Autumn leaves, green branches, apples, tomatoes and corn should also play an important part in the decorations. Black and yellow cheese cloth or crepe paper makes very effective and inexpensive decorations.

The dining room should be decorated with autumn leaves, golden rod, yellow chrysanthemums, strings of cranberries, etc. For a table center piece a large pumpkin could be used with the top cut off and partly filled with water in which a large bunch of yellow chrysanthemums or golden-rod could be placed. Bay leaves can be scattered over the table.

Another idea for a center piece is a large pumpkin Jack-o'-lantern, the top cut in large points with small chocolate mice in the notches and scampering down the sides of the pumpkin (held in place by long pins or a little glue) and over the table.

Place Cards representing pumpkins, black cats, witches' hats, witches, brownies, etc., are appropriate.

If one is not an artist in water color painting, some of the cards could be cut from colored bristol board or heavy paper. The witches' hats of black or brown paper with a red ribbon band; the cats of black paper showing a back view may have a red or yellow ribbon necktie; the pumpkins of yellow paper with the sections traced in ink or notched a trifle and black thread drawn between the notches.

Any of these designs could be used for an invitation for a children's party, by writing on the reverse side: "Will you please come to my party on Wednesday, October 31st" with the name and address of the little host or hostess, using white ink on black paper.

The dining-room should also be in total darkness, except for the light given by the Jack-o'-lanterns, until the guests are seated, when they should unmask. The supper could be served in this dim light or the lights turned up and the room made brilliant. After the supper is over and while the guests are still seated a splendid idea would be to extinguish all the lights and to have one or more of the party tell ghost stories.

Have a large pumpkin on a stand or table from which hang as many ribbons as there are guests. Have one end of the ribbon attached to a small card in the pumpkin on which may be a little water color sketch of pumpkin, apples, witch, ghost or other appropriate design together with a number. Have red ribbon for the girls and yellow ribbon for the boys, with corresponding numbers. Let each guest draw a ribbon from the pumpkin and find their partner by number.

Another suggestion is to have the hall totally dark with the door ajar and no one in sight to welcome the guests. As they step in they are surprised to be greeted by some one dressed as a ghost who extends his hand which is covered with wet salt.

The following games and tests of fate and fortune will furnish entertainment for children small and children of a larger growth. Of course, prying into the future with these tests at any other time, they may not prove infallible, but on the Eve of All Saint's Day, when all the elves, the fairies, goblins and hob-goblins are at large playing pranks and teasing and pleasing, why should they not "come true."

APPLE SEEDS

Name two wet apple seeds and stick them on forehead. First seed to fall indicates that the person for whom seed is named is not a true lover.

APPLE PARING

Each guest, receiving apple and knife, is requested to peel apple without breaking; then swing paring around head, and let it drop to floor. The letter formed is initial of future mate's name. Or, you may hang your paring over door—the first of opposite sex to pass under will be your mate.

APPLE-SEED TEST

Cut an apple open and pick out seeds from core. If only two seeds are found, they portend early marriage; three, legacy; four, great wealth; five, sea voyage; six, great fame as orator or singer; seven, possession of any gift most desired.

BLIND NUT SEEKERS

Let several guests be blindfolded. Then hide nuts or apples in various parts of room or house. One finding most nuts or apples wins prize.

BARREL-HOOP

Suspend horizontally from ceiling a barrel-hoop on which are fastened alternately at regular intervals apples, cakes, candies, candle-ends. Players gather in circle and, as it revolves, each in turn tries to bite one of the edibles; the one who seizes candle pays forfeit.

RAISIN RACE

A raisin is strung in middle of thread a yard long, and two persons take each an end of string in mouth; whoever, by chewing string, reaches raisin first has raisin and will be first wedded.

HALLOW-E'EN SOUVENIR GAME

Suspend apples by means of strings in doorway or from ceiling at proper height to be caught between the teeth. First successful player receives prize. These prizes should be Hallow-e'en souvenirs, such as emery cushions of silk representing tomatoes, radishes, apples, pears, pickles; or pen-wipers representing brooms, bats, cats, witches, etc.

CANDLE AND APPLE

At one end of stick 18 inches long fasten an apple; at the other end, a short piece of lighted candle. Suspend stick from ceiling by stout cord fastened in its middle so that stick will balance horizontally; while stick revolves players try to catch apple with their teeth. A prize may be in center of apple.

TRUE-LOVER TEST

Two hazel-nuts are thrown into hot coals by maiden, who secretly gives a lover's name to each. If one nut bursts, then that lover is unfaithful; but if it burns with steady glow until it becomes ashes, she knows that her lover is true. Sometimes it happens, but not often, that both nuts burn steadily, and then the maiden's heart is sore perplexed.

RING AND GOBLET

Tie wedding-ring or key to silken thread or horsehair, and hold it suspended within a glass; then say the alphabet slowly; whenever ring strikes glass, begin over again and in this way spell name of future mate.

THREADING A NEEDLE

Sit on round bottle laid lengthwise on floor, and try to thread a needle. First to succeed will be first married.

ALPHABET GAME

Cut alphabet from newspaper and sprinkle on surface of water; letters floating may spell or suggest name of future husband or wife.

