did. Still, that was a matter that would arrange itself somehow, if they

could only manage to reach San Francisco, and the "poor rich boy" now began to long as eagerly for the time to come when he might return to his home as he once had for an opportunity to leave it.

One day, when matters stood thus, a stranger, past middle age, shabbily dressed, and wearing a peculiarly dilapidated hat, appeared at the railway log-landing, and asked of Bonny, whose hump-durgin happened to be there at the time, permission to ride with him to the upper end of the skid-road. With a sympathetic glance at the man's forlorn appearance Bonny answered,

"Certainly, sir; you may ride with me all day if you like, and I shall be glad of your company."

Thanking the lad, the stranger seated himself in the hump-durgin, and after he had been warned to hold on tight and watch out for "slews," the upper journey was begun. At one of the upper relay stations they waited for a descending "turn" of logs to pass them. Here the stranger visited the engine-house, and while he was talking with the engineer they came in sight. Alaric, who happened to be in charge, was at that moment walking easily forward along the backs of the swaying logs, presenting as fine a specimen of youthful agility, strength, and perfect health as one could wish to encounter. He was clad in jean trousers tucked into boot-legs and belted about his waist; a blue flannel shirt, with a black silk kerchief knotted at the throat, and a black slouch hat.

"Isn't that extremely dangerous?" asked the stranger, regarding the approaching lad with a curious interest.

"Not for him it isn't, though it might be for some; but Rick Dale is so level-headed and sure-footed that there isn't his equal for riding logs in this outfit, nor, I don't believe, in any other," answered the engineer.

"What did you say his name was?" asked the stranger, with his gaze still fixed on Alaric.

"Dale. Richard Dale," replied the engineer. "Why? Do you think you know him?"

"No. I don't know any one of that name; but the lad's resemblance to another whom I used to know is certainly very striking."

"Yes. It's funny how often people look alike who have never been within a thousand miles of each other," remarked the engineer, carelessly, as he stepped to the signal-box. In another minute Alaric had passed out of sight, while Bonny and the stranger had resumed their upward journey.

That evening Alaric remarked to his chum, "I noticed you had a passenger to-day."

"Yes," replied Bonny. "Seedy-looking chap, wasn't he, but one of the nicest old fellows I ever met. Never saw any one take such an interest in everything. I suspected what he was after, though, and finally we got so friendly that I asked him right out if he wasn't looking for work."

"Was he?"

"Yes. He hesitated at first, and looked at me to see if I was joking, and then owned up that he was hunting for something to do. I felt mighty sorry for him, 'cause I know how it is myself; but I had to tell him there wasn't a living show in this camp just now. He seemed mightily taken with our shack here, and said he once had a house just like it, but he was afraid he'd never have another. I invited him to stay with us a few days if he wanted to--just while he was looking for a job, you know--but he said he guessed he'd better go on to some other camp. You'd have been willing, wouldn't you?"

"Certainly," replied Alaric. "I've already been in hard luck enough to be mighty glad of a chance to help any other fellow who's in the same fix, especially an old man; for they don't have half the show that young fellows do."

"I told him you'd feel that way," exclaimed Bonny, triumphantly, "and he said if there were more like us in the world it would be a happier place to live in, but that he guessed he'd manage to scrape along somehow awhile longer without becoming a burden to others. I did insist on his taking a hat, though."

"A hat?"

"Yes. We were down at the store, and he was asking the price of things, and looking around so wistful that I couldn't help getting him a new hat and having it charged; for the one he wore wasn't any good at all. He hated to take it, but I insisted, and finally he said he would if I'd keep his old one and let him redeem it some time. Of course I said I would, just to satisfy him, and here it is."

Alaric looked carelessly at the dilapidated hat as he said: "It was a first-class thing to do, Bonny, and I only wish I had been here to give him something at the same time. But, hello! this is a Paris hat, and hasn't been worn very long, either. I wonder how he ever got hold of it? Never mind, though; hang it up for luck, and to remind me to do something for the next poor chap who comes along. I heard to-day that the president of the company was in Tacoma, on his way to make an inspection of all the camps."

"Yes," replied Bonny. "They say he is an awful swell, too, and I heard that he was coming in his private car. I only hope he is, and that I can get a chance to look at it, for I have never seen a private car. Have you?"

"One or two," answered Alaric, with a smile.

At noon of the following day, while a fifteen-minute game of baseball was in progress after dinner, the boss of Camp No. 10 received a note from the president of the company, requesting him to report immediately in person at Tacoma, and bring with him the two hump-durgin boys Dale and Brooks.

Mr. Linton, being a man who kept his own business to himself as much as possible, merely called our lads and bade them follow him. Of course this order broke up the game they were playing, and as they hastened after the boss, Bonny, in whose hands the baseball happened to be, thrust it into one of his pockets. Although curious to know why they were thus summoned, the boys learned nothing from Mr. Linton until they reached the railway log-landing, when he told them that they were wanted in Tacoma, and that he was instructed to bring them there at once.

From the landing they proceeded by hand-car to Cascade Junction, where they boarded a west-bound passenger train over the Northern Pacific. Even now Mr. Linton was not communicative, and after sitting awhile in silence, he went forward into the smoking-car, leaving the boys in the passenger coach next behind it. Now they began to discuss their situation, and the more they considered it, the more apprehensive they became that something unpleasant was in store for them.

"He's a United States Marshal, remember," said Bonny.

"Yes," replied Alaric; "I've been thinking of that. Do you suppose it can have anything to do with that smuggling business?"

"I'm awfully afraid so," replied Bonny. "Great Scott! Look there!"

The train was just leaving Meeker, where a passenger had boarded their car, and was now walking leisurely through it toward the smoker. It was he who had attracted Bonny's attention, and at whom he now pointed a trembling finger.

