[Illustration]

For an impromptu affair, a table can be made by placing a leaf of a
dining-table across the backs of two chairs, and covering it with a
shawl. The stakes can be held in an upright position by sticking them in
the tubes of large spools. This sort of table the children can arrange
themselves, and it answers the purpose very nicely. The other things to
be provided for the game are a large bowl of strong soapsuds, made with
common brown soap, and as many pipes as there are players.

The prizes for the winners of the game may consist of any trinkets or
small articles that the fancy or taste of the hostess may suggest.
Bubble Bowling can be played in two ways. The first method requires an
even number of players, and these must be divided into two equal
parties. This is easily accomplished by selecting two children for
captains, and allowing each captain to choose, alternately, a recruit
for his party until the ranks are filled, or in other words, until all
the children have been chosen; then, ranked by age, or in any other
manner preferred, they form in line on either side of the table. A pipe
is given to each child by the hostess, and they stand prepared for the
contest. One of the captains first takes his place at the foot of the
table, where he must remain while he is bowling, as a bubble passing
between the stakes is not counted unless blown through the goal from the
end of the table.

The bowl of soapsuds is placed upon a small stand by the side of the
bowling-table, and the next in rank to the captain, belonging to same
party, dips his pipe into the suds and blows a bubble, not too large,
which he then tosses upon the table in front of the captain, who as
first bowler, stands ready to blow the bubble on its course down through
the goal. Three successive trials are allowed each player; the bubbles
which break before the bowler has started them, are not counted.

The names of all the players, divided as they are into two parties, are
written down on a slate or paper, and whenever a bubble is sent through
the goal, a mark is set down opposite the name of the successful bowler.

When the captain has had his three trials, the captain on the other side
becomes bowler, and the next in rank of his own party blows the bubbles
for him. When this captain retires, the member of the opposite party,
ranking next to the captain, takes the bowler's place and is assisted by
the one whose name is next on the list