in a nest of
spun sugar.
CHAPTER XVIII
May
A MAY-DAY LUNCHEON
IT was decided to issue invitations for a luncheon
to do honour to a fair young bride on the first
of May. The day brought its own suggestions,
and it was determined to forget none of its merry
traditions.
As the ceremonies of May-day were a survival of those
held in honour of Flora, it was fitting that the rooms
should be as lavishly decorated with flowers as possible.
To this end a trusty friend in the country was com-
missioned to send all the twigs and branches of apple,
pear, peach, and cherry that might be procured for
love or lucre. Immense fagots of dry-looking sticks
arrived by express, looking most unpromising. These
were put in warm water, every available receptacle in
the house being requisitioned and placed in the kitchen,
and the water changed two or three times a day. The
result was a miracle of beauty. In four days every
stick had burst into bloom and was thickly covered with
its own lovely flowers, like "Aaron's rod, that budded"
— blossoms, blossoms everywhere — the idea should be
canonised !
Our spring-time is usually coy, but it seems possible
to compel her to do one's bidding. The rooms were
like bowers and at a cost that was merely nominal.
399
400 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
In the centre of the round dining-table was erected a
May -pole — in private life it did duty as a mop-handle —
wound with pale-green and white ribbons. At its base
it was fitted into a block of wood, concealed with green
moss, banked up with masses of primroses — pink and
white. At the apex were two pennon-shaped flags
(one white, one pink), and a foot below was a wreath of
white flowers. The invisible support for the wreath
was an embroidery frame (a foot in diameter) attached
to the pole by stout gilt wires, like the spokes of a
wheel to the hub. From each of these spokes hung a
rope of flowers, which, sagging a little before falling
over the edge of the table, did not intercept the view of
one's opposite neighbours at table.
"Ropes of flowers" sounds affluent, but they were
of home manufacture, composed of white stock-gillies
and the dainty white bells of the deutzia, wound with
short lengths of florists' wire about cotton ropes. The
flowers are the least costly of their lovely race.
These, with the wreath, were kept in water until
within an hour of serving luncheon.
At each cover was a "May -basket," made of straws
faid log-cabin fashion, tied with ribbons and filled with
arbutus. For more permanent souvenirs of the occasion
there were twigs upon which cherry and peach, plum,
and pear blossoms bloomed most naturally — evidence
of deft Japanese fingers. The name-cards were tied to
these, and upon their under side these words:
"Ho ! the merrie first of Maie
Brings the daunce and blossoms gaie
To make of lyfe a holiday !"
The menu was as spring-like in its way as the deco-
rations. The first course was of strawberries, served
with their hulls on, in tiny flower-pots lined with their
May 401
natural leaves. The leaves were also piled in pro-
fusion around them on the dish — which suggested their
having been freshly gathered in a supposititious garden
just outside. Clam bouillon followed, and then brook
trout, sweetbreads and fresh peas, asparagus, broiled
chicken with lettuce salad and raw tomatoes, and
strawberries crushed in cream and frozen (served in
flower moulds).
After crowning the bride as "Queen of the May," we
left our bit of fairyland with the pleasant thought that
ere long every field and hillside, every orchard and
meadow would burst into bloom — beauty scattered
broadcast by nature's prodigality — and that the love-
liness would be free to all !
A FORGET-ME-NOT LUNCHEON
May is the month of partings, and in honour of
certain friends who are to go their several ways for the
summer months a forget-me-not luncheon would be
appropriate. Strange to say, that, although light-blue
is the favourite colour of nearly every woman under the
azure heavens, I have never seen a table decorated in
that shade.
In these days of estheticism, a feast, to be acceptable,
must appeal to the eye as well as to the palate, and
people of abundant leisure demand novelty. No
matter how delicate the fare or fine the surroundings,
their taste craves the stimulus of some new thing.
I would suggest for the centre of the table a lamp,
either light-blue, white, gilt, or even brass — provided
that the silk shade be of the true turquoise blue. Sur-
rounding this, a generous wreath of forget-me-nots, six
inches in width. Fortunately, the dainty blossoms are
always plentiful, and can be easily arranged by the
4O2 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
merest novice if placed in the low glass troughs that
florists keep for hire, and which may be adapted to any
form. A large ring-shaped trough made of tin may be
had for one dollar and fifty cents, and with a light-blue
ribbon tied about it to hide its plebeian nature, where
the parting of the flowers may betray its presence, the
effect is dainty and pretty. The shape is rather better
than that made with the glass troughs. White candles
with tiny blue shades (crimped paper ones are effective)
at the four corners of the table may be further supple-
mented with bobeches woven of artificial forget-me-nots
twisted, as though growing, about the base of the
candles. The last are a pretty novelty at one of New
York's most famous shops, but so simple are they any
one could make them.
If the hostess be so fortunate as to possess a square
of linen embroidered with the flowers it will, of course,
add much to the completeness of the decoration.
Unfortunately, there are no cakes nor bonbons with
the blue colouring, but white ones will replace them
acceptably — if cut-glass or silver dishes hold them—
banishing all colour but blue and white from the table.
A little ingenuity may supply the bit of blue required.
Take the ordinary little white-paper cups with crimped
edges that caterers use to hold fine bonbons; cut out
of turquoise-blue note-paper a five-petalled flower in the
shape of a forget-me-not, about two and one-half inches
across. Make a hole in the centre, the size of the
opening of the paper cup, and fasten it with a little
mucilage to the crimped rim. This will make an ap-
propriate receptacle for a pale-pink bonbon, like the
heart of the little flower.
The custom of giving "souvenirs" has been vulgarised
by exaggeration, but at an entertainment like this they
May 403
are certainly in place. The little photograph frames,
made of imitation enamelled forget-me-nots, have the
merit, at least, of being harmonious with the rest of the
decorations, and are, perhaps, prettiest in the shape of
small hearts. The menu of the luncheon might tem-
porarily hold the place later to be occupied by the
pictured face of some dear one. These little frames have
the merit of being inexpensive, and are pretty enough
to be their own "excuse for being." .
If the hostess has deft fingers and does not mind a
little "fussing," a very pretty receptacle may be made
for the ice-cream.
A tinman will make a wire netting around an ice-
cream tin of the ordinary "brick" shape at a trifling
cost. Artificial forget-me-nots may be so interlaced
in its meshes as to make the surface all of flowers and
occasional leaves. If the wires be twisted so as to form
handles at the ends, they may be wound with light-
blue satin ribbon and tied with bows.
If the hostess be a bit of an artist, the name-cards may
be ornamented with sprays of forget-me-nots, but if
her talents lie in other directions a little bunch of the
natural flowers, or even the artificial ones of finest
quality, may be tied to the cards by little bows of blue
ribbon. The stems of the natural flowers should be
seen, but if artificial ones be used the ribbon should be
wider so as to conceal them.
Under the ladies' names may be written "Forget-me-
not," each in a different language, since the little flower
never changes its name, except to make its message
intelligible to the different nations.
"Ne m'oubliez pas" becomes "Non ti scordar di me"
in Italy. In Germany it says "Vergissmeinnicht" and
to the Spaniards "No me olvides"
404 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
On the reverse side of the card might be written
some quotation relating to the sentiment of parting,
such, for instance, as —
"Though lost to sight, to memory dear."
"Absence breaks slender ties, but rivets strong ones."
"I count myself in nothing else so happy
As in a soul rememb'ring my good friends."
"Where'er I roam, whatever realms to see,
My heart, untravel'd, fondly turns to thee."
"Farewell! a word that must be, and hath been;
A sound that makes us linger ; yet — farewell ! ' '
"Though the deep between us rolls,
Friendship shall unite our souls :
Still in Fancy's rich domain
Often we shall meet again."
"I ne'er shall forget the bright visions that threw
Their enchantment around me while lingering with
you."
"What shall I do with all the days and hours
That must be counted ere I see thy face ?
I'll tell thee; for thy sake I will lay hold
Of all good aims, and consecrate to thee,
In worthy deeds, each moment that is told,
While thou, beloved one, art far from me."
This basket, filled with strawberries made of fresh
strawberry ice-cream, is exceedingly dainty, but it has
the advantage of being decorative enough not to
require the ice-cream to be in any special form unless
preferred. If the flowers composing the basket be of a
May 405
pretty shade one need not be very particular as to their
quality.
Such a little reunion will, I think, impress itself on
the minds of the guests, and be recalled, during the time
of separation, among the "pleasures of memory."
CHAPTER XIX
June
AN OUTDOOR FAN LUNCHEON
ANYTHING more dainty or artistic can scarcely
be imagined than an outdoor luncheon re-
cently given by a girl whose home is surrounded
by "ancestral acres" of truly English proportions.
Eight young girls were invited to come attired in as
sylvan a style as their wardrobes permitted, and, as
American girls are not slow to adopt such an idea, eight
charming young shepherdesses appeared — some looking
like June roses in pink muslin gowns, soft white fichus,
and flower-bedecked leghorn hats.
By a "special providence," the day was fine — a real
June day when "then if ever come perfect days," as
Lowell sang in praise of that queen of the year.
Had it rained, the luncheon was to have been served
on the piazza — broad and vine-screened, and "the whole
thing a failure !" as the young hostess cheerfully prophe-
sied.
The table was laid under a spreading beech-tree, where
a view could be had over miles of softly undulating coun-
try. The shape of the table was that of a folding fan —
not fully opened — the point of which, near the trunk of
the tree, was adorned with a large bow of pink satin
ribbon, from which radiated other pink ribbons about
406
June 407
four inches in width, which indicated the sticks of the
fan and made a separation between the places of the
guests, at the same time concealing the seams and other
devices for making a table-cloth fit a fan.
The main outer sticks of the fan-table were indicated
by masses of pink roses and syringa, two feet wide at the
edge, and tapering nearly to a point where they joined
the huge pink bow.
The same flowers were repeated in a border just in
front of the guests. They were placed in shallow glass-
holders about two feet long and four inches wide, which
were filled with water, and set in a zig-zag line to sug-
gest the foldings of a fan. At each place was a bona
fide fan of finely braided straw, gilded, round in shape,
with a handle, and tied to the handle by a bow of rib-
bon was a spray of roses and syringa which almost cov-
ered the fan itself. These fans, placed by the side of the
guests, concealed the pink ribbons just where they fell
over the edge of the table.
The principal dishes were surrounded with wreaths of
flowers which had been daintily woven with the aid of
fine florists' wire and kept in water until the luncheon
was about to be served, while the lesser dishes were
adorned with smilax. Of course, they were placed in
rows between the ribbons, and were graduated in size
from the edge to the point of the fan.
After luncheon, the grounds offered many attractions
for strolling about or sitting in groups on the grass, the
girls unconsciously making as pretty pictures of them-
selves as any Watteau ever painted, until nearly sun-
set, when they were joined by a party of young men,
who were invited to come for afternoon tea, and join
the girls in a game of Fan Ball (the game is described
elsewhere).
408 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The winner of the prize received a dainty fan of white
bolting-cloth with pink sticks. The young hostess, who
was somewhat skilled in the use of water-colours, had
painted on the white background in letters formed of a
succession of tiny pink poses the word "Darina" — the
name of the place. It is an Arabic word, meaning " Our
Happy Home." A long pink ribbon was tied at the end
to recall the table effect, and the whole was a charming
souvenir of a delightful occasion.
After the exertion of the game they welcomed the
suggestion to sit under the trees and have their fortunes
told.
The hostess then presented a pink-lined basket, from
which each one took a little white extension fan and
welcomed its use.
From a similar fan in her own hand she proceeded to
read such questions as
"Upon what shall my happiness depend?"
" Have I ever met my fate ?"
" In the marriage lottery shall I draw prize or blank ?"
Upon opening their fans, they each found thereon
their particular answers to the general questions, in-
scribed in gilt letters.
The bright faces as they took their leave plainly showed
that the answers had been satisfactory.
A MUSICAL FETE
OUT OP DOORS
The people of a certain picturesque hamlet of New
England will long remember a fete given by the Lady
Bountiful of the countryside, in her beautiful and
extensive grounds, for the purpose of raising the neces-
sary funds to buy a new organ for the village church.
The organist was a musician of real talent, and had
June 409
thoroughly aroused the enthusiastic interest of the
young people of the church, who diligently rehearsed for
weeks under his leadership for the parts which they were
to assume at the fete. It was decided that the enter-
tainment should be called "Music Personified," and
each should contribute a song or form part of a chorus.
When the important afternoon arrived, apparently
all the people of the village, from the oldest inhabitant
to the youngest child, seemed to have distributed them-
selves over the velvet lawns and grassy hill-slopes. The
entrance fee was made so small that none had to be
deterred from coming. The hostess made all cordially
welcome, and her personal friends and those to whom
the gods of this world had been indulgent followed her
gracious example and realised that in God's beautiful
outdoor world there was room for all.
At a signal of a chime of bells falling musically on the
still air every one took seats on the sides of the road up
which the choristers were expected to come in procession,
making unconsciously the effect of flowery borders in
their multi-coloured garments, the parasols and fans
poised and fluttering above them like butterflies.
First came half a dozen young girls in classic Greek
dress, all in white, their heads wreathed with spring
blossoms (of Japanese paper), and waving branches of
the same with rhythmic motion, while they sang Men-
delssohn's "Spring Song."
Following them came a contrast in the persons of a
band of (apparently) plantation negroes, singing favour-
ite "coon songs," while they amused the company by
going through the absurdities of a cake-walk.
After them came a flock of little children, playing on
the instruments used in the Kinder Symphony and scat-
410 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
tering beaming smiles impartially on the spectators as
they passed along the sunny path.
Upon their heels came a noisy, disorderly mob of men
and women, roaring forth the "Marseillaise." Each
wore the revolutionary "bonnet rouge " and a tricolour
cockade, and was made to look as disreputable as dis-
orderly garment, unkempt hair, and red paint could
make him. A barrel was rolled forward, upon which
a young woman was helped to mount and shouted an
incendiary speech amid the tumultuous applause of her
companions, whereupon they resumed their march and
song.
Next came a procession of white-robed nuns, who
chanted a selection from the church music of the fif-
teenth century.
A band of picturesquely attired gypsies sang to the
accompaniment of tambourines, much beribboned, a
song of Romany.
One of the most successful effects was the "Christ-
mas Carol" represented by the daughter of the hostess,
a beautiful girl, whose white dress covered with mica-
dust suggested the glisten and purity of snow. Her hair
was wreathed with holly, and among sprays of its leaves
upon her shoulders were perched some little snowbirds.
She held in her hands a music-book of the old-time
shape, that permitted long, unbroken lines on the page,
— and sang a quaint carol that was popular in Shake-
speare's time.
Tyrolese peasants sang their jodel choruses, and all
were much delighted when a Scotchman in full native
costume — imported from a neighbouring city for the
occasion — played many of the songs of his native land,
contriving to coax real music from his curious instrument.
All were feasted by the generous hospitality of the
June 411
hostess, and went home to talk and dream of the lovely
scene for many a day — one old lady remarking that she
felt as though she had travelled by music to "furren
parts."
CHAPTER XX
July
A "FOURTH OF JULY" TEA
IN nearly every happy household in the country, the
holiday spirit is rife as we approach the "glorious
Fourth," and doors stand hospitably open in wel-
come to friends and neighbours, as though a common
subject for congratulation had made all the world
akin.
If Thanksgiving Day is specially set apart for family
reunions, the time-honoured traditions of the Fourth of
July exact a generous hospitality toward the unfortunate
dwellers in cities, the lone bachelors, or other homeless
wanderers ( ?) , and after a day spent in noisily demon-
strating our sense of independence, it may be fitly closed
by an old-fashioned "tea party," adhering to colonial
traditions.
An actual experience is always more interesting than
a supposititious one, and a few suggestions which are
perfectly practicable may not be unwelcome.
If one be more anxious to give pleasure than to dis-
charge social debts, I should advise choosing one's guests
from among city friends — belated tourists who have been
disappointed, or who have not yet succeeded in finding
summer quarters to their liking, professional men whose
time is at every one's disposal but their own. These,
with a sprinkling of pleasant neighbours, will appreciate
412
July 413
the simple festival, as only they can to whom country
life is something of a novelty.
Let the dining-room be decorated with red, white and
blue bunting or cheese-cloth, which, bunched at the top
of the chandelier in the middle of the room, caught and
tacked to the picture -moulding, and then allowed to
hang to the floor, makes a pretty tent-like effect and
gives a gala appearance to the surroundings. Hanging
from the centre of the chandelier — unlighted — a Liberty
Bell of red immortelles, with the historical crack in evi-
dence, would be appropriate, and round about it ball-
shaped Japanese lanterns glowing like jewels, alternately
of the three national colours. These, with white candles
shaded by red silk poppies and held in blue bobeches,
would give all the light required.
The table should be a glory of colour — in the centre
a mass of poppies and bluets, which are procurable in
July, their colours prettily harmonised by the common
daisies of the field. These also add lightness and grace
standing upright on their sturdy steins above the other
blossoms. Or red and white carnations, verbenas, or
geraniums, with the deep -blue larkspur, are effective in
combination, and are in season at the time of the nation's
birthday.
The name-cards may be fac-similes of the flag on one
side.
If one be the fortunate possessor of any of the old blue-
and-white china of our grandmothers' time, relegated
to the kitchen during our mothers' ascendency, and
afterward brought forth in pride and held in honour
when fashion decreed that it was "aristocratic" to have
family heirlooms, this is the time to use it.
One blue dish may be heaped high with clusters of red
and white currants, another with white and red rasp-
4 14 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
berries, while a third may hold a large ring of tomato
jelly enclosing a romaine salad, well-covered with a
white mayonnaise dressing. The bonbons may be
wrapped separately in white tissue paper to represent
torpedoes, and the cakes made in the shape of five-
pointed stars with white icing, thirteen of which laid on
a blue-laced paper background will recall the starry
portion of our flag.
Each lady may find at her place a folding fan of the
kind that, when closed, is concealed in its handle.
A piece of scarlet paper glued around this handle and
a bit of a hempen string substituted for the usual little
tassel make a very fair representation of a fire-cracker.
At the men's places, little boxes, also made to resemble
fire-crackers (to be bought at any confectioner's), may
each contain a choice cigar.
The cigar may be wrapped about with a slip of paper
and a similar paper be concealed in the handle of each
lady's fan, upon which may be written some bit of
information of national interest or a good story of
American life, wit, or manners. After each guest has
read aloud the selection that falls to his or her lot, the
conversation will probably have received an impetus in
the direction of patriotic subjects.
As for the menu, the red, white, and blue may be
preserved throughout.
Tomato bouillon in blue-and-white cups, creamed
codfish garnished with pickled beets, and broiled
chickens with the tomato jelly and romaine salad or
tomatoes whole with white mayonnaise as an accom-
paniment— the blue of the china adding the third colour.
In July, ice-cream is the most acceptable sweet course
before the fruit. I am assured that a cupful of canned
blueberry juice, added to vanilla ice-crearn, will give the
July 415
desired blue colour of the flag, and currant and lemon
juices mixed make a very fair scarlet ice. The white is
easily achieved by vanilla cream, made without eggs.
Each colour is frozen separately, and a slice of each
packed in a small mould, covered with ice and salt.
Water-melon, one of the usual Fourth of July dishes,
is prettiest if served with the rind removed, cut in half,
and each dome of crystalline red on a separate dish.
By way of diversion for the evening, the game of
"Military Euchre" — the directions for which are given
in this volume — would be appropriate to the occasion
as adhering to revolutionary names, or if the weather is
sultry or warm the guests may enjoy a small display of
fireworks from the shelter of the piazza. With rockets
whizzing up in space around them, the traditions of the
day thronging their memories, and the smell of powder
in the air, they will wax patriotic and probably realise
vividly that the spirit of 1776 is not extinct in 1904 !
CHAPTER XXI
August
AN INDIAN DINNER
OUR host had rented for the month of August
a somewhat primitive little cottage on the
borders of Long Island Sound, where his
children could "live on the water" and enjoy cool
breezes. To stipplement the limited accommodations
of the cottage, a large tent was used as a dining-room.
It was to a dinner in the tent that we were bidden,
and were much surprised and pleased at our entrance to
find it tricked out to resemble an Indian wigwam. The
invitation was for an "Indian dinner," abomt which we
had wondered and speculated.
The hangings were of rich red, tan, and tawny yellow
stuff, and among them was evidently a camel's -hair
shawl, which our hostess hastened to explain was East
Indian, when rallied about her ideas of the luxury of the
aborigines.
The table was bare of drapery, but placed lengthwise
and crosswise upon it were two beadwork strips half
a yard wide, such as are sold in the shops for decorative
purposes, and at their intersection in the centre of the
table was a low jar of Indian pottery filled with eagle and
peacock feathers. Two little birch-bark canoes flanked
it on either side, one holding fruit, the other nuts. The
416
August 417
china was blue and white. Fastened around the tent-
pole, an arrangement for lighting had been improvised.
It was explained to us that it was an old wheel painted
dark -green, and on that occasion at least hub and spokes
were covered with foliage. At the end of each spoke
was a candle-holder covered with sections of pine cones.
In these were short, red candles with shades of red and
yellow paper, to give the effect of firelight.
The repast began with clams on the half-shell. Corn
soup followed, and then a bluefish deliciously prepared
by the boatman in our host's service. A fire had been
made on a heap of stones, and in the hot ashes the fish
had been cooked. It had been first enveloped in thin
strips of salt pork, then wrapped in damp seaweed. Sea-
weed had been heaped over the stones to keep the heat
in, and the fish was "done to a turn."
A very savoury fricassee, with baked potatoes and
succotash, was next served. Then a course of green
corn, roasted, and eaten from the cob, was succeeded by
a baked Indian pudding.
We took our coffee out of doors — our chairs having
been placed near the water's edge — and our enjoyment
of the fragrant bean was enhanced by whiffs of its
aroma in advance, since it was made, picnic fashion, very
near at hand.
When the moon rose, the silvery pathway of its reflec-
tion seemed to end with the lapping water at our very
feet.
We were in an appreciative mood, and when our
hostess, seated in her chair, very simply but with
expressive modulation of voice recited "The Blessing
of the Cornfields," from Hiawatha, it seemed a fitting
climax to a very charming entertainment.
418 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
BACK-YARD PARTIES
IN TOWN
Any kind of out-of-door entertainment is preferable,
in summer, to staying in the house, so that for that rea-
son several young women have inaugurated what they
call "Back-yard Parties" in the spaces in the rear of
their homes, which have been made attractive enough to
warrant asking their friends to spend the evening there.
There is one house in town of which the yard has been
transformed into a really lovely garden. Ivy has been
planted along the fences and now completely covers
them, the centre has been sown with grass-seed, and all
along the sides there is a gay border of bright-coloured
geraniums and hardy flowering plants of many kinds.
The daughter of the house finds her friends very ready to
accept her invitations to meet one another there, and
very loath to depart. Benches, garden chairs and tables
are placed here and there in groups and pairs, and friends
are entertained in a most informal and charming man-
ner. A divan was improvised — a low cot-bed with a
mattress covered with a rug and pillows.
The garden is lighted with Japanese lanterns strung
across and small lamps hung at intervals among the ivy.
The effect is very pretty.
Sometimes they play games, sometimes they have the
music of banjo, guitar or mandolin, and sing college songs
or those that have caught the popular fancy for the
time. The men, of course, have permission to smoke, and
long glasses, tinkling coolness, hold a certain innocent
but delicious concoction that is very pleasantly wel-
comed.
Ices, cakes, lemonade, etc., are served upon occasion,
and are thought to have an added deliciousness when
August 419
enjoyed in such comfortable and attractive surround-
ings.
The idea is said to have originated with a devoted
mother, who was unwilling to leave her young sons in
town without a home that was worthy the name and
thus withdraw the influences that she thought most
conducive to their best interests. The pleasures that
came to the rest of the family were incidental, and an
occasional trip to the seashore or mountains had all
the charm that novelty gives and familiarity so soon
destroys.
A "TRIANON FETE"
That was a clever woman who first discovered that a
costume f e"te was no more trouble for the hostess than to
give an ordinary function, since the guests form the
pageant that every one seems desirous of witnessing.
No prettier setting than a lawn shaded with trees can
be found for such a picturesque entertainment.
A "Trianon Fete" was given last summer upon a
pretty lawn that bordered on the waters of French-
man's Bay. The name indicated the period of Marie
Antoinette, and suggested the simplicity of attire assumed
by the ladies of her court while playing at being
shepherdesses and humble folk during their sojourn at
Trianon.
Gowns of flowered chintz, muslin, and cretonne made
in the pretty fashions of the period were charming with
the powdered heads upon which rose-wreathed, coarse
straw hats were set coquettishly askew. A touch of
rouge and a patch are legitimate accessories of powdered
locks.
There were many varieties of costume, some with side
"panniers" looped high over petticoats of harmonising
tints, the bodices square-necked, with " Watteau" backs
420 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
and elbow sleeves, while others were severely simple,
with a muslin fichu crossed and tied at the back, and
broad-brimmed hats crowning the powdered hair, which
was rolled high.
The men wore ordinary dress.
When the guests were assembled, a procession was
formed of those in costume, who threaded their ways in
and out between the trees, stepping daintily in time with
the music of a small orchestra that played "Amaryllis"
and other selections from composers of the period to be
recalled.
Next followed a minuet, danced on the lawn by shep-
herdesses carrying crooks, to which bunches of paper
roses were tied with ribbons — a pretty exhibition of
stately grace.
After this, a little play was acted in the open air, the
performers emerging from and disappearing behind
the trees and bushes. The love of a wood-nymph and
her despair at being deserted for a mortal formed the
subject of the little drama.
Nothing is more charming than such little plays acted
on the lawn. There are pretty pastorals that require
just such a sylvan setting, and the audience will not be
in too critical a mood. If the spot chosen be closed in
by trees, the appearance and disappearance of the actors
among the foliage make a curtain unnecessary.
Light refreshments were served, and the guests
gathered in groups to chat and admire each other,
of themselves making pictures that would not have been
unworthy of the brush of a Watteau or a Lancret.
The considerate hostess had made her invitations con-
tingent upon the weather. They read that the pleas-
ure of the guest's company was requested upon a certain
date, or if the weather proved inclement, "upon the
first fine day thereafter."
CHAPTER XXII
September
A HARVEST-HOME DANCE
SOME merry girls gave an entertainment last
September which was unique only in its adapta-
tion. The invitations were for a "Harvest-Home
Dance," and all were asked to come in costumes
representing fruits and vegetables. The rooms were
decorated as for a barn dance, the mantels and corners
banked with pumpkins, bunches of yellow maize, leaves,
wheat, and corn shocks.
When the guests arrived the rooms looked like an
animated kitchen garden. One girl was lovely in pale-
green cheese-cloth abundantly trimmed with parsley,
her head wreathed with the feathery leaves. Another
was a veritable Ceres in corn colour and masses of ripe
wheat and poppies.
The men wore enormous boutonnieres of onions,
carrots, and parsley. Their grotesque appearance seemed
to inspire a certain humorous contagion in their spirits,
and the affair was universally conceded to have been a
great success.
A LAWN PARTY BY MOONLIGHT
"Anything for a novelty" is the most quoted of
proverbs, and even those who make pleasure their
422 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
business are aroused into an exhibition of interest
when entertainment takes an unhackneyed form.
One hostess, counting upon the "Harvest Moon's"
cooperation, tried with success the experiment of giving
a lawn party by moonlight — with the proviso that, if
the moon did not put in an appearance, the guests
might follow its example and come the first fair
evening after the date first named. The guests, upon
arrival at her gates, found them spanned by arches of
Japanese lanterns, which gala effect seemed to promise
pleasure at the outset. And as the invitations had
included the request to come in some sylvan costume,
each person regarded every other with interest and
eager curiosity. Maid Marian, Will Scarlet, Friar
Tuck, and all Robin Hood's "merry men of the green-
wood" were there in full force, as well as Flora, Pomona,
Ceres, and the dryads. Cory don and Phillis, and
Arcadian shepherds and shepherdesses jostled gypsies
and other out-of-door folk, and the kind moonlight
glorified all the scene and transformed the common-
place into the ideal.
The trees and piazzas were hung with lanterns in
profusion, and a kiosk was improvised for the musi-
cians by setting up half a dozen posts in a circle, which
were connected with a taller one in the centre by poles
with the bark on laid to form a roof. These were
covered with spruce boughs and other foliage laid across
them, and the upright posts wound with orange cheese-
cloth, with lanterns strung between them. Dancing
on the lawn was much enjoyed, though square dances
only were found really practicable.
A gypsy fortune-teller found a welcome, and strolls
by moonlight with the accompaniment of strains of
September 423
distant music will have a romantic charm as long as
youth endures
Good taste had provided that the guests should be so
numerous as to make long tcte-a -tete walks subject to
frequent friendly interruptions, so that the proprieties
even in seeming should be preserved.
Croquet was played with phosphorescent balls and
hoops, and a contest of archery, at short range, was
presided over by St. Hubert, the patron saint of foresters.
His costume symbolised his story. A famous hunter
turned monk after seeing a vision of the cross between
the horns of a deer that he was pursuing. His head
was encased in a close-fitting green cap, surmounted by
a small pair of deer-horns, with a cross of gilt pasteboard
between the branches. A long dressing-gown did duty
for a cassock, tied about the waist with a rope, and a
bugle-horn in place of a crucifix — to combine the
characters of monk and hunter.
The supper was a bountiful one, composed only of
cold dishes — iced bouillon, salmon mayonnaise, galan-
tine, salads, berries, ices, cakes, with punch and lemonade
— and was served in the house.
The hostess had thought that after supper her guesta
would enjoy a dance indoors, but the spell of the moon-
light was upon them and all eagerly sought the fairyland
it made.
A COLONIAL COUNTRY DANCE
The invitations should be sent without envelopes, as
was the manner in colonial times — the top and bottom
of the paper folded down and up so as to meet in the
middle of the sheet. The sides are next folded in the
same way, so that one edge overlaps a little, which
takes the place of the flap of an envelope and receives the
424 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
seal in the middle. If wafers cannot be had, red sealing-
wax will do as well. The paper should be in large
sheets, and the letter "s" should be written in the old
fashion that resembles an "f."
A barn is the ideal place for such an entertainment.
So the invitations might be worded thus:
"An ye will come to an old-time partie, ye fhall be
welcome on ye evening of ye tenth day of October in
ye barn of Mistreff . All will pleafe appear in old-
time countrie dress at ye hour of eight o' the clock."
The floor should be swept clean and waxed for danc-
ing, and walls and ceiling decorated with bunches of
unhusked corn, hung in bunches from the rafters,
strings of red and green peppers, and of dried apples,
together with boughs of maple, sumac, hops, and any
other effective things that opulent nature may provide
at that season.
Old-fashioned games should alternate with the
dancing. A fiddler should furnish the music for the
dancers, calling out the figures in the lancers or quad-
rilles in the old-fashioned way. If the talented violinist
is not well informed on the subject, some one else may
shout the directions for the guidance of the dance. The
music should, of course, as much as possible be selected
from the simple old tunes known to our rustic fore-
fathers— " Yankee Doodle " and " Pop, Goes the Weasel "
are not to be altogether despised. "Money Musk" and
the "Virginia Reel" may alternate with a "Spelling
Bee," a contest in "Apple -Paring" and "Corn-Husking."
The ancient forfeit to the finder of a red ear — to be
kissed by all the young men present — need not be
insisted upon, but some penalty may be imposed on the
young woman — to be decided by the young men present,
September 425
who, having waived their claims, are entitled to
sentence the culprit.
A "country" way of reading the future may amuse.
A space is cleared and a heap of corn thrown on the
floor, within which each maiden who hopes to learn
her fate hides a ring. A cock is then admitted and is
naturally attracted to the tempting grain. The first
ring to be uncovered by his prying beak indicates its
owner as the first bride from the bevy of girls.
The guests should dress in as "countrified" a manner
as possible consistent with becomingness — the girls in
gingham dresses, dainty white aprons, large garden
hats (such as a country lass might wear, not a lady of
Marie Antoinette's court masquerading as a rustic
maiden), and sunbonnets, which, when bent back and
put on coquettishly, are "vastly fetching." The young
men wear knickerbockers, big hats, which may be
trimmed with autumn leaves or carry a feather of some
barn-yard fowl — lacking an eagle's.
The supper should consist of clam chowder, chicken
pot-pie, hot waffles and maple syrup, with apples, nuts,
molasses cake, pop-corn, and cider.
CHAPTER XXIII
October
HALLOWE'EN FROLICS
NO holiday in all the year is so merry, informal,
and so marked by fun unconstrained in its
celebration as Hallowe'en, the eve of All Saints.
This is the night when supernatural influences are in
the ascendency, when fairies dance, ghosts are abroad,
and witches are in power.
It is the night when charms, spells, and incantations
are invoked to read the veiled future, by the young
folk, who — perhaps deprecating all credulity — gradually
come under the influence of the "creeps" as the ghostly
hours advance and the contagious spirit of mystery
takes possession as their fortunes are dimly shadowed
forth in some occult manner.
Hallowe'en ghosts, however, have the reputation of
being cheerfully minded spooks — "blythesome and
bonny," as they say of them in Scotland, the home of
Hallowe'en — and so the spirit of fun reigns supreme.
In getting up a Hallowe'en party, make everything
as secret as possible, binding each guest to silence
concerning the invitation.
Since to tell of a real happening is more convincing and
helpful in suggestion than to suppose a case, let me
describe a frolic to which I was bidden many years ago:
426
A Hallowe'en Witch
October 427
The cards of invitation were decorated with pen-and-
ink sketches of bats, owls, black cats, and brooms, and
bore the following doggerel:
"Come at the witching hour of eight,
And let the fairies read your fate;
Reveal to none this secret plot,
Or woe — not luck — will be your lot."
The address was on the back of the card.
At exactly the time appointed many of the guests
stood before the house, full of gleeful and deliciously
mysterious anticipations, and were admitted before
the ringing of the door-bell by the unclosing of the
portals without apparent human agency. The hall
was almost dark, and an enormous hand, cut out of
black paper, with one ringer extended, was glued to the
wall and pointed up the stairway. All followed the silent
guidance, and wraps were removed in another dark
room, indicated by a pumpkin lantern with grinning
face, where other shades were seen silently divesting
themselves of their cloaks. All spoke in whispers, the
solemn attendant maid setting the example. We
went down the stairs in twos and threes, feeling the
need of friendly support.
The hostess was arrayed as a witch, with high-
peaked cap, decorated with a life-sized bat of gray-
black paper, elf locks, her face stained with walnut-
juice, her clothes of sombre brown, and in her hand the
traditional broom of twigs tied to the handle with twine.
Two girl friends, who seemed to be her aids, were
similarly attired. The large room was lighted only with
grotesque-faced lanterns and with alcohol, burning a
blue flame, in vessels scattered about.
Again, no one spoke above a whisper, though little
428 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
bursts of hysterical laughter, quickly suppressed,
startled the silence from time to time.