Alaric instantly recognized the man as an officer of the revenue-cutter that had so persistently chased them in the early summer. Without a word, he left his seat and followed the new-comer to the smoking-car, where a single glance through the open door continued his worst suspicions.

The officer had seated himself beside Mr. Linton, and they were talking with great earnestness.

"They are surely after us again," Alaric said, in a whisper, as he regained his seat beside Bonny; "but I don't intend to be captured, if I can help it."

"Same here," replied Bonny.

Thus it happened that when, a little later, the train reached Tacoma, and Mr. Linton returned to look for his lads, they were nowhere to be found.

[TO BE CONTINUED.]

The first meeting of the National Interscholastic Association was held at the Columbia Oval, New York, June 20, and the records established on that occasion are something that every school-boy in the country may well feel proud of. The day was perfect and the track was good; and although there were only five associations represented, the teams present were undoubtedly made up of the best scholastic athletic talent in the United States. As had been anticipated, victory went to the New-Englanders, with a score of 46 points; the Connecticut H.-S.A.A. took second honors with 25 points, New York following with 23, while the Long Island I.S.A.A. was fourth with a score of 7, and the sandy team from Iowa closed the list with 6 points.

NATIONAL I.S.A.A. GAMES, COLUMBIA OVAL, NEW YORK, JUNE 20, 1896.

Event. Winner. Performance. 100-yard dash W. H. Jones (_P.A._), N.E. 10-1/5 sec. 220-yard dash W. H. Jones (_P.A._), N.E. 22-2/5 " Quarter-mile run H. L. Washburn (_B._), N.Y. 51-2/5 " Half-mile run W. S. Hipple (_B._), N.Y. 1 m. 59-3/5 " One-mile run D. T. Sullivan (_W.H._), N.E. 5 " 10-1/5 " 120-yard hurdles A. F. Beers (_D.L.S._), N.Y. 16-4/5 " 220-yard hurdles J. H. Converse (_E.H.-S._), N.E. 26-2/5 " One-mile walk A. L. O'Toole (_E.H.-S._), N.E. 7 " 53-2/5 " One-mile bicycle O. C. Roehr (_P.P._), L.I. 2 " 36 " Running high jump F. R. Sturtevant (_H._), Ct. 5 ft. 8 in. Running broad jump H. Brown (_H.H.-S._), Ct. 21 " 1 " Pole vault R. G. Clapp (_Will._), N.E. 10 " 5 " Throwing 12-lb. hammer F. C. Ingalls (_H._), Ct. 129 " 10 " Putting 12-lb shot F. C. Ingalls (_H._), Ct. 43 " 4 "

Event. Second. 100-yard dash R. W. Moore (_B._), N.Y. 220-yard dash R. W. Moore (_B._), N.Y. Quarter-mile run G. G. Whitcomb (_P.E._), N.E. Half-mile run R. F. Hanson (_E.H.-S._), N.E. One-mile run ---------------------- 120-yard hurdles F. A. Edmands (_W.A._), N.E. 220-yard hurdles A. F. Beers (_D.L.S._), N.Y. One-mile walk G. A. Blakeslee (_H.H.-S._), Ct. One-mile bicycle M. W. Forney (_A._), L.I. Running high jump T. Flournoy (_C._), Io. Running broad jump H. Moeller (_C.G._), N.Y. Pole vault B. Johnson (_W.A._), N.E. Throwing 12-lb. hammer W. B. Boyce (_B.H.-S._), N.E. Putting 12-lb shot F. A. Edmands (_W.A._), N.E.

Event. Third. 100-yard dash Hugh Jackson (_C.R._), Io. 220-yard dash Hugh Jackson (_C.R._), Io. Quarter-mile run C. F. Luce (_H._), Ct. Half-mile run C. A. Brown (_S.C._), Io. One-mile run ---------------------- 120-yard hurdles F. W. Shirk (_W.A._), N.E. 220-yard hurdles J. J. Peters (_P.A._), N.E. One-mile walk ---------------------- One-mile bicycle E. A. Strong (_H._), Ct. Running high jump ---------------------- Running broad jump W. Hersey (_W.A._), N.E. Pole vault F. R. Sturtevant (_H._), Ct. Throwing 12-lb. hammer F. A. Edmands (_W.A._), N.E. Putting 12-lb shot C. Leo (_C.R._), Io.

ABBREVIATIONS:--N.E., New England I.S.A.A.; N.Y., New York I.S.A.A.; Ct., Connecticut H.-S.A.A.; L.I., Long Island I.S.A.A.; Io., Iowa State H.-S.A.A.; _P.A._, Phillips Academy, Andover; _B._, Barnard School, New York; _W.H._, Worcester High-School; _D.L.S._, De La Salle Institute, New York; _E.H.-S._, Boston English High-School; _P.P._, Brooklyn Poly Prep. Institute; _H._, Hartford Public High-School; _Will._, Williston Seminary; _P.E._, Phillips Academy, Exeter, New Hampshire; _W.A._, Worcester Academy; _A._, Adelphi Academy, Brooklyn; _B.H.-S._, Brookline High-School; _C.G._, Columbia Grammar-School, New York; _C.R._, Cedar Rapids High-School; _C._, Clinton High-School; _S.C._, Sioux City High-School; _H.H.-S._, Hillhouse High-School, New Haven.

NATIONAL I.S.A.A. GAMES, JUNE 20, 1896.

TABLE OF POINTS SCORED.

