Chapter V (2)

"In one of the small towns I bought some limes, and gave the girl one dollar in payment. By way of change, she returned me forty-nine pieces of soap the size of a small biscuit. I looked at her in astonishment, and she returned my look with equal surprise, when a police officer, who had witnessed the incident, hastened to inform me that for small sums soap was legal tender in many portions of the country.

"I examined my change, and found that each cake was stamped with the name of a town and of a manufacture authorized by the government. The cakes of soap were worth three farthings each. Afterwards, in my travel, I frequently received similar change. Many of the cakes showed signs of having been in the wash-tub; but that I discovered was not at all uncommon. Provided the stamp was not obliterated, the soap did not lose any value as currency. Occasionally a man would borrow a cake of a friend, wash his hands, and return it with thanks. I made use of my pieces more than once in my bath, and subsequently spent them."

In looking over the programmes of the different scholastic athletic associations, I find that the Connecticut High-School A.A. is about the only one which has the same list of events as that approved by the I.C.A.A.A. It also uses the same system of scoring--5, 2, and 1--whereas most of the other interscholastic associations award three points to the winner of second place. This, however, is a different question, and one that I hope to treat of later. One thing at a time; and if we can get the card straightened out by next spring I shall be satisfied. If I can persuade all the executive committees to adopt the list of events in use by the colleges I shall consider that this Department has done some good, and has accomplished at least one valuable thing in its own sphere of usefulness. I am optimistic enough to believe that a year from now every association will have adopted the uniform schedule.

The Connecticut Association at one time had the standing high and broad jumps as well as the running high kick on their card; but when Yale offered a silver cup for competition among the schools in 1891, one of the conditions attached to the gift was that the programme must be made to correspond with the inter-collegiate schedule. To the New Haven college, therefore, is largely due the credit for the Connecticut H.-S.A.A.'s present emancipation from acrobatics. The events on their card, like those of the I.C.A.A.A., comprise the 100 and 220-yard dashes; the quarter, the half, and the mile runs; the mile walk; the 120-yard hurdle race over 3 ft. 6 in. hurdles, and the 220-yard hurdle race over 2 ft. 6 in. hurdles; the 2-mile bicycle race; the pole vault; the running high and broad jumps; the shot and hammer, both of sixteen pounds.

It is only natural that a university or college association which takes an active interest in the sports of its preparatory schools should wish to have the athletes who are making ready to enter its ranks familiar with the events on the inter-collegiate card. We all know very well that, no matter how great the college-man's interest may be in sport, as such, he is not going to waste his time and money and energy in training and encouraging young men who do not expect to go to college, or who practise high kicking and standing jumps, or other feats of which he takes no notice. He very justly argues that there are enough young athletes in the country, who want to do what he does, for him to give all his attention to them. Therefore if school associations want the colleges to take a lively interest in their efforts, to send them trainers, and to offer them cups, I would advise them to work along the lines that college athletes have found most suitable for their purposes, and to let other matters alone. No one to whom I have spoken of this matter so far has disagreed with me. If any readers of this Department have any arguments for the other side, I am sure we shall all be glad to hear them.

IOWA STATE HIGH-SCHOOL ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION GAMES, MUSCATINE, MAY 25, 1895.

Event. Winner--5 points. Performance.

50-yard dash Horsburgh, T. 5-3/5 sec.
100-yard dash Holbrook, T. 11 "
120-yard hurdle Holbrook, T. 20-1/3 "
Mile run Morland, T. 5 m. 18 "
Half-mile bicycle Cole, C. 1 " 16 "
Half-mile run Demorest, M. 2 " 19 "
Half-mile walk Brunn, M. 4 " 12 "
220-yard hurdle Holbrook, T. 28-4/5 "
440-yard dash Demorest, M. 55-2/5 "
220-yard dash Holbrook, T. 24-4/5 "
Standing high kick Flournoy, C. 7 ft. 6 in.
Running high jump Flournoy, C. 5 " 3 "
Running hop, step, and jump Booth, I. C. 39 " 3 "
Baseball throw Halinan, C. 314 "
Putting 12-lb. shot Keister, C. 38 " 3 "
Standing broad jump Flournoy, C. 9 " 9-3/4 "
Pole-vault Flournoy, C. 9 " 3 "

Event. 2d--3 points. 3d--1 point.

50-yard dash Bannister, C. Holbrook, T.
100-yard dash Booth, I. C. Dean, M.
120-yard hurdle Horsburgh, T.
Mile run C. Hanley, M. J. Hanley, M.
Half-mile bicycle Riggs, I. C. Mahin, M.
Half-mile run Swisher, I. C. Morland, T.
Half-mile walk Reed, T.
220-yard hurdle Conger, C. Freeman, I. C.
440-yard dash Hertz, I. C. Bannister, C.
220-yard dash Dean, M. Bannister, C.
Standing high kick Brunn, M. Leefers, T.
Running high jump Booth, I. C. Horton, M.
Running hop, step, and jump Freeman, I. C. Horton, M.
Baseball throw Conger, C. Dean, M.
Putting 12-lb. shot Holmes, C. Holbrook, T.
Standing broad jump Holbrook, T. Lackmond, C.
Pole-vault Booth, I. C. Freeman, I. C.

Points Made.

Clinton 50
Tipton 43
Muscatine 30
Iowa City 28
---
Total 151

Tipton, T. Clinton, C. Muscatine, M. Iowa City, I. C.

