Part 2

Choose sides as in a spelling match, and let the leader of the first side give the first syllable of the name of some Bible character. The leader of the opposite side will then complete the name, if he can. Failing this, his side loses a member, selected by the leader of the opposite side. And so the contest goes on down the line, first one side and then the other proposing the first syllable of some name.

BIBLE READINGS

A good way to promote study of the Bible is a "Bible oratorical contest," in which four or five contestants recite, or give as readings, selections from the Bible. If well done, it will prove most entertaining, and many people will go home surprised that the Bible is such an interesting book.

BIRD CARNIVAL

The invitations to the carnival had various kinds of birds painted upon them, and each guest was requested to come representing the kind of bird designated on his or her invitation. There were two invitations of each kind, one sent to a lady and one to a gentleman, that there might be a "pair" of each variety of bird. As the guests arrived, each was labeled with the name of the bird he or she represented, and in this way it was easy for them to find their "mates" for refreshments. The house was profusely trimmed with flowers, vines, and leaves (many of them artificial, borrowed from a near-by store); every available space was covered, the banisters, the mantel posts, the door- and window-frames, the archways, etc., and even the walls of the dining-room were hung with the trailing vines, so that the place looked like a veritable woodland dell. All the stuffed birds that could be secured were perched here and there among the vines and branches, some on nests with their mates beside them; a large owl was placed high in one corner, and in a cozy nook in another corner was the nest of a meadow lark, with father and mother birds teaching their young ones to fly. Besides this canaries in cages were distributed throughout the house, lending their music to the general effect. Bird eggs of every description were also used to help decorate. In the centre of the dining table a nest was arranged, containing a mother bird and her little ones, while suspended from the gas jet by gayly colored ribbons and reaching almost to the nest, were many prettily decorated egg shells, the contents having been "blown" from them by means of small holes made in each end. Twenty-five rhymes about birds were pinned about the rooms, the guests being required to answer them. Following are given the rhymes and their answers. The hostess kept the "key" and read the correct list at the close of the contest, when a canary bird in a cage was given as first prize and a stuffed bird as second to the most successful contestants. At the close of the contest, the roll was called and each "bird" present responded by an appropriate quotation, these having been previously distributed by the hostess.

BIRD PIE

After refreshments were served, an enormous "bird pie" was placed upon the table and each guest was given a slice. This pie was made of pie crust, and was filled with tiny trifles wrapped in tissue paper, most of them representing birds, eggs, nests, etc. On the top of the pie twenty-four little birds cut out of black paper were perched by means of pins stuck through their feet. Also pinned to the pie was this verse:

When this pie is opened The birds begin to sing? That is where you all are fooled; We won't do such a thing!

BIRD GUESSING CONTEST

1. A flash of sky on wing.--(_Bluebird._)

2. Oh, shall I call thee bird, Or but a wandering voice? Thy note from household clocks is heard, And children's ears rejoice.--(_Cuckoo._)

3. King of the water, as the air, He dives and finds his prey.--(_Kingfisher._)

4. Thy plaintive cry announces punishment, And warns the luckless boy for whom 'tis sent. --(_Whippoorwill._)

5. You introduce yourself throughout your song, And tell the world your brief, old-fashioned name.--(_Phoebe._)

6. "Bob White!" you call Along the marshy coast. Speak not so loud Or you will be on toast.--(_Quail._)

7. Cooing 'neath barn rafters, Pouting, sometimes, too, Rippling like child laughter All the winter through.--(_Pigeon._)

8. An English emigrant, bird of the street, So common that some like thee not at all. Yet in the Holy Bible we are told The Father careth if but one should fall.--(_Sparrow._)

9. Red-breasted harbinger of spring We wait in hope to hear thee sing.--(_Robin._)

10. Yellow captive of the cage, Silver notes thou giv'st as wage.--(_Canary._)

11. A flash of white upon the sea, And yet 'tis not a sail. A "little brother of the air" Hath dared to ride the gale.--(_Sea-gull._)

12. "Jenny" named in children's books, Bright in spirit, dull in looks; With Cock Robin as thy mate, Nothing else I'll have to state.--(_Wren._)

