This new and interesting game requires a little preparation, which forms
part of the fun. It is either made up of contributions from all the
players, each of whom brings three presents, or all the gifts are
furnished by the lady of the house. These gifts should consist of a
great variety of useful, ornamental, graceful, and funny articles, such
as toys, fans, dolls of small size, boxes of candy of odd shapes, books,
small articles of jewelry, china, and bric-a-brac.
The smaller articles should be inclosed in boxes, or many wraps of
paper, so that all may be nearly alike in size. They are all done up
separately, each in a floral envelope, and are tastefully arranged in an
open flat box or basket, which, when full, presents the appearance of a
pyramid of flowers.
[Illustration: FIG. 1.]
[Illustration: FIG. 2.]
[Illustration: FIG. 3.]
[Illustration: FIG. 4.]
Great taste may be displayed in making these petals, as the envelopes
are called, for which these simple directions may be followed, with such
variations as practice may suggest: Take a dozen sheets of tissue-paper,
comprising as many colors as possible, fold them together in the middle,
fold in each corner in the shape of a pyramid (see Fig. 1); then double
it twice (see Figs. 2 and 3); cut a piece out of the top of this in the
shape of the letter V (see Fig. 4), and crimp up each sheet in the hand
as fine as possible. Mix up these colors according to taste, as the
petals may be of several shades or all of one color. Place the presents
inside of these papers, and twist them twice around, and spread the
petals in various ways.
A very little practice will enable children to make successful
imitations of gay flowers. The number of these gifts depends upon the
number of players, and there should be at least three times as many
presents as persons. For each gift there should be one white and one red
card, the latter being distributed equally among the players, and the
former placed in a box on the table. The white cards are then
distributed among the players equally. Each one writes one question on
each, or some quotation which refers in some way to a plant, vegetable,
tree, or flower, the name of which is at the same time written on the
red card. The lines on the white card may be botanical, humorous, or
sentimental, and, if possible, should end in rhyme with the name on the
red card; and to prevent mistakes, a number is affixed to the white and
red cards in case there should happen to be two rhyming, one only being
the correct answer. The red cards are then shaken up in a hat, and each
player takes out his proportion.
The white cards are then piled one on another, so that only the upper
one is visible, and a player is selected to read them. All listen to the
reading, each intent to see if he has the correct answer on his card,
and if so, he is entitled to the present, which is selected at random by
a little girl, who takes it from the pyramid, and holds it above her
head during the reading, and carries it to the successful one when
directed by the reader.
If any player gives the wrong answer, he is obliged to give up all his
presents already taken to the one who holds the correct one, which is
determined by the number in case of doubt.
No one, therefore, is allowed to open the gift until the reading is
over.
If played at a club or sociable, it is well to have a ring or some
valuable gift, the penalty of finding which is that its lucky owner
shall be compelled to give the next party, and prepare the presents.
A few specimens are given of the rhymes, which are wholly impromptu, and
of the simplest kind, such as can be written in a minute by young
people:
Sweet and lovely, blushing cause
Of the cruelest of wars;
In spite of thorns, no flower that grows
Excels the fair and fragrant [rose].
In purity and peace I climb
From dankest depths of mud and slime,
To show that it is always silly
From whence it comes to judge a [lily].
My first is Hansom, next is old.
My whole is good when boiled or cold.
To solve this you must be a Babbage,
And your head must not be a [cabbage].
If preferred, in order to give variety, the botanical classification or
description may be given, either in prose or verse, or any curious fact
or habit of the plant.
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