A very good example of what might justly be called a "freak" programme is that of the Iowa State High-School Athletic Association. Their field day was held at Muscatine on May 25th last, and I insert a table showing the results of the games more as an interesting curiosity than as a valuable contribution toward athletic records. Of the seventeen events on the card, only nine appear on the I.C.A.A.A. schedule, and one of these--the 12-lb. shot--ought to be left out. If the hurdles are undersized, then the Iowans have really only six numbers on their list that would admit them to competition with the Interscholastic Association of the United States, which we hope to see in full-fledged running order next spring. Iowa has a claim to recognition in athletics, her university having sent to the Mott Haven games this year the fastest sprinter that has entered for many a year. Let me therefore urge the younger athletes to train themselves for events that they can achieve renown in rather than to waste their time in high kicking. Crum would have received scant attention at Mott Haven even if he could have hopped, stepped, and jumped from one end of the Oval to the other.

Champions of the Iowa State High-School Athletic Association.]

Four schools were represented on the Fair Grounds at Muscatine, and Clinton H.-S. took the cup with 50 points. The Clinton team consisted of fourteen boys only, and as they have trained themselves without any assistance from older athletes, their performances are creditable. While it is true that none of them as yet threaten the Interscholastic records, it must be remembered that our Eastern schools have been in athletics many years longer than the Iowans, and enjoy far greater advantages from trainers and coaches than can be had in the West. In a very few years, however, matters will no longer be thus, and I confidently look to see several of these records held beyond the Mississippi. My young friends on the Pacific coast are going to raise a few of the marks too. Look out for them!

If the plan now proposed in the middle West can be carried out, we shall see next year an Interscholastic Association composed of the principal schools of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. This organization will be a powerful one, and its meetings, where the entries will be restricted to the firsts and seconds of the State contests, ought to be productive of good records. Such competition cannot fail to elevate sport in that section, and then the East will have to look to its laurels.

At a meeting of the schools represented in the Senior and Junior football leagues, held in Boston early last May, some good changes were made in the manner of running things, and several excellent rules were adopted. The constitution now governs both leagues, which are united under the single title of "The Interscholastic Football Association"--of New England, I suppose. Henceforth the president of the association will practically be elected by goals and touch-downs, because the office goes to the Captain of the winning eleven of the Senior League. The vice-president is similarly chosen, the office going to the Captain of the champion team of the Junior League. There are to be graduates on the executive committee, which is perfectly proper, but that these should be chosen from one college alone is unwise and unfair. The new scheme is to have the executive committee consist of the Captain of the Harvard football team, three undergraduates of the schools in the league, with the president _ex officio_, and two graduates of Harvard.

The objection I make to this arrangement is that it is hardly right to look upon the Interscholastic Football Association as a feeder for Harvard alone. It is probably true that Harvard has done more for football in the Boston schools than has any other college, and even more than any other college ever will do; but still men do go from Boston schools to other places than Cambridge, and these men might feel that there is a little too much crimson ink on those regulations. It would be better to have it set down in the constitution that certain members of the committee shall be graduates of the schools that are members of the leagues (college graduates, too, if you like, and even ex-members of 'varsity teams, if practical football knowledge is wanted), but let the eligibility to committee membership depend upon the candidate's school relations rather than upon his college connection. It might happen some year, or for several years in succession, that the football men of the Boston schools would go to Tufts College or to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Then both those institutions would feel that their interest in the welfare of the Interscholastic League entitled them to an eye in its supervision. I remember that in 1888, the year the Interscholastic League was formed by Harvard to train players for the Cambridge eleven, several of the best players of one of the strongest teams went to Yale.

The teams in the Senior League are now limited to six, and before the series of games begins in the fall each school must hand in its list of players for the year. It is also required that each player shall have at least twelve hours a week at his school, and be not over twenty-one years of age. The Seniors get considerable advantage over the Juniors in the matter of voting, they being allowed two votes to the latter's single ballot.

It is almost impossible to avoid typographical errors, especially in matter consisting largely of numerals, like the tabulated records so frequently printed in this Department. I remember once of a publisher in London who made up his mind to publish a book that should have no typographical errors whatever. He had his proofs corrected by his own proof-readers, until they all assured him that there were no longer any errors in the text. Then he sent proofs to the universities and to other publishing houses offering a prize of several pounds sterling in cash for every typographical mistake that could be found. Hundreds of proofs were sent out in this way, and many skilled proof-readers examined the pages in the hope of earning a prize. A few errors were discovered. Then all the proof-sheets having been heard from, the publisher felt assured that his book would appear before the public an absolutely perfect piece of composition. He had the plates cast, the edition printed and bound between expensive covers--because as a perfect specimen of the printers' art it was of course unique in literature, and exceedingly valuable to bibliophiles. The edition sold well and was spread all over the country. The publisher was very much pleased with himself for having done something that had hitherto been considered an impossibility. Then his pride had a fall, for six or eight months later he received a letter calling his attention to an error in a certain line on a certain page. Then came another letter announcing the discovery of a second error in this perfect book. I believe before the year was up four or five mistakes were found.