Association. First. Second. Third. Total. Five Two One Points. Points. Point. New England I.S.A.A. 6 6 4 46 Connecticut H.-S.A.A. 4 1 3 25 New York I.S.A.A. 3 4 0 23 Long Island I.S.A.A. 1 1 0 7 Iowa State H.-S.A.A. 0 1 4 6 --- 107

N. B.--Out of a possible 112 points only 107 were awarded, there being no second or third man in the mile run, and no third man in the high jump or the mile walk.

School. First. Second. Third. Total. Five Two One Points. Points. Point. Hartford School 3 0 3 18 Barnard, N.Y. 2 2 0 14 English High-School 2 1 0 12 Phillips Andover 2 0 1 11 Worcester Academy 0 3 3 9 De La Salle, N.Y. 1 1 0 7 Hillhouse High-School 1 1 0 7 Worcester High-School 1 0 0 5 Poly. Prep., Brooklyn 1 0 0 5 Williston 1 0 0 5 Cedar Rapids 0 0 3 3 Adelphi, Brooklyn 0 1 0 2 Phillips, Exeter 0 1 0 2 Brookline High-School 0 1 0 2 Col. Grammar, N.Y. 0 1 0 2 Clinton High-School 0 1 0 2 Sioux City High-School 0 0 1 1 --- 107

Now that the meeting is past and gone, it is very easy for most of us to make comments and suggestions about what should have been done, but these suggestions can be of little use to-day, unless they serve to help matters for next year. Hind-sight is very much better than foresight, and experience is much more valuable than either. If the officers of the National Association, and all who are interested in the welfare of that body, will work next year with wisdom acquired from this year's experience, the field day of '97 ought to be a perfect one of its kind. There are a great many things that I should like to say in this Department about the meeting of the N.I.S.A.A., but there are none of these reflections which cannot just as well be made a week or two hence, when there will be more space at disposal, and when there will have been more time for reflection with all of us. For the present I think that, in spite of all the shortcomings of the first meeting, we have reason to congratulate ourselves over the success of the day, and the promise it holds out for the future.

The New York school-boys need waste no time in regret over the defection of the Berkeley and Cutler teams. It is certain that had they been present at the National meet, they could not have altered the result, so far as victory is concerned. It is possible--it is even probable--that New York might have secured second place, but nothing better. The hurdles were 3 ft. 6 in. and 2 ft. 6 in. in the long and short events, respectively, so that it is not exactly fair to compare the performances in these events at the National games with those of the New York Interscholastics, where the hurdles are lower. Nevertheless, Converse in the low hurdles made better time than Harris, who won at the Interscholastics.

To make a just comparison, we must leave the hurdles out of our calculation and take only the other twelve events, which are the same on both the National and the New York schedules. Of these twelve events the performances at the National meeting were better in ten cases than they were at the New York Interscholastics a few weeks ago. The two which were not surpassed were the pole vault and the mile run. It is probable that Hurlburt of Berkeley could have defeated Clapp. I am not so sure that Turner of Cutler's could have defeated Sullivan, who won the mile in 5 min. 10-1/5 sec. Turner could certainly not have defeated Mills, but Mills was unfortunately ill, and unable to be present. Sullivan ran second to Mills at the New England Interscholastics, Mills's time being 4 min. 33-4/5 sec. Turner's time at the New York Interscholastics was 4 min. 49-3/5 sec.

But it is hardly fair to compare Sullivan's time at the National games with Turner's at the New York games, because Turner was pressed very hard, and did his very best, whereas Sullivan ran around the track alone at the Columbia Oval, there being no other contestant in the mile event; furthermore, at the stretch of the third lap he thought he had finished his mile and spurted, and almost stopped in front of the judge's stand, when the officials called out to him that he still had another lap to go; then he merely trotted the remaining 440 yards, so that of course good time could not be expected. To carry on the speculation further, and to make the comparison more complete, it may be stated that the performances at the National games, besides being better in ten cases out of twelve than the performances at the New York Interscholastic, were better in six cases out of twelve than the N.Y.I.S.A.A. records. The superiority is in the two dashes, the quarter, the half, the hammer, and the shot. In the hammer, both first and second men at the National games made better throws than Irwin Martin did, a few weeks ago, when he set up the New York Interscholastic record at the Berkeley Oval. In the shot, all three point-winners at the National games surpassed the New York Interscholastic figures.

It may clearly be seen from this that the field work at the Columbia Oval was of a very high order. But better still were the performances in the dashes and the middle distances. Jones of Andover defeated Moore of Barnard in both the 100 and the 220, running the shorter distance both in his heat and in the final in 10-1/5 sec. Jones is beyond any doubt the best sprinter in the schools to-day, and gets down the path in beautiful form. Moore was never so hard pushed in all his life, and also ran beautifully, making a close race every time, and his defeat in his heat was doubtless due to his desire to save his strength rather than to the superiority of Robinson, who, however, ran much better in his heat than he did in the finals. The 220 was anybody's race for three-quarters of the distance, Moore and Jones running about even, with Jackson barely a yard in the rear; but Jones, being much the stronger man, and with decidedly more reserve force than Moore, managed to pull out a winner by a couple of yards.

The quarter-mile was hotly contested, and proved a very pretty race. Washburn of Barnard was the favorite, but he had two good men against him in Robinson of Worcester and Luce of Hartford. The bunch went around the turn at a brisk pace, and when half the distance had been covered Whitcomb of Exeter developed unexpected speed, and pushed the New-Yorker strongly. It was plain then that the real struggle was between these two, and it was not until the last three yards of the race that Washburn could feel sure of victory. Luce came in a good third.

