Part II.

As soon as Reginald had recovered sufficiently from his astonishment to be able to speak, he exclaimed, "But you didn't have any bait!"

"The button on the end of the top-cord was the bait," said the Slambangaree, as it watched the fish swimming about in the air.

"What kind of a fish is that?" asked Reginald.

"That," replied the Slambangaree, "is a Capecodger. Did you ever hear a fish sing a song in notes of candy?"

"I never did," replied Reginald.

Then the Slambangaree turned to the Capecodger, and said, in a tone of authority,

"Sing, Sir Fish!"

The fish opened its mouth very wide and sang:

"As I'm a fish of good sound sense, Permit me, sir, to say It is a strange experience To swim around this way. I much prefer the coral caves Beneath the bounding sea, And to disport upon its waves, And wriggle in my glee. That bureau there is not a rock, This air is not the brine. Oh, grind me up in yonder clock For fishballs sweet and fine, But do not keep me swimming here All day, and thirsty, too, Or I shall have to shed a tear, And that would never do!"

What surprised Reginald was that while the Capecodger's words could be distinctly understood, each note was a pellet of candy, that fell from its mouth upon the carpet. When the Capecodger was through, it descended, and, much to Reginald's disgust, devoured all the candy that had fallen upon the floor.

"That candy that it has just swallowed," remarked the Slambangaree, "is merely reserve ammunition for its next song." Then turning to the Capecodger, the Slambangaree continued: "Of course you must not be kept swimming in the air, and I know it would never do to have you shed a tear. But I will not put you in the works of the clock, and grind you up in its machinery, as you suggest, for fishballs, after your kindness in singing us a nice little song, instead of excusing yourself on the threadbare ground of having a sore throat. But you must give little Reginald a ride before you return to the pitcher."

The Capecodger was so anxious to be back in its native element, that it lost no time in swimming under Reginald. When they were up in the air the Capecodger wagged its tail in great glee, and swam all around the room, just grazing the pictures and the clock, but doing no damage.

"It is just like being in a boat," said Reginald, as the Capecodger went down under a chair with him without touching the rungs; "it has a regular sea motion, and I'm not frightened a bit. But I wish I could have the Capecodger all the time; it would be nicer to go to school on than a bicycle, and then I could go way up in the air, like a kite. And every once in a while I could get it to sing, and have some candy."

But just then Reginald was back in his bed, and the Capecodger was back in the pitcher.

Then the Slambangaree took one of the boxwood tops from Reginald's pocket, and tossed it in the air a few times, and then threw it against the ceiling. Instead of descending, it remained on the ceiling, where it spun at a great rate, and, instead of humming, repeated the multiplication table so fast that it would finish twelve times in about four seconds. Then it got spinning so fast that it set all the room and the furniture whirling at the same rate. As the Slambangaree whirled with the rest, its grin increased until its head seemed to be all grin. Finally the Slambangaree grew smaller and smaller, until it was so small that it vanished into the top, which still whirled away at an awful rate. And when Reginald thought he was rid of his goblin visitor, the top suddenly began to increase in size until it was as large as a barrel, when it suddenly burst, and out popped the Slambangaree, leading a curious monster, the like of which Reginald had never seen or dreamed of. Its mouth opened like a door, and its eyes slid up and down like windows. And it had two heads, one at each end. And it could move with equal grace and swiftness in either direction. It ran all over the room, and what seemed strangest of all was that the room grew larger to accommodate the antics of the monster. Occasionally it would raise one eye like a window-sash, and curious birds would fly forth, and, after fluttering around, fly to the other end of the monster, who would throw open an eye to admit them. As the Slambangaree deposited the boxwood top in Reginald's pocket, it pointed to the monster, and said,

"That thing is a Cariftywhifty."

"What can a Cariftywhifty do?" asked Reginald.

"What can a Cariftywhifty do?" repeated the Slambangaree. "Why, a Cariftywhifty can eat you, and that is what this Cariftywhifty is about to do."

Then the Cariftywhifty chased Reginald into a corner, and took him into his mouth as if he were a raw oyster, and soon had him beneath his teeth, which were like the keys of a piano, and played tunes while it was eating. When Reginald reached the inside of the Cariftywhifty's teeth he found that he had not been hurt; and when he realized that he was being swallowed he was greatly surprised to find that the monster's throat consisted of a stairway, down which he walked into its stomach, which was a beautiful garden. Boxwood tops were spinning on the limbs of trees, and the place was lighted even at night by the Cariftywhifty's eyes. The only time the place was dark was when the unique monster closed its eyes. When the garden was suddenly darkened for a moment, and then illuminated, it indicated that the owner had just winked. Reginald knew that all this garden was in his own room, of course, but he didn't know how he was going to gain his freedom. But he wandered down the main path, seeing many curious sights, until he was chased by a lot of bull-frogs of great size, that jumped great distances and turned somersaults with ease. As these bull-frogs were made of _papier-maché_, they had no sense of feeling, because when Reginald stepped upon one of them it only made it laugh. They said they would put him in a box and feed him on flies if they could only catch him. This caused poor Reginald to redouble his efforts, and he was almost exhausted when he readied the throat stairway at the other end of the Cariftywhifty. Up these steps he bounded in safety, and was soon under the teeth of the monster, that chewed him and emitted a tune with its musical teeth at the same time.

In a moment Reginald was in his bed again, looking at the Slambangaree, that was now so small that the poor worried boy knew the plum-pudding must be almost digested. Finally the Slambangaree entered the mouth of the Cariftywhifty, and the latter, bounding across the room for a flying start, dashed through the window, and disappeared without breaking the glass or making the slightest noise.

It must have been at that time that Reginald knocked upon my door. When he was admitted he sat on the side of my bed, and told me all about the Slambangaree, the Capecodger, and the Cariftywhifty, at the same time saying that if he ever ate plum-pudding again he only hoped that he would have his nightmare while asleep, and not when lying wide awake. I have written his story down just as he told it to me, in the hope that it may be a warning to other boys to always eat just plum-pudding enough, and never too much, lest they meet with a midnight adventure similar to that of little Reginald's.

THE RIVER.

Down through the fields, by the poplars and birches, Into the towns past the houses and churches, On through the night while the curfew is tolling The river goes bubbling and foaming and rolling Under the bridges and over the stones, Winding through swampland that nobody owns, Spraying, and splashing, and murmuring free-- Onward it speeds from the hills to the sea!

The superior value of team-work over individual brilliancy was effectively demonstrated at the New York State Interscholastic games at Tonawanda, New York, June 6. The honors of the occasion were carried off by the Buffalo High-School team with 38 points, Syracuse H.-S. coming second with 36, and Ithaca H.-S third with 27.

