Chapter IV: Part 4

Small tables were put into odd corners of the room, where ice cream and cake were served by ten young ladies in pretty summer costumes. Lemonade was served from an old well, which was a large square box or packing case, covered with canvas, painted to represent a stone wall. To this we attached a well-sweep made from a branch of a tree, tied on a large new tin pail, and served the lemonade in small glasses at two cents a glass. During the evening we had a male quartette gather around the well and sing "The Old Oaken Bucket," and other selections. The orchestra played the whole evening with very short intermissions. On one side of the room was arranged an artistic corner where peanuts were sold at the usual price of five cents a bag.

INITIAL CHARACTERISTICS

1. Popular Bishop Phillips Brooks

2. Fought Every Wine Frances E. Willard

3. Serio-Comic Samuel Clemens

4. Fearless Navigator Fridtjof Nansen

5. Won England's Greatness W. E. Gladstone

6. Little Misses' Admiration Louisa M. Alcott

7. Military Suitor Miles Standish

8. Rollicking Bard Robert Burns

9. United States General U. S. Grant

10. Moral Light Martin Luther

11. Eulogizes Antipodes Edwin Arnold

12. Tamed Ambient Electricity Thomas A. Edison

13. A Cunning Delineator A. Conan Doyle

14. Handles Christians Hall Caine

15. Rabid Iconoclast Robert Ingersoll

16. Histrionic Interpreter Henry Irving

17. Serpentine Belle Sara Bernhardt

18. Equality Benefits Edward Bellamy

19. Just Mother's Boy James M. Barrie

20. Frames Many Chronicles F. Marion Crawford

21. Lord High Celestial Li Hung Chang

22. Original, Witty, Humorous Oliver Wendell Holmes

23. Nipped Bourbonism Napoleon Bonaparte

24. Surgeon, Writer, Metrician S. Weir Mitchell

25. Intelligent Zealot Israel Zangwill

26. Collected Delectable Writings C. D. Warner

27. Curiosity Depicter Charles Dickens

28. Cuba's Benefactor Clara Barton

29. Eminently Zealous Emile Zola

30. Character Revealed Charles Reade

31. Caused Revolutionary Discussion Charles R. Darwin

32. Joyous Lark Jenny Lind

33. Fearless Nurse Florence Nightingale

34. Conspicuous Senator Charles Sumner

35. Ever Frolicsome Eugene Field

36. Suffrage Brings Advantages Susan B. Anthony

37. Pens Lyrical Dialect Paul Laurence Dunbar

38. Always Loyal Abraham Lincoln

39. Great Deed George Dewey

40. Won Recent Surrender W. R. Shafter

JACK-O'-LANTERN PARTY

The little guests at this particular party were invited from three o'clock until seven, and when they arrived they found the rooms were darkened. The lamps had yellow shades, and as such an occasion would not be complete without pumpkin Jack-o'-lanterns, there were

"Pumpkins large and pumpkins small,
Pumpkins short and pumpkins tall,
Pumpkins yellow and pumpkins green,
Pumpkins dull and those with sheen."

They hung in every nook and corner. Even the jardinières filled with flowers were made of them. Wood was crackling and blazing in the large fireplace, as if anxious to do its part to make every one happy, and hanging from the chandelier was a branch of evergreen, with nuts suspended in such a fashion that they readily fell to the floor when given a slight shake. Before this was done, however, each child was given a paper bag to hold the nuts, which tumbled in all directions. Then a huge pasteboard pumpkin covered with yellow crinkled paper was brought in. I do not know what else it was made of; I only know that it looked like a real pumpkin. Bright-colored ribbons hung over the sides, and when the small boys and girls took turns in pulling them, out came all sorts of comical little toys and pretty knickknacks.

Before supper was announced the children were given French snappers in fringed paper, in which they found either a gay cap or apron. After putting them on they marched around the parlors, out into the hall and into the dining-room, while the mother of the little girl who had planned this delightful Hallowe'en party played a marching tune for them.

The greatest surprise of all awaited them in the dining-room, for the walls were covered with large branches of evergreens, making it seem like "real woods"; not a chair was in the room; the little ones were invited to seat themselves on soft cushions placed on the floor, in true picnic style, and they had the jolliest time eating their picnic supper from the yellowest of yellow gourds, which had been hollowed out, lined with Japanese napkins, and filled with just the things children like best. On top of each one was an apple--or at least they thought it was, until taking it in their hands, when it proved to be a bonbon box filled with delicious nut candy. Then there were dainty sandwiches, pop corn balls and salad in orange baskets. But better than these were the gingerbread animals; these were so natural looking that the little ones knew right away which animals were represented.

After supper they played games until seven, when they went home, laden with their bags of nuts and toys and souvenir lanterns.

JAPANESE CARD PARTY

Invitations may be written as the natives write--up and down, instead of across, on rice paper or paper napkins; or little Japanese dolls may be sent, each clasping a note of invitation.