Suddenly a gong or clock struck, and a curtain at the
end of the room was drawn back, revealing a dimly lighted
tableau of the "Three Witches of Macbeth" gathered
around a steaming cauldron suspended between sticks
over a bed of ashes. While the smoke rose from the
boiling water — hell -broth, I should say — one of the
witches croaked forth the famous lines:
"Thrice the brindle cat hath mewed," etc.
The curtain fell, to rise in a few moments on Hamlet
and the Ghost. Hamlet was a comely youth draped
about with his mother's black velvet gown, and the
Ghost was most effectively livid and "spooky" with
his face smeared with phosphorus.
A third tableau gave us our witch-hostess riding her
broom, apparently through the air, with what she
sought to make "an evil smile," a huge black cat beside
her. A black curtain behind her concealed the ap-
paratus that supported her, and the dim light was
favourable to illusion.
The three witches next appeared and swept us with
their brooms into another room, where little tables were
scattered about, each made ready for one of the time-
honoured oracles of fortune.
One held a plate of apples, with knives ready for the
magic paring. After carefully removing the skin — a
broken paring breaks the charm — each inquirer of fate
turned three times around, then whirling the apple-skin
three times around the head over the left shoulder,
dropped it behind, saying:
"By this paring I wish to discover
The letter of the name of my true lover/'
October 429
Of course it forms upon the ground the initial of the
name of one's future husband or wife.
To prevent the waiting for turns at this popular
table, other apples were hidden about the room in all
sorts of impossible places, with a knife at hand for each,
and were hunted for in couples. One venturesome maid
tried the ancient spell of eating an apple before a looking-
glass, with a view to seeing her future husband peering
over her shoulder. So many peeped at her that she
was forced to resort to other means to learn anything
definite.
Another table held an enormous pie made of flour,
in which was hidden a ring to be sought for by those
willing to plunge their mouths in it — untouched by
mortal hand — and above a third was suspended an
apple by a string attached to a portiere-rod.
This was set whirling, and the one who would secure
special good fortune for the year must snatch a bite of
the apple without touching it with his hands. The
bite secured, the apple is cut open and the seeds counted,
each one standing for the fulfillment of a separate wish.
Apples were also put in a tub half filled with water,
and a merry crowd of young men, on bended knees,
ducked their heads to seize the stems with their teeth.
The one who captured the greatest number was voted
the champion, assured of success in love, and was
crowned with apple-parings.
At a large open fireplace one of the three witching
mistresses of ceremonies was telling fortunes by means of
solder melted in a big iron spoon. This, when dropped
into water, took odd forms, which, by the aid of a fertile
imagination, were construed to prophesy the appear-
ance, occupation, or disposition of the future mate.
A second witch at the fire presided over the Hallowe'en
430 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
custom of burning nuts. The girls who wished to know
what fate had in store named one nut for herself and
the others for the young men whom she favoured with
her preference. This in the secrecy of her own mind.
If a nut burst or jumped about, that lover would prove
unfaithful; if it blazed, he had an ardent affection for
her; while the one that burned evenly and slowly,
staying near the nut representing the girl, would become
her husband.
At still another table, the third witch was brewing tea
and presaging fortunes by the grounds in the tea-cups.
Divination had now attained its height, and the most
occult mysteries, hitherto shrouded from human vision,
were unfolding themselves, when three black cats came
into the room, creating a great sensation.
The hostess drew presages from their behaviour, say-
ing:
"If a cat sits down beside you, a peaceful life is in
store for you and all domestic joys. If by chance she
rubs herself against you or jumps into your lap, all pos-
sible happiness will be yours ; but if she refuses to make
friends or runs from you, beware of evil fortune !"
Before the guests grew tired of questioning fate, the
music struck up a merry tune, and all were ordered to
dance a witches' dance — back to back — to be followed
by a Virginia reel — after which supper was announced
by the drawing aside of the portieres, and all trooped
into the dining-room.
They were met at its threshold by one of the witches
holding out a basket, from which all were to draw for
partners. Chance was to decide everything, and every
chance had its significance.
Upon the cards drawn from the basket were bats and
brooms, black cats in every position, witches' caps,
October 431
snakes, owls, lizards, newts, frogs, and all sorts of slimy,
unpleasant things. The matching cards decided the
partners.
The supper had some novel features. In the centre
of the table, a huge pumpkin, hollowed out, contained
and was wreathed about with yellow chrysanthemums.
Later on, the flowers were removed and the pumpkin was
passed around, and each person drew from it a hollow
egg-shell containing a motto or fortune, a stuffed banana,
a lemon or orange skin, enclosing a prediction.
A Hallowe'en cake contained a ring, a coin, a thimble,
and a button. The first promised speedy marriage, the
second great wealth, the last two assigned the fate of
spinster and bachelor.
Of a sudden, all the electric lights went out, and the
witch-hostess gave into the hand of each an English wal-
nut, saying in sepulchral voice,
" Hold above a candle what is found within,
Careful not to scorch it — that would be a sin.'*
Thereupon candles were brought in and passed from
hand to hand. When the halves of the walnuts were
forced apart, a folded bit of blank paper was all that was
found, but held near the candle flame, words began to
appear in most uncanny fashion. The trick was done
by writing with lemon-juice, which leaves no trace until
the heat of the flame makes it clear.
After supper, we gathered about the fire and listened
to blood-curdling stories told by the three witches in turn.
At the climax of the most gruesome one, the gong pealed
out midnight with weird effect, each stroke louder than
the preceding one, and all joined hands and went down
the cellar in hot haste and up again, out into the dark-
ness, and around the house, until, out of breath but with
432 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
merry faces, the guests took leave of their hostess and
each other with noisy protestations of having had a
"gloriously jolly time!"
FURTHER HINTS FOR HALLOWE'EN
An old-fashioned farm-house is the ideal place for a
Hallowe'en frolic. The wide fireplace and the simple
furnishings are in harmony with all its traditions.
The most appropriate decorations are boughs of maple,
beech, and pine, flaming leaves and berries, rosy -cheeked
apples and golden pumpkins, with garlands of ground
pine and the feathery wild clematis.
Jack-o'-lanterns and candles set in apples for candle-
sticks furnish light enough in addition to the roaring fire.
A closet near at hand might be furnished as a witch's
den. Festoons of black or gray tarletan, made very
dusty, simulate cobwebs fairly well if hung near the
ceiling, and paper bats hanging head downward are
easily made with wads for their bodies and wires covered
with gray -black paper marking the spines in the wings.
Cobwebs, bats and gloom go far toward giving the proper
effect.
Moreover, a gypsy tent in a corner is always an
attractive adjunct to such an entertainment. A dark-
eyed girl, dressed in the garish dress of a gypsy queen,
and possessing a personal knowledge of the circumstances
and characters of the guests and the wit to use it, may
disclose some very mysterious and interesting facts in
the telling of fortunes.
While the men "bob" for the elusive apples, merrily
floating in a low tub of water, the girls may sail walnut-
shells carrying tiny candles in a similar tub, to see
whether their ships will have fortune or misfortune.
Jumping over twelve lighted candles is another favourite
October 433
way of discovering by the one that is put out in what
month will one be married.
Suspended from the ceiling may be crossed rods of
witch-hazel, at one end of one of which is a piece of
bread, at another some favourite sweet, while a third
holds a candle-end, and the fourth a red pepper. This
is kept twirling rapidly, and the inquirer of fate seizes
a bite, seeking to know whether his married life is to
be peaceful and commonplace, delightful, disagreeable,
or peppery ! The face of the questioner leaves the
observers in little doubt as to the result.
Three bowls or saucers — one holding clear water, one
murky or milky water, while one is left empty — are also
consulted, their positions being changed before each
trial of the fates.
The empty saucer denotes single blessedness, the clear
water married happiness, the murky water domestic
infelicity.
Another game associated both with Hallowe'en and
Christmas from time immemorial is "Snap-Dragon"
(elsewhere described).
A "Witch's Cave" may be improvised by transform-
ing a small room into a forest of greenery, lighted only
with blue-shaded lights and Jack-o'-lanterns. The
witch, dressed all in red, her gown decked with cabalis-
tic figures, toy spiders and serpents, and wearing a
sugar-loaf hat with lifelike (Jap paper) serpent coiled
around it, will add to the uncanny effect. She presents
to each one who desires to consult her a tall lighted
candle and a paper funnel, through which the inquirer
must try to extinguish the flame by blowing through
the funnel after "making a wish." If the attempt is
successful, the wish will surely come true. Before
trying, this seems extremely easy, but after the third
434 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
attempt one must relinquish all hope. The explanation
of the difficulty is, that the funnel must not be held
directly opposite the light, as the breath follows the
sides of the funnel. To blow out the light the funnel
must be held either above or below the candle.
It may here be also explained that where one finds
contradictions after consulting the fates in several of
the ways herein given, the only way of accommodating
the predictions and being perfectly sure is where the
promised fortune is confirmed by three fates agreeing to
the same thing.
Counting the seeds of an apple in order to learn the
true sentiments of the beloved is one of the old Hal-
lowe'en customs.
The apple is secretly named, and the seeds counted
in the following manner — familiar to many generations
of children:
One, I love; two, I love;
Three, I love, I say;
Four, I love with all my heart ;
Five, I cast away;
Six, he loves; seven, she loves;
Eight, they both agree;
Nine, he comes; ten, he tarries;
Eleven, he courts; twelve, he marries.
A further test of fortune is to toss an apple through a
horseshoe suspended in a doorway. To the success-
ful one happiness is pledged.
Walking downstairs backward, holding a lighted
candle and a mirror before one's face, is said to insure
the appearance of one's lover's face in the mirror when
the foot of the staircase is reached.
The Magic Mirror on Hallowe'en
October 435
Some obliging swain might volunteer to fill the role
and, perhaps, be of real service in preventing a tumble.
To be strictly observant of Hallowe'en traditions, as
the company files out of the door, preparatory to mak-
ing the breathless tour of the house, each must take a
mouthful of water and a handful of salt. These must
be carried around the house three times without spilling
or swallowing. The successful ones may be assured
that the first persons of the opposite sex that address
them directly will be their future mates.
If, after all these efforts, he or she fails to materialise
or give evidence of existence, one must eat a pinch of
salt before sleeping — when, if no water is tasted, no word
spoken until morning, the future bride or bridegroom
will appear in dreams.
The supper at a Hallowe'en party should be of a some-
what rustic nature — cold boiled ham with vegetable
salad, apples, various nuts, popped corn, maple sugar,
gingerbread, doughnuts and crullers made in the shape
of initials, fruits, and cider.
The bowl of punch or lemonade should be wreathed
with vine leaves.
A LEAF PARTY
"All in the gay and golden weather" of a crisp October
afternoon a merry company of young men and maidens
assembled at the house of a lady whose pleasure it was
to gather bright young faces about her and give their
owners "good times."
The invitations had been a surprise — the card of the
hostess tied by a bit of scarlet ribbon to the stem of a
glowing maple leaf. Below the date and hour, in one
corner, was written the word "Leaves."
In spite of this suggestion, they were surprised to see
436 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
a large section of the lawn covered with fallen leaves, in
the midst of stretches of green from which every leaf
had been removed with the usual care.
Upon entering the drawing-room, they found it a
bower of leaves of all sorts, and carpeted as well with
the scarlet, green and gold of maples — each leaf of which
seemed to be a gem of its kind.
The young men were asked to go into an adjoining
room, the young women to another, where they found
numerous wooden rakes tied with bright ribbons which
they were evidently expected to appropriate. Upon
emerging from the rooms, rakes in hand, it was explained
to them that the matching ribbons determined who
should be partners in a raking-match out of doors.
Each pair, man and maid, was requested to make the
largest pile of leaves that they could in half an hour —
the successful pair to receive prizes for their industry.
They worked merrily and with a will, and the half-
hour seemed all too short. The fortunate pair whose
pile overtopped the rest were crowned with leaves,
their rakes wreathed with garlands, and they led the
procession back to the house, where each received from
the hostess a four-leaved-clover pin, enamelled in
green.
While resting, after the vigorous exercise, on the
piazza, in hammocks, on steps, cushions, and hassocks,
they were entertained by a Leaf Contest. An immense
basket of leaves, tied up with bright ribbons, was
brought, which it was found contained thirty-four
varieties of leaves — no two alike. Cards and pencils were
distributed and the leaves one by one passed around,
and each person wrote on his or her card opposite the
number corresponding to that attached to the leaf what
the kind of leaf it was thought to be. Strange to say.
October 437
the leaf of an apple-tree proved one of the most puzzling
to name.
When all the leaves had been examined, the hostess
read her numbered list aloud, holding each specimen
aloft in turn, and the players corrected their own lists.
The one whose observation of nature was proved to have
been the most accurate was given the prize of a little
etching of a woodland scene, which might recall one
described by Victor Hugo's "as rustling as a nest, as
fragrant as a bouquet, as dark as a cathedral." The
second prize was a "palm of victory," and the booby
prize a palm-leaf fan.
An artistic setting was given the little feast that
awaited the guests in the dining-room. The table was
covered with a cloth woven apparently of leaves. A
piece of green tarletan formed the foundation, upon
which green leaves were thickly sewn, overlapping each
other and radiating from the centre in all directions.
A single stitch in the centre of each held it in place.
Upon this were set dishes lined with vine leaves, hold-
ing clusters of grapes — purple and yellow — pineapples,
filberts in their green sheaths, and apples with glowing
cheeks. The salad was served in a nest of lettuce leaves,
the ices were of pistache in the form of oak leaves, and
each had upon it one or two of the little cakes that are
so cleverly made to represent acorns.
The guests took leave with such unconventional and
hearty assurances of their enjoyment as left their hostess
in no doubt of their sincerity.
CHAPTER XXIV
November
THE TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING
THANKSGIVING Day with its peculiar observance
stands alone as an American holiday.
It has grown up with the country and is
closely interwoven with its history. Indeed, could
scenes have been stored and now be reproduced to mor-
tal vision as sounds in a phonograph may be held and
preserved, the story of this nation could have no more
faithful portrayal than a glimpse of the successive
Thanksgiving Days would afford.
We, as "heirs of all the ages," may better celebrate
our own day of thanks if, mindful of its traditions, we
refresh our memories with its history.
1621
The first picture would be a harvest festival in old
Plymouth in October, 1621 — "all in the gay and golden
weather " when the woods were ablaze and the air made
the pulses tingle — glowing accounts of which the Pil-
grims wrote home to friends in England.
Anxiously they had watched the seed planted, know-
ing that their lives during the following winter would
depend upon the little harvest ; but sunshine and showers
had performed their gracious miracles, and in their glad-
ness and gratitude they called upon each other to assem-
438
November 439
ble for a public recognition of God's bounty and to
rejoice together.
They were so happy that they actually relaxed their
austere dignity a little and let nature have sway !
Four men, their best shots, were chosen to go out and
shoot game, with which the forests abounded. The sup-
ply lasted nearly a week, and some friendly Indians with
their chief Massasoit were made welcome and enter-
tained for three days.
The "bill of fare " was further enriched by the Indians'
contribution of some fine deer. Various kinds of sea-
food were procurable, which, with ducks, wild turkeys,
venison, barley bread, cakes of Indian meal, and aromatic
wild grapes by way of dessert, made a feast that might
well have stimulated their gratitude.
It was eaten off pewter plates, and after the entertain-
ment they and their Indian guests exercised them-
selves in feats of arms. The rejoicings lasted a week.
This was not the inauguration of a continuous series of
annual festivals, but it was the national Thanksgiving
in promise.
1623
This gala week had no successor. In contrast with
the last picture was the Thanksgiving of 1623, which
year had been full of hardships.
The accounts sent back to England of the plenty of the
New World had induced other colonists to try their
fortunes, and several ship-loads arrived but slenderly
provided with supplies. These were soon exhausted,
their crops failed, a severe drought set in, and starvation
threatened. Tradition says that in their extremities,
rations of five kernels of corn per day were distributed
to each person. A day was appointed for humiliation
and prayer. Winslow, in his "Relation," tells us that
440 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
though the heavens were clear when they assembled, and
the drought as like to continue as ever, yet before their
departure the sky was overcast and in the morning
came showers of rain continuing fourteen days. A vessel
loaded with provisions shortly after came to their relief,
and their cup of blessing was full.
Sensitive to the least of God's tokens of favour, this
little theocracy, in pure, spontaneous gratitude, at once
appointed a day of special thanksgiving.
The modest feast that followed the service of praise
in the meeting-house consisted in most instances of little
more than a dish of meal, water and salt, boiled together.
Ground-MUts (peanuts) and clams were probably added,
since these are referred to by the writers of the times as
being often their only resources.
1676
Another scene: A day of public thanksgiving and
rejoicing was set apart on account of the happy termina-
tion of King Philip's war. The little band congregated
in the lower part of their fort — which was their meeting-
house— every man with his sword and matchlock,
while a sentinel on guard paced up and down the
flat roof, and a cannon looked ominously from the
battlement.
Suddenly Church and his men appeared, bearing the
severed head of their late enemy, the Indian chief. The
grim trophy was set up on a pole in Plymouth village.
Gathered about the great fireplaces in each little kitchen
living-room, what tales of hairbreadth escapes from
their dusky foes were then told that afterward became
valued family traditions, to be rehearsed with delicious
horror in the days of peace, plenty, and prosperity that
followed !
November 441
1783
What a Thanksgiving Day that must have been, when,
in 1783, after the treaty of peace was signed between
England and the victorious, newly born " United States,"
each family welcomed home its heroes ! Not a flag in
the land but waved that day in token of triumphant joy.
In the words of the proclamation itself the day was set
apart, "That, at one Time and with one Voice, the
good People may express the grateful Feelings of their
Hearts and consecrate themselves to the Service of the
Divine Benefactor."
It was many years later before they permitted amuse-
ment and recreation to find place in the national holiday,
but on this joyous occasion a deep and solemn joy, an
overwhelming sense of gratitude, made mere amusement
seem trivial. Happy people need few pleasures !
FIFTY YEARS AGO
No picture of domestic happiness can outdo that of a
thorough-going New England Thanksgiving Day of fifty
or sixty years ago. It warms the heart to think of it.
Each homestead gathered its scattered members,
from far and near, as a hen gathers her chickens under
her wings. Everything in house and garden was in per-
fect order and holiday trim to receive them, and orchard,
poultry-yard, garden, cellar, and storeroom were laid
under contribution for their best and choicest for the
feast.
Grandfather and grandmother were metaphorically
pedestalled in honour, and all conspired to do them rever-
ence. Sleighs and carryalls arrived the day before the
festal one, laden with uncles, aunts, and merry cousins,
who were all tucked away under the elastic roof -tree.
What joy it was for the elders to meet again at home !
What interest felt in one another's welfare ! What pleas-
442 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
ure to recall old times together ! It was the apotheosis
of family life.
"When the care-wearied man sought his mother once
more,
And the worn matron smiles where the girl smiled
before."
The youths and maidens enjoyed the pleasant cousinly
intercourse that combines the freedom of kinship with
the charm of the unfamiliar, and the rollicking young-
sters made the rafters ring with noisy glee.
The next morning, after devout and decorous attend-
ance at the meeting-house, they returned to enjoy the
bountiful midday dinner, the preparation of which was
not left to the uncertain skill of any hired domestic with-
out the intelligent supervision of one of the family.
Happily there are many still living whose memories
can furnish the menu on such an occasion.
After a soup of clams or chicken, the turkeys in state
were brought in, one boiled, the other roasted. This
last was not baked in an oven, as in these degenerate days,
but was roasted before the fire. Rutabaga turnips,
squash, beans, onions, celery, sweet potatoes, succotash,
chicken pie — all were placed on the table at once, after
which the children's eyes sparkled at sight of deep,
luscious pumpkin and mince pies, baked in oblong dishes
— and the famous "pandowdy." Grapes, pears, apples,
and nuts followed, and then, after a devout "grace " pro-
nounced by the family patriarch, the party scattered in
the directions that their several tastes might dictate
The men visited the barns, gardens, and pens; the
women chatted in the house and compared recipes,
needlework, and children, while the young folk went for
November 443
a ride in a straw-filled wagon or sledge, and the young-
sters frolicked in the hay, or coasted.
All met again in the evening around the wide hearth
after a substantial supper. Old stories renewed their
youth, and personal adventures acquired a more vivid
interest in that homely, sympathetic atmosphere, while
the cider circled round.
The children parched corn, cracked nuts, and ate
apples, already oblivious of the Gargantuan banquet
with which they had so recently been regaled.
The national holiday was indeed unique — chosen from
religious motives and celebrated in the household among
those that loved each other.
TWENTIETH-CENTURY THANKSGIVING DIN-
NER
In the year of grace, 1903, a Thanksgiving dinner was
given in New York by a descendant of the Puritans, to
twenty-four of her kinsfolk — a dinner which was signifi-
cant of the increase of luxury in our country and its
almost boundless resources.
The hostess had been mindful of Henry Ward Beecher's
ideal celebration — "A Thanksgiving dinner represents
everything that has grown in the lavish summer and all
the largess of autumn to make glad the heart of
man."
In the centre of the table was a huge pumpkin, hol-
lowed out, filled and wreathed about with yellow chrysan-
themums, at either end a sheaf of ripe wheat, in the
centre of which bloomed more chrysanthemums, while
horns of plenty, made of very fine straw, were at the
four corners.
Out of these, among many vine-leaves in overflowing
444 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
profusion, peeped hothouse peaches and grapes, pears,
Florida oranges, bananas, apples, wild grapes, lady
apples, California plums, and green filberts.
At each place was a small bonbonniere covered with
strips of red, white, and blue satin ribbon, each contain-
ing besides the national nut-candies, five grains of corn,
in memory of the starvation times of New England,
The .menu was a twentieth-century adaptation of the
traditional fare — the "age of ease," reminiscencing over
"the youth of labour" and its arduous and frugal past:
Blue-point Oysters
Terrapin Soup
Lobster-Crabs
Roast Turkey stuffed with Chestnuts
Cranberry Sauce
Boston Baked Beans and onions
Haunch of Venison with currant jelly
Canvas-back Duck with celery salad
The large pumpkin pie was wreathed with golden
chrysanthemums, and, besides the cider, only California
wines were served.
In contrast to these opulent doings, a merry family
party sat at a table — the decorations of which had taxed
little besides home talent and ingenuity. The centrepiece
was composed of three horns of plenty, placed "back to
back," filled with apples, oranges, grapes, and the little
rosy spheres called lady -apples, with laurel leaves, which
resemble their natural foliage. The horns were evolved
out of green tissue-paper twisted into strands and braided
basket-fashion, on frames of picture-wire. Nuts and
nut-candies filled four small dishes, and old-fashioned
brass candlesticks held candles without shades.
The dinner was simple, but that best of sauces — good
November 445
appetite — was not lacking, and "what they wanted in
wit, they made up in laughter ":
Oyster Soup
Creamed Codfish in a ring enclosing ball potatoes, dusted
with chopped parsley
Roast Turkey
Cranberry sauce, succotash, sweet potatoes, and onions
Pumpkin Pie
After dinner, a huge tin cup was placed on the table
and with much ceremony a white ribbon was laid across
it, upon which in gilt lettering one read, "My cup run-
neth over." All were invited to compete for a prize —
to be given to the one who should write the longest or
best and most thoughtful list of God's gifts for which
he or she had cause to be thankful. These were to be
written upon slips of paper, signed, and dropped one by
one into the cup. It set every one's mind at work to
"count up de marcies," and the cup was soon crammed
to overflowing, while all began to realise the truth of —
"How much the happy days outweigh the sorrowful ! "
There was a separate prize for the children, and one
small boy headed his list with —
"Glad I ain't a gurl ! "
AFTER-DINNER AMUSEMENTS FOR THANKS-
GIVING DAY
The Thanksgiving hostess is not relieved of responsi-
bility after the dinner has been enjoyed, for her guests
have still to be entertained, and something must be done
to dispel the lethargy that is apt to follow the feast.
A little game that provides occupation and a mild
interest without taxing the mind is best to begin with,
446 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Such a game in which all may join is to take the word
"thanksgiving" and make from it as many other words as
possible, proper names being excepted. After allowing
fifteen or twenty minutes for writing down the words,
one list is read aloud; any one else having the same
words on his or her list must cross them off. Only those
words count which no one else has thought of.
Another amusement, quite in accord with the day, is
to give out a list of questions such as why, when, and
where the first Thanksgiving Day was celebrated ? Who
issued the proclamation ? Who was the English sover-
eign at that time ? and any others relative to the subject.
To present these questions in an attractive form, paint
upon water-colour paper pumpkin pies about six inches
in diameter. Cut these out, and with a bit of yellow
ribbon fasten to the back of each two sheets of white
paper, upon which the questions are written. Give one
of these pies, to which a pencil is tied, to each guest, and
allow a certain amount of time in which to write the
answers.
One of the children of the household may be privileged
to look up the questions in advance, and a proud moment
will be that in which he or she alone is able to answer
authoritatively some questions about which the elders
must confess ignorance. Such little triumphs stimulate
further research and help to create a thirst for informa-
tion.
A pumpkin, hollowed out and wreathed with leaves,
may be brought in, containing a tiny souvenir for each
person present — preferably some cheap little toy having
a teasing or at least a personal significance. They
should be wrapped in paper. If the seeds of the
pumpkin are preserved, washed, and dried, their number
may form the subject of a guessing contest.
November 447
An appropriate prize for such a contest, which may be
withdrawn from the pumpkin itself, would be an Indian
made of dried figs and raisins, threaded on wire. The
materials necessary are a large fig for the body, a smaller
one for the head, a yard of wire, raisins for arms and legs,
two black beads for eyes, a bit of chamois for moccasins,
a few feathers, crimped brown paper for the skirt, a
little red paint for the cheeks, lips, and war-paint lines,
fine black sewing-silk for hair, and a broom-straw for a
bow, a sewing-thread for the bowstring. A gilt-paper
quiver may be on the man's back, and in the quiver
wooden toothpick arrows, with feathered ends bound
to them with finest wire.
There are many games of which reminiscent thoughts
of the Thanksgiving dinner form the theme. One is
the following:
MENU FOR THANKSGIVING
Cards are distributed, upon each of which is written a
list of objects suggestive of a feast, opposite to which the
players write their guesses of what dishes are described.
For instance:
1. Soup — Imitation reptile.
2. Fish— "Collect on delivery."
3. Roasts — The country of the Crescent, and Adam's
wife — served with a sauce of what undid her.
4. Vegetables — Two kinds of toes ne'er found on man
or beast ; a mild term for stealing ; what your heart does.
5. Puddings — What we say to a nuisance, and exactly
perpendicular.
6. Pies — An affected gait, and related to a well.
7. Fruit — A kind of shot.
The answers are:
1. Soup — Mock turtle.
2. Fish— C. O. D.
448 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
3. Roasts — Turkey, and Sparerib with apple sauce.
4. Vegetables — Potatoes and tomatoes; Cabbage;
Beets.
5. Puddings — Sa-go, and Plum(b).
6. Pies — Mince, and Pumpkins.
7. Fruit — Grape.
CHAPTER XXV
December
CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES
"THE HIGH AND HOLY FESTIVAL"
TRADITIONAL SCENES OF CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION?
E[E illustrations on the page of history are the
scenes that, through the magic of that marvel-
lous vehicle for thought transference — the pen,
have come down to us, so that the things of long ago
are almost as vivid to our imaginations as are the re-
membered incidents of our own past.
More interesting than wars and factions, than doings
of kings and statesmen, are the glimpses we get of the
life of the people, and, best of all, our view of them in
holiday mood, when enjoying themselves. We feel the
"touch of nature" that makes the world akin.
Our own pleasure days and holidays are many of them
lineal descendants of the old-time festivals, and none
more dependent upon ancient precedent than the
celebration of Christmas Day.
The celebration of the "return of the sun," which at
the winter solstice began gradually to regain its power,
was observed with rejoicings in many lands.
THE EARLIEST YULE-TIDE
In pagan times, the Norsemen celebrated their festival
of lol or Yule at this season, and though, strictly speak-
449
450 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
ing, not a precursor of Christmas, yet from it were
derived, through their Saxon successors, many of the
customs that later became associated exclusively with
the Christian festival.
Rude, but picturesque, was the scene of their revels.
The banquet -hall was usually a rough arbour, improvised
for the occasion in the forest, its sides covered with fir
boughs and other foliage, decorated with shields and
battle-axes. The feast consisted of oxen, sheep, and
goats, roasted whole in pits dug in the hillsides and lined
with stones; or joints of these animals, seethed in
cauldrons made of their own skins sewed together and
filled with water.
Wooden cups and platters were all the table service,
except the dirk-shaped knives — each man furnishing
his own — and bits of soft moss that did duty for table
napkins.
Above the seat of honour was hung a canopy of
holly boughs and ivy. The "wassail bowl" was the
skull of an enemy, and passed from hand to hand—
the most ancient form of "loving-cup." The word is
derived from their phrase for pledging one another —
"haile" meaning health.
Having eaten and drunk to repletion, they gathered
about their blazing Yule-log — the smoke escaping
through a hole in the roof — to listen to the Scalds, who
recited or sang in praise of the joys of fighting and of
the deeds of doughty heroes, which was nearly all that
represented literature to these ancient peoples.
The entertainment ended in a wild dance. "Yule"
means festival or holy day.
THE SAXON CHRISTMAS
About the year 70,, Clemens Romanus directed the
commemoration of the Nativity to take place on the
Watchful Waiting on Christmas Eve
December 451
twenty-fifth of December. Some of the apostles were
then living and, doubtless, could have furnished the
exact date.
The festivals of ancient superstitions had been
marked by bloody sacrifices, riotous revellings, and
disgraceful practices. They had no conception of a
festival of cheerfulness, decency, and kindness.
The Christmas feast was the consecration of gladness,
giving glory to God, showing good-will to man.
When Gregory the Great sent St. Augustine to con-
vert the Saxons, he directed him to accommodate the
ceremonies of Christian worship to those of the heathen,
that they might not be too much startled at the change.
They were encouraged to eat the flesh of the sheep
and oxen with thanksgiving, omitting their offering to
their idols. At the Yuletide, their custom of decorating
the places where they assembled for worship with ever-
greens was authorised, but connected with Christ's
triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when boughs of trees
were used in token of rejoicing.
The mistletoe, sacred to their Scandinavian god,
Balder, was accepted as a symbol of the Trinity — the
berries growing in clusters of three.
The festival gradually assumed a more civilised
character. The Christmas fire was still made of the
famous Yule-log — which was frequently the root of a
large tree, introduced into the house with much ceremony
and left in "ponderous majesty" on the kitchen floor,
until each had sung his Yule or Christmas carol, standing
on its centre.
The word "carol" comes from "cantare," to sing,
and "rola," an interjection of joy.
It was the custom among the young folk to throw
branches and sprigs of laurel on the Christmas fire and
452 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
by the curling and crackling of the leaves to presage
good or evil fortune.
The "wassail bowl" formed part of every Christmas
entertainment. Its contents were wine, spiced and
sweetened with roasted apples floating on its surface,
but, as Leigh Hunt says: " It was a good-natured bowl,
accommodating itself to the means of all classes, and
was often made of ale, with nutmeg, ginger, sugar, toast
and crab-apples roasted." The Saxons also drank
"cyder," and "nut-brown ale" was the national bever-
age.
THE NORMAN CHRISTMAS
The Anglo-Norman kings were fond of magnificence,
and introduced many new forms of amusement into
the great festival. Splendid pageants, the interchange
of valuable presents, dancing, dice-playing, jousting,
tilting, and generous feasting formed part of their
Christmas programme.
The accounts of their feasts include many dishes that
are strange to us. Cranes were a favourite article of
diet at aristocratic tables, and "dillegrout" was an
important dish. This was made of chicken minced to
a paste with "almond-milk," sugar, and spices. They
drank hippocras, morat, mead, and claret or "clarreV'
There were various wines mixed with honey and spices.
The morat contained mulberries.
With all their grandeur, there was little comfort ; the
floors were strewn with rushes, the furniture stiff, hard,
and giving little ease ; at table, forks were yet unknown.
In the twelfth century miracle plays were introduced.
They were full of anachronisms — Herod swears by
Mahomet, and Noah's wife by Mary. To relieve the
tedium, comic passages were introduced, and Cain
appeared in the character of a low buffoon and the
December 453
Devil was the villain of the piece. Mrs. Noah refused to
go into the ark without her " gossips," and when forced
to do so boxed her husband's ear.
THE ELIZABETHAN CHRISTMAS
It was in the reign of "good Queen Bess" and her
immediate successors that the Christmas celebrations
took place, with which song and story have made us
most familiar.
The festival lasted for twelve days, during which
sports of all kinds were enjoyed by high and low. Once
a year the poor had their glimpse of plenty.
Immediately after the church services, the nobleman,
or country gentleman of that day, stood at his own
gates and distributed alms to the aged and destitute,
and his servants, tenants, and dependants were feasted
in the great hall of his mansion with generous hospitality.
The hall, embowered in foliage — "whatever the
yeare afforded to be greene" — was opened at day-
break to all. Strong ale was broached and merrily the
"black jack" went round.
The great log was then brought in by a merry crew of
sturdy youths and buxom maidens. When it reached
its destination, before lighting it, they sat upon the
huge timber and sang their Yule-song, after which they
were given Yule-cakes — in the form of an infant or
with an image of the child Jesus impressed upon them —
and bowls of "frumenty."
Part of the log was carefully preserved with which
to light the one of the following year.
"Part must be kept, wherewith to tend
The Christmas log next yeare,
And where 'tis safely kept, the Fiend
Can do no mischief there."
After church and the dole at the gates the great
454 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
dinner was served at mid-day — the master, with his
family and friends, sitting at a table apart. It was
now that the mirth and merriment culminated. As some
one has said, "Man's gastronomic capacity must have
been enlarged for the occasion, as energies expand to
meet great emergencies." We read of sixteen courses
of meat alone — boar's head, capons, geese, turkeys,
peacocks (in all the bravery of their gorgeous plumage),
brawn, neats-tongue, etc., concluding with mince pies
and plum pudding. It certainly stimulates the appetite
only to read of such' plenty.
The boar's head, wreathed with bays and served on a
silver salver, was the most distinguished of Christmas
dishes. Its appropriateness was due to the fact that
Jews could not eat it. It was brought to the table in
great state, accompanied with minstrelsy. The min-
strels continued to play for the dancing that followed,
while bagpipes furnished the music for the humbler
folk.
Sports of many kinds were succeeded by a general
assembling in the evening about the Yule fire, where
songs, legendary tales and ghost stories went the rounds.
The hall was lighted only with the blaze of the Yule
fire and the huge Christmas candles, wreathed with
greenery. These last were types of "The Light of the
World," whose coming to dispel moral darkness was
the reason for the celebration.
The host mixed the "wassail bowl" with his own
hands, and all partook of it, after which it was the
custom for every one to join in singing carols, of which
the example was the choir of angels heralding the
birth of the Redeemer.