This only goes to show that, even with the greatest care, absolute perfection is impossible. The next best thing, therefore, is to correct unavoidable errors as soon as they are discovered. This Department depends hugely upon its readers to find its occasional slips, and I shall take great pleasure in calling attention to the misprints as soon as I know of them. There are many who preserve the ROUND TABLE and depend upon the accuracy of the figures given for reference in the future. They can make their tables absolutely true by noting in ink on the margin of the pages any corrections given here later. The errors I have discovered thus far follow:

Hackett's time in the mile walk, shown in the table on page 538, should be 7 min. 46-2/5 sec., instead of 7 min. 4-2/5 sec. On page 537, Meehan's time at the end of the first lap in the half-mile run should have been given as 61 sec., not as 60. In the table of the Connecticut H.-S.A.A. games printed on page 634, Beck's shot-put is given as 36 ft. 8-1/2 in. His actual performance was 37 ft. 8-1/2 inches. At the dual games between the Hillhouse High-School and the Boardman Manual Training-school of New Haven, Beck made a put of 39 ft. 5 in. This would therefore correct his interscholastic record in the table on page 706, where it shows 39 ft. 3 in. The order of the finish in the bicycle race at the Connecticut H.-S.A.A. games was Baker, Steele, Rutz. This is stated correctly in the table, but not in the text.

A few years ago, long before photography had reached the stage of accuracy which we now enjoy, instantaneous photographs were made of a horse in action, and it was shown that the old conception of a galloping steed with four feet off the ground, the animal posed very much like a Roman arch, was absolutely erroneous. The actual position of a moving horse was shown to be entirely different and somewhat peculiar. Motion is so swift that our eyes cannot keep up with it--cannot even catch one of its elements. Thus we get a very imperfect idea of moving objects that we look at, and not until photographs come to our assistance do we really know just what we have seen.

What the readers of this Department are presumably most interested in just now is sport, and more particularly that sport participated in by their schoolmates, and by young athletes of their own age in other schools. Each individual, no doubt, has his own favorite branch of athletics, and he naturally strives to reach as great a degree of perfection as he is capable of in that special kind of work. It is not always easy to succeed in becoming perfect. Books and descriptive articles are valuable, but they must lack a great deal. The next best thing to actual physical demonstration, therefore, will be a series of instantaneous photographs that show each element of an athletic performance from the beginning of the action until the end. This Department will endeavor from time to time to offer these series of elements to its readers, and will begin next week by showing just how the high jump is performed. The photographs that will accompany the text show how each motion of the jump is made, where the jumper is, and how he looks during the entire transit over the bar.

THE GRADUATE.

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.

I have a number of inquiries every week regarding water-marks in stamps, especially since the U.S. has begun the practice. Many governments have used this method as a prevention to counterfeiting. The water-mark is made in the paper while in process of manufacture. When the paper pulp is somewhat solidified, a roller is run over it under pressure. This roller has on the outside a pattern made in brass or copper, and as it passes over the wet sheet it thins the paper wherever the pattern has pressed it. If well done, the water-mark can be seen by looking through the paper. If poorly done, the water-mark can be seen indistinctly. Philatelists look for indistinct water-marks by placing the stamp face downward on a piece of black paper, or japanned iron, and then apply pure benzine to the back of the stamp with a camel's-hair brush. This method reveals water-marks better than any other. Formerly most paper had a water-mark, but as a rule to-day it is used on fine qualities of writing-paper only.

England and her colonies have used water-marks in stamps since 1854. In that year the Small Crown was used for 1d. red and 2d. blue. The V. R. was used on the 6d. violet issued in the same year. In 1855 the Garter was used for the 4d. in three sizes known as the "Large, Medium, and Small Garters." To give an idea of the difference in value according to water-marks I quote from a late catalogue:

Unused. Used.

Small garter, 4d. on bluish paper, $75.00 $1.25
" " 4d. " white " 100.00 2.50
Medium " 4d. " " " 60.00 1.00
" " 4d. " bluish " 75.00 2.00
Large " 4d. " white " 1.75 .08

In 1856 the "Large Crown" and the "Heraldic Emblems," or "Four Flowers," were used on the 1d., 1-1/2d., 2d., 3d., 6d., 9d., and 1s. stamps.

Eleven years later the "Spray of Rose" was used on all stamps from 3d. to 2s. The "Anchor" was used on the 2-1/2d. in 1875, and the "Orb" on the same stamp five years later. The "Maltese Cross" was used on the 10s. and L1 in 1878. This completes the water-marks on English Stamps, with the exception of 1/2d. stamp, which was printed on sheets marked "half-penny."

J. HALL.--All U. S. stamps since 1857 should have been perforated.
Any unperforated U.S. stamps since then are the results of
accident, and should not be catalogued. They are "freaks." Proofs
are not perforated, and can be distinguished from stamps by their
having been printed on card-board or India paper.

A. P.--I should like to follow your suggestion and give a list of
all the new issues if space permitted.

A. LORDELL.--There are three varieties of the current 2c. U. S.
with the triangle more or less different, Types I., II., and III.

B. K. H.--I strongly advise you not to buy the Chinese local
stamps. They are simply philatelic trash, and will probably be
worth less money ten years from now than they cost to-day. Buy
good stamps from a responsible dealer. As a rule the higher the
value the more likely to increase in the future. This applies to
all but the first-class rarities now worth from $50 apiece upward.

W. F. BROWN.--No addresses of dealers can be given in this column.
I believe the dealers have a full supply of all the Columbian
stamps, except the $1 and $2, which are sold for $7 and $4
respectively. There is no 7c. Columbian stamp.

M. S. C.--The coin dealers sell the 1803 cent for 10 cents. The
English coins mentioned are all common.

L. V. BLISS.--Thanks for your suggestion. I would adopt the same
at once, but the postal laws do not permit the printing of any
illustration of a U.S. stamp, or even part of such and the absence
of illustrations would make such articles uninteresting and very
difficult to understand.

