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Preface LONG AGO, when the writer was young, she owned a little book, consulted with never-flagging enthusiasm, and written by a woman who did the first intelligent and sympathetic work for children ever accomplished in this country. In Mrs. Lydia Maria Child's "Girl's Own Book" such plays as the more rigorous educational theories of the time allowed, were set forth in order, and there were also sundry small occupations for amusement; the crystallized grasses, alum-baskets, and various ornamental works still to be found in old houses, testifying to the zeal with which her instructions were followed. The little book is now, in many points, as antiquated as if written in the fifteenth, instead of the nineteenth, century; and yet it embodies a plan which has never since been carried out, that of combining all the occupations, as well as amusements, practicable in a mixed family of all ages and tastes. As yet, though boys are provided for, girls have no book that will be a trustworthy guide, either in work or play; and it is hoped that the present one will fill that "long unoccupied niche" which many authors have felt it their mission to redeem from emptiness, and become the trusted friend and adviser of all the girls who are uncertain what is best in either work or play. All directions have been made as plain and explicit as possible; and the writer believes that every fact and figure may be trusted as the real result of real work, and that, while the Louisiana girl may have to plan a slightly different course from her Massachusetts sister, the same results are probable for both. The author is indebted to Mrs. Hester M. Poole of Metuchen, N.J., for the matter from Chaps. XL to XX. inclusive of Part III.; her experience having been a practical one, and her facts most carefully stated. The use of Mr. George B. Bartlett's work in Chaps. V. and VI., in Part L, has been cordially given by both author and publishers; and the same is the case with Mrs. Charles F. Fernald's "Jack and the Beanstalk" in Part I. The matter and drawings for part of the chapter on "Magic-Lanterns," in Part L, was furnished by Mrs. May Cole Baker of Washington; and the "Stage-Coach" story, by Miss Louise Stockton of Philadelphia. Every available authority has been consulted and sifted; and it is hoped that the American girl will find the results, though giving slight indication of the amount of labor expended, good both for present and future. HELEN CAMPBELL. PHILADELPHIA, August, 1885. Preface to Revised Edition Five years have passed since the first edition of the "American Girls' Home Book of Work and Play" was prepared; and though there are many points in which it might be bettered, it has proved the safe and trusty companion of a good many girls who have studied the third part eagerly, and have found it, as they say, precisely the help they needed. Two chapters are added to the present edition: one on "Candy-Making," which has proved itself a practical and profitable home occupation; the other on "A New Home Industry," a new form of mosaic-work both pretty and practical. Naturally in five years countless games have been invented, and have had their day, the old favorites calmly holding their own, and returned to always with the sense of satisfaction found in familiar and well-tested friends. It would be quite possible to make many alterations and additions, where this portion of the book is concerned, but the gain would be but trifling, since the children of each generation reproduce the games of the last, and are all, in this direction, conservatives of the first water. And so, having turned over the pages diligently, the author leaves them as they stand, knowing that other books will give the newest thing told in the newest way, but that she may still count upon friends for the old, as well as hope for new ones to come. LONDON, February, 1888. Contents PART FIRST. CHAPTER I. RAINY-DAY AMUSEMENTS AND HOME-MADE TOYS FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN Coloring Pictures, 2; Making