Chapter XVIII: A Cruise on My Own Account (2)

Two men, too, who wrestle continually with each other become so familiar with their capabilities that they derive little advantage from the practice, since the secret of success in wrestling is to keep the opponent busy wondering what you are going to do next, and to deceive him as to your own intentions as much as possible. This of course is impossible when every move of your opponent's body has become familiar to you by months of practice with him. Many advise beginners to drop on all-fours at the earliest possible opportunity in a wrestling-match, but I do not believe that this is the best principle for young men, whose muscles are not yet trained to sustain such severe work.

It is well to learn to do as much wrestling as possible standing on the two feet, and never to go down unless some decided advantage is to be gained by so doing. The advantages of doing the work on the feet are twofold. In the first place, it is a wonderful developer of strength, and gives great steadiness to the body; in the second place, it is of the most practical benefit. For instance, if you are called upon to put your knowledge of wrestling into service against an attack, you would find the ability to stand upon your feet of inestimable value; whereas, if you have trained yourself to do your best work by lying down, the chances in a rough-and-tumble scramble would doubtless be against you. It is true, nevertheless, that the majority of the wrestlers of the present day, as soon as time is called by the umpire, begin to dance about as if the floor burned their feet, and then attempt to secure a wrist hold, following this immediately by falling to the floor.

The man who wishes to do his wrestling on his feet should try to get a head hold (Fig. 1), and then make an effort to back-heel his man, which is done by jerking him forward, and as he steps in with his right leg, to put your left leg behind it on the outside and bend him over backwards. If you are strong enough, or have the slightest skill at this, your opponent is bound to go over. A still better hold perhaps for this back-heeling, but a more difficult one to secure, is an under-body hold, and then if you are successful and active you are certain to throw your man.

Two other very valuable, probably the most valuable, holds to be secured in wrestling on your feet are the buttock and the cross-buttock. They are both hard to get on a good man, and require the utmost skill in execution, for they are not to be bungled. For the cross-buttock hold, turning your left side to your opponent, get your hip partially underneath and in front of him, and then, with your arms held tightly around his neck and shoulder, quickly cross both his legs by your left, and lift him and bring him down; you will also go, but you will go down on top.

The buttock hold is a more difficult matter, but probably the most serviceable one for self-defence in an unsought contest. It is begun very much like the cross-buttock, except that you get your hip further under your opponent, and then bending over, with a powerful jerk on your arm about his neck, you shoot him into the air and over your back. It requires quickness and some strength.

There are of course a number of emergencies in which it is best to drop to the floor, and in this case the first principle that should always be observed is to keep your arms spread well apart (Fig. 2), in order to prevent your opponent from getting a farther arm and leg hold (Fig. 3). The next thing to do--or really it should be the first--is to keep the opponent from securing the half-nelson and back-hammer, as the top man is shown to be doing in Fig. 4. A hold of this kind means a certain fall.

Another important principle to observe is to keep the head well back, so that in case you are called on to spin out of a quarter or a half-nelson you will be able to bridge. One of the most eagerly sought-for holds among wrestlers is the half-nelson (Fig. 5); when this is secured, the lucky man rises to his feet, and stepping forward, falls on his prostrate opponent to keep him from forming a bridge.

The principal thing to keep in mind in wrestling is always to watch for an opening. Practice will soon teach you to guess your opponent's intentions by his movements. Always seek an opportunity to get away, for you are at a disadvantage when underneath. These are but a few suggestions toward this most interesting and valuable sport, for any amount of description might be written about the many holds and tricks of the game. The real knowledge of them is only to be obtained from practice, and the man who wishes to become a skilful wrestler must work daily and conscientiously in the gymnasium, and he will be surprised to see how very soon he will obtain a certain skill, quickness, and proficiency of which he had never even dreamed himself capable.

"TRACK ATHLETICS IN DETAIL."--ILLUSTRATED.--8VO, CLOTH, ORNAMENTAL, $1.25.

THE GRADUATE.

* * * * *

THE KEY TO AN ASTRONOMICAL PUZZLE.

