Part 12

How wonderfully good health and good company contribute to making a good _working place_. Above all things else Chautauqua is that. Its pure air stirs your blood until you feel like working; its social life stimulates you; its opportunities are a constant temptation. Of course Chautauqua temptations begin with the platform. There are at least two features of the program for the platform of 1885 which deserve special attention. Of these the first is—it is timely. The questions which are interesting society are the questions it discusses. Note what a prominent place “Mormonism” holds. Miss Kate Field makes it the subject of two lectures: “The Mormon Creed” and the “Political and Social Crimes of Utah,” and Mr. W. L. Marshall takes up “Utah and the Mormon Question” in a third lecture. Temperance, our knottiest social problem, is elucidated by Miss Frances Willard in the “Evolution in the Temperance Reform,” by Mrs. Ellen Foster, by Hon. G. W. Bain, by a National Temperance Society Day, by temperance bands, by conventions, and by every attraction which Chancellor Vincent can devise and valiant Chautauqua temperance workers carry out. Missions, too, have a brave array of talent to plead their claim. The first four days of August are mission days, on which are discussed means of increasing interest and improving methods of evangelizing both foreign and home heathens, of raising funds, and of securing workers. One of the leading mission workers of 1885 will be the Rev. Wm. F. Johnson, of Allahabad, India. Mr. Johnson has been in the field nearly twenty years. He will fill the place this summer that Ram Chandra Bose and the Rev. Mr. Osborne filled in the missionary conferences of last year.

A second characteristic is—the program is practical. Every day is full of hints; every exercise is suggestive. As an illustration, no profession is attracting so much attention to-day as is journalism; a successful journalist is to discuss it. Such a subject will be of practical benefit to numbers of young men and women who will be listeners to Mr. Carroll. Practical Christian ethics and Christian work form prominent subjects; as, for example, the three days’ examination of “Parish Work in Cities,” by Edward Everett Hale, and the interesting meetings of the Society of Christian Ethics. The tours abroad, while they are so bright and entertaining, are brimful of suggestions. This summer is to be unusually rich, the time being given largely to Italy. One pleasing variety will be a tour around the world with Philip Phillips.

The special features of the summer will be strong. The Teachers’ Retreat, which begins its sessions in July, is arranged to do for teachers one peculiarly necessary work, to show them how to use the best methods, to lessen the friction which is incident to all school work. It is ably manned to produce this result, Prof. J. W. Dickinson, of the State Board of Education of Massachusetts, being at the head of the department of Pedagogy, and nearly a score of successful specialists assisting in expositions of their peculiar methods. The terms for the C. T. R. are very low.

Persons holding the $5 ticket of the Chautauqua Teachers’ Retreat will be entitled to the following privileges: All general exercises in the Amphitheater, including lectures, concerts, recitals, and entertainments, during the sessions of the Retreat; fourteen lessons in Pedagogy; fourteen lessons in Practical Application of Pedagogical Science; four Tourists’ Conferences; two Expositions of Method in Chemistry; one Exposition of Method in Penmanship; two Expositions of Method in Elocution; one Exposition of Method in Phonography; one Exposition of Method in Stenographic Reporting; two admissions to each of the several classes in the Schools of Language; two lectures on School Methods by Prof. Edw. E. Smith, Superintendent of Schools, Syracuse, N. Y.; ten Half-hour Drills in School Calisthenics. Special classes are arranged as well for those who can find time to take in more than the full program, or who desire special instructions.

Each summer, since the idea of a summer school was conceived, there has been a steady growth in the opportunities given to students. The coming season keeps up the record for improvement. The C. S. L. stands preëminent among Chautauqua institutions. In its departments of Greek, Latin, Hebrew, English, French, German and Spanish, the practical benefit to be derived in six weeks is altogether inconceivable to those persons who are unacquainted with the teachers directing the studies, and with the methods used. To two or three features we would call particular attention—features which serve merely as samples of work being done daily in all classes. In the Anglo-Saxon room there is a class which studies “Hamlet” for four weeks, a series of lessons rich in illustrations and full of facts. A particular beauty of this class is the free discussion and analysis of character which Professor M’Clintock encourages.

