CHAPTER X.

Tommy stared for some minutes at the antics of the Ibexes, and then turned to the ex-Pirate.

"How very odd!" he remarked.

"Very," assented the other. "Aren't you beginning to feel sort of queer?"

"I don't notice any motion at all," replied Tommy.

"I don't mean _that_," said the ex-Pirate, looking reproachfully at the little boy. "But, personally, I am beginning to become affected by all these animals. I almost feel as though I could become a second Abou-Ben-Din."

"A second Abou-Ben-Din?"

"Yes," continued the ex-Pirate, scarcely noticing the interruption. "But I hardly think it would pay. I doubt if there are any other craft hereabouts."

"What are you mumbling about, anyway?" asked Tommy.

"I was not mumbling at all. I was thinking of Abou-Ben-Din. _There_ was a pirate for you!"

"I never heard of Abou-Ben-Din," said Tommy. "I've read about Captain Kidd and the Dey of Algiers, and lots of others--but that's all."

"Well, if you had allowed me to read the first sixteen chapters of my autobiography," exclaimed the ex-Pirate, becoming somewhat excited, as he always did when the subject of his autobiography came up, "you would have known all about Abou-Ben-Din by this time. He was a Hindoo."

"But can't you tell me about him now, just as well?" pleaded the little boy, anxious to get another pirate story.

"I might," answered the ex-Pirate, meditatively. "I might. It is a favorite story of mine, but I don't think this is very good company to tell it in."

"Why is not it?"

But before the ex-Pirate could answer, the Lion arose and roared so fiercely that the rafters shook, and many of the birds fell from their perches.

"What does this mean?" he growled. "What does all this skylarking signify?"

"I'm not doing anything," put in the Skylark.

"Shut up," continued the Lion, even more fiercely. "This banquet has not been adjourned yet. Why are so many of you standing and running about? Everybody sit down! I want you to understand that this is a continuous performance--booked for forty days and forty nights--and if some one does not perform pretty soon, I'll take a hand in the entertainment myself!"

Everybody knew what that meant. There was only one kind of entertainment that the Lion knew anything about, and that was eating. He was very good at that, and he cast his eyes about on the smaller animals gathered at the board. But the warning was sufficient; there was a grand rush for seats again, and a general inclination to be entertaining was displayed by all. Tommy and his companions got their old places, but the Gopher was so frightened that he retained his seat with difficulty, and he trembled so that he was unable to keep his sun-bonnet on straight.

In the mean time the Lion was scowling and waiting for some one to volunteer. His eyes fell on the shaking Gopher, and he said, grimly,

"Don't you know another joke?"

The poor little animal almost fainted with fright, and for lack of a better inspiration he pointed at the ex-Pirate and gasped,

"_He_ knows _lots_ of things!"

And so the King of Beasts, who was rapidly losing patience, glared at the ex-Pirate and roared,

"Do something!"

The ex-Pirate hesitated; but Tommy, who was not feeling at all comfortable, whispered:

"Give them Abou-Ben-Din!"

"That's a pretty risky thing to do," answered his neighbor; "but I guess I shall have to. I can't think of anything else." And so he arose in his customary way, and bowing to all, announced that he would recite another selection from his autobiography entitled,

THE BALLAD OF ABOU-BEN-DIN.

_Oh, there's many a tale that I like to tell, And many a yarn to spin, But there's none I love one-half so well As the story of Abou-Ben-Din._

For Abou-Ben-Din was a terrible man, A blood-thirsty wretch through and through; A pirate on quite an original plan, And he captained a terrible crew.

Not a _man_ did he have on his swift-sailing craft, But a hundred and ten wild beasts, That snarled on the deck while Abou stood aft, And steered them toward movable feasts.

For all day the brutes, with eyes opened wide, Would eagerly watch for a sail, And as soon as their vessel was brought alongside They would swarm like rats o'er the rail.

Then after the lions and tigers had dined, Old Abou would visit the ship. To collect all the booty and goods he could find Then drive his beasts back with a whip.

Thus it soon came to pass that the sailors were few Who would sail in the India Seas, Where Abou-Ben-Din and his man eating crew Were eager and ready to seize.

But _I_ was no coward, and none of my crew Had ever been known to show fear; So I said, "We will capture this nautical Zoo; Toward Abou-Ben-Din let us steer!"

The men all agreed, and we started that day With cheering and waving of caps; And down in the hold I had hidden away A hundred and fifty steel traps.

These were brought up on deck as soon as we spied Old Abou-Ben-Din and his ship, And were set and all covered with sawdust to hide The teeth that were ready to grip.

Then the men went below and closed down the hatch, While I clambered up on the mast, Where, safe from the lions, 'twas easy to watch What happened from first to the last.

Well, the pirate approached. He came alongside. And the beasts all scrambled aboard; And I never have heard such cries as they cried, Or such terrible roars as they roared.

Each lion was caught, and he couldn't get free, Each trap held an animal fast; And the way that they struggled was fearful to see-- And _I_ saw it all from the mast.

But Abou-Ben-Din merely gazed in dismay, And when he knew what had occurred, He plunged in the sea, and sank straightaway, Without ever speaking a word.

_Ay, there's many a tale that I like to tell, And many a yarn to spin, But there's none I love one-half so well As the story of Abou-Ben-Din!_

There was a dead silence when the ex-Pirate finished his recital, and Tommy noticed that the lions and tigers were shifting about restlessly in their chairs. He turned quickly to the Gopher, and said in low tones,

"They don't seem to like it."

"I'm afraid it _was_ a trifle personal," answered the Gopher.

"Perhaps we had better retire," suggested the ex-Pirate, prudently.

"Where can we go?" asked Tommy.

"You can go to the dogs," said the Gopher.

"You must not talk like that," observed Tommy, sharply. He had heard his Uncle Dick use that expression before, and it shocked him a little.

"Why not?" exclaimed the Gopher. "The dogs are all right, even if they are down below. They might be of some assistance to us if the lions get ugly."

"Oh!" exclaimed the little boy, but before he could say any more the Lion coughed very fiercely, and spoke to the ex-Pirate.

"How many lions and tigers did you say there were on board of that ship?"

"About a hundred and ten, I reckon," answered the ex-Pirate.