The "Man in the _Moon_." A certain fair _Virgin_ (sixth sign of zodiac). Asked her _Mar's_ permission. The bridemaids, _Berenice_ (Berenice's Hair, Northern constellation) and _Andromeda_ (Northern constellation). For groomsmen, _Castor_ and _Pollux_ (third sign of zodiac). The bride sat in _Cassiopeia's_ chair (Northern constellation). On the menu, deviled _Crab_ (fourth sign of zodiac), _Fishes_ (_Pisces_, twelfth sign of zodiac). Water-carrier, _Aquarius_ (eleventh sign of zodiac). Had a game of _Fox and Geese_ (Northern constellation). The bride played _Lyra_ (the harp, Northern constellation). Harnessed _Pegasus_ to _Charles's Wain_ (in Ursa Major), and set off on the route known as the "Milky Way," in search of the lost _Pleiad_. Drink from the little and the big _Dipper_. Barked at by the great _Dog_ (Canis Major, Southern constellation). Butted by a vicious _Ram_ (first sign of zodiac). Chased by a _Bull_ (Taurus, second sign of zodiac). Met by a roaring _Lion_ (Leo, fifth sign of zodiac). Being a fine _Archer_ (Sagittarius), slew him with an _Arrow_ (Sagitta, Northern constellation). Encountered a great grizzly _Bear_ (Ursa Major) and a little one (Ursa Minor). The tip of his tail, the north star. Reached the north pole. Bears the dancers. The trail of the _Serpent_ (Northern constellation). Eccentric as a _comet_. Flying off in a _tangent_. Borrowed _Light_ (Old Sol). Weighed in _Balance_ (seventh sign of zodiac). The most beautiful of the planets, _Venus_. Totally Eclipsed. Morning and evening _Star_. Labors of _Hercules_ (Northern constellation). Overdose of _Mercury_. _Scorpion_ (eighth sign of zodiac). Fate of Egyptian queen Cleopatra.

* * * * *

WELLINGTON'S REASONING.

A good story is told of the Duke of Wellington while out fox-hunting. It seems the hounds had reached the bank of a small river, and the master galloped up saying,

"The dogs can't pick up the scent, your Grace."

"The fox has crossed to the other side," cried the Duke.

"Not very likely, my Lord. A fox hates water."

"Aye, aye, but he's crossed over some bridge."

"I don't believe there is a bridge," answered the master.

"Well," continued the Duke, "though I was never here before, I am sure you will find one within a mile."

Followed by the hunt they pushed on, and less than a mile off came upon a rudely constructed bridge. The dogs crossed it, again took up the scent, and killed the fox. Asked for his reason for asserting that there was a bridge near, the Duke said: "I saw three or four cottages clustered together on each bank of the river, and I thought the people living in them would be tempted by their social feelings to contrive a means of visiting each other. That same inference of mine gained me one of my battles."

* * * * *

A GRATEFUL TENANT.

Mr. Ford has some houses in Brooklyn, one of which he rented to Mr. Stone, a mason. For three months Mr. Ford failed to collect the rent, and at last resolved to send Mr. Stone adrift.

"But if I am put out, Mr. Ford," said Stone, "I can't move my duds. I have no money."

Mr. Ford, being tender-hearted, gave him two dollars, and Stone moved out. Shortly afterward Mr. Ford appointed an agent to attend to his rents. Everything went right until one day Mr. Ford found that the rent of a certain house remain unpaid.

"The tenant's all right, sir," said the agent. "He's a good man of the name of Stone, a mason, and he'll pay in a day or two."

The owner called upon the backward tenant, and found that he was the same Stone whom he had evicted some months before.

"How is it you're back here again?"' said Mr. Ford.

"Really," said Stone, "I couldn't think of patronizing another landlord, Mr. Ford. You had been kind to me and I felt grateful."

* * * * *

A GOOD REASON.

"I am glad Willie," said the teacher, with a severe glance at Charlie, who is slangy, "that _you_ never use that horrid word nit."

"I guess not," said Willie, scornfully. "I leave nitting to the girls."

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QUESTIONS FOR YOUNG MEN.

ON COURTESY TO WOMEN AND GIRLS.

Continuing our discussion on women and girls, there is still more to be said than can even be suggested here in this short space. It is not by any means the intention of this Department to be prudish and priggish. Nor is it the intention to lay down herein laws that cannot be easily followed in every-day life. The idea is merely to point out familiar ideas, which often lose their efficacy because of the carelessness of the individual. In fact, many a boy would deny that he ever broke one of these simple and well-known laws of courtesy, and yet he probably does break many of them day after day.

These are the days when girls and women not only ride bicycles, not only take care of themselves in pleasure and amusement, but go regularly to their work in almost as large numbers as men. Many a girl goes about town or city night and day to and from her work; many a girl enters different branches of athletics hitherto only supposed to be open to men; and, indeed, men are constantly finding themselves in woman's society in business as well as in pleasure.

Some boys, and unfortunately a great many men, feel that, far from forcing them to behave towards women at all times as they have been in the habit of doing when they were in evening dress, this gradual change, this habit of seeing women more frequently and under all sorts of conditions, is taking off the restraint they have felt in their presence, and bringing them down to their level. If the boys would only think of the matter more or less seriously, they would soon find that as one boy treats another, so he will be judged by the general audience. How much more is this true in a boy's treatment of girls, whether they be known to him or not! Certain laws in this world are very binding, and it is useless to try to break them. You cannot put two stones in exactly the same place. No one ever ate his cake and had it too. And no boy who has not a distinct appreciation of the courtesy due from every man to every woman can have a thorough respect for himself. One is just as impossible as are the others.