The half-mile was probably the hardest race of the day, and Hipple won only after the hottest kind of a struggle with Hanson. The bunch started off at a good pace, as may be seen from the record-breaking time made, Bedford setting the pace. The Barnard man kept well in the lead for the first lap, and then surrendered his position to his schoolmate. But the New-Englanders had no idea of letting Hipple have an easy time of it, and Hanson, Albertson, and Brown at once began to swing out for position. Hipple stuck to his colors, however, and strained every nerve, running beautifully, and on the stretch he and Hanson pulled away quite perceptibly from the others. Hipple finished about five feet ahead of the Boston man, and both were entirely played out when they crossed the line, Hipple so much so that he was unable to enter the mile, a little later.

Both the hurdle-races furnished fine sport. Shirk of Worcester Academy took the first heat, not being pressed very hard by O'Rourke, and the second heat was an exceedingly hot race between Beers and Edmands, the time, .16-3/5, being even faster than that of the final. In the final struggle the race was clearly between Edmands and Beers, and the New-Englander certainly ran in far better form than did the victorious New-Yorker. Beers knocked over fully half the obstacles, whereas Edmands only toppled one. I should pick Edmands as the winner in a contest with Beers, both men being fresh. At the National games Edmands was throwing the hammer when the hurdles were called, and he had to leave his exhausting field work, without a chance for a rest, to start in his heat, and again in the final. Considering this, his performance over the sticks was exceedingly creditable. There were only three starters in the low hurdles, and Beers got off the mark first. He had not gone far, however, before Converse overtook him and soon passed him. Converse won in the excellent time of 26-2/5 sec., Beers finishing about six yards behind, with Peters almost on his heels. Beers ran in better form in the low hurdles, although doubtless a little fagged from his two high-hurdle heats. It is only fair to say for Beers that he has been in the habit of running over the dwarfed high hurdles of the N.Y.I.S.A.A., and thus Edmands, who has enjoyed the benefit of belonging to an association which uses recognized standards in athletics, had a slight advantage over the New York man.

The walk was a gift to O'Toole of English High, there being only one other contestant, Blakeslee of Hillhouse. Inasmuch as the faculty of the Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, did not allow any of the Hotchkiss men to come down to the meeting, Eels, who made such a good record at the Connecticut games, was not present. This is greatly to be regretted, for he and O'Toole would doubtless have had a close struggle in that event. The Boston man was pressed at no time, but he kept up a good pace, and when he crossed the line he was half a lap ahead of Blakeslee.

There were no accidents in the bicycle race, for a wonder, and the contestants actually raced from start to finish. The riders remained pretty closely bunched for half a mile, Roehr of Long Island leading. At the three-quarter post Poillon of New York dashed from the rear and took the lead, but he was able to hold it for only half a lap, when the others all put on steam and left him again at the tail. Roehr won in good style, with another Brooklynite, Forney of Adelphi, second, and Strong of Connecticut third.

The field events developed some excellent performances. There were only two men who answered to the call in the high jump--Sturtevant and Flournoy. The Connecticut man had the greater reputation, and the event was conceded to him at once, although the Iowa athlete struggled bravely, and cleared the very creditable height of 5 ft. 7 in. Sturtevant showed good form, and went an inch higher. The pole vault was also well contested, but the winner did not go so high as might have been expected from the various performances that have occurred at interscholastic meetings this year. Clapp, the winner, cleared 10 ft. 5 in., although he did an inch better at the New England Interscholastics, where he vaulted 10 ft. 6 in., and took second to Johnson of Worcester Academy. At the National games Johnson could only clear 10 ft. 3 in., and took second to Clapp.

Ingalls of Hartford, with Jones of Andover, enjoyed the honor of scoring a double win. He took first place in both the hammer and the shot, and his performances are something to be proud of. He established records in both events which will probably stand for some years to come. Boyce of Brookline High-School threw 125 ft. 3 in., and took second in the hammer, Edmands of Worcester being third. The latter also took second in the shot, coming within eight inches of the winner. Edmands is a very good all-round athlete. Leo of Iowa took third in the shot, and was only an inch behind Edmands.

Although every athlete who appeared at the National games is to be congratulated on his sportsmanship, and on the determined way in which he set about his work, especial commendation is to be given to the four young men who came on all the way from Iowa. They were outnumbered by every team, but they nevertheless succeeded in making creditable performances, and in carrying off six points. They are not of the stuff that goes home with a zero, and we may confidently expect, if Iowa sends on a team next year, that the experience of the Iowans this spring will have been profited by, and the Westerners will put up even a stiffer competition than they did a week ago.

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the best things in Prose and Poetry, always including good Songs and Hymns. It is surprising how little good work of this kind seems to be done in the Schools, if one must judge from the small number of people who can repeat, without mistake or omission, as many as =Three= good songs or hymns.

and accurate Memory work is a most excellent thing, whether in School or out of it, among all ages and all classes. But let that which is so learned be worth learning and worth retaining. The Franklin Square Song Collection presents a large number of

and Hymns, in great variety and very carefully selected, comprising Sixteen Hundred in the Eight Numbers thus far issued, together with much choice and profitable Reading Matter relating to Music and Musicians. In the complete and varied

which is sent free on application to the Publishers, there are found dozens of the best things in the World, which are well worth committing to memory; and they who know most of such good things, and appreciate and enjoy them most, are really among the best educated people in any country. They have the best result of Education. For above Contents, with sample pages of Music, address

Harper & Brothers, New York.

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.

It is advisable at this point to leave Connecticut and Massachusetts and describe one of the best--and practically the only--ways of going on a wheel from the Hudson River to the Berkshire Hills. We have already given in former numbers of HARPER'S ROUND TABLE the route from New York city to Hudson, on the Hudson River. For any one making the trip from New York city to the Berkshire Hills, the best route is to follow this already described, and at Hudson to take the following trip to Pittsfield.