NEEDLE GAME

Each person floats greased needle in basin of water. Impelled by attraction of gravitation, needles will act very curiously; some cling together, others rush to margin and remain. The manner in which one person's needle behaves towards another's causes amusement, and is supposed to be suggestive and prophetic.

APPLES AND FLOUR

Suspend horizontally from ceiling a stick three feet long. On one end stick an apple, upon other tie small bag of flour. Set stick whirling. Each guest takes turn in trying to bite apple-end of stick. It is amusing to see guests receive dabs of flour on face. Guest who first succeeds in biting apple gets prize.

CYNIVER

Each girl and boy seeks an even-leaved sprig of ash; first of either sex that finds one calls out cyniver, and is answered by first of opposite sex that succeeds; and these two, if omen fails not, will be joined in wedlock.

WALNUT BOATS

Open English walnuts, remove meat, and in each half shell fasten short pieces of differently colored Christmas candles, each of which is to be named for a member of party and, after lighting, set afloat in large pan or tub of water. The behavior of these tiny boats reveals future of those for whom they are named. If two glide on together, their owners have a similar destiny; if they glide apart, so will their owners. Sometimes candles will huddle together as if talking to one another, while perchance one will be left alone, out in the cold, as it were. Again, two will start off and all the rest will closely follow. The one whose candle first goes out is destined to be old bachelor or maid. These nut-shell boats may also be made by pouring melted wax into halves of walnut-shells in which are short strings for wicks.

WINDING YARN

Throw a ball of yarn out of window but hold fast to one end and begin to wind. As you wind say, "I wind, who holds?" over and over again; before end of yarn is reached, face of future partner will appear in window, or name of sweetheart will be whispered in ear.

SNAPDRAGON

1. The dragon consists of half a pint of ignited brandy or alcohol in a dish. As soon as brandy is aflame, all lights are extinguished, and salt is freely sprinkled in dish, imparting a corpse-like pallor to every face. Candied fruits, figs, raisins, sugared almonds, etc., are thrown in, and guests snap for them with their fingers; person securing most prizes from flames will meet his true love within the year.

2. Or, slips of paper on which verses are written are wrapped tightly in tin-foil and placed in dish. Brandy is poured on and ignited. The verse each person gets is supposed to tell his fortune.

Place burning dish in middle of bare table, for drops of burning spirits are often splashed about.

NECKLACE

Make barrel-hoop into necklace of bread, candies, red peppers and candle-ends, and hang horizontally from ceiling. Set hoop whirling and try to grasp its freight with your teeth. Accordingly as you like your first bite will you enjoy married life.

WINNOWING CORN

Steal out into barn or garden alone and go three times through motions of throwing corn against the wind. The third time an apparition of future spouse will pass you; in some mysterious manner, also, you may obtain an idea of his (her) employment and station in life.

MAGIC STAIRS

Walk downstairs backward, holding lighted candle over your head. Upon reaching bottom, turn suddenly and before you will stand your wished-for one.

PUMPKIN ALPHABET

Carve all the letters of the alphabet on a medium sized pumpkin. Put it on a dish and set on a stand or table. Each guest in turn is blindfolded and given a hat-pin, then led to pumpkin, where he (she) is expected to stick pin into one of the letters on the pumpkin, thus indicating the initial of future life-partner.

JUMPING LIGHTED CANDLE

Place a lighted candle in middle of floor, not too securely placed; each one jumps over it. Whoever succeeds in clearing candle is guaranteed a happy year, free of trouble or anxiety. He who knocks candle over will have a twelve-month of woe.

DUMB CAKE

Each one places handful of wheat flour on sheet of white paper and sprinkles it over with a pinch of salt. Some one makes it into dough, being careful not to use spring water. Each rolls up a piece of dough, spreads it out thin and flat, and marks initials on it with a new pin. The cakes are placed before fire, and all take seats as far from it as possible. This is done before eleven p. m., and between that time and midnight each one must turn cake once. When clock strikes twelve future wife or husband of one who is to be married first will enter and lay hand on cake marked with name. Throughout whole proceeding not a word is spoken. Hence the name "dumb cake." (If supper is served before 11:30, "Dumb Cake" should be reserved for one of the After-Supper Tests.)

HIDING RING, THIMBLE AND PENNY

Hide ring, thimble and penny in room. To one who finds ring, speedy marriage is assured; thimble denotes life of single blessedness; penny promises wealth.

PULLING KALE

All are blindfolded and go out singly or hand-in-hand to garden. Groping about they pull up first stalk of kale or head of cabbage. If stalk comes up easily the sweetheart will be easy to win; if the reverse, hard to win. The shape of the stump will hint at figure of prospective wife or husband. Its length will suggest age. If much soil clings to it, life-partner will be rich; if not, poor. Finally, the stump is carried home and hung over door, first person outside of family who passes under it will bear a name whose initial is same as that of sweetheart.

PERPLEXING HUNT

In this game the seeker for a prize is guided from place to place by doggerels as the following, and is started on his hunt with this rhyme:

"Perhaps you'll find it in the air; If not, look underneath your chair."