If you have any ambition to bear yourself well, to succeed in life in all ways as well as in the financial way, which is commonly understood when "success" is mentioned, you must become aware of the fact that you cannot live any kind of life you may like for years and still have the highest character. It is the little incidents from day to day which make a man's character, and perhaps the strongest of all these little incidents are those which concern the treatment of women and girls by men and boys. The habit of being constantly with women sometimes cultivates the habit of paying little attention to them, of not recollecting that they are to be treated with never-failing courtesy. This is but a step in the direction leading to such incidents as one sees in Europe, where young brothers sit about the house in their uniforms paid for by their sisters' sewing or teaching, and let these same sisters bring their shoes, or coats, or glasses of water, and what not. When we go to Germany and see this sort of thing, we acquire a contempt for the men of that race. They do not begin to equal the vigor, the manliness, the civilization, of our American men. And yet we must not behold the mote in our brother's eye unless we consider the beam in our own. We must not criticise others unless we can at least say that our own men have a clear idea of their proper course in such a matter.

Furthermore, when you are dealing with the other sex it is wise to bear in mind that as you treat them, so are you building up character in yourself. If you do not bear in mind the courtesies of all kinds which are woman's due, you cannot retain for any length of time a pride in yourself, a satisfaction with your behavior, which is commonly called self-respect; and without self-respect you will have a hard time of it in the world.

In other words, the higher the pedestal on which you place all women, both of your acquaintance and not of your acquaintance, the higher you are putting yourself, the better your standards will be, and the better man you will make yourself.

* * * * *

AN UNFAIR DIVISION.

Many old residents of New York will remember Hank Miller, sometimes called the "Omnibus King." Quiet, good-natured, and full of fun, he enjoyed a patronage which eventually netted him a neat income. One evening Hank was making his rounds of the stable, as was his wont, when he overheard the chink of money and a subdued muttering. Glancing over a stall, he discovered one of his drivers counting his fares as follows:

"That's two shillun' for Hank, and two for me," laying the shillings in two piles. He kept on dividing his fares, until he came to the last piece of money, an odd shilling.

"There," said he, "that's too bad to come out uneven, 'cause I wants to be square and go halves with Hank. Let me see, shall I throw this in his pile? No, I'll toss it up; heads for me and tails for Hank," and he spun it up in the air. "Tails it is!" he cried as it fell. "Well, that's Hank's, I suppose," but he hesitated. "No, I guess I'll toss again." This time it fell down heads. "Ah, I knew that first toss wasn't fair!" and having divided the money to his satisfaction, he slipped away without knowing that Hank had been watching him.

Hank gained his office before the thieving driver arrived to leave his fares. "Good-evening, Jack," said he, as the man entered. "Luck good to-day?"

"Rather poor, Mr. Miller," and he laid the money on the desk.

"Well, Jack, I guess we can dispense with your services from now on."

"Eh! How's that? What have I done?" cried the astonished Jack.

Hank gave a quiet smile, and then, looking the man in the eye, said: "You see, Jack, you didn't treat me fair. By rights, I should have had another chance at that odd shilling."

* * * * *

NOT IN THE DICTIONARY.

TEACHER. "What word are you looking for, Brown?"

THAD BROWN. "Why, teacher, you wanted to know what a woman would be called who performed a brave act. Now, a man who acts bravely is a hero, but I can't find the word for a brave woman."

TEACHER. "What is the word?"

THAD. "Shero; but it's not in this dictionary."

* * * * *

NEW YORK'S GREAT PARK.

An Englishman was showing his friend, an American, through the houses of Parliament, in London, the meanwhile commenting in a somewhat arrogant manner upon what he was pleased to term the superiority of the English public buildings and parks.

"There," he exclaimed, "is our magnificent Thames Embankment, a delightful spot! Why, you have nothing in your country to compare with it, especially in that great New York city; then again, every gentleman owns an estate, and, let me assure you, sir, such estates are no small bits of property."

This went on for a considerable time, until the American, growing tired, said, "But, Lord de T., you have travelled in our country, have you not?"

"Oh, yes, my dear sir; right across it."

"Well, then, you should have a fair idea of its size."

"Very big place, sir, very big."

"And you know New-York city quite well, eh?"

"Oh, yes--yes indeed."

"Well, then, you see, we didn't want anything in the line of parks in New York, with, of course, the exception of a few squares; but outside of the city we wanted a park, and so we decided to use the United States as a park for New York city."

"Dear me, how extravagant."

"Not at all, sir; why, we even contemplated floating the British Isles over and anchoring them a short distance outside the city's harbor as a sort of breakwater, you know."

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.