Ithaca boasted the most brilliant performer of the day--A. B. Miller--who took four firsts, thereby earning twenty out of the twenty-seven points to Ithaca's credit. Miller is a sprinter, and a sprinter of the first class. He took the 100 in 10-3/5 sec., the 220 in 25-4/5 sec., the quarter in 52-2/5 sec., and the half in 2 min. 13 sec.--and all this in one afternoon against lively competition. The other seven points for Ithaca were earned by F. E. Gibbons, who threw the hammer 97 ft. 7 in., winning first place, and took third in the shot with a put of 36 ft. 7 in., and third in the broad jump with 18 ft. 9-1/2 in.

Miller and Gibbons were the stars, and no other member of the Ithaca team scored a single point. But these two giants, single-handed, could not overcome the work of the little seconds and thirds that Buffalo and Syracuse kept piling up against them. Buffalo took only three firsts; Syracuse got four; but the Buffalo team grabbed almost every second and third there was in sight, and thus, by general efficiency, easily overcame the brilliant individual work of Ithaca's two star athletes. Brilliant performers are much to be desired if they can be backed up by other athletes of average capability; but they are almost useless, so far as a victory is concerned, when all the work falls upon them, for their achievements then practically count for nothing.

In many respects the performances made at the New York State meeting were better than those recorded at the N. Y. Interscholastics on the Berkeley Oval a few weeks ago, notably the high jump and the broad jump--although these figures do not, of course, surpass the New York city records. It is very probable, too, that Miller would have made better time in his sprints if he could have had the advantage of a better track and more favorable conditions. The Driving Park track at Tonawanda on the day of these games was very heavy, and in none of the running events were the records broken. In addition a strong wind blew across the path and interfered with the speed of the sprinters. Besides the unfavorable weather conditions, the meet was very badly managed; there were no programmes, and no apparatus for the field events; the jumping posts, etc, had to be obtained at the last moment, and this occasioned considerable delay.

When there were but three events left to be decided, Ithaca was ahead with her final score, and Buffalo and Syracuse were tied for second place with 26 points. The broad jump was then called, and Prinstein of Syracuse took first place, making the score 31 for his team, while Purdy of Buffalo took second, and brought the Buffalo score one ahead of Ithaca. The pole vault followed, and Jackson settled matters for Buffalo H.-S. by adding five points to the score. Purdy won the high jump at 5 ft. 8 in., and afterwards, in trying for a record, cleared 5 ft. 10 in. This comes very close to Baltazzi's Interscholastic record.

New York State I.S.A.A. Games, Tonawanda, New York, June 5, 1896.

Event. Winner. Performance. 100-yard dash Miller, Ithaca H.-S. 10-3/5 sec. 220-yard dash Miller, Ithaca H.-S. 25-4/5 " Quarter-mile run Miller, Ithaca H.-S. 52-2/5 " Half-mile run Miller, Ithaca H.-S. 2 m. 13 " One-mile run Brown, Roch. H.-S. 4 " 56-3/5 " 120-yard hurdles Taylor, Syr. H.-S. 19 " 220-yard hurdles Taylor, Syr. H.-S. 31-4/5 " One-mile walk ---------- One-mile bicycle Miller, Buff. H.-S. 3 " 15-1/5 " Running high jump Purdy, Buff. H.-S. 5 ft. 8 in. Running broad jump Prinstein, Syr. H.-S. 20 " 9-1/2 " Pole vault Jackson, Buff. H.-S. 9 " 10 " Throwing 16-lb. hammer Gibbons, Ithaca H.-S. 97 " 7 " Throwing 12-lb. hammer ---------- Putting 16-lb. shot Hall, Syr. H.-S. 37 " 9 " Putting 12-lb. shot ----------

Wisconsin I.S.A.A. Games, Madison, Wisconsin, May 30, 1896.

Event. Winner. Performance. 100-yard dash McGowan, Eau Claire. 11 sec. 220-yard dash McGowan, Eau Claire. 23-1/4 " Quarter-mile run Athearn, Oshkosh. 57-1/2 " Half-mile run Disch, Mil. S.S. 2 m. 21 " One-mile run Dodman, Mil. E.S. 5 " 3 " 120-yard hurdles Lyle, Madison. 20 " 220-yard hurdles Lyle, Madison. 29 " One-mile walk Shepherd, Madison. 8 " 26 " One-mile bicycle Comstock, Oshkosh. 3 " 30 " Running high jump Gill, Whitewater. 5 ft. 4 in. Running broad jump Schroeder, Mauston. 18 " 10 " Pole vault Ward, Oshkosh. 9 " 3-1/2 " Throwing 16-lb. hammer ---------- Throwing 12-lb. hammer Smith, Evansville. 101 " 10 " Putting 16-lb. shot ---------- Putting 12-lb. shot Patterson, Evansville. 42 " 5-1/2 "

Pittsburg I.S.A.A. Games, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, June 5, 1896.

Event. Winner. Performance. 100-yard dash Jarvis, E.L.A. 11 sec. 220-yard dash Jarvis, E.L.A. 24-3/5 " Quarter-mile run Jarvis, E.L.A. 53-1/5 " Half-mile run Bell, S.S.A. 2 m. 11-2/5 " One-mile run Bell, S.S.A. 5 " 15 " 120-yard hurdles ---------- 220-yard hurdles Jarvis, E.L.A. 34 " One-mile walk ---------- One-mile bicycle Heinz, S.S.A. 3 " 55 " Running high jump Kallock, P.H.S. 5 ft. 3 in. Running broad jump Baird, E.L.A. 19 " 4 " Pole vault Baird, E.L.A. 8 " 10 " Throwing 16-lb. hammer Bell, S.S.A. 74 " 4 " Throwing 12-lb. hammer ---------- Putting 16-lb. shot Bell, S.S.A. 33 " 2 " Putting 12-lb. shot ----------

ABBREVIATIONS.--Roch. H.-S., Rochester (New York) High-School; Syr. H.S., Syracuse (New York) High-School; Buff. H.-S., Buffalo (New York) High-School; Mil. S.S., Milwaukee South Side High-School; Mil. E.S., Milwaukee East Side High-School; E.L.A., East Liberty Academy, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; S.S.A., Shady Side Academy, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; P.H.S., Pittsburg High-School.

The Wisconsin School held their athletic meet at Madison, Wisconsin, on May 30, and although the performances as a whole were below the average of the records attained on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, they will stand comparison with almost any school figures in the middle West. Nineteen schools sent teams to the meeting, and the points were distributed as follows: Milwaukee East Side, 28; Milwaukee South Side, 19; Madison, 17; Eau Claire, 14; Oshkosh, 10; Janesville, 4; Fond du Lac, 1; Whitewater, 7; Evansville, 14; Ripon, 5; Mauston, 7; Edgerton, 3; Wayland Academy, 4; Darlington, Dodgeville, Milwaukee West Side, Lake Mills, and Beloit failed to score any points. In addition to the events shown in the accompanying table, there was a relay race, which was won by the Milwaukee East Side High-School. For some unexplained reason no points were allowed to the winner of the one-mile bicycle-race, which was apparently thrown in as a sort of extra event.