"One hundred and ten," repeated the Lion, slowly. "And you gathered them all in?"

"We did. Every single one." The ex-Pirate's recklessness staggered Tommy and the Gopher. Then the Lion growled:

"That being the case, I think I shall have to gather _you_ in." And he arose, followed by the tigers, and began to approach the ex-Pirate and the little boy. The Gopher became so alarmed that he dropped under the table and was never seen again. Tommy was so scared that he could not move. But the ex-Pirate jumped upon the table, and drawing both his pistols from his belt, aimed them at the approaching beasts and fired.

The flash, the bang, and the smoke caused Tommy to close his eyes tightly for a second, and he felt as though his heart had leaped into his throat.

When he opened them again he was sitting on the window-seat in his own room, and his mother was standing in the doorway.

"You must not leave the door and the windows open at the same time, Tommy," she was saying. "That causes a draught and makes the door slam. Get ready for supper; it is nearly tea-time."

THE END.

The first meeting of the New York Interscholastic Athletic Association this fall will be held this afternoon at Wilson and Kellogg's School. Of the many questions that are to come up for discussion and settlement few can be of greater importance than that of the formation of a National Interscholastic Amateur Athletic Association, and I sincerely hope that a committee will be appointed to consider the best ways and means for carrying out the idea. I have already said all I can in favor of the scheme, and can only repeat now, at the last moment, that the formation of such an association will be of the greatest benefit to scholastic track and field sports, and that if the New York association fails to seize the opportunity it now has for making history, in its own sphere, such a chance may never present itself again. In fact, I hear on excellent authority that the New England League, upon the advice of a number of Harvard graduates who still retain a lively interest in school sports, is seriously considering the advisability of having the initial move in the formation of a National Interscholastic League emanate from Boston.

At the meeting of the High-School Athletic Association in Worcester a week ago the important question as to whether the Worcester High-School should secede from the New England I.S.A.A. was not settled owing to lack of time for a proper debate on the subject. It will probably come before the newly elected board of directors for consideration, although many think a question of so much importance should be brought before the entire association. There seems to be considerable feeling over the matter, but such a serious step should by no means be taken unless the W.H.-S. athletes are absolutely persuaded that it is for their own best interests, and for the best interest of interscholastic sport.

The point at issue is this: Last winter an attempt was made to have the New England I.S.A.A. vote to divide the two schools, and split up the points won at the recent games, on the ground that they were two schools, and should be considered such by the I.S.A.A. The W.H.-S. athletes naturally combated the suggestion (which they are persuaded emanated from their rival, the Worcester Academy), and presented some strong arguments in defence of their position. The principal reasons advanced for opposing the plan were that the two schools had but one alumni association, one football and baseball team, and in their field day competed class against class rather than school against school. The students made such a good fight, that when the N.E.I.S.A.A. finally met the motion to consider the Worcester High-Schools as two institutions, and to divide the points accordingly, was lost.

But, following upon this decision, the W.H.-S. team went down to Cambridge in June, and not only won the championship at the Interscholastics, but scored twice as many points as any two other schools in the association put together. As a result of this the pro-division feeling at other schools increased, and the W.H.-S. students now fear the association may vote a separation of athletic interests. Fearing this, there is a strong sentiment in favor of withdrawing from the association before any such action can be taken. This seems unwise, for there is no strong reason to believe that the I.S.A.A. will take any such action.

The secession of the Worcester H.-S. would be a serious loss to the league, for it is one of its largest members and one of the strongest in athletics. Another reason why W.H.-S. ought not to withdraw is the possibility of Andover and Worcester Academy making an arrangement for annual dual games--such as they held last year--and leaving the N.E.I.S.A.A. for that reason. This would not be sufficient cause for so doing, but there is talk of it both at Andover and in the Academy. With the loss of these three schools the association would not be so representative of the New England schools as it is now, and the cause of scholastic athletics could not fail to be injured. I hope there is more smoke than fire here.

It is good news from California that the bicyclists of the Academic Athletic League are working for the formation of an association separate from track and field interests. If the move is successful it will rid the latter sports of an event that never really belonged among them, and, in addition, it will undoubtedly be of benefit to bicycle-racing, which, if reasonably and properly conducted, should be encouraged. The Oakland High-School already has what they call a "cycling annex" to their regular athletic association--a branch of the latter for the promotion of bicycling, and for the management of bicycle races. This annex has proved an excellent institution, and has served to develop remarkable speed in some of its members, as these records will show:

Distance. Time. Holder.

1/8 mile, flying start, unpaced 13-3/4 sec. Colby. 1/4 mile, flying start, unpaced 30-1/5 sec. Gooch. 1/4 mile, standing start, unpaced 34-3/4 sec. Childs. 1/2 mile, standing start, unpaced 1 min. 7 sec. Gooch. 1 mile, standing start, competition 2 min. 18-1/2 sec. Gooch. 2 miles, standing start, paced 5 min. 12 sec. Kenna. 5 miles, standing start, competition, road race 13 min. 20 sec. Gooch. 5 miles, standing start, paced 14 min. 19 sec. Kurtz.

At the meeting of the Reliance Athletic Club, September 7th, Gooch rode third in the mile, Class A. The winning time was 2 min. 18 sec, and the O.H.-S. rider was only the length of his bicycle behind. On September 9th he rode third to 2 min. 14-1/2 sec. in the Class A mile at San Jose. The winner of both these races was an A.A.L. rider--Squires of the Berkeley Gymnasium, who was second in the half, Class A, at San Jose, when a world's record was made. The records of the O.H.-S., as given above, were made on the Oakland Race Track, which is 100 yards short of a mile in circuit, and has a straightaway quarter.

Football in the New York schools is slow in getting a start this fall. Almost every other scholastic league is hard at work in the field, but as yet scarcely any of the school teams hereabouts have done any work. On Long Island a little more activity is being shown, but not much. The slight start they have over the New-Yorkers, however, will be of benefit to them, and it is not rash to prophesy, even at such an early date, that the Inter-City championship in football will go across the river, as the baseball championship did this spring, unless the Manhattanites display an unusual degree of energy between now and November.