How many stamps make a good collection? I am frequently asked this question by readers of the ROUND TABLE, and find it a very hard one to answer. For instance, on one day I saw a collection of over 2000 stamps, and had to say it was a very poor collection. There were a few scarce stamps, but every common stamp, every "Seebeck" stamp, and all the cut-square envelopes and post-cards went to make up the quantity. On the other hand, it was my good fortune to see a little book about 6 by 4 inches in size, with some 30 or 40 leaves. This was a selection made up from one of our great collectors' albums for exhibition in the coming London stamp show. This little book, which could be slipped into any pocket, contained 200 stamps, the catalogue value of which was $15,000. Every stamp was in perfect condition--Hawaiian "missionary"; Cape of Good Hope wood block, in blocks of two and four; Canada 12d.; first series of British Guiana; first of Moldavia; shilling, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, etc., in various shades; Brattleboro, Baltimore, and other rare U.S. locals. In fact, to enumerate the stamps would be to give a list of the great rarities. Such a collection is hardly ever seen, and after exhibition the stamps will be restored to their proper places in the regular albums.

The government does not seem to make much progress in the prosecution of the parties who had in their possession fifty sets of the Periodical stamps (from 1c. to $60), the face value of which was about $10,000. These were hawked about in New York at $80 per set as genuine stamps. The claim is now made in court that they were not originals, but proofs. The leading dealers in New York declined to have anything to do with the stamps when they were first offered, and their caution has been amply justified.

A. LAMAREUX.--The so-called 25c. and 50c. gold pieces were never
made by the government. The bulk of them were manufactured by
jewellers, and, as a rule, they do not contain more than 25 per
cent. of their nominal value in gold. The manufacture of these
so-called coins is now illegal.

R. BULKLEY.--The difference between the 10c. U.S. brown of 1872,
unused, worth $1, and the one worth $10 is altogether in the paper.
In the one case the mesh is quite apparent when held up to the
light; in the other, the paper is harder and more compact. I assume
you are an expert, and know the differences in the papers used by
the different bank-note companies.

W. F. WEBB.--The U.S. 24c. of 1857, unused, is worth $5; the 12c.,
same issue, unused, $1.25. If used, about half as much. The $1
mortgage, unperforated, worth $1.

R. F. ANDERSON.--Packets of very common stamps (30 or 40 varieties)
can be had at 25c. per 1000. Cheap-priced packets will of course
contain cheap stamps only. "Correos y telegs" is Spanish,
indicating that the stamp can be used in payment of postage or for
telegrams. "Comunicaciones" is Spanish also.

C. W. W. and A. G. D.--The 1870 stamps were grilled. In 1872 the
same plates were used in the manufacture of the ungrilled stamps.
The grilled is worth 100 times as much as the ungrilled.

E. B. MAYO.--I am not a dealer. Apply to some regular dealer for
your wants.

J. WAXER.--The 2c. and 3c. U.S. coins are very common.

PHILATUS.

Reject all compounds which dispense
With honest work and common sense;
With Ivory Soap the wash is good
And takes no longer than it should.

Copyright 1896, by The Procter & Gamble Co., Cin'ti

For Young Americans

* * * * *

GEORGE WASHINGTON

By WOODROW WILSON, Ph.D., LL.D. Illustrated by HOWARD PYLE, HARRY FENN, and Others. Crown 8vo, Cloth, Deckel Edges and Gilt Top, $3.00.

NAVAL ACTIONS OF THE WAR OF 1812

By JAMES BARNES. With 21 Full-page Illustrations by CARLTON T. CHAPMAN, printed in color, and 12 Reproductions of Medals. 8vo, Cloth, Ornamental, Deckel Edges and Gilt Top, $4.50.

FOR KING OR COUNTRY

A Story of the American Revolution. By JAMES BARNES. Illustrated. Post 8vo, Cloth, Ornamental, $1.50.

* * * * *

By Charles Carleton Coffin

=THE BOYS OF '76.= A History of the Battles of the Revolution. Profusely Illustrated. Square 8vo, Cloth, $2.00.

=OLD TIMES IN THE COLONIES.= Profusely Illustrated. Square 8vo, Cloth, $2.00.

=BUILDING THE NATION.= Events in the History of the United States from the Revolution to the Civil War. Profusely Illustrated. Square 8vo, Cloth, $2.00.

=THE DRUM-BEAT OF THE NATION.= The First Period of the War of the Rebellion, from its Outbreak to the Close of 1862. Profusely Illustrated. Square 8vo, Cloth, $2.00.

=ABRAHAM LINCOLN.= Profusely Illustrated. Square 8vo, Cloth, $2.00.

=MARCHING TO VICTORY.= The Second Period of the War of the Rebellion, including the Year 1863. Profusely Illustrated. Square 8vo, Cloth, $3.00.

=REDEEMING THE REPUBLIC.= The Third Period of the War of the Rebellion, to September, 1864. Profusely Illustrated. Square 8vo, Cloth, $2.00.

=FREEDOM TRIUMPHANT.= The Fourth Period of the War of the Rebellion, from September, 1864, to its Close. Profusely Illustrated. Square 8vo, Cloth, $2.00.

* * * * *

By Kirk Munroe

=RICK DALE.= A Story of the Northwest Coast. Illustrated by W. A. ROGERS. Post 8vo, Cloth, Ornamental, $1.25.

