Fig. [450].—Three to make ready
Fig. [451].—And four to go.
Make the Frog Jump
With a soft lead-pencil trace the frog ([Fig. 449]) on tracing-paper; then transfer it to a very soft, pliable piece of white cotton mull or any white cloth that will stretch readily when pulled, for stretch it must, or the frog will not jump. Turn the square of cloth so that it will resemble the ace of diamonds in a pack of playing-cards, having one point up, one down, one at the right and one at the left hand. Fasten the cloth over a piece of white paper on a smooth board or table with thumb-tacks or strong pins. Very carefully place the tracing-paper, on which you have drawn the frog ([Fig. 449]), over the cloth, allowing the head to come under the top point of the square and the feet to extend toward the lower point. Mr. Frog may then be drawn exactly on the bias weave of the cloth. When you have finished the tracing, go over the lines again with a soft lead-pencil to make the markings clear and distinct.
Look at the frog to be sure he is correctly drawn; then remove the pins and, allowing the cloth to remain on the table over the piece of smooth white paper, spread both of your hands out on the cloth, one at each side of the frog, and, keeping your eyes on the drawing, move your hands gradually outward, at the same time moving the mull with them. The stretching of the bias material will cause the frog to flatten out until he crouches for a spring ([Fig. 450]). Cautiously raise your hands up and off the cloth and place them down again in a different way; put one above and the other below his Frogship, and, still keeping your eyes on the figure, suddenly move your hands, stretching the square up and down, when the frog will give a quick leap and spring straight upward in the most unexpected manner ([Fig. 451]).
Fig. [452].—"We are hungry."
Cut the squares of material large enough to be easily handled; if made too small your hands will slip off the edges.