Leave Hudson by Warren Street, and run along the trolley-line to the Boston-Albany railroad tracks, and then make for what is called the Columbia turnpike by turning to the left around the park, and still keeping to the left into Green Street. Continuing along this road, you will run into Claverack, four miles away. The road is good, but begins to be hilly towards the last. Claverack is then left, the rider moving eastward and taking the right turn, which carries him by the Red Mills. Then comes a long ascent, and at the end of three miles Hollowville is passed. The road runs clearly, and is practically unmistakable to Martindale, and with the exception of the few hills, it is capital bicycling. Four miles further on, Craryville is reached, the hills becoming a little more frequent, but the road-bed is in such good condition that all are rideable. Three miles further on you pass through Hillsdale, and then run into South Egremont, and then, keeping to the right on leaving South Egremont, climb a long hill with a long coast on the other side, and by Maple Avenue run into Great Barrington. From Great Barrington the road to Pittsfield, through Stockbridge, is along the railroad track through Van Densenville to Housatonic, thence through Glendale to Curtisville, through Stockbridge, and leaving Stockbridge Bowl on the right, up West Street to Lenox. To go from Lenox take Main Street and run direct into the town of Pittsfield itself.

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.

One of the stamp papers reports that a Washington philatelist has had two U.S. 1847 ten-cent stamps made up into a pair of cuff-buttons. This is an old idea. I remember seeing a number of similar buttons many years ago in Germany.

A rumor is current that a new series of stamps is under contemplation by the U.S. government, or that there will be a change in the color of several denominations.

The Olympian stamps continue to be used on letters received in New York, and several foreign papers state that the set will be used until next October, and possibly longer. The official report of the number printed of the different denominations shows clearly that the speculating element was in the mind of the officials of the Greek government. For instance, they printed 20,000 of the 60-lepta stamp (12c.), and 50,000 of the 10 drachmai ($2). The 60 lepta advanced in price to $1.25 within a few days, as all the 60 l. were sold out on the first day to a few favored ones. The outcry from the other speculators was so loud that the government ordered 50,000 more printed, and the price dropped to 30c. It is a pity that the Greek government should humiliate itself in this way, and the first step to make these Olympian stamps "regular" should be an order to print as many copies of any denomination as may be asked for. The stamps themselves are so pretty and interesting that every collector wants to see them established as a regular issue.

BEV.--The U.S. 1870 stamps were printed by the National Bank-Note Company. In 1873 the contract passed to the Continental Company. They added secret marks to the 1c., 2c., 3c., 6c., 7c., 10c., 12c., and 15c., and probably to the 24c., 30c., and 90c.; but these last have not been identified to the satisfaction of all philatelists. In 1875 the American Bank-Note Company succeeded to the contract. They printed the stamps on a peculiar soft porous paper, which identifies their issues. They also added a secret mark to the 3c. stamp, and some years later they re-engraved the 1c., 3c., 6c., and 10c. As to U. S. stamps on ribbed paper, I personally do not believe in them. I have seen many collections of unused U. S. in blacks, and never saw one on ribbed paper. The used stamps which looked like ribbed paper were probably accidentally produced by the paper to which they were affixed.

W. K. DORT.--To answer all your questions would take at least two columns. U. S. Revenue stamps, perforated, are still very low in price, with the exception of the few scarce and rare stamps. You can get a full catalogue of all postage-stamps and of the U. S. Revenue stamps for 25c. from any responsible dealer.

EDGAR HILL, 3612 Columbia Avenue, Cincinnati, O., wishes to exchange stamps.

J. H. DE JARNETTE.--No premium on the coins.

J. K. DENNON.--Postal cards are collected by some of our leading philatelists. As there is very little demand, the prices are low; but, on the other hand, dealers do not pay much attention to them, and carry very little stock. Personally I prefer adhesive postage stamps to U.S. Revenues.

W. P. KELLMOND.--Dealers ask 15c. for the U.S. 1804 half-cent. No "flying eagle" cents are worth more than face, except the 1856, which can be bought for $4.

A. HALL.--The Franklin-head U. S. carrier stamp used in 1851 is one of the rarest U. S. stamps. If the U. S. government had not reprinted this stamp it would be worth $250 to-day. The reprint was made on the same paper, with the same color of ink, and from the original plates.

A. REICHMAN.--My advice is to keep all your stamps, whether duplicates or not, until you know more about them. Buy a catalogue, and carefully examine the stamps by it. After you have selected all the varieties, sell or trade the rest. Do not keep them, expecting to make a fortune by their rise in value. They may go up according to catalogue, but you will find it impossible to realize. Cornering stamps is about as unprofitable a thing as cornering stocks. For instance, so many people bought quantities of Columbian stamps on speculation that the dealers in New York are buying them at ten per cent. discount. One dealer bought a lot of nearly $11,000 face value at that rate, and the lot contained a quantity of the $1 and $2, which still other parties have cornered.

E. R. N.--Your stamps are worth 5c. each. The only way to tell the date of issue is by reference to one who knows, or, still better, by reference to a catalogue which gives illustrations, dates, prices, etc. Such a catalogue you can buy of any dealer for 25c. or 50c.

HAWLEY, PA.--1. "Pneumatic" envelopes are those used in Berlin, Paris, etc., for letters sent through the pneumatic post-tubes. Some day we hope our government will wake up and give us a pneumatic service in the large cities. 2. See answer to O. H. Schell. 3. Technical terms in stamp-dealing are too numerous to mention in one answer. 4. By looking carefully. 5. The centennial of the first settlement.

R. H. ANDERSON, 121 East Forty-seventh Street, New York, wants to trade stamps for mineral or botanical specimens, or curios.