=SNOW-SHOES AND SLEDGES.= A Sequel to "The Fur-Seal's Tooth."--THE
FUR-SEAL'S TOOTH.--RAFTMATES.--CANOEMATES.--CAMPMATES.--DORYMATES.
Post 8vo, Cloth, Ornamental, $1.25 each. The Four "Mates" Volumes
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CO., and DELTA BIXBY.= Illustrated. Square 16mo, Cloth, Ornamental,
$1.00 each.

* * * * *

HARPER & BROTHERS, Publishers, New York

A Good Entertainment Programme.

An admirable up-to-date entertainment may be arranged under the
title "The Ideals of the Twentieth Century," where short, breezy
dissertations, orations, and essays on the ideal "Church," "Stage,"
"Public School," "International Peace," and for a humorous
selection "The Ideal Parent," may be rendered. And "What Science
may accomplish in the Twentieth Century" should by all means be
included in the list. By way of recitation, Lowell's exquisite "To
the Future," and Saxe's travesty "Pyramus and Thisbe," are well
adapted. The latter might be called "An Incident of Twenty
Centuries Ago." With two or three musical selections your programme
is complete.

VINCENT V. M. BEEDE.

* * * * *

Selling Stamping Designs.

May I ask your aid and advice in regard to some doily patterns
which I have designed? I enclose four designs. I would like to sell
them, and would like to have you tell me in what way designs are
prepared for sale. I mean especially for stamping outfit companies.
Am I right in thinking they are to be made on Bristol-board in
India-ink? Do such designs have to be made the same size that the
stamping pattern is to be when finished? Will you not give me some
idea of the prices paid for designs? When designs are sold, does
the designer set the price, or is it left to the purchaser? Which
of the designs should you call the best? I have never taken a
lesson in drawing, or had any instructions of any sort, and have
not even a pair of compasses to help me.

ALICE L. BROWN, R.T.L.
PUTNEY.

Designs for stamping should be drawn in India-ink on Bristol-board or good drawing-paper. They must be made full working size. It is impossible to give prices--they can best be ascertained from the dealers themselves. Naturally the purchaser sets the price, unless the designer is one of established reputation who can fix her own. The design marked No. 1. is considered best by the Art Department--next in order the one marked No. 2. The Society of Decorative Art, 14 East Thirty-fourth Street, New York city, receive and pay for designs. Bently and Jones, 204 Greene Street, are wholesale manufacturers of stamped embroidery designs.

* * * * *

A Good Description of Mardi-gras.

In the winter, just before Lent, occurs the event that draws more
people here than anything else. That event is Mardi-gras. Then the
city puts on a festive air, the merchants decorate their stores
with the royal colors--purple, green, and yellow--and every one
prepares to receive his Majesty Rex, who reigns supreme for the
short time he is here. A large fleet goes down the river to meet
the royal yacht, and when the King and his suite land at the foot
of Canal Street they are met by the Mayor, the city officials, the
city, State, and visiting militia, and are escorted to the City
Hall, where the keys of the city are delivered to him. Numerous
secret societies made up of society men give balls and processions
at this time. Prominent among them are the Krewe of Comus, Krewe of
Proteus, and others.

Rex arrives Monday, and Tuesday is Mardi-gras day. Then the fun
commences. All the small boys and girls in town, and some large
ones, dress up in fantastic costumes and masks, and the streets are
filled with the "Mardi-gras's," as they call them. Last year and
the year before there was a band of Indians--about fifty; the
costumes were splendid, and when they came whooping up the street
they seemed quite like the real article. At about eleven o'clock
Rex's parade makes its appearance, and passes along the principal
streets. Such crowds you seldom see; the street is a solid mass of
people as far as the eye can reach. Every one, young and old, big
and small, white and black, turns out to see his august Majesty
Rex. The mounted police force a way through the people for the
parade to pass. In front of the Boston Club the parade stops, and
the King presents the young lady who is to be Queen with a
beautiful bunch of flowers, and drinks her health, and that of her
maids of honor. While the procession is passing, the maskers on the
different floats throw handful after handful of candy to the people
that line the windows and galleries on each side of the street. The
parade is past at last, and everybody begins to think about getting
home, and ready for the one in the evening and the two balls.

The evening parade of Krewe of Proteus is always beautiful, and so
is the ball that follows. Rex has his ball also in the evening. The
first three dances at the ball are reserved for the maskers, who
have for their partners young ladies out of the audience. These are
informed by note beforehand, so they are always prepared. They
never know who they dance with, unless it be a case of husband and
wife. After three dances the dancing becomes general, and the
maskers slip out, and come back in regulation evening dress, that
you do not notice the change. These balls are beautiful sights--the
maskers in their rich costumes, and the ladies in handsome evening
dresses.