H. CROSSMAN.--England 1840 1d. black, 2d. blue.

RAY B. BAKER.--The Cape of Good Hope, 1861, 1d. red is worth 60
cents, the wood-black, $15, the wood-black error, same issue,
$250. The 1/2d, 1871 is sold for 6 cents. $1, $2, and $5
Columbian, $7, $4, $5.50 respectively.

O. A. P.--It is not a coin, and is worth nothing.

HELEN O. KAUPER.--The 90c. orange, 1890, is sold by dealers for
$1.50 unused, 75 cents used. The coins are worth face value only.

B. W. LEAVITT.--A 2c. stamp should always be enclosed with a
letter of inquiry.

C. MCQUEEN.--The values of all the Columbians are about the same
as six months ago, except that the $1 has advanced to about $6 in
value, and the $2 is hard to get at less than $4.

H. H. BOWMAN.--The 3c. 1861 mentioned by you is the regular rose
issue, but oxidized by time. All red stamps with cochineal are
subject to oxidization from dampness, sulphur fumes, etc.

H. C. DURAR.--I congratulate you on your discovery of a rare
local.

J. B. DAGGETT.--There are three varieties of the 1803 cent. The
small circle is sold for 10c., the large circle for 40c., the
1-100 and 1-1000 for 35c. The Kossuth medal has no value.

W. S. FOWLER.--The first postage-stamp ever made was the 1 p.
black of 1840. It is sold for 8c. The 1 p. red was used from 1841
to 1880. There are many minor varieties, some of which are rare.

E. P. NOYES.--The silver dollar does not command a premium.

J. S. GREEN.--No premium on the eagle cent. The Dutch penny has no
value in the U. S.

W. H. KERR.--The two Siam provisionals, 1 att on 64 atts and 2
atts on 64 atts, are worth 10c. or 15c. each. The other stamp is a
"sick-fund" stamp from Germany.

C. C. PERPALL.--The difference in the stamps is caused by
imperfect printing.

ASH.--The $3 gold pieces do not command any premium. The dates
given are the common dates.

M. C. W.--The two stamps are revenue stamps from Bosnia. They
cannot be used in payment of postage. Embossing was described in
the last number of the Round Table. Stamps vary in value from year
to year, and even month to month. Generally there is an increase
year by year, but in a few instances they decrease in value. No
catalogue can fix prices, and the same issue may be cheap or dear,
according to the condition of the individual stamp.

PHILATUS.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Highest of all in Leavening Power.--Latest U. S. Gov't Report.

HARPER'S NEW CATALOGUE,

Thoroughly revised, classified, and indexed, will be sent by mail to any address on receipt of ten cents.

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 last stage of the run from New York to Philadelphia is given in this week's map. The distance is thirty-one miles, and the road, good in the main, is greatly helped by being generally a little down grade. On leaving Trenton by Warren Street the rider will soon come to the Delaware River, which he should cross by the Warren Street Bridge. He then runs into Morrisville on the other side. Immediately after crossing, turn left to the Bristol turnpike, and on reaching this turn to the right into it. The run is direct then to Tullytown and thence to Bristol. Between Tullytown and Bristol the run is along the river, and at times the road is quite good, especially if rain has not made the reddish-yellow earth soggy and muddy. For a good deal of the distance from Trenton to Bristol--a distance of nine miles or more--you will do well to take the side path, which here, as elsewhere over such generally level country as New Jersey and this part of Pennsylvania, is likely to be good.

From Bristol turn to the right at the hotel and run on to the cemetery, where you should take the left fork, which will carry you direct to Frankford-on-Pike, a distance of fifteen miles. From here the run to the outskirts of Philadelphia is but two miles. On this run from Bristol you pass by Bridgewater, Eddington, Holmesburg, near Tacony, and into Frankford, and there is but one hill of any note, which is just before entering Holmesburg. Indeed, this is not a bad hill compared with some of the Western Massachusetts hills, and some of those on the New York-Albany route. Entering Philadelphia you run along Lehigh Avenue, until reaching Broad Street, where you turn left into the latter, and run on to the public buildings in the centre of the city.

Philadelphia is a magnificent city for bicyclists, and we propose next week to give a map of all the asphalted and macadamized streets within the city limits, which in the coming weeks will be followed by short routes in the vicinity. The New York-Philadelphia run is a capital one, and can be made if the trip is taken at easy stages, as we have described it, by any one who can ride a wheel. Many women could do it without difficulty, and it has the added advantage of being part of the way on the great New York-Washington run. So that if you arrive at Philadelphia, and want a little longer journey, especially if it is in the fall of the year, and Washington is in full feather, there is a fine opportunity for a good long trip of easy stages to Washington and return to New York. Inquiries are constantly being made to the Department regarding trips, and the best roads from one town or city to another. Partly because of the absolute inadequacy of space, and partly because maps of many of these routes could not be judiciously published, we have been unable to answer these questions. A general suggestion can be made, however, in regard to this matter. If you join the L.A.W. Division in the State where you reside, you pay $2, and receive a copy of the road book of that State, if one has been issued, besides maps showing the best bicycle roads. These are sent you free of charge. You can procure road books of other States by writing to the Secretary of the L.A.W. Division for the State of ----, naming the particular State in question. These will cost from $1 to $2 each. Using these there will be no difficulty in laying out the best roads between almost any two points you desire.

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.

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

Going to the country? City girls think as much of their summers among green fields as country girls do of coming to town, and one can say no more than that.