An entertainment that shows the rudeness of the
times of Elizabeth was a fox-hunt indoors. "A hunts-
December 455
man came into the hall with a fox and a cat, both tied
to the end of a staff, and with them as many as twenty
hounds. The animals were then loosed, and the fox
and cat were set upon by the hounds and soon despatched.
After which, the guests betook themselves to table."
THE PURITAN CHRISTMAS
The season of Christmas set apart for sacred obser-
vance became more and more but the occasion for revelry
and excess of all kinds.
In 1625, Parliament prohibited its observance, and ten
years later decreed that it should be kept as a fast.
The church-wardens of St. Margaret's, Westminster,
were fined for decorating the church with greens. The
Puritans overshot the mark. "When the church refused
to use her pleasant nets, Satan stole them and made
them snares," so, as it was said at the time, "Father
Christmas was let in at the back door."
Pepys — that delightful old gossip — describes a Christ-
mas dinner "at night " which concluded with "a flagon
of ale with apples, out of a wood cup, as a Christmas
draught, which made all merry."
Cards were in great favour as a means of Christmas
diversion. The crusade against them began later.
As might be supposed, the Puritans brought with
them to the New World their prejudice against festivals,
and Christmas was elaborately ignored. As time went
on, however, the rules against its observance were
relaxed. In New Amsterdam, the Dutch kept Christ-
mas with great spirit and innocent merriment, and
the fact undoubtedly had its influence upon New
England in causing these festivals to become national,
and "moderate festivities and rejoicing after attendance
at the place where God is preached" were permitted.
456 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
A TWENTIETH-CENTURY CHRISTMAS
There is little need to review our own observance of
the great festival, which is familiar to all, but a feast was
given last Christmas at a large country house that proves
that its traditions are still cherished.
The woods near at hand having been laid under con-
tribution for every sort of evergreen, the vast dining-
room was like a bit of the forest itself.
All the colour was massed on the table. Holly and
mistletoe formed the centrepiece, and the note of scarlet
was repeated in all the decorations and dainties.
The room was lighted only by the glow of the blazing
logs in a fireplace (that enlarged forever one's ideas of
what a fireplace could be) and with many wax candles.
The dinner began with green turtle soup, followed by
a salmon — plentiful in the time of Queen Bess, and called
"the king of fish."
Next, a "venison pasty" was served — the nearest
approach to an entre'e known at medieval banquets —
and then a turkey, most successfully cooked with all its
feathers on. Our "national bird" was almost as pictu-
resque as the peacock, with advantage on its side as to
palatableness.
A trumpet next sounded, and the cook, in full official
costume of white linen surcoat and cap, entered, bearing
aloft a boar's head, "crowned with bays," with a lemon
in its mouth.
Another flourish of trumpets later and the cook again
entered, carrying a large round plum-pudding, a sprig of
holly atop, and burning with blue fire — followed by the
butler with a huge mince pie, and he in turn by his assist-
ants, carrying the ingredients for mixing the "wassail
bowl"
A Christmas Tree for All New York
December 457
The dinner over, all gathered about £he blazing logs,
whereupon each in turn made a contribution of song or
story for the general entertainment, as previously
requested to do in the invitation.
One quoted Lady Morgan's authority for saying that
in Italy the peasants go about on Christmas Eve and
serenade the carpenters' shops, in honour of Joseph,
together with many odd Christmas customs in other
lands. Another told the story of Beowulf — the subject
of the earliest Saxon epic, a favourite Christmas tale at
medieval firesides. A young girl sang the ballad
of "The Mistletoe Bough" in a sweet, vibrant voice,
and some one else told a ghost story that held all
spellbound.
Before the merry party separated they all joined in
singing a carol. The candles had burned low, and in
the mellow light of the fire the solemnity of the season
and its gracious meaning began to steal into their hearts.
The feeling gave expression to their voices as they sang
of Him who thought to touch the heart of humanity by
sending His message of reconciliation by the hand of a
little human child.
A CHRISTMAS GHOST PARTY
FOR CHRISTMAS EVE
The veil that separates the realm of spirits from that
of mortals has always been held by reverent tradition
— not to say superstition — to be thinner on Christmas
Eve than at any other time of the year. Ghosts are
said to revisit their old haunts and homes ; hence the
Christmas custom of relating stories of spectral
visitants.
A phantom reunion is therefore appropriate to
the dav.
458 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The invitations may read:
The Shade of Miss Blank
is requested to be present
at a
Meeting of the Ghosts
at
Apparition Assembly Cave
No Street
on the eve of the "Holy Night "
at nine o'clock
ft is requested that each fair phantom wear
a winding-sheet
The walls of the room in which the spectres assemble
should be hung with white cheese-cloth, and all lights
screened with white paper shades lined with blue, tc
give a more ghastly effect, to which burning alcohol con-
taining a pinch of salt will contribute.
The ghosts arrive, draped in sheets, with pillow-cases
about their heads, wearing white masks and gloves.
At the appearance of each female phantom the hostess
says "Sh-h-h!" which all the guests repeat, but upon
the arrival of a man spirit a dolorous groan is his wel-
come, and is taken up by the rest of the company. They
move noiselessly about the room, never speaking above
a sepulchral whisper. If a "graveyard" cough can be
managed at intervals, the effect will be appreciated.
Each apparition must wear a distinctive mark on his
or her forehead — a splash of blood-red paint, a bone
attached to the top of the mask, the picture of a spade,
a skull — anything gruesome. With these they are
December 459
solemnly invested as they pass from the dressing-room,
and a card, with pencil attached, is given to each.
They are expected to guess one another's identity, in
spite of all efforts to foil detection, and the names are to
be noted on the card, accompanied by his or her special
mark by way of signature.
At the sound of a bell slowly and solemnly tolled the
guests add their signatures to their cards, which they
then drop into a box draped with black.
If, in placing the cards within it, a slight electric shock
could be delivered from a small hidden battery, the
uncanny effect would be emphasised.
The one whose card bears the greatest number of cor-
rect guesses may have a prize, and another be presented
to the one who has best concealed his identity.
An occasional waltz is danced to the slowest possible
accompaniment of mufned music, but square dances are
most appropriate if walked through with the solemn
stateliness befitting the ideal ghost.
A bell is slowly tolled to announce supper, served at
eleven o'clock or before, on plain white dishes, the table
decorated with white flowers. The menu may keep to
ghostly white consisting of clam bouillon or creamed
oysters, chicken salad, sandwiches, angel cake, kisses,
vanilla ice-cream, peppermints, and other white bon-
bons.
The guests unmask at supper, return to human,
fleshly habitations, and are as merry as they please.
To be so absorbed in frolic as to ignore entirely the
great event commemorated on the "holy night " would
be to carry fun too far.
Upon returning to the drawing-room (from which all
suggestions of gruesomeness are removed) after supper,
the lights may be turned down, and after the solemn
460 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
tolling of midnight a voice from an unseen singer may
thrill the auditors with the stirring notes of Adam's
" Cantique de Noel," which seem to be the very utterance
of the herald-angel. Or Gounod's "Messe Solennelle"
on piano or organ would be most impressive, and with
its triumphant proclamation would make an effective
climax.
A CHRISTMAS DINNER
PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
The accounts that have come down to us of the feasts
and revels of the olden days — "giving time a tongue" —
are full of suggestions for our own merrymakings.
Good cheer is inseparable from the thought of Christ-
mas, so the fittest form of hospitality is perhaps a dinner,
followed by a gathering about a "roaring" wood fire —
the nearest approach to a Yule-log available — where
songs, stories, anecdotes, legends, and ghostly tales are
exchanged and enjoyed in the sympathetic glow. A
country house is the ideal setting for such festivities.
The Christmas spirit, however, may find entrance any-
where, and a modern city dining-room may be trans-
formed into a bower with boughs of hemlock, pine, laurel,
box, and holly, and with a few small Christmas trees in
the windows and corners will give one quite a sense of
remoteness from our prosaic century.
"The world is very young for its age," and, like the
children, we like to "make believe."
The table should be lighted with candles only — white
or scarlet — but without shades. These, with the fire,
will give just the soft radiance that pleases both the
eye and the imagination.
In the centre of the table, with a generous mass of
holly forming a mound at its base, a tiny Christmas tree
December 461
may stand, lighted up with many small tapers and hung
with little gifts, to be distributed as souvenirs at the
close of the feast. Various small articles in silver may
be had at trifling cost, and if marked with the initials of
the guests, will show a personal thought for each that
never fails to please. With crystals the tips of the little
boughs may be made to glitter like icicles. The effect is
produced by dipping the tips in a saturated solution of
alum and allowing them to remain for some hours, when
the alum will have crystallised about the branches in a
charming manner. Strings of cranberries, or holly ber-
ries, gilded nuts, and tiny Japanese lanterns may further
adorn the little tree.
Artificial trees, too, cleverly made, may be had, but if
preferred a large, round basket filled with holly and tied
about with wide scarlet ribbon may be substituted, or
a star-shaped centrepiece may be used.
A tiny Yule-log makes a unique and appropriate deco-
ration for the centre of the table. It should be sixteen
inches long, the bark lichen-stained if possible, and hol-
lowed out so as to be filled to overflowing with holly.
Graceful ropes of foliage may be suspended from the
chandelier in festoon effect and held near the edge of
the table by a sprig of holly tied with a scarlet bow.
In the " colour scheme" scarlet should be introduced,
as much as possible, as presenting the gayest contrast
with the foliage. Sugar-almonds are made with the
brightest of red covering, and for the sake of their
colour may form the top layer on a dish of more
toothsome confections. Scarlet icing 011 cake, though
coloured with harmless cochineal, is apt to be regarded
with suspicion, but candied or crystallised cherries on
the white sugar will give a bright touch of colour.
No fruit more choice than highly polished red apples
462 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
may be selected, if we would be true to ancient pattern,
and their vivid skins add much to the decorative effect
of the table.
A branch of mistletoe with many pearly berries, tied
with scarlet ribbon to the evergreen-wreathed chan-
delier, should have its place at a Christmas feast, though
the traditional privileges it confers are not easily attaina-
ble in such a position.
The menu, written upon a square of parchment, upon
which a sprig of holly or mistletoe, a boar's head, or a
peacock on a silver salver might be painted, might read
as follows:
Turtle Soup
Sammon
Boar's Head
Goose-rosted
A Neat's Tongue with Sallets
Plum-pudding
Mince-pies
Kickshaws
Cheese Apples Nuts
The spelling is intentional.
The boar's head, always the "piece de resistance" in
olden times, is not always easy to procure, though it
may be had. A young pig might fittingly replace it.
Tongue, with a vegetable salad, is an appetising
dish, when the meat is like velvet and the salad com-
bines many flavours.
The plum-pudding should be of generous proportions,
round, and crowned with a sprig of holly. A holly
wreath should also encircle the dish. Brandy is always
poured over it and set on fire before it is brought to the
dining-room.
A Christmas Cake
December 463
The mince pies must be oblong in shape, according
to the ancient pattern — in allusion to the manger.
A recipe for making the delicious compound, copied
from a cook-book written in the sixteenth century,
says :
A pound of suet chopped fine
A pound of raisins chopped, stoned
A pound of currants cleaned, dry.
Two eggs, allspice beat fine, a bit of citron, a little
salt, sugar to your taste, and as much brandy, cyder and
good wine as you like.
The bonbons, cakes, etc., would be called by the
Norman-English "quelque choses," corrupted later into
"kickshaws," and so called by Shakespeare.
Of course, all must gather after dinner around the
freshly replenished fire and "tell a tale in turn."
The half-light is favourable to ventures out of self-
consciousness, and the thought may lie warm at the heart
that at no time in all the year is the world so full of
happy people.
AROUND THE YULE-FIRE
With the best possible intentions, and though fully
in sympathy with the Christmas spirit, our wits are not
always to be relied upon when we know that something
is expected of us.
A little preparation beforehand may spare us em-
barrassment and enable us to acquit ourselves with
credit when asked for our contribution of song or story
when gathered about the Yule-fire.
One might tell of the Christmas superstitions, long
held as articles of faith — how it was believed that oxen
kneel in their stalls on Christmas Eve in adoration of
the Nativity, and for one hour have the power of speech.
For that one hour, too, on the "holy night," the lost
464 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
spirits have rest. Judas sleeps. Herod ceases to clank
his chains. The daughter of Herodias may pause in
the dance in which she is condemned to spin forever,
and Pilate's ghost ceases its wanderings on Mt. Pilatus.
It was believed, too, that the sound of church bells
could be heard wherever a church had stood, though
no trace of the edifice remain, and that on that preg-
nant night one sleeping in a manger would see his
future in a vision.
Another might entertain the company with an
account of the origin of our own Christmas customs.
For instance: There is a legend in Germany that, when
Eve plucked the fatal apple, immediately the leaves of
the tree shrivelled into needle-points and its bright green
turned dark. It changed its nature and became the
evergreen, in all seasons preaching the story of man's
fall. Only on Christmas does it bloom brightly with
lights and become beautiful with love-gifts; the curse
is turned to a blessing by the coming of the Christ-
child — and we have our Christmas tree.
St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus, was a saint of the
fourth century, of fabulous beneficence and goodness.
He loved children, and was therefore adopted as the
patron saint of school-boys. His was a genial, kindly
nature, and a beautiful exception to the asceticism of
his age.
The example of the entrance of the good saint
into modern homes was first set him by Hertha, a
Norse goddess. At the festival held in her honour,
the houses were decked with evergreens and an altar
of stones set up at the end of the hall where the family
assembled.
Hence from Hertha's stones the word "hearth-
stone." Upon these stones were heaped fir-branches,
December 465
which were set on fire and the goddess was supposed to
descend through the dense smoke and influence the
direction of the flames, from which the fortunes of those
present were predicted.
The good St. Nicholas, once overtaken by a severe
storm, took refuge in a convent, and the next day being
Christmas, preached to the gentle nuns a wonderful
sermon. They begged him to return the following year
and teach them again. At his second visit, before
going to bed, he asked each of the nuns to lend him a
stocking, which he filled with sugar-plums, in requital
of their hospitality. This is the origin of our Christmas-
stocking.
It was believed that holly composed our Lord's
crown of thorns, and that the berries, white before, were
stained by his blood.
Mutton was the only meat that originally entered into
the composition of mince pies — in commemoration of the
flocks watched on the holy night by the shepherds of
Bethlehem. The spices were supposed to be suggestive
of the Wise Men from the Orient — the land of spices.
From the earliest times, it seems to have been an
accompaniment of festival seasons to exchange gifts
and make donations to the poor. In the book of
Esther, the Jews were enjoined to "make them days of
feasting and joy, and of sending of portions to one
another, and of gifts to the poor."
The rehearsal of stories that formed the subject of
the old songs that were popular at Christmas firesides
through the ages would please by their quaintness and
interest by their antiquity.
Among the most charming were those of Taliesin,
one of the greatest of the old British bards. His
"Song of Pleasant Things" has the same out-of-door
466 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
freshness that is characteristic of nearly all the great
English poets. He makes us see the branches bowing
in the wind, the scurrying leaves, the long brambles full
of berries of autumn, the ripe luxuriance of the long,
slow days of summer, and spring's "blossom-covered
trees." *
Never, however, could the harpers sing a song too
fierce for the war-loving Saxons, who believed that
only those who died in battle might find entrance to
the Hall of Odin. Best liked of all, therefore, was the
song of Beowulf, the hero whose deeds were known to
all the Northern races, and interesting to us, too, as
being the first poem ever written in the Anglo-Saxon
language, though embodying a Scandinavian legend.
The "Song of Crede," the "Song of Baite the Sweet-
spoken and the Princess Aillin," the "Deeds of Urien,"
and the legendary story of Caedmon, the first writer of
Christian hymns — all these are accessible to the reader
of early English literature.
Many of the ancient carols, with the notes, may be had,
and any one with a pleasing voice may give much
delight to an audience already predisposed to apprecia-
tion by the spirit of the hour, by singing without accom-
paniment one of these quaint old songs.
The realm of spirits was always thought to be nearer
that of mortals on Christmas than at any other time.
Hence the custom of telling around the Yule-fire stories
of ghostly visitants. It would be a simple matter for
one to choose from our abundant supply of uncanny
literature and memorise a story that would furnish
the necessary "creeps."
Those who are not fond of tales of the supernatural
may appreciate the following "true ghost story ":
A young woman, visiting at a country house one
December 467
autumn, had been thrilled with delicious horrors by
tales of ghosts and hobgoblins told by certain of her
fellow-guests about a generous fire just before they
separated for the night. The next morning she ap-
peared at the breakfast table, ready for departure, and
when pressed to explain her reason for going, confessed
that she was afraid to sleep under that roof another
night. She said that about midnight she was awakened
by a stealthy step, and to her horror saw a spectre all
in white at the foot of the bed, and it raised its claw-
like hands and deliberately drew the coverlid from off
the bed. There was no hallucination about it, for the
coverlid was gone !
While the interest was at its height, a belated break-
faster appeared and remarked genially: "How cold it
was last night ! Knowing that the room next to mine
was unoccupied, I took the liberty of helping myself
to an extra covering from there !"
Christmas ghosts are beneficent beings, and no tale
that represents them otherwise than as instinct with
"goodwill to men" can be true.
"Heap on more wood, the wind is chill,
But let it whistle as it will,
We'll keep our Christmas merry still,
And all the world be jolly !"
OLD CHRISTMAS GAMES, SPORTS, AND
DIVERSIONS
To enjoy the ideal Christmas one must spend it in
the country in a wide, hospitable house, filled with one's
favourite kindred — not forgetting the children — and
from the fireside of which no member of the home
circle is absent.
It is but a poor imitation of the real Christmas that
468 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
city folk have, and it is becoming more and more the
pleasant custom for those who have country houses to
open them for a few days at the holiday season and take
possession with a merry party of friends. In their
entertainment they follow as many as possible of the
hearty old Christmas customs that helped to give to the
"tight little Mother Isle " the name of " Merrie England."
By concerted prearrangement, other house-parties
are given at the houses of neighbours, and other friends
are encouraged to "stop over Christmas," at an inn,
perhaps, by the promise of a share in all the fun.
Such joyous revels lay up happy memories. The
main requirements are hearts warm with the genial,
generous spirit of Christmas, the right companions, and
an open fire.
There are many accessories, however, that add much
to the pleasure of the Yule-tide, and to "keep alive the
flavour of the honest days of yore" and avail ourselves
of its traditional observances seems almost as much a
duty as a privilege.
The rooms, of course, should be generously adorned
with "pine, laurel, bay, box, and holly," for their
pungent, spicy odours belong to Christmas-time as the
breath of violets and the smell of young leaves do to
the spring.
A review of ancient customs — our heritage of fun
and frolic from the ages — gives suggestions for our own
merry-makings.
Christmas eve, the holy day itself, and the evening
of Christmas — to each belong its own peculiar forms of
interest, amusement, and "merrie disport."
CHRISTMAS EVE
The bringing in of the Yule-log was the chief ceremony
in the days of our English forebears on Christmas eve.
December 469
It was always the largest log procurable, and all the
youngsters had to have a hand in carrying it to the
fireplace — by means of ropes about the middle and
either end — which was made the more difficult in that
the favourite joke was for each party to try to drop the
end on his neighbour's toes.
Just before it was deposited on the hearth, as many as
could find room stood upon it and sang a carol or Yule-
song, joined in by every one present. It was then
lighted, and every one threw upon it a bit of evergreen,
at the same time expressing some wish for a blessing
on the roof -tree — all of which we may easily follow.
When the great log is ablaze, all other lights are ex-
tinguished save the Christmas candles — three great
wax tapers among them larger than the rest — their
number in honour of the Trinity. They were anciently
believed to keep away evil spirits, for, though on
Christmas Eve no malicious spirit had permission to be
abroad, superstitious faith required to be reinforced by
every precaution. As all gathered around the ample
hearth, the wassail bowl was often brewed — instead of
at the Christmas board — by the head of the house. The
etiquette of the occasion required that each contribute
a song, story, legend, or recital of personal adventure,
after having had a second recourse to the inspiration of
the wassail bowl. Its contents are explained in a
preceding chapter.
Stories that still enjoy a hearty old age were told at
medieval firesides, but as midnight approached, when
the children were safe in bed, dreaming of the joys of
the morrow, the narration took the form of ghost
stories. The spell of the supernatural was upon them
on the "holy night." At modern firesides, the custom
still survives.
470 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
FOR CHRISTMAS DAY
A thoughtful wit once said that the way to be happy
is "to do as you please, and have done what you ought."
So, the social pleasures of Christmas Day will not have
their fullest flavour unless the religious claims of the day
are allowed.
"At Christmas be merrie — and thankful withal"; so
a service in commemoration of the first Christmas, and
the recognition of the meaning to us, are the first of our
duties.
The walk or drive to church through the keen frosty
air — brightening to the spirits and making one feel
thoroughly and delightfully alive — is just the preparation
for the appreciation of the Christmas anthems with their
notes of triumphant gladness.
If we also have done our part in giving the poor a
share in the plenty and pleasure which we enjoy, we
shall begin to think it worth while to do good for the
pure luxury of the feeling !
At luncheon it adds to the interest of the meal to
have old Christmas dishes form part of the menu.
One "Fromenty" was made of wheat-cakes boiled in
milk, spiced and sugared, with raisins and a dash of
wine.
After luncheon some may care for sleighing or skating,
others for out-of-door games.
The rural sports at Christmas time in England were
chiefly confined to the yeoman class, while the great
folk formed the audience. Contests in climbing a
greased pole — a prize awaiting the most successful at
its top; catching a greased pig, three-legged races,
etc., were among the sports that they enjoyed heartily
and vigorously.
As the tenantry on our estates are presumably con«
December 471
spicuous by their absence, we must e'en follow our
sports in person, and thereby probably lose nothing of
fun.
A THREE-LEGGED RACE
Some of the energetic youngsters may care to try a
three-legged race. Four contestants submit to be tied
together in couples, the right leg of one firmly strapped
to the left leg of his companion just below the knee
and at the ankle. They are carried or dragged to the
starting-place, and some one counts the time-honoured
formula, "One, two, three — go !" At the word "Go !"
they start, or try to; sometimes coming down upon their
knees or falling ignominiously flat, to be helped up,
amid the cheers of their sympathisers or howls of
derision. The two who are able to reach the goal first
win the race, and are presented with a burlesque prize.
A SACK RACE
A sack race is very amusing. Stout bags of burlap
must be provided, large enough to incase the legs of the
contestants up to the waist, and if the whole person is
covered to the chin the test will be the more amusing.
Any number may enter the lists, and start together at a
given signal. They fare onward by a series of leaps,
and if they roll over — a frequent experience — they
must contrive to pick themselves up, or lie on the
ground in hopeless defeat. The one who is still on his
legs when all others are worsted wins the race.
LAWN SKITTLES
Lawn skittles may be played indoors or out. To
the top of a pole, firmly fixed in the ground or floor, a
ball is suspended by a rope. Two places at equal dis-
tances from the pole at either side are marked out.
Upon one, nine large, heavy ninepins are set up, and
the player stands at the other. He takes the ball and
472 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
swings it around the pole, aiming to knock down the
ninepins. Each player is entitled to six chances.
Sometimes sides are formed of an equal number of
players, and the competition is the keener. The
number in the game, and the counting as well, is de-
termined by the players among themselves.
These games will be an excellent preparation for the
Christmas dinner.
The subject of this feast has been considered in
detail elsewhere, but at its close the following toast
may be given:
"All joie and jollitie
Wait on thy holiday ;
True love and friendlinesse
Hallow thy happinesse!"
CHRISTMAS NIGHT
After dinner, the elders gather around the freshly
replenished fire. Some may perhaps play round games
of cards that usually had part in the old-time Christmas
celebrations, while the children indulge in the dear old
romping games that have contributed to the joy of
childhood through so many generations.
Blindman's-buff is, of course, one of these — anciently
called "hoodman blind," from the fact that at first the
blindman wore the loose coat of the period, with a hood
like a monk's cowl, which was drawn over the head far
enough to cover the eyes.
Blindman's Wand may not be so familiar. Directions
for playing it are given elsewhere. It comes to us
from the Germans.
The children are usually soon joined in their games by
the youths and maidens, and finally even the elders
come under the spell of Christmas and frolic with the
best.
December 473
We have Tennyson's warrant for certain games and
amusements as belonging to Christmas. He says:
"Charades and riddles, as at Christmas here," and
"What's My Thought?" and "How and When and
Where." Charades are an evolution of the "Masques"
— which were given in dumb show, no speaking being
allowed. One of the forms of pantomime easiest to give
impromptu is to represent the titles of books, in which
two or three of the company in turn are the actors, and
the rest form the audience and try to guess what books
the former try to suggest.
The last one might be given by a young man on a
step-ladder fastening a bit of mistletoe to the chandelier,
a girl holding it firm as the man steps down, suggesting
Darwin's "Descent of Man." The mistletoe being now
in place, the young men may avail themselves of its
traditional privileges.
Mistletoe is sacred because its berries grow in clusters
of three — emblematic of the Trinity.
People used to hang bits around their necks as a safe-
guard from witches, but Sandys says: "In modern
times, it has a tendency to lead us toward witches — of
a more attractive kind."
The maid that was not caught and kissed under the
mistletoe at Christmas would not be married within the
year — so the tradition goes. Brand says that the
ceremony was not properly performed unless a berry
was pulled off after each kiss and presented to the
maiden. When all the berries were gone, the privilege
ceased.
Riddles must not be forgotten as part of the Christmas
entertainment. A riddle by Sir Thomas Wyatt (age of
Henry VIII.) might be given when under the mistletoe:
474 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
"A lady gave me a gift she had not,
And I received her gift which I took not,
And if she take it again, I care not."
The answer is peculiarly timely, being appropriate
to leap year under the mistletoe.
Young and old join in playing games. Tennyson's
couplet, before quoted, refers to one that has never lost
its popularity.
WHAT Is MY THOUGHT LIKE?
Any one may begin the game by asking each person
of the company in turn, "What is my thought like?"
To which each person answers by mentioning some
object — the first that occurs to mind — merely avoiding
the repetition of what others have said. The one
whose thought has thus been conjectured to be like so
many different things keeps the answers in memory or
may write them down, and then announcing what his
thought really was, proceeds to ask each player how
that thought can be made to resemble what he or she
said it was like. This taxes the ingenuity of each
player, for an answer of some kind must be found, com-
plimentary or the reverse. It is one of the instances
where the truth is not insisted upon.
For example: To the question, "What is my thought
like?" the first player says a carpet, the second a
piano, and in succession they mention a tree, a road, a
church, laughter, crying, ice-cream, a clock. The
questioner then says: "My thought was of Mrs. ,
here. Why is she like a carpet?"
" Because she lets herself be trodden upon and walked
over."
"And wh> like a piano?"
"Because she gives so many persons pleasure."
"Why is she like a tree?"
December 475
"Because she helps to make the world pleasant."
"And why like a road?"
"Because she is much travelled."
"Why do you think her like a church?"
"Because her influence is uplifting."
"And why like laughter?"
"Because she is merry."
"And how like crying?"
"Because she brings relief to sad feelings."
"And how does she resemble ice-cream?"
"Because every one likes her."
"And how can she be like a clock?"
"Because she has a face and hands; she can run and
strike, and the room is pleasanter where she is."
The answers all made, the leader or questioner may
then say: "Now tell me 'What my thought is not
like r "
"Why is Mrs. unlike a carpet?"
"Because a carpet is all on a dead level, and 'custom
cannot stale her infinite variety.' "
"Why does she not resemble a piano?"
"Because it is full of airs and she is most unaffected."
" In what way is she unlike a tree ? "
"A tree is green and she is quite 'au courant.' "
"And why is she not like a road ? "
"Because a road is common property and she is most
exclusive."
"Why does she not resemble a church?"
"Because no one goes unwillingly to her."
"And why is she not like laughter?"
"Because she has her serious moments."
"And why unlike crying?"
"Because she is happy-hearted and smiles come to
her readily."
476 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
"Why is she not like ice-cream?"
"Because she is not cold."
"And why unlike a clock?"
" Because a clock reminds one of the flight of time, and
she makes you forget it."
How, WHEN, AND WHERE?
Another diverting game is "How, When, and Where ? "
One person leaves the room and the others choose some
word that has several meanings, so that the answers
may confuse and mislead. Upon return of the absent
one, he puts the question, "How do you like it?" to
each person in succession, some of whom give an answer
appropriate to one meaning of the word and others to
quite a different one. If not successful in discovering
the word, he goes the rounds again, and asks this time,
"When do you like it?" and a third time, if necessary,
inquiring of each person, "Where do you like it?"
The one whose answer gives him the best clue to the
discovery becomes the questioner in his turn. Should
one fail to guess the chosen word at the third round, he
must go out again unless some one volunteers to take
his place.
For example, the word "cord" might be chosen.
There is a chord in music, a cord of wood, and cord
meaning twine. Or one might take "trunk." There
is a trunk of a tree, the human torso, a traveller's box,
the elephant's proboscis, and a trunk line of railway.
CHRISTMAS CANDLES
"Christmas Candles" is a good old-timer. A lighted
candle is placed upon a table. Each player, in turn, is
blindfolded and stationed with his back to the candle,
about a foot from it. He is then told to take three
steps forward, turn around three times, then walk four
steps toward the candle and blow it out.
8
bfl
•g
December 477
HOT COCKLES
is always mentioned in old accounts of Christmas
festivities, and is probably one of the oldest of games.
A player, kneeling down, conceals his face in the lap of
another — but on his back places one hand, the palm
turned outward. Each person of the company then
advances in turn and administers a slap on the open
hand, the person kneeling meanwhile trying to guess,
without looking, to whom he owes his punishment.
If he guess correctly, the one whom he has detected
must take his place. There is a famous painting of
monks playing at "Hot Cockles" in their monastery
garden, called " Main-chaude," the French name of
the old game.
Certain games belong equally to Christmas and to
Hallowe'en, of which one is
SNAPDRAGON
A number of raisins are placed in a dish and alcohol is
poured over them and set on fire. The object is to
withdraw them one by one. If done very quickly, the
fingers will not be burned.
Another is
BOB-APPLE
This game always makes no end of fun. In an ac-
cessible place a tub of water is set, into which a number
of apples with long stems are thrown. Each contestant
in turn kneels before the tub and tries to secure an
apple by its stem, between his teeth. The one who
captures the greatest number has a prize and is crowned
with the apple-parings.
As the evening wears on, the fun waxes fast and
furious. Any self-respecting garret in a country house
should have the wherewithal to furnish costumes for
the "Christmas Mummers." Any bits of old-time
478 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
finery — if gaudy, so much the better — are welcome for
the burlesque imitation of the ancient custom.
Old "Father Christmas" is the charlatan and "Master
of the Revels." He leads the van, wearing a ruff, short
cloak and peaked hat, and in his train come "Dame
Plum-Pudding," "Sir Loin-of-Beef " or "Robin Hood"
and his followers. They should carry tin horns arid
toy drums, and after noisy demonstrations, dance a
gay dance, called "The Hobby-Horse." It resembles
an old-fashioned quadrille, danced with the "steps"
and "pigeon-wings" in favour among our great grand-
parents, while each man bestrides a stick with a toy
horse's head at the end.
"Hippocras" should be served, a beverage so like
our modern "cup" that it may well masquerade undei
the old-time name. Of course, music must not be
lacking — a harpist and an old fiddler would furnish the
ideal accompaniment to the dancing. A "Sir Roger de
Coverley" — better known among us as the Virginia reel
— in which all take part, always makes a merry ending.
Edward German's charming music of the "Shepherd's
Dance," the "Morris Dances," etc., of Henry VIII. 's
time, would be most pleasing and appropriate. All
should join in singing a carol before parting for the
night — as a fitting close to the great festival of Christen-
dom.
CHAPTER XXVI
Children's Parties
CHILDREN'S PARTIES
IN planning for a children's party, one should begin
with the little host or hostess and endeavour to
instil into the mind and heart of the budding man
or woman the truth that "the pleasure of giving
pleasure is the pleasantest kind of pleasure."
Let the child write the invitations with but guidance
sufficient to convey clearness without suppressing spon-
taneity and the childish turn of expression.
The diminutive note-paper adorned with pictures from
Mother Goose or other childish classic, at the top of the
page, as well as the sense of importance and the novelty,
will make the effort less irksome.
It is well to limit the number of guests to twenty or
thereabout, and the happiest results follow where the
little guests are of about the same age.
It is wisest to ask tiny children — those from two to six
years old — in the afternoon rather than in the evening.
If they come at three, play until five or half -past, and
then have tea and go home, there will be fewer tears
shed than if they stay later, when they are sure to be
cross, tired, and out of sorts.
From four to eight is the best time for children from
seven to twelve years old. This permits supper to
479
480 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
come midway—say about six, and gives time for play
after it. When the boys and girls enter their teens their
invitations may be from six to ten o'clock, a light supper
being served shortly after their arrival and the ice-
cream and cake before they leave. Late hours are
bad for young people, who have to be up betimes.
An assistant will be found invaluable, and a pro-
gramme of the games and other features of the enter-
tainment should be made out beforehand, with a reserve
fund upon which to draw as necessity arises. The secret
of success is not to continue one thing until the guests
tire of it.
If the party is in honour of a birthday, the rooms
should be made to look as festal as possible, and the
birthday flower have distinct prominence.
Such days should be made bright for the children —
"memorable with flowers and music, colour and light,
so that by-and-by sound and scent, with the subtle force
of association, may bring the long-past scenes back again
and make the weary man or woman for a moment once
more a child.
"There should always be a thought of others in the
celebration as soon as the child is old enough to under-
stand the pleasure of giving pleasure. Besides the little
guests asked to the feast, something should be done for
less fortunate children in the neighbourhood whose
luxuries are few. The number of children remembered
might correspond with the years of the child's life. Ice-
cream and flowers may be sent to the sick, and cake,
fruit or candy to those who are well."
To children, one of the chief attractions of a party is
to have something to carry home, some tangible evidence
of the pleasure that so soon becomes only a memory.
Some trifling souvenir should therefore be provided for
Children's Parties 481
each little guest, and if it may be bestowed in some enter-
taining or amusing way, so much the better.
When the hour for the entertainment has arrived, the
older person who receives with the little host or hostess
should be so cordial in her greeting that the child may
have a very gratifying sense of being warmly welcome.
Give the boys a boisterous reception. They need to
be set at ease, and noisy demonstrations are to their
taste.
Meanwhile, the pianist should be in place, playing
lively airs, and the assistant busily engaged in drawing
into some simple ring game the children that have al-
ready arrived. The active games and the more quiet
ones should be alternated, for each enhances the enjoy-
ment of the other.
If there are any preparations to be made in which the
larger boys can help, they will feel honoured and pleased
at being depended upon.
When everything is done for children, they lose half
the fun. Of course, a Punch-and-Judy show, magic
lantern, or sleight of hand performance is always much
enjoyed, but nothing should take the place of merry,
hearty, active games. Look at their faces, if it be
doubted which entertainment brings the readiest smiles.