The balls are held in the French Opera-House, an immense building,
which is always packed to its utmost capacity. Each king (and there
is one for every ball) chooses his queen from the society girls,
and she has three maids of honor. They are always dressed
gorgeously. The next morning it is all over until the next year,
and society settles down in sackcloth and ashes until Easter.
Thousands of dollars are spent every year on this event, but New
Orleans wouldn't be New Orleans without its Mardi-gras. Rex is
always a prominent man.

SOPHIE ELEANOR CLARK.

* * * * *

Amateur Journalism.

The following-named, interested to some extent in play-journalism, desire to receive sample copies of papers from publishers of the same:

Walter C Garges, 102 Van Buren Street, Zanesville, Ohio, and Florence Jennings, Box 67, Southport, Connecticut.

* * * * *

A Queer Tale.

S. K. Brown, Jun., living in a small Pennsylvania village, where there is a famous Friend's school, sends to the ROUND TABLE a quotation from a Philadelphia newspaper, and says he desires more information. The quotation, in his words, is under the title of "The Floating Stone of Corea," and runs:

"The stone is of great bulk, and shaped like an irregular cube. It appears to be resting on the ground; but is free from support on any side. If two men, standing on opposite sides of it, hold each the opposite ends of a cord, they will be able to pass it under the stone without encountering any obstacles."

We also should like more information. Can any one give it? There must be an explanation, else we must for the first time doubt that the law of gravitation is universal.

* * * * *

Good and Funny as a Game.

I have seen many games described in the ROUND TABLE, and I thought
I would write out one which is played here. It is called "Key." The
boys and girls are placed in two rows, and between them is seated
the one who holds the key. The latter selects some one to take the
key and give it to the one who has the longest hair, prettiest
teeth, nicest dress, or anything he or she chooses. If the one who
has to choose is a boy, he must choose a girl; if a girl, she must
choose a boy. The one selected then goes around, and so on. The
ones who have gone around then tell for what they chose the others.
This game is very good when played right--and funny.

NELLIE THOMPSON.
GOLCONDA.

* * * * *

Questions and Answers.

One of our questioners asks for an explanation of the treaty just signed between this nation and Great Britain, and why Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Cleveland, and so many others rejoice over it. We are exceedingly pleased to reply to a questioner so keen and intelligent. Disputes are likely at all times to arise between nations, as they are between individuals. We have long since provided for the latter, not by urging each disputant to fall to pummelling the other, but by judges and jurors, who hear testimony and make decisions on them. The world is just now entering upon that stage of progress when nations as well as individuals no longer fall into wicked war, but have judges to hear and determine for them. The treaty which you ask about provides that when, during the next five years, any differences arise between the United States and Great Britain, such disputes, with all the testimony on both sides, shall be referred to six arbitrators, three to be named by each side. If these six men fail to agree in their decision, they are to select a seventh arbitrator. The latter may be any competent person. If the seven fail to agree, the dispute is to be left to the wisdom of the King of Sweden, whose decision shall be final. The treaty has been signed by our Secretary of State and the British Minister. It is signed in duplicate, one copy being for us, and the other to be sent to London. It is not yet law, and may never become law. It is awaiting confirmation by our Senate. If it is not confirmed, it is laid away in our State Department along with many other unconfirmed treaties. The reason so many rejoice over the event is because, as Mr. Gladstone says, "it is a step of real progress." You live in a fortunate age, that sees a step so important in the uplift of mankind.

E. A. W. asks, "Does the Department of Agriculture at Washington issue a pamphlet for free distribution relating to the following things: Weather reports and records, latitude of our different cities, and rules for foretelling the weather?"

We think it does. Write the Department requesting a copy. You will get in reply either the pamphlet or information where it can be had. "What are the names of some of our largest war-ships?" The _Iowa_, _Massachusetts_, and _Indiana_ are names of three battle-ships. Of large cruisers there are the _Columbia_, _New York_, and _Minneapolis_. "What are the requisites of pen-drawing for an amateur? What pens are used?" Bristol-board; drawing-ink, to be had in twenty-five-cent bottles at almost any bookseller's; and common fine-pointed steel pens.

J. G. B.: The annual wheat crop of the United States varies greatly. Last year it was 500,000,000 bushels. It is much smaller than our corn crop, which often reaches 1,600,000,000 bushels.--George E. Purdy, 66 Broadway, New York, asks if Carlos J. Neona, of Chicago, will send his correct address to him.--Ernest Routlege questions the authority which makes a Virginia plover to fly 225 miles an hour. Lord Bishop Stanley, an excellent authority, says that the highest speed attained by any bird is 180 miles an hour. This is the swift. The plover is a fast flier, and he gives its speed at 160 miles. He also says that the measuring of bird flight is quite difficult, and points out several erroneous calculations on their speed made by people who sought to test it. Possibly our correspondent, a lad, fell into one of these errors. The partridge flies, according to Bishop Stanley, about sixty miles per hour, and the eagle 140 miles. In Ireland, some years ago, a carrier-pigeon was known to make 125 miles per hour. These are special records, so to say, for the average speed of these birds is much slower. Stanley says that, in proportion to size, the bee is a faster flier than a plover, and points out how often we see bees and large flies fly along outside the window of a rapid railway car, going zigzag, but keep up without difficulty, and finally, perhaps, fly on ahead, only to return after a while for a second sojourn by your window. He gives a rule for measuring the speed of a bird's flight. If you see a bird rise from the ground, time it or count seconds until you see it pass over a fence or hedge. Then pace the distance from rising point to fence. Then you have a simple problem to find its speed per hour at that particular time. Will some one give us a morsel on this subject? It is very interesting.--Vincent V. M. Beede asks: "Can some one tell me the present whereabouts of Greuze's painting, 'The Little Dauphin,' and where a copy, in whatever form, can be obtained?"