The Pittsburg Interscholastic Association held its second annual field meeting on June 5, the victory going to East Liberty Academy with 23 points out of 64. Pittsburg H.-S. was a close second with 20 points, and Shady Side Academy ran third with 17 points. The other schools followed far in the rear, Park Institute getting only 3, and Allegheny High 1 point. Jarvis of East Liberty Academy stood head and shoulders above any other contestant in the quality of his performances, and won four firsts. He took the 100, the 220, and the quarter, and also finished first in the low hurdles. He could not have been very hard pressed, however, for the time was very slow.

In addition to the one-mile bicycle-race, which was a loaf for three-quarters, there were three other bicycle events. These are not shown on the accompanying table, because it has seemed more advisable, for the purpose of comparison of performances, to record there only the standard events. The quarter-mile bicycle-race was taken by McCready of Pittsburg H.-S. in 35 sec.; he had no easy time of it, however, for Heinz, S.S.A., who took the mile event, pressed him so closely that there were but a few inches between the two as they reached the tape. The two-mile bicycle-race was another uninteresting loaf, the contestants crawling around the track for five laps. A pace-maker was then put in and a spurt followed. Orr, P.H.S., won in 8 min. 3/5 sec., with McCready, his schoolmate, second. When it came to the half-mile race, the officials decided to put in a tandem pace-maker in order to prevent a third loaf, and a good race resulted. Orr again took first, time, 1 min. 9-2/5 sec., with McCready second.

The list of events at the games this year was changed considerably from last spring's schedule, but the house-cleaning did not go quite far enough, for the hop-step-and-jump still remains on the card. Let us hope it will be lost in the shuffle next year. Twelve of this season's events were the same as those of a year ago, and eight of the 1895 records were broken. It is probable that if Jarvis had been pushed he could have lowered the figures in the 100 and the 220; as it was, he established a record in the 440--53-1/5 sec.--which is better than the Pittsburg collegiate performance done by Miller and Edwards at the recent local meeting--54-3/5. Jarvis expects to enter Princeton next year, and will be a valuable acquisition to the New Jersey college's track team, which has never yet been a strong one. Bell, the long-distance runner and weight man, who won four firsts at these games, and Heinz, the bicycle-rider, both go to Yale.

The Oakland High-School athletes have every reason to feel proud of the record they have made on track and field this year. The track team won both the autumn and the spring field days of the Academic Athletic League, and took eight points in the recent Pacific Coast Championships. They have showed themselves to be so strong an aggregation that they can only secure meetings with university teams. A set of dual games had been arranged between the O.H.-S. and the Berkeley High-School, but this fell through after Berkeley had been defeated by the Oakland athletes at the recent A.A.L. field meeting. Challenges have been sent to many high-schools and athletic clubs, but none of these have felt that they were strong enough to stand any chance for success against the Oaklanders, and all have adopted discretion as the better part of their valor.

This year's High-School team, however, is much stronger than any this school has ever turned out before, and it will probably be some time before any such a collection of athletes will be gathered again under the O.H.-S. colors. Three of the best men, Cheek, Jenks, and Dawson, go to college in the fall, and they will add materially to the strength of the University of California team. These three scored 24 out of the 42 points which O.H.-S. secured at the last field day. Cheek is by far the most versatile of the trio, and will undoubtedly be heard from in the near future. At present he holds four of his school's records--the running broad jump, 22 ft.; the running high jump, 5 ft. 8 in.; the 16-lb. shot, 41 ft. 8-1/2 in.; and the pole vault, 10 ft. 5-1/2 in. In addition to these events, he is a strong performer over the hurdles, and throws the hammer beyond the hundred-foot mark.

Jenks is Oakland's sprinter, and holds the school record in both the dashes. His figures are 10-4/5 sec. for the 100, and 24-3/5 sec. in the 220. He is a good quarter-miler besides, his best performance in that line being the winning of the handicap a year ago last April from the 20-yard mark in 52-3/5 sec., coming in ahead of some of the best quarter-milers on the Pacific coast. Dawson's specialty is hurdling. He holds the school record of 29 sec. for the low hurdles, and his best time for the high is 17-4/5 sec. He would doubtless have improved these figures this spring if he had not had the responsibility of captaining the team. It is much to be regretted that such scholastic athletic talent as this could not be present at the National games last Saturday; if they had, the results in many of the events would doubtless have been different; for I feel confident that with better tracks and a more eager competition they would be able to improve on their home figures.

In baseball the Oaklanders have as good a record as in track athletics. Their nine this year won every game played, and the contests were not only with academic teams, but also with some of the strongest nines in that section. Two years ago the O.H.-S. had the reputation of possessing the best team of amateur baseball-players on the Pacific coast. So great is the interest in athletics there that the Grammar and Primary schools of Oakland got up a field day on May 23. There was a great deal of enthusiasm displayed by the colts, and their best performances were in the high jump, 5 ft. 3 in.; and the quarter-mile run, 59 sec. The season, however, is now pretty well closed, and not until next fall will there be any great activity in any kind of sport among the schools of California.

The activity in sport of the Californiana has acted as an incentive to many schools in the middle West. I know this to be true from correspondence I have had with many captains of teams in that section of the country. Foremost among those who have been drawn into emulation of the Oaklanders are the athletes of the University School of Cleveland, Ohio. Comparatively little had been done in athletics there until about a year ago, but since that time a great improvement has been noticeable, and at the University School's field day a week or so ago some very good figures were made. Alexander threw the hammer 123 ft. 6 in.; Hord vaulted 9 ft. 9-1/2 in.; McBride jumped 5 ft. 5-1/2 in.; and Alexander put the shot 36 ft. 6 in. It will not be long before the records in the middle West will equal those of any of the scholastic associations of the country.

Iowa H.-S.A.A. Games, Cedar Rapids, May 22, 1896.

Event. Winner. Performance. 100-yard dash Jackson, Cedar Rapids. 10-3/5 sec. 220-yard dash Jackson, Cedar Rapids. 23 " Quarter-mile run Carmichael, Clinton. 51-1/5 " Half-mile run Brown, Sioux City. 2 m. 6 " One-mile run Brown, Sioux City. 5 " 8-3/5 " 120-yard hurdles Horton, Muscatine. No time taken. 220-yard hurdles Conger, Clinton. 29-1/5 " One-mile walk Davis, Clinton. 8 " 6-3/5 " Running high jump Flournoy, Clinton. 5 ft. 8 in. Running broad jump Jackson, Cedar Rapids. 20 " 1/4 " Pole vault Walsh, Clinton. 9 " 2 " Throwing 16-lb. hammer Leo, Cedar Rapids. 89 " 5 " Putting 16-lb. shot Hartung, Des Moines. 32 " 11-3/4 " Two-mile bicycle Cherry, Cedar Rapids. 5 m. 59 sec. Half-mile bicycle Cherry, Cedar Rapids. 1 " 14-2/5 "

When the Iowa State H.-S.A.A. held its first field meeting last year this Department criticised the schedule of events, which contained a number of acrobatic feats not usually recognized as track or field events. It is with great pleasure, therefore, that I notice a change this year. The Iowans are certainly a progressive set of athletes, as has certainly been proved by their sending a team to the National games of last Saturday.