E. B. BRADLEY.--You ask too much. Refer to a catalogue, which can be had of any dealer for 25c.

H. BEVIS.--Unless you know what the genuine stamp is, or have a copy before you, you cannot expect to detect counterfeits.

S. GARMLEY.--The 12c. 1872 is worth 50c. The 30c., worth 12c. The 24c. is 1861 issue, worth 25c. Your 3c. 1861 is probably the rose, worth 1c.

PHILATUS.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

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Visit the nearest Columbia agent or send two 2-cent stamps for Catalogue.

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Postage Stamps, &c.

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

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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.

* * * * *

Bringing up a Humming-bird by Hand.

Some time ago we found in an oleander-tree in our garden a humming-bird's nest. Our curiosity and interest were so great that we could not resist peeping into it. We found two tiny birds, only a few days old, and as there were several of us children examining it we shook the nest considerably, and as it seemed insecure we changed it. The mother bird did not return that day, and we feared that by our carelessness we had driven her off, but the next day she appeared.

One of the birds fell from the nest and was killed, so that only one remained for us to watch. It happened that the tree was infested with ants, who soon discovered the little bird and bit it terribly. To relieve it I ventured to try and bring it up in the house, and so made a little nest out of cotton for it, and kept it on a shelf of flowers in my room. I fed it many times a day, on diluted honey, through a medicine-dropper. We were delighted to see that the little thing survived on this treatment, and we soon had a well bird on our hands.

One day while in my room I heard a strange noise outside the window, and looking out, I saw the mother bird, who had caught sight of her little one inside on one of the flower-pots. The little one had learned to fly by this time, so I opened the window and the two flew away together. We felt that we had accomplished the "wellnigh impossible"--bringing up a humming-bird by hand.

GERALDINE SCUPHAM. OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA.

* * * * *

In Distant Australia.

In the eastern part of Victoria, nestling among the mountains, lies Warburton, one of the prettiest countries in this colony. It is fifty miles from Melbourne and twenty-five from Lilydale, the nearest town from which the coach runs daily. The mountains are thickly covered with gum-trees, many of which reach the height of 300 feet, and sometimes 400 feet. In the evenings the mountains vary in color from deep pink to a very deep purple, reflected from the setting sun. The effect is grand.

In the valleys are beautiful gullies, full of ferns, varying in size from a foot to about sixty feet high. It is delightfully cool in the gullies, as they are pleasantly shaded by trees with closely matted tops that we often go and sit in, especially at a place where there are many comfortable swings and hammocks formed of bark which is shed from the gum-trees.

These gullies abound with most of our native animals, such as bears, wallabies, wombats, dingoes, opossums, etc. Warburton has numberless creeks, and a river called Yarra Yarra, which is a native name, meaning flowing. The river is very winding, and is flecked with rocks here and there, and shaded by trees which bend their branches over to the water. The river is full of rapids and little cataracts, and is not navigable except within about twelve or fifteen miles of its mouth. It is a beautiful place in which to enjoy peace and rest.

DAISY DAMMAN, R.T.P.

* * * * *

The Music Rack.

Not long ago I read an explanation stating that to the public, not understanding music, classical music sounds like the tuning of instruments. Don't some of the Round Table Knights and Ladies think this an error? I think the strains of _Tannhäuser_ and Wagner's _Lohengrin_, as also _Träumerei_, _Bohemian Girl_, _Cavalleria Rusticana_, _Maritana_, and ever so many other masterpieces which are certainly classed as classics please anybody. Of course they have not any similarity to "Liberty Bell," "Maggie Murphy's Home," and other compositions of this order, but they do please the masses. The Grand March from _Tannhäuser_ always does catch popular fancy. Also the "Bridal March" from _Lohengrin_.

I have often heard _Martha_ played and treated to deafening applause, and no music-studied audience were the people who applauded. Have players ever heard that when rosining the bow they should not draw the bow up and down rapidly? A great many know this, but many more do not. The reason is because the bow becomes warm and melts the rosin and spoils the hair, whereas if you go slowly the rosin comes off crisp and fine. Another thing, for orchestra playing tighten the bow, but for solo playing leave it slack, as the sound is finer.

I would be very glad to hear of some music Chapter, as I would like to join one.

C. ARNOLD KRUCKMAN, R.T.K. 1235 NORTH THIRTEENTH STREET, ST. LOUIS, MO.

* * * * *

Why He Sawed Wood.

The Bishop of Pennsylvania was formerly a frontier or missionary bishop in Nevada. While in the West he had a loyal friend in a man noted for his big heart and his wonderful combination of profane words. He was the possessor of a good carriage and a pair of fast horses, and was always ready to stop swearing for half a day or long enough to take the Bishop, whom he greatly admired as a man, out on worthy errands.

One day the Bishop had accepted the use of the team to go in search of funds to build a small chapel. Passing a rough shanty at a smart pace they saw a man before it sawing wood. The day was hot and the man bareheaded.

"Stop a moment," said the Bishop. The team was halted. "My good man," said the Bishop, addressing the wood-sawyer, "put on your hat. The sun will bake your brain."

The man looked up in surprise, and then a look of disgust came over his face.

"D'you s'pose," said he, "that 'f I had any brains I'd be sawing wood in this land of silver?"

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.

SEPARATING GOLD FROM ALLOY.

Gold coins and gold jewelry always contain alloy. Gold being too soft a metal to use alone is mixed with some harder metal, so that the article will wear longer. Pure gold is 24 carats fine. Before the metric system was adopted, a mark--a gold coin--was used as the unit of standard weight, and a carat is 1/24 of the weight of a mark. A carat is used to express the proportion of gold in the alloy. If a coin is 22 carats fine, it means that it contains 22 parts of pure gold. An article that is 18 carats fine contains 18 parts of pure gold and 6 parts of alloy. Gold coins contain so little alloy that it is not necessary to separate the gold from the alloy; but if one is preparing chloride of gold from old jewelry, in which are found perhaps only nine parts of pure gold, it is best in using it for special work to separate the two metals. This can be done with very little trouble.

