Parlor Amusements For The Young Folks

The dramatic element exists, in a greater or less degree, in every mind; for the little child begins to imagine or impersonate some character at a very early age. The doll is invested with histrionic power, and plays many different roles as time goes on; and the love of acting lasts after old age has dulled many other enjoyments. No pleasanter manner of whiling away a long evening can be found than by a simple entertainment in which old and young unite. The chief objection to such performances has been the trouble which attends their preparation. This little book is intended to obviate this difficulty, as the scenes are so arranged that the most of them can be performed in any parlor with simple properties and costumes, and most of them without study or practice. Every one of them, however, has been tried before large audiences in hundreds of cities, and they are now simplified and arranged for performance by old and young. In the opening chapter, proof of the long experience of the manager is- given; and the last ones are devoted to games of thought, in which new games, and old ones in a new dress, are presented in the hope that much benefit to the thinking powers may be gained, as well as amusement.