At birthday parties it is customary for the little guests
to bring some trifling gifts to their comrade, host or
hostess, who will probably need no prompting in the
expression of delighted thanks — if the presents come as
a surprise, as, indeed, they should.
Prizes and penalties play important parts in the enter-
tainment. The former should be numerous, but inex-
pensive— the honour of winning constituting their chief
value. The forfeits add to the fun, but must be chosen
so that the amusement for the rest of the company
482 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
shall not be at the expense of the culprit. When the
gathering is in honour of a birthday, much emphasis
should be placed upon that fact.
While the little host or hostess should not be allowed
to forget the courtesy due to the guests, he or she holds
for the moment the most prominent place.
A crown may be made from the birthday flowers by
cutting a foundation of pasteboard and sewing or wiring
the flowers upon it. When supper is ready, this should
be placed on the head of the child whose birthday is
being celebrated. The other children may be provided
with the fantastic paper caps that come in German bon-
bons, or with grotesque home-made ones of variously
coloured paper muslin.
Wearing these, the children should march to the supper-
room to the music of a lively march, in groups correspond-
ing to the age of the child — that is, six together, or eight
together, according to the number of years of the child
in whose honour the party is being given. The birth-
day flower should be pinned on the breast of each child
as a boutonniere.
The supper menu should be simple, so that no after-
penalty shall mar the memory of " a lovely time."
Bouillon in cups, chicken patties or croquettes, or
creamed chicken in paper cases or with peas, sand-
wiches of dressed lettuce, rolled and tied with ribbons,
cakes, bonbons, ice-cream in flower moulds or any other
device, appropriate to any special season — hearts for
St. Valentine's Day, Santa Claus, reindeer or sleighs for
Christmas, stars for Twelfth-Night, eggs in a nest of
spun sugar for Easter, etc.
In the evening, lemonade is the favourite beverage,
to which other fruit juices are sometimes added. For
Children's Parties 483
daylight parties chocolate is most liked. "Costume
mottoes" must not be forgotten.
At a birthday party the cake with its coloured candles
should hold the place of honour. Sometimes it is iced
to represent the face of a clock, the hands pointing to
the number on the dial that indicates the child's age.
The candles are then omitted.
A ring, coin and thimble are often baked within the
cake. The child's Christian name and the year of his
birth and the present date are often written in pink icing
upon the surface of the white — pink candles, set in tiny
roses, forming a wreath around its edge. Of course, the
number of the candles must correspond to the child's age
— one for each year since the lamp of life was lighted.
These candles are blown out by the little guests, while
each in turn makes a secret wish for the "birthday
girl" or boy.
The wax tapers used on Christmas trees are the most
suitable, and the colours chosen to harmonise with the
other decorations. The small tin holders with little
sharp spikes underneath are the usual means of fasten-
ing them on the cake. They may be concealed by a
wreath of the birthday flower.
A Jack Horner pie covered with paper crust and frills
conceals within it a tiny gift for every child present.
It may also be adapted in shape for the occasion —
heart-shaped, star-shaped, etc., and a capital imitation
of a plum-pudding, with a sprig of holly atop, is one of
the new devices for holding gifts. The presents are
wrapped in paper tied with ribbons, and ribbons hang
from the outside, those for the boys and girls being of
different shades.
Each child holds a ribbon, while some one counts
slowly, "One, two, three!" Whereupon all pull simul-
484 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
taneously, and each one finds a gift at the end of his
ribbon.
The caterers have many novelties every year — one
of the latest is a pie surmounted by a doll dressed as
"Bo Peep," surrounded by her flock of woolly lambs.
A mound of paper roses may form the centrepiece on
the table, and when passed around the roses are found
to have gifts tied to them for the girls, and the leaves for
the boys. A rose-ball is another pretty device to hold
little presents, and is formed of a globe-shaped wire
frame covered with pink paper roses.
Pink ribbons for the girls and green for the boys, falling
from the ball, indicate their gifts. After supper and the
distribution of the presents, the good-byes are said.
Grown folk sometimes admit that they have birth-
days and celebrate them, particularly when under thirty.
There are cakes to be had at the caterers, iced in
wedge-shaped sections, like the divisions of a pie, alter-
nately pink and white, to distinguish those for the ladies
from those intended for the other sex.
It is found, when about to cut it, that it is already
divided, and each section of cake is held in a separate
wedge-shaped box, the cover of which is the iced por-
tion of the apparent cake. The sections contain a ring,
signifying marriage for its recipient ; a thimble or button,
celibacy; coin, wealth; a silver horseshoe pin, good
luck; a tiny spoon, an engagement. All the rest may
contain some complimentary sentiment, as for instance:
"Gay without folly, good without pretense,
Blest with that rarest virtue — common sense."
"Far richer gems than beauty you possess —
The power of pleasing and the wish to bless."
Children's Parties 485
"So hard to please that, youth's bright season past,
Your fate will be the 'crooked stick' at last."
"One there is who holds you dear,
Whose heart is light when you are near."
"The sweetest maiden of them all,
You'll wed a fellow six feet tall."
The couplets may be adapted to younger subjects,
and for girls and boys of from fourteen to seventeen such
a cake would probably contribute a pleasing feature for
the supper-table.
DECEMBER
CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY
For a Christmas party an "Ice Palace" or "The
Home of Santa Claus " will please the children as the set-
ting for a frolic.
The walls of the room are covered with white cheese-
cloth, moistened with weak gum-arabic water and
powdered with mica-dust.
The draperies should not be arranged with uniformity,
but drawn over furniture that is set against the wall, so
as to suggest snow-drifts. Sheets cover the floor, and
small Christmas trees of various sizes are disposed about
the room, each with its load of snow (cotton covered with
mica).
Hidden lights, screened with papers, cast cold blue
and green reflections, and jagged bits of combed-out
cotton, frosted, hang like icicles from various points.
Screens, covered with sheets to which sprays of ever-
green are attached, help to break up the appearance of
indoor uniformity of the room.
Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, dressed in red
486 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
gown, with pointed hood drawn over his head, white
hair and long beard, may be the leader of the sports.
Two boys may be harnessed with red ribbon reins,
covered with folly bells, to a sled and enter the room
prancing and with much merry jingling of the bells.
Upon the sled should be a huge snowball, containing
for every child present a gift, hidden in the centre of a
smaller snowball.
The ball is made of several ordinary wooden hoops,
fixed inside one another crosswise so as to give a rude
framework of a sphere. It is then covered with common
white muslin, leaving a long opening at one side to admit
of the presents being put in and taken out again. Over
the muslin, cotton batting should be lightly tacked to
give it the appearance of snow.
The little hostess, dressed all in white, dusted with
mica-pov/der, might represent "The Snow Queen," or,
crowned with holly and with gauzy wings, the Christmas
Fairy. She should distribute the presents — each one
rolled in cotton, and encased in an outer envelope of
white crepe paper, moistened with mucilage and coated
with the frost powder.
A merry peal of sleigh-bells should summon the
children to supper.
A very effective climax would be a snow-storm, the
machine for making which may be bought at trifling
cost.
This, after the supper, will be all the diversion needed
until the good-byes are said.
JANUARY
TWELFTH-DAY
Almost any of the suggestions previously given for
Twelfth-Night observance would be as appropriate to
Children's Parties 487
children's frolics as to those of their elders. Many would
think them more suited to those not yet arrived at the
years of .discretion.
When the little folk have arrived, it would be well to
explain in very few words and as dramatically as possible
the reason for the celebration — a rapid sketch of the
star-guided journey of the Wise Men, the custom through
the ages of observing twelve holidays succeeding Christ-
mas, the fun culminating on the twelfth and last day in
the effort to get all the pleasure possible before the
merry season closed.
The special features of the day may be recounted —
the cakes, "drawing for characters," the mimic court,
the king and queen determined by the ring and coin, etc.
The children will then be prepared for a more intel-
ligent and interested participation in the sports.
*At such an entertainment recalled by the writer, the
children were ushered into a small room adjoining the
drawing-room where they were assembled, which they
found in almost total darkness, the only light coming
from a tiny star twinkling in one corner of the ceiling
where it joined the wall. During the few moments'
reverent or curious gazing at the star, the hostess took
occasion to make the explanation suggested above.
When she reached the point in her narrative in which
she told of medieval customs and their "merry disport,"
the electric lights were turned on, the star was made to
disappear in the billows of white gauze that did duty for
clouds surrounding it, and the room was found to be
lavishly decorated with greenery and many Christmas
trees, which had been procured at a trifling cost, it being
after Christmas. In the centre of the room was a round
table wreathed in garlands of green, upon which was a
large cake, iced smoothly in white, to look like snow.
488 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
A fairy with gauzy wings surmounted it, wand in hand,
who was supposed to guide the choice of the King and
Queen of the Revels — these latter being determined by
the chance of ring and coin. The loaf was cut, and
besides the fates' selection of their Majesties, one little
girl was made happy by discovering in her wedge of
cake a bit of paper wrapped in tin foil which she was
encouraged to open, finding thereon the words, "The
one who gets this may have the fairy doll."
The children then returned to the drawing-room,
where they found Father Christmas and his (toy) goat,
according to medieval precedent. He was dressed in a
long red robe, furred with (canton flannel) ermine, and
invited the girls to plunge their hands in his right-hand
pocket and the boys in his left, from which each with-
drew a card. Every card had upon it a name such as
"Herald," "Jester," "Lady in Waiting," "Train-
Bearer," "Page," "Maid of Honour," etc. During this
ceremony, the little King and Queen had been detained in
the "star-room," and now reappeared, arrayed in trail-
ing robes of Turkey red, crowned with gilt paper, and
carrying sceptres of croquet mallets, covered with the
same rich substance.
The children then one by one retired to the little room
and were quickly invested by the hostess with a bit of
costume appropriate to the character chosen. The
herald wore a paper cap and held a tin trumpet, the
jester a parti-coloured cap, with cape falling over his
shoulders, cut in points, with a folly -bell on each. The
ladies-in-waiting had long trains fastened to their waists
or shoulders, and feathered head-dresses, for which the
dusters had been despoiled and embroidery hoops
utilized, both covered with gilt paper.
The herald blew his trumpet with a flourish, and all
Children's Parties 489
marched in procession around the room, led by the King
and Queen, to the music of a lively march, played alter-
nately fast and slow, until, when all were scurrying mer-
rily, the music stopped, and one game after another was
played, guided by the King of the Revels, prompted by
Father Christmas.
Before supper was served, a hobby-horse quadrille
(described among Christmas festivities) was danced to
conclude with.
At the little feast that followed, cakes galore adorned
the table, in the midst of which was a centrepiece of a
large star of white flowers outlined with holly.
To every child was given a ''Twelfth-Day Cake" of
some unusual pattern — round cakes with pale-pink frost-
ing, surmounted with candied rose-leaves set so as to
look like a full-blown rose ; daisy cakes iced in pale-green,
upon which blanched almonds were set in a circle with the
heart of the flower of yellow "fondant." There were
violet cakes with lilac icing and candied violets set upon
them so as to resemble the flower, and heart-shaped ones,
the sugar atop coloured with fruit red, and bordered with
French candied cherries, following the outlines. Stars
of Bethlehem were baked in star-shaped tins, iced in
white with a marshmallow upon each. Every one had
some little feature to mark it as different from common-
place, everyday cakes.
The children looked so disappointed at being despoiled
of their finery that they were allowed to keep it and
take it home "to show mamma."
FEBRUARY
A ST. VALENTINE PARTY
The world improves in common-sense as it grows
older, though it may be the fashion to decry the present
and talk of the "good old times."
490 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The "outdoor girl" of to-day, with her frank man-
ners, her healthy-mindedness, is a distinct improvement
on the Early Victorian young lady with her delicate sen-
sibilities, her "vapours," and affectations.
At children's parties, the change is very marked.
Time was when "kissing games" were the only ones
favoured, and the wee things played at love and rehearsed
personal preferences and jealousies as though to prepare
for the larger stage of society. Now even on St. Valen-
tine's Day all such artificialities are eschewed, and while
preserving the special character of the day for the sake
of novelty, the games have no premature suggestions.
A Heart Hunt makes a good beginning. As is else-
where explained, red paper hearts, or the little white
sugar-and-flour ones with red-lettered inscriptions, are
hidden all about the rooms. When the preparation is
made for children, it mu.3t be remembered not to hide
anything beyond the reach of short arms, and an occa-
sional chocolate heart or one of sugar, a heart -shaped
peppermint or "cookie" might vary the monotony of
the "find."
A prize of a small heart-shaped bonbonniere would be
appreciated by the one who finds the most hearts.
A resting game might follow, pads and pencils be dis-
tributed, and the children set to work to see which can
make the most words out of the letters contained in
"heart." A heart-shaped pen-wiper would answer for
a prize.
Next they may play at
CUPID'S TARGET
As children are not usually skilful with bow and arrow,
and awkwardness or failure causes embarrassment, the
following directions will be found useful:
Cut a large heart out of red cardboard two feet square.
Ready for the St. Valentine Party
Children's Parties 491
Take six small strips of poplar wood and drive pins in
their ends to serve as arrows. Make a number of small
red paper hearts about two inches wide, one for each
person, upon which the names are written, with a pin in
each.
Tack up the large heart against a door and ask each
guest to throw a dart in turn, being first blindfolded,
since "Love is blind," and chance must direct.
From wherever the arrow happens to stick, it is with-
drawn and the small paper heart of the archer with his
or her name upon it is pinned exactly over the spot that
was pierced.
When all have their representative hearts in place on
the target, the lady's prize should be given to the one
whose arrow is nearest the centre, and another prize
awarded to the most successful marksman.
A sugar cupid, two heart-shaped pin-cushions tied
together at their widest ends by a true lover's knot of
ribbon, a pen-wiper of the same suggestive form, are
some of the inexpensive trifles that are easily pro-
curable.
For the closing game the children would not fail to
enjoy
HEART-QUOITS
The game requires a little preparation beforehand.
Instead of the usual rings to be thrown over a stake, the
quoits are in the form of hearts — three for each player.
These are easily made of picture- wire bent into shape,
wound with tissue paper, and then with scarlet satin
ribbon, or red tissue paper will answer as well. Three
stakes are then set in as many boxes. Holes made in
the lids and bricks inside the boxes will keep the stakes
upright and in place. One box is covered with yellow
tissue paper, covered with gold paper disks, the stake
492 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
being wound with gilt paper. This represents " wealth,"
and the hearts that are caught upon this stake count
five points in the game for each quoit.
The second stake represents "fame," and the box
is covered with white crepe-paper flecked with silver.
A new tin fish-horn to represent the trumpet of fame
does duty for the stake, the mouth-piece at the top.
The hearts caught by this stake count ten points each
to the marksman.
The third stake is set within a wreath of roses in a box
covered with pink paper. This represents "love,"
and the hearts that fall upon this stake count twenty-
five points each to the player. Love's stake should be
higher than the rest — calling for exertion of a higher
order — and placed in the middle so as to be given
greater prominence.
The little object-lesson may not be thrown away. If
it be desired to carry it further, a much higher stake,
on a fourth box, might be added to represent "goodness."
The box should be covered with white paper, and a
white dove might be placed on the box. They may
be bought at the florists for fifty or seventy -five cents,
and hired for less.
This stake should be placed behind the one dedicated
to love, thus having the central position and being raised
much higher. The difficulty increases the honour of
success. The hearts that reach this stake count fifty
each.
The game may be set at five hundred — or more, if
desired. The player whose record shows the highest
score may receive some really desirable prize — at the
discretion of the hostess. If love be the highest stake,
a little girl might be crowned with the wreath of paper
roses that lay at its stake; if goodness, the child that
Children's Parties , 493
wins might like to own the dove. The boy's prize
might be a game of Quoits or Ring-Toss, or a good bow
and set of arrows.
Needless to say that at the little feast that follows,
everything that can be in heart-shape should be given
that form.
A valentine at each place will answer for name-cards.
One feature of the supper might be a tart for each child,
baked heart-shape, "sent with the compliments of the
Queen of Hearts, whose tarts are well known to fame."
AN EASTER PARTY
The children were invited to a midday dinner, with
games and sports to follow, and were much pleased to
find a thoroughly Easter repast. The centrepiece was
a large nest of spun sugar in which were "surprise eggs"
for every child present.
Perched upon each name-card was a small butterfly
— painted upon Watman paper, cut out, its body held to
the card by a drop of mucilage and the wings raised as
though about to fly. The menu was as follows :
Clear Soup, with Egg-balls
Shad-roe
Roast Chicken (Developed Eggs)
Potato Balls, Egg-shaped in Nest of Spaghetti
Individual Portions of Pease in Spinach Nests
Omelette Souffle"e
Ice-cream Eggs
The children found much pleasure after dinner in
hunting for coloured eggs which had been concealed
about the rooms in all imaginable places. The one
who found the largest number won the prize of an egg
painted to resemble a baby's face, and which, with cap
and flowing robe, made a fairly acceptable doll.
494 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Another, with fool's-cap and grinning painted face,
representing a clown, was the "booby" prize.
They then amused themselves with the old game,
"Matching Eggs," hitting their ends together to see
which was hardest — the one who succeeded in cracking
the eggs of his opponents being the winner.
They next tried the "Potato Race," using eggs
instead of potatoes, until it was proposed to play an
Easter game for which preparation had been made in
an up-stairs sitting-room.
Attention was there directed to several small envelopes
filled with flower-seeds, and to each package was attached
a cord of a different colour. Each person was invited
to choose a cord and follow where it should lead — for
at the other end would be found the flowers to which
the seeds belonged, and the one who should first match
seeds and flowers should have a prize.
The cords, of course, were carried in as intricate a
manner as possible, under furniture and rugs, around
door-handles, wound about tacks in the floor, etc., until
finally each person found a potted plant with paper
frills or a bunch of the flowers, appropriate to the
seed.
The blue cord led to the forget-me-nots, the white
to the stock-gillies, the red to carnations, yellow to daf-
fodils, the green to mignonette, etc., the lilac to violets,
the purple to pansies, and the pink to primroses.
After the merry scrimmage and the awarding of the
prize — a pot of Annunciation lilies — some one proposed
music, whereupon all joined blithely in singing Easter
carols, accompanied on the piano by one who knew how
to inspire a spirited rendering of the praiseful words.
Thereafter the little guests went their several
ways.
Children's Parties 495
A MAY-DAY PARTY
The festival of May Day has existed from the earliest
times. Most nations celebrate the return of spring
with some bright and joyous merrymaking, but this
one forms part of our heritage from the ages.
If the weather is unfavourable for open-air amuse-
ments, the now popular May-party, as an indoor function,
is very beautiful and merry in character. As the gift-
tree of the Yule-tide finds welcome and place in modern
homes, so does the pretty May-pole, flower- wreathed
and gay with many bright-coloured hanging ribbons.
The flower throne, the royal procession, the coronation
of the youthful Queen, the homage of her loyal subjects
as holding the bright ribbons they sing and dance around
the May-pole, Her Majesty the central figure — forms
an exquisite living picture.
If a genuine May- festival of the olden time is presented,
the games that follow are very ancient, handed down
for many centuries. International and universal proof
exists that they have been known as factors in child life
in many eras and countries. Simple and nonsensical as
are the rhymes and music of these games, they are
doubtless a survival of the ancient joyous May-festivals,
when the world of adults as well as the children danced
and sang around the May-pole or "rose-tree," as it was
often called.
Froissart speaks of joining in
"Games that children every one
Love till twelve years old are done."
Included in the list and played to-day without much
change by the children of many lands are "Ring
Around a Rosie," "London Bridge is Falling Down,"
" Miss Jennia Jones," "Oats, Pease, Beans," "Tag," and
496 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
"Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush." Without
question, they are links between the past and present,
many of them historic or legendary in origin and to be
encouraged for May Day as a departure from the
ordinary games of other fete days during the year.
Innocent and joyous the May-Day party is or should be.
The first requirement is the May-pole, which should
be about ten feet high, six inches thick at the base,
tapering toward the top, and fixed firmly in a wooden
box for support. This need not be more than a foot
or two in height, if the pole be held within the space
between four cross-pieces of wood, nailed to the ends
and sides of the box, which is then filled with stones and
covered with a green cloth, moss, leaves, and flowers.
Within a foot of the top, four-yard lengths of inch-
wide ribbons of two harmonising colours should be
fastened. Around the pole, concealing the place where
these are fastened, a wreath of flowers should be sus-
pended, held on a wire frame, or made to surround a
wheel attached by its spokes to the pole. Tie gay
streamers or pennons above the wreath near the top,
and with potted ferns and daisy plants at the base it
will be "a thing of beauty."
After the little guests have become acquainted and
at their ease through the playing of games, and before
the dance about the May-pole, the Queen of the May
must be chosen. Baskets filled with rose-petals made
of pink tissue-paper — each with a bit of white paper
folded small at its base — are passed around. A basket
holding tiny pink pencils is offered to each guest with
which to write his or her vote for the Queen. These are
then collected, counted, and the name proclaimed —
which should be received with applause.
A throne (wicker chair wreathed in greenery aiu1
o
c
03
P
Children's Parties 497
natural or paper flowers) is brought in, and the May-
queen is conducted to it with ceremony.
The little host or hostess should crown the Queen,
reciting — if desired — the following lines:
"Maiden, we hail thee as Queen of the May !
Our love bring as tribute and bow to thy sway.
On no canopied throne do we place our fair Queen,
And no false-hearted countries around her are seen.
But over our hearts, oh, long may she reign,
And only true subjects be found in her train !
When in the dear home which your infancy knew
Or when with your comrades though loving and true,
How little you dreamed of this glorious hour
When subjects bend low to acknowledge your power.
Your power is the power of a virtuous mind,
The power of a heart, ever gentle and kind;
No cold, glittering bauble I bring to you now —
An emblem more fitting I place on your brow.
'Tis a garland of roses, though spotless, I ween,
It is not more pure than the heart of our Queen."
If the hostess be the one chosen for May-queen, her
mother or some older person may crown her and recite
the lines. The Christian name may be substituted
for the word "maiden." It seems more personal.
The first act of the May-queen must be to choose her
court. The announcement of the ceremony is made
by her herald — a boy with a trumpet from which hangs
a square of Turkey red surrounded with gilt paper-
fringe and bearing on it three fleurs de lis of the same
material. A large basket is then brought in, from
which the Queen takes wreaths of spring (paper) flowers,
with which she crowns each little girl who bows before
her. The child is called by the name of the flower
composing the wreath. To each boy is given a posy
498 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
for his hat or coat, and a short stick with bunches of
ribbons at one end. With a flourish of a trumpet, the
herald proclaims the name of each one, who then
advances.
The dance about the May -pole is then in order. The
Queen is treated with every honour, and her subjects
dance "before her" — or she may join them, as she
pleases.
The morris-dance is one of the most ancient of English
dances around the May-pole. Shakespeare refers to
"a morris for May Day." It chiefly consisted in
"capering" and skipping to the sound of lively music,
but its chief characteristics were the bells tied about the
ankles or knees, and wreaths or posies in the hats, and all
carried short sticks tied with bunches of ribbons.
These last were substituted for the swords that were
anciently carried by the Moors — from whom the dance
was derived.
The girls' costumes naturally lend themselves pictu-
resquely to the pretty scene, but that of the boys will
owe much to garters trimmed with folly-bells, berib
boned wands, and posy-crowned hats. The bells, too,
make merry music in the dance.
Dancers dressed to represent Maid Marian, Will
Scarlet, Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, and the Fool or
Jester belong to the traditions of May Day, and "merry
milkmaids," who danced with their pails filled with
flowers upon their heads, had a recognised part in the
festivities. All of which may add to the interest and
fun of a modern May-Day celebration.
To the accompaniment of some gay or prettily accented
music the dances may then follow the pretty and grace-
ful old custom of "plaiting the May -pole."
An even number of dancers take the ends of the
Children's Parties 499
ribbons — half of them holding them in the right hand
and half in the left, as they face each other in couples.
As the signal to begin is given, each dancer steps daintily
in time to the music past the person facing him, passing
under the ribbon, and then allows the next person met
with to pass under the ribbon he holds — and so tripping
along and thus plaiting the ribbons about the pole until
it is covered for about two feet, whereupon the order
of dancing is reversed and the ribbons are thus unwound.
It will be the more effective if the dancers join in
singing some appropriate words in time to the music,
though this, of course, could not be expected of very
little ones.
If it be desired to give favours, "May -baskets" of
pink cardboard tied with ribbons and filled with pink
bonbons would be appropriate.
This festal entertainment would be vastly more
charming out of doors, but our May is too capricious
for us to be able to count upon her smiles.
JUNE
A JUNE PARTY
To a certain small maiden Providence had been so
kind as to send a birthday in June, and added yet one
more grace to the gift in making a radiant day for its
celebration.
Of course the party had to be out of doors, and as
roses ran riot in the garden, and acres of daisy-strewn
meadows stretched in every direction beyond the
grounds, it was determined to give to the entertainment
a more festal character by using in the games, decor-
ations, and table appointments as many of the lovely
blossoms as possible.
The piazza, made to look as much like a room a*
500 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
practicable, was charming with bowls and vases of roses
wherever they could be accommodated, while daisy-
chains were hung from post to post. Here the guests
were received.
Hammocks were swung under the trees, rugs stretched
upon the grass, with cushions and hassocks in plenty.
There were swings, a tennis-court, croquet ground,
a putting-clock, and a "gaily caparisoned" donkey —
with red-worsted tassels galore — to fall back upon for
amusement, should the games begin to pall. A large
Japanese umbrella sheltered a table in one corner of the
grounds, where a discreet person presided over a bowl
of lemonade to which a few cupfuls of fresh strawberry
juice were added, while slices of lemon and large, ripe
berries floated upon the surface.
Under the trees in a remote part of the grounds little
tables were spread, each with its centrepiece of roses
and daisies — where the simple little feast was to be
spread.
A soap-bubble contest in the tennis-court opened the
"ball" — using the net as a barrier between opposing
sides. The girls made the bubbles and the boys tried to
blow them over the net, which was resisted by the
opposing side. The side which could count more
bubbles over the barrier won the game, and the prizes —
tiny bonbonnieres covered with paper rose-petals and
furnished with stem and leaves (for the girls), and boxes
of the chocolates "Marguerites" (for the boys). Of
course, the winning side offered "consolation" bon-
bons to their late enemies. The contest then took
another form, and the one who blew the largest bubble
received a little globe of gold-fish — which looked like
a bubble.
A flower-hunt was then proposed, and the children
Children's Parties 501
were told that they must hunt for their flowers — those
belonging to the month in which they were born, leaving
any others which they might find. It was explained to
them that in the olden time when superstition ruled
the lives of people, the birth-month flower was either
worn fresh, or its dried leaves were sewed in a tiny
bag and worn about the neck as a safety-charm. From
an old English calendar of flowers it was found that the
January flower was the snowdrop, February the prim-
rose, March the violet, April the daisy, May the haw-
thorne, June the rose, July the poppy, August the
water-lily, September the morning-glory, October the
hop, November the chrysanthemum, December the
holly.
Changing the September flower to goldenrod, as
more appropriate to our land, and giving asters to
October, the children were sent upon their quest, each
with a little basket in which to collect them.
Paper flowers — artificial ones — or cards upon which
the flowers were painted, were hidden everywhere about
the grounds. When the children returned with their
trophies, flushed but triumphant, the treasures were
examined, counted, and the prizes awarded — which were
an artificial rosebush and a daisy-bush, all abloom, set
in flower-pots, the one covered with pink paper frills,
the other with pale-green, tied about with ribbons
matching in shade. These were bonbon boxes, and
the covers were lifted off by taking hold of the bushes.
The ribbon-trimmed baskets filled with the birth-
flowers were valued as souvenirs by the rest.
After the activity of the hunt, a restful game was
proposed, and they were invited to return to the piazza
— where preparations for a contest in "floral conun-
drums" had been made during their absence. Article
-502 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
of many sorts were placed all about — on chairs, tables,
steps, etc — each bearing its number. The children
were given cards with pencils attached and told to
write on the numbered lines what flower they thought
the articles bearing the corresponding numbers were
intended to suggest.
A little clock, with the hands stopped at four, was
intended to suggest a "four-o'clock"; a cupful of fresh
butter was, of course, readily guessed as "buttercup";
a picture of the sun, cut out of gilt paper, proved a
"poser," for "daisy1' was originally called the "day's
eye, " as it was thought to be like the sun — a yellow globe
with rays extending in all directions. When some one
thought the sun was meant to describe a "morning-
glory," the answer was admitted as correct, though not
the one intended. A pair of slippers belonging to the
hostess did not require much thought to guess were
"lady's-slippers." A box of pills, marked "quinine," and
some homeopathic sugar pills were supposed to represent
"bitter-sweet"; and a piece of rose-coloured tissue-
paper the "pink." A tin half -pint measure filled with
flour, and a saucer of corn-meal were, by setting at
defiance all the laws of spelling, expected to suggest a
"gillyflower" (gill of flour) and a "cornflower"; and
a few shelled peas dusted over with sugar were quickly
understood to mean "sweet-peas."
To the winner of this game was given a book about
flowers, with plates and plentiful hints of how to recog-
nise the blooms wherever and whenever seen.
It was announced that their fortunes were to be told.
They were marshalled under a spreading beech- tree,
where they found their little hostess waiting for them —
sitting in a chair of green rattan decorated with daisies
galore, like a coach at a flower-parade. She wore a
Children's Parties 503
wreath of daisies, and the skirt of her dress was com-
posed of long, narrow strips of white muslin, like the
petals of the flower, the waist of green cambric leaves
overlapping each other to imitate the calyx. She
held in her hand a bunch of large paper daisies, and
invited all to come and have their characters read and
their fortunes told.
One by one they advanced and pulled off a petal of the
first flower — which told what the seeker's chief virtue was.
The words were printed on the under side of the petals.
The next flower told their greatest faults, the third their
favourite occupations, the fourth and last their fates or
fortunes.
The little girl represented the daisy fortune-teller,
appeal to which in olden days was held in superstitious
reverence as being to a true oracle.
The children then trooped off to enjoy a simple little
feast, with the added zest of eating out of doors and in
each other's company.
JULY
A FOURTH OF JULY FROLIC
The invitations for a children's frolic on the Fourth
of July may be written upon long, narrow strips of red
cardboard, to suggest fire-crackers. A hempen string
should be at one end, and, to conceal where it is
attached, it will be necessary to paste two oblong bits
of cardboard back to back.
The rooms should be gay with bunting, and an effective
decoration is a ball of flags hanging from the chandelier.
It is easily achieved by boring holes in a croquet-ball
and inserting in them the sticks of many small flags,
whittled to a point.
When the children first arrive, there is often a little
504 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
feeling of shyness among them. It is therefore a good
time for the hostess to assume the responsibility and
active leadership. She may gather them in a circle —
out of doors, if possible — and announce that they are to
play a variation of the old game of stage-coach — that
instead of the adventures and misadventures of that
obsolete vehicle, she will tell them a story of the woes
of Uncle Sam and Madam Columbia, who, like the old
woman that lived in the shoe, have "so many children
that they don't know what to do." She may then give
to each child some bit of costume, while assigning to
him or her the name of some race or subject owing
allegiance to the United States.
To the Indian a row of turkey or chicken feathers,
sewed on a band of red flannel, to be worn on his head
to a Porto Rican lady a black lace or tarletan veil and
paper fan; to a Hawaiian, paper flowers for her adorn-
ment; and to a negress, a bandana handkerchief for
her head, and a few dabs with a burnt cork to suggest
"the touch of the tar-brush." The Alaskan Esquimaux
may be accommodated with a harpoon — a stick with its
barbed head represented by a heart-shaped patty -pan.
Chicago is given a large pair of shoes, Boston a book and
wire spectacles, New York a conspicuous hat or other
article of dress, etc., etc. (the hostess explaining the
time-worn jokes), while the foreign nationalities are
represented by their respective flags.
It is easy to improvise a story, or, better, to think
one out beforehand about the troublesome family and
quarrelsome neighbours (foreign nations), the difficulty
of keeping dear Chicago in shoes, lamenting the wicked
love of display and fondness for dress evinced by New
York — who, being one of the elder children, should be
an example to the rest — regretting the difficulty of
A Fourth of July Frolic
Children's Parties 505
reducing little Philippine — the youngest of the family
— to obedience, and fearing that Boston will ruin her
eyes studying '"ologies."
As each name is mentioned the child representing it
rises and performs some antic. The Indian dances a
wild dance or gives vent to a war-whoop; the negress
does a few steps of a cake-walk; the Porto Rican rises,
looks over her shoulder, coquettishly half-screening
her face with her veil, and flourishes her fan; the
Esquimaux makes the motions of harpooning, etc., etc.
The representatives of other nations rise and wave their
flags. Whenever the words, "family row," "trouble
with the neighbours," "squabbles among the children,"
•)r anything that means a quarrel or a fight of any
kind, all must rise and change places. In the general
confusion the story-teller tries to get a seat, and the
child that finds himself left out must pay a forfeit
before the hostess relinquishes her seat to him. Where-
upon she continues her narrative.
When this has been played long enough, and if it
should be sufficiently cool, a torpedo-hunt may give
scope to active young muscles. The torpedoes should
be hidden under bushes, in nooks and shady places, to
tempt the children to linger where they will be most
comfortable. When they have collected and ex-
hausted the supply of this ammunition, they may perhaps
enjoy a guessing-game on the piazza.
A card upon which a silver quarter is glued is given
to each player. If the children are so young that it
would be an effort to write, they may whisper their
answers to the hostess, who puts one point to the account
of any one making a correct answer. Older children
may write their guesses on the cards.
They are requested to examine the quarter and
506 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
see how many of the following articles they can find
thereon :
Name part of a river ? — Mouth.
A hunted animal? — Hare (hair).
An outline? — Profile.
An Eastern fruit ?— The date.
Dutch flowers? — Tulips (two lips).
The edge of a hill ? — Brow.
The centre of crime ? — Eye (I).
Twinkling lights ?— Stars.
Impudence ? — Cheek.
Meaning of "understands"? — Knows (nose).
A great country? — United States of America.
An American coin ? — Quarter-dollar.
A large bird ? — Eagle.
Part of a sentence ? — Clause (claws).
What angels have ? — Wings.
One out of many ? — E pluribus unum.
What American citizens enjoy? — Liberty.
A spike of barley ? — Ear.
Indian weapons ? — Arrows.
By this time the children will probably be ready for
supper. Scarlet and white verbenas with blue larkspur
will make a pretty centrepiece, the rolled sandwiches
may be tied with red, white and blue ribbons, the
bonbons wrapped in tissue-paper to look like torpedoes.
After supper each child may be blindfolded, given a
cane, and allowed three trials at attempting to hit a
huge fire-cracker suspended by its string between two
rooms. The top and bottom of the cracker are made of
circular pieces of cardboard about five inches in diameter,
and to complete the framework these discs are held
in position, at a distance of about ten inches apart,
by a half-dozen pieces of cord tied securely from
Children's Parties 507
one to the other. The whole is covered with bright
red tissue-paper and filled with simple candies wrapped
in red, white and blue motto -papers. The fuse, or cord,
by which the fire-cracker hangs, must, of course, be
knotted in before the frame is covered; but the candies
may be put in afterward through holes cut in the top.
