which can be made in a moment is simply a bright-colored paper six inches long and three inches wide, with one of its long sides brought together at the two corners from the middle and fastened securely. A narrow ribbon forms the handle ([Fig. 427]).
Fig. [429].—Fill in with stones.
Just at dusk the flowers may be arranged in the baskets with as little handling as possible. Then, when twilight comes, the May day party can steal cautiously to the door of the house fortunate enough to be favored by a May-token, hang one of the little baskets of flowers on the door-knob, ring the bell and scamper away before they are seen, for no one of the party must be present when the door opens.
Bell and Ball May-pole Game for Country or City
If you live in the country erect your May pole on the lawn or in an open field; if in the city put it up in the back-yard, or if it rains or is cold hold your May day games in the house. In any case the pole should be planted in a tub as in [Fig. 428], and decorated as shown in the illustration. The pole must be round and smooth and stout enough to support the weight of the hoops at the top. For an out-of-doors pole from ten to twelve feet is a good height, but an indoor pole must be adapted to the height of the ceiling of the room it will occupy.
Before placing the pole in the tub nail securely to its base a piece of board eighteen inches square, as shown in [Fig. 428]. Erect the pole in the middle of the tub, put in cross-pieces ([Fig. 428]), nailing them at the ends and fill in all around with stones or bricks, as in [Fig. 429].
The first player throws the ball.
How to Dress the May-pole