School is over, and the lessons done with for the present, and now you may enjoy the sense of freedom from rules, which is one of the really charming things in a vacation. If I were you, though, I would not spend all the summer weeks without learning something, either about Nature and her wonders, or else about housekeeping and sewing.

At Aunty's in the mountains help is hard to get, and Aunty and her daughters make their own beds, and do much of the housework outside of the kitchen. Do you know how to make a bed? It looks very easy, yet there is an art in doing it well.

In the first place you must thoroughly air your bed every day. Pull the bed-clothes apart, set the mattress on end, if it is in two pieces so that you can manage it, and open the windows widely. Leave bed and bedding this way, exposed to air and sunlight, for at least an hour. Then spread your under sheet smoothly on the mattress, tucking it well in at the top. Similarly tuck the upper sheet in with great care at the bottom of the bed, so that it will not work loose and leave the feet of a restless sleeper exposed. Be sure in laying on your blankets that the open end of them is at the top of the bed. A person often requires a second thickness of blanket before morning, and can arrange it as she wishes if the closed end of the blanket is at the bottom of the bed.

Now comes your dainty upper spread, to be folded up and laid aside at night, your bolster, and your pillows. I would enjoy sleeping in a bed made by one of my girls if she followed these directions.

Of course you are going to begin making your Christmas presents this summer. The beautiful centre-pieces, doilies, and other bits of embroidery which you intend to send here and there to dear friends must be planned for and finished, from the first careful stitch to the last, during your summer leisure. A set of towels or handkerchiefs with a monogram in the corner of each will delight mamma, and Arthur will be very much pleased if his sister makes a cover for his mantel or his chiffonier. It will be well to select your materials and take them in your trunk, and then set apart a definite part of each day for your work.

Some of you belong to the Needle-work Guild, and are pledged to send a certain number of finished garments to the headquarters of the society in the autumn. You must make these little garments, slips, petticoats, aprons, or whatever they may be, with the utmost nicety. Let only loving, careful stitches go into your work for the poor.

Last summer a beautiful girl from town found part of her pleasure in teaching some little children in a sea-side village how to sew. Her little class came to her vine-shaded veranda every week, and there she showed them how to hem and over-hand and fell and back-stitch, and when work was over she gave them a little treat of candy and fruit. Do you suppose they forgot her when the long winter came, and don't you think they are hoping to see her again this summer?

Will you all take notice that if you wish letters answered in this column you must send them a fortnight in advance of the occasion? It is impossible for me to answer in "next week's paper" an inquiry which comes to me on the Saturday or Monday just before an issue. Please give yourselves and me a little longer time.

A READY ANSWER.

The poorer classes among the Maltese have a ready wit, if the story told by a returned traveller is true. An English officer stationed at Malta, failing to make a Maltese understand what he meant, called the poor man "a fool." Understanding this much, the man, who had travelled about a good deal, though he did not understand English, replied by asking, "Do you speak Maltese?" "No." "Do you speak Arabic?" "No." "Do you speak Greek?" "No." "Do you speak Italian?" "No." "Then if I be one fool, you be four fools."

* * * * *

A POUND OF FACTS

is worth oceans of theories. More infants are successfully raised on the Gail Borden Eagle Brand Condensed Milk than upon any other food. _Infant Health_ is a valuable pamphlet for mothers. Send your address to N. Y. Condensed Milk Co., N. Y.--[_Adv._]

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Arnold

Constable & Co.

* * * * *

Chudda Shawls

IN TAN SHADES,

from 75c. to 3.50 each.

Less than half price.

* * * * *

Broadway & 19th st.

NEW YORK.

Columbia

Bicycle

advertising has for months been conspicuous by its absence. 1895 Columbias at $100--finest, easiest-running bicycles ever produced at any price--have been doing their own advertising.

For the first time this year we can assure reasonably prompt delivery of regularly equipped Columbias and Hartfords.

You See Them Everywhere

* * * * *

Pope Manufacturing Co.

General Offices and Factories, Hartford, Conn.

BRANCH STORES: Boston, New York, Chicago, Providence, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Brooklyn, Baltimore, Washington, San Francisco.

Postage Stamps, &c.

100 all dif. Venezuela, Costa Rica, etc., only 10c.: 200 all dif. Hayti, Hawaii, etc., only 50c. Ag'ts wanted at 50 per ct. com. List FREE!

=C. A. Stegmann=, 2722 Eads Av., St. Louis, Mo.

=100= all different, China, etc., 10c.; 5 Saxony, 10c.; 40 Spain, 40c.; 6 Tunis, 14c.; 10 U. S. Revenues, 10c. Agts. wtd., 50% com.; '95 list free.

CRITTENDEN & BORGMAN CO., Detroit, Mich.

Commit to Memory.

In Germany the children in the schools Commit to Memory the words they are accustomed to sing; and they are seldom at a loss for Music anywhere; especially when great numbers are assembled do they sing together, in mighty chorus, the songs and hymns of the Fatherland without reference to a book "for the words." This is a grand result coming out of the Schools. In America too much time is occupied in teaching, not enough in learning, and, as a result, when we want to sing--perhaps only the National Hymn--"nobody knows the words." Let it be regarded an essential part of School work, daily or weekly, for Teacher and pupil to Commit to Memory some good thing in Prose or Verse.

The Franklin Square Song Collection comprises Eight Numbers, which may be had bound separately or in different styles. These numbers may also be had in two volumes at $3.00 each. For full list of contents, sixteen hundred songs and hymns, alphabetically arranged, address

Harper & Brothers, New York.

