One Female Figure.
This exquisite tableau represents a magnificent garden, filled with
beautiful flowers, trellised vines, vases, statuary, and sparkling
fountains. On a grassy mound, in the centre of this lovely scene,
reclines a beautiful maiden, wrapped in profound sleep. The right hand
supports her head, the elbow resting on the grass; the left is thrown
carelessly over the top of the head; the expression of the face calm
and dreamy. Her costume consists of a long white dress, cut low at
the top, open in front, displaying a pink under-skirt of silk. The
edges of the dress on each side of the under-skirt should be trimmed
with gold paper, covered with white lace. A belt of the same encircles
the waist. The waist must be open in front, exposing a white lace
under-robe, which is crossed with golden cords. Short sleeves, open
below, and closed by little cords of gold, terminated by tassels of
the same material, which fall down upon the arms. The hair arranged in
heavy braids, done up low in the neck, and ornamented with a head
dress, formed of silver gauze, adorned with slight bands of gold
thread falling on the shoulder. Position is, facing the audience, the
body extended on a line with the front and back corners of the stage.
The floor of the stage must be formed to represent a number of
terraced banks. There should be five, each being one foot in height. A
few boxes and stout boards will be needed to form the banks, over
which place green bocking. If a piece of scenery cannot be procured
for the background, it can be covered with light-green cambric, and
festooned with dark evergreens and bright flowers. At each of the
inner corners of the stage place a white pedestal, two feet in height.
A box of the above dimensions, covered with white cloth, will answer.
On these place pieces of large statuary, and between the two place a
large vase of flowers, and intersperse smaller vases, containing
bouquets. Ornament the second terrace with pots of house plants, and
at each end place a showy cage of birds. Decorate the third terrace
with rich vases of artificial flowers, with a statue of the fisher boy
at each end. In the centre of this terrace, the mound on which the
maiden reclines is placed. It should be five feet in diameter, and one
foot high. Cover the surface with light-green cambric, and decorate
the outer edge with large sea shells. On the fourth terrace arrange
small pots of house plants that are in bloom, and at each end place
large vases of fruit. On the fifth and last terrace place a row of
deep glass dishes, filled with flowers, with a plaster figure of Flora
at the ends. Festoon the sides of the scenery and the ceiling with
spruce and flowers. The scenery in the background, if it can be easily
painted, should represent figures similar to those on the stage,
interspersed with fountains. If there is sufficient room for the
accommodation and preservation of large mirrors, they can be used to
advantage by placing them at the background of the stage, which will
give a fine effect to the scene. This tableau must be lighted from the
left side of the stage; the light being very brilliant, both at the
top and bottom. A green fire burned just as the curtain falls, will
add much to the beauty of the picture. Music accompanying the piece,
soft, and of a lively order.