Page:St. Nicholas (serial) (IA stnicholasserial132dodg).pdf/72



“Nothing new in bubbles! Every one knows how to blow bubbles.” Of course they do, and yet, the game I am about to describe is an entirely new and a very interesting one.

When the game of Bubble Bowling was played for the first time, it furnished an evening’s entertainment, not only for the children, but for grown people also even a well known General and his staff, who graced the occasion with their presence, joined in the sport, and seemed to enjoy it equally with their youthful competitors. Loud was the chorus of “Bravo!” and merry the laugh of exultation when the pretty crystal ball passed safely through its goal; and sympathy was freely expressed in many an “Oh!” and “Too bad!” as the wayward bubble rolled gayly off toward the floor, or, reaching the goal, dashed itself against one of the stakes and instantly vanished into thin air.

Bubble parties are delightful, as most children know from experience, and it is unnecessary, therefore, to give a description of them here. I propose merely to introduce bubble bowling as a feature in these entertainments, which will furnish no end of amusement and jollity, and add increased enjoyment and variety to the programme.

The game should be played upon a long, narrow table, made simply of a board five feet long and eighteen inches wide, resting upon ordinary wooden “horses.” On top of the table, and at a distance of twelve inches from one end, should be fastened in an upright position, two stakes twelve inches high the space between the stakes should be eight inches, which will make each stand four inches from the nearest edge of the table. When finished, the table must be covered with some sort of woolen cloth: an old shawl or a breadth of colored flannel will answer the purpose excellently. Small holes must be cut at the right distance The cloth for the stakes to pass through. The cloth should be allowed to fall over the edge of the table, and must not be fastened down, as it will sometimes be necessary to remove it in order to let it dry. It will be found more convenient,