If any of the Pansies live near a river or lake, and are accustomed
to row over the clear, shining surface, they can enter heartily into
this most delightful of games. I should first seriously recommend that
father or big brother John be invited to take charge of the boat,
or if there are not enough big brothers to go around so that every
boat can be under trusty guidance, there always is a big cousin or an
uncle, or perchance a paid boatman who is competent to assume such a
responsibility.
This being all arranged, the fun of trimming the small craft begins.
Let each boatload keep all matters secret, so that the grand surprises
that come out when the Carnival takes place, may form one of the
pleasantest features of the occasion.
Get Chinese lanterns, fasten a pole at either end of row-boat, low
enough so that the boats can pass safely under bridges if necessary.
Two poles at either end are pretty when decorated with gay lanterns.
Pass strings from one pole to another, and across from bow to stern.
Hang on these bright bits of tinsel, silver, or any other trifle that
will sparkle in the moonlight. Put tinsel or silver bands around top of
oars above the hands--and a band around the rower's arms, and around
caps. Let the girls wear white, with bright colors, and fancy hats or
jaunty caps, carrying garlands.
When all is ready, the forward boat must carry one who rings a bell as
the signal to start, also if possible some boys who can play on flutes
or horns. There should be sweet voices on all the boats that can sing
by a preconcerted plan, something in unison. As the boat sweeps around
curves, and dips into bays, and shallows, one could never witness a
prettier sight than the carnival presents. It is a regular game of
"Follow my Leader" on the water. There must be complete obedience to
the one who is leading, great good-nature, and a positive determination
on the part of every child who enters into the sport to try his or her
best to make all the others enjoy it.
After sailing around and around, singing and playing until tired, the
Carnival ends with tying the boats fast, and "following the Leader"
over the fields home, dropping the flowers at the doors of those who
were not able to take part in the sport.
May you enjoy this Carnival of the Boats, dear Pansies, making it a
bright spot in the lives of many, and a memory to gladden the heart.