ravo!" 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 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, therefore, to use two covers, if they can be provided, as
there can then always be a dry cloth ready to replace the one that has
become too damp. The bubbles are apt to stick when they come upon wet
spots, and the bowling can be carried on in a much more lively manner if
the course is kept dry. Each of the stakes forming the goal should be
wound with bright ribbons of contrasting colors, entwined from the
bottom up, and ending in a bow at the top. This bow can be secured in
place by driving a small, or brass-headed tack through the ribbon into
the top of the stake. If the rough pine legs of the table seem too
unsightly, they can easily be painted. Or a curtain may be made of
bright-colored cretonne,--any other material will do as well, provided
the colors are pleasing,--and tucked around the edge of the table, so as
to fall in folds to the floor. The illustration on this page shows the
top of the table, when ready for the game.