Dissolve the gold in "aqua-regia," according to the directions given in the last number of the ROUND TABLE. When it is dissolved and the acid evaporated, dilute the chloride with clear water, and add a small quantity of ferrous sulphate. This will cause the gold to be precipitated, and it will settle to the bottom of the vessel in the form of a brown powder, while the alloy will remain in solution. It will take some time for the gold to settle, and when it is all deposited or precipitated turn off the water carefully, wash the gold in distilled water, and then redissolve it in fresh aqua-regia, following the directions in our last paper on preparing chloride of gold. Ferrous sulphate, the substance which precipitates the gold, is also called sulphate of iron. It is a chemical compound, and the chemical formula is FeSO_{4}+7H_{2}O, meaning that one atom of iron, one of sulphur, and four of oxygen are added (+) to 7 molecules of water (7H_{2}O).

In the directions for preparing printing-paper for violet prints the directions for the coloring-bath read as follows:

SEL D'OR (DOUBLE SALTS OF GOLD).

Sel d'or 7-1/2 grs. Distilled water 15 oz. Hydrochloric acid 1 drachm.

A member of the Camera Club, wishing to try the formula, wrote to the editor that he went to a druggist for the "sel d'or," but was unable to obtain it, nor could the druggist tell him what it was. An explanation was sent by mail, but we repeat it for the benefit of the club. "Sel d'or" is a double salt of hyposulphite of soda and gold chloride. It is formed by adding chloride of gold to a hyposulphite solution, and mixing with alcohol. Take three parts of concentrated solution of chloride of gold and one part of concentrated solution of hyposulphite of soda. Mix thoroughly, and add alcohol till it is well covered. Shake well, and then set it aside. The alcohol will cause the chloride of gold and sodium sulphite to be precipitated in the form of delicate needlelike crystals, almost transparent, and readily dissolved in water.

If one cannot, obtain "sel d'or" ready prepared, it is not much work to prepare it. This double salts of gold is the form in which gold was used for toning daguerreotypes in the early days of photography. The silvered plate on which was the picture was coated with a solution of "sel d'or," and then heated. The gold was melted or decomposed by the heat and deposited on the picture, giving it not only a beautiful tone, but also preserving it. That this preparation made the picture durable is shown from the fine daguerreotypes which, though taken so many years ago, still retain almost their first freshness.

SIR KNIGHT W. BAKER asks if there is any difference between a sulphite and bisulphite. A sulphite is a salt formed by the union of sulphurous acid with a base. For instance, sulphite of soda is a _salt_ formed by the union of sulphurous acid and sodium, the sodium being the _base_. A bisulphite is a sulphite in which the metal has replaced but half the hydrogen in the acid. "Bi," used chemically, means that the compound contains two equivalents of the substance named.

SIR KNIGHT LESTER R. MOSS asks which camera to buy--a "B." daylight or a Kodak, both same price. Would advise a Kodak with glass plates for a beginner. A camera in which films are used is not so satisfactory as one for glass plates, and one can learn how to manage a camera much better if plates are used. Sir Knight Lester asks how he may become a member of the Round Table. Your name has been placed on the membership list. To become a member all that is required is that one should send name and address, and state that he wishes to become a member.

SIR KNIGHT F. G. CLAPP sends grateful acknowledgment for query answered in the ROUND TABLE for March 31.

Will Max Miner be kind enough to write to the editor and give the name of the camera which he used in making the picture, reproduced in the ROUND TABLE, called "Sweeping a Sliding-Place"? A member of the Camera Club is anxious to know. Will Sir Max also add the name of lens and plate used?

THE PUDDING STICK.

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

I am fond of perfumes myself, and so I know just what Elizabeth Rosa means when she sighs: "Oh, how I wish I could have all the violet extract I want! But I cannot afford to buy it, and nobody ever gives me any, except sometimes Aunt Susie at Christmas. There is Lettie, whose writing-paper always reminds you of flowers, a faint far-away sweetness, and Norah, who leaves a dream of roses in the room she has been sitting in, and Eleanor, whose gowns have a delicate fragrance; but there, it's of no use; I am poor, and I can't compete with those girls!"

Really, my dear, your style is poetical. A dream of roses is very impressive. Now let me give you one or two secrets of perfume.

To have your writing-paper, whether note or letter size, or a plain businesslike pad, carry with it a breath of dainty sweetness, you must keep it in tightly closed boxes in which are little packets of orris powder. Your bureau drawers will be perfumed, and the perfume will creep into your handkerchiefs and ribbons and your under-clothing if you will line the drawers with tissue-paper; sprinkle this with powdered orris, and lay a sheet of tissue-paper above it. A prettier way is to make a sachet the exact size of your drawer by quilting orris powder between folds of China silk. Little bags of silk filled with orris and kept in the pockets of your gowns will give them a very delicate fragrance.

A pronounced perfume is vulgar. You must have merely a suggestion of it--a whiff--gone in a breath, not a coarse heavy odor which makes your friends think of musk or patchouly. Perfume poured from a bottle is apt to scent a handkerchief too strongly to please a fastidious taste. You may use your cologne or your violet essence a few drops at a time in the water in which you bathe, or you may finish your toilet by wetting your hands with a tiny drop or two of your favorite perfume. Liquid perfumes must be used sparingly.