Something New In Puzzles.

Here is something quite new in puzzles. There is contained in the following story a four-line verse from one of Alice Cary's most familiar poems. The first two lines contain seven words, the third line six, and the last, eight. Every other line rhymes. The verse's subject is a moral one--about right living. It is not concealed in any way. It is not made up of parts of words, nor of letters omitted, or words misspelled. But it is there--openly and plainly there. Who can find it?

The author of this puzzle is Miss Mamie Denton, who lives in Grand Rapids, Mich. No prizes are offered for finding this verse, but we hope you will try to find it. We will print it in a week or two. The following is the puzzle:

This is the true story, dear aunt Ruth and Ulyses, of my trip to Europe. We started October twenty-fifth, from Rockport, Texas. How many days we were upon the water I cannot tell, as Sarah, my sister, was very ill on the way, and I devoted myself constantly to her. Nevertheless we at last arrived at our destination, which was Brussels, where Eva Irving was awaiting us. Near our hotel was a shop owned by Gustav Narheisen, whose sign bore this--'Oysters To Sell.'

Every member of the family appeared in the window as our carriage stopped at the hotel, but auntie explained to us that their neighbors were particular friends of hers, and it was out of compliment to us that they were watching our advent so eagerly. Eleven heads we counted before we entered our hotel, the Meisterschaft, where we ate a hearty supper, and I retired at once.

Next day Gustav called, bringing his wife, Irene, and his two daughters, Nerissa and Dorcas. Our first impression, I must say, was not favorable; but Nerissa was really a beautiful girl. Genuine worth, however, cannot long conceal itself, and we were not slow to discover the noble qualities of Eva's friends. Auntie took us out next day. Coming home, we found auntie's maid packing her trunk, and learned that we were to start for Havre that afternoon. Delighted at the thought of new scenes were we. After discussion we decided to go by an overland route as far as the river Yonne, down which we sailed until we reached the mouth. Then from there we sailed to Havre.

As we were tired out we were glad to rest at the Thiers house. Going out next day, we met an old friend, Olive Easton, who had married and settled in a small village on the Seine, near Beauveau. Yet we were glad to leave this lively seaport town behind us and sail up the Seine again. Our destination this time was Marseilles. Entering it, we purchased a copy of the _Literary Idler_. This we hastened to peruse, reading very eagerly the news from Toulon and Tameraque. Lest inquiries should be made respecting this paper, let me say that it is one of the few English papers published in foreign cities.

Gustav sent us a letter containing an invitation to the wedding of his daughter Olivia, which was to take place in October, and as this was December, he thought that we might be there in time. Nerissa also sent us a note, telling us in confidence that her marriage was to follow Olivia's, as soon as her Theodore was able to provide a cozy home for her. I was anxious to attend the wedding.

Next morning while poring over a copy of _Dreams_, with Raphael, the hotel cat, curled up in my lap, Eva entered and announced that an old friend of ours from Austin was in Marseilles and would call upon us the next afternoon. I was in a flutter of joy, and forgetting my book, ran away to tell my sister of the good news. Nothing ever ruffled my sister's composure, but the light in her eyes told that she would be glad to see George Ogden. Five years ago we three played together as children, George always treating my sister with admiring deference, but finding fault with me whenever opportunity offered.

Ruby Eliot had written to us that her cousin from Austin was wintering in Toulon, but we had not thought of meeting him here. The next afternoon our maid Harriette was nearly crazed by the demands made upon her time and taste. I gave up in despair, and confined myself to looking like a fright in a dark red silk. Not so with my sister, who was perfectly exquisite in a dove-colored silk and white lace. George called at half past four, and, of course, gave all his attention to Sarah.

The sequel to this story cannot be written, but those two were only friends, after all, and some people admire elves in red dresses more than saints in gray. Our next move was cross country by rail, and after many days sailing through bays, channels, and straits we landed at Dover, where we remained until October, when we crossed the strait to Brussels, arriving in time for the double wedding.

Yesterday something happened to convince me that there was no place like Austin in which to spend the rest of my days. Now as we are about to return to our native country a slight feeling of disappointment will arise that Dover was the only city in Britain visited by us. Yet how glad we shall all be to return to our native land.

Seeing the "Defender's" Launching.

I really wish I had had every member of the Round Table that is
interested in boats with me on Saturday, June 29th. On that
memorable day I went with a party of friends on board of a
sloop-yacht to witness the launching of the _Defender_. We left
Warren about 9.30 A.M. We dropped anchor in Bristol Harbor just in
time, for about five minutes later the big boat glided down the
ways amid the banging of guns and the shrill whistles from the
numerous steamboats. The only thing to mar the occasion was that
the launching was not as successful as expected, for the boat
stuck on the ways and was not floated till two days later.

As soon as the launching was over, I looked around to see what
yachts were in the harbor. At our left was the _Colonia_, the
practice boat for the crew of the _Defender_, consisting of
thirty-three men. Among the other yachts were the Valiant, the
handsome _Conqueror_ of F. W. Vanderbilt, the _Shearwater_,
_Sakonnet_, and many, many others. The harbor, indeed, presented a
beautiful picture from the shore. After lunch, my chum and myself
went in one of the row-boats up near the cup-defender, thus
getting a finer view of it than ever.

Souvenirs have been floating around Bristol and vicinity for a
month in the shape of aluminum rings; but other souvenirs were
sold on the launching-day. Some were stick-pins made from the
bronze of the rudder-post. About 3.30 a stiff breeze set in, and
many of the yachts took advantage of it and started out on a spin.
When we got back to our yacht the waves were dancing merrily about
its bow, much to our delight.

