3. Reverse Speed.  Any number line up for a backward race.  They go as fast as they can backward to an appointed goal.

4. Low Speed.  Any number may enter.  This is a “slow” race, that is to say, all contestants progress as slowly as possible to a certain goal.

5. Spin.  A supply of children’s tops is provided and the ability to spin them properly is demonstrated.  A few musical tops among them will add to the hilarity.

6. Nose Dives.  This is a stunt which will probably appeal most to the boys or the more adventurous girls.  It consists of pushing apples or peanuts along given chalk marks on table or floor by means of the nose only.

7. Loop the Loop.  To those who know how to tie different kinds of knots, the announcement of this contest gives a chance to show what they can do.

The “air races” are of two sorts:  the “hot air” race and the balloon race.  In the “hot air” race the contestants are timed as to the number of words each can say in three minutes with the eyes shut.  For the balloon race several strings are stretched from one side of the room to the other, and the same number of toy balloons is supplied.  The object is for the contestants to blow their respective balloons across the room, following as nearly as possible the courses of string.  The choice of different colored balloons makes for interest and consequent “rooting.”

The arrival of the air mail is heralded by the entrance of someone dressed in aviator’s garments—­warm helmet, goggles, gloves and all—­carrying a mail sack (if real, a new one:  but an imitation one suffices).

The aviator then proceeds to take out numerous packets which he hands to the guests as far as they go.  There should be at least half as many packages as persons present.  Each bundle is marked

  “Owner unknown. 
  Find another to share this.”

The explanation is that each recipient of a parcel must immediately seek a partner and, upon doing so, open the parcel.  Enough sandwiches for two are revealed.  Meanwhile, hot coffee or chocolate is being passed by pretty waitresses with Japanese fans stuck in their hair airplane-wise.

The evening may end with a “musical flight,” or, in other words, a rousing “sing.”

A MOCK CANTEEN

For one boy who wanted to entertain a few of the fellows who had been in camp with him, his hospitable sister planned a jolly supper party which undoubtedly owed its success to its “homeiness.”  Certainly its friendly informality accomplished much more than any large outlay in money could have done.  There were to be half a dozen boys, so five other girls were invited to make an equal number of girls and men.

To begin with, the hostess passed around to the girls slips of paper and duplicate slips to the men.

Each slip contained the name of some article of food for supper and the man and girl who drew duplicate slips were thus delegated to prepare that particular dish together.