presentation of a
house should be painted on cloth, and placed at the rear of the stage.
A few feet from the house, erect a low white slat fence, with a gate
in the centre; a wheelbarrow, shovel, hoe, broom, and water bucket are
scattered about the stage. Ike sits on the pump, and faces the
audience. His head is drawn down within the coat collar, hands placed
on his knees, and eyes rolled up into his head. Light the stage very
little, and produce discordant sounds on a melodeon in the ante-room.

THE PEASANT FAMILY IN REPOSE.

Let not Ambition mock their useful toil,
Their homely joys, and destiny obscure,
Nor Grandeur hear, with a disdainful smile,
The short and simple annals of the poor.

GRAY.

Two Female and Three Male Figures.

This scene represents a group of peasants resting on their journey.
The party comprises an aged couple and three children. They are seated
on a grassy mound at the side of the road. The children lie in the
foreground of the mound in various positions, and are asleep. The old
gentleman is seated on the back side of the mound, which is higher
than the front, and in such a position that a side view is had of the
body. His head rests on his left hand, the elbow resting on the knee;
the right hand holds a cane; countenance calm. Costume consists of a
long, loose blue frock, brown pants, black beaver hat, considerably
worn and out of shape, white hair and beard. At the side of the old
man, on the lower part of the mound, is seated the old lady. She faces
the audience, and leans her head on her right hand, the elbow placed
on the knee, eyes directed to the children, countenance expressing
deep thought. Costume consists of a brown dress, white handkerchief
tied about the neck, and a hood on the head. In front of these figures
is a young girl, her back resting against the highest part of the
mound, the head inclined to one side, one arm placed across the form
of a boy at her side, her eyes closed. She is dressed in a white robe,
blue apron, and stout shoes, head uncovered. A small boy reclines at
her side, and rests his head on her lap. Costume consists of a red
frock, trimmed with white. In front of these two figures is a large
boy. He lies on the grass, and rests his head on his arm; his eyes are
closed, countenance calm. He is costumed in a dark coat, light pants,
white collar, thick boots, and felt hat. The mound on which the
tableau is formed can be co