For decorations, use Japanese draperies, cushions, bead curtains, rugs, baskets, swords, scrolls, umbrellas, vases, fans, lanterns, screens, bamboo tables and chairs, Japanese fern balls, with tiny Japanese flags and fans stuck in here and there, red, or red and white Japanese lilies, ferns combined with red and yellow ribbons, etc.; or the walls of the rooms may be entirely covered with branches of trees profusely decorated with cherry blossoms made of pink paper, representing the beautiful gardens of Tokio. Burning Japanese incense will add to the effectiveness. The playing cards used should be lacquered designs in red and yellow--Starlight, Sunlight, Storm, Japanese Lady (Congress brand), and Japanese Garden, Japanese Scenery, and Sunset (Lenox brand). For the signals a Japanese gong should be used in place of a bell. The favors may be Japanese fans, toys and novelties. For keeping score, Japanese paper fans may be had in pairs (for finding partners), and punched with a conductor's punch for games won. Or Japanese dolls may be used, punching their paper kimonos. For prizes, select Japanese incense burners, vases, cloisonné, tablewares, white metal and bronze novelties, lacquer goods, handsome fans, or embroidered kimonos.

The refreshments may be served from a buffet--the guests seated Japanese fashion on floor cushions--and may include rice cakes; tea punch; tea as a beverage; "Japanese" salad, made of all kinds of vegetables, served in inverted Japanese umbrellas; cherry sherbet; Japanese nuts, etc.

JAPANESE SOCIABLE

The invitations to a Japanese sociable should be written as the natives write, up and down, instead of across, and have a cherry blossom or a Japanese lady in water-colors in one corner of each.

The guests should be informed beforehand that each one is to tell something or read something about Japan, any little item of interest that may have been heard or read, a pretty poem or a little story. The hostess and whoever assists her in receiving should wear kimonos and have tiny fans in their hair.

Seats in a Japanese corner may easily be arranged of boxes with portières thrown over them. Numerous cushions may be piled on these improvised couches and on the floor. A Japanese parasol may be hung in the corner, tilting forward to form a canopy, and the walls be hung with bead curtains. The odor from burning joss sticks will contribute to the realness of the affair. Japanese lanterns should hang about the room.

After the stories have been told tiny bits of paper and pencils may be passed and each one present should write down the name of the one who did best according to her opinion. A Japanese cup and saucer are presented to the one who receives the most votes.

A pretty decorative idea for a Japanese sociable is to cover entirely the walls of the room with branches of trees, with cherry blossoms made of pink paper--their color in Japan--scattered profusely over them, the scene representing the beautiful gardens of Tokio. If musicians are to be present they may be screened by a lattice covered with gold paper, and vines intertwined, while tiny incandescent lights shine through. Souvenirs may be distributed from a jinrikisha covered with the cherry blossoms.

The dining-room may be readily transformed into Oriental style with very little trouble. In place of the usual tea-table have several tabourettes, each holding a teapot, cups and saucers, lemon and sugar wafers, and Japanese napkins. A cushion made of matting should be placed on the floor before each tabourette. Those who serve should be in Japanese costume. Paper cherry blossoms, fastened to tree branches, and lanterns would make effective decorations.

If it is desired to have a more elaborate menu, it may be served on Japanese plates, and should consist of sandwiches folded in Japanese napkins, vegetable salad, and rice in some form. For dessert serve sherbet, calling it "cherry blossom ice," and with it have wafers. Tea and Japanese nuts may be served last to complete the Japanese idea.

LITERARY CONTEST

Have small tables numbered and arranged to seat four or six persons. Select for each table a judge, who will distribute the cards and blanks. These judges hold the keys to the contests, so that they may be able to mark the players correctly.

Give each player a card attached to a piece of baby ribbon that may be fastened in the buttonhole. Upon these cards the number of points gained may be written, punched with a ticket punch, or marked with fancy wafers of different colors. The cards must be numbered to correspond with the tables, and as many number one cards provided as there are players at table number one, and so on.

When the players are seated at the tables which correspond in number with the number upon their cards, let the judges distribute blank paper and pencils, also copies of the questions comprised in the several contests, among the players at their respective tables.

A different contest must be prepared for each one of the tables.

When everything is ready the hostess of the evening should tap a bell for "silence," and announce that ten minutes will be given for each contest; that at the first tap of the bell all must begin to write their answers out, numbering them according to the numbers on the questions; at the second tap the judges are to collect the answers at their respective tables and mark on each player's card the number of points made. The system of marking is as follows: Each player is given as many marks as he has answered questions correctly, and the totals are summed up at the end of the game.

During the progress of the game there must be no talking nor any questions asked. At the third tap of the bell the players at table number one go to table number two, and so on, those at the last table moving up to table number one. This progression continues until all the players have had their opportunity to answer all the questions in the contests. At each change blank paper is distributed, and a bell rung as in the first instance. When the round has been completed the points are counted and the prizes awarded. A popular book makes an excellent first prize; a box of candy in the shape of a book, a second; and a "Primer," a third.

The following are the various contests:

CONTEST NO. 1

The charming heroine, my friends,
Was known as ---- ("Alice of Old Vincennes").
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 neighbor,
But each one did ---- ("The Portion of Labor").

