The committee in charge welcomed the guests and invited them to be seated in the charmed circle. The first thing that met their gaze was an immense pile of corn on the cob. Over this, standing on three legs, was a goblin pumpkin with three pairs of glaring eyes, three noses and three large mouths. A hush fell upon the company, while here and there could be heard a suppressed giggle. Suddenly a chorus of girls' voices broke out in a bright autumn song to enliven the drooping spirits of the guests.

No sooner had their fears been somewhat allayed than a spectral figure approached from behind a curtain and sat down by the heap of corn. All held their breath as it slowly reached out its hand and pulled an ear of corn from the pile, gazed at a tag which was fastened to it by a ribbon, read the name of some one who was present, and threw that person the ear of corn, demanding in a deep, thrilling voice, "A ghost story." It is needless to describe the quaking and shivering while the story was being told. The dashing piano solo which followed was fully appreciated.

A second ghost story was demanded in like manner as the first, after which came singing, more stories, and music. Then one of the girls, who could recite well, stood facing the company, with a background of curtains, and gave Whittier's poem, "The Pumpkin" When she reached the last stanza the curtains back of her were drawn, as if by spirits, disclosing a long table covered with a snowy cloth, upon which were piles of doughnuts, pumpkin pies, cheese and cups of steaming coffee. Every one gave an exclamation of surprise at the sight, and refreshments were served amidst much fun and laughter.

The sociable closed with gifts of a pie apiece to each person contributing to the entertainment, and an ear of corn, tied with bright ribbon, to each guest.

In order to have the ghost stories a success the committee arranging the program had selected them beforehand.

A great deal of the success of the entertainment was due to the fact that its nature had been kept secret, and, curiosity having been aroused, an unusually large number of people attended.

TRANSPLANTING TREES

Pass slips of paper around with the names of different trees, all in capital letters, but not spelled in order; for instance, Y-H-O-K-R-I-C, which when transplanted will spell the name Hickory. A suitable prize can be given the one who succeeds in transplanting the greatest number of trees.

TREE GUESSING CONTEST

  1. A solid, tenacious, easily-moulded substance, and a part of the hand.
  2. A ruminant quadruped of the feminine gender.
  3. To show grief, and a machine in which cotton, wool, or flax is opened and cleansed.
  4. Neat, without elegance or dignity.
  5. Ill, ill, ill.
  6. A nickname, a vowel and an external covering.
  7. Used for puddings and a part of the hand.
  8. A near and dear relative.
  9. A vegetable and a Scottish word denoting possession.
  10. A partner, came together, and a part of the human body.
  11. A green muskmelon pickled.
  12. A drink, and a lineal measure.
  13. A coat or covering.