Beneath his chair he finds the following:

"No, you will not find it here; Search the clock and have no fear."

Under the clock he finds:

"You will have to try once more; Look behind the parlor door."

Tied to the door-knob he discovers:

"If it's not out in the stable. Seek beneath the kitchen table."

Under the kitchen table he finds another note, which reads:

"If your quest remains uncertain, You will find it 'neath a curtain."

And here his quest is rewarded by finding the prize.

DOUGH TEST

Take water and meal and make dough. Write on slips of paper names of several of opposite sex friends; roll papers into balls of dough and drop them into water. First name to appear will be future husband or wife.

WATER EXPERIMENT

A laughable experiment consists in filling mouth with water and walking around house or block without swallowing or spilling a drop. First person of opposite sex you meet is your fate. A clever hostess will send two unsuspecting lovers by different doors; they are sure to meet, and not unfrequently settle matters then and there.

THE DREAMER

If a maid wishes to know whom she is to marry, if a man of wealth, tradesman, or traveler, let her, on All-Hallow-e'en, take a walnut, hazelnut, and nutmeg; grate and mix them with butter and sugar into pills, and take when she goes to bed; and then, if her fortune be to marry a rich man, her sleep will be filled with gold dreams; if a tradesman, she will dream of odd noises and tumults; if a traveler, there will be thunder and lightning to disturb her.

MIRROR AND APPLE

Stand in front of mirror in dimly lighted room and eat an apple. If your lover reciprocates your love he will appear behind you and look over your right shoulder and ask for a piece of apple.

CELLAR STAIRS

Cellar-stairs' test is where girl boldly goes down stairs backward, holding a mirror, and trying to catch in it the features of him who is to be her mate.

AROUND THE WALNUT TREE

Of all Hallow-e'en spells and charms associated with nuts, the following is one of the oldest: If a young man or woman goes at midnight on Hallow-e'en to a walnut tree and walks around three times, crying out each time, "Let him (her) that is to be my true love bring me some walnuts," future wife or husband will be seen in tree gathering nuts.

DUCKING FOR APPLES

Into one tub half filled with water are placed apples to the stems of which are tied bits of paper containing the names of the boys present at the party, while across the room is a similar tub in which the names of the girls are placed. With hands tied behind them the young folks endeavor to extricate the apples with their teeth, and it is alleged that the name appearing upon the slip fastened to the apple is the patronymic of the future helpmeet of the one securing the fruit from the receptacle.

COMBING HAIR BEFORE MIRROR

Stand alone before mirror, and by light of candle comb your hair; face of your future partner will appear in glass, peeping over your shoulder.

THE FOUR SAUCERS

Place four saucers on table in line. Into first put dirt; into second, water; into third, a ring; into fourth, a rag. Guests are blindfolded and led around table twice; then told to go alone and put fingers into saucer. If they put into dirt, it means divorce; into water, a trip across ocean; where ring is, to marry; where rag is, never to marry.

GAME OF FATE

Guests take part, seated in a circle. Three Fates are chosen, one of whom whispers to each person in turn name of his (her) future sweetheart. Second Fate follows, whispering to each where he (she) will next meet his (her) sweetheart; as, "You will meet on a load of hay," or, "at a picnic," or, "at church," or, "on the river," etc. The third Fate reveals the future; as, "You will marry him (her) next Christmas," or, "You will be separated many years by a quarrel, but will finally marry," or, "Neither of you will ever marry," etc. Each guest must remember what is said by the Fates; then each in turn repeats aloud what has been told him (her). For example, "My future sweetheart's name is Obednego; I shall meet him next Wednesday on the Moonlight Excursion, and we shall be married in a week."

WHERE DWELLS MY LOVER?

Steal out unobserved at midnight; plucking a small lock of hair from your head, cast it to breeze. Whatever direction it is blown is believed to be location of future matrimonial partner.

"I pluck this lock of hair off my head To tell whence comes the one I shall wed. Fly, silken hair, fly all the world around Until you reach the spot where my true love is found."

FEATHER TESTS

To foretell complexion of future mate, select three soft fluffy feathers. (If none is handy, ask for a pillow and rip open and take out feathers.) On bottom end of each feather fasten a small piece of paper; a drop of paste or mucilage will hold all three in place. Write "blonde" on one paper; "brunette," on another, and "medium" on the third. Label papers before gluing them on feathers. Hold up feather by its top and send it flying with a puff of breath. Do same with the other two; the feather landing nearest you denotes complexion of your true love. To make test sure, try three times, not using too much force in blowing feathers, which should land on table, not on floor.

ROSE TEST

Take two roses with long stems. Name one for yourself and one for your lover. Go to your room without speaking to any one; kneel beside bed; twine stems of roses together, and repeat following lines, gazing intently on lover's rose:

"Twine, twine, and intertwine, Let my love be wholly thine. If his heart be kind and true, Deeper grow his rose's hue."

If your swain is faithful, color of rose will grow darker.

DRY BREAD

Dreams mean much on Hallow-e'en, but certain ceremonies must be carefully followed in order to insure the spell. Before going to sleep for the night have some one bring a small piece of dry bread. No word can be spoken after this; silence must prevail. Eat bread slowly, at same time making a wish and thinking the pleasantest thing imaginable. Then drop off to sleep, and your dreams will be sweet and peaceful, and your wish will come true, if the charm works.

