They crushed the rich red berries, saving the red juice in a clam shell, and soaked a few strands of the white willow bark in the stain. When they were dry, Nagami was taught to add a rim to her basket, by sewing it over and over as in the picture.
Then Akoko said, "Good, my little Bird-Singer, you have done well, you have made some old black roots into a beautiful basket."
N.B. The Guide will remember that rattan and raffia can be used for this when it is impossible to get spruce roots and willow bark. Good dyes may be made from many different berries.
TALE 22
Crinkleroot; or Who Hid the Salad?
It has long been the custom of the Brownies to have a great feast on the first of the merry month of May, to celebrate the return of the spring.
The Crinkleroot; or Who Hid the Salad?
One springtime long ago, they got ready as usual. The King of the Brownies had invited all the leaders; the place for the dinner was chosen in a grove of mandrakes whose flat umbrellas made a perfect roof, rain or shine. The Bell Bird, whose other name is Wood Thrush, was ringing his bell, and calling all the Chief Brownies by name.
"Ta-rool-ya! ting-a-ling-ling-ling."