THE GAME OF PROFESSIONS.

THE SIGN WRITER.

HOLD an imaginary maul-stick and steady the right hand; and with an invisible brush appear slowly and carefully to paint on the letters in yellow ochre. Then appear to apply gold leaf. Brush the ends of this away, and paint in the details as if going over the work again.

THE GAME OF PROFESSIONS.

HE game of "Trades" may be supplemented by the game of "Professions," many of which are easy to personate. The party sit in a circle and draw lots. Whoever the lot falls on must rise and perform in the centre of the circle. All those of the party who cannot guess what he personates must pay a forfeit. He has a right to choose who shall perform next. First come the three professions as recognized of old, the Law, the Church, and the Army and Navy.

THE CLERGYMAN.

TAKE a small table, lay a cushion on it. Place a chair behind it; sit cross-legged, and appear to read to an audience from a book, thumping the cushion from time to time.

THE LAWYER.

IF a solicitor, sort a number of papers, carefully looking over them, and appear to talk with an imaginary client. If a barrister, place a small table. Come towards it with a handful of folded papers. Sit down behind the table. Carefully ex

THE GAME OF PROFESSIONS.

amine the papers through an imaginary glass. Stand up, and gesticulating, appear to address an imaginary court.

THE SOLDIER.

TAKE a stick, and appear to be on guard; to present arms, fire, or charge an enemy.

THE SAILOR.

APPEAR to walk the deck; to use a nautical glass, a speaking trumpet; to weigh anchor, lower a boat, fire cannon, &c.

THE AUTHOR.

SIT at a table with imaginary pens, ink, and paper; clasp the forehead, appear lost in thought; write furiously, and repeat the actions alternately.

THE MUSICIAN.

EXECUTE imaginarily difficult passages with great gesticulation on a fancied instrument, or appear to come before an audience and sing.

THE ACTOR OR ACTRESS.

APPEAR to come before an audience and rant with exaggerated action, and give expression either tragic or comic.

THE TUTOR, GOVERNESS, OR SCHOOLMISTRESS. APPEAR to be instructing a class of pupils, alternately dictating and correcting.

THE ARTIST.

STAND before a visionary easel, regarding with bent brows and great attention an apparent picture, holding a palette in one hand, and using the pencil with the other. From time to time regard intently a supposed model or sitter, retiring occasionally to inspect the work with half-closed eyes, and then commence again.

THE GAME OF PROFESSIONS.

The game of "Professions" is suited for older persons than the simple game of "Trades," admitting of great scope for humour, imitation, and drollery.

Trades and Professions afford a fund of infinite variety, any novelty being admissible, and our dictum here merely an outline of how the game should be played. For instance,the "Belle of the Season," "The Man about Town," "The Jockey," &c., or any character or characters, can be suitably introduced, if not under the head of Professions, under that of

CHARACTER SKETCHES,

an amusement suitable either for older children, or ladies and gentlemen long since emancipated from the things of the nursery.

MRS. JULIUS CÆSAR JONES'S RECEPTION.

HIS is a game that, as it entails impersonation of character, is somewhat similar to that of Character Sketches. Clever young girls especially find amusement in playing at Mrs. Julius Cæsar Jones's Reception, although the opposite sex is by no means excluded. One of the party personates the hostess, the very elegant and affected Mrs. Julius Cæsar Jones. The remainder of the players are her guests, and may assume the characters either of ladies or gentlemen. They arrive, are received, and converse with her or with one another, assuming the manner, air, and tone of conversation they choose to adopt for the moment. Amongst a clever young company, we have seen some very admirable “receptions" and impromptu sketches of character decidedly talented or humorous. The conversation is to be spontaneous. For instance, Mrs. Julius Cæsar Jones, enthroned on the sofa, receives a lady, who is announced as Lady Sophronia Blue.

"Ah, my dear Lady Sophronia, charmed to see you."

"Not so charmed as I am, dear, by your delightful reception." Mrs. JONES.-I have just been reading your book on the total abolition of fashion.

MRS. JULIUS CÆSAR JONES's reception.

Mr. PRETTYMAN (a guest).—Ah, Lady Sophronia, how do you do? Your work is really excellent. If I could only persuade my wife how sensible you are to abjure the fashion!

Mrs. PRETTYMAN.-Ah! Lady Sophronia! delighted to see you. (In a whisper) Forgive me, dear, but we are such old friends what a charming toilette you are showing to-night!

LADY SOPHRONIA.-Quite a secret, dear-Worth's very newest design, from Paris: Cost £100.

Mrs. PRETTYMAN.-Oh! fie! how extravagant, Prettyman would never let me have anything half so costly.

Footman announces Lord Dryasdust.

Mrs. JONES.-Charmed, I'm sure, charmed. from the camp of Apollo?

Any news

Do I not look

LORD DRYASDUST.-Great, glorious news. flushed with victory and radiant with triumph? The mummy which we have succeeded in securing is what I said it was, it is, indeed,―Rameses the 1st, of Lower Egypt.

Mrs. JONES-Hush! The great Squallini is going to sing,-oh, yes! and Belleroso the baritone-a duet-how charming-Hush!

And so the game may be carried on with impromptu dialogue till the players are tired.