Clinton High-School is the leading institution in athletics there at present. Clinton won the championship among the Iowa schools, and also, in a dual meet, defeated Rockford H.-S., whose team won the Illinois championship.

The Clinton High-School team also challenged the Milwaukee team, but their invitation for a dual contest was not accepted. The Iowa Association is the only one, I believe, of the Western interscholastic leagues that has joined the National I.S.A.A., and for this they deserve great credit. Their action and enterprise will no doubt be of the greatest benefit to sport in that region, and will serve to place the Iowa schools in the front rank of scholastic athletics.

THE GRADUATE.

* * * * *

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

is cheaper than any quantity of cure. Don't give children narcotics or sedatives. They are unnecessary when the infant is properly nourished, as it will be if brought up on the Gail Borden Eagle Brand Condensed Milk.--[_Adv._]

* * * * *

AS TO FRUIT SHORT-CAKES.

Now is the season of the fruit short-cake, and from this, on the household journal and the domestic departments of the dailies that do not contain several receipts for mailing the different varieties of this delicious dessert will be deficient in their make-up. As a matter of particular information it should be stated that whenever a cooking receipt calls for a baking powder the "Royal" should be used. The receipt will be found to work better and surer, and the biscuit, rolls, cakes, short-cakes, dumplings, crusts, puddings, crullers, or whatever made, will be produced sweeter, lighter, finer flavored, more dainty, palatable, and wholesome. Besides, the "Royal" will go further or has greater leavening power, and is therefore more economical than any other powder. The greater consideration, however, is the added delicacy of flavor, the uniform fineness of the article that are always insured.

Many receipts as published still call for cream of tartar and soda, the old-fashioned way of raising. Modern cooking and expert cooks do not sanction this old way. In all such receipts the Royal Baking Powder should be substituted without fail.

The greatest adepts in the culinary art are particular to use the Royal only, and the authors of the most popular cook-books and the teachers of the successful cooking-schools, with whom the best results are imperative, are careful to impress their readers and pupils with the importance of its exclusive employment.

The Royal Baking Powder is the greatest help of modern times to perfect cooking, and every receipt requiring a quick-raising ingredient should embody it.--_The Caterer._

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No. 80 Hartford Single-Tubes--the standard fast road tires, delightful, buoyant, comfortable.

FOR SECURITY

No. 77 Hartford Single-Tubes--the standard tires for those who are willing to sacrifice a little speed for greater security from puncture. The ideal tire for tandems.

FOR ROUGH SERVICE

No. 70 Hartford Single-Tubes--the standard tires for rocky, hilly country.

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This Department is conducted in the interest of Bicyclers, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject. Our maps and tours contain many valuable data kindly supplied from the official maps and road-books of the League of American Wheelmen. Recognizing the value of the work being done by the L.A.W., the Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with membership blanks and information so far as possible.

Continuing the journey from Hartford to Pittsfield, leave Canaan by turning to the right just before reaching the railroad, and follow the railroad itself a little over five miles north to Sheffield. There is a good deal of sandy riding to Sheffield, and at Sheffield the Berkshire country begins, where you are sure to find good roads; the road is no longer sandy, but is gravel, well laid, and kept in good condition. From Sheffield, running along on the western bank of the Housatonic River close by the Housatonic Railroad, the road is direct into Great Barrington, it being only necessary for the rider to remember that he must keep to the right just out of Sheffield Plain, and instead of crossing the track keep between the track and the river. Still following the railroad, run out of Great Barrington on the north, cross the railroad, keeping to the left, and then to the right at Mansfield Pond, and run direct to Williamsville through Van Deusenville by the road already described in a recent number; but instead of entering Williamsville, turn to the right just before the town is reached, cross the Housatonic Railroad at Housatonic, and follow the branch road, keeping near the track all the way to Glendale; thence going north, run direct to Curtisville, through Stockbridge, leaving Stockbridge Bowl on the right. After passing through Curtisville run direct by West Street into Lenox. There are other roads, but this particular one is at present in the best condition.

Leaving Lenox by Main Street, the road is direct to Pittsfield, it being possible for the rider either to turn to the right at the fork, about three or four miles out from Lenox into what is called the Middle Road, or to keep straight on what is called the South Road. Either way brings you into Pittsfield itself, and the rider will here reach the point where, by reversing the map given in No. 866 of HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, he may proceed to Hudson, on the Hudson River, and thence run down the Hudson to New York. By following the descriptions already given, it will be seen that the rider joined the route from Hudson to Pittsfield at Great Barrington; but unless he is making a regular circuit and his time is limited, he is strongly advised to run on up through Stockbridge and Lenox to Pittsfield, and to reverse the journey in coming back to Hudson, as, if he turns westward at Great Barrington and runs to Hudson direct, he will miss one of the most delightful roads in Massachusetts. Or he may turn eastward from Pittsfield, and proceed towards the middle of Massachusetts by routes which we hope to give in the near future.

This country is so well adapted in every way, except the one of hills, for bicycling that in reality almost any route is a good one, and any wheelman who is out for pleasure, and is not limited absolutely as to time, will do well to study the country as he goes along, to make inquiries, and to pick out short or long runs for himself.

NOTE.--Map of New York city asphalted streets in No. 809. Map of route from New York to Tarrytown in No. 810. New York to Stamford, Connecticut, in No. 811. New York to Staten Island in No. 812. New Jersey from Hoboken to Pine Brook in No. 813. Brooklyn in No. 814. Brooklyn to Babylon in No. 815. Brooklyn to Northport in No. 816. Tarrytown to Poughkeepsie in No. 817. Poughkeepsie to Hudson in No. 818. Hudson to Albany in No. 819. Tottenville to Trenton in No. 820. Trenton to Philadelphia in No. 821. Philadelphia in No. 822. Philadelphia-Wissahicken Route in No. 823. Philadelphia to West Chester in No. 824. Philadelphia to Atlantic City--First Stage in No. 825; Second Stage in No. 826. Philadelphia to Vineland--First Stage in No. 827; Second Stage in No. 828. Now York to Boston--Second Stage in No. 829; Third Stage in No. 830; Fourth Stage in No. 831; Fifth Stage in No. 832; Sixth Stage in No. 833. Boston to Concord in No. 834. Boston in No. 835. Boston to Gloucester in No. 836. Boston to Newburyport in No. 837. Boston to New Bedford in No. 838. Boston to South Framingham in No. 839. Boston to Nahant in No. 840. Boston to Lowell in No. 841. Boston to Nantasket Beach in No. 842. Boston Circuit Ride in No. 843. Philadelphia to Washington--First Stage in No. 844; Second Stage in No. 845; Third Stage in No. 846; Fourth Stage in No. 847; Fifth Stage in No. 848. City of Washington in No. 849. City of Albany in No. 854; Albany to Fonda in No. 855; Fonda to Utica in No. 856; Utica to Syracuse in No. 857; Syracuse to Lyons in No. 858; Lyons to Rochester in No. 859; Rochester to Batavia in No. 860; Batavia to Buffalo in No. 861; Poughkeepsie to Newtown in No. 864; Newtown to Hartford in No. 865; New Haven to Hartford in No. 866; Hartford to Springfield in No. 867; Hartford to Canaan in No. 868.

