details
are more effectually carried out by a host than by a hostess.

Occasionally a large marquee is erected in which to serve refreshments,
but more frequently the refreshments for the general company are served
in the house, and only cool drinks dispensed in a tent to the cricketers
or lawn-tennis players.

* * * * *

=Cricket-matches= are often the _raison d'etre_ of a garden-party,
rendering it popular with both ladies and gentlemen. The cricket-match
in this case generally takes place in a field near to the grounds of the
mansion, the match commencing about twelve o'clock, and the general
company arriving about half-past three, or punctually at four, to
witness the finish.

Golf now ranks first amongst fashionable outdoor amusements with both
sexes. Private links are comparatively few, but club links exist in
almost every neighbourhood--ladies' clubs, men's clubs, and clubs for
both ladies and gentlemen.

Croquet or tennis tournaments are frequently the occasion of giving
garden-parties, and some very exciting play takes place.

When a tournament is held it takes the form of a garden-party; it
usually lasts two days. The arrangements made for holding it depend upon
circumstances, and it takes place, as do archery-matches, in either
private or public grounds.

* * * * *

=Amusements.=--When a number of children are expected at a garden-party,
performances of marionettes, or Punch-and-Judy, or conjuring are given
for their amusement.

In districts remote from town, these shows are difficult to obtain;
therefore amateur showmen come bravely to the rescue, and their kindly
efforts to divert the juveniles meet with due appreciation on all sides.

Not seldom a little amateur music is given at a garden-party--not a
pre-arranged programme of music, but impromptu performances. These
good-natured efforts to enliven the company occupy about an hour, and
such performances take place in either the drawing-room or music-room
of the mansion.

Garden-parties seldom terminate with a dance, though occasionally
dancing closes the afternoon's amusements.

The time occupied by croquet or tennis precludes all desire on the part
of the players for further exertion in the shape of dancing, and young
people apparently prefer playing croquet from 3 to 7 on the lawn to
dancing in a marquee or in the drawing-room at that hour.

A host and hostess receive their gu