13. In Blue Grass regions is thy splendor seen, Thou flash of flame. August thy name, Red-coated pontiff of the green.--(_Kentucky Cardinal._)

14. Black robber of the corn-fields, oh, beware! The farmer can do other things than scare.--(_Crow._)

15. We know how long ago You frightened Mr. Poe-- Black-coated prophet of adversity.--(_Raven._)

16. Named for the animal the dairies need, Yet, in thy nature, quite a different breed.--(_Cowbird._)

17. Black-winged in crimson roses thou art dressed, Fine feathers make fine birds, it is confessed; And none more fine than thou, Oh, brilliant beauty of the bough!--(_Scarlet Tanager._)

18. The melody is trickling from thy beak, And silver whistlings help thy voice to speak. Oh, singer, famed by thousands, clear the strain Which ripples from thy pulsing throat like rain.--(_Nightingale._)

19. Bird of the night, Thy round eyes are aglow With all the learning Which the sages know.--(_Owl._)

20. The mother hen must watch her little brood Lest thou come down and bear them off for food, And use them for a dinner, Oh, prowling sinner.--(_Hawk._)

21. You imitate the foe which does you wrong, And call "Meouw," instead of chanting song.--(_Catbird._)

22. Your coat is like the leaden sky Which drops the feathery snow, And when that leaves us, by and by, Still further north you go.--(_Snowbird._)

23. A symbol of the perfect Love Shed from above.--(_Dove._)

24. I supplicate At Heaven's gate And rest on wing Where angels sing.--(_Lark._)

25. I'm always offered cracker, And though I like it well I think some other viands Would answer just as well.--(_Parrot._)

BIRTHDAY PARTY

_We herewith extend a most kind invitation To you and your friends or any relation To come to a party. This little silk sack Is intended to furnish a good place to pack As many pennies as you are years old. We promise the secret shall never be told. If Methuselah's age would be the right sum Of the years to which you already have come, If objections to exposing your age should arise, One hundred would be a splendid disguise. A musical program of very rare merit Will be given to those who will just come and hear it. We'll give you good cheer for the weak inner man And a gallery of pictures unique to well scan; We'll meet young and old with greetings most hearty As you come, one and all, to your own Birthday Party._

These invitations can be given and sent out beforehand, each accompanied by a tiny silk bag to hold the money. Prepare a nice musical treat and something good to eat. Have each member of the society giving the entertainment bring a picture of himself when a baby or small child, and have a picture gallery. Do not forget to be very social and make every one feel that he is welcome, not only for the money he brings, but for himself also.

BISHOP'S RIDDLE

A most eccentric yet interesting man was Bishop Brooks of Brookville; although not a large or strong man, wherever he went, night or day, he was always either accompanied by or carrying:

Two playful animals--calves.

A number of small animals of a less tame breed--hares (hairs).

A member of the deer family--hart (heart).

A number of whips without handles--lashes (eyelashes).

Some weapons of warfare--arms.

The steps of a hotel--inn steps (insteps).

The House of Representatives when a vote is taken--ayes and noes (eyes and nose).

Some Spanish grandees to wait upon him--ten dons (tendons).

Two places of worship--temples.

Two scholars--pupils.

What Napoleon wished to leave his son--crown.

Two coverings of kettles--lids (eyelids).

Two musical instruments--drums.

Two established measures--feet and hands.

Two coverings for the head--caps (kneecaps).

Several articles that a carpenter cannot do without--nails.

A couple of fish--soles.

A number of shell-fish--mussels (muscles).

Two lofty trees--palms.

Two kinds of flowers--tulips and iris.

BOX PARTY

A box party can be made very enjoyable if every one enters into the contest.

Each lady should pack a box with lunch for two and at the party the boxes can be auctioneered off to the highest bidder.

Or, if there is any objection to that, the ladies' names can be placed on slips of paper and the papers put into a hat and passed to the gentlemen; the slip each draws contains the name of the one with whom he is to eat refreshments.

If this party is to make money for some society the wisest way will be to sell the boxes.

The same plan may also be followed for a Sunday-school or other picnic.

CAKE SALE

Probably the description of a cake sale that was held for the benefit of a library fund may not come amiss to show just how attractive and successful such an affair can be made. The principal feature of this sale was the cake contest--a game, with cake prizes. This game was devised to take the place of raffling, which was voted out of date. It was played by groups of ten, who on paying a fee were given printed lists of questions to be answered. Each list had to be signed with the player's name and put in the "post-office" by a certain time in the evening, and later the names of the prize-winners in each group were announced. To promote sociability and fun, a lady's and a gentleman's first prize, and a lady's and a gentleman's booby were given in each group. The prizes were cakes, iced and fancifully decorated with colored candies, and each cake was put on a wooden plate, covered with a frill of crepe paper. The boobies were ginger and sugar horsecakes. Below is the list of questions and answers used in the contest, which may be lengthened or shortened at will:

Which cake did the society woman buy? Reception. The schoolgirl? Composition. The grocer? Sugar. The artist? Exhibition. The farmer? Harvest. The mean man? Sponge. The tramp? Loaf. The minister? Scripture. The milliner? Feather. The maiden aunt? Tea. The dairyman? Cream. The champion? Cup. The pretty girls? Ribbon. The jockey? Horse. The shoemaker? The last. The sculptor? Marble. The small boys? Snowballs. The gossip? Spice. The Bryan man? Silver. The young man for his sweetheart? Angel. The fond mamma for her daughter? Wedding. The candidate for office? Election. The politician? Plum.

Then there were cakes for sale, whole or cut. Small tables were placed at one end of the hall; and here cake was served with tea, coffee or chocolate. The cake booths were attractively decorated with crepe paper and flags. Posters announced the specialties and prices at each. Watermelon cakes were the novelty at one booth; apple lemon cakes at another; a plentiful supply of cookies, dominoes, horsecakes, gingerbread dolls, and little patty pan cakes, containing a prize to attract the patronage of the children, at another. Little china dolls, marbles, china dogs, cats, vases, etc., were put in the dough when the little pans were filled. These china toys were not injured by the baking and delighted the children beyond measure.

* * * * *

At a cake sale recently held for the benefit of a church, a novel feature was introduced in the sale of "Scripture cake."

The cakes were baked in several different sizes, and sold for from twenty-five cents to one dollar. With each cake sold was given a copy of the recipe by which it was made, which was as follows:

SCRIPTURE CAKE

1 cup of butter Judges 5:25 3½ cups flour I Kings 4:22 3 cups sugar Jeremiah 6:20 2 cups raisins I Samuel 30:12 2 cups figs I Samuel 30:12 1 cup water Genesis 24:17 1 cup almonds Genesis 43:11 6 eggs Isaiah 10:14 1 tablespoonful honey Exodus 16:21 A pinch of salt Leviticus 16:13 Spices to taste I Kings 10:10 2 tablespoonfuls baking-powder I Cor. 5:6

Follow Solomon's advice for making good boys, and you will have a good cake. Proverbs 23:14.

CAKE WALK (Novel kind)

I hope this will not shock any of my readers, and I don't think it will after it is read. It can be held in a church or Sunday school room without any qualms of conscience on any one's part. Have each one come to represent a cake. For instance, sponge cake can be represented by having sponges all over the body; batter cake, by young man wearing baseball suit of clothes and carrying bat; cup cake, by wearing cups around the neck and waist; fruit cake, by carrying baskets of different kinds of small fruits; angel cake, by wearing pictures of angels on the dress and hair; one, two, three, four cake, by wearing the figures 1, 2, 3, 4 pinned on dress or coat; cooky, by wearing chef's cap and apron and a large letter E making that person cook-e; plain cake, by dressing very plainly; orange cake, by carrying orange in each hand; nut cake, by carrying nuts. Any other cake can be represented by carrying out the same idea. All should keep moving around so that the people can see what each one represents. A prize of a cake can be given to the one guessing the greatest number of cakes correctly. Refreshments should consist of every variety of cake served with cocoa or coffee.

CALICO CARNIVAL

The society who gave it had the oddly written announcement given below published in the local papers a week in advance. They also used it as a handbill:

CALICO CARNIVAL

"Consider yourself cordially invited to be present at the correctly constructed and considerately combined calico carnival to be held at ---- Hall, Friday night, February --, 1905, admission fifteen cents.

"Conspicuous courses served in confused compactness: One conglomerated compound circle; one cup communicative cordial (containing no chickory), or one cup of Chinese cheer, or one cup of choice churned cream; one cider cured cucumber; and one cup of cold comfort.

"Rules and regulations: All ladies to wear calico gowns, also requested to bring half a pound of carefully cut carpet rags each. All gentlemen to wear calico ties and requested to bring thimbles.

"Fines will be imposed for the following: Any lady who fails to wear a calico gown, ten cents; any lady who fails to bring half a pound of carefully cut carpet rags, ten cents; any gentleman who fails to wear a calico tie, twenty-five cents; any gentleman who fails to bring a thimble, five cents.

"P. S.--There will be for sale, cheap, cunning calico conveniences that will be a constant comfort.

"N. B.--Any person who sits in a corner and refuses to converse will be fined five cents.

"The sale of calico conveniences will begin at ----."

Of course, everybody came. The fines and admissions alone would have paid the ladies for the trouble of getting up the carnival.

The "conspicuous courses" consisted of cake; coffee, tea, or buttermilk; pickles; and ice water.

Among the "calico conveniences" which sold readily were the following articles: Dusting caps, button bags and bags of every description, chair cushions, aprons with bibs and aprons without, and, in fact, everything that could possibly be manufactured from calico.

The carpet rags were given to the gentlemen to sew. An inexpensive prize was given to the one who first finished his task.

CAN FACTORY

The words to be guessed all begin with CAN--the definitions of the whole words being here given. Booklets with tiny pencils attached, and containing the verses, may be distributed among the guests and, after the contest is decided, returned as souvenirs of the occasion.

1. Though this can _is_ a can, you all will agree, The can is termed thus because it holds tea.

2. This long, narrow can holds so precious a stock, That oft you will find it has more than one lock.

3. The most wick-éd can, tho' safe from police, Should you search for its heart you will find it in grease.

4. This can is a can that delights you and me, It always is "open" and likewise is "free."

5. Where breezes blow and surges roll, With swelling form and manner proud, This can in triumph rides the waves, The sailor's living and his shroud.

6. Here's a can, which, bear in mind, Lives on others of its kind.

7. They say empty cans will produce the most noise, But, if properly filled, this will startle the boys.

8. Most cans are hardly fit to eat, Yet you'll like this kind, nice and sweet.

9. The waltz or the glee or the bold martial strain, Each one, as his favorite, endorses; But for those who prefer oratorio style, This can sweetest music discourses.

10. Now who would elect in a can to reside, Yet this as a shelter is known far and wide.

11. A can of most sagacious mind, 'Tis "frugal, prudent, shrewd," you'll find.

12. That a horse should use cans seems indeed strange to say, Yet if pressed to have one he'd not utter a nay.

13. To put cans in poems no one is inclined, Yet cans of this sort in some poems you'll find.

14. In tubs and in bowls men have ventured from land, And in cans of this kind, so I understand.

15. Now, here is a can that is yellow and round, 'Twould seem little prized, for it grows on the ground.

KEY

1. Canister.

2. Canal.

3. Candle.

4. Candid.

5. Canvas.

6. Cannibal.

7. Cannon.

8. Candy.

9. Cantata.

10. Canopy.

11. Canny.

12. Canter.

13. Canto.

14. Canoe.

15. Cantaloup.

CAT GUESSING CONTEST

1. I wonder what Tabby the ---- to now? (Catsup)

2. We will buy some ---- for puss. (Catnip)

3. We all should learn our ----. (Catechism)

4. Both are in the same ----. (Category)

5. See the ---- grazing on the hillside. (Cattle)

6. The artist's name is not in the ----. (Catalogue)

7. It is very distressing to have the ----. (Catarrh)

8. Be sure to visit the ---- in Rome. (Catacombs)

9. See the ---- crawling on the ground. (Caterpillar)

10. What does the ---- to? (Catamount)

CHESTNUT SOCIABLE

First procure a good quantity of chestnuts. Plain and roasted chestnuts may be sold at one table. They should be measured into pint and half-pint paper bags, ready for customers.

A second table will be needed for bonbons. An excellent taffy is made by stirring chopped chestnuts into plain molasses candy when ready to take from the fire. Caramels are improved by adding chopped chestnuts. Chopped chestnuts and figs added to crisp sugar candy make a good sweet-meat. Shelled chestnuts are glazed by dipping in hot sugar candy. A variety of candies can be made from this receipt: One pound of confectioners' sugar, well beaten white of one egg, one tablespoonful of cold water, one teaspoonful of vanilla. Mix well together and mould on a board. Mix it with chopped chestnuts and cut into cubes. Small balls of the cream can be rolled between the hands, and a whole chestnut (shelled) pressed on one side. The cream can be colored with fruit coloring and different shapes can be made from this. Shelled chestnuts dipped in melted sweet chocolate are delicious.

Old "chestnuts" are prepared by putting old jokes in chestnut shells and glueing them together. These will cause much fun and merriment for the young. Have a large bowl of water with three chestnuts in it and let each guest be given two toothpicks to try to get the chestnuts out of the water with the toothpicks, without getting the fingers wet.

PROGRAM FOR CHESTNUT SOCIABLE

Have some one recite "Curfew Shall Not Ring To-night" and "Over the Hills to the Poor House." Let some one sing "The Old Oaken Bucket" and "Annie Laurie." Have some one read "The Sword of Bunker Hill" and "Bingen on the Rhine." Any variety of entertainment can be gotten up with a little forethought.

CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY FLOWERS

Each month has a flower or plant appropriated to it, and to each a meaning is attached. The list is as follows:

January--Snowdrop.

February--Primrose.

March--Violet.

April--Daisy.

May--Hawthorn.

June--Wild rose.

July--Lily.

August--Poppy.

September--Morning-glory.

October--Hop.

November--Chrysanthemum.

December--Holly.

The snowdrop means consolation; the primrose, the freshness of early youth; the violet, modesty; the daisy, innocence; the hawthorn, hope; the wild rose, simplicity; the lily, purity; the poppy, the consolation of sleep; the morning-glory, contentment; hops, joy; the chrysanthemum, cheerfulness; the holly, foresight and protection.

The morning-glory is such a perishable flower that it is almost useless for the purpose of decoration, consequently it will be wise to substitute goldenrod, symbolizing stateliness, in its stead.

CHILDREN'S BIRTHDAY PARTIES

A birthday is an important event in a child's life, and should not pass unnoticed.

A small party for little children is usually more enjoyable and more easily managed than a large one. With many mothers it is the custom to invite as many little guests as correspond to the number of years of the child whose birthday is celebrated.

Make the table look as attractive as possible with flowers. A pretty arrangement for a fifth birthday is to have a round table, with vines, or a rope of wild flowers or leaves, arranged over it to represent a five-pointed star. The sandwiches, confectionery, etc., may be placed within the star, the birthday cake in the centre, and the five guests seated between the points of decoration.

For a sixth birthday, a pretty arrangement would be a six-pointed star, the points to be made with the long fronds of the sword fern. So many people have pots of these ferns growing in their houses, and the foliage is so abundant, that some of the older fronds of the plant may well be spared. The money myrtle is also effective for this decoration, and, in summer, the little partridge vine with its red berries, to be found in every woods, makes very pretty trimming. The cake should be in the centre, and the other viands placed within the star, the children's plates between the points. Either a round or square table may be used as preferred.

For an eighth birthday, a square table may be used with walls of Troy decoration arranged for two children at a side. If the birthday comes in December, a rope of evergreen is appropriate and very effective for this decoration, with branches of holly or other red berries at the corners, the "goodies" to be placed in the centre.