Professors Worman and Lalande have many novel devices for fascinating their students. As interesting study as there was at Chautauqua last summer was the children’s hour in German, conducted by Professor Worman; as a lesson to teachers it was unsurpassed, as a drill for children it would teach them German if anything would. As for the French, the weekly lectures, the French receptions, and now this year, the “French table” which Professor Lalande has arranged for, are prominent features.

Not content with reading Latin, Professor Shumway proposes that his students talk it. For many students at Chautauqua last summer a tree became _arbor_, the forest _silva_, the shade _umbra_, the dead alive—a result, by the way, that very often is accomplished at Chautauqua. The successful introduction of a School of Microscopy was accomplished in 1884; 1885 will see the work enlarged. This department is under the direction of an able teacher, Professor Hall. His outfit for observation, and for preparing and mounting objects is most complete.

It is said that when the Egyptians moved the huge rocks which form the pyramids, musicians were stationed among the workmen, and every motion was made in time to music. Chancellor Vincent seems to have profited by this suggestion in preparing the Chautauqua program for 1885, for it is all set to music of the rarest kind. To begin with, the great organ is handled by a skillful master, Mr. I. V. Flagler. His series of recitals contain selections from the greatest masters. The chorus will be led by our old favorites, Professors Case and Sherwin. The Fisk Jubilees, the Meigs-Underhill Combination, a new quartette—the Schubert, of Chicago, vocalists with rare voices, and with a splendid _repertoire_—and Miss Dora Henninges, of Louisville, a superb mezzo-soprano, will complete the musical program for 1885.

These are but hints of what the six weeks’ session holds in store for visitors to Chautauqua this season. The entire program, with all its specialties, has been prepared with consummate care and with close regard for popular needs. The management has striven honestly to make Chautauqua a perfectly healthy place, with abundant social life, and with opportunities suited to the needs of all classes of people. The verdict of its thousands of visitors is that in the past they have succeeded. The outlook for 1885 declares that this year will be still more abundantly successful.

LOCAL CIRCLES.

C. L. S. C. MOTTOES.

“_We Study the Word and the Works of God._”—“_Let us keep our Heavenly Father in the Midst._”—“_Never be Discouraged._”

C. L. S. C. MEMORIAL DAYS.

1. OPENING DAY—October 1.

2. BRYANT DAY—November 3.

3. SPECIAL SUNDAY—November, second Sunday.

4. MILTON DAY—December 9.

5. COLLEGE DAY—January, last Thursday.

6. SPECIAL SUNDAY—February, second Sunday.

7. FOUNDER’S DAY—February 23.

8. LONGFELLOW DAY—February 27.

9. SHAKSPERE DAY—April 23.

10. ADDISON DAY—May 1.

11. SPECIAL SUNDAY—May, second Sunday.

12. SPECIAL SUNDAY—July, second Sunday.

13. INAUGURATION DAY—August, first Saturday after first Tuesday; anniversary of C. L. S. C. at Chautauqua.

14. ST. PAUL’S DAY—August, second Saturday after first Tuesday; anniversary of the dedication of St. Paul’s Grove at Chautauqua.

15. COMMENCEMENT DAY—August, third Tuesday.

16. GARFIELD DAY—September 19.

* * * * *

The present number closes Volume V. of THE CHAUTAUQUAN and interrupts for a time the pleasant monthly visits with Local Circles. A review of the year’s work must be satisfactory to all. It has been a progressive year for the circles; few have fallen out of line; numbers of new organizations have been formed; almost all have increased their membership; the circle work has been done more thoroughly than ever before; new methods have sparkled on every page of reports; the social life has been quickened and intensified; the circle evening has become the most important evening of the week; it has been made the occasion of practical discussions and of intelligent conversation; a stronger feeling of union exists; the local circle has become a permanent institution. There is much encouragement in the review, but there is much for each circle to learn in a study of the reports of the past year.