CONTEST NO. 2

_Write out the following quotations correctly:_

1. Beauty is always a thing of joy.

2. Let us therefore get up and go to work.

3. The man who steals my pocketbook gets very little.

4. Every one who knows you, loves you.

5. Do pretty and you'll be pretty.

6. God keeps the shorn lamb from the wind.

KEY

1. A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

2. Let us then be up and doing.

3. Who steals my purse steals trash.

4. None knew thee but to love thee.

5. Handsome is that handsome does.

6. God tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.

CONTEST NO. 3

_Heroes and heroines--in what books do they figure?_

KEY

1. John Ridd. "Lorna Doone."

2. Agnes Wakefield. "David Copperfield."

3. Pomona. "Rudder Grange."

4. Dorothea Brooke. "Middlemarch."

5. Dorothy Manners. "Richard Carvel."

6. Glory Quayle. "The Christian."

CONTEST NO. 4

_Fill blank spaces with titles of popular novels_

In the little village of S---- o-- t-- P----, F---- f-- t---- M---- C----, lived the H----. P---- S----. With him resided his lovely ward, J---- M----. She was A---- O----F---- G----, and knew little of T---- W----, W---- W----. She had, however, A P---- o---- B---- E---- and G---- E----. Among her admirers were R---- C----, J---- H----, and T---- L---- M----.

KEY

In the little village of "Stringtown on the Pike," "Far from the Madding Crowd," lived the "Hon. Peter Sterling." With him resided his lovely ward, "Janice Meredith." She was "An Old-Fashioned Girl," and knew little of "The Wide, Wide World." She had, however, "A Pair of Blue Eyes" and "Great Expectations." Among her admirers were "Richard Carvel," "John Halifax," and "The Little Minister."

CONTEST NO. 5

_Synonyms for names of literary men_

KEY

1. Severe. Sterne.

2. Strong. Hardy.

3. Sombre. Black.

4. Jeweler. Goldsmith.

5. Crossing-place. Ford.

6. Rapid. Swift.

CONTEST NO. 6

_The answers to these questions are the names of authors_

KEY

1. When we leave here we go to our what? Holmes.

2. What dies only with life? Hope.

3. What does a maiden's heart crave? Lover.

4. What does an angry person often raise? Caine.

5. What should all literary people do? Reade.

6. If a young man would win what should he do? Sue.

CONTEST NO. 7

_Give the name of--_

KEY

The most cheerful author. Samuel Smiles.

The noisiest author. Howells.

The tallest author. Longfellow.

The most flowery author. Hawthorne.

The holiest author. Pope.

The happiest author. Gay.

The most amusing author. Thomas Tickell.

The most fiery author. Burns.

The most talkative author. Chatterton.

The most distressed author. Akenside.

Again, the hostess may prepare a certain number of blank cards, with the heading on each one "Who and What?" On a second lot of cards she can have pasted the pictures of some noted writers--Thackeray, Dickens, Scott, Dumas, Balzac, Tolstoi, Browning, George Eliot, Carlyle, Longfellow, Cooper, Emerson, Bryant, Holmes. The pictures of more recent writers will answer her purpose just as well. These pictures can be obtained from illustrated catalogues of books. Of these cards there should be as many as there are guests if the company be a small one, or as many cards as the hostess may desire; a dozen is a very good number.

Supply each guest with one of the blank cards and a pencil and then start into circulation the cards on which are pasted the pictures of the authors. Let the guests pass the cards from one to another, and write down, according to the number on the picture-card, and opposite the corresponding number on their own, the name of each author and some book he has written. This will be found a more difficult task than one imagines, and numerous guesses will doubtless go wide of the mark. The one whose card is filled out correctly, or the nearest to it, may be presented with a copy of some late popular book, and a toy book might be used as a booby prize.

LITERARY EVENING

In the note of invitation each one should be requested to wear something suggestive of a book title.

Upon arrival, each guest should be furnished with a card bearing the names of the entire company. When one fancies he has discovered a title, he should say nothing about it, but write the title opposite the name of the impersonator. When as much time has been given to this part of the program as has been thought desirable, the hostess calls the company to order and reads aloud a correct list of names and titles, and each corrects his card accordingly; or, still better, let the cards be exchanged, so that each must correct that of his neighbor, which will relieve the victor of the necessity of announcing his own success.

The guests may represent their titles in as inexpensive or as elaborate a way as they choose. She who represents "Rose in Bloom" need only wear a full-blown rose. "Sentimental Tommy" wears a Scotch cap bearing the words "From Thrums" on the front, and, when talking, finds many opportunities of informing his questioners, "I'll find a w'y!" "The Hidden Hand" may be represented by a gentleman who carries his hand in a sling concealed from view. "A Penniless Girl" is easily represented by a girl carrying an empty purse open and suspended at her belt. "The Woman in White," "Little Red Riding Hood," and "The Scarlet Letter" are all easily represented. Three small white wings tied together with a ribbon represents very well "White Wings" by William Black.

It is not desirable that the costume speak too plainly of the title selected, for the guests are expected to question one another regarding their peculiarities, and so they must be well informed as to the books they represent.

An appropriate menu for a literary evening follows:

MENU

"And like a lobster boiled."--_Butler._
(Lobster a la Newburg.)

"What first I want is daily bread."--_John Quincy Adams._
(Bread and Butter.)

"You are lovely leaves."--_Herrick._
(Lettuce Salad.)

"I will use the olive."--_Shakespeare._
(Olives.)

"My choice would be Vanilla Ice."--_Holmes._
(Ice Cream.)

"Water with berries in it."--_Anon._
(Coffee.)

"Oh, that I were an almond salted!"--_Merrill._
(Salted Almonds.)

LITERARY PEOPLE

Write the questions on red cards and the answers on white. Have each question and answer numbered in succession. Let the gentlemen select the red and the ladies the white cards, and when the gentlemen read the questions, let the ladies read the answers. This is also a good way to match partners for refreshments.