After two or three good blows are given, the candies
come showering down and are eagerly gathered. After
this, the small guests take their leave.
OCTOBER
CHILDREN'S HALLOWE'EN PARTY
The best place for a children's autumn party is a big
barn or a spacious garret, which should, of course, be
decorated with boughs, vines, goldenrod, etc,, as
prettily as possible — and not the least part of the
pleasure to the little hosts will be the "overseeing" of
the preparations. If Hallowe'en be the time chosen, there
must be a tub half full of water and with apples bobbing
about, for the children to seize with their lips, kneeling,
with hands held behind their backs, on the floor beside
the tub. The successful ones carry their apples to an
umpire, who cuts the apple open, counts the seeds, and
gives a prize to the one whose apple contains the most.
For such prizes there are pincushions made to resemble
apples so closely as almost to deceive one into taking
a bite.
An apple-paring contest always makes fun. A large
basket of apples is brought in, and of these to each player
is given the same number, a plate and knife — preferably a
dull one, if the child is under twelve years of age, to
avoid accidents. "Time " is called and all set to work.
It is the aim to slide the knife round and round so that
the paring may be unbroken.
508 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The one who has succeeded in peeling all his or her
share of the apples when "time" is again called is
crowned with the parings and given a prize. A tin
apple-corer, holding a bunch of flowers, might answer
for one.
Next follows the ceremony of discovering, by means
of the "magic paring," the name of the future husband
or wife. Each one takes the longest and best apple-skin
resulting from his or her apple-paring, and, whirling it
three times around the head, repeats:
"I pare this apple round and round,
My true-love's name to see upon the ground —
I fling the unbroken paring round my head,
Upon the floor, a perfect A is read."
To see which of two persons love one the better, two
apple-seeds are secretly named and then stuck upon
the cheek. The one that falls off is faithless, but the
one that adheres the longer is the one to be trusted.
In the tub of water from which the apples have been
withdrawn little balls of corn-meal dough may be
dropped, each one containing the name of one of the
persons present — written in pencil on a bit of paper.
They soon begin to rise, and the first pair are eagerly
seized, opened, and the names read, then the next, and
so on. If the names of a pair are those of a boy and girl,
their fates will be in some way united. If two girls'
names come up together they will be fast friends and
perhaps never marry. Two boys may expect the same
fate if their balls come up together.
A "potato race" (described elsewhere) may be
next on the programme, followed by a "Spelling-Bee."
A "teacher" and two leaders are chosen. The latter
then in turn choose members of the company to be upon
their respective sides until all have taken their places in
Children's Parties 509
two lines facing each other. The "teacher" should have a
list of words, or may be ready-witted enough to think of
them off-hand. Some grown person should fill the office.
She suggests the words to the leaders alternately, who
propose them to the players of their opponent's line in
succession. When any one "misses," he or she must
sit down and the word is passed to the next player; or
they may play "head and foot." The contest becomes
exciting when only two "scholars" remain standing
and are thus pitted against each other.
One of the famous "spelling lessons " is the following —
adapted for older scholars:
"It is an agreeable business to perceive the un-
paralleled embarrassment of an harassed peddler, gauging
the symmetry of a peeled pear, which an apocryphal
sibyl had stabbed with a poniard, unheeding the
innuendoes of lilies of carnelian hue and jeopardising
the perennial pillars and caterpillars with separate
tongues resuscitated from Elysian fields."
For little children, the words should be selected so
that the pleasure of success shall be theirs. Short
words, to be spelled backward, is another form of test.
At the close of the spelling-match the " teacher " rings
the bell for "recess" — and lunch-boxes holding pro-
visions for two are distributed. The partners may be
determined by their own choice, or girls and boys in
pairs may enjoy the little supper in each other's com-
pany, guided by the "drawing" of matching ribbons.
The boxes should contain sandwiches of two kinds — and
plenty of them — cake, fruit and bonbons, and lemonade
may be passed around.
If there are any boys who feel energetic and willing
to entertain the company, they may offer themselves
in the game of
510 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
TRUSSED FOWLS
Two boys having seated themselves on the floor,
their hands are tied together with handkerchiefs, their
ankles secured in the same manner, their arms
made to embrace their bent knees, and a broomstick
passed over one arm, under the knees, and over the other
arm of each of them. They are placed so that their
toes just touch each other, and in that position must
try to overturn each other by pushing with their toes
only. Sometimes both are upset, and lie helpless on
their backs until some one comes to their rescue. The
game continues until one succeeds in oversetting his
adversary while retaining his own seat.
It usually provokes much laughter and makes a
merry conclusion.
A NUT PARTY
FOR BOYS AND GIRLS FROM FOURTEEN TO
SEVENTEEN
The rooms were decorated to look as "woodsy" as
possible, with branches of foliage in all available places,
and chestnut-burs and twigs with nuts still adhering
were much in evidence.
The hostess wore a green gown, her brown hair
wreathed about with oak leaves and many acorns.
As the guests were assembling, some one at the piano
played "Sweet Marie," "Annie Rooney," "Johnny Get
Your Gun," and other selections supposed to represent
"musical chestnuts."
Each guest was given a booklet consisting of one leaf,
whereon was a type-written list of questions, with
spaces below them for the answers to be written in.
This was enclosed in covers made of drawing-paper,
coloured to resemble an acorn, a chestnut, almond, or
Children's Parties 511
peanut. The narrow green ribbon that tied the covers
together to form a hinge at their place of contact had
one long end, to which a small pencil was attached.
Every question was to be answered by the name of a
nut. They were:
1. Its first syllable is a spring vegetable.
2. The penalty of tight shoes.
3. A souvenir of South America.
4. A native of a Portugese island, now a naturalised
Britisher.
5. Its first part is a barrier of brick or stone.
6. Two-thirds of it makes acceptable our daily bread.
7. Its first half is a beverage.
8. Two boys' nick-names.
9. Part of the human frame forms the initial syllable.
10. A letter of the alphabet and a utensil of tin or
copper.
11. The abbreviation of a man's name constitutes
the first syllable.
12. Its first syllable is a colour exclusively applied
to eyes.
ANSWERS
1. Peanut. 7. Cocoanut.
2. Acorn. 8. Filbert (Phil-Bert).
3. Brazil nut. 9. Chestnut.
4. Madeira nut 10. Pecan.
or English walnut. n. Almond.
5. Walnut. 12. Hazelnut.
6. Butternut.
After the award of some pretty bonbonnieres in the
shape of papier- mach^ peanuts and chestnuts to the
winners in the former contest, while the judges were
examining the little books in order to determine the
winner of the prize, the company was invited to join in
512 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
a squirrel hunt for nuts, which were concealed in every
available place in the room.
It was explained that a peanut counted one point in
the game, a gilded peanut ten, a pecan nut two, a filbert
three, an almond four, a hickory nut five, a walnut ten,
a gilded walnut twenty, a walnut containing a bit of
paper foretelling one's fortune, twenty-five, a chestnut
bur fifty, and a cocoanut a hundred.
Ingenuity had been taxed to the utmost to find un-
suspected hiding-places for the nuts, and the chase
became exciting when the discoverers of the gilded
nuts, for instance, were obliged to remove many wrap-
pings of tissue-paper before the "find" could be ap-
praised— then the walnuts to be examined lest a glued
specimen might be overlooked — thereby losing time.
A huge cocoanut was discovered in a hat hanging on the
rack in the entrance hall, and the folds of the curtains,
when shaken, yielded a shower of the smaller nuts that
called forth exclamations of delight.
Paper bags, made of Japanese napkins glued together,
were given to the "squirrels" in which to collect their
treasure-trove.
The "squirrels" were invited to display their harvest.
The boy and girl whose count was the highest received
pen-wipers made of cornucopia-shaped pieces of cloth,
alternately scarlet and gray, the points meeting in the
centre, whereupon were set heads of little gray squir-
rels. They were prepared at a furrier's and cost a dollar
and a half apiece.
A NUT RACE
was then proposed.
Two large Russian bowls, of the gay red-and-gold
ware, containing exactly the same number of hickory
Children's Parties 513
nuts, were placed at one end of the room, and two empty
bowls at the other. Captains were chosen, who divided
the company into equal sides. The game consisted
in dipping into the bowl of nuts with the hand,
held flat, fingers extended close together, in order to
get as many nuts as possible on the back of the hand.
These were then carried across the room and dropped
into one of the other bowls by two contestants at
a time. Whichever of the pair carried the more nuts
to the goal won. Two more contestants followed, and
so on until all had had a trial. The winners were then
pitted against each other until a single one remained,
to whom was given the prize, a copy of Hawthorne's
"Twice Told Tales" — explained as another name for
"chestnuts."
The supper consisted of nut sandwiches, nut salad,
the marron-filled ice-cream known as Nesselrode
pudding, nut cakes, salt nuts, and marrons glacis
bonbons.
THE CHILDREN'S THANKSGIVING
As Thanksgiving Day is essentially the occasion for
family reunion, the time would be ill-chosen for a chil-
dren's party apart from the elders.
They, however, should have their part in the festival —
and they will enjoy it none the less if their efforts to
give pleasure teach them that "giving is getting."
The Thanksgiving dinner may be represented in cha-
rades by the children, the elders playing audience, to
whom it is announced that a feast will be served and
be seen but not tasted, the menu having to be guessed.
An older head should take the direction.
The first couple suggest the soup by one stepping,
apparently by accident, upon the toe of the other, who
514 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
hops about as though in pain. As the mistress of cere-
monies enters as though to dismiss them in favour of
the next actor, the sufferer exclaims, "Ma, he stepped
on my toe ! " They return to their places and ' ' Tomato "
is probably guessed.
The next couple appear, dragging a large clothes-
basket, in which they seat themselves and sway as
though tossed by the waves. They cast overboard a
tennis net or hammock and draw it in, exclaiming with
glee, "The finest shad of the season!" They then go
through the motion of rowing, with canes and um-
brellas, and "Shad Roe" is guessed.
A table is next rolled before the company, upon which
are a plate of bread and a pitcher of molasses. Two
children seat themselves. As they are about to eat, the
lady in charge approaches, dressed as an old nurse, and
mumbles crossly, "No, no; too much sweet is bad for
children." She then removes the molasses, leaving only
bread, which they munch in wrathful silence. "Sweet-
bread" is, of course, the entree.
A fierce-looking Turk, with heavily corked eyebrows
and mustache, next appears, arrayed in rainbow-coloured
garments and turban, holding a key, to which he fiercely
directs the attention of his wife, who kneels at his feet,
with hair dishevelled, suing for mercy. He sternly
answers: "There is blood upon this key. You have
entered the forbidden chamber. Prepare to die!"
Seizing her hair, he drags her from the room. The
horrors supposed to ensue are cut short by the entrance
of Bluebeard — and "Turkey" is guessed.
A girl enters next, dressed as a beggar, with a patch
over one eye. A boy, with gilt paper buttons and star
on his jacket and holding a baton, represents a police-
man. He passes the beggar, and when his back is turned
Children's Parties 515
she raises the patch. As he approaches her again on his
beat she puts the patch on again, and he suddenly
twitches it off her eye, exposing the imposture. She,
with a scream, rushes away, pursued by the officer.
Sound, if not spelling (eye-scream), will suggest a favour-
ite dish.
A boy with spectacles on nose is next seen seated at
a table whereon are many vials to suggest a physician's
office. He gravely consults a huge volume when a
patient enters, violently coughing. The doctor feels the
patient's pulse, listens at his chest and back, and finally
produces from a closet an India-rubber ball marked
"Magic Pill." This the patient pretends to swallow.
He coughs no more, and, after a moment of delighted
surprise, takes to his heels, pursued by the doctor,
who cries, "My fee; where's my fee?" When the name
of the fragrant bean has been guessed the feast has
reached its conclusion.
It will act as a stimulus to the histrionic instincts of the
performers if it is known that prizes will be awarded to
the boy and girl who shall be voted the best actor and
actress. At the close of the performance a huge
pumpkin may be brought in, mounted upon gilt
wheels, as Cinderella's coach, drawn by four rats of gray
canton flannel, and with a mouse in three-cornered hat
as coachman. A cheap toy wagon may furnish the
wheels, and the children will not be hypercritical of the
anatomy of the rats. The pumpkin should contain all
the prizes.
The girl's prize will be, of course, a little doll, dressed
in silver tissue or white gauze covered with tiny gilt
spangles, to represent Cinderella herself. A boy would
be pleased with a pair of white mice in a small cage.
All the other actors should receive prizes as well.
516 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Glass slippers are not always to be found, but it may
be explained to the children that " Cinderella," originally
written in French, has through a mistranslation been
given to English-speaking children as the story of a
glass slipper. The word in the original was ' ' pantouffle de
vert, " meaning "miniver*" — a fur resembling ermine and
worn only by royalty. The translator, not knowing the
meaning of the word, ventured to take liberties with it.
Bonbonnieres, therefore, in the form of slippers,
made of white canton flannel dotted with black worsted
spots, with red soles, and red silk fitted bag-shape in the
interior to hold the bonbons, may be withdrawn from
the pumpkin and distributed to the actors.
If the pumpkin seeds be preserved and washed, it
may amuse the children to see which can come nearest
to guessing their number.
BARMECIDE FEAST FOR THE ELDER CHILDREN
Give to each one a numbered tally-card and pencil.
Pin about the room, to draperies and furniture, slips of
paper upon which are typewritten conundrums bearing
upon a Thanksgiving feast, thoroughly mixed up. A
stated time is given for the guessing and a prize awarded
to the one whose card shows the most correct answers.
1. Emblems of silence. — Oysters.
2. The penalty of looking backward. — Salt.
3. Made keen by its mother. — Vinegar.
4. Boston diet. — Beans.
5. Forbidden to Jews. — Pork.
6. Emblem of stupidity. — Goose.
7. Universal crown. — Hare.
8. Largest part of the foot. — Sole.
9. To shrink from danger. — Quail.
10. Ludicrous situations. — Pickles.
Children's Parties 517
11. Tailor's tool. — Goose.
12. Country of the "Sublime Porte."— -Turkey.
13. One of Noah's sons. — Ham.
14. Woman's weapon. — Tongue.
CHAPTER XXVII
Special Dinners, Dances and
Luncheons
A CHILDREN'S PARTY FOR "GROWN-UPS"
AfY one who has never attended a ''children's
party for grown-ups" has yet to learn what
a merrymaking may be.
A certain young woman — who is qualified to join
the Olympians as the "goddess of fun" — decided
to observe her birthday by asking her friends to
meet at a "Juvenile Party." Her invitations were
written upon tiny sheets of note-paper, adorned with
three little kittens at play or scenes from "Mother
Goose" in colour, sold at the shops for very young
corresp ondents .
Some were addressed to the mothers of the invited
guests, in some such form as —
DEAR MRS. SMITH:
Will you please be so kind as to let Johnny come to
my party on Tuesday evening, the first of February, at
eight o'clock? Please tell him to bring his favourite
toy and promise not to tease.
Your little friend,
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 519
Another received the following:
DEAR SUSIE:
Will you come and play with me on Tuesday evening,
the first of February? Bring "Araminta" or any
doll you like. My mamma says that we shall have a
very good time — and ice-cream. Yours lovingly,
On the back of the sheet was written, "Come in cos-
tume of a child under ten."
One six-footer answered:
"My mamma says I may come if I'm good."
Another wrote, "You bet, 111 come," while the girls
wrote replies characteristic of children — unhampered by
a mother's supervision.
Nothing could exceed the mirth of the party at sight
of one another.
The men wore knickerbockers and kilts, lace-embroid-
ered collars, sailor suits, and Lord Fauntleroy costumes,
with wigs of long curls. They carried toy horses, penny
trumpets, tops, and marbles, which they insisted upon
playing with — "for keeps." One wore a single roller
skate.
The young women were charming with their hair worn
loose and tied above the left temple with bows of ribbon
in the present mode. One came as a baby, with cap
and bib, carrying a rattle.
New arrivals were greeted with shouts of "Hello,
Johnny Smith " ; " Oh, Susie, you look perfectly sweet,"
but when presented to each other they suddenly turned
shy; the boys put their hands in their pockets and
looked grave, the girls hid their faces bashfully by look-
ing down, or put their fingers in their mouths.
The boys herded together and had to be coaxed to
"come and play with the little girls."
520 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
" Oats, pease, beans, and barley grows " finally brought
them all together in a ring — Lord Fauntleroy in the mid-
dle, who chose his "pardner," and was married in the
good old-fashioned children's way. However, the salute
was given on the hand instead of the cheek. It was not
very different from the figures of a cotillion, where the
dancers choose one another to bestow the favours.
They played "Going to Jerusalem," "Stage Coach,"
and other favourite old games of children, and never was
fun more spontaneous.
At supper, bibs were used instead of napkins, and
nougat pyramids, mottoes, baskets, and canes of striped
peppermint candy, a Jack-Horner pie and other dainties
dear to childish hearts, were conspicuous features of the
banquet.
"Follow the leader" — all joining hands and on a
run, winding in and out and around the rooms until all
were breathless from running and laughing — concluded
this very diverting entertainment, and the guests took
leave pleading that their "nurses had come."
AN ANCESTORS' REUNION
An appropriate entertainment for any of our national
heydays and holidays would be a costume ball or recep-
tion, the invitations for which should request each guest
to come in the dress of his or her earliest ancestor in this
country.
The idea found expression at a house noted for unique
entertainments.
Some took the suggestion seriously, and were glad to
parade the evidences of the past splendour of their fore-
bears, appearing in rich brocades, with powdered hair and
beautiful old costumes of tints softened and mellowed
as only Time can do, for which family treasure-stores
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 521
had been ransacked. The men in wigs and gold-
embroidered coats of satin and velvet offered snuff from
jewelled boxes purporting to be heirlooms.
Others came in the character of emigrants, in the most
grotesque guise — some in picturesque rags, others car-
rying what was supposed to be their worldly all, tied up
in coloured handkerchiefs, swung on sticks over their
shoulders. One Italian "dago" carried a toy mon-
key on a small cracked-voiced hand-organ, his wife in
attendance, wearing a yellow handkerchief on her head
and jingling a tambourine.
Puritan maidens in gowns of quiet tones, with white
caps, kerchiefs and aprons, looked pretty and demure —
by the men of their kin in wide-brimmed hats and broad
white collars. They looked as if they had stepped
out of Boughton's pictures.
The Dutch burghers wore breeches of abnormal size,
and their "Vrowen" numberless petticoats under full-
gathered skirts. Their hair was decently hidden under
close muslin caps, and their cheeks rouged to look as
though the blood threatened to burst through.
One who claimed descent from old Peter Stuyvesant
was gotten up to resemble that worthy as nearly as pos-
sible— wooden leg and all, which was strapped to his
bent knee.
The French Huguenot women's dress was pretty and
becoming, with long, graceful skirt, long sleeves puffed
at the elbow, and a coif upon the head. Sir John Millais'
famous picture of "The Huguenot Lovers " had evidently
served as model for men and maids.
Nothing, however, was more charming than the sim-
plified adaptation of the French fashions that were worn
by the colonial dames of Washington's time — the muslin
lace-trimmed fichus, the powdered hair under coquettish
522 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
little caps, a bit of velvet ribbon around neck and
wrists.
There were Quakers and Cavaliers, Indians, pale-
haired Swedes and buxom Germans, but perhaps the
one that enlisted the greatest interest and attracted
the most notice of all in the room was a young man
whose ancestor "had fit in the Revolution," and who
wore the bona fide blue-and-buff uniform of the patriot
army of 1776.
All hearts seemed to warm and grow more loyal at
sight of it, and his merry, debonair countenance grew
rosy under the fire of good wishes and compliments of
which he was the representative recipient. He pro-
tested that he felt unworthy to wear it — not having
made proof of his prowess — adding jestingly,
"Fe, fo, fi, fum,
I long for the blood
Of an Englishman !"
Family annals, bits of curious early American folk-lore,
cherished stories of famous ancestors, were related with
gusto and received with flattering interest which gave
the entertainment a unique character.
The drawing-rooms were decorated in the national
colours, gay with bunting and flags galore, while the
dining-room recalled the colonial blue-and-buff in all the
table appointments. The ices were served in cocked hats,
drums, tricolour boxes, reminiscent of Revolutionary
days that made us a nation. The evening closed with a
Virginia Reel in which everyone joined, and the friends
took leave of each other with mutual congratulations
that they were Americans.
A "SUPERSTITIOUS" LUNCHEON
A party of friends meeting at luncheon, the conversa-
tion happened to turn upon "pet superstitions," and, to
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 523
the surprise of the hostess, each woman present, while
contemning those of others, confessed to some small
weakness of the kind, to which she acknowledged herself
to a certain degree in bondage.
Looking to each other for mutual support, some
strange revelations were made.
The hostess was at first mute, but finally exclaimed,
"You surely do not believe in the agency of malignant
spirits? Then, how is it conceivable that a Deity of
intelligence, if not of benevolence, should make his
dealings with mankind dependent upon the casualty
of breaking looking-glasses, seeing moons over right
shoulders, walking under ladders, or assembling thir-
teen at table!"
Her guests acknowledged the absurdity of such views,
when one stopped to analyse them, whereupon she con-
tinued :
"Come, I challenge you to meet here again at luncheon
on the thirteenth day of the month, when that day shall
fall on a Friday, and I will have thirteen at table. The
breaking of a looking-glass shall summon us to the
dining-room, which we will enter passing under a ladder.
We will spill salt freely among ourselves, and you are
especially requested to wear opals (if you have any), to
sing before breakfast, to put on your garments wrong-
side out, and do anything else to invite the calamities
feared by the superstitious!"
Only two accepted her hospitality.
The lady then made the invitations general among her
friends, adding that any who should be so venturesome
as thus to "tempt Providence" (heathen expression!)
might contribute for the entertainment of the others
an account of some superstition's origin, its meaning, or
something of interest bearing upon the subject.
524 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
At the end of four months of waiting, on Friday,
March the thirteenth, 1903, a party of thirteen ladies
assembled, some with resolute "do-or-die" expressions
on their faces, others with calm, serene assurance of
manner, and all with a look of expectancy.
When every one had arrived, in spite of the forewarn-
ing of the hostess, many looked a little startled when a
sound was heard as of glass being shivered to atoms in
an adjoining room, and the hostess answered the look
with a mischievous smile, saying:
"Yes, I am sacrificing my looking-glass on the altar
of friendship for your emancipation ! It is the signal
for luncheon."
They found the entrance of the dining-room spanned
by a tall step-ladder, wreathed and festooned with ever-
green into a very fair semblance of an arch, under which
they passed, defying "disappointment."
Each woman seeking her place found her name-card
decorated with pen-and-ink sketches of black cats,
witch's brooms, bats, etc.
The centre of the table was ornamented with a large
black crow, stuffed ("relic of a hat," explained the
hostess). The "bird of ill omen" was perched upon a
Japanese tree of fabulous age — its uncouth, twisted form
and sad-looking olive foliage making an appropriate
pedestal.
From the base of the pot containing the grim little
tree, peacocks' feathers radiated like the spokes of a
wheel. They are credited with bringing misfortune to
those who have them.
The hostess, gowned in ominous black, and wearing
a magnificent "parure" of opals (loaned for the occa-
sion by a sympathetic and friendly jeweller, she ex-
plained), opened the ball by telling that the origin of
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 525
the apprehension concerning thirteen at table comes
from the Paschal Supper — when the death of One fol-
lowed so closely, but adding that the same company
must have eaten the Passover together before.
The friend at her right suggested, " It is only unlucky
to be one of thirteen at table when there is provision
made for but twelve !"
Another said: "I have been looking up why salt
spilled is accounted a bad omen (to be averted only by
throwing a pinch over the left shoulder), and find that
the idea comes from the fact that salt being incorrup-
tible was anciently regarded as the symbol of friend-
ship and hospitality. If it was spilled, the persons
between whom it fell thought that their friendship would
not last," and she, with apparent carelessness, upset the
salt-cellar near her.
" It must be a very old superstition," added the hostess,
"since in Leonardo da Vinci's painting of 'The Last
Supper' the salt is represented as overturned."
Her neighbour volunteered: "I have heard that the
idea of Friday's being an unlucky day comes from its
having been that of the crucifixion. I have been read-
ing about what used to be known as 'perilous days,'
when it was believed that anything begun would not be
successful. No man would propose marriage but at
'the waxing of the moon,' nor marry but at that time —
the word 'honeymoon' comes from it, and here is a
delicious bit: Lord Burghley left to his son a book of
precepts in which he cautions him against undertaking
anything of moment on the first Monday in April,
'on which day Cain was born and Abel slain.' He does
not give his authority for the information."
"I grow more and more pharisaical every moment
when I reflect how superior we are to other people who
526 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
are under bondage to such nonsense !" remarked a guest
who had not yet spoken, with a merry twinkle in her
eyes. "My contribution to this fund of learning which
is being accumulated is that 'knocking on wood' to
avert calamity comes from the ancient practice of
giving three knocks on the table in the name of the
Trinity to scare away evil spirits, supposedly always
hovering near, watching their opportunity to bring
trouble upon poor mortals. And also that mirrors
being formerly used by magicians in their divinations
(they pretended to see grave portents in them), made
dreadful predictions if by chance one was broken — so
we need not fear results from Mrs. 's broken
looking-glass !"
The left-hand neighbour of the hostess contributed
some curious facts.
" Being the wife of a physician," she said, " I was inter-
ested in looking up some of the superstitions about cures.
I found that according to popular tradition a burn was
cured by saying 'Fire, lose your heat as Judas did his
colour when he betrayed the Lord ! ' To cure the tooth-
ache we go to a dentist. In the olden time, we should
have asked an alms in honour of St. Lawrence, and
have been relieved without cost or pain. Previous to
the introduction of quinine, the ague was supposed to be
cured by dipping in three holy waters in as many churches
on Sunday. Imagination counts for something.
"As a security against cowardice, it was necessary
only to wear a pin stolen from the winding-sheet of a
corpse. Soldiers used to fortify their courage by wear-
ing amulets and talismans — tiny figures of metal, ivory,
or precious stones made under the influence of a certain
constellation — but I am delivering a lecture," she said,
stopping in some confusion.
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 527
All hastened to assure her of their interest, but it was
reserved to the hostess to "cap the climax."
" On the first page in our Bibles," she said most impress-
ively, "we may read the most adulatory ascription con-
tained in the whole book — ' to the most high and mighty
prince, James,' and 'dread sovereign.' This most com-
monplace of men is likened to the 'sun rising in his
strength,' after the setting of 'that Occidental star,
Queen Elizabeth.'
" This great little man wrote a book on ' Daemonology '
with which I have been regaling myself — 'moved
thereto,' as he avers, 'by the fearfull abounding of
those slaves of the Divell called witches.' He explains
that witches were always women, 'because as that sex
is frailer than man, so it is easier to be intrapped in those
grosse snares of the Divell, as was over-well proved by
the serpent's deceiving Eve, which makes him the
homelier with that sexe !'
"This wiseacre also asserts that 'the Divell teacheth
to make pictures of wax, that by roasting thereof, the
persons that they bear the names of, may die away by
continual sickness.' Of course, we have outgrown such
extreme forms of superstitious belief, but as we are often
disgusted with our own faults when we see them in
others, so I think the consideration of the bondage to
superstition under which people used to live may make
us ashamed of any lingering feeling of the kind that we
ourselves may have."
The friends separated with many assurances of having
enjoyed the unusual entertainment, and I am happy to
say that all are alive and well up to the present
moment.
528 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
A JAPANESE DINNER
As "example is better than precept," so the account
of a real happening may be more suggestive for imita-
tion, and thus more practical, than the most minute
rules and regulations in didactic form.
To the hostess, ambitious of offering her guests an
entertainment that shall not be stereotyped, and like
those of every one else, the account of a Japanese dinner
once much enjoyed may be told, by way of suggestion.
The invitations were in red script on Japanese paper
napkins.
Upon our arrival we were requested, much to our dis-
may, to divest ourselves of shoes and accept in their
stead list slippers, which at once gave a feeling of remote-
ness from our everyday selves as we slid and sluffed
our way to the reception-room. Here the walls were
concealed behind sliding paper screens and wall -panels
(hired for the occasion, it was confided) adorned with
flying storks and fiery dragons, its floors covered with
mats of straw. There was scarcely any furniture, but
some choice bits of pottery were seen, and in the corners
were massed branches of artificial cherry-blossoms,
recalling the spring festival of the Flowery Kingdom.
The light all came from paper lanterns of many shapes
and colours suspended from the ceiling.
Our hostess was gowned a la " Madame Butterfly " in a
richly embroidered kimono of pale blue, with crimson
flowers rambling over its surface, tied about with a
crimson Obi that might almost have served as wings.
The host, with hands concealed in his large sleeves,
joined his wife in a series of calisthenic exercises of grace-
ful bows, drawing in his breath between his teeth with
great frequency, and murmuring:
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 529
" Kon ban wa " (Good evening). " Yoku oide nasatta "
(welcome), while Madame Butterfly smilingly added,
" Ikaga de gozarimas ? " (How do you do ?). " Go so ken
de ornedito gozarimas" (I hope you are well).
The more literal translation of her greeting would be :
" How are your honourable insides ? I congratulate you
on your good health."
We were then called upon to admire certain curios
which were taken from their place of concealment for
our appreciation — according to the Japanese custom.
An obliging friend drew our attention to the fact that
the contents of the vases had been chosen with hospitable
intention, each having its special significance, and con-
veying complimentary good wishes. A tiny pine tree
was there to carry the message that the hosts wished
long life and happiness for all. A bamboo implied the
hope for their prosperity, and a plum branch for peace
and plenty.
These were all in the recess called a "toko no ma,"
and each guest was expected to bow solemnly in front
of this recess, in acknowledgment of the compliments
offered by the flower arrangement, and to linger a few
moments, presumably for the due appreciation of every
branch and stem.
Many of the guests came in Japanese costume, which
enabled them with the greater ease to take their places
on the mats before the little low, four-legged trays.
Each guest was provided with one of these lacquer tables.
The feast began with tea and sweetmeats, the usual
prelude to all Japanese good-cheer, accompanied by
cakes of rice flour and honeycomb — after which the
following "Kordate" or menu was served: A fish soup
called "Suomoro" (not unlike a chowder), accompanied
with bamboo sprouts, raw sliced halibut with a sauce,
530 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
boned turkey with pickled chrysanthemum petals, and
a dish of seaweed and rice, chicken cooked in sherry and
served with stewed chestnuts, mushrooms, lily roots
and rice in bowls, and a shrimp salad, called "sashimi."
The repast concluded with confectionery. At each cover
was a pair of chop-sticks, split apart for only half their
length — the assurance of their newness. All was served
in small dishes of lacquer or porcelain, and certain ones
were garnished with butterflies and flowers, cut with
great skill from vegetables.
Every now and then weak sak£ -was served, and we
were instructed how to drink healths according to
Japanese fashion — each proposing some one else until
all present had been included in the compliment. The
cup was rinsed each time, refilled, raised to the forehead
and drained while the eyes were fixed upon the recipient
of the good wishes implied.
As we rose stiffly to our feet, after our cramped posi-
tion, we returned in a measure to our natural selves and
enjoyed a concession to habitual customs in the serving
of ices and cakes, in the form of birds, flowers, butter-
flies, and odd, grotesque little idols. A small orchestra
meanwhile discoursed music, Oriental in character, but
happily more pleasing to Western ears than the genuine
article.
As in Japan the usual after-dinner entertainment
of dancing Geishas and singing girls was not possible,
we divided ourselves into groups and played the Japanese
game of "Goban" (elsewhere described in this volume).
Each victory was marked by a gift from the hostess of
a tiny paper fan with very long handle. The women
put them in their hair, Japanese fashion, and the men
through the buttonhole in their coat-lapels.
A chime of Japanese bells announced that the time-
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 531
limit had been reached, and the one whose score was
the best received a Japanese fan as a prize — wrapped
in white tissue-paper, tied with a red-and-white string,
with a tiny red-and-white paper kite attachment, that
in Japan marks an article as a gift.
With the Japanese the fan is the emblem of life. The
rivet end is regarded as the starting-point, and as the
rays of the fan expand, so the road of life widens out
towards a prosperous future. The fan's rivet has also
for them the signification of security.
A FROLIC COTILLION
In circles where the social conventions are habitually
observed, the following manner of dancing the cotillion
will not degenerate into a romp, but be found an amusing
and enjoyable frolic. It is especially adapted to Leap-
Year parties and very informal little dances among
friends.
Partners are determined by lot. Cockades of various
shades are drawn from two baskets, much beribboned
and adorned with folly -bells and flowers — symbolic of
gaiety. The men draw from one, the girls from the
other basket, and the pair matching colours dance
together.
The music plays alternately loud and low, in slow
and stately measure and then fast and yet faster, until
a furious pace is reached, when suddenly comes a loud
crash and then silence. The dancers, of course, must
follow the time.
All are supposed to know each other, and may choose
to favour strangers as well as acquaintances, according
to the European custom, where it is considered that
"the roof is an introduction." All, as friends of the
hostess, may be regarded as at least one's social equals
532 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
and not undesirable acquaintances, but only where an
introduction has been solicited and allowed does the
recognition continue beyond that evening.
The favours are chiefly tissue-paper articles of gro-
tesque apparel, which must be put on and worn for
the rest of the evening, or — if the hostess choose — until
the young women shall retire from the ballroom to
assume mask and domino, returning to puzzle their
former cavaliers as to their identity.
The first of April is an appropriate time for such a
merrymaking, as a masquerade gives ample opportunity
for April-fooling.
The hostess remains unmasked, as do the masculine
guests, but the rest conceal themselves by wearing over
their gowns the long capes with hoods known as dom-
inoes— made of light-coloured cambrics. The hoods
are drawn over the head, and tiny black velvet or satin
masks conceal the upper part of the face, and a fall
of lace from the mask, the lower.
Every one is privileged to speak to every one else in
the room. A woman may address a man with the free-
dom that is usually the monopoly of his sex, and the
more she piques his curiosity about her identity the
better she carries out the spirit and fun of a masquerade.
She may reveal, if she can, a knowledge of his affairs
and chaff him upon subjects calculated to increase his
mystification — only remembering that she may be dis-
covered, and that a measure of discretion is advisable.
Sometimes girls will exchange dominoes, and all
whisper and seek to disguise their voices in order to
further puzzle and bewilder their victims.
At supper, the masks and dominoes are removed,
whereupon ensue much mirth and excitement in
making discoveries. A "sheet and pillow-case mas-
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 533
querade," in which these domestic articles are deftly
arranged, may replace the dominoes.
A "FOUR-SEASONS" LUNCHEON
It is sometimes a problem how to show special atten-
tion to a number of women friends without being
obliged to give a "series of entertainments" — which
seems a somewhat formidable undertaking.