The present issue of THE CHAUTAUQUAN will contain all the reports received up to the date of going to press; those received after that date will necessarily be held over for the October issue.

Very interesting and encouraging reports have been received from HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA, where the local circles are prospering, and much earnest work has been done. While their routine work and the required course of reading and study are pursued by the several circles separately, their occasional reunions are found profitable, and furnish much real enjoyment for the members. One such was held on Longfellow day at Dartmouth, across the harbor, which proved intensely interesting to an expectant audience. Thorough preparation was made for this meeting, and the whole arrangement was admirable. On Shakspere day an equally excellent program celebrated the day. The programs for both were highly original. The annual _conversazione_ of the “Central” circle, TORONTO, was held on May 19th. The novel little arrangement for a program—three ribbon-tied circles—looks most inviting. A half hour of orchestra music preceded the address and concert, after which were stereopticon views and a promenade. The guests were entertained at the Normal School building, where the museum and picture galleries were thrown open to them.

Among the MAINE circles is a goodly one at ROCKPORT, composed at its beginning in 1882 of twenty-one ladies. They have clung together through separation in a way quite remarkable. One of their number spent last year at sea, but took her books along, and had her CHAUTAUQUAN sent to meet her at various points. Another friend who has been around the world during the past year missed her books at Antwerp, but writes from San Francisco that she is ready to make up the year’s work. The Rockport circle has the peculiar honor of having for its president a lady over seventy years of age.——“Mountain Echoes” have reached us from BRIDGETON—nineteen of them. This circle was formed in 1883, and for a year met monthly; the success was so great that they have doubled their number of meetings. A sufficient proof of their statement that “good work is being done.”——Fifteen members of a circle at BANGOR write us that they have enthusiasm quite sufficient for a class much larger. It is the steady variety, too, we fancy, for since 1881 they have met, with few exceptions, every Monday night from October to July. The studying is done on this evening, and time has been faithfully used, for they have succeeded in reviewing several books. A talented young physician in their midst has favored them this winter with lectures on Animal and Vegetable Biology, with microscopic illustrations.——A spirited circle, the “Whittier,” of twenty-five members, is working at NORTH BERWICK. Debates are frequent features of their programs, and they have adopted the sensible habit of choosing timely questions. Shakspere day was observed by a reading of the “Merchant of Venice,” the characters being assigned by a committee. At North Berwick the circle is fortunate in having members of different denominations who mingle in perfect cordiality. The result of their work together has been, they write, “an improvement of mind and broadening of ideas.”

A pleasant gathering of C. L. S. C. folks has been carrying on local circle work since October last at MEREDITH VILLAGE, NEW HAMPSHIRE. Some fifteen members are in the company. A gentleman interested in the work kindly furnishes them a room, lighted, warmed, and furnished. The memorial days are held in honor, and recently they have had “an extra” in a talk on chemistry from a teacher of the town.

VERMONT is represented this month in a lively letter from MONTPELIER: “Our circle is not dumb, as might be inferred from our silence, neither are we deaf to the appeals for reports from local circles. The trouble is this: Though an organization of about twenty members since October last, we have until this month been nameless. One name after another was suggested until ‘The Idea Hunters’ was proposed, and met with general favor. I think our motto should be, ‘Hunt until you find,’ for we are constantly hunting in reference books for settlements to the many questions proposed. We are learning, of course, and getting no little amusement out of our researches as well.”