1. What flower did Alice Cary?
Pansy.

2. What did Eugene Fitch Ware?
John Godfrey Saxe.

3. What does Anthony Hope?
To Marietta Holley.

4. What happens when John Kendrick Bangs?
Samuel Smiles.

5. Why did Helen Hunt Jackson?
Because she wanted him to Dr. O. W. Holmes.

6. What did Charles Dudley Warner?
Not to go into a boat and let E. P. Roe.

7. Why was Rider Haggard?
Because he let Rose Terry Cooke.

8. Why is Sarah Grand?
To make Ik Marvel.

9. Why is George Canning?
To teach Julia Ward Howe.

10. What ailed Harriet Beecher Stowe?
Bunyan.

11. What is it William Macy?
How Thomas Knox.

12. When did Mary Mapes Dodge?
When George W. Cutter.

13. What will turn John Locke?
Francis S. Key.

14. When is Marian Evans Cross?
When William Dean Howells.

15. When did Thomas Buchanan Read?
Just after Winthrop Mackworth Praed.

16. What did Julia McNair Wright?
Judge Joseph Story.

17. What did Eugene J. Hall?
Charles Carleton Coffin.

18. What is James Warden Owen?
What ten pounds of Hezekiah Butterworth.

19. Where did Henry Cabot Lodge?
In Mungo Park, on Thomas Hill.

20. How long will Samuel Lover?
Until Justin Windsor.

21. What gives John Howard Payne?
When Robert Burns Augustus Hare.

MEASURING PARTY

The giving of such a party is a pleasing way of raising money for some charitable object.

The invitations should read somewhat like the following:

_You are cordially invited to attend a
Measuring Party to be given by the
East End Connett Y. W. C. T. U.
at the home of the President,
Mrs. Herbert B. Linscott,
Monday evening, October 29th, 1905._

Below, this verse should be printed:

A measuring party we give for you,
'Tis something pleasant as well as new.
The invitation carries a sack,
For use in bringing or sending back
Five cents for every foot you're tall,
Measure yourself against the wall.
An extra cent for each inch you'll give,
And thereby show how high you live.
Then with music and song, recitation and pleasure,
We will meet one and all at our party of measure.

With each invitation should be sent a tiny bag made of a bit of silk or ribbon. On the night of the entertainment, these bags with the money that has been placed in them are brought by the guests and deposited in a large bowl at the door. The party then proceeds in the usual manner. Care should be taken to carry out the program suggested in the last two lines of the above verse. Much amusement may be created by having some one appointed to take various measurements of the guests attending, such as the length of the nose, size of the head, size of the hand, etc.

MEDICAL SOCIABLE

Procure the small glass vials used by homoeopathic physicians. On the outside of each one paste a narrow slip, on which is written the name of some trouble for which the Bible offers a remedy. On another slip write the Bible verse which gives the cure. Roll it up, and run a thread through it which is fastened to the cork. Here are some suggestions: Discouragement, Ps. 42: 5; Sadness, Ps. 16: 11; Pain, Rev. 21: 4; Doubt, Despair, Anger, Impatience, Laziness, Unruly tongue, Loneliness, Sleeplessness, Weakness, Pride, Bitterness, Covetousness. The corresponding Bible references will easily be found by using a concordance. Have one corner of the room arranged for a drug-store. Each person will receive from the "store" one bottle and the cork belonging to a different bottle. He must hunt till he has discovered the "medicine" (cork and paper) belonging to his own bottle, and has delivered the cork he holds to the proper bottle. Have papers read on the care of the body and the care of the soul, and also Bible-readings on miracles of healing. Later have some one, who has looked up the subject beforehand, read a list of some of the most interesting Scripture references to various parts of the body. These can readily be hunted out with the help of a concordance. Some of the Old Testament references will be found to be very quaint indeed. Decorate the room with mottoes, such as: "Is there no balm in Israel, is there no physician there?"

MEDICAL TRUNK

"In my wonderful trunk I have two very tall tropical trees (palms); something used by an artist (palette [palate]); weapons of war (arms); many wild animals, and two domestic ones (hares [hairs], calves); something worn by a king (crown); a bright garden flower (tulips [two lips]); a musical instrument (drum); two fish and many shell fish (soles, muscles); branches of trees (limbs); a student (pupil); something used in ship-building (ribs); whips without handles (lashes). a product of a spruce-tree (gum); something used by carpenters (nails); a part of a clock (hands); a large wooden box (chest); part of a wagon (tongue); something grown on a cornstalk (ears); a part of a shoe (heel); ten Spanish gentlemen (ten dons [tendons]); part of a nail (head); weather cocks (vanes [veins]); two kitchen utensils (pans [knee]); part of a knife (blade [shoulder]); edge of a saw (teeth); terms used in voting (ayes and noes [eyes and nose]); covering of an apple (skin); a certain measure (feet); something seen in accidents (blood); a part of a house (roof [of the mouth]); covers to pails (lids); something used in upholstering (tow [toe]); part of a stove-pipe (elbow); a part of a table (legs); something served with ice cream (lady fingers); a kind of deer (hart [heart]); part of a river (mouth); something used by negro minstrels (bones); best part of a goose (back); part of a ship (side); a narrow strip of land (neck); hotel steps (inn steps [insteps])."

MILITARY SOCIABLE

This is a form of entertainment suitable for Independence Day. "Military Checkers," played at small tables, may furnish appropriate amusement.