When we got "under way" and fairly flew out of the harbor, the
crew of the _Colonia_ took off their caps and waved to us (Captain
"Hank Huff" also), and it is needless to say the salute was
returned, and kept up for at least three minutes. With our
spinnaker "set" we just skimmed homeward, reaching Warren in an
hour. The spray came over the boat as we sped along. For my part,
I got an extra coat of tan. I should like to know if any other
members of the Table were at the launching.

LUISE DE ALCAZAR, R. T. L.
WARREN, R. I.

Questions and Answers.

Ida Fitzpatrick: We believe there is no active Chapter in Hempstead now. J. C. Failing: There is no active mineral Chapter. Can't we have one in Oregon? All Chapters interested in minerals also collect stones, flowers, etc. Noah Roark: It is likely that we shall have some attractive offers to make to members in September. Watch for them. They are not quite ready now. Will Frances A. Rice send her address, that we may return some stamps?

We have to thank Katherine Warren for her morsel about Bermuda. We fear, however, we shall not have space for it. Does any member know of a rule, condition, or whatever it might be called, regarding the title of the Emperor of Germany, or German Emperor--one that was fixed at the time William I. was proclaimed at Versailles? The question is whether "German Emperor" is the correct title, or "Emperor of Germany," and why? Who knows about it?

* * * * *

Tom S. Winston says he is immensely fond of machinery. Are you? He lives at Abbeville, La.--away down near the Texas line. He wishes the Table had a Chapter of amateur machinists or engineers. He may tell us about that stock ranch. Isabel McC. Lemmon, Englewood, N.J., asks if Elsie G. Unruh will send her address? She wishes to forward some pressed flowers. Berthold Landau, 310 East Third Street, New York, wants to join a literary Chapter.

Dudley Polk asks if the "literature of to-day tends toward the realistic or the idealistic." We believe the critics say it tends toward the former. Some say that they think the day of literary realism is about over. G. G. B. asks the cost of a chicken-coop such as Mr. Chase recently described. The cost of material varies so, according to locality, that it is difficult to name any fixed sum. The cost can easily be figured out, as the drawing is made according to a scale. Find the number of square feet of lumber required, and the cost of the window-frame at any lumber dealer's.

* * * * *

C. L. B. Beach, Hull, Iowa, wants to trade pressed flowers. He also wants specimens of the "fly-catcher" and of the "pitcher-plant." Andrew Neill: The numbers of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE, November to April, and of HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, April 30th to the end of the year, will be bound into one volume, not two. Beginning with the change in form and name, pages containing advertisements will be bound into the volume, not cut out as formerly. Platinum and iridium are found in the Ural Mountains, in Brazil, California, and Ceylon. They are original or primary substances, not manufactures. Platinum is used in telegraph keys, and iridium, being very hard, for nibs in the ends of gold pens.

Helen P. Hubbard: Common oyster-shells contain lime, nitrogen, iron, sulphur, manganese, magnesia, flour, bromine, phosphoric acid, and iodine, and, ground to a powder, were once used as medicine, since all of the substances are good for building up the system. Walter Henry, of Wisconsin, asks where he can procure silk-worm eggs. We think he can get them from the American Silk-Culture Association, Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pa., or from the Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. At any rate, both will be glad to give him information where he can get them.

RICH TIMES.

California was a rich spot for one to live in back in the fifties, or before then. The following account of nuggets of gold found in California in the old days, recently given by an authority, almost makes one wish that one had been living there at that time, although the hardships endured by the pioneer settlers were something which no amount of gold could compensate for.

The largest mass of gold ever found in California was that dug out at Carson Hill, Calaveras County, in 1854. It weighed 195 pounds. Other lumps weighing several pounds were found at the same place. August 18, 1860, W. A. Farish and Harry Warner took from the Monumental Quartz Mines, Sierra County, a mass of gold and quartz weighing 133 pounds. It was sold to R. B. Woodward, of San Francisco, for $21,636.52. It was exhibited at Woodward's Gardens for some time, then was melted down. It yielded gold to the value of $17,654.94.

August 4, 1858, Ira A. Willard found on the west branch of the Feather River a nugget which weighed 54 pounds avoirdupois before and 49-1/2 pounds after melting. A nugget dug at Kelsey, El Dorado County, was sold for $4700. In 1864 a nugget was found in the Middle Fork of the American River, two miles from Michigan Bluff, that weighed 18 pounds 10 ounces, and was sold for $4204 for the finder. In 1850 at Corona, Tuolumne County, was found a gold-quartz nugget weighing 151 pounds 6 ounces. Half a mile east of Columbia, Tuolumne County, near the Knapp Ranch, a Mr. Strain found a nugget which weighed 50 pounds avoirdupois. It yielded $8500 when melted. In 1849 was found in Sullivan's Creek, Tuolumne County, a nugget that weighed 28 pounds avoirdupois. In 1871 a nugget was found in Kanaka Creek, Sierra County, that weighed 96 pounds. At Rattlesnake Creek the same year a nugget weighing 106 pounds 2 ounces was found. A quartz bowlder found in French Gulch, Sierra County, 1851, yielded $8000 in gold. In 1867 a bowlder of gold quartz was found in what is known as the "Bowlder Gravel" claim, from which many smaller gold-quartz nuggets have been taken at various times.