From the “Chautauqua Quintette,” of CHELSEA, MASS., we have this cheery report: “We are a little company of five ladies, all intensely interested in the C. L. S. C. work. We derive great benefit from our work, and some of our programs would be creditable to a larger organization.”——A slightly discouraged circle, finding it “hard to exist,” is the “Thaxter,” of ATTLEBORO. The small membership troubles them. It should not, it seems to us, especially since they have five members who write “fine essays.” We surmise that if the “Thaxter” has five good essay writers it is better off than many a large circle, and from the program of their Longfellow entertainment it is evident that some one of their number knows how to manage such things. Cheer up, friends.——A really joyous letter comes from MELROSE, where the secretary of the “Alpha” has been delaying her report because the new members would not cease coming in, and she wanted to get them all. She writes: “Every member is enthusiastic, and I believe that excellent work is being done. This is my last year—that is to say the last of my _first_ four years’ course. Please accept the most cordial greetings of our circle; we hope to send annual greetings for many years to come.”——A dainty hand-painted souvenir of the Shakspere evening of the “Alpha,” at UXBRIDGE, accompanies their report of good, strong work. The circle is small, but, says one of their number, “Chautauqua means a good deal with us.” The “Alphas” are to be congratulated on the success of the memorial exercises they have held this year.——Twenty-eight “Pilgrims,” of DORCHESTER, with their pastor as leader, are pursuing their course up the hill of knowledge courageously. Their meetings are well attended and interesting. Their verdict is: “We certainly feel that our circle has been a great benefit to us all the year, though it has been our first attempt at such work. We have no reason to regret starting, and look to next year for greater results.”——At LYNN the “Raymond” circle carried out a very taking list of exercises in celebration of April 23d. It was the first entertainment of the kind the circle has ever given, and certainly they ought to be pleased with their success. Their program has that unusual merit, originality.——The “Vincent” circle, of NEEDHAM, was organized early in the fall, and has been flourishing since. Nearly forty members are in the class, and next year additions are expected. The “Vincent” is going to do what we wish every circle in existence would do, have a representative at their nearest Assembly—if you can not go to Chautauqua. The ideas and stimulus gained would be worth many times the cost and fatigue.——A suggestion comes from “Clark” circle, of JAMAICA PLAIN, that deserves a comment. It is that THE CHAUTAUQUAN print more of the programs which it reports. Did we not furnish at least four programs each month for the use of circles we should certainly do this. As it is, we prefer to take the many good suggestions which we get from the programs sent us, and use them in our monthly programs. We do this because the programs sent us can not be printed until so long after the performance has taken place that they are of no practical use to circles; by readapting them we can give them to circles in a way in which they will be of use. The “Clark” itself has sent us a program that deserves reprinting, only of what practical good would be a March program in THE CHAUTAUQUAN for July?——“Although but a very small part of the great Chautauqua army, we have caught something of its spirit, and wish it ever increasing success.” So writes the secretary of the correspondence circle of “Earnest Workers,” of which Alice C. Jennings, of Auburndale, is president. The circle has a thorough and systematic plan of work. Frequent letters from the president offer counsel and hints. At each monthly meeting memoranda from the students are read. These memoranda contain answers to a list of printed questions, such as: “What books have you read in connection with the C. L. S. C.? What three subjects in them have most interested you? Have you met with any difficulties, and if so, what?” etc. The whole plan of their work is admirable——The “Acadia” circle of FRANKLIN, MASS., was organized in 1882. It has now sixty members. The president, although pastor of a large church, has been absent but five times since the circle’s organization. One of their great helps has been the pronouncing matches on Greek names and common English words. On Shakspere day the circle had the pleasure of listening to a lecture from Dr. R. R. Meredith, on “Leisure Hours.”

