Sometimes, when scenery has been especially well designed, it makes properties almost unnecessary. For instance, in the throne room of King Elf in _Sigurd, the Volsung_ the background is a dark, richly colored tapestry. Against this was placed the throne on a raised dais. With this single property the scene was a satisfying picture. When the three fair-haired maidens, dressed in white and gold, with flowing veils of pale rose, came to present the baby Sigurd to King Elf, it was a lovely picture. The materials used for making properties are usually wood, cardboard, tacks, glue, ½-inch linen or cotton tape, papier-mâché, gesso, and paints. The tools needed are hammer, coping saw, scissors, and a sharp knife. Drawings should be kept before the worker for constant reference. They are his guide for proportion, design, and scale. Accidents are as likely to happen in puppet families and at puppet parties as they are to happen in our homes and at our own parties. If the chairs are unsteady and the tables too light, they may cause trouble and embarrassment. Think what might have happened at Bob Kratchet’s Christmas party in Charles Dickens’ _Christmas Carol_, when all the puppets sat down to the well-laden table, if some thought had not been given to making it secure. How do you imagine this was done? The table and all the chairs were glued to a large piece of cardboard. When the scene was set, this was placed on the stage. In the time of Bob Kratchet, just as in our own time, houses contained many pieces of furniture and other things of daily use. Imagine what would happen, if we made all the properties that are mentioned in the story and then tried to crowd them on to the stage. There would be no room for the puppets to move about in. Our eyes would be confused with details and the picture would be ruined. Here is a list of the properties that were chosen by the group of children who gave _The Childhood of David Copperfield_: Act I. Sitting room in the Copperfield house An armchair for Peggoty A table for Peggoty and work basket Stool for little David Curtains for the windows Act II. In the boathouse A chair for Peggoty A chair for Mrs. Gummage A table for Peggoty’s work basket and balls of bright-colored wool. A chest for David and Emily to sit upon A small box for Ham A chest of drawers, on top of the drawers a tray, teapot, two cups, and saucers Curtains for the windows Act III. The seashore A log for David to sit upon A large rock for Emily to sit upon Two or three small rocks to complete the picture Act IV. The schoolroom Six benches for the schoolboys Two desks, one for the master, one for his assistant Two chairs Books for the desks