Reference to the Inter-City game suggests that in view of the three sets of football rules in vogue this fall, it will be advisable for committees from the N.Y.I.S.F.B.A. and from the L.I.I.S.F.B.A., to meet at as early a date as possible to determine which set of regulations these two leagues will adopt. For it stands to reason that if they are to play a match in November they must sooner or later come to an understanding on the subject of the laws that are to govern the contest. There ought to be no difficulty about this, the only important point being that the decision should be reached at once so that every school eleven may get into practice, and learn to play the game that is to be required of them later.

The absurdity of having three different sets of rules has already manifested itself among the colleges. Before the game between Harvard and Dartmouth, which was played ten days ago, the Captains of the respective teams had to meet and powwow over what methods should hold good in the contest. Of course, Captain Brewer wanted to play according to the Harvard-Cornell-Pennsylvania scheme, but Dartmouth, having a Yale coach, preferred the Yale-Princeton system. This difficulty will doubtless crop up previous to every game played by one of the five law-making colleges with the other colleges who had no say about the revision. It is impossible, of course, for all the scholastic leagues of this section of the United States to get together and agree on uniformity of rules, and this is unnecessary; but I strongly urge neighboring schools to reach some sort of an understanding, or there will be no end of squabbles as the season advances.

Of early games in New England, Exeter was badly defeated by Dartmouth College, Andover succumbed to the Boston Latin School, and a few days afterward the B.L.S. players disposed of the Charlestown High-School to the tune of 16-4. B.L.S. has a strong team this year, beyond question. The Charlestown players were confident of winning before the contest began, but at no stage of the game did they stand the slightest chance of success. Captain Maguire, of B.L.S., did excellent work all through the two halves. He made several long runs by good dodging and fast sprinting, punted finely, and tackled hard. Teevens found the centre weak, and banged away at it for a number of good gains. Lowe and Nagle, too, showed up well by breaking through on the runner repeatedly, and making holes large enough for the entire team to get through. Ramsey was easily the best man on the Charlestown High, making all the large gains, and being pushed over the line for the only touch-down. Curley put up a good game at quarter, making some fine tackles, and running the team in good shape. Better arrangements should be made in the future to keep enthusiastic spectators off the field. This is an old-time fault of games between schools. The management of the home team should always consider itself responsible for the policing of the field.

The most important game of the New England series, next to the final championship contest, was played at Brookline, Friday, to determine whether Brookline High or Newtown High should be the sixth member of the Senior League. As was partially anticipated in these columns last week, victory went to Brookline; but Newton High's defeat was much worse than I had supposed it would be. The score was 22-0, and this showing was due much more to Brookline's steady preliminary work than to any great discrepancy in the make-up of the two elevens. As a spectacle the game was well worth watching, and the manager of the B.H.-S.F.B.A. saw to it that the field was kept clear.

The weakest point in the B.H.-S. line was at right guard, and the Newton Captain soon discovered this, and sent his men cavorting into Talbot with good effect. Almost all of Newton's gains were made through here. Brookline, on the other hand, did not play much for centre, but managed to get around the opposing ends pretty frequently, the last two touch-downs being made in this way. Good individual plays were made by Cook, Aechtier, Seaver, and Morse for B.H.-S., the first-named doing some especially brilliant punting. For Newton the best work was done by Cotting, Lee, and Forsen.

Newton fumbled a good deal during the game, and many of their losses were due to this inability to keep their hands on the ball. At times, however, Lee's men seemed to be able to brace, making strong resistance at critical moments. B.H.-S.'s second touch-down was only secured after a stubborn fight. The ball had been rushed down to Newton's five-yard line, when the N.H.-S men gathered themselves well together and held their opponents for four downs. But this did them small service eventually, because of their woeful fumbling. In the very first rush following the four downs the Newton runner dropped the ball, and Seaver fell on it. In a few moments the second touch-down was scored. If Newton had only persisted a little longer in bucking the centre during the second half, I feel confident they could have scored.

The Cambridge Manual Training-School defeated Somerville High again last week, and put up some good football. Somerville was unable to score, although they played hard at times, especially in the second half, when they got the ball within four yards of the opponents' goal. The best ground-gainer for Cambridge was White, who also did some hard tackling. Thompson got around the ends well and interfered effectively, and Captain Murphy did some excellent rush-line work, making most of the holes through which he shot his men. Sawin showed himself a level-headed quarter-back, and will doubtless fill that position for the rest of the year.

Somerville High's play was very loose at times, and the men seemed to choose the most critical moments of the game to do their fumbling. There was a noticeable lack of team play, which must be remedied at once if Somerville hopes to do anything in the championship series later on. The backs did not interfere for each other, except on rare occasions, and the C.M.T.-S. forwards had an easy time of it bringing down the runner. It looks to me as if there was too much of a desire on the part of these Somerville backs to shine by brilliant, individual work. That is a fatal ambition, and if it exists should be killed by the captain at once. Football to-day is a game for team-work, and the star player is a very rare bird indeed. In the first half S.H.-S. had the ball only at the kick-off and after touch-downs. They did not seem able to hold it. In the second half they did better, and, as I said, at one time were within threatening proximity to the C.M.T.-S. line; but there is much room for improvement with the Somerville men. Good coaching is what they need.

It was a hot game that was played September 28th between Groton and the Boston English High-School. For the first time in the history of the sport, Groton met defeat at the hands of a Boston Preparatory School. The Boston team played a great game throughout, and won by their strength of line, which was impregnable for the Groton backs. In the first half E.H.-S. had the ball most of the time. Groton got it but twice, only to lose it immediately on downs. The E.H.-S. players were lighter, but their team-work was much superior to that of Groton. Callahan, Whittemore, Ellsworth, Higgins, and Murphy played an extremely hard game, and the others' work was very steady. The touch-down was made in the first half. In the second E.H.-S. had the ball most of the time, but could not score.

The championship schedule for the Senior League of the New England Interscholastic Football Association was made out last week at a meeting of the Captains held at the B.A.A., and the games will be played as follows:

English High--Oct. 29, Brookline High at South End grounds; Nov. 12, Hopkinson at South End grounds; Nov. 15, Cambridge High and Latin at South End; Nov. 22, C.M.T.-S. (grounds undecided); Nov. 28, Boston Latin at South End.