Each table is named for some fort: "Fort Ticonderoga," "Fort Duquesne," etc. Though the players "progress" from one table to another, all their honors are counted as belonging to the fort of their first allegiance, to which table they return each time they win.

The prizes may be in any form suggestive of Independence Day. An enameled pencil in the shape of a firecracker, or flag-shaped cuff-links, would do for the man's prize, and a cracker-jar for the lady's prize.

The piazza should be strung with colored lanterns, which can be lighted when the guests are in the dining-room at supper. The dining-room may be simply decorated with red roses and vines, and the dining-room table in the same way, a big blue-and-white bowl in the centre of the table holding the roses. These roses should be bright red in color. Small flags serve as doilies, and the china used should be blue-and-white. The candlesticks upon the table hold white candles; the shades should be red, and streamers of blue ribbons are tied about the base of the candles, falling with graceful effect over the brightly polished candlesticks. The bonbons are placed upon the table in two small raffia baskets. Each bonbon is tied about with a band of baby-ribbon.

When the supper is nearly over the baskets of bonbons are passed, one to the men and the other to the ladies. Each guest takes one candy, and it is found that no two in one basket have the same colored ribbon. Each confection in the men's basket, however, has a mate in the ladies' basket, and in this way partners are found for the old-time Virginia reel, which is danced on the piazza. As a jolly ending to the fun the men of the party set off some fireworks.

MORNING GLORY FAIR

At a recent church fair the flower-booth attracted special notice. It was decorated with morning glories made of crepe paper, in different colors. The flowers were profusely twined among the spruce boughs that formed the top of the booth, and were extremely effective and very natural. The flower-girls wore large hats with morning glory trimming, and were in light summer dresses. All the other tables were similarly decorated, and those in charge wore morning glories in profusion, twined in the hair and falling in graceful festoons from skirt and bodice. Morning glory tea was served from a small table, over which stood a large Japanese umbrella covered with the flowers; the cups carried out the color scheme of the flowers. Each person purchasing a cup of tea was presented with a flower as a souvenir of the occasion.

MOTHER GOOSE GAME

During the evening a slip of paper is handed to each guest with the name of one of the Mother Goose characters upon it. The hostess retains a list of these, and calls each in turn to repeat within the space of one minute the familiar verse relative to this character. Failing to do this a forfeit must be paid. The one who is most prompt in responding correctly may receive as a prize a goose-quill pen; and the one who fails, a copy of "Mother Goose." Just before refreshments are served the "Goose Drill" may be participated in to the time of a march, and the couples proceed to the refreshment room, where they are served with the following:

1. Shared by the walrus and carpenter. (Oysters)

2. A King's dish. (Bird pie)

3. A Queen's lunch. (Bread and honey)

4. Taffy's spoils. (Beef sandwiches)

5. The golden eggs. (Egg sandwiches)

6. Old woman's broom. (Cheese-straws)

7. What the baker made. (Rolls)

8. Sample of the pieman's ware. (Washington cake-pie)

9. Jack-a-dandy's delight. (Plum cake)

10. What the ships brought. (Apples and comfits)

The numbered list of refreshments should be printed upon small cards, which may be retained as souvenirs of the occasion. The guests order what they choose. The key is retained by the hostess.

MUSICAL CARD PARTY

A good color scheme for this affair is brown and yellow. Invitations may be in the form of a scroll, engraved with a selection from some favorite opera, or may represent the "G" clef in brown and yellow water colors. For decorations use yellow flowers, yellow shaded lights and yellow and brown hangings. Tally cards may be painted to represent different musical instruments, such as violins, guitars, mandolins, etc.; or miniature tambourines and banjos may be used for scoring, hung by long loops of ribbon over the shoulders, and becoming before the close of the evening gayly decked with ribbons--yellow for the winners and brown for the losers. Musical quotations in halves may designate partners. For prizes, musical pictures in brown coloring, burnt wood plaques of famous musicians, a Flemish musical stein in brown and yellow, a brown leather music roll tied for the occasion with yellow streamers, musical novels, an upright piano candy box with the key board movable to show the candy inside, etc., may be used. Toy music boxes and grotesque musical instruments make amusing booby prizes. A triangle, like those for orchestral playing, may indicate progressions, instead of a bell.

For a brown and yellow menu:

Brown Croquettes Potato Balls
Brown Breadsticks
Chicken Salad, yellow Mayonnaise
Orange Ice Cream, served in orange-peel baskets
Chocolate Cake Chocolate Icing
Chocolate and Lemon Bonbons
Yellow Cheese Balls
Coffee, with yellow whipped Cream

MUSICAL EVENING

The invitations should be sent in small imitation music rolls, and headed with a line of appropriate music. As each guest enters he receives a long, narrow strip of pasteboard, bearing a portion of some familiar song, both words and music. Each card bears a number, and the eight whose cards are numbered alike are instructed to get together and practice to sing a verse formed by the union of their eight cards. A bell calls them to order, judges are appointed, and each group sings its song, a pianist accompanying them. While the judges are preparing their verdict, a short musical program may be rendered. A bouquet of flowers may be presented to the group whose musical effort is considered the best. The bouquet may consist of eight small buttonhole bouquets, one for each member of the group. Make a list, numbering from one to twenty, of tunes that are perfectly familiar to every one. "Yankee Doodle," "America," "Annie Rooney," or any of the later popular songs, are some of the airs that are known everywhere. Number as many cards as there are guests, with twenty numbers on consecutive lines. These, with pencils, are distributed to the people as they arrive. An accomplished pianist then plays snatches of each tune, in the order that the list calls for. Just enough of the piece is played to let the melody be indicated. Each person, as the air is played, puts down against the number on the card what he thinks the tune is. At the end the cards are collected, and prizes given to the most successful.