The most graceful and elegant solution of the matter
is a luncheon served at little tables. The trouble is
minimised, and, to many, the novelty lends an added
charm.
I think the prettiest entertainment I ever saw was
such a luncheon, where twenty ladies were served at
four small round tables.
Each table, decorated in a different colour and adorned
with flowers, represented one of the four seasons,
and in the soft light of many wax candles the scene was
like a glimpse of fairyland. In the dressing-room the
ladies had found their names written on four cards,
each about eight inches long and six in width, placed
conspicuously, and tied with bows of satin ribbon, which,
the maid explained, indicated by their colour the table
to which each lady was assigned. This greatly facili-
tated the finding of places where there were so many
guests.
Two round tables, each accommodating five persons,
were in the dining-room and two more in the room
adjoining.
As congenial friends could be thus grouped by them-
selves, it had all the coziness of a small gathering, while
the numerous guests gave it the brilliancy of a large
one.
The "spring table" was decorated in white in com-
534 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
bination with the pale yellow-greens of the early days
of that lovely season — the centrepiece of Roman hya-
cinths bordered with maiden-hair fern, though lilies of the
valley might replace them, if preferred. The dish was
tied about with a wide, green satin ribbon tied at one
side.
Two glass candlesticks held white candles, with
pale-green paper shades — of the colour of young foliage,
which is by no means unbecoming — to temper the
light. The bonbons, little cakes, etc., were green
and white; the salt -nuts were pistache. Pretty bon-
bonnieres were at each place. These were simple, square
green boxes, upon which were tied with narrow ribbons
of the same shade bunches of spring violets, their stems
encased in tin foil.
The name-cards had each a tiny bunch of violets
painted in one corner, which was more novel in effect
than a spray or single flowers. The stems were ap-
parently tied together with a lilac ribbon caught by a
passing breeze and waving in artistic carelessness over
the card, while the names were written in violet ink.
Every one was different in some slight particular, if only
in the direction of the painted ribbon or the position
of the flowers. On the reverse side was written upon
each a different quotation appropriate to or descriptive
of spring. For instance:
"Come, gentle spring, ethereal mildness come!"
"Then came the lovely spring, with a rush of blossoms
and music;
Filling the earth with flowers and the air with
melodies vernal."
"Storm the earth with odours sweet,
All ye blossoms bright."
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 535
The painting of all the cards, choosing the quotations
and fashioning the bonbonnieres had charmed away
several otherwise tedious hours during the preceding
summer.
The ice-cream was in the form of a bunch of asparagus.
The " summer table " was a mass of rose, even the
tiny shades over the pink candles looked like some new
and gorgeous variety at a little distance. Everything
here was soft, blushing pink. The name-cards were
rose-petals delicately tinted — no longer a novelty, since
one may buy them almost anywhere now — and appro-
priate at this table. The names were printed with a
brush in odd-shaped gilt letters, and on the under side
were written quotations:
"The radiant summer with her azure eyes
And flower-crowned head."
"It is the time when lilies blow,
And clouds are highest up in air."
«
The favours were round, pink bonbonnieres crowned
with wreaths of tiny roses, the flowers following the
outline of the boxes' edges. The ice-cream was moulded
to represent flowers, pink roses predominating — held
in a broad garden hat made of pink candy, braided to
look like straw and shining like spun glass from which the
flowers seemed to be tumbling. The hat was garlanded
with natural roses about the crown.
The "autumn table" was a golden glory of chrys-
anthemums— the month being November.
All the decorations, bonbons, candles, shades, etc.,
were of pale yellow. The name-cards were autumn
leaves (clever imitations may be had in the shops) , their
stems tied with narrow ribbons and the names boldly
written across them with a brush in broad gilt lines.
536 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The surface was not favourable to any elaborate
writing of quotations, so on the under side of the leaf
was merely the word "Welcome" in gilt lettering.
The ice-cream was in the form of various fruits, held
in an oblong basket of braided straw-coloured candy,
the small handles at the ends tied with satin ribbons of
the same shade. The bonbonnieres of this table were
intended to represent yellow chrysanthemums — the
only ones that at all presented any difficulty in the con-
struction. They were round boxes of pale yellow, about
the size of the palm of the hand, and surmounted by a
little mound of cotton covered with soft yellow silk.
In the centre of this downy cushion was deeply sunk a
small artificial yellow chrysanthemum, which merely
made the heart of the flower, while innumerable loops
of very narrow ribbon graduated in length formed the
petals. The loops of ribbon were sewn thickly all over
the little cushiony surface, and the outer ones were long
.enough to conceal the box.
The "winter table" was all white in decoration,
with the exception of its centrepiece of holly, the dish
concealed by a wide scarlet satin ribbon, and the many
candles of the same colour, without shades. Many
thought this the prettiest table of all in its chaste sim-
plicity.
The name-cards were white, glistening apparently
with frost — the effect produced by powdered mica, and
painted in one corner of each was a sprig of bright
holly berries.
On the backs were quotations appropriate to the
season. For example:
"Fair winter clad in bridal white,
Chaste virgin of the year."
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 537
"Bluff old winter, brisk and jolly,
Bringing Christmas in its train,
Crowned with spruce and fir and holly,
Welcome back again."
The ice-cream represented snowballs, perfectly round
and coated on the outside with colourless lemon-
ice.
The favours were round boxes, white and glistening,
surmounted with sprigs of artificial holly.
The expense of this entertainment was much less than
two luncheons of ten covers would have been. The cook's
charges did not exceed those made for a fine dinner for
twelve persons (the ordinary $5.00 of the professional).
It was served by two men hired for the occasion, assisted
by two of the household servants. In this case the
extra china, silver, glass, etc., were borrowed from that
" banker provided by nature " — a mother. But all these
things may be hired at small cost, as were some of the
candlesticks and the round tops for the tables, at the
time that I am recalling.
The flowers were arranged by the hostess. With the
invaluable help of an ox-muzzle over each dish, to hold
the flowers in place and make each blossom do its full
duty, it was the work of not more than an hour and a
half to complete the four centrepieces.
The dishes holding the flowers were the ordinary tins
made for the round jardinieres, called "epergnes," their
plebeian nature concealed by wide satin ribbons match-
ing the blossoms in colour.
It was not an elaborate luncheon, calculated to Impress
one with magnificence, but a friendly function, with a
background of "sweetness and light."
538 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
A FEAST OF RIDDLES
A unique luncheon was given at the house of a woman
whom her friends have named "The Goddess of Hos-
pitality"— from her frequent entertainments and her
evident enjoyment in gathering her friends about her
under delightful conditions.
The invitations were issued for a "Conundrum
Luncheon," and were riddles in themselves ; the recipients
wondering how such an idea would find expression.
At table, each guest found at her place a sweet-brier
blossom about the size of the palm of her hand, painted
upon Watman-paper and cut out following the outlines
of the flower. A reverse side of the blossom was also
painted with its calyx and part of the stem. These
formed the covers of a little book, containing about a
dozen leaves.
The oysters were already upon the table when the
guests assembled, but on each leaf of the little flower-
books was a conundrum in verse, the answer to which
would give the name of each course in turn, thus
furnishing a novel menu. While enjoying one course,
the women amused themselves by guessing the next
one in order.
The following was the menu selected for this occasion,
but it will require but very slender rhyming faculty to
adapt the idea to any other choice of dishes:
The bouillon was thus suggested:
"I come of a noble French family,
Godfrey — of Crusader fame
Must be known to you all, I am certain,
And I am the last of the name."
Lobster a la Newburg:
"Black and ugly we lived,
But no sooner are dead,
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 539
Than we turn for your pleasure
A beautiful red,
And are martyred by thousands
That you may be fed."
The lamb chops, garnished with a puree of chestnuts :
"Part of an ancient sacrifice
Garnished with something rather nice."
The mushrooms on toast:
4 'My first is coarse and homely food,
The cotter's fare, but still 'tis good.
My second, you may quick divine
The place in which we sleep or dine.
My whole, when fresh and nicely cooked,
No epicure e'er overlooked."
The ducks:
"I live in the water, I live in the air,
I live on the land, I can live anywhere;
Sometimes I am wild, sometimes I am tame,
Sometimes I'm a 'salmi/ sometimes I am game."
The ice-cream:
"Although cold by nature,
I'm favoured by all,
And there's scarcely a dinner,
Or luncheon or ball
At which I'm not present.
I'm happy to say
There is no house in town
Where I've not the 'entr&j.'"
There often comes to both hostess and guests, after
leaving the table, a little sensation of blankness, as
though things had come to an end, and one is at a loss
what to do next. The custom of serving the coffee in
another room tides over this feeling. The company
540 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
then forms itself into new combinations, and, once seated,
the conversation is taken up with renewed interest.
Upon the occasion that I am recalling, the hostess con-
ducted her guests to a second-story library for their
coffee, where they found scattered about the room, on
book-case and table, a motley array of articles whose
"reason for being" was also a conundrum. Each was
numbered, and the guests were supplied with cards and
pencils, to note their guesses, which, it was explained,
must be the title of a well-known book. Photographs
of the "Father of His Country" and Martha Washington
illustrated "The Virginians." A doll with its head
turned quite around stood for Bellamy's "Looking Back-
ward." A bowl of ice for Professor Tyndall's "Forms
of Water." A few coins did duty for Charles Reade's
"Very Hard Cash." The Times newspaper for Justin
McCarthy's "History of Our Own Times." A new tin
pie-plate recalled "As in a Looking-Glass," while a draw-
ing of a distracted father trying to quiet a crying baby
made an echo of Bulwer's question, "What Will He do
with It?" and the music of "Yankee Doodle" answered
for Dickens' "American Notes."
A SHAKESPEARE DINNER
A clever woman related to me the following account
of a dinner in Shakespeare's honour:
We had been studying Shakespeare all winter, meet-
ing one evening in the week, and securing all the bright
and shining literary lights that could be coaxed, bribed,
or driven to let us read the great master by the light of
their superior illumination.
Each feminine member was alternately hostess, but
by the time that the honour fell to my lot there was no
one left among the literary lions who could even "roar
you as gently as any sucking dove."
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 541
All such resources for supplementing my deficiencies
in the charming art of entertaining were exhausted.
Recalling the remark of a noted caterer, that "if you
invite people to eat, they always accept with pleasure,"
I determined to ask all our little club to a dinner, and to
request them to come in costume — Shakespearian, of
course.
Women like to "dress up," and enjoy taxing their
ingenuity, so I knew that I could count upon them;
and, as all the men were married except one — who was a
natural dandy — I relied upon wifely influence. Besides
which, we had all come to know one another well enough
to dare to wear what we pleased, and to depend upon
home talent for our effects of costume.
On the evening named, our guests all appeared in
gala attire and in high good humour. Our worthy
Doctor's rotund proportions were little exaggerated to
represent Falstaff. Lady Macbeth was magnificent in a
trailing robe of black and a diadem of gilt paper, a toy
dagger at her belt. Malvolio came in "cross-gartered
hose." Katherine, the Shrew, looked very fierce — when
she could remember not to smile, and Ophelia appeared
bewitchingly mad, with straw and poppies in her hair,
which she insisted upon wearing in a Psyche knot.
Our dandy as Hamlet looked like an undertaker or
a hired "mute " at an English funeral, and Othello like
a plain, unheroic mulatto, his face stained with walnut-
juice and wearing a wig of tightly curled horse-hair.
My husband was gorgeous as Cardinal Wolsey in a
cassock of the material known as Turkey red. His
tonsure had been the work of time. Lastly, I ap-
peared as Portia in my husband's old college gown
and "mortar-board."
The composition of the menu, which was expressed
542 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
entirely in quotations from the immortal bard, was a
work of no small effort.
To select something appropriate to each guest from
the same source was more simple. Having a little skill
with my brush, I painted in water-colour a small head
of Shakespeare, enclosed in a small ring of gilt, by way
of frame and finish, at the top of a bit of bolting-cloth
the size of my hand, backed with a pink satin ribbon
fringed at the ends.
Below the head was written in gilt lettering the fol-
lowing :
MENU
"This treasure of an oyster." — Antony and Cleo-
patra.
"Expect spoon-meat." — Comedy of Errors.
"Pretty little tiny Kickshaws."— King Henry IV.
"This fish was well fished for." — Winter's Tale.
"What is this, mutton? No, sheep, sweet lamb." —
Love's Labour's Lost.
"'Tis I, the early village cock." — Richard III.
"I have a dish of doves." — Merchant of Venice.
"The queen of curds and cream." — Winter's Tale.
"Thou art all ice, thy kindness freezes." — King
John.
"A dish fit for the gods." — Julius Caesar. .
"The daintiest last, to make the end more sweet." — •
King Richard III.
Which, being interpreted, would read:
Oysters
Clear Soup
Bouchers a la Reine
Spring Lamb
Chicken Timbales
Squabs
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 543
Cheese-souffle*e
Ice-cream
Strawberries Bonbons
Champagne was described as the "Monarch of the
vine." — Antony and Cleopatra.
The quotations were readily traced to their sources
by such trained students.
The selections intended to be descriptive of, or appro-
priate to, the guests, caused much merriment.
For Dr. Falstaff I found:
"If the rascal have not given me medicines to make
me love him ! " — Henry IV.
For Hamlet, the dandy:
"He was, indeed, the glass wherein the noble youth
did dress themselves." — Henry IV.
For Katherine, the Shrew, whose tongue had honey
as well as gall:
"Whose words all ears took captive." — All's Well
that Ends Well.
For our pretty Ophelia:
"There's nothing ill can dwell in such a temple." —
Tempest.
For Lady Macbeth:
"A child of our grandmother, Eve." — Love's Labour's
Lost.
For my husband I found a selection most fitting:
" He is the half -part of a blessed man, left to be finished
by such as she." — King John.
And for myself I modestly claimed no greater dis-
tinction than
"A female, or, for thy more sweet understanding, a
woman."
Our winter's training had made our wits nimble in
using familiar phrases quoted from the greatest of the
544 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
poets — as for instance, in offering some dainty, my hus-
band asked:
"Will 't please you taste of what is here?" — Tem-
pest.
To which Othello replied:
"Thanks, it is a dish that I do love to feed upon." —
Taming of the Shrew.
After dinner we played a game in which we tested one
another's memory to name the sources of familiar quo-
tations. The one most successful received as a prize
a daintily bound volume of "Shakespeare's England"
by William Winter, humorously described as "A
Winter's Tale."
The climax was reached when Ophelia sang for us
some of the "Songs of Shakespeare" from a book
arranged by Edward Edwards, notably: "It was a
lover and his lass," and "Hark, hark, the Lark at
Heaven's Gate," set to music by no less a person than
Schubert.
A LITERARY LUNCHEON
A woman of large experience once said, "Next to
the pleasure of spending money is the pleasure of saving
it. It is really a fascinating problem to see how much
each dollar may be made to do. To have what we
want is wealth, to do without it is power." Women
with strong social instincts sometimes sigh to think
that almost any entertainment puts too great a strain
on the domestic exchequer. One woman's inventiveness
evolved the following menu for a literary club of ten
persons without exhausting the resources of a five-
dollar bill:
MENU
"Lavs of Ancient Rome" . • i?.ll"'\; MACAULAY
(Stuffed Eggs)
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 545
"The Red Skins" .... ... r /.., . COOPER
(Lobsters Farcis)
"Lamb's Works" * . . . CHARLES LAMB
(Chops Breaded, Potato Croquettes)
" Cometh Up as a Flower " . ; RHODA BROUGHTON
(Mushrooms)
"Salad for the Solitary and the Social" F. SAUNDERS
(Lettuce)
"The Queen of Curds and Cream" . MRS. GERARD
(Cheese)
"Man, and the Glacial Period" . .- DR. WRIGHT
(Orange Ice Served in the Skins)
"Coffee and Repartee" , . . . BANGS
(Coffee)
The explanations in parentheses were omitted in the
written menu.
PRICES
One dozen eggs, 35 cts. ; one-half pint cream, 10 cts. 45
Salt, pepper and onion . •'.- •:. i>v • >' , u ; . . 12
Lobsters. . . ; k . ^ ^!' r:*v! . . 70
One egg, 3 cts.; parsley, 5 cts.; shallots, 5 cts.;
half a pint of milk, 2 cts. . . •' v . 15
Lamb chops, 4 pounds . -. • - . v" V; i.oo
Potatoes, 6 cts. ; lard, 5 cts. -.-*. <v > \ •.«'•• . n
Mushrooms ;.^ > .'- • . ; . :L.J: •. •. : i.oo
Lettuce, 20 cts.; salad dressing, 15 cts. . .; . 35
Neufchatel cheese, with whipped cream . -»• . 15
Bread, 15 cts.; butter, 15 cts. •?;-• * . ;;r, . 30
Twelve oranges >, ;?yt7 .-•; v( . ;v;. -•". . ; . 40
Ice and salt •.,. >:.. -*;;•*;' ^^. bAn :'.' . 15
Coffee . :. ! u . -.-ftLv; , .;- ' . •* : t; . 09
Total ''. '.V:; '•;;••• '. -- U.;,; s..^ ::•;.- $4.97
546 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
A LUNCHEON FOR EVERY MONTH
The graduating class, at the close of a certain well-
known school in the American metropolis, agreed that
their separation should have no effect upon their rela-
tions to one another, and planned to meet (upon their
return to town in the autumn) once in every fortnight
at luncheon, each young woman in turn being hostess —
that the old ties might not be loosened.
It was furthermore proposed that, as the class num-
bered just a dozen, each should give to her entertainment
some suggestion of one of the months of the year.
SEPTEMBER
Late September found twelve bright faces assembled
about a table at which the young hostess seemed to
have evolved a most pleasing effect of purple and gold —
the dominant note of colour of the month. A low, flat
basket of green willow, with high, square handle, held
clusters of purple and golden grapes among many vine
leaves. The handle was wreathed with the leaves, and
from its top two bunches of grapes, one of either colour,
were suspended within its arch. A vase of violet glass
held a few choice blooms of goldenrod at each end of
the table (it was too late for asters), and the bonbons
and iced cakes repeated the yellow and purple in their
colouring. Vine leaves lined the dishes, and their
profusion about the table made it look as if decked
for a vintage festival. The place-cards were violet
cards, the names in gilt. The golden note was easily
suggested in the menu by grape-fruit, a course of eggs,
yellow sauces and mayonnaise, and the ice-cream was
coloured and flavoured with blackberry juice (canned),
which gave it just the desired shade of violet at no
sacrifice of flavour.
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 547
The table was artistic, and aroused the interest and
ambition of the guests to do as welLin their turn.
OCTOBER
The hostess to whose lot it fell to give her luncheon
in early October had no difficult problem — all Nature
offered its bounty.
The mahogany table was decorated only with fruit
and nuts, as more typical of the season than flowers.
Upon a large silver salver, covered and wreathed about
with maple leaves, was heaped the "largesse" of the
month — pears, apples, grapes, etc. Fresh filberts, in
their pretty green sheaths, filled one small dish, while
others held "marrons glace's," "ddguises," and other
toothsome bonbons filled with the same confection
and cleverly imitating miniature fruits.
Chestnuts played an important part in the menu —
in croquettes with the lamb chops, as stuffing for the
quail, and as the essential ingredient in the Nesselrode
pudding. The guest-cards were artificial autumn
leaves.
NOVEMBER
For the luncheon taking place in November, Nature
offered little help, so a hint was taken from the chief
event of the month, and the severely simple table and
menu were intended to recall the early Thanksgiving
Day of New England.
The mahogany table was polished so that it could
reflect the fair faces gathered around it, and several
heirlooms of silver, china, and pewter added interest
and quaintness. The table was lighted with wax candles
in silver "branches" (as the candelabra were anciently
called) without shades. The china was white and
gold; the linen of the finest. Plates of thin bread and
butter (spread on the loaf), grated cheese, pound-cake,
548 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
fruit-cake, jumbles, and "damson" preserves decorated
the table — with old-fashioned simplicity.
Clam broth was served in pewter porringers, for which
the possessions of friends and family connections had
been laid under contribution. Large clam-shells held
the creamed codfish, which primitive service was
strictly correct, according to tradition of Puritan
feasts.
A "chicken pot-pie" did duty for an entree, and
venison steak furnished the piece de resistance. Ice-
cream was not to be thought of, the hostess being the
proud possessor of an ancient recipe for "pandowdy" —
an apple-pudding with delicate potato crust, and eaten
with a rich sauce. There were no place-cards, and after
luncheon the guests were invited to seat themselves about
an old quilting-frame, and were provided with needles,
thread and thimbles. Upon it was stretched a quilt
made of two layers of pink cheese-cloth with cotton
batting between. It was explained that the hostess
was making warm coverlids for the children of the very
poor, and all joined merrily in tufting and knotting the
pretty one before them. The work seemed to have no
deterrent effect on the conversation — an contraire !
DECEMBER
The hostess who was expected to recall December at
her luncheon beamed upon her guests across a table
bright with holly, and the light diffused through scarlet
candle-shades gave a ruddy glow to everything. Sus-
pended above the centre of the table, from the chandelier
(wreathed with Christmas greens), was a bdl made of
three hoops of graduated sizes hung together with stout
cords. This was covered with scarlet tissue paper,
thickly covered with holly. The clapper of the bell was a
tiny candle-lamp of red glass. From the top of the bel1
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 549
five long ropes of evergreen dotted with scarlet berries
fell over the edge of the table.
Red-cheeked apples and white iced cakes and bon-
bons completed the table-furnishings. A doll's scarlet
stocking, filled with bonbons and a sprig of holly, was
at each place, and the ice-cream, in the form of Santa
Claus, recalled the chief event of the month.
JANUARY
When the fifth hostess was consulting with her mother
about what was specially characteristic of January, her
father, overhearing, promptly answered, "Bills!"
A more pleasing suggestion, however, was embodied
in a table decorated all in white, typical of frost and
snow, and also of the threshold of a new year — its
record still unwritten, its possibilities all unknown.
The white cloth was plentifully sprinkled with pow-
dered mica to give the glistening effect of snow. Mistle-
toe in a low basket crowned a mound of this cotton snow
in the centre of the table, and from the chandelier
hung a bell of white immortelles with long white ribbon
depending. This was to "ring out the old, ring in the
new, ring out the false, ring in the true."
The favours were calendars, the ice-cream in the form
of snowballs.
FEBRUARY
The table for February recalled the three saints
honoured during that month — St. Valentine and our
two American saints — canonised, at least, in all loyal
hearts — Washington and Lincoln. The centrepiece was
a crystal loving-cup filled with red and white carnations,
with blue ragged-sailors, at each side of which were
outlined two hearts made of the red carnations — the
pointed ends in opposite directions. Heart-shaped bits
of red cardboard served as name-cards, and the ices
5$o The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
were served in boxes shaped like Continental cocked
hats.
The young hostess made a rhyming menu for her
luncheon in the form of conundrums — mere doggerel,
but productive of a little fun to minds easily disposed
to amusement. While enjoying one course, the guests
were to guess what the next would be.
Mandarin oranges came first, containing only the
juice, in which were Maraschino cherries. These were
made to introduce themselves on the first page of a
tiny book, the cover of which served as a name-card:
Domesticated Chinamen,
Proud members of this nation ;
We came before the law was passed
To stop our immigration.
The next course, "clam broth," recalled the "treasures
hid in the sand" that served to keep the Mayflower
pilgrims from starvation :
More modest than the violet,
For all her reputation ;
I hide myself — and yet I saved
The founders of this nation !
The lobsters complained thus :
Talk of the Inquisition !
Of its ways no longer followed;
Its latest victims are our race —
We're boiled alive and swallowed !
Mushrooms on toast asserted their opinions thus:
Out of obscurity into the light,
Types of the "nouveaux riches" are we;
Can it be thought by the proud ' ' nouveaux pauvres
'Tis better to have been than to be f
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 551
Lamb chops took up the story:
The sacrificial knife hath laid me low,
Not less a martyr than when long ago
My ancestors were butchered in cold blood
For others' sins — I now die for their food.
^he latest descendant of Noah's messenger next:
My Bible name must rhyme with "love,"
When used as food, with "rob";
In lovers' phrase a "turtledove,"
In market talk, a ."
The universal favourite among sweets was first intro-
duced to American society by the Father of His Country :
At Washington's famous reception,
No guest was more welcome than I;
'Twas an era in dietetics,
To a nation that lived upon pie !
MARCH
The March hostess had a centrepiece of pussy-willows
among growing ferns, and because of the renewed green-
ness of the earth (beginning in that month), green was
chosen for the colour of the decorations. The "pussies"
had been kept in water for a month and were in full
bloom.
Leaves were wreathed about the principal dishes;
artificial ones found the candle-shades.
Out of compliment to St. Patrick, the ices were held
in small green boxes, with a bunch of "shamrocks" and
clover blossoms atop.
On the backs of the name-cards were written such
quotations as:
"We come to June by way of March."
552 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
"Stormy wind, fulfilling His word."
" Blow ye winds and crack your cheeks ! "
"The wind bloweth where it listeth."
And one card read : ' ' What so rare as a day in June ?
Those of March are positively raw !"
APRIL
At sight of the April table, the guests clapped their
hands merrily in approval as they entered the dining-
room.
Above the table hung a large old umbrella-frame,
covered with smilax and suspended from the chandelier.
From every point drops of water fell slowly from con-
cealed bits of ice into wine-glasses on the table,
carefully placed for their reception. The centrepiece
was of bright -yellow blossoms, suggestive of sunshine,
above which hovered (on wires) tiny yellow butterflies —
to recall Easter types. The iced cakes and bonbons
were coloured like the seven shades of the rainbow, and
old-fashioned candelabra, with pendant prisms, cast
tiny rainbows everywhere about the white cloth. There
was no artificial light. The name-cards were held by
paper dolls, whose dresses were of tissue paper, chemi-
cally prepared, so that it was pink in fair weather but
turned blue when rain threatened.
The ices were in the forms of animals, served from a
nougat Noah's ark.
MAY
The May table was lovely in white and green, a mound
of white stock-gillies in the centre. These flowers
resemble blossoms, and were obtainable in February
(the date of the luncheon), and had the added ad-
vantage of being the least expensive of their lovely race.
Out of the centre of the mound was erected a May-pole
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 553
(in private life it did duty as a mop-handle), wound
with pale-green and white ribbons. At its base, it was
fitted into a block of wood, concealed by the flowers.
At the apex were two white pennon-shaped flags, and a
foot below was a wreath of white flowers. The invisible
support for the wreath was an embroidery hoop (a foot
in diameter) attached to the pole by stout gilt wires,
like the spokes of a wheel to its hub. From each of the
spokes hung a rope of flowers — stock-gillies and deutzia,
wound by short lengths of florists' wire about cotton
ropes. These, with the wreath, were kept in water
until within an hour of serving the luncheon. *
The name-cards were tied to twigs of paper cherry,
peach and plum blossoms — blooming most naturally —
evidence of deft Japanese fingers. On the reverse side
of the cards were quotations in praise of spring — among
them Browning's dramatic couplet:
"Such a starved bank of moss, till that May morn —
Blue ran the flash across, violets were born !
"The apple trees in May, whose green leaves make
a little tender night, with flowers for stars."
The favours were bunches of violets, and the ices
were served in "May -baskets."
JUNE
The young girl who had the good fortune to have the
"June luncheon" made a veritable "feast of roses."
The centrepiece was a leghorn garden-hat, filled with
pink roses, suspended from the drop-light of the chande-
lier by its ribbons of pink satin, and the drop-light
wreathed with pink paper roses. Candle-shades and
name-cards were of rose petals, and candied ones filled
two small dishes.
The ices also were roses with natural stems and
foliage.
554 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
JULY
The event of July being, of course, the "Glorious
Fourth," the young hostess taxed her wits to suggest it
at her table, which glowed with the tricolour. The
candle-shades were of small paper flags, pleated fan-
wise. A nougat cannon was at one end of the table,
a plate of round chocolate bonbons piled pyramidally,
to represent cannon-balls, conveniently near. Other
chocolate sticks were wrapped in red paper to resemble
fire-crackers. The centrepiece was of white carnations
in a low, flat basket, and among the flowers tiny electric
lights — red, white, and blue — were placed as nearly as
possible to represent a wheel of fireworks. The white
iced cakes were in the form of Liberty Bells, and the ice-
cream in that of a statue of the Goddess of Liberty, with
a spread eagle at the base — a favourite design with
caterers.
AUGUST
August — "ripe summer's queen" — was prettily sug-
gested by soft, maize-coloured table furnishings. A
large sheaf of wheat holding a bunch of pale-yellow
roses formed the centrepiece, a tiny sickle at its base.
Candle-light, filtered through shades of yellow tissue
paper, gave an effect of sunshine appropriate to thoughts
of August, as were the favours.
At each place was a round fan of gilded straw, to the
long handle of which was tied a bunch of yellow rose-
buds by a corn-coloured ribbon, upon which, in gilt
letters, each guest read her name. The ices in the form
of fruit and flowers were held in a horn of plenty, made
of the straw-coloured candy that looks like spun glass.
It was decided that the season should conclude with a
merry little subscription dance, to which each hostess
should invite half a dozen guests. As costume balls
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 555
were greatly in favour, their girl friends were requested
to come "in character," but they held the men excused,
since they presumably would object to the trouble.
The twelve young hostesses appeared as the months
of the year, recalling in their costumes what they had
tried to do at their tables.
June, rose-crowned; August, in corn colour and
wheat; July, in white with field flowers — poppies,
bluets and daisies; January, in glistening white tissue;
December, in scarlet; May, in pale-green — as they say
in France, " Each was prettier than the other ! "
ANNOUNCEMENT DINNERS AND LUNCHEONS
The customary way of announcing an engagement
in our own day is for the betrothed pair to write personal
letters to their intimate friends, asking their sympathy
and congratulation in their newly found happiness.
Many, however, feel that this prosaic manner of ac-
quainting their friends with a fact of such transcendent
importance and thrilling interest is all too tame and
fails to satisfy. Some want to make the announcement
with a little £clat ; others think that it would be a pleasure
to see with their own eyes the effect of the news upon
those who hear it. Others again fancy it an occasion to
call in their friends and neighbours to rejoice with them.
A favourite form of entertainment is a luncheon, given
by the engaged girl to a coterie of her intimates.
The flowers, decorations, candle-shades, etc., should
all be of blushing pink — the couleur de rose — typical of
the atmosphere that surrounds the bride-elect and tints
her outlook upon life. A tall, slender vase holding a few
pink rosebuds makes a centrepiece that for daintiness
and elegance is not easily surpassed. Only their own
leaves in abundance, or mignonette, should accompany
556 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
the roses, unless it be desired to introduce the note of
white, when Roman hyacinths may lend their grace and
supplement any lack of prodigality — being less costly
than the roses. Close under the chandelier may be
fastened a white dove with spread wings, and gathered
about its feet the ends of narrow, pink-satin ribbons,
strands of which are carried over the edge of the table
near each cover. The dove may be hired of any florist.
Decorative dainties, such as heart-shaped pink pepper-
mints, little cakes of the same form iced in pink, and the
small meringues known as "kisses," should alone be
upon the table. The name-cards, cut out of pink card-
board, should also be in the form of the traditional seat of
the affections.
At each cover may be a tiny heart-shaped bonbonniere
filled with rice, with the interlaced initials of the be-
trothed in gilt on its cover. The boxes may be of pink
satin or only of cardboard. The shops are full of such
things and home talent may easily achieve the initials.
For this lettering, a little outfit, with full explanations,
may be bought for a trifle at the art shops.
These initial boxes will naturally give rise to comment
and speculation among the guests, and when curiosity
has reached its height — and its conclusions — the blushing
bride-elect may "admit the soft impeachment."
Instead of the bonbon boxes and place-cards, the
visiting-cards of "the happy man" may be used, blank
side uppermost. Some one in the secret may turn her
card over, or perhaps the unusual size and shape may
lead any one of the guests to look on both sides. What
may then appear at first entirely as an inadvertence and
furnish subject for a bit of teasing will shortly be under-
stood, and the secret will be out !
A very simple little luncheon may be the means of
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 557
conveying pleasantly the information that two mortals
have found the clew to happiness. A few red carnations
for a centrepiece, place-cards of red cardboard with
tongues of gilt flames issuing from between the lobes, the
names written in gilt, crimson paper candle-shades, like
glowing rubies — all together will make a pretty effect on
a winter's day; and, red being the colour of the heart's
blood, its choice adheres strictly to the traditions of
the day.
A ring at the door, and a telegram may be brought to
one of the guests, who smilingly imparts to all at the
table : "A bit of news that will interest you all. So-and-
so is engaged to Mr. !"
A dinner is sometimes given by the parents of the
girl to the near relatives and dear friends.
The presence of the young man among them, seated
by the daughter of the house, prepares the guests for the
announcement, which is made by the father at the close
of the meal — saying that he has the pleasure of ac-
quainting them with the news of his daughter's engage-
ment to Mr. , with the full approval of her parents.
He may then propose the health of the young couple,
and all offer congratulations and good wishes.
A relative is more often the one who gives a compli-
mentary dinner to the lovers, asking their favourite
friends to meet them — which invitation is in itself an
announcement. Or the secret may be kept until all are
met at table. For this, St. Valentine's Day would be an
appropriate choice of date. The decorations, being
natural to the season, would not precipitate the news
prematurely. The centrepiece may outline a heart in
flowers or foliage, or be formed of a heart-shaped mound,
transfixed with a small gilt arrow. If any bits of bric-a-
brac of which Cupid forms the decoration can be "begged,
55 8 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
borrowed or stolen" — though intended as receptacles for
flowers — they may fitly hold heart-shaped bonbons,
cakes, and "kisses."
The menu may be written on the reverse side of the
place-cards, and on it tomato soup may figure under the
pretty alias by which that vegetable used to be known —
"cream of love-apples." The roast may appear upon
the menu as "chickens that have lost their hearts."
Squabs should be called "turtledoves," and the ice-
cream may be in the form of cupids, hearts, or two doves
beak to beak, a favourite device on all valentines and
obtainable of nearly all caterers.
If it be desired to indicate the happy pair and excite
the curiosity of the others, a gilt bow — preferably of
classic pattern, not Indian — and a couple of arrows may
be attached to the chandelier in such manner that one
end comes just over the heads of the betrothed. From
this end, a heart may be suspended, or two hearts trans-
fixed by the same arrow — "captives of the bow." The
hearts may be made of pasteboard covered with red
like the old-fashioned pocket pincushions. The bows
and arrows may be found at many of the shops in mid-
February.
A MOTHER-GOOSE LUNCHEON
A hostess of the present day no longer feels that her
hospitality has found acceptable expression if she offers
for her guests' enjoyment only delicious viands, tasteful
table appointments, and faultless service.
Like the "little old woman," whose "victuals and
drink were the chief of her diet," she feels that mere
physical well-being does not wholly satisfy. Some little
original conceit must add spice and snap and Attic salt
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 559
to the feast, and hence wits are set to work to devise a
bit of mental stimulant.
The freedom of a luncheon is favourable to such
ventures.
A dozen bright women were bidden to a luncheon
at a house famous for unconventional and unique
entertainments. The invitation read:
Mrs. Irving Knickerbocker
cordially requests the pleasure of
Mrs. Bray ton Lee's
company at a "Mother Goose" luncheon
on Saturday, January the twentieth
at half after one o'clock.
No. 15 Bryant Square.
"Come with a whoop, come with a call,
Come with a good-will, or come not at all."
The faces of the guests showed most unconventional
animation as they entered the dining-room and their
eyes rested upon a centrepiece composed of a bank of
flowers upon which reposed an enormous goose, made
of white cotton-batting (purchased at the Japanese
stores). Upon the back of the bird sat Mother Goose
herself, crowned with high -peaked hat and adorned
with large brass buckle, red cloak, and all. The doll's
face was traced in sepia to resemble wrinkles — the nose
and chin lengthened with wax and tipped with red.
Each name-card had upon it some little painted sou-
venir of the classic of baby land, and the menu read as
follows :
VICTUALS AND DRINK
"She gave them some broth, without any bread."
"You shall have a fish-y
In a little dish-y."
"Baa, baa, black sh*ep."
560 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
"You nor I, nor nobody knows
Where oats, pease, beans, and barley grows."
"The butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker,
All jumped out a roasted potato."
"With a rowley, powley, gammon and spinach."
"Hickety, pickety, my pretty hen."
"When I was a bachelor, I lived by myself,
And all the bread and cheese I got
I put upon the shelf."
"A bag-pudding the King did make
And stuffed it well with plums."
FRUIT
"Oranges and lemons
Said the bells of St. Clemens."
"You shall have an apple,
You shall have a plum"
"One, two, three, how good you be,
I love coffee, and you love tea."
Jack-Horner Pie
(with favours)
Most of the guests were mothers, and the familiar
saws brought visions of rosy, dimpled little faces and
bright, laughing eyes that served admirably the purpose
of illustration.
Should other hostesses find the "motif" suggestive,
the "menu" may be varied. Mother Goose spreads an
abundant table. The plum-pudding might be well
replaced by something more seasonable, as, for instance,
the dish to the toothsomeness of which appeal was
made by the wealthy suitor to the peasant girl who
was no longer to work, but
"Sit on a cushion and sew a fine seam,
And feed upon strawberries, sugar, and cream."
Representative luxuries !
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 561
If preferred
"Polly put the kettle on
And we'll all have tea "
might replace the other reference to that beverage; and
wines suggested by
"She went to the tavern
For white wine and red."
The following couplet also offers suggestions:
"Handy, spandy, Jack-a-dandy,
Loves plum cake and sugar candy."
Recitations from Mrs. Whitney's clever little book,
"Mother Goose for Grown Folks," might fitly close the
entertainment, or selections from it might be written
on the reverse side of the name-cards.
A WINTER PICNIC
Half a dozen girls, fired with housewifely zeal, had
been taking a course of lessons in cooking, and so proud
were they of their proficiency that they burned to dis-
tinguish themselves in the eyes of their friends. Two
or three of their number had as an additional spur to
their interest and ambition the prospect of a small home-
nest of their own at no very distant date. They con-
cluded to have a little feast to which a dozen friends
should be bidden, every dish composing it to be cooked
t;y their own hands. It was finally decided that each
guest should bring a contribution and the entertainment
take the form of a picnic. As the season was mid-
winter, the grove had to be improvised within the
limits of a city drawing-room. The time set for the
merrymaking being shortly after Christmas Day, it was
easy to get evergreen trees at nominal prices — the
florists having no further hope of selling them. These
were disposed about the room in as natural a manner as
562 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
possible, all furniture and ornaments removed, and the
curtains and pictures draped and covered with forest,
green cheese-cloth, upon which sprays and sprigs of
laurel leaves had been thickly sewn. The floor was
covered with a green-baize drugget, with bits of ever-
green plentifully scattered over its surface, while green
denim pillows, stuffed with pine balsam, and a fairly
ponderous log or two, alone offered opportunity of seats
other than that which the ground furnished.
The invitations had requested that the guests come
in picnic garb, which was understood by the men to
mean suits of tweed and homespun, knickerbockers,
and "anything comfortable," and by the girls to make
themselves as "fetching" as possible, with a touch of
rusticity in their attire whenever it could be made
artistic or becoming.
The easy clothing seemed of itself to make things
informal, while the requirement of seating themselves in
such primitive fashion had its effect in banishing any
possible stiffness.
Games, sports, stunts, etc., occupied the time before
supper, the fun culminating in a contest in which each
man in turn tried to get into a huge clothes-basket,
through the handles of which a broomstick was passed,
the ends resting upon the seats of two chairs, placed
back to back.
If one succeeded in the difficult feat without over-
balancing the basket and "coming a cropper" to the
ground, he was then shod by a comrade with a pair of
very large list slippers. These he was to kick off in turn,
while preserving his balance, the jerk, however, usually
having the effect of promptly precipitating him to the
ground, which has an unaccountable mirth-provoking
effect upon the spectators.
Special Dinners, Dances and Luncheons 563
The supreme moment arrived when the fair cooks
spread a table-cloth upon the ground and invited the
company to gather about it.
Each guest then unwrapped his or her own mysterious
contribution, which was proudly displayed. One brought
a country nosegay for the central ornament of the
"spread," composed of flowers stiffly arranged and of a
combination of colours that set at defiance all the laws
of taste. Another contributed home-made candies, a
third, olives and pickles, while the hostesses delighted
their friends with an incomparable chowder, fish-balls
light as thistle-down, a tongue cooked to velvet, and
salads, biscuits, cakes, etc., to please an epicure.
The coffee was made in true picnic fashion in the
presence of the company at the wide hearth, which
made a fairly good substitute for a camp-fire.
After the feast each guest was given a long, pointed
stick which was used for roasting apples and toasting
marshmallows — and later on, corn was popped over
the bed of glowing embers. Then the banjos were
played, and all joined in singing popular songs.
At another winter picnic each young woman guest
was requested to bring a box containing luncheon for
two and to place her visiting-card within it. The guests
arrived wearing duck skirts, straw hats, knickerbockers,
etc., and played games, and tried their luck at a fish-
pond improvised in one corner of the room, where
"fortunes," not favours, were caught on the hook,
cleverly adapted to the fisherman by the person repre-
senting "Truth, at the bottom of the well" — or pond,
in this case.
As the supper hour approached, the young men were
given a number of beans, and the "luncheon boxes"
564 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
were auctioned off. The cards within the boxes deter-
mined the partners of the purchasers.
THE " CORDON BLEU" DINNER
The feasts given by Mme. du Barry to Louis XV.
seem like fairly tales, with the marvellous table rising up
through the floor, already laden with its dainties. Upon
one occasion, they had a discussion about the relative
merits of men and women cooks, each defending and
advocating his or her own sex.
To prove her argument, Mme. du Barry invited the
king to a dinner so perfect in all its appointments, accord-
ing to the fashions of the day, and so delicious, that the
monarch admitted himself beaten and thereupon insti-
tuted the order of the "Cordon Bleu," which was at
first restricted to women cooks.
A novelty in the matter of entertainments called
''Historical dinners" was introduced last winter among
the opulent.
One was a duplicate of the dinner given by du Barry
when Louis decorated her cook with the blue
cord.
A free translation of the menu might read as follows :
Game Soup
Patties of Chickens' Livers
Crab farcis
Salmi of Snipe
Supreme of Sweetbreads
Capon with Cress Salad
Walnuts dipped in sherry and Chopped Brandied Peaches
mixed with whipped cream
Strawberries Grapes
CHAPTER XXVIII
Tableaux
GENERAL DIRECTIONS
IT is possible to give very effective and interesting
tableaux where two rooms are separated by
portieres or folding doors, but if possible the sides
of the one representing the stage should be curtained
off by screens, technically called "flies," and foot-
lights are almost indispensable.
These may be made of tin, or bottles of uniform height
holding candle-ends, and masked by tissue-paper frills
on the side next the audience. A strong lamp should
be placed at right and left of the stage so as to be
screened from sight, but to throw its light full upon the
actors.
The shadows are the things that mar successful effec-
tiveness. The lights, therefore, should fall from the top,
sides, and at the foot. A dark curtain stretched about
six feet at the rear of the place occupied by the actors
throws them into relief, and its neutral tone harmonises
the colours of the picture.
The illusion of distance and perspective is given if a
gauze curtain or one of black tarlatan hang in front
of the stage and inside the curtain.
A stage slightly raised above the spectators — about
three feet, perhaps — gives great advantage and may be
565
566 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
built very cheaply by laying on squared joists or even
old boxes a few boards, which, covered with green baize,
will answer for grass-plot or carpet.
If a drop-curtain be desired, a light wooden frame
should be made by a responsible carpenter and attached
firmly to the front part of the stage. The curtain is
nailed to the top piece, while at its lower edge a metal
rod should be run through the hem, at the back of which
rows of rings are attached. Through these, cords are
passed and run over pulleys, attached to the upper part
of the frame.
A pyramidal form is usually aimed at in disposing
groups for tableaux, and the best effects are the simplest.
The more natural the attitude and expression, the more
pleasing.
Upon occasion, coloured lights add much to the
interest and dramatic illusion. Imagine, for instance, a
tableau of Joan of Arc bound to the stake, straw heaped
at its foot, her hands clasped upon her breast, her eyes
uplifted to a cross held high by a priest or monk, while
another man leans over to apply the torch.
Just before the curtain falls, if a red light be thrown
upon the straw and then flashed rapidly over the whole
scene, the effect will be very striking.
This red fire is easily made. Burn in an iron pan the
following mixture, to which is added a little spirits of
wine: Five ounces of dry nitrate of strontia, an ounce
and a half of sulphur, five drachms of chlorate of potash
and four of sulphuret of mercury, all of which are
powdered. Mix all thoroughly on paper before trans-
ferring to the pan. A polished reflector fitted to the pan
will enable one to direct or concentrate the light.
If for such a tableau as the three witches in Macbeth
a ghastly look is required, mix common salt with spirits
Tableaux 567
of wine in a metal vessel and set it over a spirit lamp.
The spirits of wine ignites and a weird light is produced.
Of course, all the other lights should be extinguished.
The subjects for tableaux are inexhaustible. Famous
paintings have been represented with such fidelity that
it seemed as if the familiar canvases had been touched
into life by some supernatural power. Picturesque inci-
dents from our own early history would be appropriate
for any of our national holiday entertainments. ' ' John
Alden and Priscilla," ''The Burning of a Witch in Salem,"
"The Marriage of Pocahontas," "The Sailing of the
Mayflower" — the homesick little group watching it from
the shore — are a few suggestions that will readily occur
to any one.
One of the most charming entertainments may be
given if some one read aloud a poem or a story with
well-modulated voice, correct accent, and intelligent
interpretation, while the illustrations are given by suc-
cessive tableaux, as when one turns a page to find a
picture.
It has been found by those experienced in trying to
win public interest in some benevolent scheme that noth-
ing is so sure to attract as a series of tableaux. Amateur
acting often leaves much to be desired and challenges
comparison with professional talent, but amateurs
of tableaux may have the whole field to themselves and
be quite assured of appreciative and sympathetic audi-
ences.
DRESDEN CHINA
There are few prettier forms of the tableau than
groups imitating statuettes of Dresden china. The
gaily flowered dresses and the daintiness and grace of
pose make exceedingly charming effects.
568 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
A girl in a flowered chintz gown of the Louis XV.
period, her hands thrust in two diminutive apron-
pockets, and wearing a coquettish cap, may stand,
archly smiling, perched upon a round pedestal at one
side of the stage, while a gallant regards her with
admiring glances from the other.
A tub inverted, covered with white cheese-cloth,
answers very well for a pedestal.
They next may group themselves in a representation
of a very popular subject in Dresden pottery. The
lady will have removed her apron and cap, given a touch
of powder to her hair, and seated herself upon a sofa —
just large enough for two. The gentleman sits by her
side almost on the edge of the sofa and by look and
gesture seems to be pleading a cause very near his heart.
His eloquence is met by a look under half-closed eyes,
as if questioning his sincerity, while the mouth is
relaxed into a smile.
A series of charming poses may be copied from the
"Minuet," the curtain falling after each of them and
rising upon a new combination. For instance, in one
the lady and gentleman stand, each with one foot
advanced, body thrown back, his head very erect, hers
a little on one side, while their raised hands are joined
at the height of her head. She carries a tiny folding
fan; he, a three-cornered hat. The scene changes and
the lady is curtseying, holding her dress with her left
hand, her fan in her right at the level of her chin, with
elbow raised. The gentleman bows low, his hat held
over the region of his heart. Again the gentleman is
kneeling upon one knee, his right elbow resting upon the
edge of his hat, which is thus balanced upon his other
knee. He holds the lady's left hand with his left, and
she with fan in full play is apparently about to pirouette
Tableaux 569
around him. During these scenes, the effect would be
much heightened if in the accompaniment of music
some of the charming old "Menuets de la Cour" could
be played.
"The Gavotte " belongs to the same period and is
equally picturesque, though even more extravagant in
pose, while the "Pavane," said to be derived from the
word pavon (peacock), is stately and solemn, though
graceful. All these may be found in illustrated books on
dancing, which will be found very suggestive. The
charm of novelty is always sought for and thus may be
had in the grouping, but nothing more attractive and
bewitching in costume has ever been devised for
scenic effect than that of the Louis XV. and XVI.
periods.
Powdered hair is becoming to every one and may, with
gowns of chintz and hats wreathed with paper roses,
make up an effect that will leave no room for regretting
the lack of rich brocades, velvets, and satins — though
a man's costume is not quite so easily achieved.
It is imperative that he have a wig of white hair — or of
bleached flax — knee-breeches, and a coat — with skirts
and conspicuous pockets — opening over a long waistcoat
of fancy pattern, lace jabot, and ruffles at his wrists.
The costume may be hired, but if home talent be invoked
it will be found that furniture-coverings of flowered
designs make charming coats of the period desired, linen-
back satins for upholstering are adapted for knee-breeches
at small cost, and four-inch wide Valenciennes lace, at
eight cents per yard, may be had at nearly all the shops
where such wares are sold, to supply the laces. The
same satin as that for the breeches will cover a frame
for the three-cornered hat — and the costume will be
complete.
570 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
"THE SPRING NUMBER OF THE NEW MAGA-
ZINE"
A dozen bright girls, in their pity for the children of
the city slums during the summer, desired to raise
sufficient money to turn certain vacant lots into play-
grounds for them, providing them with swings, games,
and hardy plants.
To this end, they gave an entertainment which,
attracting by its novelty, made them the proud and
happy recipients of several hundreds of dollars.
The entertainment was called "The Spring Number
of the New Magazine," and in a series of tableaux, reci-
tations, songs, and little comedies was supposed to
reproduce a typical periodical, presenting its features
in living, breathing reality before the audience.
The curtain rose first upon what was intended to repre-
sent the cover of the magazine. A young girl, gowned
in white and crowned with flowers, stood holding in her
extended arms a shallow, round basket filled with daf-
fodils— a picture of girlish freshness — an embodiment
of the springtime.
At her back was a large, white screen, on the border of
which, at one side, were ornamental letters (painted in
spring's yellow-greens), and with one letter beneath the
other, spelling the words, "The Spring Number," and
on the border of the other side the remaining words,
"Of the New Magazine."
Next followed the advertisements in a series of tableaux
— some so familiar as to elicit much appreciation and
amusement in the audience.
The background in each case gave the text accom-
panying the illustration, exactly as in the actual adver-
tisements.
Tableaux 571
The " Frontispiece " came next, and was also a tableau.
A young girl was looking with smiling, happy eyes upon
her extended hand, where sparkled a ring, the signifi-
cance of which was evident to all. A young man's
photograph and a bunch of roses on the table before her
were suggestive touches to the picture, which hardly
needed the explanatory word, ''Engaged," that was
printed on a strip of muslin stretched across the plat-
form before the foot-lights, as if at the foot of the
page.
A poem was next recited, and this was succeeded by
a "short story," interpreted thus:
The little stage was fitted up as a pretty drawing-
room, and the clever little satire called "The Browning
Society," from Conan Doyle's novelette, "The Duet,"
supplied the story, which was acted with great spirit.
Three young women meet to study Browning, with the
laudable purpose of self -culture. Various interests lead
their minds away from the subject until the time has
gone and other engagements claim them. As a study
of femininity it is admirable and amusing.
A song was next sung and the representation closed —
as do magazines — with more advertisements, illustrated
by tableaux.
The chief expense of the entertainment was the back-
grounds, which carefully reproduced the text of the
advertisements in large letters upon muslin two yards
wide. These sheets were hung upon rollers — like win-
dow-shades— from a cross-piece of wood between two
uprights, and the room on either side was curtained off,
as was the space to the right and left of the little
stage. It is an entertainment that admits of great
variety.
572 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
TITLES OF BOOKS— ILLUSTRATED
When a company of persons can be induced to fill the
roles of actor and audience alternately, the success of the
entertainment is a foregone conclusion.
The representations may be impromptu, or the hostess
may intimate in the invitations her wishes that her
guests come prepared to illustrate the title of some book
in a tableau.
The guests may plan in advance to act together, but
no one but the hostess should be in the secret of what the
book-title is until it is guessed by the audience.
To give unity to the entertainment, the hostess should
direct the order in which the tableaux are given, num-
bering each one for the convenience of guessing their
subjects. Few stage "properties " and little preparation
will be required.
The audience is supplied with cards with pencils
attached, where, upon numbered lines, they chronicle
their guesses as to what each tableau, in turn, repre-
sents, signing their names at the end and giving them
to the hostess. The one most successful in naming the
books should receive some little honour or prize.
By way of suggestion, the curtain rises, or the drawn
portieres reveal a Puritan maiden dressed in sober gray,
with close muslin cap, sitting at her spinning-wheel, her
hands held idly in her lap, her thoughts apparently far
from her work.
A young man, peeping at her from what may appear
as the entrance, or approaching from behind her on tip-
toe to surprise, may suggest the subject of her thoughts.
She is intended to represent "An Old-fashioned Girl,"
by Miss Alcott.
The same subject might be given a comical turn if the
Tableaux 573
young woman were dressed in the fashion of a few years
ago (than which none ever seems more absurd), being
held on a bicycle by an obliging admirer, who is instruct-
ing her in the art of balance.
The next tableau perhaps discovers a typical old
maid, a packet of letters yellowed with age, and a faded
ribbon in her lap. One hand holds a letter, the other a
daguerreotype, at which she gazes wistfully. This, to
illustrate "Looking Backward," by Bellamy. A very
young girl might be sitting on a stool at her feet, appar-
ently listening, with intense interest, to the old maid's
tale of her life's romance.
"Vice Versa," by Anstey, may be given by two or
three persons, wearing hats, coats, and skirts "'hind-
side before."
"Madame Butterfly," by John Luther Long, may be
charmingly suggested by a lady in Japanese costume at
her toilette, her maid adding pins or flowers to her
coiffure. This series would lend itself easily to the most
unpremeditated representation.
"THE SEVEN AGES OF WOMAN"
This series of tableaux has the advantage that it
requires no "properties" but those that any household
may supply, and has for its theme the interests and
emotions common to all and that never fail to make
appeal to sympathetic appreciation.
In the old cook-books, a standing witticism, handed
down through the generations, was that in the prepara-
tion of Hare Soup — "You must first catch your hare."
So, for the initial tableaux of "Infancy," we must bor-
row a baby, unless we are so fortunate as to own one of
the required age and pattern. A doll might do, but at
the expense of all the sympathy, the kindly feeling, that
574 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
is aroused in an audience at the sight of a real, live baby,
lying in the sleep of innocence that never fails to touch
the heart in its tenderest sensibilities.
The baby should be asleep in its cradle, in a room
dimly lighted, guarded by an angel bending over it, as
one sees in Kaulbach's picture. If the effect of moon-
light may be given by an electric light concealed from
view, the effect will be the more pleasing.
The chief requirement of the angel is a face that
suggests purity and has at least a sweet expression.
She should be dressed in the traditional robe that
artists have always loved to represent as the garb worn
in the heavenly land, and for which white cheese-cloth
offers a material that unites many advantages. It
falls in pretty, graceful folds, has the clinging property
required, and costs next to nothing. The wings should
be made on wire frames covered with cotton batting,
the threads holding the material in place, if carried in
the right direction, aiding the illusion by appearing like
the spines of the feathers.
Should the baby awake, its natural motions will not
detract from the interest of the scene, but should it
begin to cry the curtain should be rung down.
The next scene — "Childhood" — may be represented
by a little girl four or five years old playing "tea-party"
with her family of dolls seated around a toy table.
The more forlorn and dilapidated the doll she holds in
her arms as the one entitled to her special favour the
better. She need not be required to keep absolutely
still, if, unconscious of self, she will pour out imaginary
tea in the miniature cups and act quite independently
of the audience.
The third scene may follow Shakespeare's order in
his "Seven Ages," and show the little heroine of the
Tableaux 575
series as a school-girl. If the furniture of the room could
be covered with white cheese-cloth upon which powdered
mica is thrown, so as to resemble snowbanks, the floor
covered with the same, the windows concealed by two
or three evergreens powdered with artificial snow, the
setting would be an effective background. The little
girl, with very rosy cheeks, wearing a worsted hood
and mittens, her books and slate under her arm, and
with one roller skate on, may then cross the stage with
a merry look and smile at the audience, pausing mid-
way to regale herself with a bite of a large red apple
before she is lost to view in the wings.
"Maidenhood" comes next, and may be represented
by a graceful girl dressed in white, a blue ribbon around
her waist and a bunch of daisies tucked in her belt.
She holds one daisy in her hand, and with body bent
forward and with great eagerness she pulls off the
petals one by one, to see whether "her love loves her
or no." A row of potted plants on the window-sill, a
young man's photograph framed on the table, may
add suggestive touches.
"Wifehood" may be suggested by a tableaux repre-
senting the picture called "Enfin Seuls !" A girl in
full bridal dress is being clasped tenderly in the arms
of the bridegroom, who is apparently rejoicing over the
fact that the guests are all gone and that at last they are
alone with their happiness ! Her head slightly bent,
fondly leaning against his shoulder, billows of tulle
framing her happy face — offers a picture at which every
woman's heart will throb in responsiveness, for it
represents the crowning moment of a girl's life.
After such a climax one appears lacking in tact to
make the suggestion that a brother is the only one that
could fill the r6le of the happy bridegroom without
576 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
embarrassment to all and to save the audience from
feeling themselves "de trap," but that seems the best
solution of the matter.
It is reserved for the sixth tableaux to represent what
is perhaps the "summum bonum" of the woman's life — •
happy "Motherhood." A young woman may be seated
in a pretty, homelike room, gazing with smiling interest
at two or three little children building houses with
blocks on the floor at her feet. Some bit of baby-finery
lying in her lap, her work-basket near at hand, will add
a further touch of domesticity.
The last tableau of all should present "Old Age,"
under the pleasantest aspect. A serene old lady, in
snowy cap and with kerchief crossed on her breast, may
be sitting in an old-fashioned rocking-chair, with two or
three children at her knee, to whom she appears to be
telling stories, while her knitting lies upon her lap, and
they crowd around her in their eager interest.
Every possible touch of old-fashioned comfort that
may be added to the room will greatly enhance the
effect. Her open Bible, with a pair of spectacles lying
upon it, may be on the table, daguerreotypes standing
open on the mantel, framed silhouettes or family
portraits on the walls, and a few sweet-peas, marigolds
or other favourites of old gardens may be in a vase
within reach of her hand.
A final bear-hug from the children, by way of testi-
mony to the affection of which she is the object, may be
the signal for the falling of the curtain.
A musical accompaniment may add much to the
effectiveness of the pictures. For the first one, Brahm's
lovely cradle-song, "Wieg&tfod," would be appropriate,
and, for the second, some selection from "The Daisy
Chain" — than which nothing is fuller of children's glee.
Tableaux 577
For the third — that of the little school-girl — the popular
songs would answer, such as "You Can't Play in Our
Back Yard," or "Daddy Wouldn't Buy Me a Bow-wow."
Of course, love songs for "Maidenhood," and one of the
wedding-marches, full of triumphant happiness, for the
tableau intended to suggest ' ' Wifehood. ' ' The sentiment
of "Motherhood" may be summed up in "Home, Sweet
Home," while "Auld Lang Syne" may fitly accompany
the picture of "Old Age."
A LOAN COLLECTION OF PORTRAITS
A series of tableaux may be given without the usual
elaborate preparations, and combine the minimum of
effort for the hostess with the maximum of fun for all,
if the invitations inclose a request that each guest shall
bring a costume or certain "properties," and come pre-
pared to pose as a portrait. The fact that each has
something to contribute and is an exhibitor as well as
a spectator has a wonderfully happy effect on the temper
and spirit of the guests.
Two rooms, with portieres between them; two strong
lamps, with reflectors for footlights; and the rest is
easily arranged. If it be desired to have a somewhat
burlesque exhibition, a large screen of dark wall-paper
pasted together may be held with thumb-tacks, so as to
be smooth and firm. In this are cut round, square, and
oval openings, each surrounded by a gilt paper frame
on the side exposed to the audience. Close behind
these openings are arranged the subjects of the por-
traits, some sitting on step-ladders, some on the floor,
others midway between on chairs or tables. Criticism
is invited, and the faces of the portraits must not evince
the slightest emotion. The penalty for a smile is to pose
again. The costume required being only partial, it is
578 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
the more easily achieved. When the portieres are
drawn together and the living pictures released, they
have then the privilege of naming their successors, who
are obliged to pose in their turn and hear the revengeful
comments of those whom they had sought to tease by
their criticism.
If something more artistic and less informal is desired,
a dark cloth curtain may be hung as a background and
a single portrait exhibited at a time. It will be found
that a curtain of black netting or gauze, hung between
the portrait and the audience, adds very much to the
effectiveness of the former.
CHAPTER XXIX
Wedding Anniversaries
GENERAL SUGGESTIONS
A WEDDING anniversary is, in some sort, the most
ideal of entertainments, for only those whose
married life has proved a happy one care to cel-
ebrate the event; and, as a motive for assembling one's
friends, nothing could be further from the commercial
spirit of give and take that so often spoils hospitality
than the impulse that reaches out for the sympathy of
friends in one's happiness and that solicits their con-
gratulations. Some unwritten law has dictated that
special features belong to each celebration ; hence while
the invitations for the various occasions may differ so as
to suggest these, they are alike in general form.
The date of marriage and the present date should be
engraved or written at the top of the sheet of note-paper
or large card, separated by a hyphen. Or the inter-
laced initials of the bride's maiden name and that of the
bridegroom may occupy the centre, while the dates are
placed on either side an inch or two away.
The usual wording is in the best taste:
579
580 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
1853 1904
Mr. and Mrs. John Anderson Darby
will be at home
on Thursday evening, December the first,
from eight until eleven o'clock,
Twenty, Fifth Avenue.
Joan Holmes. John Anderson Darby
This form shows that the invitation is for a wedding
anniversary — and the bride's maiden name in lower
left corner confirms it. One would disclaim any inten-
tion of soliciting a gift when the celebration imposes
anything more than paper, wooden, cotton, tin, or lea-
ther trifles as presents; so, upon the invitations destined
for others than very intimate friends, one may write at
the bottom of the page or card: "It is requested that
no gifts be sent." It seems more gracious than the
usual, "No presents."
The bride should wear her wedding-gown as often as
possible at the anniversary celebrations, and in its
original form — if she may. When that is not feasible,
she should at least wear some souvenir of her wedding
finery. The bridegroom, too, if he have preserved his
wedding -suit of clothes, should don it by all means.
The gifts should be upon exhibition, accompanied b>
the cards of the donors.
It is a pretty custom for the bride and groom to repeat
their wedding journey.
THE COTTON WEDDING
The after-glow has not faded from the brightness of
the wedding-day — half-halo, half-glamour — when the
first anniversary dawns.
Thoughts are so busy with reminiscences of the
wonderful day that some sort of celebration in its honour
Wedding Anniversaries 581
seems fitting and almost urgent. Cotton has been
assigned as the special feature to be used for the decora-
tions, presents, etc., and, fortunately for the light purses
of the average young householders, the material is not
expensive.
One "happy pair" issued, to their former bridal
party, invitations for a little dinner, which were written
with indelible ink upon pieces of French nainsook — a
cotton weave — folded to resemble note-paper.
The centre of the table, was adorned with a tiny
Christmas tree, its branches laden with (cotton) snow,
powdered with mica-dust. It stood on a mound of the
cotton batting of the silky, silvery sort, which covered
all the table to within two feet of its edge. This mimic
snow was bordered with leaves, and upon it were placed
the little dishes of olives, scarlet peppermints, and cakes
iced in white with candied cherries or bits of green
Angelica upon them.
At each place was a large snowball, made of cotton,
enclosing a favour, intended to convey some joking or
teasing allusion to peculiarities of the recipient —
possible where the company is well acquainted.
Soup, fish, a roast, and vegetables, a salad, a sweet
dish, and coffee composed the little feast.
Upon returning to the drawing-room after dinner,
the hostess placed in the hand of each guest a ball of
cotton cord of a different colour — with the injunction to
follow where it led — adding that it would give a clue
to the fortune of each, or the revelation of his or her
character. It was but the well-known Cobweb Game,
for each cord led its holder a chase in pursuit of its
windings upstairs and down, but every now and then a
halt would be commanded by a bit of paper on the
string and an injunction written thereon which the
582 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
hosts insisted must be obeyed. One young woman,
who had a fresh, sweet voice, was ordered to sing a song;
a man with a special talent for mimicry paused mid-way
in his search to imitate a German brass band of itinerant
musicians — according to the command upon a bit of
paper that he found upon his string. A third recited
a poem, a fourth told a story, a fifth did a "stunt" — the
rest pausing in their search to enjoy and applaud.
One fair maiden found at the end of her string a
watch-pocket in the form of a slipper, of white satin,
with its little rosette made of orange blossoms. These
lines accompanied it:
Since your thread of destiny is all of bridal white,
Its interesting significance will not be hard to guess ;
In spite of tortuous windings through places dark and
bright,
It leads to happy marriage and to ultimate success.
The man who was known to be very ambitious had
to follow the leading of his red string almost to the
top of the house, where, tied to a penny trumpet, marked
as "The trump of fame," he found this doggerel:
"Red is the symbol of courage,
Red is the colour of flame,
And red is your Ariadne's thread
That leads to the temple of fame;
Aglow with the fire of ambition,
Full of zeal to make famous your name,
The best of life's gifts will be yours with the rest,
You'll be loved by a beautiful dame."
Another young woman found at the end of her blue
string a coronet of gilt paper covered with gilt spangles,
and read:
Wedding Anniversaries 583
"The proverb says that 'blue is true,'
And so this cord of azure hue
Seemed just the one to choose for you;
'More than coronets' are hearts so true,
Therefore the fitting mate for you
Will be a man with blood that's blue."
When each had found the fate assigned by the hosts
in some symbolic article and read the nonsense jingles
accompanying it, they all reassembled in the drawing-
room to play the game of "Hearts." The prize to the
winner was wrapped within a miniature bale of cotton.
The burlap enclosing it was torn in jagged holes, from
which the cotton protruded, and the name and address
of the victor in the games were hastily marked upon it
with shoe-dressing.
THE PAPER WEDDING
For a simple little frolic, such as young householders
find at once the most enjoyable and feasible without
putting too great a strain on the domestic exchequer,
a good choice is an informal little dinner with games
and contests to follow during the evening.
The second anniversary of the wedding day involves
paper as a special feature of its celebration. The table-
cloth may be replaced with white paper — the sheets
carefully pasted together to make it of proper dimen-
sions, and trimmed with paper lace, which comes in
various patterns on "shelf -paper." In paintings of
opulent f eastings, the table-cloth is always bordered
with lace.
An oblong mound of large pink paper roses in a low,
flat basket makes a pretty centrepiece. They may be
bought at incredibly low prices.
In the early days of New York's social existence,
584 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
paper flowers were used extensively for table decoration
in winter — hot-houses being almost unknown.
The candle-shades of paper rose-petals, the dishes
holding pink bonbons and fancy cakes lined with
what are known as "laced papers," and these dainties
each held in the usual crimped paper cases, may repeat
the suggestion of the title-r61e of the little feast.
Its special character may also perhaps allow the use
of Japanese-paper napkins of delicate pinks and greens.
If the entree is served in paper cases and the ices in the
hearts of pink paper roses, even the menu may emphasise
the paper idea. At the close of the dinner, before the
ladies withdraw, the rose centrepiece may be passed
around and each guest be requested to take a flower
from it. As the flowers are withdrawn, each is found
to have attached to its stem, by a narrow ribbon, some
trifle in paper — as at children's birthday parties: for
the men, packages of cigarettes, which they will shortly
have opportunity to prove; for the women, small paper
boxes containing any trifle that one pleases to enclose.
After the men have rejoined the ladies in the drawing-
room, a tray full of the large mottoes, containing paper
caps and costumes, may be passed around.
The hostess then explains that, having "pulled" the
motto with one's neighbour, each person is requested to
'put on the cap" found in the motto, and with its as-
sumption to impersonate some character of history or
fiction to whom such a headgear would be appropriate.
The impersonation need go no further than the answering
of questions put by the others, who try to guess the
chosen character of as many as possible — recording their
guesses on small paper books presented by the hostess
— a prize to the cleverest. For instance, one drawing a
woman's nightcap may choose "Mrs. Caudle" for the
Wedding Anniversaries 585
puzzlement of his or her questioners. A folly's-cap —
"Triboulet," the famous jester of Francis I.
The person to whose lot falls a liberty-cap might be
the allegorical figure of America, if a woman ; if a man>
he may impersonate Louis XVI. (recalling the time
when that ill-fated monarch wore it to conciliate the
mob). Leo X. for a pope's mitre. A crown — any
monarch. A dunce-cap — "Simple Simon," of "Mother
Goose" celebrity.
For the prizes, a book of some choice edition for the
men; a pretty lamp-shade or paper fan for the ladies'
award of honour. A water-colour, an etching, or an
engraving would do for either.
If the hostess be willing to take the trouble, she may
wear an entire paper costume, which can be bought for
a song at the shops for paper fashions — if the model
belong to the season preceding the present one. This,
basted on her own gown, precludes the danger of tearing.
If the anniversary occur in summer, a garden party
may be given, which is only an afternoon tea out of
doors. With rugs spread on the lawn, chairs and little
tables set in groups, a hammock with gay cushions
swung near by, little other preparation is required.
The Japanese game of "Fan Ball," previously de-
scribed, played with paper balls and paper fans (of palm-
leaf shape), will suggest the special character of the
anniversary. The ices may be served in paper cases,
and paper napkins will be found a convenience — ad-
missible under the circumstances.
THE LEATHER WEDDING
The bride of four years is usually the victim of dis-
mayed perplexity when she learns for the first time that
if she desires to celebrate the anniversary of her wedding-
586 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
day she is condemned to anything so uncompromising,
so little adapted to her purpose as leather ! But, as she
must not infringe upon the peculiar features and pre-
rogatives of other feasts reminiscent of that day of days,
she must cudgel her wits to evolve something that is
not too ugly and yet will conform to the rules which have
been made by no one knows whom, but which have been
accepted long enough to make them in a measure
binding.
The choice of entertainments is very limited. A
reception would give little opportunity to emphasise the
character of the celebration, for whatever leather articles
might be added to the room would be accepted as part
of its usual furnishing. As all efforts to be effective
must be concentrated on the table, a dinner would give
the best opportunity for their display.
The centrepiece may be a basket of burnt leather,
filled with whatever flowers are in season, or with
maidenhair fern, the colour of which contrasts prettily
with that of the leather.
The place-cards may be cut from a bit of fine chamois
leather and pasted on cards — the names in raised gilt.
This lettering, which is so effective, is easily achieved by
home talent. A fine white powder is mixed with
mucilage-water and is taken up by a little syringe, with
the tube of which one writes as with a pen, while pressing
the bulb gently with the left hand to make the mixture
flow. Upon these moist white letters a fine gold-dust
is sprinkled, which adheres so closely that a moment
later, when it is dry, one may blow or dust off the super-
fluous gold powder and the letters stand out in bright
relief. The little outfit for this purpose may be bought
in the shops for a trifle.
A prettier centrepiece, if less easily achieved, would
Wedding Anniversaries 587
be three "good-luck" slippers of white kid, the heels
together, the toes pointing outward. These, placed on
a round mirror-mat — or, better, surmounting a wedding-
cake iced in white — and filled with white carnations,
sweet-peas, deutzia, or lilies of the valley, would be at
least suggestive of bridal days. The mirror or cake
might be wreathed with flowers or only with foliage.
The slipper is a favourite design for flower-holders,
and they are made in silver, glass, and fine porcelain —
so the precedent is not lacking for such a choice of kid
ones. In order to give the desired tilt, which a very
high heel supplies, a little mound of rice might be placed
in the centre of the mirror, or the cake surmounted by
some small elevation of the confectioner's art, to serve
as support to the slipper's heels and so give the flowers
the right direction. The rice has at least the advantage
of being white and associated with nuptial customs.
With this central decoration, the place-cards may be
smoothly covered with white kid, overhanded at the
edges in "buttonhole stitch," with gilt thread, or the
stitching concealed by a very slender gilt cord — the
names across them in the raised gilt lettering. The
kid may be had at shoe stores, at glovers', and at shops
where are sold materials for fancy work.
The other table decorations should, of course, be
white and green to appear as "bridal" as possible. A
small wedding-bell of white immortelles, suspended
above the table from the centre of the chandelier, would
add to the effect — the flowers composing it suggestive
of the perpetuity of the marriage compact and the love
that inspired it.
After dinner a fac-simile "mail-bag " of modest pro-
portions might be brought into the drawing-room, and
the host, playing postman, deliver a letter addressed to
588 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
each guest. Acquainted with the talents and powers
of each of her guests to amuse or entertain, the hostess
may prepare in advance a charming programme for the
evening's diversion. It goes without saying that she
would presume upon their cooperation only when entirely
assured of their most willing compliance.
At the beginning of each note may be written, "At
the request of the Bride." Then follows, perhaps, to
one, "Your voice has given us so much pleasure in
times past, will you sing just one song for us to-night?"
To another, "You have travelled so far and wide,
will you tell us of some experience or adventure that
especially interested you?" To a third: "Will the
lady of the fairy fingers play something for us this
evening? A sympathetic, grateful audience is pledged
to you." A fourth may be asked to repeat some good
story that has been remembered, with flattering ap-
preciation by his hosts, and yet another may be called
upon to do some "stunt," or what are called in the
argot of the day, "parlour-tricks."
The host and hostess should have some contribution to
make first, and the simpler and less ambitious it is, the
more will the others feel encouraged to do what they
can. Then the guests may be called for alphabetically.
Each should be the recipient of some trifling prize —
bestowed as a reward of merit, with much ceremony.
All should, of course, be of leather — card-cases, pocket-
books, cigarette-cases, wallets for the pocket, court-
plaster cases, articles in burnt, stamped, or chiselled
leather, or a volume of Cooper's "Leather-Stocking
Tales," would make appropriate gifts.
If expense must be closely considered, the lady whose
voice had given pleasure might be crowned "the Queen
of Song" with paper roses or natural laurel; the
Wedding Anniversaries 589
traveller decorated with the red ribbon of the "Legion
of Honour"; the story-teller given one of the "Orders
of Merit" (that are made for cotillion favours) as a
famous "raconteur" ; the pianist some such decorations as
from the Conservatory of Music at Bayreuth ; as for the
one who obligingly amused the company with his tricks,
he may be crowned "the Prince of Good Fellows " with a
coronet of gilt paper.
These, of course, have no reference to leather, but the
host and hostess may present themselves with "leather
medals," the traditional booby prize and reward of
failure.
Before parting it may be suggested to "throw the
good-luck slipper" — an old one, be it understood, or
the charm will not work.
Each one in turn takes the slipper, waves it three times
around his head from left to right, makes a wish, and
then casts it on the floor, behind his back. If it falls
with the toe pointed toward the inquirer of fate, the
wish is on its way to fulfilment and good luck advancing
to meet him; if with the heel toward him, there is no
hope — luck is going the other way; if sideways —
"There's a good time coming,
Wait a little longer."
WOODEN WEDDING
The fifth anniversary, called the wooden wedding, is
the one most often celebrated. By that time the young
couple have probably a local habitation, a name and
position in the community, and the mode of living is
established. When the marriage has proved a happy one
and a measure of success has crowned the efforts of the
young wife to make a pleasant home, and the husband
590 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
to maintain it, it is a favourite time to call in friends
and neighbours to rejoice with them.
The usual form of entertainment is a little dinner
given to the former bridal party and those friends whose
presence brings unalloyed pleasure.
Of course, at a "wooden wedding" the aim is to have
everything as sylvan as possible. Every opportunity
to introduce foliage should be taken advantage of in the
decoration of rooms and table.
Fortunately at the season of the anniversary, nature's
bounty offers the same possibilities of adornment as at
the time of the wedding, which recalls it the better.
In winter, nothing is more to be desired than the Christ-
mas greens and the evergreen trees that, after the
holiday season, may be had at small expense. In
spring and summer, branches and sprays of leaves
should be used with prodigality.
The table should have no cloth, so as to show the
wood, a mat of leaves laid in circles under each dish,
and the dishes themselves lined with them. A rustic
basket, formed of twigs laid log-cabin fashion and
filled with growing ferns, or a birch-bark canoe, makes
an appropriate centrepiece. This last, laid on a circular
mirror and freighted with maidenhair fern and wood-
violets, arbutus or sweet-peas, is charming, and will ac-
commodate tumblers and finger-bowls filled with water
— so that the flowers may be kept perfectly fresh.
The candle-shades may be of artificial leaves, the
place-cards of birch-bark with the names written in
green ink. The caterers make bonbons that exactly
imitate acorns, and chocolates that look like sticks,
called "buches" (French for log). A dado of masses of
green leaves interlaced and held in place on a foundation
of "chicken wire," and empire wreaths of oak leaves
Wedding Anniversaries 591
are effective on the walls — if one is willing to take a
little trouble to prepare decorations.
The invitations may be written in green ink on birch
bark or on paper that resembles it.
In the autumn, branches of glowing maples, wreathed
about the chandelier like a great Japanese umbrella,
would be effective, the other table decorations being kept
to the more subdued russets, browns, and tawny yellows,
with a dash of scarlet given by the candle-shades, made
of natural maple leaves. Artificial ones are sold in the
shops for place-cards with all the gay blendings of scar-
let, green, and gold, than which nothing prettier for that
purpose can be had. The names, done in raised gilt
lettering and tied with bright ribbons, make pretty
souvenirs of the occasion.
The menu might be composed only of dishes that we
owe chiefly to the woodland. A game soup, better
known as "puree de gibier," is delicious enough to make
one forget that no oysters have been served. Brook
trout, or any of the finny treasures of forest lakes, alone
should be the choice of fish. A haunch of venison or
venison steaks may come next, followed by partridge
with watercress salad.
For the sweet course there is a dish called "Bibesco,"
made by a famous caterer, composed chiefly of chest-
nuts boiled, mashed, sweetened, and put through a
colander, which gives the effect of vermicelli.
This toothsome material forms a ring three or four
inches in thickness, the centre of which is heaped with
whipped cream filled with nuts of various kinds, which
have been previously steeped in sherry or maderia. Wild
grapes and green filberts would be the ideal conclusion
of this sylvan repast, but if not obtainable the grapes
grown in gardens are not very different in flavour.
592 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
After dinner, at any time when the conversation begins
to flag, a great sawdust pie, in which are hidden wooden
trifles for each guest, may enlist their amused interest.
The brown paper that forms the top crust of the pie
may be charred a little in order to help the similitude
and to indicate on which side to find the souvenirs
adapted to the gentlemen of the party. Each guest
cuts a wedge of the pie, and, fishing with a wooden spoon,
finds perhaps an acorn emery bag, a doll penwiper with
head made of a hickory-nut, to look like an old crone, a
set of jackstraws, etc.
The attention of the company being now concen-
trated, it is the moment to propose a game or con-
test of some kind. A version of "Turn About/* adapted
to the wooden wedding, might be played.
Let the ladies be given bits of wood and knives and
requested to fashion toy boats or to whittle any object
that they choose— a prize to the one judged to be the
cleverest. The men may compete in dressing clothes-
pin dolls or in covering large wooden button-moulds.
The awkwardness on both sides usually arouses a good
deal of mirth. The prizes should, of course, be of wood;
a cane perhaps for the men's prize, wooden fans or
photograph frames for the others.
Among presents that may be offered to the hosts are
etchings of woodland scenes, a wooden book-rack for a
table, a practical tool-chest, useful in every household,
palms and ferns planted in wooden tubs and pails, etc.,
"Braun" photographs framed in wood. I have known
of a piano, a carriage, and pieces of furniture to be among
the wooden-wedding gifts of one fortunate bride of five
years.
The most ideal wooden-wedding feast of which I have
ever heard was given in a forest. The table encircled
Wedding Anniversaries 593
a great oak, and the guests came in costumes appropriate
to the "merry greenwood."
At a recent celebration of the fifth anniversary, the
rooms were profusely decorated with shavings, and four
wooden tables and chairs were set for a progressive
game of jackstraws.
Wooden butter-paddles were used for tally-cards, and
in the hall was a wooden wash-tub filled with sawdust
in which each departing guest was invited to delve for a
small wooden box tied with ribbons, containing a piece
of wedding-cake.
A WOOLLEN WEDDING
There are times that are more convenient than others
for a merrymaking, and if, when the seventh anniversary
of one's wedded happiness comes round one would gladly
celebrate the pleasant occasion, the fact that one is con-
denraed to a "woollen wedding" is not at first sight
encouraging.
"If it were only something more decorative ! " One's
mind is prolific of suggestion for every other form of
wedding-anniversary entertainment ; but one must resign
one's self.
If a dinner be chosen to which our friends are bidden,
the children's birthday " Bopeep-Cake " would make an
appropriate centrepiece. Upon the top of a large, round
wedding-cake, a doll, dressed as Little Bopeep, is sur-
rounded by a flock of "woolly " lambs, which may be had
at small cost at almost any toy shop. A lamb at each
place with a name in gilt on a ribbon tied about its neck,
descriptive of, or appropriate to, the person whose seat
it indicates, might answer for favours. "Krag" would
fee a complimentary title for any man who has read
Eraest Thompson Seton. "Gentle Jane," "Butting
594 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Billy," "Bell-Wether," "Happy-go-Lucky," "Frolic
Nan," "Wool-Gatherer," might be appropriate, and
"Mary's Little Lamb " would answer for the son or daugh-
ter of a mother of that name. Or place-cards of per-
forated Bristol-board with the names done in crewels
would recall the old "-samplers."
Of course, lamb or mutton should form the "piece de
resistance."
Here is a suggestion for a game to play for the even-
ing's amusement:
Within the windings of an immense ball of worsted
hide a small souvenir for each person. Gather the
guests in a circle or in close proximity, and hand the ball
to one with the request to relate a story of adventure,
unwinding the worsted as the "yarn" is in progress,
until one of the hidden gifts is disclosed, which is appro-
priated by the narrator, and then the ball is thrown to
some one else, who must take up the story just at the
point of its interruption and continue some sort of nar-
rative, still unwinding the worsted, until another sou-
venir falls from the ball, when a third player takes up the
thread, until the wool is all unwound, and the last gift
displayed. This game is an adaptation of a favourite,
where a handkerchief or bunch of flowers was used
instead of the ball. A knitting-match among the ladies
may dispose of the yarn, each one setting up stitches
for a muffler, and a prize awarded to the one who makes
the longest scarf. Perhaps they may be willing to take
them home to finish for the city newsboys and the
various missions for seamen, the members of which
receive these mufflers with grateful appreciation.
THE TIN WEDDING
The tin wedding commemorates the tenth anniversary,
for which the invitations are engraved upon thin tin
Wedding Anniversaries 595
plates the size of a large visiting-card, or the lettering
has the colour of steel upon the usual card or sheet of
note-paper.
If. a dinner be given, new tinware upon the table will
be found almost as effective as silver, glistening resplen-
dent and pleasing as a novelty, if its commonplace nature
be half concealed and half revealed.
Pink roses with deutzia, white and pink carnations,
or other combinations of rose and white, would make
an attractive centrepiece, if arranged in an epergne,
improvised from a fish-horn, fitted at its smaller end into
the central opening of an angel-cake tin.
Four dishes holding pink and white bonbons, cakes,
etc. , may be set in the midst of the deep tin rings (made
for baking cakes in circular form) , the edges of the plates
resting on the tins. These rings filled with flowers will
make pretty wreaths around the most prominent dishes.
If an elaborate decoration be desired, any tinsmith
can make a flower-holder in the shape of the initial of the
groom's name and the bride's maiden name, or the date
of the marriage and the present date, one to be placed
at each end of the table.
The little round stands of twisted wire, made to set
the tea-pot upon, turned upside down and lined with
pink laced papers, make really very pretty receptacles
for bonbons, salt-nuts, stuffed dates, etc., and if, as is
now fashionable, small "individual" dishes are supplied
for the salted almonds, new heart-shaped patty -pans
will answer the purpose.
Cards of Bristol-board may be smoothly enveloped in
tin-foil and the guests' names written upon them with a
blunt pencil, to indicate the places at table.
A small tin funnel at each lady's place makes a pretty
bouquet holder.
596 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
My memory furnishes an instance of a charming tin
wedding from which these suggestions were partly
derived.
For days before the anniversary, the presents had been
coming, recalling to the bride of a decade the pleasant
excitement of a former occasion.
Pretty tin candlesticks, painted scarlet, light-blue and
pink, with candles to match, a tin box enmeshed in wire
net-work through which white satin ribbons were inter-
laced, filled with sweets, and a brick-shaped ice-cream
mould filled with ferns and tied about with a broad
scarlet ribbon, were among the prettiest of the gifts.
Shortly before the guests began to arrive, came a tin
dipper, filled with roses, the handle wound with pink
ribbon finished at the end with a large bow; a dust-pan,
with a spray of flowers tied to the handle with ribbons
matching the blossoms ; an apple-corer holding a bunch
of violets, and a wire broiler inclosing a piece of new
music.
One friend of practical taste sent some fine canned
fruits, the tins beruifled with tissue-paper frills; another
a canister of rare tea, much beribboned. The groom
was favoured with boxes of fine tobacco.
The bride, arrayed in the carefully treasured wedding-
gown— now grown so old-fashioned as to be both inter-
esting and amusing — held her bouquet in a bright tin
funnel.
In anticipation of another tin wedding, an obliging
friend called upon or wrote to the prospective guests,
saying that if they intended sending any trifle in tin to
the bride, she asked that it might be wrapped so as to
disguise its character, in order that they might use the
articles in the playing of a game.
After a little dinner, a huge tin clothes -boiler (hired for
Wedding Anniversaries 597
the occasion) was brought into the drawing-room (its
handles tied with ribbon bows) containing the gifts, each
of which was numbered. These were taken one by one
by the person nearest the receptacle into the right hand,
passed into the left, then handed to his neighbour.
Each one tried to discover what the object was by
feeling in its passage through his hands, writing his
conjecture on a card with pencil attached, with which all
had been provided.
The one whose guesses proved to be most correct was
crowned with a circular band of tin, ornamented with a
star-shaped patty-pan in front, and was presented with a
wire globe-shaped basket such as is used for drying let-
tuce, lined with pink silk, filled with bonbons, and tied
with ribbons.
The article that puzzled the contestants most was a
parched-corn "popper," and when a little table-bell of
silver was discovered and its giver reproached for break-
ing the rule imposing a gift of tin on a tenth anniversary,
he defended himself by saying that they saw but the
vehicle for his gift, for the gift itself was what Poe calls
the " tin-tin -nabulation of the bells!"
THE CHINA WEDDING
As a variety from the other entertainments given to
mark the milestones of married life, suggestions may be
taken from a very pretty pageant (which is furnished by
the memory of the writer) the occasion for which was
the twelfth anniversary of a happy marriage — the China
Wedding — which was celebrated as a Chinese reception.
The invitations were written upon rice paper, at the
top of which were a few Chinese hieroglyphics ifi colour,
which somewhat prepared the guests for the scene upon
arrival.
598 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The drawing-rooms were lavishly decorated with yel-
low paper chrysanthemums and China asters, and every
opportunity to introduce the note of yellow taken advan-
tage of in all the decorations and furnishings.
The host and the hostess, arrayed in the loose gar-
ments of large and striking pattern peculiar to the
Flowery Kingdom, received their guests under a large
Chinese umbrella of kaleidoscopic hues, suspended from
the ceiling, at one end of the drawing-room. The
handle had been removed and paper lanterns all lighted
hung from the end of every rib.
All the other lights were veiled by yellow paper
shades.
In different parts of the house Chinese incense was
burning, and the music was so oriental in character,
with the tom-tom rhythmically beating the time, that
one felt very remote from the land of one's every- day
experience.
The novelty of the surroundings contributed to the
feeling of being agreeably entertained, though, beyond
the music and conversation, no further effort was
made.
The centrepiece on the supper-table was a Chinese
pagoda standing on a mound of flowers. I learned sub-
sequently that it was formed of copper wire bent into
shape covered thickly with paper frills that looked like
tiny flowers. At each point and projection a miniature
paper lantern was hung, each with its light. The main
dishes were of Chinese ware, and certain dainties, palata-
ble to the Mongolian taste, were served by way of
curiosity, having been procured from the shops that im-
port foreign edibles. All were supplied with chop-sticks,
and amused themselves by trying to master the difficul-
ties of their manipulation.
Wedding Anniversaries 599
THE CRYSTAL WEDDING
Fifteen years after the wedding day comes the oppor-
tunity of celebrating what is known as the "Crystal
Wedding," invitations for which may be printed upon
thin cards of translucent celluloid, that looks very like
glass, without its brittleness. The Old English letter-
ing in gilt shows well upon it.
If the anniversary occur in summer, it may be pleas-
antly celebrated by an "afternoon tea" out of doors, if
the "happy pair" be the fortunate possessors of a lawn
and shade-trees. A few small tables in sheltered nooks
and a large one to hold the base of supplies, chairs
grouped in twos and threes, rugs on the grass, etc., are
suggestive of pleasure,. at first sight.
A hammock or two with bright cushions add a sug-
gestion of ease that is alluring.
In the centre of the large table a cut-glass dish holding
a mass of red roses or scarlet geraniums, or carnations,
would be effective, but better still a glass vase, bowl, or
other receptacle filled with red blossoms might ornament
each of the small tables.
Finger-bowls would hold the flowers in sufficient quan-
tity.
As one is confined to glass dishes for everything at a
crystal wedding, its lack of colour is better supplemented
by crimson or scarlet flowers than by those of other
shades.
It is the custom in Russia to serve tea in very thin
glasses in preference to cups, and, as it is taken with
lemon instead of with cream, it is much more dainty in
appearance. The Austrians also prefer glasses to cups
for their coffee, and, the habit once formed, no cup seems
thin enough. Any excuse to use glass is admissible.
6oo The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
The lemonade and ices are, of course, served in tumblers
and glass saucers. Instead of sugar for the tea and cof-
fee, the crystals of white rock-candy may be used, and
are no mean substitute. A profusion of cut-glass on the
large table makes, of course, an attractive decoration in
itself, but the pressed glass now imitates it very nearly
and is wonderfully cheap.
Should a dinner be given in preference, every possible
device for using glass should be taken advantage of.
A large piece of looking-glass, bordered with red roses
or other flowers, if desired, may be placed on the table, a
glass bowl of flowers in the centre. If one be not fortu-
nate enough to own by inheritance or purchase old-
fashioned glass candlesticks with long pendant prisms,
there are glass ones to be had, -some handsome, others
very inexpensive and easily procured. The shades may
have a fringe of cut-glass beads around them that, catch-
ing the light, has a pretty prismatic effect.
For name-cards, small, round, bevelled mirrors, three
inches in diameter, may easily be inscribed with the
names of the guests in any coloured ink preferred.
Wreaths of tiny blossoms painted along the edges would,
of course, greatly enhance their beauty. Should these
prove too expensive, a simple white card around the
edges of which crystal beads are thickly sewn, forming
a sort of a frame, may not be an unacceptable substi-
tute.
Endless is the variety from which the presents may be
selected — dainty bits of fragile Venetian, jewelled
Bohemian, Austrian or Tiffany glass, vases of all sorts,
shapes and sizes, glass inkstands, mucilage-bottles for
the desk, crystal paper-cutters, magnifying glasses,
liqueur stands, "tantalus" sets, cut-glass articles, rock-
crystal "bibelots," pretty trifles in glass mounted in
Wedding Anniversaries 601
Empire gilt, bottles containing cologne, perfumes, wines
— what one will — offer a wide field of choice.
Any of these articles may be selected for a prize, if
some game or contest be chosen for the entertainment
of the guests.
In a contest that lately afforded much amusement,
each gentleman present was requested to write a descrip-
tion of his wife's wedding-gown. The ladies meantime
wrote accounts of their own. The man who came the
nearest to the truth received a prize, and, of course, the
rest professed to have seen nothing but the "lovelight
in her eyes."
Among intimates, who know how to take a joke, the
"booby prize" might be a small mirror in which the
winner is invited to see the " prize booby."
THE LINEN WEDDING
The Linen Wedding may be celebrated twenty years
from the " great event" in a woman's life.
It must be confessed that, although it furnishes an
excellent opportunity for pretty gifts in embroidered
and drawn-work doilies, centrepieces, toilet-sets, tray-
cloths, and all manner of pretty napery, it is less sug-
gestive to a hostess as a "theme" for an entertainment.
A dinner offers the best opportunity, perhaps, for the
expression of the idea.
The invitations may be written upon squares of linen
with indelible ink and enclosed in envelopes of the
same material.
The elaborate folding of napkins is no longer in vogue,
but the fashion might be revived on such an occasion
when linen is to be made the prominent feature. Any
pretty drawn-work or embroidered linen may be appro-
priately introduced. Napkins, folded to represent a
602 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
succession of scallop-shells or fans, may surround and
conceal the dish holding the flowers in the centre of the
table.
No flowers are so suitable for the occasion as the
pretty blue blossoms of the flax plant, but they are
hardly vivid enough by themselves to be effective, as
the table is so severely white. Bright poppies and
daisies added to the flax make an attractive centrepiece,
but if the flax is not in season, or difficult to get, the
blue of ragged-sailors, or larkspur, gives at least the
same colour.
Small squares of fine linen with fringed edges, the
guests' names in blue or red Kensington stitch in bold
English writing, will answer for place-cards, or the linen
may cover Bristol-board cards by means of a thin flour
paste. Nothing makes a better surface for water-colour
painting than linen, so imagination may run riot if the
hostess be a bit of an artist.
Round, fringed doilies should line every dish.
A really dainty flower-holder may be made by placing
a slender, thin glass tumbler in the centre of a round
piece of fine linen, edged with lace an inch or two wide.
This should be drawn up, plaited around the edge of
the tumbler, and tied with narrow ribbon in many
loops.
The lace stands out like a ruffle, making a border
around the flowers.
Much will be accepted when a special feature is to be
emphasised among friends that upon other occasions
would appear far-fetched and not to be desired.
If a contest be desired, each one may be given a lot of
coarse linen-twine tied up in many knots. A time-limit
is set and the one who first shows his or her skein undone
wins the prize.
Wedding Anniversaries 603
THE SILVER WEDDING
It is usually at about the period in life when the
twenty-fifth anniversary of the marriage is reached that
the family finances are at their highest point of prosper-
ity, which may be one reason why it is more generally
celebrated than any other, and usually by a reception
or a dinner.
In the decoration of the rooms, flowers and palms are
greatly to be desired, in whatever profusion the taste or
means of the hosts may dictate. If there are vases of
flowers about the rooms, ribbons of silver tissue may be
tied about them, just below the blossoms, and the tinsel
used so extensively for the decoration of Christmas-trees
may be bestowed in places where its effective glitter
may suggest the title of the anniversary.
For the table, nothing harmonises so well with silver
as rose-colour, particularly by artificial light. Any pink
roses (of one variety) make an exquisite centrepiece, but
for this occasion American beauties in a silver loving-
cup could not be surpassed.
When one has reached the "silver- wedding" day, one
has presumably come to the time when one is not indif-
ferent to the advantage of the light's being strained
through rose-coloured shades. It thus blends mercy
with justice.
Shades of filigree silver may be had, and, lined with
pink of the shade of the flowers, are exceedingly pretty.
They are also made in plated ware and of silvered paper.
Those of artificial rose-petals are always lovely.
The bonbons should be pink, held in the usual little
cups of crimped (silver) paper or enveloped in silver foil ;
the place-cards, also pink and silver-edged, should be
604 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
stamped with the interlaced initials of bride and groom
and the guests' names written in silver ink.
Or large rose-petals made of Bristol-board and tinted
the shade of American beauty roses make a good back-
ground for silver lettering, and are more artistic than
the usual place-cards.
The hostess may be gowned in silver-gray if her wed-
ding attire is not available, and a bow of silver ribbon in
the hair that time has silvered might be worn in recog-
nition of the day.
Only relatives and intimate friends send gifts, and it is
considered to be in good taste to intimate upon the
invitations that it is requested that no presents be sent.
For entertainment, only music, recitations, tableaux,
or something in the nature of a performance, will prob-
ably interest a company of mature men and women.
The music from a small orchestra may give only selec-
tions of famous love-songs, wedding-marches, and joyous,
heart-thrilling harmonies. An accompaniment of silver
bells would be effective. The recitations may easily
adhere to selections in which love and marriage form the
theme, and for tableaux scenes of courtship may be given
exclusively — John Alden and Priscilla, Romeo and
Juliet, Othello and Desdemona, Zekel and Huldy from
Lowell's "New England Courtship."
"Zekel crept up quite unbeknown
And there sat Huldy all alone
With no one nigh to hinder."
When the Mikado celebrated his silver wedding, it
marked an era in the civilisation of Japan and of the
treatment of women in that country. He sent gifts to
Wedding Anniversaries 605
the sick, the poor, and the afflicted, as though trying to
draw within the circle of his own happiness as many as
possible. The example is worthy of imitation.
THE GOLDEN WEDDING
The bride and groom, now grown old, may celebrate
the event of their golden wedding anniversary with per-
haps less fatigue and excitement, and certainly may
include a wider circle of friends, by giving a reception
than by any other form of entertainment.
It is to be hoped that, after having reached half a cen-
tury of wedded life, the aged couple may have many will-
ing hearts and hands of children and grandchildren at
their disposal, who will relieve them of any exertion and
responsibility in making ready for their guests. The
decorations of rooms and table should be gay with golden
blossoms. Nature is prodigal of yellow from spring
daffodils to the chrysanthemums of autumn, gorse,
broom, yellow maple boughs, ripe wheat, buttercups,
etc., etc., and when "September waves its goldenrod,"
it is so lavish of its bloom that the rooms may be made
like bowers. If the purse be sufficiently well lined with
the precious metal, a golden wedding may be made like
a scene from the Arabian Nights.
Florists may deck the rooms, the table be laden with
gold plate, or dishes of gilded silver; but for those who
would rather spend their money in lifting other people's
burdens, or save it for the loved ones who are to come
after them, pretty effects may be obtained at little out-
lay of anything but time, patience, and good-will.
Portieres of corn-coloured cheese-cloth, bordered with
chrysanthemums of yellow tissue paper mingled with a
few natural leaves, may be hung at the doorways.
606 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Any one with the usual complement of brain and fingers
may make the flowers by the dozens in a short time, if
one have a model.
Over one doorway may be placed the date of the
marriage and the present date, in figures a foot long,
composed of yellow flowers. These might be tiny paper
roses, artificial buttercups, or immortelles.
In another doorway a huge wedding-bell or wedding-
ring composed of yellow flowers, close-packed, might
hang by a wide satin ribbon.
On the table a gilt-framed mirror may form the central
ornament upon which the flower-piece stands. If one
end of the mirror differ from the other, flowers may be
heaped at both ends, to conceal the lack of uniformity.
A large bowl, vase or loving-cup of golden blossoms
should ornament the centre of the table. A sheaf of
wheat makes a pretty basket to hold them, and horns
of plenty of gilded straw, out of which many fruits appear
to be tumbling, would look well at the ends. A yellow
satin ribbon, tied around a plain dish, will conceal it.
Brass candlesticks make fairly good substitutes for gold
ones. Candle-shades of gilt lace-paper are very inex-
pensive, and yellow crimped paper ones may be trimmed
with artificial buttercups. Pretty bobeches are made
by twisting the stems of half a dozen of these flowers
together, so that they appear to be growing around the
base of the candle. Gilt lace papers should line every
dish whenever possible. Oranges, salads covered with
mayonnaise dressing, golden sponge-cake, cakes with
orange icing, yellow bonbons — anything of the colour of
the precious metal, is appropriate for the table decora-
tions.
It would be less fatiguing for the aged couple if some
daughter were to receive the guests, until most of them
Wedding Anniversaries 607
were assembled, when the pair might enter the room
together to the music of a wedding-march on the piano.
Or the bride may with all propriety receive her guests
seated in a chair which may be transformed into a floral
throne, after the manner of carriages at a flower parade.
A wicker chair is easily decorated. The groom would
probably prefer liberty to ease, and after standing near
his wife for a time would mingle with the guests.
The bride probably may no longer wear her wedding-
dress, but it might be upon exhibition, or perhaps some
fresh young granddaughter might, in wearing it, per-
sonate the bride of fifty years ago. With a coiffure like
that in vogue at the time of the marriage, she would
doubtless look quaint and pretty, and have no more
hearty admirers than the aged groom and the gentle
bride, to whose grandmotherly heart the sight will
bring no tinge of jealousy.
Music, from a small orchestra screened by palms,
would add much to the festal effect, and if such old bal-
lads as "Ah, believe me if all these endearing young
charms," "John Anderson," and others that have tender
associations for the bride and groom, were played, it
would add peculiar interest to the music.
On such an occasion the heart of every guest worthy
to be present should echo Tiny Tim's famous toast, " God
bless us, every one !" At the close, all might join in
singing "Auld Lang Syne."
A recent celebration of a fiftieth wedding anniversary
was given as a lawn-party. The carriages and carryalls
that met the guests at the station to convey them to the
house were distinguished from other equipages in that
each driver's whip was tied with a bow of orange satin
ribbon. The aged couple were seated side by side
upon wicker chairs, which had been decked as before
608 The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
suggested with yellow flowers, like the carriages at a
flower parade.
The gifts in some cases merely suggested by their
colour the title-r61e of the anniversary — articles in silver
gilt, ormolu, brass, a sofa-pillow of orange cloth, em-
broidered in locust blossoms. Then there was an engrav-
ing of "The Golden Wedding," by Knaus, and several
books suggestive of married happiness. A huge wedding-
cake, ornamented with the interlaced initials of the pair
in gilt, was cut by the bride.
After the more formal guests had taken leave, a few
of the nearest friends were asked to stay and join the
family in a little service of thanksgiving that was to be
held under the trees. It lasted but a few moments, was
very fervent and impressive as the clergyman thanked
God for the past and invoked His blessing and favour
upon the future of the aged bride and groom.
THE DIAMOND WEDDING
Those to whom a kind Providence has granted the
happy companionship of sixty years of married life may
celebrate the diamond wedding. They should be spared
the fatigue of any more taxing entertainment than a
family gathering, which should include all who in other
lands and ages would be regarded as the clan acknowl-
edging headship of the aged pair.
Of course, to younger heads, hands and hearts should
be committed all the preparations.
The table-cloth at the feast may be sparkling with
"diamond dust," as powdered mica is called — the white
flowers held in a cut-glass bowl or loving-cup in its cen-
tre, and all the white bonbons and iced cakes held also
iti glass dishes. The old-fashioned candlesticks with
Wedding Anniversaries 609
pendant prisms would be the ones most to be desired, but
any glass candelabra might replace them.
The candle-shades, made of cut-glass beads, are not
beyond the power of home talent to achieve, and they
catch and reflect the light prettily, somewhat in the
manner of diamonds.
The bride and groom should be marshalled into the
dining-room with some little ceremony — to the music of
a wedding-march, at least, and at the close of the feast
the eldest son may propose their health — which should
be drunk standing. It is wiser to aim at merriment
rather than to tax the emotions even pleasurably.
The gifts may suggest diamonds — bits of cut-glass,
Rhinestone photograph frames, crystal in any form may
be offered.
One aged bridegroom gave to his wife on the sixtieth
anniversary of their marriage a diamond ring in which
was inscribed —
"Fulfilment better than promise."
Another gave a small mirror set in Rhinestones to his
bride, with the accompanying rhymest
Look and see
Why my Love is like a diamond.
Because she is fair and pure and bright,
Because she is precious in my sight.
Not coldly white, but gay and warm,
With many reflections and varied charm-
Great Solomon, too, her price has set,
'Far above rubies." Now, never yet
In all the marts of the world was known
A gem outranking the ruby save one —
The diamond only, so that Solomon
6 io The Book of Indoor and Outdoor Games
Was first to liken the virtuous spouse
To that peerless gem, and the world allows
That of all the men through the ages whose lives
Made them good judges of jewels and wives,
None surely was better than that old Jew :
We may therefore assume that he certainly knew.
Sometimes it is desired to send a little souvenir of the
occasion to distant friends who are unable to be present
at the entertainment. A small box of fruit-cake, such as
is seen at weddings, tied up with a gold or silver ribbon
or cord, with the interlaced initials of bride and groom
in gilt or silver on the cover, would not be inappropriate
as a gift in honour of a golden or a silver wedding.
THE END
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