This Department is conducted in the interest of Girls and Young Women, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any questions on the subject so far as possible. Correspondents should address Editor.

If you wish to form an association of the graduates of your school, do not hesitate to do so because you are few in number, or because the school is not very well known. Some of the best work is done in obscure schools, and our love for our own girls and our own teachers has nothing whatever to do with the fame of the institution.

In beginning send word to all the girls who have ever been graduated from your school to attend, if they can, the Commencement exercises of this season. It will be easy when all are together to plan for future reunions. These may be held monthly, quarterly, or annually. If you form an Alumnæ Association, you will require a president, a secretary and treasurer, and an executive committee to carry forward the work which I hope you will have in mind, as well as to do your planning for pleasure.

This work may lie in any one of several directions. You may like, if you are rich, or have many well-to-do friends, to endow a chair of history or poetry in your school, or to found a scholarship, on which some fortunate girl, not able to pay for her own tuition, may always be educated. If you cannot raise much money, you may still be able each year to do something for your school--add books to its library, or a beautiful picture to its drawing-room, or in some way show your attachment to the dear old school.

On the other hand, if you haven't any definite work which you wish to do, you will keep up the school friendships and the pleasant recollections, which will day by day and year by year grow more precious, by the simple plan of meeting from time to time. Perhaps you will have a luncheon when you meet, and in order to provide funds for this you may each contribute a dollar or two dollars, as may be, and let one or two of your number act as a committee to provide the feast. At this the president will preside. You will place the guest of honor at her right, and the next in importance at her left. A card with each girl's name will be at every plate, and the table will be adorned with flowers. If as a school you have a special color, or a special flower, you will choose your decorations with that in view.

A good _menu_ at this season would be the following:

Small Clams on the half-shell.

Chicken Bouillon (served in cups).

Minced Salmon.

Chops with Pease and Potatoes Parisienne.

Olives. Salted Almonds. Radishes.

Lettuce or Asparagus Salad.

Crackers. Guava Jelly. Cream Cheese.

Strawberries and Ice-Cream.

Small Cakes. Bonbons. Peppermint Creams.

Coffee.

You may vary the bill of fare in any manner you choose. It may be very simple or very elaborate, but let everything be nicely cooked and very daintily served.

After the luncheon you will of course have speeches. The president opens the ball, having first rapped for order. She introduces the speakers of the occasion, who have been consulted beforehand, and who have had subjects assigned to them. There will be a great deal of fun, and many ripples of laughter, and at the very end you should sing the class song to some familiar air. I ought to have said that I like at the beginning of such a luncheon some acknowledgment of our Heavenly Father's goodness. The president may recite grace. "Bless, O Lord, this refreshment to our use, and us to Thy service," is a very beautiful and appropriate form; or, rising, the whole number may say grace in common, or may sing "Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow."

No end of pleasure and a good deal of profit will follow your forming such an association. Many schools and colleges now find it one of the most delightful incidents of their lives.

C. F. R.--In addressing older people or friends of one's own age it is customary to say "Yes, father," or "Yes, Miss Isabel," as the case may be. "Yes, sir," and "Yes, ma'am," are now out of fashion. To your second question, it depends on circumstances. I see no reason why boys and girls should not be comrades, without any silly sentiment to spoil their pleasure. Black specks and other disfigurements of the skin may be cured by rigid cleanliness. Wash the face every night with hot water and a pure toilet soap.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Columbias

AT ONCE.

The Columbia you want is ready for you. No delay, if you choose regular equipment. We have been preparing for months to meet the present great demand.

* * * * *

$100 TO ALL ALIKE

Tandems, $150

Men's Columbias

Women's Columbias

Tandems

THE STOCK IS COMPLETE

* * * * *

Hartford Bicycles

$65, $50, $45

Such quality at such prices is unheard of. But Hartfords are leaders in both price and goodness. Regular models ready for immediate delivery.

POPE MFG. GO, Hartford, Conn.

Branch Stores and Agencies in almost every city and town. If Columbias are not properly represented in your vicinity, let us know.

WALTER BAKER & CO., LIMITED

Established Dorchester, Mass., 1780.

Breakfast Cocoa

Always ask for Walter Baker & Co.'s

Breakfast Cocoa

Made at

DORCHESTER, MASS.

It bears their Trade Mark

"La Belle Chocolatiere" on every can.

Beware of Imitations.

Postage Stamps, &c.

$117.50 WORTH OF STAMPS FREE

to agents selling stamps from my 50% approval sheets. Send at once for circular and price-list giving full information.

C. W. Grevning, Morristown, N. J.

100 all dif. Venezuela, Bolivia, etc., only 10c., 200 all dif. Hayti, Hawaii, etc., only 50c. Ag'ts w't'd at 50% com. List FREE! C. A. STEGMANN, 5941 Cote Brilliante Ave., St. Louis, Mo

1000 Mixed Foreign Stamps, San Marino, etc., 25c.; 101 all dif., China, etc., 10c.; 10 U.S. Revenues, 10c.; 20 U.S. Revenues, 25c. Ag'ts w'td at 50% com. _Monthly Bulletin_ free. Shaw Stamp & Coin Co., Jackson, Mich.

=A NICE SOUVENIR GIVEN= to every one sending for my unexcelled approval sheets at =60% com.=

F. JELKE, 516 La Salle Avenue, Chicago.

=STAMPS!= 100 all dif. Bermuda, etc. Only 10c. Ag'ts w'td at 50% com. List free. L. DOVER & CO., 1469 Hodiamont, St. Louis, Mo.

Songs.

Franklin

Square

Collection.

It would be difficult, if not impossible, to gather more features of interest into a work of this kind. Not only are many of the best songs and hymns in the English language here given--both old and new--but there are also songs and hymns for children and the schools. There are songs of home and of country, of love and fame, of heart and soul, of devotion and praise, with their sad and sweet or lively melodies, and with grand old chorals that stir the heart and lift it in worship. Besides the words and music, explanatory and historic notes are given to indicate their origin and significance. These books cannot fail to become immensely popular.--_Lutheran Observer._

Sold Everywhere. Price, 50 cents; Cloth, $1.00. Full contents of the Several Numbers, with Specimen Pages of favorite Songs and Hymns, sent by Harper & Brothers, New York, to any address.

