The Valley of Clowns is the first valley of Merryland. It is level and sunny, with many broad-leafed trees. The soft grass is dotted with bright flowers, and roads criss-cross the valley. Instead of houses the clowns live inside raised platforms, padded and covered with bright silks and patterned velvets. All the inhabitants are clowns with fancifully painted faces and a variety of costumes, and all are entertaining tumblers, jugglers, or singers. Flippityflop, the Prince of Clowns, rules the first valley under the gracious favor of the Queen of Merryland.