gauze wings
fastened to the back of the dress. Each one should hold a small torch
ten inches in length, from which rises a blue flame; these can be
made of card-board, and covered with light blue paper, with the ends
tipped with gold. At the end from which the flame is produced, insert
a strip of tin, to protect the torch from the flames. The torches
should not be lighted until all the figures are in position. The young
misses take their position at each side of the stage, on the outer
edge of the terrace. They must lean forward slightly, and hold the
torch out from them. Their attitudes should be varied; those near the
top should be gazing upward, others looking down, and a few engaged in
conversation. The young lady who represents Morning must be costumed
in a loose white robe of tarleton muslin, cut low at the top, flowing
sleeves, skirt covered with three wide flounces, trimmed in front with
silver rays five inches long. The waist and sleeves decorated with
silver and gold spangles, and a satin belt, ornamented in like manner,
worn about the waist. The hair should be brushed back from the
forehead, and clasped with a band of silver, and allowed to hang over
the shoulders in long curls; the head is adorned with a band of gold,
with rays of silver radiating from the centre. The position is, seated
on the platform, head slightly inclined to the left, the right hand
raised over the head, the left rests on the waist; eyes directed to
the children in the foreground, countenance expressing pleasure. The
goddess Morning will be seated on the platform, behind the scenery.
A yellow fire must be burned in the ante-room, and so shaded that,
just as the curtain rises, a small portion of the light will shine on
the centre of it; this light should increase in brightness for a few
seconds, when the sky in the background must open, and the goddess
glide slowly down to the centre of the stage. As the platform moves,
the fire should increase in brightness; when she has arrived at the
centre of the stage, the yellow light should be thrown into the
foreground, and a red light thrown into the background. This can be
accomplished by placing the colored fires in large boxes furnished
with sliding covers and reflectors; and by drawing out the covers
gradually, the light will be thrown on to the picture in the proper
manner. The curtain in the background can be opened by attaching at
each corner, near the centre, a small cord, which can be
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