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.

A SCRAP-BOOK FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC FORMULAS.

Every box of sensitive plates and every package of sensitive paper contains a circular giving formulas for working, and besides the formulas, there are hints on the causes of failures, and directions how to avoid or amend them. The manufacturers of photographic goods issue little pamphlets and booklets which may be had for the asking, and in newspapers and magazines one is constantly coming across some new or easier way of working in photography. If this material was collected as it came to hand and placed in a scrap-book, one would soon have a valuable book of information about the art of photography which would be very helpful.

The editor of this column has a way of making scrap-books which she is going to give for the benefit of the members of her Camera Club. Take large sheets of Manila wrapping-paper and fold in book form to a booklet about 8 by 10 in size. Use enough sheets of paper to make from sixteen to thirty-two leaves. Sew it with stout thread, and put a loop of cord or narrow ribbon at the top by which to hang it up. On the outside print in large letters "Photo Formulas," then whenever you come across anything which will be of help in photographic work, paste it in this book. In pasting the scraps, attach them at the corners and one or two spots near the centre or side. The book does not then become stiff, and if at any time the scrap is wanted, it can be removed without injury to the leaf.

If one choose to do so, the different formulas could be pasted in different books, toning solution, developers, etc., each having a separate book, the name being marked on the outside in large letters.

This method of making scrap-books is very convenient if one is studying some special subject. Mark the subject on the cover of the book, and when an item is found relating to it, paste it in the book. When the cover becomes soiled or torn it can be removed and a fresh one put in its place. The cost of half a dozen scrap-books will not exceed ten cents, and being made to hang up, they are easy of access and are seldom mislaid.

A member of the club, Charles M. Todd, has sent a very clever suggestion for the benefit of the members of the club. He has a book which he calls a Camera Club Index. In it he puts the title of everything printed in the Camera Club column; then when he wishes to look up a subject, he refers to his index, which tells him in which number of the ROUND TABLE it may be found. This is a very helpful suggestion, and one which we are sure will be of profit to our members.

FOSTER HARTWELL writes to the Camera Club that a good way to remove
the polish from a burnished print is to rub it with dry
pumice-stone, powdered and sifted. It gives a soft, pleasing finish
to the picture.

J. B. C. asks if a rectilinear lens can be fitted to a pocket kodak
and thus do away with the barrel-shaped lines in the picture.
J. B. C. would have the same trouble with a rectilinear lens as
with the single lens, unless the camera is provided with a swing
back. Hold the camera perfectly level, and the lines of the
building photographed will not converge or diverge. It would not
pay to have a tiny camera like the pocket kodak fitted with a
rectilinear lens.

CHARLES BOYDEN, JUN., asks if solio-paper and toning solution may
be bought at a photographer's. It is best to get your photographic
materials from a dealer in photographic supplies, not at a
photographer's, though a photographer would probably supply an
amateur with paper and toning solution as an accommodation.

ARTHUR S. DUDLEY asks what is the best developer for portraits, and
which for landscapes; if a combined or separate toning bath should
be used; how many times it is necessary to wash a toned print; and
a cheap way to get a gloss on a photograph. Use any good formula
for developer. Eikonogen and hydrochinon developer is a very
satisfactory developer. The separate bath is preferred by most
photographers. Wash prints for an hour in running water, or change
the water eight or ten times at intervals of five minutes. See No.
889, answer E. Magsameu for directions for burnishing.

ERNEST SALISBURY asks why pictures made on solio-paper and toned
with Eureka toning solution are of a light brown. The print sent in
letter looks as if it had not been left long enough in the toning
bath. The color of the print is the tone which it assumes when
first placed in the bath. Try toning the print longer; prints do
not tone as quickly in cold weather as they do in warm. If this
does not work, then the toning bath is at fault. The reason why the
sky is the same color as the rest of the picture is that, it being
a snow scene, the snow impressed its image on the plate as quickly
as the sky. The best time to make snow pictures is in the early
morning or late in the afternoon.

MURRAY MARBLE encloses a print of the Capitol at Washington, and
asks what causes the blur at the top of the picture. Judging from
the print, the blur is caused in the developing. The solution did
not cover the film when it was placed in it, and the place where
the blur appears is not sufficiently developed.

