[Illustration: Fig. 425.--Coral May-basket.]
As soon as the wax has hardened (Fig. 425) insert in the basket a pasteboard bottom cut to fit; and when filling this basket with flowers place the foliage around the sides first. The fresh green contrasting with the red coral gives a pretty effect, and the leaves filling the spaces between the wires prevent the flowers from falling through.
is very appropriate for woodland blossoms. Make the bucket of a strip of cardboard ten by four inches; sew the two ends together and cut a circular piece for the bottom; fit it in and fasten with long stitches. Cut the handle of cardboard one-quarter of an inch wide and sew it in place. Cover the bucket with strips of olive-green tissue-paper an inch and a half wide which have previously been crimped by being folded backward and forward. Cut the strips in very fine fringe, unfold and gum them on the bucket in closely overlapping rows, as the cardboard must be entirely concealed to have the appearance of being covered with natural moss (Fig. 426).
[Illustration: Fig. 426.--Old oaken bucket May-basket.]
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).
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.
[Illustration: Fig. 427.--Colored paper May-basket.]
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.