In-door Exercise of a "Shut In."

I am a "Shut In"--that is, I am not strong, and able to be out but occasionally. I admire athletic sports, and am doing all I can to get stronger. The following is my exercising programme: As soon as I get up I do the double bend fifty times; that is, I touch my feet with my clinched fists without bending the knee. If you have not tried it, do so; you'll find out how easy it is. Then I take a cane, grasp it firmly, and swing it over my head twenty-five times to my back without bending the elbows or arms at all. Next I take my dumb-bells and go through the exercises with them, first down sideways, front, above head, and then swing them back until they touch in back. This I keep up until about ten minutes have elapsed. After breakfast, if favorable, I take a brisk walk for about half an hour, and feel very much refreshed. Shortly after luncheon I exercise on an exerciser, and that completes my athletic training for the day. I have done this for about six months, and have missed about twenty days in doing so. It is getting very tiresome, but I am "sticking" to it. I would like to hear of other Knights and Ladies who conduct such in-door exercise.

C. ARNOLD KRUCKMAN. ST. LOUIS.

* * * * *

Music as a Bond of Union.

Our familiar tune "America," for which the late Dr. Smith wrote the patriotic words, is a very old one, and is the national air of Great Britain and of Germany, as well as of the United States--if we may be said to have any one national tune. Some time since the King of Italy and the Emperor of Germany met in an Italian city. The Emperor of Germany is, you know, a grandson of Queen Victoria of England. The Italian band, out of compliment to the visiting sovereign, played the German national air. An English woman in the crowd, ignorant of the fact that her "God save the Queen," like our "God bless our native land," is not exclusive property, but borrowed, remarked, with characteristic English assurance, "How sweet of them at such a time to remember Emperor William's grandmother!"

* * * * *

This Busy World Forgets Us Easily.

Fame is not a very tangible thing. United States Senator Aldrich of Rhode Island, has represented his State for many years, and was very prominent in the framing of the tariff bill which is called after the name of Governor McKinley. The Senator tells the following incident, adding that he has never had a conceited moment since it occurred:

"Not long since I was journeying from Providence to New York, when a business man of my own State, a man of prominence and wealth, and an old friend of mine, fell in with me, and at once said:

"'Good-morning, Senator. Where are you going?'

"'Oh, I am going to Washington,' said I.

"'What are you going there for?'

"'To attend to my public duties.'

"'Why, what duties--what duties do you have in Washington?'

"Blushing, I replied that I was still a United States Senator.

"'Oh yes,' said the business man of prominence, wealth, and standing; 'you were elected to the Senate, weren't you?' After a pause: 'By-the-way, who is the other Senator from Rhode Island?'"

* * * * *

A Spirited Contest.

On Friday evening, May 15, the Second Annual Oratorical Contest of the high-schools of Chicago took place in Central Music Hall. The prizes offered were large; to the first three, gold medals valued at $25 each were given, in addition to a cash prize of $100 to the first, $75 to the second, and $50 to the third. These gifts were made possible through the kindness of Messrs. Alfred S. Trude, Franklin H. Head, and Charles S. Thornton.

There were two sets of markings--one set, on thought and composition, the judges being Henry B. Fuller, John Vance Cheney, and Franklin MacVeagh; the other set, on delivery, the judges being Luther Laflin Mills, Henry Wade Rodgers, and Judge John Barton Payne.

Mr. Bertram G. Nelson, of the Englewood High-School, spoke on the "Problem of History," and obtained first prize. Mr. Harrison S. Smalley, of the North Division High-School, spoke on the subject, "Are We Free?" and received second prize. Miss Nellie M. McPherson, of South Division High-School, spoke on "War," and earned third prize. Altogether there were eight contestants.

The system of marking was the average system, in which the marks are averaged up, and the highest average gets first place. Mr. Smalley received, out of a possible six firsts, five firsts, but because Mr. MacVeagh, "the Scholar in Politics," marked him down, he was deprived of a victory, which under any other system of marking would rightly have been given to him.

ALBERT V. DE ROODE, K.R.T.

* * * * *

Here You Get Whatever You Want.

The Washington Chapter, No. 176, has organized an educational department, to which members may send their questions and have them answered on the following subjects, viz., arithmetic, grammar, United States history, physiology, advanced English, algebra, Latin, Roman history, book-keeping, zoology, etc. Test papers are issued every three months on the above subjects.

GEORGE P. PAUL, 824 RIVER STREET, TROY, N. Y.

Any questions in regard to photograph matters will be willingly answered by the Editor of this column, and we should be glad to hear from any of our club who can make helpful suggestions.

WHATMAN'S PAPER FOR PRINTING.

Whatman's drawing or water-color paper is a very pure paper, and may be sensitized and used for photographic prints. The process is quite simple. Dissolve 75 grains of chloride of ammonium in 1 quart of water, filter through cotton or filtering-paper, and soak the paper in this solution for three minutes, or until it is thoroughly saturated; then lay it on a clean flat surface to dry, using care in handling so as to avoid stretching or tearing. This process is called "salting the paper." The sensitizing solution is prepared as follows: Dissolve 3/4 oz. of nitrate of silver in 8 oz. of water. Take two-thirds of this solution, and precipitate the silver by adding strong ammonia water drop by drop. This will cause the solution to turn brown. Continue adding the ammonia till this brown precipitate is dissolved and the solution becomes clear again. As soon as it clears, turn in the rest of the silver solution which contains no ammonia. The mixture will again become discolored, and must be cleared by adding a few drops of acetic acid. Filter and place in a glass-stoppered bottle.

Fasten a sheet of the salted paper to a flat board, and with a soft wide brush apply the solution, brushing first one way of the paper and then the other. Brush very lightly so as not to roughen the paper. The solution must be applied by gas or lamp light, and the paper dried in the dark. When dry it is ready for printing. The prints should be deeper than those made on aristo-paper. Tone in any good combined bath. The following formula may be used; and is also suitable for any mat-surface paper: Dissolve 1 oz. of hypo in 6 oz. of water, and filter. Dissolve 7-1/2 grains of pure trichloride of gold in 1 oz. of water. Add this gold solution drop by drop to the hypo solution, shaking the mixture frequently during the operation. This is a stock solution. To prepare the toning bath take 1-1/2 oz. of this stock solution and mix it with 7-1/2 oz. of a ten-per-cent. solution of hypo. (A ten-per-cent. solution is made by dissolving 1 oz. of hypo in 9 oz. of water.)