To match partners, write the notes of a bar or two of some well-known melody on the lady's card, and the balance on the gentleman's card.

MUSICAL GUESSING CONTEST

1. Used on a bundle. (Chord [cord])

2. A place of residence. (Flat)

3. A reflection on character. (Slur)

4. Bottom of a statue. (Bass [base])

5. An unaffected person. (Natural)

6. Used in driving horses. (Lines)

7. What makes a check valid. (Signature)

8. What we breathe every day. (Air)

9. Seen on the ocean. (Swells)

10. What betrays nationality. (Accent)

11. An association of lawyers. (Bar)

12. Used in climbing. (Staff)

13. Part of a sentence. (Phrase)

14. Belonging to a fish. (Scales)

15. Used in wheeling. (Pedals)

16. A girl's name. (Grace)

17. Used in flavoring soup. (Time [Thyme])

18. Often passed in school. (Notes)

19. Used in a store. (Counters)

20. An instrument not blunt. (Sharp)

MUSICAL ROMANCE

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 would 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, 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."

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? "Rosie 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 made it the more enjoyable. The advantage of the winner being so slight, the pleasure of success was the more general.

* * * * *

After supper the hostess said that if they were not tired of guessing she had another game to propose--a sort of fortune-telling game which would give each man present the name that his future wife should bear. It was for him to discover it. The first name was told to make the subject clear--which was that a chemist's wife should be named "Ann Eliza." Then they were told to guess the name of a civil engineer's wife (Bridget); a gambler's (Betty); a humorist's (Sally); a clergyman's (Marie); a shoemaker'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 (Caroline); an upholsterer's (Sophy); an astronomer's (Stella); a doctor's (Patience); a fisherman's (Netty); a gasman's (Meta); a marksman's (Amy). Each man could judge, from his occupation, the name of his future wife.

MUSICAL TERMS ILLUSTRATED

Have some one play these songs:

"Star Spangled Banner," "Marching through Georgia," "Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean," "Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp," "Hail Columbia," "Home, Sweet Home," "Yankee Doodle," "When Johnnie Comes Marching Home Again," "Auld Lang Syne," "America." No titles are announced, but the guests are asked to guess the names and write them in order upon slips of paper.

Following each piece of music some musical term is illustrated. These terms, with the means employed to illustrate them, are as follows: "time," some one hold up a small clock; "measure," a yardstick; "key," a door-key; "flats," two flatirons; "lines," a pair of nursery lines; "sharps," a carving set; "tie," a gentleman's tie; "bars," small clothes-bars; "staff," a cane; "a whole note," a dollar; "a half note," a half dollar; "a quarter note," a silver quarter.

MUSICIANS BURIED

1. There were verd isles and tender blue of summer skies.

2. Maud Muller raked the hay, deny it not, O Judge.

3. The bell in ivy tower rings knell of passing day.

4. I arrive, King, most gracious sovereign.

5. She still wears her old smile--the sweet, modest maiden.

6. The mother of Charlie Ross in idle dreams still clasps him.

7. We berate our neighbors soundly, but excuse ourselves.

8. How famous the cherub in ideal art.

9. There will be no confab to-night.

10. If he asks your hand, Eliza, do not say nay.

11. Be brief; lo, toward life's setting sun, man hastens.

12. You've dropped a beet--ho, vender, heigh.

13. The dog spies a cat, and it makes his tail wag nervously.

14. A beau, berrying, needs a basket and a sweetheart.

15. My chop I never eat with peas.

16. You have found an egg, lucky boy.

17. Liz still improves from day to day.

18. Whoever else leaves, the Co. stays in most firms.

19. Cattle enjoy herbal feeding grounds.

20. I do not care a sou, Sarah, whether you will, or not.

KEY TO MUSICIANS BURIED

1. Verdi.

2. Hayden.

3. Bellini.

4. Rive King.

5. Herold.

6. Rossini.

7. Weber.

8. Cherubini.

9. Abt.

10. Handel.

11. Flotow.

12. Beethoven.

13. Wagner.

14. Auber.

15. Chopin.

16. Gluck.

17. Lizst.

18. Costa.

19. Balfe.

20. Sousa.

_Note:_--The letters composing the names of the sought-for musicians come successively together but the name may begin and end in different words.