From WOODBURY, CONN., comes a plea: “Pray receive into your host of local circles the ‘Lone Star,’ for we are alone. There were others with us who are not faded, but gone.” Marriage and going west has robbed the circle of its members, until but one is left to keep the fire burning on the shrine. We are glad to find a corner for that one here—certainly in these columns there is plenty of company and no need to grow lonely.——The “Newfield” circle of WEST STRATFORD is still “marching on.” On Shakspere day the circle read “Merchant of Venice” and “Julius Cæsar” with hearty appreciation, closing their celebration with a C. L. S. C. experience meeting. Many were the stories told of what Chautauqua had done for them.——MANSFIELD CENTER, a rural village in a dear old fashioned Connecticut street, is the home of a circle of eleven members. It was not begun until January last, but has shown its colors by having quite caught up. Two of the professors of the neighboring Agricultural College have given them very interesting lectures, and on Longfellow and Shakspere days recitations and music furnished pleasing entertainments.

A report of a successful first year comes from AUBURN, RHODE ISLAND, where the “Clio,” of fourteen members, was formed in October last. The new circles are all, like the “Clio,” promising to start next fall with fresh vigor.——Our thanks are due the “Esmeralda Bachelor” circle for the program of the first memorial services under the auspices of the Rhode Island Chautauqua Union. Great credit is due to Prof. John H. Appleton, the president of the Union, for his efforts to make the occasion a success.——The _Sentinel Advertiser_, of HOPE VALLEY, devoted almost a column to a Shakspere evening, at which the “Aryans” of that town entertained the “Pawcatuck” circle of CAROLINA. Some twenty-six of the guest circle were present and were greeted with elegant hospitality by the home circle.

They are always doing something new at OCEAN GROVE, NEW YORK. The last has been a Tree Planting Day. On April 15 the C. L. S. C. planted a beautiful maple for each class respectively of ’85, ’86, ’87, and ’88. Representatives of each class were present, the largest number, of course, being for 1888. There was a short address by Dr. Stokes, prayer by the Rev. A. E. Ballard, and an appropriate song for each tree set out in Bishops’ Grove. In the evening a “service extraordinary” was held; trees and tree planting were the topics of talks, of songs, reading and reminiscences.——The PALMYRA C. L. S. C. has enjoyed two evenings in chemistry recently, Prof. J. C. Norris, of Walworth Academy, kindly explaining dark points to them, and performing many fine experiments. The circle is very warm in its praise of the lecture and lecturer.——A Chautauqua circle consisting of fifteen members was organized at UNION SPRINGS in January of this year. The members make their lessons interesting and profitable with music, questions, and readings.——The “Philomathean,” of LANCASTER, has a capital way of working in its inexperienced members. “Questions, criticisms, and commendations are interspersed through the whole evening. We aim to draw out the silent ones, to make all interested and feel themselves responsible; try to have every one feel that he _must_ take every appointment, and allow no one to escape his turn at getting up question lists and easy work, and so seek to train them for the more difficult work.” This circle is not yet a year old, and numbers fifteen members.——We are happy to introduce the first C. L. S. C. inventors. The “Unique” circle, of LOCKPORT, claim that honor. Their invention is a game made up from the questions and answers in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and is intended to form a comprehensive review of the year’s work. “The Unique” is the title of it. Would it not be generous in the Lockport circle to share their discovery with the rest of us?——The “Argonaut” circle, of Buffalo, entertained a large number of invited friends at a special meeting held in April. The affair was a decided success. The “Argonauts” deserve special credit for the efforts that they are making to awaken interest in the affairs of the C. L. S. C. by extra meetings.——At YONKERS there is a circle now in its third year which has never reported to THE CHAUTAUQUAN before. In all it numbers twenty. Their work during the past three years of their existence has been in regular programs of essays, readings, and questions and answers, with an occasional variation to suit necessity. This year they held a very successful memorial service in honor of Longfellow’s day, and more recently have had a valuable lecture, with experiments, on chemistry.——Fourteen persons are reading the Bryant course in connection with THE CHAUTAUQUAN, at MUNNSVILLE. The circle did not undertake work until January, so adopted a short course for the rest of this year rather than try the regular course. We hope to find them at work on the regular course next fall, with their hopes of a larger membership gratified.