Telegrams

Each player is provided with paper and pencil, upon which any twelve letters are written, with sufficient space left between for words.

The leader gives a topic, such as a wedding, accident, invitation, &c. A watch is placed on the table, and from ten to fifteen minutes given, during which each player concocts a telegram from the letters supplied by his left-hand neighbor.

At a signal, the telegrams are thrust under a hat, and read out in turn by the leader.

Example 1.—Topic: a sensational robbery.

S.B.O.B.
H.M.J.P.
K.I.P.H.

From these letters may be devised the following telegram:— “Serious burglary; one box hairpins missing. Jane prostrate; kindly inform police—Henry.”

Example 2.—Topic: a catastrophe.

C.A.S.D.
P.B.C.A.
B.Q.D.W.

“Cat ate Sunday dinner. Please bring cheese and bread; quite distracted—Wifie.”

The funnier the telegram, the greater the laughter when it is read out.