Brookline High--Oct. 29, English High at South End: Nov. 4, Cambridge High and Latin at Brookline Common: Nov. 8, Cambridge Manual at Soldiers' Field; Nov. 22, Boston Latin at Brookline Common; Nov. 27, Hopkinson at Brookline Common.

Hopkinson--Nov. 1, Cambridge Manual at Soldiers' Field: Nov. 8, Cambridge High and Latin at Soldiers' Field; Nov. 12, English High at South End; Nov. 18, Boston Latin at Soldiers' Field; Nov. 27, Brookline High at Brookline Common.

Cambridge High and Latin--Oct. 20, Cambridge Manual at Soldiers' Field; Nov. 4, Brookline High at Brookline Common; Nov. 8, Hopkinson at Soldiers' Field; Nov. 12, Boston Latin (grounds undecided); Nov. 15, English High at South End.

Cambridge Manual--Oct. 29, Cambridge High and Latin at Soldiers' Field; Nov. 1, Hopkinson at Soldiers' Field; Nov. 8, Brookline High at Soldiers' Field; Nov. 15, Boston Latin at Soldiers' Field; Nov. 22, English High (grounds undecided).

Boston Latin--Nov. 12, Cambridge High and Latin at South End grounds; Nov. 15, Cambridge Manual at Soldiers' Field; Nov. 18, Hopkinson at South End grounds; Nov. 22, Brookline at Brookline Common; Nov. 28, English High at South End grounds.

The Junior League schedule was not made up, because of absentees among the representatives, but it has doubtless been arranged by this time. The number of games will be greater this year than before, and as a matter of interesting record this table of matches played since the organization of the League is here given:

T o u G c S o h a a d f l o e s w t T G n i T o f o s e o t r a s t a o l f a l m s a b l i y P T f l P o G o r i o o i G a u o n p i n a m c m g p n t m e h o t s e s d f G n s s o i o e l l w e a n w o w o n l l t o s o s Teams. s d s s n t n t

1888.

Cambridge H. and L. 20 .. 4 .. 136 ... 6 0 Boston Latin 12 .. 17 .. 140 15 5 1 Roxbury Latin 10 .. 1 1 66 56 4 2 English High 2 .. 2 .. 20 78 2 3 Stone, Nichols, and Hales 4 .. 5 1 46 52 1 3 Hopkinsons 1 .. 3 .. 18 126 1 5 Nobles .. 1 1 .. 9 108 0 5

1889.

Cambridge H. and L. 11 3 6 .. 105 16 3 0 English High 3 .. 7 .. 46 32 2 1 Boston Latin 7 .. 4 .. 58 20 2 2 Roxbury Latin 4 .. .. .. 24 68 2 2 Hopkinsons 1 .. .. .. 6 103 0 4

1890.

Cambridge H. and L. 10 .. 8 .. 91 35 5 1 English High 10 .. 7 .. 88 26 4 1 Hopkinsons 7 .. 8 .. 74 52 3 2 Manual Training 6 1 4 .. 57 48 1[1]3 Roxbury Latin 5 .. 5 1 52 80 1 4 Boston Latin .. .. .. .. .. 122 0 4[2]

1891.

Hopkinsons 17 .. 7 .. 130 4 4 0 Manual Training 9 1 5 .. 79 56 2 2 English High 2 .. 12 .. 60 48 2 2 Boston Latin 4 .. 2 .. 32 58 2 2 Cambridge H. and L. .. .. .. .. .. 135 0 4

1892.

Hopkinsons 12 .. 4 .. 88 8 4 0 Manual Training 2 .. 3 .. 24 34 1 1[3] English High 5 .. 4 .. 46 52 2 1[4] Cambridge H. and L. 1 .. 1 .. 10 34 1 2[5] Boston Latin 2 .. 1 .. 16 56 0 4

1893.

English High 11 .. 3 .. 78 56 4[6]0[7] Manual Training 19 .. 5 .. 134 28 4[8]1 Boston Latin 3 .. 3 .. 30 68 2 3 Newton High 10 .. 3 .. 72 88 2 3 Cambridge H. and L. 5 .. 1 .. 34 78 1 2[9] Hopkinsons 5 .. 6 .. 54 54 0 4[10]

1894.

Manual Training 9 .. 5 .. 74 .. 4 0 English High 11 .. 2 .. 68 26 3 2 Cambridge H. and L. 2 .. 1 .. 16 98 2 3 Hopkinsons 5 .. 3 .. 42 16 2 3 Boston Latin 3 .. 1 .. 22 32 2 3 Newton High 1 .. 2 .. 14 58 1 3

St. Mark's has six of last year's men back in school, and a number of promising candidates. Several minor games have been played, but the chief matches will be with Andover next week, and with Groton, November 9th. At the present writing Groton has the better eleven, but the St. Mark's players are working hard under good coaching and will improve.

THE GRADUATE.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] One tied.

[2] One tied.

[3] Two tied.

[4] One tied.

[5] One tied.

[6] Forfeited.

[7] Two tied.

[8] Forfeited.

[9] Two tied.

[10] Two tied.

A JOKE ON THE MARINES.

An old but a true story goes the rounds in the navy concerning an unintentional slur that was made upon a body of sea-soldiers known as the marines, by a venerable chaplain attached to the frigate _Hartford_, at the time that vessel was Admiral Farragut's flag-ship. It was the Sunday just after the terrible passage of the Mississippi River forts, and in his sermon the chaplain sought to impress his large congregation gathered on the gun-deck of the vessel the fact of each one being responsible for his own salvation. In concluding his appeal, and with his face flushed from the warmth of his argument, he turned to the gallant old Admiral, and exclaimed,

"Yes, Admiral, you as well as the lowliest of the seamen who are listening to me this morning, cannot escape that individual responsibility; and you, my dear associates of the ward-room, and other officers, you also must take this lesson to yourselves." Then addressing the sailors, he said, "There is no man among you who can shift this question to another's shoulders. Admiral, Captain, officers, and seamen, you all have souls to save." Remembering that in his summing up he had omitted all references to the soldiers of the ship, he hastened to include them also by adding, "Yes, even a marine has a soul to save."

