By M.D. STERLING.

(CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. _Father Christmas_, a large boy
dressed in long belted robe; he carries a staff, and wears
a white wig and beard. _Mother Goose_, a tall girl wearing
a peaked soft hat tied over an old lady's frilled cap; also
neck-kerchief and apron, spectacles on nose, and a broom of
twigs, such as street-cleaners use, complete her costume.
_Mother Goose's_ son _Jack_ and her _Children_ may be costumed
according to the pictures in any good illustrated copy of
"Mother Goose." The _Children of the Nations_ are sufficiently
represented by boys and girls each carrying one of the flags
of all nations, but elaborate costumes in keeping with the
national character may be used, if desired. _Thanksgiving_
and _Happy New Year_, large girls in white Grecian dresses,
flowing sleeves; their children, _Peace_ and _Plenty_, _Good
Resolutions_ and _Hope_ are represented by smaller girls
in white, _Peace_ carrying an olive branch. _Plenty_ a
cornucopia, _Good Resolutions_ a diary and pen, and _Hope_
wearing a wreath of golden stars and carrying a gilt anchor
(cut from heavy cardboard); _Santa Claus_, a stout, roly-poly
boy, if possible, wearing a long overcoat flaked with cotton
(to represent snow) and a round fur cap and mittens; an empty
pack should hang carelessly from one shoulder.)

(Enter _Father Christmas_ and _Mother Goose_, arm in arm.
While conversing, they walk up and down the platform. At the
end of Mother Goose's second speech, they seat themselves
in two large arm-chairs, which should be ready in middle of