Picture reading is a novel amusement which is adapted to a small party only.

Provide as many envelopes and short pencils as there are guests. On the outside of each envelope write the name of a guest. Place a lead-pencil and a folded sheet of unruled paper inside of each envelope.

When the guests are seated, present each one with the envelope bearing his or her name. The hostess, or some other person appointed by her, then explains to the company that each one is expected to draw a picture upon the paper found within the envelope.

No matter how crudely executed, each person must at least attempt to draw a picture of something, and then replace the sheet of paper in the envelope.

A prophet or prophetess must be appointed, also an assistant, care being taken, however, that the former is pretty well acquainted with the different guests.

The assistant collects the envelopes, keeping the names thereon carefully concealed from the prophet. He then takes from an envelope the drawing and presents it to the prophet.

The latter proceeds to foretell the future life of the maker of the picture in his hand, revealing as much or as little as he pleases of the details of the picture.

When he has exhausted the resources of the picture, he returns it to the assistant, who reads aloud the name on the envelope and restores both it and the picture to their owner.

If properly carried out, this is a most entertaining form of amusement.