The joke, although perfectly innocent, was too rich not to tickle the congregation, and a titter followed the chaplain's closing sentence. From that day the poor marines have been the butt of the sailors, who occasionally find the greatest satisfaction in reminding them that "Even a marine has a soul to save."

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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 much 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.

The journey from Shannock to Providence, which is the fifth stage of the run from New York to Boston, is another short trip. On leaving Shannock the rider runs out of the village from the southeast, and then at the crossing of roads keeps always to the left, moving northward, and soon crossing a small stream. The run from this point is unmistakable. A little more than three miles out he crosses the stream again, passes over a bit of hilly country, and after crossing the railroad runs directly into Kingston. Here a sharp turn is made to the north and left again, and passing Mooresfield the rider runs on to Slocumville over a moderately good road-bed, but through some pretty hilly country. In fact there are several good hills between Shannock and East Greenwich, all of which are designated on the map. From Slocumville to Belleville through Allenton is a clear course over a good road, bad in spots; and thence the route skirts along the inlets of the bay direct to Wickford. Wickford station and hotel are some distance off the bicycle route, but it is hardly necessary to stop here, and the rider would better keep on direct to East Greenwich, where a stop can be made for lunch or dinner, with a little under twenty-five miles done for the morning's run. The road from Wickford to East Greenwich is easily followed if you take care to keep to the main road and do not swerve to right or left. It becomes better as you proceed northward as to road-bed and hills. From East Greenwich, the rider follows the shore of Narragansett Bay up to Apponang, and if he happens to run through East Greenwich without stopping for dinner he can find a reasonably good meal at this place, though on the whole East Greenwich is a much more satisfactory spot. Side paths can be used along this part of the road to great advantage at times, though that goes without saying anywhere outside of villages or towns. On entering Apponang the rider turns sharply to the right into the village, and on leaving he keeps on the same road, running eastward, until just before crossing the track. At this point he turns sharply to the left and runs up to Marlors, crossing the railroad there. The road now runs along not far from the track, passing Hillsgrove. Thence the rider should keep straight on to Pawtuxet. On entering the main street turn to the left and pass directly through the town, leaving Elmville on the left, and soon afterwards, perhaps three miles further on, running into the most distant suburbs of Providence. It is some distance to the centre of the city, where the Narragansett House is a good place to stop. Indeed the journey winds about so that it is thirty-seven or thirty-eight miles before you have made the run from Shannock to Providence.

If the rider is one who can easily do seventy or eighty miles in a day he can make a short detour near the beginning of the journey and spend part of the morning at Narragansett Pier. On leaving Kingston, instead of turning sharply to the left at the junction of the roads, go eastward on the Mooresfield road, and take the first right-hand turn. This will carry you to Narrangansett Pier in short order, as it is not many miles away. In like manner the main road to Providence may be joined again at Allenton by following the secondary bicycle route designated.

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 820. Trenton to Philadelphia in 821. Philadelphia in No. 822. Philadelphia-Wissahickon 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. New York to Boston--Second Stage in No. 829; Third Stage in No. 830; Fourth Stage in No. 831.

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.

PAPERS FOR BEGINNERS, No. 14.

MOUNTING PRINTS.

As a rule all prints should be trimmed before toning. This is not only economy, but it simplifies the mounting process. Aristo prints can be mounted direct from the ferrotype plate or the ground-glass to which they have been squeegeed to dry. When thoroughly dry, paste the back of a print, lift the corner from the plate with the point of a knife, and peel off the picture. Place the upper edge of the picture on a line with the top of the card, and let the print drop into place. Lay a piece of tissue-paper over the face of the print, and roll the squeegee over it very lightly and evenly, taking care that no air-blisters are left between the print and the card-mount. By mounting aristo prints in this way one avoids getting paste on the face of the picture, and it will retain much of the gloss imparted to it by the ferrotype plate.

Instead of drying the prints before mounting they can be taken from the water one at a time, and placed face down on a pane of glass, or the bottom of the toning tray. After all are placed, absorb as much of the water as possible with a piece of blotting-paper. Apply the paste to the top print, being particular to have the edges well covered. Lift the print and lay it on the card-mount, and rub down with squeegee as directed. When the pictures are dry they can be burnished if desired. Card-mounts come in all sizes, and the beginner usually selects a mount the size of the print to be mounted. Now a picture to look its best should be mounted on a card large enough to show at least an inch margin all round. A 6 x 8 card is a good size for a 4 x 5 print. Plain card-mounts of creamy white or soft gray are much less expensive than the small mounts with gilt or fancy edges, and are much more artistic.

Before mounting a print it is a good idea to lay it on the card and see what best accords with the color. After the prints are mounted write the name of the picture on each. If written on the back, which is usually to be preferred to the face of the print, any item of interest about the picture can be added. Do not mount a print unless it has some claim to merit. An amateur is always being asked to show his pictures, and it does not add to one's reputation as a photographer to exhibit dismal failures and dignify them with the name of pictures. There is no use in perpetuating a failure.

When visitors ask to see your pictures do not bring out every one which you happen to have mounted. A dozen well-taken and well-mounted pictures are more appreciated and more enjoyed than a large collection of which one tires before he gets to the end. Always have a few good pictures reserved for yourself. One so often hears the excuse, "Oh, I haven't any good prints," that it becomes tiresome. Make at least a dozen as fine prints as you can, and keep them for exhibition, adding fresh ones as the old ones become soiled.

CLARA ANDREWS wants to know what is meant by halation. Halation is the term used to denote the spreading of light beyond its proper place on the negative. In photographing an interior where the camera is pointed toward a window the light from the window is reflected from the back of the negative, and makes a sort of halo or fog round the picture of the window. Plates called non-halation plates are now made for the purpose of photographing clouds, windows, lights, etc., without having this fog appear.

E. A. D. asks if there is a way to take a photograph from an engraving, and how it is done. Copying photographs and engravings is very easily done. Place the picture on a board, holding it in place with clamps or letter-clips, and set the board upright. Arrange the camera, and focus on the principal object in the picture. The picture must be at exactly the same angle as the camera. If the camera is exactly horizontal the picture must also be placed in the same position. It is best to take the pictures out-of-doors, as the light is more even than in the house. Expose a little longer than for ordinary landscapes or figures.

HARD TO UNDERSTAND.

He's got a pretty pinky cheek; He's fat and fair as Cupid; But if _I_ said things baby says, They'd think me very stupid.

And yet whene'er he says those things, For twenty minutes after The rooms and hallways loud resound With pop's and mamma's laughter.

* * * * *

SICKNESS AMONG CHILDREN

is prevalent at all seasons of the year, but can be avoided largely when they are properly cared for. _Infant Health_ is the title of a valuable pamphlet accessible to all who will send address to the New York Condensed Milk Company, N. Y. City.--[_Adv._]

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Boys,

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are the handsomest watches ever made, are perfect time-keepers, and

Are Warranted Every Way.

To thoroughly post yourself, send for the ="Rugby" Catalogue=--you will get a few points about watches that will surprise you.

The Waterbury Watch Co.,

Waterbury, Conn.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT of the award on

=GILLOTT'S PENS= at the CHICAGO EXPOSITION.

=AWARD:= "For excellence of steel used in their manufacture, it being fine grained and elastic; superior workmanship, especially shown by the careful grinding which leaves the pens free from defects. The tempering is excellent and the action of the finished pens perfect."

(Signed) FRANZ VOGT, _Individual Judge_.

Approved: { H. I. KIMBALL, _Pres't Departmental Committee_. { JOHN BOYD THACHER, _Chairman Exec. Com. on Awards_.

Postage Stamps, &c.

100 all dif. Venezuela, Bolivia, etc., only 10c.; 200 all dif. Hayti, Hawaii, etc., only 50c. Ag'ts w't'd at 50 per ct. com. List FREE! =C. A. Stegmann=, 5941 Cote Briliante, St. Louis, Mo.

=B. & O.= Telegraph Stamps (Forbes & Co.), full set, used, 60c.; they catalogue at $9.00. Full set Hoen & Co., 5c.; catalogued at 15c. =E. T. PARKER=, Bethlehem, Pa.

The Eight Numbers of the Franklin Square Song Collection contain

1600

of the Choicest Old and New Songs and Hymns in the Wide World.

Fifty Cents per Number in paper; Sixty Cents in substantial Board binding; One Dollar in Cloth. The Eight Numbers also bound in two volumes at $3.00 each. Address Harper & Brothers, New York.

A Jamaica Sky Meeting.

I shall try and tell you about a Jamaica sky meeting, given by the Garrison Gymkhana Club, I went to about a week ago. The drive down there is eight miles, and is very pretty. The hard white road winds along, some of the way, beside a deep, lovely, tropical valley with a narrow musical little river leaping and tumbling among big gray rocks, half the time hidden by the dense green foliage, and then springing out in a silver waterfall. On the other side of the road the tall brown mountains rise up almost straight, with jagged rocks sticking out of them. A little beyond this are broad fields, some planted in sugar-cane, and of a brilliant green, others with tall golden-brown grass sweeping to the foot of the mountains.

As we swing around corners we come upon occasional squads of negro women peasants with the customary baskets of miscellaneous products, fruit and vegetable, on their heads, and some driving donkeys similarly loaded in panniers. They scatter in all directions as our coachman cracks his whip without deigning to slow up. At last we reached our destination and took our places on the grand stand. In front of us was a big square plain. To the left, Long Mountain, while to the right lay the Caribbean, its shores fringed with cocoanut-palms. The centre of the field contained the refreshment tent.

The grand stand now began to fill up, and soon the first race was called. While they were preparing for this we saw about a score of musicians in zouave uniform marching up from the barracks. These constituted the West India band. They were all negroes, and some had brilliant-colored turbans on, and some little caps with tassels. Lots of the Newcastle soldiers were there, and their scarlet coats and white helmets made a vivid bit of color. Officers on horseback galloped about with white and red flags shouting out directions. The zouaves were now in position, and the band-master, who was white, with a uniform to match, and a huge mustache, soon started the music. We watched him with delight as he kept time with his wand, making the delicious gestures that only a band-master can make.

The racers were mostly polo ponies, mostly of thirteen hands. I won two of the races; one on a little gray, and the other on a slender black with a graceful head. We left after the sixth race, while the band played with as much vim as if for the first--"God save the Queen!"

BEATRIE HAWTHORNE. GORDON TOWN, JAMAICA.

From a Knight in Japan.

In answer to your request, I will try to give you a few ideas about Japan. Japan is an ancient island empire; but after the restoration the empire was entirely governed by the Emperor Mustu-Hito, until he gave to the people a constitution, in 1889. The Emperor is assisted in the government by a Prime Minister, a cabinet, and two houses of Parliament. Tokyo, the capital, is a very beautiful city, one reason being its numerous moats, walls, and stone embankments, on which grow the odd-shaped Japanese pines.

The parks are beautiful and very large, and have many grand old trees hundreds of years old. The population of Tokyo is nearly a million and a half, and it contains a hundred square miles. It is very hot in summer and very cold in winter. Our rainy season is in summer, while our dry season is in winter. We rarely have more than two or three light snow-storms a winter.

The persimmon and orange are natives of Japan, while there are grapes and figs in plenty, plums, strawberries in season, a few apples, and tasteless pears. Yokohama is the principal seaport, and has 100,000 inhabitants. It looks very much like a foreign city except for the tile roofs. The streets of all the cities of Japan are macadamized and beautifully clean. Yokohama contains 5000 foreigners, 200 only of which are Americans. The people of Japan are so exceedingly polite and courteous that they rival the French in that respect, they are very industrious, and, as the late war has proved, are patriotic and brave. I suppose you are all as glad as I am that Japan has been victorious, as I think that Americans take the side of the Japanese. I have lived here six years, but was born in San Francisco and lived there seven years.

CHARLES H. THORN, R.T.K. TOKYO, JAPAN.

Query for the Natural History Society.

Does any botanical member know the modern classification (whether as animal or vegetable) of the Tremella (_Conferva gelatinosa_), a green water-plant? It forms in stagnant pools, and consists of a number of filaments interwoven through each other. According to the description, if one of these is moistened and placed under a microscope, the extremities rise and fall alternately, and move to the right or to the left, twisting in various directions. Sometimes it forms itself into an oval or irregular curve. If two are placed side by side, they become twisted together by a peculiar motion. If we are to believe the author, the plant has the nine lives of a cat, for if a filament or mass of tremella is dried and laid away for several months it will, on being moistened, revive and multiply as before.

The plant was also known under the names of _Omnium tenerrima et minima_ and _Aquarium limo innascens_. Can any member give me further information on this subject?

VINCENT V. M. BEEDE, R.T.F. HACKETTSTOWN, N. J.

Prizes for Entertainment Programmes.

Two prizes of $10 each will be given by HARPER'S ROUND TABLE for the best programme for evening entertainments. Of course the programmes must be new. The performance should consume at least one hour, and be open to both sexes, any age, and from four to an unlimited number of people. Use your ingenuity, and devise something funny and interesting. Write the particulars of it in full, and mail them to HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, New York, not later than December 15, 1895. Competition is open to everybody.

A full list of all prizes will be sent to all who ask for it.

Prizes for Music Compositions.

Four prizes are offered by HARPER'S ROUND TABLE for music compositions, competition open to everybody. The two first prizes are $5 each, in money; the two second, fifty engraved visiting-cards, winners' names, with copper plate for future use. Compositions must be plainly written on music paper, and forwarded not later than December 15, 1895.

The following, "A Thanksgiving Song," requires a hymn composition, with the four parts--soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Here is the first verse:

"For sowing and reaping, for cold and for heat. For sweets of the flowers, and gold of the wheat, For ships in the harbors, for sails on the sea, O Father in heaven, our songs rise to Thee."

The other one requires the soprano, or tune, and piano accompaniment. Here is the first verse:

"We have an echo in our house, An echo three years old, With dimpled cheeks and wistful eyes, And hair of sunny gold."

The concluding verses of both these poems will be found in _Little Knights and Ladies_, by Margaret E. Sangster. Verses here given are sufficient for this competition, but those who may want the concluding verses can procure the book from any bookseller; price, $1. Messrs. HARPER & BROTHERS are the publishers, and will send the volume, postpaid, on receipt of the price. Put your name and address on the back of the competition, and say whether you are over or under eighteen years of age. There are no other conditions.

Kinks.

No. 106.--A STUDY IN FLOWERS.

Tell me the name of the fatherly flower (1), And of that which expresses permission, not power (2), Of the flower you'd wish, had you broken your arm (3), Of the one coming fresh from the dairy and farm (4), Of the church-going flower, in gorgeous attire (5), And the plant you may use if the cow runs drier (6); The darling Billy (7), and the reverend John (8), The grass beloved by every one (9), The flower that bids you for money to wed (10), And that which you often put on your head (11), The flower composed entirely of hair (12), And that both a dude and a beast somewhat rare (13), The dark-eyed maid (14), and the tattered tar (15), The pilgrim of Israel come from afar (16), The plant full of money (17), and that full of legs (18), The one for which many a poor beggar begs (19), The flower pretending to be a large stone (20), And those worn by a man who lives all alone (21). What flowers are for kissing considered the best (22)? And which doth a dear darky mammy suggest (23)? Which does old Reynard wear on his paw (24)? And what does a lady oft place on the floor (25)? In what flower are various vegetables planted (26)? And what weed is by fishermen oftentimes wanted (27)? In what flower do many animals go (28)? And which did the old Indian cast at his foe (29)?

G. V. B.

Where is the Richest Gold-Mine?

The Black Hills are in the western part of South Dakota, and they extend a little distance into Wyoming. The largest gold-mines in the world are up in Lead City, a small town about four miles from here. Silver is also found in some places. There are some high rocks here in this city called "White Rocks," because they are of a white color. When visitors come and learn the height (6000 feet), they are filled with a desire to climb them. People often give up other trips to have a climb up the highest rock. Even invalids attempt the journey. You pass the cemetery about half-way up.

We have firemen's tournaments here about once a year. At these, firemen take the hose-carts (we don't have fire-engines here, for our water-tank is up on a high hill), and run races with other towns, the prizes being money, of course. The tournaments usually last two or three days. They have coupling contests, too, where they see who can get water first, and have nozzle on far enough to hold the strain of the water. This is called the "novelty coupling contest." The plain coupling contest is without water. They have to "break hose," which means to detach the nozzle from one end of the hose and attach the nozzle to the other end.

ETHEL VAN CISE. DEADWOOD, S. D.

The Helping Hand.

There have been a number of contributions to the Fund since our last acknowledgment. The amounts have been small, but every little helps. Here are names of contributors to date--two weeks in advance of the date of this issue:

Dorothy and Pinneo, 5 cents; Victor R. Gage, $3; W. Stowell Wooster, 10 cents; George Tempel, 10 cents; William W. Mursick, 10 cents; Rose, Louise, and Mrs. P. B. Levy, Mignonette Karelson, Hattie M. Reidell, and Johanna Girvins, $1; Edwin J. Roberts, 10 cents; Christine, Ada, and Harry Norris, 30 cents; Paul Barnhart, 10 cents; Ursula Minor, $5; Vincent V. M. Beede, 10 cents; Eileen M. Weldon, 10 cents; Florence E. Cowan, 10 cents; Maud I. Wigfield, 10 cents; Jessie Alexander, $1; Kate Sanborn, 10 cents; Two Friends, 30 cents; Allie and Julia Russell, 20 cents; Thacher H. Guild, 10 cents; Frederick G. Clapp, 10 cents; a member, 10 cents; the Winship family, 50 cents; Mary D. and Belle A. Tarr, 20 cents; Erwin F. Wilson, 10 cents; Charles E. Abbey, 10 cents; Tom R. Robinson, 10 cents; Chauncey T. Driscol, $1; John C. Failing, 10 cents; Tracy French, 10 cents; J. Crispia Bebb, 25 cents; Christina R. Horton, 25 cents; Adella Hooper, 10 cents; John H. Campbell, Jun., 10 cents; Lyle, Frances, and H. W. Selby, $1; Evelyn, Marianne, and Lyle Tate, $1; Helen F. Little, 10 cents; Nellie Hazeltine, 25 cents; and Addie Brown, 25 cents. Total, $17.65.

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.

Several correspondents have asked me about plate numbers on English stamps, and also the meaning of the letters in the corners of the same stamps. First, as to plate numbers. For many years the plate numbers on English adhesive stamps were printed on the margin only, hence they were cut off the imperforated sheets, and torn off the perforated sheets, and are as scarce to-day as the early U.S. numbers. By reference to the one shilling, 1865, illustrated below, the figure 1 is found on either side of the portrait. This signifies that the stamp has been printed on plate No. 1 of the one shilling. Of the higher values few plates were required, but of the one-penny stamp about 150 plates were necessary. I hope to give in an early number of the ROUND TABLE a fairly complete list of the English one-penny stamp varieties, as now collected in England. It will be very interesting to see how scientific stamp-collecting has become.

As to the letters in the angles. The one penny and twopenny English issued in 1840 had letters in the lower corners only, the fourpenny, sixpenny, and one shilling had no letters. In 1865 all the stamps were issued with letters in all four corners. The lower values were printed in sheets of 240 stamps, the first stamp bearing the letters A B in the upper corners, the next A C, the next A D, etc. In the lower corners the letters were reversed; thus a stamp marked F D in the upper corners was marked D F in the lower corners. In the rooms of the Philatelic Society, New York, complete sheets of the one-penny English stamp are to be seen, each plate made up of 240 separate stamps. The labor involved in making up these sheets was enormous, necessitating the examination of many thousands of stamps.

B. MAGELSEN.--I hope shortly to print an article on one of the stamps of Great Britain, which will give a fair answer to your questions.

PHILATUS.

At all grocery stores east of the Rocky Mountains two sizes of Ivory Soap are sold; one that costs five cents a cake, and a larger size. The larger cake is the more convenient and economical for laundry and general household use. If your Grocer is out of it, insist on his getting it for you.

THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO. CIN'TI.

"Napoleon"

Handsome, instructive.

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R. H. Ingersoll & Bro. 65 Cortlandt St. N.Y. City

GYROGRAPH,

THE ARTISTIC TOP,

makes beautiful circles, also shows the motions of the earth. Sent by mail, postage prepaid, for =35c.=

Wm. D. Henkel, 1214 Race St., Philadelphia, Pa.

=A Request.=--Readers of _Harper's Round Table_ will please mention the paper when answering advertisements contained therein.

SOME NEW BOOKS

FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

* * * * *

A Life of Christ for Young People

In Questions and Answers. By MARY HASTINGS FOOTE. With Map. Post 8vo, Cloth, Ornamental, $1.25. (_Ready October 11._)

Snow-shoes and Sledges

A Sequel to "The Fur-Seal's Tooth." By KIRK MUNROE. Illustrated. Post 8vo, Cloth, Ornamental, $1.25.

_BY THE SAME AUTHOR:_

=The Fur-Seal's Tooth.--Raftmates.--Canoemates.--Campmates.--Dorymates.= Each one volume. Illustrated. Post 8vo, Cloth, $1.25.

=Wakulla--The Flamingo Feather.--Derrick Sterling.--Chrystal, Jack & Co., and Delta Bixby:= Two Stories. Each one volume. Illustrated. Square 16mo, Cloth, $1.00.

Oakleigh

By ELLEN DOUGLAS DELAND. Illustrated. Post 8vo, Cloth, Ornamental. (_Ready early in November._)

Little Knights and Ladies

Verses for Young People. By MARGARET E. SANGSTER, Author of "On the Road Home," etc. Illustrated. 16mo, Cloth, Ornamental, $1.25.

* * * * *

HARPER & BROTHERS, Publishers, New York

A VERY UNSATISFACTORY WEIGH

UNDER HEAVY EXPENSE.

"I get an allowance now of twenty-five cents a week," said Jimmieboy.

"Good! Do you save it?" said the visitor.

"No," said Jimmieboy. "I pay it out in fines for being naughty."

ILL LUCK.

"I'm always having bad luck," said little Reuben. "Now just because I knew all my lessons by heart to-day, the teacher went and got sick, and wouldn't hear them."

CERTITUDE.

When I hang up the racket, The paddle, and bat, When my red Tam o' Shanter Supplants my straw hat; When the cranberry's ripe and The turkey is fat, Thanksgiving is coming, I'm certain of that!

WALTER. "Papa, how do you pronounce W-o-r-c-e-s-t-e-r?"

PAPA. "Wooster."

WALTER. "Well, if Worcester is pronounced Wooster, why isn't Rochester pronounced Rooster?"

NOT PLEASANT.

I'm glad I'm not a Hollander; I shouldn't like it much To have to learn when I would speak To say it all in Dutch.

ANECDOTES OF THE ABSENT-MINDED.

Another "absent-minded man" item has been received. This one refers to Ampere, the famous mathematician, who was noted for his absent-mindedness. On one occasion, it is stated that while walking along the street he mistook the back of a cab for a blackboard, and as a blackboard was just the thing he needed at the time, to solve a problem which had been vexing his mind for some moments during his walk, he made use of it. Taking a piece of chalk out of his pocket he proceeded to trace out a number of algebraical formulas on the cab's back, and followed the moving "board" for the space of a quarter of an hour without noticing the progress of the conveyance. As to whether the cabman charged him by the course or by the hour, or even at all, the item does not inform us.

From the same source we have the following item: They have a good joke just at present on a well-known lawyer who is noted for his absent-mindedness. He went up his own stairs the other day, and seeing a notice on his own door, "Back at two," sat down to wait for himself.

TEACHER. "Can any one explain how the earth is divided?"

WILLIE (_with very important air_). "Between them that's got it and them that would like to have it."

"No, Willie dear," said mamma, "no more cakes to-night. Don't you know you cannot sleep on a full stomach?"

"Well," replied Willie, "I can sleep on my back."

FRED. "What does the grocer do with the things he sells?"

BEN. "Ties them up."

FRED. "No; gives them a _weigh_."

THE ICE CART

I love to drink a glass of milk, Or cider from the flagon, But best of all I like to munch Cracked ice behind the wagon.

TEACHER (_to class in geography_). "Can any one tell me the principal products of the Sandwich Islands?"

JOHNNIE (_confidently_). "Sandwiches."

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, October 8, 1895, by Various