Outside of California few nuggets of note have been found in any of the Pacific coast States and Territories. The largest nugget ever found in Nevada was one taken out of the Osceola Placer Mine about twenty years ago. It weighed 24 pounds, and is supposed to have contained nearly $4000 in gold. A hired man found and stole it, but repenting, gave up to the owners in a month or two over $2000 in small bars--all he had left of the big chunk. In the same mine, about a year ago, a nugget worth $2190 was found. Montana's largest nugget was one found by Ed. Rising at Snow-Shoe Gulch, on the Little Blackfoot River. It was worth $3356. It lay twelve feet below the surface, and about a foot above the bedrock. Colorado's biggest nugget was found at Breckinridge. It weighed 1 pounds, but was mixed with lead, carbonate, and quartz.

* * * * *

JACK. "What two professions are the same?"

BOBBY. "Don't know."

JACK. "The dentist and the artist; they both have to draw."

Try it for just one wash. Ivory Soap costs a little more, but it takes less to do the work, and how much whiter clothes are when they have been washed with it.

THE PROCTER & GAMBLE CO., CIN'TI.

EARN A TRICYCLE!

We wish to introduce our Teas, Spices, and Baking Powder. Sell 30 lbs. and we will give you a Fairy Tricycle; sell 25 lbs. for a Solid Silver Watch and Chain; 50 lbs. for a Gold Watch and Chain; 75 lbs. for a Bicycle; 10 lbs. for a Beautiful Gold Ring. Express prepaid if cash is sent for goods. Write for catalog and order sheet.

W. G. BAKER,

SPRINGFIELD, MASS.

WONDER CABINET =FREE=. Missing Link Puzzle, Devil's Bottle, Pocket Camera, Latest Wire Puzzle, Spook Photos, Book of Sleight of Hand, Total Value 60c. Sent free with immense catalogue of 1000 Bargains for 10c. for postage.

INGERSOLL & BRO., 65 Cortlandt Street N.Y.

=DEAFNESS & HEAD NOISES CURED= by my =INVISIBLE= Tubular Cushions. Have helped more to good =HEAR=ing than all other devices combined. Whispers =HEAR=d. Help ears as glasses do eyes. =F. Hiscox=, 853 B'dway, N.Y. Book of proofs =FREE=

HARPER'S PERIODICALS

Per Year:

HARPER'S MAGAZINE _Postage Free_, $4.00
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_Booksellers and Postmasters usually receive subscriptions. Subscriptions sent direct to the publishers should be accompanied by Post-office Money Order or Draft._

* * * * *

HARPER & BROTHERS, Franklin Square, N. Y.

VACATION READING

From Harper's Young People Series.

* * * * *

_Illustrated. Post 8vo, Cloth, Ornamental, $1.25 each._

_The Mystery of Abel Forefinger_. By WILLIAM DRYSDALE.

_Raftmates.--Canoemates.--Campmates.--Dorymates._ By KIRK MUNROE.

_Young Lucretia, and Other Stories._ By MARY E. WILKINS.

_A Boy's Town._ By W. D. HOWELLS.

_Diego Pinzon._ By J. R. CORYELL.

* * * * *

_Illustrated. Square 16mo, Cloth, Ornamental, $1.00 each._

_Wakulla.--The Flamingo Feather.--Derrick Sterling.--Chrystal,
Jack & Co., and Delta Bixby._ By KIRK MUNROE.

_The Talking Leaves.--Two Arrows.--The Red Mustang._ By W. O.
STODDARD.

_Prince Lazybones, and Other Stories._ By Mrs. W. J. HAYS.

_The Ice Queen._ By ERNEST INGERSOLL.

_Uncle Peter's Trust._ By GEORGE B. PERRY.

_Toby Tyler.--Mr. Stubbs's Brother.--Tim and Tip.--Left
Behind.--Raising the "Pearl."--Silent Pete._ By JAMES OTIS.

_The Four Macnicols._ By WILLIAM BLACK.

_The Lost City.--Into Unknown Seas._ By DAVID KER.

_The Story of Music and Musicians.--Jo's Opportunity.--Rolf
House.--Mildred's Bargain, and Other Stories.--Nan.--The Colonel's
Money.--The Household of Glen Holly._ By LUCY C. LILLIE.

* * * * *

Published by HARPER & BROTHERS, New York.

_For sale by all booksellers, or will be mailed by the publishers, postage prepaid, on receipt of the price._

THE COMBINATION OF TOO MUCH HUCKLEBERRY PUDDING AND A GUILTY CONSCIENCE AFTER ANNOYING HIS SISTER'S PET KITTEN.]

TEACHER. "Now, girls, you all know what liquid measure is. Little Alice may tell me what measure treats of inches, feet, and yards."

LITTLE ALICE. "Tape measure, teacher."

Auntie was a Southern mammy who had come North with the family she was born in, for the first time in her life. The sights and peculiarities of the Northern people, so strange to her eyes, caused her a great deal of trouble and confusion, and also provoked much mirth. Now Auntie had seen but little ice in the South, and one very warm day she addressed her young missus: "Lor', chile, I's dot a powerful headdake."

"Why, Auntie, I'll get you some ice," which the young lady did, telling her to put some in a handkerchief around her head, and take a small piece in her mouth.

Auntie started to do as she was directed, but evidently overdid it, for in a short time she burst into the dining-room, shouting,

"O Lor', missee, I's frizzed, I's gwine ter die. O Lor' er massy, gim me some hot water, quick, befo' I's a dead mammy."

"Why, what on earth is the matter, Auntie?"

After a great deal of trouble, the following explanation was given: