Fun For The Household: A Book Of Games - free ebook by Emma J. Gray

Fun for the Household.

Copyright 1897 By LOUIS KLOPSCH....

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INTRODUCTORY.

When children have passed beyond the rattle age, they reach out their hands for baa-lambs, woolly sheep, cows with bells, cats that meaw, and dogs that say bow-wow. The next advance in amusement is to play with a toy that goes on wheels, and therefore for a half hour at a time, little folk will be content by drawing around the nursery such toys as trains of cars, horses with long tails, express wagons, etc., etc.; and then follows the period when pretty lady dolls must go out to drive in a prett

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A LITTLE CHILD’S PARTY.

Invite both boys and girls for a short frolic. Between three and five o’clock in the afternoon would be excellent hours. Provide for their entertainment, flowers, birds, worsted and rubber balls, dolls, tea-services, horses, whips, and music. If you have a music-box it will prove very serviceable. The children will be much interested; some of the shorter ones will stand on tiptoe, the better to discover the way the wheels go around. Two or more grown people should be present; those who understan

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THE FARMER’S SONG.

A Motion Game. Let all the players form a ring, with a boy in the centre for farmer. After the song is sung through, the farmer must choose two players to clasp their hands and raise them, thus forming an arch. The ring having broken, now forms a long line, and one by one each individual passes under the arch, singing as they go, and with the last word of the verse the arch falls, and thus some one is caught, and he or she is now farmer. A ring is then again formed, and the game proceeds as befo

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THE PIE-MAN’S SONG.

A Motion Game. The verses may be sung to the tune, “Pop Goes the Weasel.” The solo is sung by the baker, to the tune, “Coming Through the Rye.” All the children should sing and imitate the pieman, who illustrates each action that is mentioned....

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FLY SOUTH.

Very small children would delight in playing Fly South. All the players should sit around a table, and each having put their right hand on it, the leader should exclaim, “Fly South, Sparrow.” The second that this is said everybody must lift their hand, and then at once put it down as before. Again the leader speaks, perhaps to say, “Fly South, Pigeon,” and instantly the players must act as at the first command. But if on the contrary something is named that cannot fly, such as, “Fly South, Bear,

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THREE BLIND MICE.

Ask three small boys to be blindfolded. When this is done, and they each state that they cannot see, even the least little bit, a big sister or mother should say, “You are three blind mice and I am the farmer’s wife, and I am going to run, and as soon as I count three you must run after me. Whoever catches me first shall have a big apple; whoever catches me second shall have two big apples; and when I am caught by the third I shall present that blind mouse with three big apples.” Having made the

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THE HOLIDAY CALENDAR.

“I have a holiday calendar,” a little boy should say to a little girl. “Where is it?” “Here.” And directly he holds up his hand with fingers spread towards her. “See my five fingers. They stand for our five holidays.” Then touching his thumb he should continue, “This is for Mayday, so sweet,” and then touching the finger next, “Jolly Fourth, with its noise,” afterwards indicating the middle finger, “Thanksgiving and pumpkin pies,” and touching the next finger, “Christmas, for girls and boys,” an

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THE SEA AND HER CHILDREN.

The players, with the exception of one sent from the room, must be seated in a circle. The person having left will represent the Sea. All others must now decide on an assumed name, which is also the name of a fish; for example, trout, red snapper, pickerel. This done, the Sea returns and walks slowly around the outside of the ring, calling her children, one after another, by the different names they have selected, until all have risen and followed her. Then the Sea must run with a varied motion,

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CINDERELLA’S SLIPPER.

Every child has heard the pretty story of Cinderella and her glass slipper. Now learn who will have bright enough eyes to find it. The fairy godmother cannot really let you have Cinderella’s slipper, but she allows any of the children to hunt for a slipper that is made of fur, or trimmed with fur. This slipper should have Cinderella’s card pinned to it, and whoever finds the slipper should be given the card as a souvenir. Cinderella’s slipper should be well hidden, but not where little people co

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THE MAN IN THE MOON.

Have a circle two feet in diameter cut out of plain white paper. At the time the game is to be played some one should pin this on the back of the Lord of Misrule. He must then whistle and caper all about the room, thus attracting attention, and seat himself at the piano, and sing at the top of his lungs, As soon as he sings the word play , every girl and boy rushes forward and catching each other by the hand, they dance and skip about to the tune played by the Lord of Misrule, while all sing, Th

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HOW MANY?

This is really a game of guess. Shake a small bag full of beans before the children, and ask each to guess how many beans are inside. It will be amusing to watch the eagerness which all will show, and how far apart the guesses will be. Whoever comes nearest to the correct number should be presented with the bag of beans. And this gift will immediately afford healthful and jolly entertainment, because the bean-bag should be tossed and caught by one and another until the rosy-cheeked and out-of-br

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ALPHABETICAL PLAY.

Cut out a square of cardboard, six inches wide by six inches long. Put an eyelet in each of the two upper corners and run tape or ribbon through. Cut it of sufficient length to go over a child’s head. The children should wear the cardboard as if it was a breastplate. You should have twenty-six children, and you will therefore require twenty-six pieces of cardboard. In the centre of each piece, paint a letter of the alphabet. Should you have fewer children, paint two or more letters on each cardb

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BLINDFOLDED PLATTER TWIRLING.

This game is similar to the old-time favorite. All players should sit in a circle, and each number themselves in rotation. Two of the party should be blindfolded. They are then each given a platter, and they enter the ring. The others call, one, two, three. As soon as three is called, those inside the ring twirl the platters, and at the same moment they each shout a number which corresponds to two of the players in the circle. Should either of the bearers of the numbers catch his platter before

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THE WILD BEAST EXHIBIT.

By the side of a pier-glass stand a lamp, and before both put a screen. The one in charge stands in front, and having stated that he is ready to exhibit his wild beasts to any one present who will not tell what he has seen, asks who would like to come to the exhibition, all desiring to, please rise. He then takes them in turn, always exacting the promise of secrecy, and asks the name of the animal each would like to see. On learning the name, the showman describes the animal as funnily as possib

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NEW TAG.

The tallest player should begin the game. This person turning to the first right hand player should say “Yes”; to the second, “No”; and so on all around, saying yes or no, as the case may be, to yourself last. Whoever is the last person to whom “No” is said, however, is out of the game, and the one who commenced the game, again goes around the ring. If she has said “Yes” to herself last, then the one to her right hand is now told “No,” and thus “Yes,” “No,” is said all around again and again and

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THE GREENGROCER.

Any boy may start the game, by saying, “I am a greengrocer and I sell O.” All of the children must now guess what the grocer would have for sale that would commence with the letter O. He means he has onions for sale. Whoever is the first to guess, whether it is a girl or a boy, now becomes the greengrocer and uses the same words as before, only substituting another letter. Perhaps the greengrocer has cucumbers or carrots for sale; in that case he would sell C. This game is capable of a variety o

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RUBIES AND EMERALDS.

Two players decide as to which one will represent rubies and which emeralds, without telling the others. They then join hands to form an arch. All the rest take hold of each other’s jackets or frocks, and while going through the arch they sing, The second that the last word is sung, those who have formed the arch drop their arms around the neck of the child just passing under. Then they inquire in a whisper which he would rather have, Rubies or Emeralds. When he decides, he must whisper the answ

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WHAT THE DANDELIONS SAID

Is the old game familiar to all from babyhood—that of blowing the soft down of the ripened dandelion to learn, “How old am I?” Blow once, one year old; blow twice, two years, and so on, until all the downy stuff has gone. The number of times the blows have been given before the down has altogether disappeared indicates the age. Or, “What time is it?” This is indicated in the same way. Blow once, and if all the down is gone, it is one o’clock, twice, two o’clock, and so on....

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DAISY CATCH.

All the boys and girls should stand in a group, with the exception of one girl, and to her is given a bunch of daisies. She is known as “Daisy Girl.” A tree is selected as a place of safety and the other girls count ten, allowing ten seconds for the count. During the counting, Daisy Girl runs wherever she pleases, but the moment ten is spoken, the boys and girls may race after her. The idea is to tag her while the flowers are in her hand. If she is tagged the girl must then throw the daisies as

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DIBBS.

This is the English name for Jack-Stones. Where a number of children are playing together, test who can pick up the greater number without dropping any, within ten minutes. The oldest child should keep count, and also watch the time, in order that no mistakes occur. The counter should have each of the players’ names written on a slate or piece of paper, with sufficient room for his scores. When a Dibb or Jack-Stone has been dropped, this party must commence afresh. He, however, may yet win; for

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TOUCH.

This game is for little children, though it may be played by children of all ages. It is at its best as an out-of-door recreation. Chalk off a part of a lawn or use a small grass plot. On this put a number of paper-covered packages. Then blindfold one of the children, and, in the sight of all the others, touch a package. When this is done the blindfold may be removed, and the child told he may have all the packages for his own, until he takes the one touched, then he must stop. Sometimes the pla

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SNAPPING-ROPES.

This is a Scotch game, usually played by girls, but there is no reason why boys should not play also. Two skipping-ropes are required. Two players turn the pair of ropes, holding the ends of both ropes in one hand precisely the same as if they were turning a single rope, and the third player stands between and jumps. Whoever is jumper cannot be lazy, as that party has to jump twice as rapidly as if jumping in a single rope....

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SILHOUETTES.

Place a lighted candle behind a tall screen covered with white linen. The hostess should sit before it and each of the company must in turn pass between the candle and the screen. The game is to guess the person behind the screen by means of their shadow. The guesser should leave the room while the one to be named is selected, and on returning, he should not look to find out who is missing, but honestly guess from the silhouette. Sometimes it adds to the fun to use a disguise, as at a masquerade

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THE SURPRISE.

Learn what you can do with five pieces of paper. The margin of a newspaper may be utilized if no other paper is convenient. These pieces should be one inch long by half an inch wide. The scheme is to shape them into squares, triangles, etc., the one who wins the game is the one who can accomplish the most with his five pieces. He need not use the entire five each time, but he cannot add to the number of papers, nor can he mark them with pen, pencil or any other thing. As a matter of fact the who

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HAPHAZARD READING.

To be played by nine people; should there be more present, draw for the players. And, as but one of the party will read, draw to decide which one. The reader then, having a pencil and paper, writes the parts of speech, as the players in turn whisper to him: No. 1. An Article. No. 2. An Adjective. No. 3. A Noun. No. 4. A Verb. No. 5. An Adverb. No. 6. A Number. No. 7. An Adjective. No. 8. A Noun. These having been written, the sentences must then be read aloud: Example: No. 1 whispers the article

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SING, BIRDIE, SING.

This game provokes laughter from the most solemn individual. The company should be seated in a ring. The one in command enters the ring and makes much ceremony in giving each player the name of a bird; which may be, for example, heron, kingfisher, bluebird, cat-bird, wood-thrush. When each have been named, the commander then whispers something to every person. What he whispers is a motion or sound or both, which he wishes the person to give. When everybody has received their cue, the commander s

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SQUIRREL IN THE MIDDLE.

This is a game for boys, and the player is decided by lot. The easiest way to arrange the lot is to throw as many bits of paper, of similar size and shape, into a hat as there are players. All of these papers are blank excepting one, this has the word “player” written on it. The hat is then passed, and the boy drawing the word “player” immediately sits on the floor, the others stand in a circle around him. Whoever is behind his back, pulls his coat, or gently pulls his hair, taking him unawares.

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TABLESPOONS.

Form a circle, one of the number going into the ring. Present that person with a tablespoon for each hand, and blindfold him. Then state that the others will skip around him three times and then stop. As soon as they stop, they will let go hands and stand perfectly still. The party in the ring now moves towards one of the players and must tell who he is by touching him with the spoons only. If his guess is correct, the person caught now exchanges places with the one in the ring; if he is incorre

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THE EMPEROR’S COURT.

Put a conspicuously handsome chair in the centre of the room, also an ottoman for the feet. On either side of this put as many ordinary chairs as would accommodate the players. One of the company now goes to the piano, and plays a march, all of the others, rise, and, with considerable ceremony, escort the tallest boy in the room to the chair of honor. This boy now becomes an Emperor, and the chair at his disposal, his throne, the rest of the players his court. Immediately the Emperor is seated,

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THREE LITTLE PIGS.

This game is played after the same manner as is Silhouettes, only those taking part should be in costume, representing the words they illustrate. It makes capital sport, and nobody can fail to enjoy it, whether taking part or not. The game is easily understood, and is best described by an example. One of the company should distinctly say, When this is said, three pigs should appear as if going to market, passing between a candle and a white covered screen, they should grotesquely walk, so adding

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THE FUNNY PRIMA DONNAS.

Three girls should wear ridiculous costumes, making themselves as grotesque as possible. Each one being a prima donna, should try to outdo the other in appearance as also in voice. The hair should be fashioned after the same arrangement as that of a celebrated vocalist, the hands and arms should be covered with evening gloves. The material of the frock need not be costly, but it should be smart and showy; the frock should be made with a train. Each should carry a conspicuous fan, or immense bouq

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DO YOU HEAR?

This game needs two persons. Stand at a distance from your confederate who will ask, “Molly, do you hear?” and who will keep up asking the question until some one speaks. Then Molly says she hears and leaves the room. No sooner out, than her confederate will explain to the company, “I shall hand some one in this room a button, and I shall then ask Molly to tell me who has it.” Having thus explained, he hands the button to the individual who spoke just before Molly left the room. Then the confede

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LAUGHABLE DINNER.

Each girl in succession leads a boy to a position to dance a reel. First girl then says to first boy, “This is my flower to decorate the table,” and she gives him a flower which he puts in his buttonhole. Second girl to second boy, “This is my flower to decorate the table,” and she gives him a different flower, which he puts in his buttonhole. Third girl to third boy, “You tread clams for dinner,” and the boy must make the motion of treading clams. Fourth girl to fourth boy, “You catch trout for

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JOLLY PLAY.

Arrange chairs in couples back to back, placing them in different parts of the room, and have one too few for your company. All the players stand, one behind the other, the one in charge at the head of the line. He leads the party whichever way he pleases. As they march, the leader sings to the tune of, “There were Three Crows sat on a Tree,” He may march about and sing this verse as often as he wishes, but while singing, “I will, I will,” he must some time fling himself into a chair. As soon as

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THE DWARF.

A boy should put his hands into small stockings and shoes. Then put on a wig of different color from his own hair. He must fasten on a moustache, and put some black sticking plaster over one or two of his front teeth. His coat should be of a different shape and his necktie should be of a different style from that which he usually wears. Indeed, he must be thoroughly disguised. Back of him, another boy must stand, and pass his arm around the first boy’s shoulder. Curtains must be drawn so that no

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CROWN GAME.

A girl enters the ring; all the others take firm hold of the rope. No sooner is she in than they skip about her, keeping the rope in motion. As they skip they sing, to the tune of “Auld Lang-syne,” When this is sung, the children stop skipping just where they are. And at once one of the boys puts his head under the rope, and, standing by the queen, replies, “I will.” Then raising a crown of wild flowers, he puts it on her head. No sooner is she crowned than she blindfolds the boy, and another gi

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GUESS.

A Rope Game. Put a rope on the ground in the form of a circle; in the centre put a stone about the size of a duck’s egg. The players stand backwards around the rope, with their heels touching it. Each one in turn throws a grace-hoop over his right shoulder, with the hope it will encircle the stone. As soon as the hoop is thrown all may turn and see the position. If the hoop encircles the stone the player may try again and again, until he fails, counting one for each time. Then the party to his r

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THE CIRCLE.

On the floor or ground mark a circle, the diameter of which is two feet. The easiest way would be to use a hoople of the correct size, and chalk it all around close to the wood. Be careful not to move the hoople while marking. Therefore, one person would better hold the hoople, while another uses the chalk. Eight players are required, two and two standing together, taking the same positions as if they were to dance a quadrille. The circle must be in the centre of the space around which they stan

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TWO SKIPPING-ROPE GAMES.

Take a skipping-rope whenever you go for a country frolic. One treat will be given through clover blossoms. Each player should gather enough of these sweet-scented flowers to make three fair-sized bouquets, when these are made, put them in a convenient and cool place. Take turns turning the rope; as soon as one girl is through skipping, she should exchange with one that has been turning. In that way nobody is tired. Enter the rope according to height, the shortest player should go first. As soon

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RUNNING FOR THE CAP.

The boys must be equally divided; one set is called catchers, the other runners, and these sets must stand fifty yards apart. The catcher’s position is thirty yards from the post, and the runners’ twenty. The call, one, two, three, is given, and on the second three is spoken one boy from each party runs to the post. The runner will naturally get there first, and he has to put the cap on his head, and then replace it. He must do this with the utmost rapidity, as, should the catcher overtake him o

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FIRE-ARCH DISCOUNT GAME.

A strip of wood two inches thick, five inches wide, and one yard long will be required. In this cut five arches, making the centre one four inches in width, the others three inches each; stand it up on the floor or on a table, and make the starting-point six feet away. Four marbles may be rolled by each player. When a marble goes through the centre arch it counts sixty, but if, instead, it goes through either of the small arches, thirty is counted off. If a marble fails to pass through either, i

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THE BAGATELLE BOARD COUNT GAME.

Chalk a floor or mark a space in exact copy of a bagatelle-board ten feet long by three wide. In the inclosure, at correct distances, mark the numbers; this may be done with chalk, or the numbers may be painted on thin wooden blocks and laid in position. Each player must start his marble at the extreme left-hand corner, and state before starting the number he wishes to roll to. Should the marble go to that number, and not roll on so as to touch another, the player counts the number selected, and

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FUNNY QUESTIONS WITH FUNNY ANSWERS.

All the players stand in a circle and join hands. The tallest one in the room whispers a question to her right-hand neighbor, who answers her in a whisper, and then turns and asks her right-hand neighbor a question, who replies in like manner. When questions and answers have all gone around, the party who commenced states aloud the question her left -hand neighbor asked, and the reply her right -hand neighbor gave. Example: Suppose three players. First questions. Second answers, then turns and a

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JUDGE AND JURY.

Draw lots for a Judge and five Jurymen. Pass six numbered paper slips in a fancy bag. Whoever draws number one is Judge, and the others the Jury. All the other players take the name of a celebrated musician or composer, as Beethoven, De Pachmann, or Schubert, etc. The Judge now takes a seat at one end of the room. The Jurymen sit at one side in a row, and the rest of the people sit at a distance. The Judge calls one of the other players up to the bar and proceeds to question him or her. The pris

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THE CARD INTRODUCTION.

When young people are not very well acquainted, play this game, and by the time that it is finished every one will think he must have known everybody else for the last seven years. Place chairs so as to form a ring, and ask your friends to be seated. Then have a pack of say, authors’ cards in your hand, state that every one must say what you say, and give what you give to his left-hand neighbor. Then lifting up the top card in the pack, you say to your guest at your left, “Here’s my card, Longfe

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HARMONY SOLOISTS.

One of the young men must represent the Lord of Misrule, and in fantastic attire he goes from one to the other of the guests and asks each to draw one slip of paper from the basket which he carries. On each slip are written four lines of any popular or well-known song. Each slip contains a different song. As soon as the papers are drawn five of the people stand up in a line, and with the Lord of Misrule as director they each sing separately their particular four lines to the correct tune. When e

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JIG-I-TY JIG.

Chairs are placed to form a circle, and all the players excepting two occupy the chairs. One of the two players must play a polka or waltz. The other one stands outside of the circle. The one standing outside dances as soon as the music starts, and continues dancing as long as she pleases, but all of a sudden she stops a second before a chair, and then dances up to the chair. Whoever occupies it instantly rises and dances back to her, and after a while the first dancer waves a backward movement

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CIRCLE GAME.

Make a target of brown wrapping-paper, and put the number 100 on the bull’s eye. Outside of this mark five rings, making the largest one two feet in diameter, the others proportionately smaller. Inside of these rings put the numbers 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, the centre as stated being 100. Mark out a space on the ground for a base five feet away; place the target on the ground, blindfold a player, lead him to the base, and turn him around twice, and leave him facing the target. He is now entitled to r

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THE HUNT FOR THE KEYHOLE.

A tall boy should put on the skirt of a lady’s dress. This skirt should just escape the floor. In his hands he should carry a broom, with the broom end held directly above him, and the broom handle held close in front of him. A ball to simulate a person’s head should be secured by strong twine to the broom. This ball should have a false face securely fastened to the front of it, while, as a cover for the rest of the ball there should be a lady’s bonnet. This bonnet cannot be too grotesquely trim

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ACTING PROVERBS

This is played by one of the party leaving the room, and on his return acting in such a manner as to indicate to the others a well-known proverb. Example, “A rolling stone gathers no moss,” may be indicated by the one having left the room returning with a round stone in his hand and rolling it on the floor....

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GOSSIP.

This title suggests an amusing tableau vivant for an evening at home. Two girls should withdraw and put over their pretty dresses queer-looking old shawls, and cover their curls with odd-looking bonnets tied under the chin. They should sit very close together, and with cups of tea in their hands gaze intently at each other, busily stirring the while. They must nod their heads as though one were telling a bit of scandal. Suddenly one exclaims in a high-pitched voice, “You don’t say so!” whereupon

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THE FLORIST.

Whoever assumes this character should explain that he has flowers for sale, and that he will try and sell all that he has by putting questions to the persons whom he thinks will buy, and that whoever in answering his questions uses the words flowers , yes , or no would have to pay a forfeit, and that he will try all that he can to get them to use one of the prohibited words. Then the Florist should turn to one of the players and ask, “Can I sell you any fresh flowers to-day?” “I am fully supplie

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MY LADY’S RECEPTION APPAREL.

One of the players should act the part of lady’s maid. Each of the players should take the name of something which a lady would wear to a reception, as an article of clothing or jewelry. Or a player may take the name of an article a lady would use in getting ready for a reception, as a comb and brush. The lady’s maid should stand at one end of the room, and looking towards the players announce, “My lady is going to a reception to-night, and wishes a handkerchief,” or whatever article she may cho

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THIMBLE GAME.

In order to be enjoyable this game requires several players, and it is better that they should be both boys and girls, as it then has the added element of a match between the boys and girls. Put a silver or gold thimble in full view, in any convenient room, into which your friends have not yet entered. It makes the game more difficult if this room is well filled with bric-à-brac , hangings, pictures, plants, etc., for the reason that the eye is confused with so much ornament and therefore cannot

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THE TOUCH GAME.

This requires an assistant to whom the secret of the game is intrusted. The assistant leaves the room, the other party remains with the company, and states that during the assistant’s absence she will put her hand on some object, person, or thing, and when the assistant returns he will tell what has been touched. The assistant now being out, the piano stool is touched. On the assistant’s return he is asked, “What did I touch?” at once he replies, “The piano stool.” Of course this causes great su

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THE CONCERT.

Select a conductor. All others sit before him in a semicircle, and each is given an imaginary musical instrument. The conductor next directs them to tune their instruments, after which, taking a cane he waves it, as if it were a baton. He also whistles or hums a gay, familiar air. In this all join, imitating by voice and gesture the instruments they are supposed to be playing on, such as the flute, the harp, the hand-organ, the cymbals, violin, cornet, etc. Suddenly he waves his baton and the mu

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A CURIOUS CAT.

This is a trick to be played only where the people know each other very well. A tall screen is required, a cat, a saucer of milk, a table and a showman. The showman is the most important, for on his ready wit and tactful manner the success of the trick depends. He stands by the screen and says to the audience, One by one, the guests may go, and each must observe a discreet silence, so that the rest may not guess what the trick is. As each goes behind the screen, a table is seen on which is a cat

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A BOAT RACE.

Girls who do not care to row should act as umpires. A grand stand may be a massive rock ornamented with a tangle of vines and for a canopy a wide-branched tree. There should be three races, one between the girls, another between the boys, and a third between the girls and boys together. Two large willows or other trees, conspicuously overhanging the water, and therefore impossible to mistake, should be selected as the points to start and end the race, the prow of the boat should be even with the

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THREE LITTLE MAIDS FROM SCHOOL.

Three tall boys should dress as prima donnas, carry bouquets, and sing the popular song, “Three Little Maids from School are we.” After this they should appear as giants and perform a variety of tricks. For example: Hold an umbrella over their heads, which is covered with a long cloak. To the top of the umbrella-stick fasten a ball the size of a person’s head, on to this ball put a round hat, and a veil so as to conceal the face. Thus the boys will be of gigantic size, and their very appearance

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THE WAR OF THE ROSES.

This is a pretty, interesting and instructive game, as those engaged in it and not familiar with the period of history to which it refers may be led to study it, and the knowledge received through playing may thus prove beneficial. It is particularly suited to out-of-door amusement, though it may be played indoors by making a field of battle. This could be done by putting a rug in the centre of a room, and stating, that rug represents the battlefield of Saint Albans, or the battle-field of Towto

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UNBAR.

Every player excepting the boy known as Bear, must twist and knot his handkerchief. The Bear selects a tree as a starting point, and states his object will be to tag the others. Whoever is tagged becomes a Bear, and must return to the tree, pursued and beaten all the way back with the knotted handkerchiefs. The two Bears then join hands, and, starting out, try to tag every one that is possible, and this action is repeated until all the players are Bears. Whenever the chain of Bears is broken, as

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BIRD TEST.

Give each player a slip of paper on which he must write the birds’ names. Also the number of times the word bird and birds’ names occur. The correct number to find is seventy-six. Time allowed is six minutes. The slip should be headed Bird Test. One day while walking along a grassy lane conspicuously edged with blackberry bushes, my attention was riveted by the song of a bird, a sort of up and down warble, and in the branches of a maple tree near, I saw a red-eyed viero, and not far off, quietly

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“IT.”

Many of the games with which we are familiar in the United States are well known throughout Great Britain and on the Continent. But among the most amusing and most popular of English games is one of which we know little or nothing. It is dignified by the two-lettered name, “It.” This is altogether suitable for the parlor, and may be played by everybody if we will except the very young people. It creates roars of laughter, on account of the funny mistakes made by the questioners. “It” is a great

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THE CENT HUNT.

Say that a cent is wrapped in tissue-paper and is within sight. The discoverer quietly tells you, and if he is correct, reward him. Afterwards give a cent, pencil and paper to everybody, and state five minutes are allowed to write what each side of the cent will tell. This game is called, A Penny for your Thoughts. “Find on one side: A beverage—T. A messenger—one c(s)ent. A piece of armor—shield. A symbol of victory—wreath. A weapon—arrow. A mode of punishment—stripes. A gallant—bow. A sheet of

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A FAGOT PARTY.

This is a very entertaining amusement and suitable for all ages. As the word fagot means a bundle of twigs, it suggests an open fire. Therefore home and hearth are indispensable environment. There should be just as many twigs as there are girls and boys. The idea being that each should draw a twig from the bundle as his name is called. And they are called by the hostess according to the letters of the alphabet. Whosever name therefore commences with A, should draw the first twig. Having drawn th

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THE HUNTER.

This very lively game is played by both boys and girls, and the more, of course, the merrier. The hunter must be a boy, and to decide which boy, it is best to count out. Use for counting the old rhyme, Whoever is fortunate enough to have the word “whack” counted to him is out, and then the rhyme must be repeated over and over, and finally the hunter is left. It now becomes his duty to name the rest of the company as his equipments as sportsman, and also as his game; for example, pointer, setter—

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FIVE.

Select a boy and hand him a knotted handkerchief. He must throw the handkerchief at a player, and before he can count aloud five the person to whom it is thrown must mention a round thing, such as an apple, a globe. If that person fails, he must change places with the one who has caught him, and throw the handkerchief at another. As no repetitions are allowed it will soon be difficult to find an object that is round....

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BREAKFAST.

Every player is seated. Turn to the person at your right and ask, “Will you come to breakfast?” To which the answer is “Yes.” When that question and answer have gone around the room, the first one must ask, “What would you like for breakfast?” Perhaps the reply would be, “Milk;” and he then puts the question to his right-hand neighbor, who perhaps would say “Oatmeal,” and so on, until no sensible answer can be made, for no repetitions can occur in this game also. As the different players fail to

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ALPHABET.

Give any letter of the alphabet—for example, S—to the company, also some paper and pencils. In five minutes’ time they should write the names of three celebrated men, and also three sensible sentences, one for each man’s name, as, Shakespeare was born in Stratford on the Avon. Forfeits are required for failures....

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NINETY-NINE.

Cut an equi-triangle out of soft wood or cardboard. It should measure one foot each way, and be one-quarter of an inch or less in thickness. Besides the triangle you will require white celluloid chips, or the game may be played with large-sized white bone buttons. Lay the triangle on a smooth-surfaced table, play in turn, and each player should start at the place. All players must be close enough to the table to watch the game. The point of the game is to make a count of ninety-nine. Whoever fir

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THE DAILY PAPER.

This game is suitable for either girls or boys, and furnishes amusement at almost any age. The interest will be increased or diminished, according to individual carefulness, for no one need be caught if they give close attention. Therefore, to be often caught indicates lack of interest, which is not complimentary to your leader, or stupidity, which is not complimentary to yourself. Every player assumes the character of a business man or woman, or they may have a profession. They may be manufactu

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THE NEW DIXEY’S LAND.

This is an out-of-door game, and may be played on the ground or on the grass, marking the court or lawn with the same material as if arranging a court for tennis. Form a circle with a diameter of twelve feet, divide the circle into quarters, each quarter representing a section of our country, east, west, north, south, and should be so marked. One letter would represent each word,—E, for east, W, for west, and so on. The oldest boy now becomes the owner of the entire territory, and is named Dixey

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BATTLE OF FLOWERS.

Why should not boys and girls take the lead in the popular fête? All who own pony carts, phaetons, wagons of any sort, or who can borrow them, may enter the parade and battle, and why not interest your Sunday or day school in such an entertainment and secure a large float? The designs for floats are innumerable; among them might be mentioned Flora and the seasons, America, pagodas, chariots, Daughters of the American Revolution, the Floral Queen. The teachers should have the matter in charge, an

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GRACE HOOPS.

This game is usually played out of doors, but it may be played in large rooms or conservatories, provided you put out of accident’s way all the bric-à-brac , potted plants, and palms. Try the game also in an enclosed veranda or sun-parlor, should the time appointed prove stormy, or the grass be soggy from last night’s storm, or there be too high a wind. Grace hoops require a pole, not as tall as a maypole, but one smooth at the top. The one we lately saw had been a noticeable balsam tree, until

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AN AMATEUR CIRCUS.

When so many young people are trained in athletic sports, calisthenics, delsarte exercises, etc., why not form an amateur circus company? Limit the number to twenty four, the girls and boys being equal or unequal in number, as seems best. Such a company might easily arrange an attractive entertainment, and invite their friends to an occasional matinée performance, or, should they feel inclined, they could give a performance as a charity benefit. Musicians, tricksters, clowns, animals and a ring

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THE STILL HUNT.

Possibly some of the boys’ fathers have been still hunting, and if so they fully understand that it means deer hunting without hounds. The game still hunt differs from the real hunt in many ways, but possibly the most important one is in the fact that the deer in this case is only the form of a deer. It is better to play it out of doors, but if you have a large enough room it may be played anywhere. Whoever can draw best should be the individual to outline the deer, and it must be drawn on the g

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LAWN GOLF.

This is played somewhat like croquet, only twenty-five wickets are used, instead of nine, and they are placed one after another, all around the ground. Beyond each wicket is a small hole, large enough for the ball to enter, and the game is to send the ball through the wicket and into the hole at one shot. When a player fails to do this, he may be allowed three shots to an inning. Before commencing the game, state the time it will be played. Decide who is to lead by shooting an arrow from a selec

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ALPHABETICAL GEOGRAPHY.

Give every one in the room a number. And when you call for a number announce a letter of the alphabet. The person called must, before you count six, apply the letter to the name of a place and to two things he might see there. For example: No. 1. Y. I am going to York to see Youngsters and Yachts. No. 2. B. I am going to Baltimore to see Belles and Beaux....

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COMPOSITION.

Arrange for it beforehand, and therefore have the requisite slips of paper, and nicely sharpened lead pencils ready for all, but if you are not ready there is a certain satisfaction in knowing that part of the amusement may be in the preparation. In the latter case, have a competition as to who will make the sharpest points on the pencils, or cut the papers the most accurately; when all is prepared, however, give slips of paper and lead pencils to your friends, and ask them to write the words yo

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INITIAL PLATTER TWIRLING.

This is very amusing, but the players must be on the alert or they will surely be caught. Before the game commences, every player must tell the initials of his and her name, and to aid memory, slips of paper may be given, on which each one may write his initials. When the sentence is called by the person twirling the platter, all the company must eagerly listen, or else the platter will fall to the floor before the one who should have run for it, recognizes he is the one called. If the platter i

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OVER, OVER, WHOSE HEAD IS IT OVER?

This is a clever trick, and it requires two persons. The idea is for the confederate out of the room to correctly name the individual over whose head the other person is holding a wand. A person takes a cane, which he carelessly points toward some one; while so doing he is cleverly explaining what he is about to do, asking people to move, in order to further mystify, etc. The confederate notes where the cane is pointing, then goes from the room, and the one holding the wand puts it over several

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TEAKETTLE.

This may be played by a number of people. A noun which has two or more meanings is selected. One may be thought of by any of the players, and in describing the same he should use the word “teakettle” instead of the proper name. All meanings of the word must be explained, but not too clearly at the first, else the “teakettle” will be at once guessed. When any of the listeners think they have discovered the word, instead of naming it, he should ask a question regarding the “teakettle” which would

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AUTHORS.

This is a popular game for students young or old. Some one who understands should have charge. Give each person the same sized piece of writing paper and a lead pencil. On the piece of paper he must write a familiar quotation, and then pass it to his left-hand neighbor. The one who receives it must add the author’s name, and also his own. If he does not know the author, he must write underneath the quotation the word “Unknown,” and his own name. Five minutes are allowed in which to write a quota

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AUTHORS.

No. 2. The hostess should form a ring with herself in the centre, and to make it more comfortable all should have chairs. Number each person, naming yourself last. Number one repeats a quotation, Number two tells the author, Number three gives another quotation, and Number four gives the author, and so on. The person in charge, who is the one in the centre of the ring, keeps the game under proper control and time. No longer than ten seconds should be allowed for each person to respond. Every wro

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GHOST.

This is a spelling game. A person gives a letter, not necessarily having any particular word in mind, his next neighbor must think of a word beginning with this letter, and then say the second letter, the third person must think of a word using the two letters previously given, and add the third and so on, to the end of the word. A person is not a ghost until he is four times caught. The penalties are to be challenged rightfully, to challenge wrongfully, or to complete a word. The challenging co

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CELEBRATED AUTHORS.

One member of the company should leave the room, while those who remain determine what celebrated author he is to represent. On his return, he must in all respects be treated as that author would be were he the guest of the evening. He must be entertained by conversation and questions which would be of interest. Neither the conversation nor the questions may be misleading, but on the contrary helpful to the discovery of himself. He may be Shakespeare or Kirk Monroe, or if a girl she may be Lucy

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THE ARSENAL.

The players must be seated in a circle, with the understanding that whoever smiles must pay a forfeit. No. 1 turns to his neighbor on the left and sings, while nodding his head, The person addressed replies in the same tune, nodding, Then both sing and nod, No. 2 then turns to No 3, nodding and singing the same question, who replies in the same way, only singing, And so complete the circle, the chorus being added to by one or more each time....

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MAGICAL READING.

Ask your audience to be seated, while you talk for a few minutes on the wonders of occult science. Having mystified them as much as possible, you arouse their curiosity by announcing that you are now prepared to state whatever they may choose to draw or write, provided the sentence is a short one, by pressing the words or picture against your forehead, instead of reading with the eye. You then distribute lead pencils, and equal sized slips of paper to all who wish to try, and take your seat at a

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LAUGHABLE RHYMES.

This game may amuse any number, if those playing will each pleasantly do their part. The company should be seated in a circle and the one in charge repeats from memory, reads from a book, or makes up a line of poetry. The individual to whom he addresses it, must add a line of the same rhyme and sense. When the director has given his line, he runs three times around the outside of the circle, or he may spin a large tin platter. The second line of poetry must be added before he completes his third

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MAKING A DICTIONARY.

This game is more suitable for scholars; those who have made a study of biography and definition. It is readily divided in two parts, and each part may be played separately, but it is more satisfactory to unite them. The first part is to guess who is personated, and the second is to write definitions. If everybody understands or is studying French it would be a change to personate a Frenchman, and, in like manner, if every player understands or is studying German, personate a German, perhaps som

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DESERT ISLAND.

Make believe that you have heard of people living on a desert island, on which there is absolutely nothing for their comfort or enjoyment. Distribute an equal number of pieces of wood, and ask your guests to cut out utensils for cooking, furniture, etc. Or give papers, and let each in the game draw articles, or take the papers and fold to shape articles. A limit of time must be named, and in the end, whoever has made or drawn or folded the greatest number of recognizable articles has won the gam

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THE BUTTERFLY TEST.

Cut white writing paper in uniform size—eight in width by ten in length. Have as many pieces of paper as the number of painters, also several extra ones, as undoubtedly the butterfly makers would want to try again and yet again. One palette would suffice for a large company, for every one likes to watch the development of his neighbor’s work, almost as much as he does his own. But, of course, more palettes may be used if desired. Oil paints of divers colors must be placed on the palette, having

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A SKATING PARTY.

All taking part should be in costume. The costumes may relate to a special anniversary, such as Lincoln’s or Washington’s Birthday, or a St. Valentine revel. They may also be simply fantastic or pretty, or they may recall the old Knickerbocker days. The fête would have to be under the direction of patronesses. To their decision is left the programme, time, place, etc. Suppose for example, it is Washington’s Birthday night, some one of the number should represent General Washington. Other charact

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PROGRAMME.

Cornet solo, followed by bugle call. Enter General Washington on skates, followed by two valets. Fifteen minutes of general skating in costume. A sleigh race between the most prominent generals, and their wives. A musical match between the clowns and dumpies. Then all skate, the onlookers and those taking part, General Washington leading....

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LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY AMUSEMENTS.

Give a sleighing party. Start immediately after a mid-day dinner and get home before the sun sets. Every one should attach a knot of tri-colored ribbon to his coat or jacket. The horses, sleighs and whips must be decked with flags and streamers. When on the road sing songs of freedom. “John Brown’s body lies mouldering in the grave.” “In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,” etc. Have a snowball game. Choose sides and decide who can pitch the farthest. Balance a snowball on t

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ST. VALENTINE GAMES.

This should be given early in the evening, as it removes shyness and establishes good fellowship. Hide as many small valentines as there are children, and give five minutes to hunt for them. Those finding more than one should put the extra ones on a table, and the children not finding any are then blindfolded and allowed to draw one each. Present a large rose and let each child guess how many petals it contains. When all have guessed, pick the petals off, counting them as they fall. The nearest

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WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY ENTERTAINMENT.

If the hostess is a girl, she should be costumed as Lady Washington; if she has a brother, his dress should be a faithful copy of General Washington’s. The mother of the young people may take the character of Mary Washington, mother of George. Ask your friends to wear an appropriate costume excepting that of the Washington household; that family excluded, they are fancy free. Decorate the house with flags and bunting; also give an eagle prominent position. For evergreens use holly, and whatever

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APRIL FOOL GAMES AND TRICKS.

It is always a question whether these games should or should not be played. Therefore I offer them with this preface as also a few words of advice. Be good natured and do not take offence over other people’s amusement at your expense. Never play a practical joke. Example, Mr. M—— died last night. Mr. M—— was an intimate friend of a party present, and as the word pronounced dyed is capable of two different meanings, one of the guests interpreted it in its saddest sense, and immediately fainted. W

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EASTER FROLICS.

The time for Easter amusement is during the week which follows Easter Day, and it would be a pretty idea at such a season to give a short tableau entertainment in connection with music and games, the tableaux indicating the superstitions of various countries. When the tableau is shown, announce what it is intended to represent; for example, in Russia the Easter festival might almost be termed the “kissing festival,” for beginning with the Emperor, who on Easter Day kisses various generals and ev

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MAY-DAY FESTIVITY.

A May-Queen party is conducted in a variety of ways. Very simply you may say: “I am arranging for a Maying party; will you come? I shall be so glad to have you.” And without further form than the above invitation, only mentioning the time, place of meeting, luncheon, etc., everything for a day’s outdoor frolic is adjusted. But the correct fashion is vastly different. The invitation is of the same character as that given for any other party. The paper on which the invitation is engraved should be

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FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION.

Every boy, to properly celebrate Independence Day, should be well stocked with torpedoes, large and small, fire-crackers, cannon, and gunpowder. He should know that the starry flag flutters from his home, and that the red, white, and blue is a part of his attire. Early in the day a battalion of patriotic boys should march and countermarch up and down the principal streets, while all the while martial music is heard, and the shrill bugle call answers the exultant drum beat. A banner should lead s

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HALLOWE’EN GAMES AND TRICKS.

The shell must be prepared before the performance. Remove the kernel by boring a hole, or opening the nut at one end. Take out the contents by the aid of a lady’s hat-pin, and instead of the kernel, slip in a short piece of scarlet-colored baby-width ribbon. Then putty or wax the opening over, and color the putty or wax with a dye, crayon, or paint, the exact shade of the nut. The nut being thus prepared, you may now lay it on the table before your friends, and present a bunch of many-colored ri

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CHRISTMAS JOLLITY.

Young people should costume themselves in grotesque apparel. They may be Twelfth Night characters, Viola, Olivia, Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Sir Toby, Sebastian, sea-captains, lords, priests, officers, musicians, etc., or assume any disguise indicative of Christmas. Early in the evening, several of the company should disappear, but with great hilarity return, drawing in the Yule log. This is nothing more or less than a rugged log. Knotted at each end with long strong ropes, by which it is pulled. As

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BIRTHDAY IDEAS.

A pleasant number is twenty. Ten girls and ten boys. Be driven to the destination in large market or hay wagons made festive with flags. Each girl should bring luncheon enough for herself and one of the boys. And the boys should be responsible for the outfit for games, such as ropes, archery, grace hoops, tennis net, balls and racquets. If you are not going to a regular picnic ground, you will require tables. Therefore borrow five cutting tables from your mothers and these can be folded and put

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BIRTHDAY TABLEAUX.

Group the children so that they look pretty. They could wear green clothes to represent stalk and leaves, and have large, colored-paper petals fastened to their waists, and with wire shaped and bent upward they would look like veritable tulips. Then a few others could, in a previous tableau, show the act of planting tulip bulbs and watering some growing tulips. Eight girls and boys should be dressed in Knickerbocker attire, and stand as if ready for the first figure of the Cotillon. This tableau

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METHODS OF CHOOSING PARTNERS.

Pass baskets of flowers to the ladies. Enough bunches have been prepared and laid in the baskets for each one of the ladies. On a tray are bunches of leaves and vines; pass these to the men. The leaves will match the flowers, as a bunch of pansies will have a corresponding bunch of pansy leaves, a bunch of lilies of the valley its bunch of lily leaves, etc., etc. Where roses are used, a bud matching the rose may be put with the leaves, or better, the ribbon tying a bunch of rose leaves, might ma

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DECAPITATIONS.

1. Behead a stream of water, and leave a bird like a crow, behead a carpenter’s tool and leave a passage, behead a section of a carriage and leave the hind part of a section of the body, behead an edible fish and leave a multitude. 2. Behead a supplication and leave light, behead a short time and leave a hide, behead a covering and leave relations, behead a relative and leave something different. 3. Behead a wading bird and leave a wooer, behead to charge and leave one that is unsound, behead a

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ANSWERS TO CHARADES, ANAGRAMS, ETC.

The exacting of forfeits for tardiness or failure in the playing of games will usually lead to as much amusement as the games themselves. Those who subject themselves to forfeiture may give a trivial article just as satisfactorily as an expensive one, or they may simply write their names on a slip of paper, and hand that to the person in charge. Each player is bound to redeem his name. At the conclusion of the game the host, or any individual he may appoint (provided that person has no forfeits)

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IN THE ADIRONDACKS.

It was the last week of July, and the guests of a certain hotel, located amidst the pine and balsam of the famed Adirondack wilderness, were thrown into a flutter of excitement. It had been steadily raining for three days and nights, and now that the fourth day was nearing its close a golden light appeared in the west. The mirror-like surface of the lake before the hotel rapidly revealed the many shades of crimson red and deep gold, while fleecy clouds of pink and white merged into deeper tints.

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II.

Breakfast was more than half over, some mornings later, when in came Bob and Irving Bolton. A chorus of “Fie, fie,” greeted them, and Elsie Sterling shook her fingers threateningly as Bob explained, “Pen, don’t be hard on a fellow. Irving and I talked too late, I suppose, last night. At any rate I know I should never have turned up this morning only that he yelled across to me that lunch was most ready. And then he loitered to help me share the blame of our lateness. Hey, old fellow?” and he loo

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HOURS WITH THE POETS.