Scrap-books, 3; A Picture-puzzle, 4; Paper Dolls and Furniture, 4; Reception-chair, 5; Paper Bed, 6; Paper Sofa, 7; Rocking-chair and Ottomans, 8; Parlor Table, 9; Bureau, 10; Washstand, 11; Cork- work, 12; Paper Fly-boxes, 13; Paper Caps or Cocked Hats, 14; Paper Boats, 15; Pricking Pictures, 16; Soapbubbles, 16; Keeping Store, 17; Home Newspapers, 20; Home Postoffices,20. CHAPTER II. A CHILDREN'S PARTY AND THE GAMES THEY PLAYED 23 Stage-coach, 24; Bluff, 27; Magic Music, 28; How do you Like it? When do you Like it? Where do you Like it? 28; Hunt-the-slipper, 30; Thus says the Grand Mufti, 31; The Emperor of Moscow, 31; The German Dwarf, 32; The Kentucky Giant and the Kentucky Giant's Wife, 34; The Elephant, 35; Magic-lantern, 35; The House that Jack built, 36; Little Miss Muffet, 39. CHAPTER III. FIFTY FORFEITS CHAPTER IV. SOME GAMES THEY MIGHT HAVE PLAYED 52 Shadow Buff, 52; The Reader, 53; The Elements, 55; The Secret Word, 57; Many Words in One, 59; The Watchword, 61; The Merchants, 62; Consequences, 63; How to guess any Number thought of, 67; Here I Bake, and here I Brew, 67; You are Nothing but a Goose, 67; The Puzzle Wall, 69; Girofle, Glrofla, 70; Good-day, Cecilia, 73; The New French Fashion, 76; Sowing Oats, 78; The Black Art, 81; Galoo, 81; To put Three Children through the Keyhole, 82; How Two Children may stand on a Handkerchief without touching One Another, 82; French Blind Man's Buff, 82; Bachelor's Kitchen, 82; Easter Eggs, 83; Bonbons, 84; Balloons. 84; Grab-bag, 85; Paper Bags, 85; Scissor Presents, 85. CHAPTER V. HINTS FOR PARLOR PLAYS 86 Simple Tableaux Vivants and Frame Pictures, 89; Plan for the Frames, 91; Faith, Peace, and Glory, 93; Ignorance is Bliss, 93; Execution of Joan of Arc, 94; Living Statuary, 95; Monumental Group, 99; The Angel of Sleep, 99; Nydia, 100; The Christian Graces, 100; Caractacus, 100; Justice, Mercy, and Peace, 100; Maud Muller, 101. CHAPTER VI. BALLADS IN ACTION 102 Auld Robin Gray, 102; The Mistletoe-bough, 104; Villikins and his Dinah, 106; Lord Ullin's Daughter, 109. CHAPTER VII. THE TWELVE MISS PELICOES 113 CHAPTER VIII. CHARADES AND PROVERBS IN ACTION 116 Patchwork, 116, Dramatic, 117; Childhood, 118; Proverbs in Tableaux, 118; A Stitch in Time saves Nine, 118; Hunger is the Best Sauce, 119; Acting Charades, 120; Ringlet, 120; Petticoat, 121; Postman, 122; Post-chaise, 122; Bookcase, 122; Wedlock, 123; Mischief, 123; Wardrobe, 124; Woodstock, 125; Mortality, 125; Helpmate, 126; Incautious, 126; Illustrated Poems, 127; Jack and the Beanstalk, 127. CHAPTER IX. HALLOWEEN AND OTHER AMUSEMENTS 144 Snapdragon, 144; Nut-burning, 144; Diving for Apples, 145; The Wedding-ring Test, 145; The Needle Test, 145; Melting Lead, 145; The Looking-glass Test, 146; Literary Enigmas, 147. PART SECOND. CHAPTER I. LAWN TENNIS AND ITS LAWS 151 Strokes, 160; Holding the Racket, 162; The Serve, 162; The Take and the Return, 165; Volleys and Half-volleys, 169; Four-handed Games, 171; Winter Tennis, 173; Seaside Tennis, 174. CHAPTER II. ARCHERY AND OTHER GAMES 175 The Bowstring, 177; The Arrow, 178; The Target, 179; How to Shoot, 180; Rules for Target-shooting, 181; Croquet, 183; Croquet Pool, 183; Badminton, 184; Lawn Billiards, 187; Ship-Coil, 187; Rounders, 188. CHAPTER III. A HOME SWIMMING-SCHOOL 189 Swimming on the Chest, 191; Swimming on the Side, 193; Miscellaneous Instructions, 194. CHAPTER IV. BOATING FOR GIRLS 196 Parts of a Boat, 197; Short Rules for Rowing, 198; Towing, 202. CHAPTER V. HINTS ON MAKING SMALL COLLECTIONS 204 Butterflies and Moths, 205; Caterpillars, 206; Pins and Mounting, 212. CHAPTER VI. THE AQUARIUM 215 Aquarium Cement, 215; A Marine Aquarium, 217; Short Rules, 222. CHAPTER VII. WALKING-CLUBS AND CAMPING OUT. 225 Dress, 227; Shoes, 227; Rest, 227; Camping, 228. CHAPTER VIII. LIGHT GYMNASTICS 230 Dress, 230; Rings, 231; Wands, 232; Dumb-bells, 232. PART THIRD. CHAPTER I. SEWING AND DOLL'S DRESS-MAKING 234 Straight Lines, 234; Outline Pictures, 234; Doll's Nightgown, 239; Chemise, 239; Drawers, 239; Waist, 240; Apron, 242; Dresses for China Dolls, 243; Boy's Knickerbockers, 