MYSTICAL DINNER MENU

_Menu_ _Key_

SOUPS

1. Capital of Portugal 1. Pea

2. An imitation reptile 2. Mock Turtle

FISH

3. The largest part of Sambo's feet 3. Sole

4. An express label 4. Cod

GAME

5. A universal crown 5. Hare

6. Portion of a mountain range 6. Partridge

7. A tailor's tool 7. Goose

8. To shrink from danger 8. Quail

ROAST MEAT

9. A genial English author 9. Lamb

10. A country of the Crescent 10. Turkey

BOILED MEAT

11. One of Noah's sons 11. Ham

12. Woman's best weapon 12. Tongue

VEGETABLES

13. To steal mildly 13. Cabbage

14. Complete upsets 14. Turnips

15. What successful candidates do 15. Beet

16. Two kinds of toes not found on man or beast
16. Potatoes and Tomatoes

RELISHES

17. Pertaining to regions underground 17. Celery

18. Comical performances 18. Capers

19. Elevated felines 19. Catsup

PUDDINGS

20. What we say to impertinent agents 20. Say go

21. Exactly perpendicular 21. Plumb

22. The mantle of winter 22. Snow

23. What the lawyer says to his clients 23. Suet

PIES

24. To walk in an affected manner 24. Mince

25. A relative of the dairyman 25. Pumpkin

FRUIT

26. The historian's delight 26. Dates

27. Water in motion 27. Currants

28. Small shot (plural) 28. Grapes

MYSTICAL PARTY

_The Y. W. C. T. U.
Has cordially invited you
To the Mystery Reception,
Strange and weird beyond conception.
At seven-thirty o'clock night fall
We will welcome one and all;
With solemn rites and grewsome sights,
We'll meet you all on Monday night.
Street and number._

All those who take part in this should arrive early and have everything in shape when the guests appear. First, each one should wrap a white sheet over her and wear a small white mask. Have all the lights turned low or have candles, and on the gas jets or candles have red paper shades to cast a red, gloomy light over everything. Have each one who takes part stand like a statue, and dispose these statues about the house in corners and in dark places. As the guests arrive have one of the white clothed figures meet them at the door, and without a word, motion them to take off their wraps, and then to enter the next room. If possible get some bones from a medical college and have skulls and cross bones all about the room. In one dark room should be skulls and pumpkins with faces cut in them and candles inside. Do not have any other light in this room. When the guests go into this room have some small pieces of ice wrapped in muslin presented to them to be felt of in the dark. All this time the statues should be quiet and remain so until all the company has arrived. Then seat all the statues at a large table with a small candle or a dish of burning alcohol in the centre and have each one tell a weird story. Have a witch in a dark room with a dish of burning alcohol and have the guests, one at a time, go in to have their fortunes told. Tricks of different kinds can be played upon the guests.

The program for the mysterious company consists of a number of contests in which eyesight gives place to the sense of touch.

First of all the hostess produces a book printed in the raised lettering for the blind and suggests that each guest read ten lines from it. This is no easy matter. To the contestant reading the ten lines correctly in the shortest time a prize is awarded.

For the second trial of skill the guests may gather around a circular table. Beneath the table place a covered box or basket containing the most variously assorted small articles that it is possible to secure upon the spur of the moment, the more unexpected the better. No player must see the articles placed in the basket. When all is in readiness the objects are taken from the basket and passed rapidly from hand to hand below the table, ending in the hands of the hostess, and by her are placed in an empty bag provided for the purpose.

Distribute pencils and ask the guests to write down as many of the objects passed under the table as they can remember. A prize should be provided for the person who hands in the fullest list of the objects.

Next blindfold each guest in turn and place in his hands, one at a time, various objects, the names of which are to be guessed aloud. If curious and unfamiliar objects are selected, this will prove very amusing.

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY

This is a favorite occasion for a party among young people. It should be a small party, not over twenty-four guests, and it will be the more enjoyable if informal and among those who are well acquainted with each other.

There are as varied entertainments for such parties as for those at other seasons. A pretty idea is to confine the list to twelve young gentlemen and twelve young ladies. The hostess requests each couple to dress so as to represent a particular month, which she assigns them.

Duck trousers, cotton neckties, and white vests are as distinctive of summer for the young men, as shirt-waists, duck skirts, and lawn are for young women, but it will take some ingenuity to devise an effect that will mark a particular month.

The guests should not assemble until nine o'clock. There should be a large clock conspicuously placed in the room, and if possible an open fireplace, with a bright fire on the hearth.

The first part of the time should be taken up in guessing the months, the company gathering before the open fire in a circle. As fast as one month is decided upon, the one who impersonates it rises, makes his or her bow to the company, and recites at least four original lines pertaining to that month. The more ridiculous or witty they are, the better they will be appreciated.

After this comes the supper, which may be as elaborate or as simple as desired, and then a promiscuous mixing of the months will cause some merriment.

Just as the clock is striking twelve, there is a knock at the door. Upon opening it, there is revealed a young man dressed as a baby, in a long white dress tied about with a sash on which is printed January 1, 19--. If properly planned, the appearance of this New Year baby will cause shouts of merriment.

Hand shakings and New Year's greetings follow, and the party is over.

NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS

This game is played by providing each guest a paper and pencil, and having ten letters of the alphabet read to the company. These are to be copied, the guests are told to write a New Year's resolution of ten words, each beginning with one of the letters used, in the order in which they are given out. These importuned resolutions, when read, will afford much amusement.

NEW YEAR'S SOCIABLE

As the guests come in, each one is requested to sign his name in a note-book, and to write underneath it a New Year's resolution. An entire page should be allowed for each one, so that no one may know what his neighbor has written. Each guest should be given a card inscribed with an appropriate quotation, such as "Time and tide wait for no man." These cards are numbered. These are passed around among the company, with the explanation that each guest is to amuse the company for the length of time it takes for the sand to run in a minute glass from one end to the other (have a minute glass in room), using for the purpose of entertainment some thought suggested by the quotation on his card. One can recite a poem, another tell a story, another sing a song, and so on until every one has done his share for the amusement of the others, following in order according to the numbers on the cards. After each one has done his part the hostess announces that she will now do hers and proceeds to read each resolution that has been written in the book. The names of the writers being given, it will cause much merriment. Nut shells set sailing two by two in a basin of water may be named, one for a man, the other for a girl. If they keep together, it is an indication that the pair will be married before the year dies, but if they separate, the fate of the twain is sealed for one year.