“Felicia Hemans was an American, born ‘down East’ somewhere; I think in the same section Nora Perry hails from,” was the startling announcement uttered in my hearing, by a “sweet girl graduate” of so short time ago as June, 1892. “Pardon contradiction,” I called from my end of the library, “but Felicia Hemans was an Englishwoman, and her birthplace was Liverpool.” The surprise the above incident created caused my own thought to revert to the honored and beloved poets who have so lately left us,

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“THANK YOU!”

“I sent her a basket of fruit for Christmas. The basket was of the finest Chinese straw, and decorated with handsome pale green satin ribbon; and the fruit, Bartlett pears, mandarins, and white grapes; but she has not acknowledged it by either verbal or written thanks.” “Perhaps she never received it,” was the reply. “I know that she did, for my daughter called one day and recognized the basket, which stood on the table in the hall through which she passed.” “Well, but you know she is a very bus

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A STORY WITHIN A STORY

that four young people were vivaciously talking on the front piazza at Aunt Mary’s. Aunt Mary was everybody’s friend, but particularly beloved by the nephews and nieces, of whom this story tells. And her home, “just the jolliest kind of a place to visit,” Jo said, as he described beforehand the expected good times his sister Madeline with their cousins, Madge and Ernest, were to have in the week’s vacation given them for recuperation after the half-yearly examination. Aunt Mary’s house was in Ne

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ORRIN THE BOOTBLACK.

“Shine, shine, shine!” the cry was as earnest as it was pitiful. I rose from my seat in the cabin of the Fulton Ferry boat, for I was crossing from Brooklyn to New York at the time, and found the boy; one glance into his honest blue eyes did the rest. I at once gave him my boots to blacken, regardless of the opinion of my man Dennis, that he had put on them an extra polish that morning, and, while the almost baby hand continued to shine them into as dazzling a glare as blackened boots could reac

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BREAKFAST-TABLE DECORATION.

“Mabel!” “Well, mamma!” “Come to breakfast, dearie.” The call was given through the wide lattice which opened on the garden. And at once the little girl obeyed the summons. And what a charming picture was given when the child presented herself in the half-open doorway, with her big blue eyes, the blue of the sky overhead, cheeks that rivalled the peach blossom’s rich redness, and lips wide parted, with the merry laugh that rippled over and over the upturned face; for at that moment she was bubbl

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HOW THEY PLANTED THE NASTURTIUMS.

Such a clamor of voices reached grandma’s ears that her first thought was that the children must have the garden, at the very least, half filled with their schoolmates. But when the old lady rose from her big armchair to take a sharp look around from the window, she was amazed to learn that all the confusion was made by her two happy, healthy grandchildren Margaret and Marshall, and they were as busy as could be, planting and fussing over nasturtium plants. “See us, grandma,” were the pleasant i

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A GARDEN PARTY.

Dinners, receptions, and concerts have been attended through the winter until everybody is tired of the old routine; but entertainment which is associated with trees, flowers, gorgeous sunsets, out-of-door life, touches the heart and makes of every such occasion a real joy. How shall we give a fête champêtre? A lawn is a necessity, and should the trees not prove sufficiently exclusive, surround the grounds with canvas. The canvas may be concealed with boughs of green, running vines, flags, banne

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THE KING’S CHILDREN.

“Pearly! Pearly!” It was a woman’s shrill voice that fiercely shrieked the name out into the morning air. We were homeward bound from the Old Red Spring in Saratoga, when we were arrested by her screams. The sun shone brightly, the robins and other song birds were trilling out their sweetest melodies, the air was heavily scented with white clover blossoms and sweetbrier. It was a rarely beautiful July morning. All the world to us was melody, save the jar made by this thin, haggard, unkempt woman

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FOR THE BOYS.

Why should not the boys be as busy and helpful as the girls? Why should not the boys form their “Try Bands,” “Working Circles” and “King’s Sons’ Societies?” There is no reason. Will not, therefore, the willing, manly boys who read this enlist their friends to help at least one of their heathen brothers to a Christian education? It is work that will give abundant reward. American boys know how much care is taken for their education. Not only are their teachers, but their mothers, fathers, brother

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“I WISH I WERE A GENERAL.”

“Have you ever heard that, Jo?” “ Heard it, what kind of a bringing up has a fellow had, do you think? You know well enough that ever since I was in knickerbockers, that immortal rhyme has been drilled into me. I’m sick and tired of sermonizing, and all I have to say is, if you don’t wish for something grand, something beyond you, you never will amount to anything.” “That is true, Jo, but wishing without action will not accomplish much. I’ve heard you make at least twenty wishes this morning. On

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A HEBREW CHRISTIAN.

Sydney Arnheim was a Jew. I say was, because he has thrown off the yoke of the Jewish faith, and this little story will tell you how it all came about. Sydney is an only child; his parents are rich; his father, a famous Wall Street broker, is a power among his kind; his mother also belongs to a wealthy Hebrew family, and her refined taste and education show clearly in her surroundings. Anything that appeals to her exquisite judgment is purchased, so that Sydney’s home shows everywhere the touch

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THE BABY’S LESSON.

It was blossom-time, and in the quiet of the early May morning the church bells rung out their loving call. “Come, come, come!” they seemed to say, and, accepting the invitation, we shortly found ourselves sitting, with other strangers, in the Episcopal church of a favorite resort. It was during the Scripture lesson that a little maiden of about four years of age quietly walked up the long aisle, looking to right and left, scanning the faces in every pew, until she had reached the chancel. The c

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PARLOR FORTUNE-TELLING.

Nothing so much lends enchantment to the hours or wings them to merry flight as fortune-telling. And particularly fascinating is the art of foretelling the future through the medium of palm-reading. When a bright girl who has the faculty of revealing character and prophesying the future by inspecting the hand is in a drawing-room, the hostess need not fear for the pleasure of her guests, for the fair magician will take care of beaux and belles alike, leading them on to happy marriages and boundl

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CHURCH COURTESY.

It was only a smile as the Hymn-book and Psalter were offered; it did not cost the young man anything, but it gave us, the recipients of his courtesy, pleasant satisfaction. We did not feel as if the books were grudgingly given, but rather that a sympathetic bond had united us, that we would like to know this cordial generous young fellow, and thought if this were a sample of the people in that church, we would like to make it our home. The entire service was so heightened by the incident that w

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A BRAVE BOY.

“How shall our class raise one hundred dollars for the benefit of the church-debt fund?” was a question recently put to eight young girls by their Sunday-school teacher. “Have a fair in the early fall; we will work for it all summer,” was the first answer. “No; that might interfere with the ladies’ fair, which comes during December. It is to be a mammoth one this year, and we must not anticipate the event nor risk retarding its prosperity, but rather do our part to push it forward.” “Suppose, th

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