Twelve girls must be arranged to form a graduated row or semicircle, with either curtains or screens for a background. Dresses must be in Kate Greenaway style, and carefully selected as to contrasting colors. Some can wear bonnets, large or small; others, caps. Some must have curled or wavy hair; others must have braids. It is better for all to wear ties or slippers with large bows or buckles. They must practise making the short drop-courtesy in concert, as want of precision in this greatly weakens the effect.

When the reciter announces"the Miss Pelicoes,"the tallest one enters, stops in the middle of the stage, makes a courtesy, and walks to her place at the head of the row. The others enter in quick succession; each making the courtesy at the same spot, and going to her place. The ballad proper then begins, all courtesying in concert whenever the twelve"Miss Pelicoes"are named.

When the ballad is finished, all courtesy in the middle of the stage, as they did upon entering, and pass out. An encore is generally desired.

One girl commits the ballad to memory. She must say it without any stumbling, repeating the lines very slowly where there is much action, and rapidly where there is little. It is important that her utterance be clear, distinct, and rather loud, so there be no mistaking the sentiment expressed, both by words and action. Costume according to taste, but not fancy. Light colors preferable.

THE MISS PELICOES. Enter one by one, courtesy in middle of stage, and pass on to place.

I

The twelve Miss Pelicoes

Were twelve sweet little girls:

Some wore their hair in pigtail plaits;

While some of them wore curls.

II

The twelve Miss Pelicoes Had dinner every day: A not uncommon thing at all, You probably will say.

III

The twelve Miss Pelicoes Went sometimes for a walk. It also was a well-known fact That all of them could talk.

IV

The twelve Miss Pelicoes

Were always most polite;

Said,"If you please,"and"Many thanks,'

"Good-morning,"and"Good-night."

The twelve Miss Pelicoes Learned dancing, and the globes; Which showed that they were wise, and had The patience which was Job's.

VI

The twelve Miss Pelicoes Played music,"Fa, la, la;"Which consequently made them all The joy of their papa.

I

All courtesy exactly together.

Courtesy, smiling sweetly.

Those with braids turn around to show their braids; Those with curls, ditto.

ii.

All courtesy together.

Raise fingers to mouth, as if having some' thing to eat.

III

All courtesy together.

Head girl walks forward, all following, but turning so as to be in places before last line, when all say together, either"Good-morning""Fine day""How do you do ?"all mixed up, but rather loud.

IV

All courtesy together.

Bow to each other, shake hands.

After"said,"the reciter omits"If you please,"and"Many thanks," leaving this to be said by the four largest girls ;"If you please,"by the first two;"Many thanks"by the next two ;"Good-morn-tog,"by the next two;"Good-evening"by the next two, the reciter supplying the"and." v.

Courtesy all together.

Take a few dancing-steps.

Try to look patient, resigned to a hard fate.

VI

All courtesy together.

Make motion with hands and arms, as if playing on the piano. Let them draw themselves up, turn their heads, and smile in a self-satisfied manner.

VII

The twelve Miss Pelicoes,                                    All courtesy together.

You plainly see, were taught To do the things they didn't like; Which means, the things they ought.

VIII

Now, fare you well, Miss Pelicoes; I wish you a"good-day."

About these twelve Miss Pelicoes I've nothing more to say.

All courtesy together. All bow to reciter.

All courtesy together, and, after last line, pass out one by one, each making courtesy.