THE LOAF CAKE

A loaf cake is often made, and in it are placed a ring and a key. The former signifies marriage, and the latter a journey, and the person who cuts the slice containing either must accept the inevitable.

TO TRY ONE'S LUCK

In a dish of mashed potatoes place a ring, a dime, and a thimble. Each guest is provided with a spoon with which to eat the potatoes; whoever gets the ring is to be married within a year; the thimble signifies single blessedness, while the dime prophesies riches or a legacy.

Some canny lassies have been known to get the ring into one of their very first spoonfuls, and have kept it for fun in their mouths, tucked snugly beneath the tongue, until the dish was emptied. Such a lass was believed to possess the rare accomplishment of being able to hold her tongue, but nevertheless tricky.

MELTING LEAD

Each person melts some lead and pours it through a wedding-ring or key into a dish of water. The lead will cool in various shapes, supposed to be prophetic. Any ingenious person will interpret the shapes, and furnish much amusement for the listeners; thus, a bell-shaped drop indicates a wedding within the year; a drop resembling a torch or lamp signifies fame; a pen or ink-bottle, that the future companion is to be an author; a horn of plenty, wealth; a bag or trunk, travel; etc.

NAMING CHESTNUTS

Roast three chestnuts before the fire, one of which is named for some lady (or gentleman); the other two, for gentlemen (or ladies). If they separate, so will those for whom they are named; those jumping toward the fire are going to a warmer climate; those jumping from the fire, to a colder climate; if two gentlemen jump toward one another, it means rivalry.

THE MIRROR

Walk backward several feet out of doors in moonlight with mirror in your hand, or within doors with candle in one hand and mirror in the other, repeating following rhyme, and face of your future companion will appear in glass:

"Round and round, O stars so fair! Ye travel and search out everywhere; I pray you, sweet stars, now show to me This night who my future husband (wife) shall be."

BOWLS

One bowl is filled with clear water, another with wine, a third with vinegar, a fourth is empty. All are placed in line on table. Each person in turn is blindfolded, turned about three times, and led to table. A hand is put out and prophecy made by bowl touched. Water shows happy, peaceful life; wine promises rich, eventful, noble career; vinegar, misery and poverty; an empty bowl is a symbol of bachelor or spinster life.

LOVER'S TEST

A maid and youth each places a chestnut to roast on fire, side by side. If one hisses and steams, it indicates a fretful temper in owner of chestnut; if both chestnuts equally misbehave it augurs strife. If one or both pop away, it means separation; but if both burn to ashes tranquilly side by side, a long life of undisturbed happiness will be lot of owners.

These portentous omens are fitly defined in the following lines:

"These glowing nuts are emblems true Of what in human life we view; The ill-matched couple fret and fume, And thus in strife themselves consume; Or from each other wildly start, And with a noise forever part. But see the happy, happy pair, Of genuine love and truth sincere; With mutual fondness while they burn, Still to each other kindly turn; And as the vital sparks decay, Together gently sink away; Till life's fierce trials being past, Their mingled ashes rest at last."

FLOUR TEST

A bowl is filled tightly with flour. During the process of filling, a wedding ring is inserted vertically in some part of it. The bowl, when full, is inverted upon a dish and withdrawn, leaving the mound of flour on the dish. Each guest cuts off with a knife a thin slice which crumbles into dust. The guest who cuts off the slice containing the ring will be married first.

APPLE SEEDS

Apple seeds act as charms on Hallow-e'en. Stick one on each eyelid and name one "Home" and the other "Travel." If seed named travel stays on longer, you will go on a journey before year expires. If "Home" clings better, you will remain home. Again, take all the apple seeds, place them on back of outspread left hand and with loosely clenched right hand strike palm of left. This will cause some, if not all, of seeds to fall. Those left on hand show number of letters you will receive the coming fortnight. Should all seeds drop, you must wait patiently for your mail.

Put twelve apple seeds carefully one side while you cut twelve slips of blank paper exactly alike, and on one side of each write name of friend. Turn them all over with blanks uppermost and mix them so that you will not know which is which; then, holding seeds in your left hand, repeat:

"One I love, Two I love, Three I love I say; Four I love with all my heart Five I cast away. Six he loves, Seven she loves, Eight they both love; Nine he comes, Ten he tarries, Eleven he courts and Twelve he marries."

Stop at each line to place a seed on a paper, and turn slip over to discover name of one you love or cast away. Continue matching apple seeds with papers as you count, until all twelve seeds and twelve papers are used.



THANKSGIVING

AFTER DINNER GAMES FOR THANKSGIVING DAY

The game of enigmatical menus, as its name implies, is not only especially appropriate for Thanksgiving Day, but has the further merit of not requiring a great deal of preparation beforehand, and is therefore not too great a tax upon a busy woman's time. Before this greatest feast day of the year, the hostess is usually so fully occupied in planning the actual bill of fare, that a game which requires nothing more than pencils, and sheets of paper with the following riddles either plainly written or typewritten upon them, will be found a boon indeed. An hour's time is usually allowed for guessing the names of the guests, and of the viands suggested upon any one of the menus which are given together with the correct answers.

A DINNER FOR HISTORIC CELEBRITIES

The Guests

1. He who refused the crown of England.—Cromwell.

2. The conqueror of Napoleon I.—The Duke of Wellington.

3. He who escaped from his foes by reversing his horse's shoes. —Israel O. Putnam.

4. He who owed his good fortune to his cat.—Dick Whittington.

5. The inventor of printing.—Guttenberg.

6. The captive king whose hiding place was discovered by his troubadour.—Richard Coeur de Leon.

7. A sly one.—Fox.

8. The kernel of the peach.—Pitt.

9. Minister to George II.—Walpole.

10. The author of Poor Richard's Almanac.—Benjamin Franklin.

The Menu

1. Soup—The mainstay of the Chinese. Rice.

2. Fish—A color. Blue Fish.

3. Roast—The pride of Old England. Roast Beef.

4. Vegetable—A porridge and an apartment. Mushroom.

5. Game—A nut cracker.—Squirrel.

6. Salad—Part of a house and a letter. Celery.

7. Pudding—A summer residence. Cottage.

8. Cake—What variety gives to life. Spice.

9. Fruit—From an historic tree. Cherries.

10. Wine—The kind of invitation one likes to receive. Cordial.

A DINNER FOR LITERARY CELEBRITIES

The Guests

1. A barrel maker.—Cooper.

2. A mixture of black and white.—Gray.

3. The baby of the flock.—Lamb.

4. A disagreeable fellow to have on one's foot.—Bunyan.

5. Joyous hardness.—Gladstone.

6. A country in Europe.—Holland.

7. A lion's abode, free from dampness.—Dryden.

8. A head covering.—Hood.

9. Small talk and a cask.—Chatterton.

10. Absence of all color.—Black.

The Menu

1. Soup—What a ship sometimes springs. Leek.

2. Fish—All colors combined. White Fish.

3. Roast—A red hot bar of iron. Pig.

4. Vegetable—To steal mildly. Cabbage.

5. Game—Chinese English. Pigeon.

6. Relish—Dreadful predicaments. Pickles.

7. Pudding—The mantle of winter. Snow.

8. Cake—Brightest and best of all. Sunshine.

9. Fruit—A church dignitary and a fruit. Elderberry.

10. Wine—An island in the Atlantic. Madeira.

NUTS TO CRACK

Pass pencils and paper to each guest with the following written upon it:—

1 (A Dairy product.)

2 (A Vegetable.)

3 (A Country.)

4 (A Girl's name.)

5 (A structure.)

6 (A name often applied to one of our presidents.)

7 (Every Ocean has one.)

8 (That which often holds a treasure.)

9 (The names of two boys.)

10 (A letter of the alphabet and an article made of tin.)

Explain that the above describes ten different nuts, which they are to guess. The nuts described are (1) butternut; (2) peanut; (3) brazil nut; (4) hazel nut; (5) walnut; (6) hickory nut; (7) beechnut; (8) chestnut; (9) filbert; (10) pecan. A prize may be awarded to the one first having correct answers.

Thanksgiving originated with the pilgrims who came from England in the Mayflower. What other ships were they acquainted with? Provide the guests with pencils and paper having the following questions written upon it:

1. What they met for on Sunday?

2. What feeling existed among them?

3. What ship was popular with the young folks?

4. What did it lead up to?

5. What was one of the young women fond of?

6. What was unpleasant for them?

7. What caused them to leave England?

8. What interfered with their peace?

9. What would have aided them?

10. What increased their number?

A prize may be awarded to the one who correctly answers the questions first. The answers are: 1. Worship; 2. Friendship; 3. Courtship; 4. Partnership; 5. Fellowship; 6. Hardship; 7. Rulership; 8. Leadership; 9. Airship; 10. Heirship.



CHRISTMAS

"Christmas comes but once a year and when it comes it brings"—a whole lot of things. If there doesn't seem to be anything to be thankful for, there was a Christmas hundreds of years ago which gave us One who comprised and radiated everything to be thankful for, so let us rejoice in memory of that Christmas and be merry and cheerful and glad.

Children, especially, love to have games and amusements at this time of the year, so a number are suggested as appropriate, some of which will prove entertaining to grown-ups.

JOLLY ST. NICHOLAS

One child is chosen to represent Jolly St. Nicholas or Santa Claus and stands in the center of the room. The other children stand around in a circle while Santa Claus reads his rules of good behavior to them which are as follows:—

"You must speak when you are spoken to. Do you understand?" (The children reply, "Yes, sir.")

"You must come when you are called. Come here." (The children run toward Santa Claus and stand still when he raises his hand.)

"You must keep your place." (The children return to their former places.)

"You must be asleep by eight o'clock." (Santa Claus counts eight and the children must all close their eyes by the time he says 'eight.')

"It is more blessed to give than to receive." The children are supposed to keep their eyes closed and when Santa Claus gives them something (which will be a little tap on the hand or a light trod on the foot, a kiss, a hug or gentle pull of the hair or ear or something of that sort,) the recipient must pass it on to the next who passes it on to the next, and so on.

If Santa Claus observes anyone disobeying his rules he tags them and they are out of the game. If any of the children succeed in being perfectly good children they are given a suitable prize by Santa Claus, and another Santa Claus chosen if it is desired to continue the game.

CHRISTMAS STOCKING

Paint or draw on a sheet the picture of a fireplace. Tack this to the wall and after providing each child with a small stocking and pin, blindfold them in turn, telling them to hang up their stocking at the mantel. Drop a small toy in the stocking of those who succeed before taking the handkerchief from their eyes. Those who fail may have one more turn after all have had a chance.

CHRISTMAS CANDLES

Place on a low table a small Christmas tree, on which there is arranged lighted candles. Blindfold each child in turn, having them stand about one foot away with their back turned toward the tree. He is then told to take three steps forward, turn around three times, then walk four steps and blow as hard as he can. A prize is awarded to the one who blows out the most candles.

HOLLY WREATH OR SNOW BALL

Make several snowballs from crepe paper or white cotton. Hang a large holly wreath in the doorway and let each child in turn try to throw his snowball through the wreath. The players who are successful throw three balls through the wreath, and the one who throws them all through receives a prize.

AFTER DINNER GAMES FOR CHRISTMAS

A DINNER FOR CONTEMPORARY CELEBRITIES

The Guests

1. The first month of the year. Janvier.

2. Strong and sturdy. Hardy.

3. An out of date arrangement for the front hair. Bangs.

4. An author whose name is on every page. Page.

5. The poet laureate of England. Alfred Austin.

6. A medium for transatlantic messages. Cable.

7. One form of single blessedness. Bacheller (Irving).

8. The pedestrian's aid. Caine (Hall).

9. What springs eternal in the human breast. Hope (Anthony).

10. A dignitary of the church. Abbott (Lyman).

The Menu

1. Soup—Toe not found on man. Tomato.

2. Fish—A unit of measurement. Perch.

3. Roast—A lean wife. Spare rib.

4. Vegetable—The result of pressure. Squash.

5. Game—Timber and the herald of the dawn. Woodcock.

6. Salad—He who fights the Japanese. Russian.

7. Pudding—An aborigine. Indian.

8. Cake—A tropical sea plant. Sponge.

9. Fruit—To waste away and Eve's temptation. Pineapple.

10. Wine—A part of the foot and a letter. Tokay.

A LUNCHEON FOR LITERARY WOMEN

The Guests

1. A verdant one. Greene (Anna Katherine).

2. To evade. Dodge (Mary Mapes).

3. A head covering and a tavern. Wiggin (Kate Douglas).

4. What ships and schooners often cross. Barr (Amelia E.).

5. A thistle's product and a head dress. Burnett (Frances Hodgson).

6. A part of the human body. Foote (Mary Hallock).

7. A pig's house and a measurement. Pennell (Elizabeth).

8. A guardian's trust. Ward (Mrs. Humphry).

9. Act of a poor cook. Burnham. (Clara Louise).

10. What the rebellion made of every negro. Freeman (Mary E. Wilkins).

The Menu

1. Fruit—Small shot. Grape fruit.

2. Fish—A soft shelled sign of the Zodiac. Crab.

3. Roast—A genial English author. Lamb.

4. Sauce—A money maker. Mint.

5. Vegetable—A city of Belgium and what a leaf does in spring. Brussels sprouts.

6. Salad—Elizabeth and her German. Garden.

7. Tarts—Water in motion. Currant.

8. Cake—A precious metal. Gold.

9. Ice—A celebrated prince. Orange (William of).

10. The floral Decorations—The flowers that bloomed on their lips. Roses.



INDEX

GAMES FOR TINY TOTS

A Running Maze, 11

Bean Bag, 11

Birds Fly, 12

Button, Button, 12

Bingo, 13

Blindman's Buff, 14

Blowing The Feather, 14

Cock Fighting, 15

Catching The Mouse, 16

Drop The Handkerchief, 16

Donkey's Tail, 17

Frog In the Middle, 17

Green Gravel, 17

Hunt The Ring, 18

Hot Tamales, 19

Hunt The Slipper, 19

Hot Boiled Beans and Bacon, 20

Hide and Seek, 21

Hiss and Clap, 22

London Bridge, 22

Miss Jennia Jones, 24

Oats and Beans and Barley, 26

Puss In the Corner, 27

Rule of Contrary, 27

Soap Bubble Battle, 28

Spider Web, 29

Severed Flowers, 29

GAMES FOR CHILDREN

Acting Proverbs, 33

Blind Man's Wand, 34

Blind Postman, The, 34

Blowing The Candle, 35

Cat and Mouse, 35

Clairvoyant, The, 36

Cushion Dance, The, 37

Change Seats: The King's Come, 37

Duck Under The Water, 38

Gardener, The, 38

Going To Jerusalem, 39

Game of Cat, 40

Grand Mufti, 40

Here I Bake, Here I Brew, 41

Hat Game, 41

Huntsman, The, 42

He Can Do Little Who Can't Do This, 43

Hissing and Clapping, 43

Hold Fast! Let Go!, 44

Hunt The Whistle, 45

I Sell My Bat, I Sell My Ball, 45

Judge and Jury, 46

My Master Bids You Do As I Do, 46

Magic Music, 47

Malaga Raisins, 48

Our Old Grannie Doesn't Like Tea, 48

Oranges and Lemons, 49

Old Soldier, 50

Post-Office, 50

Peter Piper, 51

Sea and Her Children, The, 52

Stage Coach, The, 52

Shadow Buff, 53

Steps, 54

Spelling Game, The, 54

Simon Says, 56

Sergeant, The, 57

Sea King, The, 57

Tongue Twisters, 58

Trades, 58

Think of A Number, 59

This and That, 60

What Am I Doing, 60

Wonderment, 61

Wink, 62

Riddles, 62

GAMES FOR ADULTS

Advice, 75

Adjectives, 75

Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral, 76

Acting Rhymes, 77

Bird-Catcher, The, 78

Buzz, 78

Birds, Fruits and Flowers, 79

Cities, 80

Cook Who Doesn't Like Peas, The, 80

Consequences, 81

Cross Questions and Crooked Answers, 82

Curate, The, 83

Definitions, 84

Earth, Air, Fire and Water, 84

Farmyard, The, 85

Forbidden Letter, The, 86

Forbidden Vowels, The, 86

Fortune Telling, 87

Game of Conversation, The, 89

Guilty Or Innocent, 90

Guessing Groceries, 91

Gossip, 91

How? When? Where?, 92

I Love My Love With An A, 93

It, 93

Jack's Alive, 94

Menagerie, The, 95

Minister's Cat, The, 95

Magic Writing, 96

Mimic Club, The, 97

My Lady's Toilet, 98

Partners, 98

Proverbs, 99

Questions and Answers, 101

Ruth and Jacob, 102

Rhymes, 103

Sketches, 103

Traveller's Alphabet, 103

Thought Reading, 104

The Little Dutch Band, 105

What's My Thought Like, 106

FORFEITS

Forfeits, 107

GAMES FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

New Year's Day, 115

Lincoln's Birthday, 122

St, Valentine's Day, 127

Washington's Birthday, 132

April Fools' Day, 142

Easter, 154

May Day, 163

Fourth of July, 169

Hallow-e'en, 174

Thanksgiving, 199

Christmas, 204



TIGHT-WADS

A collection of the best stories that could be found after a careful research, by

R. U. TITE

With sixteen illustrations of different types of "Tight-Wads" you have met, by

CLARE A. BRIGGS,

The famous cartoonist of "The Chicago Tribune."

This unique volume presents the Tight-Wad in all his glory, showing him "at home," on the "street car," while "entertaining friends," when "out with the boys," and other places too numerous to mention. Mr. Briggs' illustrations prove that during his travelling experience he has encountered many descendants of the Tight-Wad family who have made a lasting impression on his mind. From title to "finis" the book abounds in wit and humor which will make you scream as loud as the eagle on the cover.

Cloth binding with four color inlay, square 16 mo., 50c.



The Famous Billy Whiskers Books

By Frances Trego Montgomery

Billy Whiskers' Friends Billy Whiskers Jr. and His Chums Billy Whiskers' Vacation Billy Whiskers' Grandchildren

Thousands of children have read this delightful series of books which are written around the lives and adventures of a goat, "Billy Whiskers," his wife, Nannie, and their descendants. The family have a strain of the adventurous spirit which leads them into many serious and laughable mishaps. Mrs. Montgomery has the happy faculty of writing stories about animals which always amuse and please the children. Each book has over fifty black and white illustrations and six full page pictures in colors by Hugo Von Hofsten.

Bound in boards with cloth back, quarto, each $1.00



Everybody should save their THEATRE PROGRAMS

In after years many of them become historic and increase wonderfully in value as souvenirs of the great plays and actors you have seen. Nearly every one takes home their theatre program, and is at a loss afterwards what to do with it, or where to put it so it can be found when wanted in the future. Here is a book that solves the problem:

PLAYS AND PLAYERS A Theatre-Goer's Record

in which one may keep a record of the plays seen, the date, play, theatre, in whose company, coupon of seats, comment on the play and players, synopsis of scenes, cast of characters, pictures, scenes and clippings pertaining to the play.

The paper (India Tint) is of fine quality; the printing is in colors; the binding is cloth with an appropriate cover design in colors; the whole making a very attractive book for gift purposes, or for one's own use, and is put up in a handsome box.

8-3/4 x 6-3/4 inches, cloth binding (boxed) $1.50 Full limp leather, gilt edges (boxed) 3.00



CARD CLUB RECORD

Every person who attends card parties wants to refer at some time or another to what happened at or who attended a certain gathering and here is a book specially designed for that purpose. Blank spaces are provided in which to record: The Date, Hostess, Game Played, Scores, Prizes, Winners, Refreshments, Guests, and General Remarks. The book is printed in two colors with handsome border designs, and includes concise card rules of latest revision. Both bindings put in a handsome box.

Cloth binding, cover stamped in gold, boxed, $1.00 Full leather binding, full gilt edges, boxed, $2.00

NOTE THIS BOOK MAKES THE VERY BEST KIND OF A CARD PARTY PRIZE



AMERICAN SKAT

By J. CHARLES EICHHORN Chairman Committee on Rules of the North American Skat League

The rapid strides this great game of cards has made in America, can be gathered from the fact, that at the First Congress at St. Louis, in 1897, of the North American Skat League just 288 players took part. In 1907, ten years later, at Chicago, 2700 gentlemen and 600 ladies took part.

The book "American Skat" is a complete and comprehensive guide for beginners, and a complete treatise of the game as played to-day.

It is also a ready reference on all rulings and plays up to the present time, a condensed glossary on the game of Skat.

Endorsed by the "North American Skat League" as the Authority on rules.

Paper cover 50c Cloth binding 75c Special De Luxe Edition, full gilt edges 1.00



THE Wealth of Friendship

Compiled by Wallace and Frances Rice

WITH A PREFATORY HOMILY ON FRIENDSHIP By the Rev. FRANK W. GUNSAULUS

Dr. Gunsaulus, the most popular pulpit and platform lecturer in the United States, has written the introduction for the most inclusive selection of extracts regarding friendship ever brought together in a single volume. He has seen in the theme of friendship the basis of all true religion, and has stamped with his approval the work of the compilers. They in turn have exhausted English literature from the time of Queen Elizabeth to that of President Taft in order to present in the briefest possible space the views of all great writers in Great Britain and America on this most interesting topic. They have drawn extensively on the languages of continental Europe, in many cases making original translations of the sentiments of the most famous authors and poets there. And finally the sacred Scriptures have been diligently searched for this same high purpose, leaving this the furthest reaching compilation on the finest relation between human beings ever published.

Printed in two colors on fine paper, and bound in lavender silk finish cloth, cover stamped in gold. Size 5 x 8-1/4 inches. Attractively boxed, $1.25.

Pull leather edition, boxed, $2.50.



DINNERS AND LUNCHEONS

Compiled by PAUL PIERCE

The busy housewife is ever seeking for something new—for unique ideas for these occasions. This book is full of suggestions—"Ice Breakers, for Getting the Company Started Right," "Sentiments and Quotations for Dinner Menus," "Dinners for Patriotic and Special Occasions and appropriate table stories and toasts." "Favors and Place Cards," "Helps Over Hard Places," "Don'ts for the Table," "Passing the Loving Cup," are some of the many hints.

Appropriate cover design in colors. Size 6-1/4 x 4-1/2 in. 50c



PARTIES AND ENTERTAINMENTS

Compiled by PAUL PIERCE

"What shall I do to entertain my friends?" is always the question that confronts the hostess. It is answered here. This little book is made up of new and novel suggestions for all kinds of occasions, something to replace the thread-worn ideas of old time social usage. Here are some of the chapter headings: "A Rainbow Bridge," "A German Whist," "Golf Euchre," "Valentine's Day," "St. Patrick's Day," "April Fool's Day," "Easter," "Decoration Day," "Fourth of July," "Hallow-e'en," "Thanksgiving Day," "Christmas," "New Year's," "Birthday," "Colonial Ball," "Lawn Parties," "Children's Parties," etc.

Appropriate cover design in colors. Size 6-1/4 x 4-1/2 in. 50c



BREAKFASTS AND TEAS

Compiled by PAUL PIERCE

A book containing some new ideas for Breakfasts and Teas will be welcomed by the perplexed hostess. Here are some of the suggestions:

"Chrysanthemum Breakfasts," "Bon Voyage Breakfast," "A Club Breakfast," "A Gypsy Tea," "Book Title Tea," "Fancywork Tea," "Valentine Tea," "Colonial Tea," etc. With other unique ideas for menus, together with toasts and stories.

Appropriate cover design in colors. Size 6-1/4 x 4-1/2 in. 50c



SUPPERS

Compiled by PAUL PIERCE

This is a subject of which there has been very little written, and offers a great opportunity for the display of unique and novel ideas. This book is full of such. Here are some of the subjects treated:

"Buffet Suppers," "Dutch Suppers," "Stag Suppers," "After the Play and Sunday Evening Suppers," "Bohemian Suppers," "Suppers for Patriotic, Holiday and Special Occasions," with toasts and stories for all these occasions.

Appropriate cover design in colors. Size 6-1/4 x 4-1/2 in. 50c



TOASTS AND AFTER-DINNER STORIES

Being a careful selection of the best toasts and sentiments, new and old, gleaned from the writings of standard and popular authors and conveniently arranged for reference. The scope of the subjects is wide and the variety such that this book is all that could be desired in a book of toasts. The latter half of the book is a collection of side-splitting and clever stories as told by the great humorists and well-known after-dinner speakers. Here again the wide range of subjects makes this book especially useful and withal highly entertaining. The idea of a combination of toasts and stories (two-books-in-one) is attractive.

Cloth binding. Cover design in five colors from appropriate drawing. Size 6-1/4 x 4-1/2 in. 50c

* * * * *

For sale at all book stores, or sent (postage paid) on receipt of price, by the publishers

BREWER, BARSE & CO. 300-304 Wabash Ave., CHICAGO

THE END