EVARTS A. GRAHAM asks what can be done with old plates; and wishes
a good formula for silver prints and sensitizing paper for silver
prints. See Nos. 857 and 886 for some uses for spoiled plates. See
Nos. 796 and 803 for directions for making plain silver prints.

JOHN F. REGAN wishes the copy of the constitution of some good
camera club. Will Arthur F. Atkinson, of Sacramento, Cal., please
send a copy of the Niepce Chapter's constitution to this member?
His address is 418 North Centre St., Terre Haute, Ind.

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HARPER'S ROUND TABLE

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* * * * *

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FOR 1897. 50 Sample Styles AND LIST OF 400 PREMIUM ARTICLES FREE. HAVERFIELD PUB CO., CADIZ, OHIO

"Come, little boy," his grandma said,
"Upon this chair you'll sit,
And hold the worsted in your hands,
And help your grandma knit."

"Oh, yes," the little boy replied,
And smiled a little bit;
"There's nothing I like more to do
Than help my grandma,--nit!"

* * * * *

A CONCLUSION.

"My grandfather is ninety years old, and he hasn't got a gray hair on his head," said Mollie.

"Mercy!" cried Bella. "He must be awful bald!"

* * * * *

A DELICIOUS IDEA.

Mr. Hawkins had just returned from the North, and had described some of the ice-boating he had seen to Frankie.

"It must be fun!" said Frankie, enthusiastically.

"It is great fun," said his father.

"I say, daddy," said Frankie, "it's a pity the ocean never freezes, isn't it? Wouldn't it be fine to put an ocean steamer on skates and see it scoot over?"

* * * * *

NOT ENCOURAGED.

"I suppose you boys at school are playing games about all the time, aren't you?" asked the visitor.

"Pretty nearly," replied Jack. "We know pretty nearly all of 'em."

"I suppose you are a champion?"

"I am at most of 'em. I don't get much chance at hookey, though," said Jack.

* * * * *

A SMALL BOY'S REFLECTION.

"Didn't George Washington ever tell a lie, mamma?"

"They say not, my son."

"Don't they tell awful fibs about public men, mamma?"

* * * * *

THE TEST.

"Do you expect to go to college, Warren?"

"Yes, sir."

"And which one, my lad?"

"Well, I don't know yet. I think Yale; but before I'm ready to go, Harvard may brace up and win something."

* * * * *

A PUZZLING TRANSACTION.

It happened in this wise: The two gentlemen were Irish, and, as every one knows, the sons of that nationality are excitable. Up to a certain time they had lived as peaceful neighbors should, but when Mr. O'Farrel's cow had her career cut short in a summary fashion by being smothered under a load of hay that lost its balance and toppled off from Mr. McSway's wagon, why, it necessarily followed that the Celtic blood warmed with anger in Mr. O'Farrel's veins, and, in no genial mood, he sought his hitherto pleasant neighbor, and demanded compensation for the loss.

"Sure, now, that is a sad misfortune," commented Mr. McSway; "and how much do ye want me to pay for the cow?"

"Oi want tin dollars, and oi want it roight now."

"Faith, you're er bit loively, Mr. O'Farrel. But didn't oi understand that yez sold the cow's hide an' tallow down ter the village? How much did yez get for the baste?"

"Yis, oi did, an' oi got tin dollars an' fifty cints for it, Mr. McSway."

"Well, then, accordin' to that, yez owe me fifty cints; so pay it _roight now_, if you plaze, Mr. O'Farrel."

Probably it will not astonish the reader to know that before the excited and very much muddled O'Farrel recovered himself he paid the fifty cents; but even to this day he has failed to satisfy himself whether he owed the money to McSway or not.

* * * * *

A LIKELY STATEMENT.

"I guess I know why they never speak of George Washington as Washington the Great," observed Polly. "It's because there wasn't never any other Washington to compare him with."

* * * * *

A RECORD.

"How are you doing in your athletics, Wilbur?"

"Pretty good. Went a hundred yards in seven seconds yesterday."

"What?"

"Truth--honest. On my sled."

* * * * *

A SMALL BOY'S NOTION.

I'm mighty glad I'm not a girl,
With all their folderols!
Just think--they cannot help 'emselves--
They can't _help_ liking dolls!

* * * * *

PHYSIOLOGY AND HYGIENE.

"We've got a new study in our school," said Harry. "It's called fizzleology and--ah--fizzleology and--"

"Hygiene?" said his father, trying to help him along.

"That's it," said Harry. "Fizzleology and high-jinks."

* * * * *

NO DOUBT EARNED.

"I've been promoted," observed Bobbie Hicks, with a sly wink at his chum. "I used to be Captain of our soldier company, but now I'm a General."

"Indeed? And who promoted you?"

"The neighbors. They said I was getting to be a general nuisance."

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, February 23, 1897, by Various