In toilet soaps for the face and hands select the nicest you can afford. Do not be afraid to use soap on your face. At least once a day wash it thoroughly with warm water and soap, as only thus can you get rid of the dust which clogs up the fine lace-like net-work of the skin. Make a lather and rub the face thoroughly. Then wash it off with clean water.

I may add that fresh rose leaves sprinkled plentifully in bureau drawers or in the linen closet give a very agreeable perfume to their contents. And we have all heard of the delicate sweetness of sheets and pillow-slips laid away in lavender.

Remember that the nicest people are fastidiously clean. The dainty girl uses a dash of ammonia in the bath, and keeps everything belonging to her spotlessly neat. Clothing should be frequently changed, and every detail of a girl's should be fresh and pure. One who is careful in this way needs no perfume in her toilet.

MARGARET E. SANGSTER.

No other soap is found in so many homes.

THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO., CIN'TI.

EARN A BICYCLE!

We wish to introduce our Teas, Spices, and Baking Powder. Sell 75 lbs. to earn a BICYCLE; 50 lbs. for a WALTHAM GOLD WATCH AND CHAIN; 25 lbs. for a SOLID SILVER WATCH AND CHAIN; 10 lbs. for a beautiful GOLD RING; 50 lbs. for a DECORATED DINNER SET. Express prepaid if cash is sent with order. Send your full address on postal for Catalogue and Order Blank to Dept. I

W. G. BAKER, Springfield, Mass.

JOSEPH GILLOT'S

STEEL PENS

Nos. 303, 404, 170, 604 E.F., 601 E.F.

And Other styles to suit all hands.

THE MOST PERFECT OF PENS.

HARPER'S

BAZAR

The great fashion magazine of the world. None excels it in its field.--_Chicago Inter-Ocean_, Feb. 22, 1896.

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Charles Carleton Coffin's

FASCINATING HISTORICAL WORKS

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ABRAHAM LINCOLN. THE BOYS OF '76. THE STORY OF LIBERTY. OLD TIMES IN THE COLONIES. BUILDING THE NATION.

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* * * * *

Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, New York.

* * * * *

The Professor was crossing a small lake in Ireland. After admiring for some time the way his boatman, John, handled the oars, he thought he would like to try and row. John, nothing loath, surrendered the blades, and the Professor essayed the task of rowing. Things developed rapidly into a shower-bath as the oars splashed this way and that, and finally catching a crab, the learned gentleman landed with a crash in the bottom of the boat, very nearly upsetting it.

"Well, well," said the Professor, "rowing is quite a difficult thing, after all. Dear me, how my back aches!"

"Faith, yer know," said John, "it's all in the sculls."

The Professor is still pondering over what John said; whether he meant the oars or the heads of the oarsmen. The sly twinkle of John's eyes when he said it rather inclines him to believe the latter.

* * * * *

A PISCATORIAL OBSERVATION.

TOMMY. "Isn't it funny, mamma, that these eels live in the wide, wide ocean?"

MAMMA. "I don't think it's funny, Tommy."

TOMMY. "Well, I do; I should think them built for narrow winding streams."

* * * * *

Patrick was lying in bed in a hospital. He had been brought in a few days before after a severe fall from the top story of a building on which he had been working. With all his suffering he never lost his cheerful spirits, and livened up many of the other patients with his bright remarks and short stories. The doctor happened along, and asked him how he felt.

"Fairly well, doctor; this right leg of moine is a very ungrateful spalpeen consitherin' that it wuz only broke in wan place whin it moight have been smashed in a dozen."

"How did you fall, Patrick?" I asked. "Did you lose your head?"

"Faith, no; sure it was me footin' oi lost."

"What time did it happen?"

"Well, oi wuzn't so sure before I fell, but I wuz thinkin' comin' down that it wuz near dinner hour, an' oi wuz convinced of that same as oi passed the second story, fer oi saw the people in there atin' dinner."

* * * * *

In the days of Emperor William the cadets in Berlin were obliged to adhere very closely to the rules of their respective academies. They were not allowed to go to entertainments at night without the escort of an elder relative. One evening, a cadet thinking he would escape observation, slipped into an entertainment, and taking a back seat quietly enjoyed the performance. He presently entered into conversation with his neighbor, a very pleasant gentleman. An academy officer passing spotted him, and the cadet, seeing that he had been observed, whispered to his new acquaintance, "Will you be my uncle?"

The gentleman, understanding the position of the cadet, smilingly agreed to be his uncle. Next morning the cadet was sternly called from the ranks.

"You broke the rules last night, sir."

"Yes, sir," replied the cadet; "but I was with my uncle."

"Hum! Well, your uncle last night happened to be the Crown Prince, and he wrote me this morning begging that you should be let off. Remember next time that your alliance with the royal family is a strict military one only."

* * * * *

THE REASON.

WILLIE. "I know why the Chinese send all their fire-crackers over here?"

MAMMA. "Why, Willie?"

WILLIE. "Why, because they don't have any Fourth of July over there."

* * * * *

THE PIN-WHEEL.

I love to watch the pin-wheel go A-spinning round so free, To make its goldfish dive into The starry night's black sea.

* * * * *

A ticket-seller in a theatre once owned a parrot that was quick at learning to repeat the phrases he heard. Thus, among other things, he was soon able to exclaim, "One at a time, gentlemen! one at a time, please!" for this sentence was constantly in the mouth of his master. The ticket man went to the country for a summer vacation and took the educated parrot along with him. One day the bird got out of his cage and disappeared. His owner searched all about for him, and finally toward evening found him despoiled of half his feathers sitting far out on the limb of a tree, while a dozen crows were pecking at him whenever they could get a chance. And all this time the poor parrot, with his back humped up, was edging away and constantly exclaiming, "One at a time, gentlemen! one at a time, please!"

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, June 30, 1896, by Various