Place the prints in this bath without previous washing, and tone to the desired color. Almost any tone from reddish-brown to black may be obtained, the tone depending on the length of the time the print is left in the toning bath. Wash well and pin on a flat board, and set the board in an upright position till the prints are dry. The paper is of sufficient weight not to require mounting, and the paper should be cut large enough to leave a wide margin all round the print. For a 4 by 5 picture cut the paper 8 by 10 inches. In printing, the paper--except where the picture is to appear--should be covered. Take a piece of opaque paper the size of the sensitized sheet, and cut an opening in the centre a little smaller than the negative from which the print is to be made, and print the picture through this opening.

Another way to shield the paper from the light is to cut a square of paper the size desired for the finished print. Paste this lightly in the centre of a sheet of plain glass, and paint all the clear glass with Strauss's marl or Gihon's opaque. When the paste is dry remove the paper, and print through the clear glass in the centre.

Pictures made on Whatman's paper are not common, as few amateurs know how to make them, but the process is very easy. The paper can be sensitized with any of the solutions used for making tinted prints, directions for which have recently been given. A collection of fine prints made on Whatman's paper, using papers of different tints, is always much admired, and well repays one for the extra labor required to prepare the paper.

SIR KNIGHT ARTHUR F. ATKINSON, 1711 I Street, Sacramento, Cal., who is president of the Niepce Chapter of the Round Table, a chapter devoted to the interests of amateur photographers, has sent out circulars to all the members asking their co-operation in reorganizing the chapter. This chapter has been very active, and has been a great help to its members. It should not be allowed to disband, and the charter members will gladly welcome any members of the Camera Club to its membership who will help to sustain the chapter. Send names and addresses to the president. The editor of this column is an associate member of the Niepce chapter, and hopes to see it as large and flourishing as formerly.

SIR KNIGHT HOWARD WHIPPLE, N.D., asks for a formula for making a toning-bath out of dentists' scrap-gold. Sir Howard will find his answer in No. 868 of the ROUND TABLE.

SIR KNIGHT RICHARD P. M'COUN asks how to prepare paper for printing, and if the soda developer can be used over after the pyro has been added. Directions for preparing sensitive paper are given in this number. The developer should be thrown away after using, unless one is going to develop in a day or two. The developer works very slowly after having been once used, though it is useful in starting development when the exposure is over-timed.

SIR KNIGHT BURT TUCK asks if there is any remedy for over-exposed negatives. See No. 821 of the ROUND TABLE for treatment of over-exposed plates.

This Department is conducted in the interest of stamp and coin collectors, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question on these subjects so far as possible. Correspondents should address Editor Stamp Department.

A bill was introduced late in the session of the Congress which has just adjourned proposing to allow business-men to send out circulars or letters, with return envelopes, on which prepayment shall not be compulsory, but may be collected of the firm sending them out when returned to them. It is claimed that the postal revenues would be increased $30,000,000 per year. Probably the bill will be heard from next winter. Senator Cullom proposed that the printing of the postage-stamps be transferred to one of the bank-note companies. This would be a move in the right direction, as the government manufacture of the present issue has not been a success.

O. H. SCHELL.--The ordinary English stamps were printed in sheets of 240. Each, stamp was different as far as the letters were concerned. The first stamp on the sheet bore A. B. in the upper corners, B. A. in the lower corners. The second stamp, A. C. in the upper, C. A. in the lower corners, etc. The second row bore B. A. in the upper, A. B. in the lower corners, etc.

H. D. GRAHAM.--The line under the word "Postage" in the Hartford die of the centennial envelope is single. In the Philadelphia die it is double. All revenue stamps and stamped papers are collected by philatelists who make a specialty of this branch. U. S. Locals and Telegraphs are largely collected. I never saw a Postage Due U.S. in blue. I presume you have an essay of proof color. Did you take it off of a letter?

W. T. FENNER.--The comparative worth of cancelled and uncancelled stamps varies, but as a rule the unused stamps are worth much more. In some instances, however, where large quantities were printed and only a few used, the proportion is the other way. A set of Postage Due U.S. of the current issue is worth face value only.

F. A. R.--The 3c. blue U. S. is 1869 issue, worth 1c. used, 15c. unused. The green centennial envelope is worth 25c.

R. BREHMER, 15 High Street, Rutland, Vt., wishes to exchange stamps, especially with foreign collectors.

E. R. BEERE.--A Mexican dollar has more silver than an American dollar, but is worth only half as much. The 1806 half-cent is worth 15c.

E. W. KEIFER.--The 1895 U.S. silver dollar is worth face only. The usual custom among numismatists is to obtain the fresh coins directly from the mint through a Philadelphia agent.

E. HALL.--Never cut a pair or a strip of unperforated stamps. They are worth more together than singly.

TOM C.--All the low values U.S. issued during the last ten or twelve years can be bought of any dealer at twice face value, with the exception of a few rare shades. The dealers at present have a full supply, and many smaller post-offices still have quantities on hand. Probably in ten years or so dealers will have sold the bulk of these common stamps (at constantly increasing prices), and will then be glad to buy the same stamps back at much more than they sold them for. Age has nothing to do with value. You can buy Roman copper coins nearly two thousand years old at 10c. or 15c. each.

H. M. KAISINGER.--This Stamp Department has been a feature of HARPER'S ROUND TABLE since December 19, 1893.

J. P. JOHNSON.--The 1804 cent is worth $4; the 1804 half-cent is worth 15c.

S. MULHALL.--Your stamp is an India Revenue, not collected in this country. The only exceptions are those revenue stamps surcharged "Service Postage," and used for postage in 1867. The surcharge is in green ink. The values of the four varieties are, 1/2 anna, $3; 2 annas, $12; 4 annas, $25; 8 annas, $75.

J. O. HALL.--The 6 kr. Würtemberg 1858 issue, unused, is worth $300; used, 40c. The 1859 one is 9 kr.--used, 10c.; unused, $100.

W. W. JONES.--The philatelic button can be bought of C. W. Kissenger, Box 236, Reading, Pa.

S. MANNING.--French colonial stamps bear the name of the colony in which they are used. Among the colonies are several in Africa and Madagascar. Why so many varieties are made it is impossible to say, but probably the profit in selling to collectors was taken into account by the French government. Oesterreich is Austria.

PHILATUS.

A garb of white well typifies The purity that inward lies. So Ivory's whiteness doth express That pure clean soap brings cleanliness.

Copyrighted, 1896, by The Proctor & Gamble Co., Cin'ti.

You get what

you ask for

if on the face and back of each card of the famous DeLONG Hooks and Eyes you find the words:

_See that_

hump?

RICHARDSON & DELONG BROS., Philadelphia.

Also makers of the CUPID Hair-Pin.

When you come in hot and thirsty,--HIRES Root-beer.

Made only by The Charles E. Hires Co., Philadelphia.

A 25c. package makes 5 gallons. Sold everywhere.

EARN A GOLD WATCH!

