The hostess passes around the envelopes, each guest takes one, and upon opening it discovers where and with whom she is to play.
The preliminaries being settled, and all having taken their places, the hostess starts the game by ringing a little bell.
When one of the players at the prize mine upsets the flag, the other calls out _prize_, and if the flags have not already fallen in the other mines, the couples play as quickly as possible until all the flags are down.
The winner at the prize mine fastens a gold stamp on her ribbon badge, while the loser at the booby mine, ornaments hers with silver seal.
The game is now rearranged, the winner at the prize mine remains at her station, and the loser goes down to the booby mine, while all those winning at the other mines move up, each one respectively to the next higher mine, for it is only at the prize mine where the loser moves her place and the victor remains stationary.
When these details are settled, the flag-staffs are again planted in the flower-pots and the signal given for a new game.
The player with the largest number of gold stamps on her score-sheet, receives the victor’s prize, and the one having the most silver stamps is entitled to the booby prize.
The prizes are given when the game is ended. They should consist of some pretty little article made by the hostess herself, and, if practicable, appropriate to the day, such as a delicate satin sachet in the form of a Liberty bell, with the lettering painted on it.
A pretty pin-cushion, with a cover made of a miniature silken flag, or a dainty pen-wiper in the shape of Liberty’s cap. Other more expensive gifts are not in good taste.
The booby prize should be something grotesque or comical.
As the mothers and sisters of 1776 took a full share in the hardships and trials of the Revolution, and actively assisted in gaining our independence, it is eminently fit and proper that American girls should show their appreciation of such bravery and heroism by assisting in the annual celebration of our famous Independence Day.
Fourth of July seems heretofore to have been considered altogether too exclusively a boy’s holiday, and it is with a hope of stimulating a renewed activity, and awakening in the heart of every girl in the United States a sense of proprietary interest in the day, that we suggest new methods of celebrating our national holiday.