division of the march, immediately followed by those who
speak.

An equal number enter from opposite sides as far back as
possible, pass in front to sides, back half-way, form
two lines across front, having the six who speak in front
(alternating boy and girl), and the larger pupils back of them
sing as they enter and until they are placed the chorus of
"Birdies' Ball," beginning "Tra la la la la." When in position
all sing the following two verses, air, "Birdies' Ball." When
chorus is reached, let them keep time by resting weight on
right foot on first count, and at same time swinging left foot
over right, touch toe to floor, dipping body slightly on third
count, foot back in place on first count of next measure. Rest
weight on left foot and swing right foot over left, touching
right toe on third count, foot back in place on first count of
next measure, etc.)

Santa Claus on Christmas eve,
Means to give a gift to all,
Each a stocking we will hang,
Stockings big and stockings small.

_Chorus_.--Tra la la la, etc.

Santa Claus on Christmas eve
Comes with reindeer swift as air,
Early all must be in bed,
Leaving only stockings there.

_Chorus_.--Tra la la la, etc.

(A girl comes one step forward, bows, and speaks.)

I mean to hang on Christmas eve
A stocking of this size _(measures),_
Because I want a doll so big,
That sleeps and shuts its eyes.
To crowd it in a stocking small
Would surely not be wise.

(Pupil steps back in place and all sing the chorus, keeping
time as before.)

_2d Pupil_.--My stocking is the one I'll hang,
I know 'twill hold quite well,
About a hundred marbles more
Than's owned by Tommy Bell.
Of course I want some candy, too,
But the marbles are what tell.

(Steps back, and chorus is repeated as before.)

_3d Pupil_.--I mean to beg a stocking small
Of little sister Clare,
Because I want some things so small
They'll scarce be found e'en there.
I want a ring that has a stone,
And a pretty pin to wear.

(Chorus repeated as before.)

_4th Pupil_.--I've measured all the stockings round,
And think I'll hang up two,
Because I want a pair of skates,--
One stocking will not do.
Of course I want some sweets and things
To last the whole week through.

_Chorus, etc_.

_5th Pupil_.--My mamma's sto