We wish to introduce our =Teas and Baking Powder=. Sell 50 lbs. to earn at =Waltham Gold Watch and Chain=; 25 lbs. for a =Silver Watch and Chain=; 10 lbs. for a =Gold Ring=; 50 lbs. for a =Decorated Dinner Set=; 75 lbs. for a =Bicycle=. Write for a Catalog and Order Blank to Dept. I

W. G. BAKER,

Springfield Mass.

BALTIMOREAN PRINTING-PRESS

has earned more money for boys than all other presses in the market. Boys, don't idle away your time when you can buy a self-inking printing-press, type, and complete outfit for $5.00. Write for particulars, there is money in it for you.

THE J. F. W. DORMAN CO.,

Baltimore, Md., U.S.A.

THE NEW YORK SUN _on April 11, 1896, said of_

HARPER'S

PERIODICALS

They are handsome and delightful all, and are as friends that one is glad to see. They please the eye; the artistic sense is gratified by them; they overflow with varied material for the reader. They educate and entertain. They are the well-known and well-liked literary and artistic chronicles of the time. They are a credit to their publishers and to the discernment of the public that approves them. May they continue to be as admirable as they have been and as they are. Better could hardly be wished for them.

* * * * *

FOR SALE EVERYWHERE.

By KIRK MUNROE

* * * * *

SNOW-SHOES AND SLEDGES

A Sequel to "The Fur-Seal's Tooth."

THE FUR-SEAL'S TOOTH CANOEMATES RAFTMATES CAMPMATES DORYMATES

Each one volume. Illustrated. Post 8vo, Cloth, $1.25

_The "Mates" Series, Four Volumes in a Box, $5.00_

* * * * *

WAKULLA

A Story of Adventure in Florida.

DERRICK STERLING

A Story of the Mines.

CHRYSTAL, JACK & CO.

And Delta Bixby. Two Stories

THE FLAMINGO FEATHER

Each one volume. Illustrated. Square 16mo, Cloth, $1.00

* * * * *

Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, New York

AT FROGINI'S RESTAURANT.

Oh, how we gloat On our table d'hôte At old Frogini's restaurant! He gives us pies. And pickled flies, And everything else we chance to want.

He gives us fruits, And candied boots, And Saratoga chips frappé, And cider green, And iced benzine, And never asks a cent of pay.

There's but one thing In all the ring You can't get at this fine hotel; All kinds or eggs, But not frogs' legs-- A fact you'd better note right well.

For if you asked Frogini for Frogs' legs, he'd take you to the door, And spite of all your fuss and roar, He'd hurl you like a pile of bricks, With many hard and fearful kicks, Into the street, and cry, "My dear, That's how we serve up frogs' legs here."

* * * * *

A FEW FOURTH OF JULY HINTS.

I.--When the Fourth of July is not more than a week or two off, it is well to make your preparations fittingly to celebrate the glorious Independence day, and not wait until the day itself to get ready.

II.--To enjoy thoroughly all the pleasures of the blissful anniversary, purchase a pair of tight-fitting asbestos gloves. With a pair of asbestos gloves on, you could hold the pin of a pin-wheel in your hand without getting your hand burned.

III.--Be very kind in these late June days to your uncles and your aunts and your grandmothers. When the writer was a small boy he was very kind to seven uncles, six aunts, and two grandmothers for fourteen days before the Fourth of July, with the result that the seven uncles gave him half a dollar each, the six aunts presented him with a quarter apiece, and the two grandmothers joined in presenting him with a five-dollar bill, so that on the morning of the Fourth of July he was the proud possessor of ten dollars; and ten dollars, with fire-crackers selling at the rate of ten for one cent, meant that the writer could have had 10,000 fire-crackers to set off. It must be said, however, that he set off only 5000 of them, and spent the balance on soda-water, two glasses of which, like a good boy, he gave to his two grandmothers.

IV.--When the Fourth comes do not forget to rise up at half past three in the morning. There is not much fun in setting off fire-crackers in broad daylight when everybody is wide-awake; and besides this, the big boys always start in with cannon, and if you lie in bed after half past three you are apt to miss the greatest noise of the day.

V.--If you live in a neighborhood where there are a number of reckless boys, do not fail to wear a mask. Reckless boys do not look where they throw their lighted crackers, as a rule, and it has happened that innocent little fellows have had their noses burned by the carelessness of others. A mask will save the bridge of your nose, and of course you all know that if the bridge of your nose is burned it is a hard thing to get over.

VI.--Do not throw your torpedoes at the poor little cats that wander forlornly about. The poor little cats are so soft that the torpedoes merely hurt them, without going off, so that neither you nor the cats can possibly enjoy the fun of it.

VII.--Keep on the right side of the cook. Do not irritate her, and give her to understand that she is the dearest, nicest old cook in the world, for she is the custodian of all the empty lard and mustard cans in the house; and when you come right down to it, there is more fun and noise to be had out of a bundle of fire-crackers set off in a lard or mustard can than in two packs touched off in the open air. And what is more, if you burn your fingers she will in most cases be the person you can reach the quickest, and who will soothe your trouble and pain by putting flour and butter on your blisters.

VIII.--Be careful where you lay your lighted pieces of punk. The writer once put a lighted piece of punk on the floor of the back piazza, and, forgetting it, sat down upon it five minutes later. There was an explosion right away, of grief.

IX.--Be generous to your little girl friends. Remember that when your fire-crackers have given out they may have some torpedoes left.

X.--When night comes on, no matter how early in the morning you may have got up, remember not to get sleepy. The best part of the Fourth of July, after all, is in the sky-rockets and roman-candles and pin-wheels.

XI.--Do not under any circumstances set off sissers in the palm of your hand. The writer did that once, and he has really never enjoyed the Fourth of July since.

XII.--And, finally, don't forget that you are an American who will some day be a man or woman, and try to do things on the Fourth which, when you get to be a man or a woman, will make you proud of the day, yourself, and your country. This hint is, after all, the most important one of all, and if you will ask your uncles or your aunts or your dear old grandmothers to tell you all about it--the day, how it came to be, and what it means--_now_, a week or two before the day dawns, you will enjoy it all the more, and will be happy to think that you live in the land which is the only one that celebrates "the glorious Fourth."

* * * * *

GOING OFF.

"Papa, where are we going this summer?"

"I don't know, Willie. Off somewhere."

"Off, eh?" said Willie. "Like fire-crackers?"

* * * * *

A MAGNIFICENT LAP.

"I wish my daddy was a centiped," said Jack. "If he had a hundred legs, what a splendid lap I'd have to sit on! Most an acre, I guess."

* * * * *

WALLIE'S VIEW OF IT.

"I guess that bird wishes he knew how to swim," said Wallie. "He's gone and built a nest in our roof gutters, and if he can't swim he's got to travel or get drownded."

* * * * *

A NEW IDEA.

"George Washington must have been a awful tired man," said Jack.

"Tired? Why?" asked his father.

"It says here he couldn't lie," said Jack, referring to his book. "When I'm tired I can lie down."

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, June 23, 1896, by Various