244; Costume Dolls, 245; Normandy Peasant, 245; Italian Peasant, 246; Spanish Dancer, 247; Marquise Dress, 247. CHAPTER II. FIFTY CHRISTMAS-GIFTS FOR SMALL FINGERS 248 Spectacle-wipers, 248; Baby-shoe Penwiper, 248; Leaf Penwiper, 249; Shaving-paper Case, 250; Garters, 250; "Polly, put the Kettle on," 251; Turtle Cloves, 251; Another Gift with Cloves, 252; Pretty Scentcases, 252; English Walnut Scent-cases, 252; Walnut Boats, 253; Bureau Covers, 253; Drawn-work, 253; Crocheted Mats, 257; Pansy Pincushion, 258; Parasol Penwipers, 258; Work-cases, 259; Birchbark Presents, 259; Straw Wall-baskets, 260; Feather Screens, 261; Spatter-work, 263; Shadow-pictures, 264; Book-covers, 265; Scent-cases for Trunks, 265; Cabin-bags, 266; Work-aprons, 266; Toothbrush-rack, 266; Sand bags for Windows, 267: Shoe-cases, 267; Bean- bags, 268, A Hemlock Pillow, 268: Sachet for Linen-closet, 268; Baby's Blanket, 268; Summer Blankets, 269; Napkin- bands, 269; Embroidered Linen, 269; Shawl bags, 270; Bird's-nest Penwiper, 270; Glove-box, 270; Plain Sewing, 271; What to do with Autumn Leaves, 271; Fern-work, 272; Barrelchair, 273; Decorated Candles, 273; A Christmas- pie, 273; A Broom Penwiper, 274; Tea and Egg Coseys, 274. CHAPTER III. DOLL'S HOUSES AND MAKE-BELIEVE HOUSEKEEPING 276 Tomato-can Box Houses, 276; Beds, 278; Chairs and Home-made Furniture, 281. CHAPTER IV. WHAT CAN BE DONE WITH TISSUE-PAPER 283 Tools, 283; Patterns, 284; Lamp-shades, 288. CHAPTER V. CARDBOARD AND ITS USES 290 Cardboard Cottage, 290; Perforated Card, 292; Crosses, 293. CHAPTER VI. PRESERVING AUTUMN LEAVES, FERNS, ETC. 294 Gathering Ferns, 294; Pressing Leaves, 295; Seaweeds, 295; Drying Flowers, 296; Skeletonizing Leaves and Flowers, 297; Mounting, 298. CHAPTER VII. WHAT MAY BE DONE WITH LEATHER 299 Materials, 299; Tools, 299; A Spray of Ivy-leaves, 300; Vine, Leaf, and Stalk, 303; Convolvulus Flowers and Leaves, 304; Large Garden-rose, 306; Mouldings, 307; The Redemption of the Tin Can, 308; Decorative Leather, 316. CHAPTER VIII. WAX FLOWERS 318 Wax, 318; Patterns, 319; Tools, 319; White Camellia, 320; Leaves, 322; White Jasmine, 324; White Pink, 324; China Rose, 326; Tearose, 329; Stephanotis and Hoya, 333; Wax Fruit, 334. CHAPTER IX. SHELLS, MOSSES, PINE-CONES, ETC 335 Cement, 335; Brackets, 335; Shell Pincushions, 336; Mosses, 336; Cones, 336; Lawn Flower-box, 337. CHAPTER X. WOOD-CARVING, AND LIGHT CARPENTERING 339 Manuals, 339; Tools, 345; Woods, 347; Sharpening, 352; Spray of Ivy-leaves, 355; Light, 359; Polishing, 360. CHAPTER XI. STRAWBERRY-CULTURE FOR GIRLS 363 Ground, 362; Plants, 362; Varieties, 363; Picking, 364; Returns, 365. CHAPTER XII. SMALL FRUITS, CURRANTS, RASPBERRIES, AND BLACKBERRIES 367 Land, 367; Pruning, 367; Raspberries, 368; Profits, 369. CHAPTER XIII. CANNED FRUIT, JELLY, AND PRESERVES 371 Glass Cans, 371; Jelly, 372; Canning, 373; Preserves, 374; Profits, 375. CHAPTER XIV. THE REARING OF POULTRY 376 Hatching, 376; Coops, 377; Food, 377; Roosts, 378; Eggs in Winter, 379; Profits, 379. CHAPTER XV. CANARY-BIRDS, THEIR REARING AND TRAINING 380 Pairing, 380; Feeding, 381; Hatching, 382; Food, 382; Training, 382; Diseases, 383. CHAPTER XVI. THE H ONEY-BEE 384 Hives, 384; Queen-bees, 384; Eggs, 385; Queen-rearing, 385; Honeymaking, 386; Swarming, 387; Italian Bees, 388; Profits? 389. CHAPTER XVII. SlLK-CULTURE 390 Mulberry-planting, 390; Eggs, 390; Hatching, 391; Feeding, 391; Cocoons, 392; Profits, 392; Shrubs, 397. CHAPTER XVIII. FLORICULTURE 394 Dress, 394; Preparing Ground, 394; Plants, 395; Seeds, 395. CHAPTER XIX. PARLOR-GARDENING 399 Compost, 399; Flowers and Cuttings, 400; Boxes, 400; Bulbs, 401; Hanging-baskets, 402. CHAPTER XX. DRAWING AND DESIGNING 403 Paper, 403; Pencils, 403; Geometrical Drawing, 404; Sketching, 405; Art Manuals, 406. CHAPTER XXI. HOME-MADE CANDY 407 CHAPTER XXII. A NEW HOME INDUSTRY 414 CHAPTER XXIII. COOKING-CLUBS AND WORK IN GENERAL 420 Cooking-clubs, 420; Bread, 421; Home-made Things, 421; Village Improvement Society, 422; Village Library, 423; Amusements, 423.
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