NINETEENTH CENTURY GAME

In this game of guess the contestants are told that each question can be replied to with the name of a celebrity who has lived in, or whose life has extended into, the nineteenth century. Each guest is given a little tablet with his name written on every one of the pages. Two minutes are allowed to each question. The questioner sits with a big bowl before her, into which, when she calls time, each player drops a slip upon which he has written his answer. This is the list that the questioner reads, omitting, of course, the answers:

Why did England so often lose her way in South
Africa? (Mr. Rhodes)

What did the Emperor of China do when the Empress
usurped the throne? (Custer)

What did Isaac watch while his father was forging a
chain? (Abraham Lincoln)

What is Li Hung Chang credited with being? (Schley)

The lane that has no turning is a what? (Longstreet)

What does a Chinese lover say when he proposes?
(Dewey)

What does Aguinaldo keep between himself and the
Americans? (Miles)

What happens when the wind blows in spiders' houses?
(Webster)

What did Buller unfortunately do? (Bragg)

What do the waves do to a vessel wrecked near shore?
(Beecher)

What does a ship do to a seasick man? (Rockefeller)

What did Uncle Sam do when he wanted to know
whether England would let him mediate? (Astor)

What is the chair-boy likely to do to the old lady he
has to push on a hot day? (Wheeler)

What is a novel military name for a cook? (Kitchener)

What do you do when you drive a slow horse? (Polk)

When do you get up to see a sunrise? (Early)

When Max O'Rell gets on a platform what does he do?
(Speaker Reed)

What does a waiter do after he has filled half of the
glasses at a table? (Fillmore)

In the settlement of disputes, do the European nations
quarrel? (General Lee)

The towns taken by the British generally lacked the
what? (Garrison)

What did the Jews say when the mother of Samuel
passed? (Mark Hanna)

In Cairo purchases are made at a what? (Booth)

NOSE AND GOGGLE PARTY

To fun-loving people who enjoy the grotesque, great sport will be found in giving a Nose and Goggle Party. Here two objects will be gained: merriment and disguise.

As the guests arrive, disguised as explained below, each is given a card, perforated, with ribbon run through, in order to wear the card around the neck, so that everybody can see it.

The cards must have, on one side, a number by which each guest is known; on the other side, a list of figures, 1, 2, 3, etc. (as many figures as there are guests), leaving space opposite each figure for a name. In social conversation each guest is to guess who his or her entertainer is. With intimate friends, this may be done readily by familiarity with the voice; but in most cases the identification will not be easy.

Each guest wears a false nose and goggles. The nose may be purchased, or made by clever fingers, of heavy cardboard covered with chamois.

The noses and goggles must not be removed till after refreshments, which may be simple or elaborate as the hostess may wish. As you make your guess, place the name opposite the number on your card corresponding to the number of the person with whom you are talking; for instance, if you think you know No. 4, turn your card and write the name opposite No. 4, etc.

NOTED PEOPLE

Cut out pictures of noted men and women from newspapers and magazines, paste on white paper, and number each one. Provide each guest with paper and pencil, having the paper contain a list of numbers corresponding to those on the pictures. The guests are then requested to write opposite the correct number the name of the person whom each picture represents. A good idea is to have pictures pinned upon the wall, curtains, and in every convenient place about the rooms, as the guests will then be obliged to move about, and there will be no danger of wallflowers. After each one has been given plenty of time for guessing, the correct list can be read aloud by one person, each guest passing his paper to his neighbor for correction. A prize may be given to the one who has the most correct answers. In connection with this, the game of noted people can be played. Have small slips of paper with the names of noted people written upon them, and pin one of these on back of each guest; he is to guess whom he represents by means of questions put to him by other guests. This is great fun, and causes much merriment among the young people. As soon as a player guesses whom he represents a new slip can be put on his back. A prize may be given the one who guesses the most names.

NUT CONUNDRUMS

Before the guests arrive hide nuts all over the rooms in every nook and corner. At a given signal have the guests search for them and the one finding the most can be given a small prize.

Take English walnuts, split and take out the kernel; write quotations on small slips of paper, cut in half, put one-half paper in one nut shell, the other half in another shell, gluing each shell together. During the evening give one set of half quotations to the girls, the other set to the boys and then have them hunt for their partners; when found, each pair have refreshments together. Have the following nut conundrums guessed, after which serve all kinds of mixed nuts.

CONUNDRUMS

1. What nut grows nearest the sea? (Beechnut)

2. What nut grows the lowest? (Groundnut)

3. What nut is the color of a pretty girl's eyes? (Hazelnut)

4. What nut is good for naughty boys? (Hickory)

5. What nut is like an oft told tale? (Chestnut)

6. What nut grows on the Amazon? (Brazil nut)

7. What nut is like a naughty boy when sister has a beau? (Pecan)

8. What nut is like a Chinaman's eyes? (Almond)

9. What is the favorite nut in Ohio? (Buckeye)

10. What nut is like a good Jersey cow? (Butternut)

11. What is the mason's favorite nut? (Walnut)

12. What nut cannot the farmer go to town without? (Wagon nut)

NUT PARTY