Chapter XXXII: How a Song Saved Alaric's Life (2)

On account of heavy rains in the morning, the events were postponed until afternoon, and considering the heavy track, the performances were very creditable. A dark horse, Machin of Duquoin, took a good many points away from Englewood in the sprints, and proved a surprise to the knowing ones. These dashes and the mile run were the most interesting events of the day, although the quarter-mile afforded a spirited finish. The field events were fairly well contested, but the wet condition of the turf hindered the hammer-throwers considerably, and many fouled repeatedly.

The list of events is one of the most acrobatic and non-athletic that I have seen for a long time. It included such events as the high kick, which must have been an imposing event to watch on an athletic field, and a hop, step, and jump; the standing broad jump, a quarter-mile bicycle-race, and a 50-yard dash. Of course there is no special objection to the last two events in themselves, although they are not recognized as standards for interscholastic field days in this part of the country, or in any place where track sports have become thoroughly systematized. But there is an objection to them when they are put on the programme to the exclusion of such standard events as the hurdles.

Some of the performances in the standard events, however, were above the average. The mile was run in 4 min. 46-2/5 sec.; the 100-yards was taken by Machin in 10-2/5 sec.; the quarter went to Egbert in 53-1/5 sec.; Martin ran the 220 in 23-3/5 sec.; and Hutchinson cleared 20 ft. 3 in, in the broad jump. The score by points follows: Rockford, 23; Englewood, 21; Hyde Park, 11; Duquoin, 10; Chicago English High and Manual Training, 9; Peoria, 9; West Aurora, 8; Urbana, 8; Canton, 7; East Aurora, 6; Champaign, 6; Springfield, 5; Mattoon, 5; Chicago Manual Training, 5; Macomb, 5; Jacksonville, 5; Lake View, 4; Winnetka, 3; Tuscola, 3; Pekin, 1.

PHILADELPHIA I. A. L. GAMES, FRANKLIN FIELD, MAY 29, 1896.

Events. Winners. Performance.
100-yard dash McClain, Haverford. 10-3/4 sec.
220-yard dash McClain, Haverford. 25-1/2 "
Half-mile run Little, P. C. 2 m. 12-1/2 "
One-mile run Ross, Haverford. 5 " 46 "
Half-mile walk Evans, P. C. 3 " 53-1/5 "
120-yard hurdles Marshall, P. C. 18-2/5 "
220-yard hurdles Marshall, P. C. 30-1/5 "
One-mile bicycle White, G. A. 2 " 58-4/5 "
Running high jump Newbold, De Lancey. 5 ft. 7 in.
Running broad jump McClain, Haverford. 20 " 6 "
Standing broad jump Claflin, Haverford. 9 " 5-3/4 "
Pole vault Hanson, P. C. 9 " 6 "
Putting 16-lb. shot Sayers, Haverford. 32 " 6-1/2 "

Points. 1sts. 2ds. 3ds. Totals.
Penn Charter 5 8 7 56
Haverford Grammar School 6 3 3 42
De Lancey Academy 1 2 2 13
Germantown Academy 1 1 1 9
Cheltenham Academy 1 0 0 5
Episcopal Academy 0 0 1 1
-- -- -- ---
Total 14 14 14 126

The Inter-Academic League of Philadelphia held its field meeting at Franklin Field on Friday afternoon, May 29, and three of the old records were lowered. Newbold of De Lancey jumped 5 ft. 7 in., the former record being 5 ft. 4-1/2 in.; Hanson vaulted 9 ft. 6 in., which is 3-1/2 in. better than the old figure; and Little of Penn Charter brought the half-mile figure down from 2 min. 13-1/4 sec. to 2 min. 12-1/2 sec. Marshall of Penn Charter, the big football-player, took both the hurdle events, although in neither case was the time particularly good. But for a big man he is a clever hurdler.

After the games had been under way a short time the contest narrowed down to a duel between Penn Charter and the Haverford College Grammar-School. Penn Charter finally came out ahead by 56 points to 42. A full record of the day is given in the accompanying table.

Some of the semi-professional and mercenary athletes among the students of the New York schools have been talking a great deal in the public prints of late about how they think amateur athletics should be managed, and, in private, so far as I am able to find out, they have been doing all they can to interfere with the success of the National tournament scheduled for the 20th of this month. It looks now as if these young men with professional tendencies were going to have some success in weakening the team which will represent the New York Interscholastic Association, and if reports are correct, many of the winners of the recent games at the Berkeley Oval will not appear in the National tournament, either because they support the opinions that have lately been so freely expressed in some quarters, or because they are influenced by the clique above referred to.

It is amazing that there should be any young men who would condescend for a moment to support such opinions; and yet there seems to be a number, and they have the assurance to pose as amateurs! Some even intimate openly that they do not wish to go into the National games because there is not enough money in it for them. Of course they do not use the word "money," or "cash," or "dollars," because they know that the A. A. U. would get after them, but they are brazen enough to say that they do not think the medals which are to be offered on this occasion are of sufficient intrinsic value for them to compete for.

Perhaps the readers of this Department who do not live in this city, and do not know how near to professionalism some of our scholastic athletes here can go, will think that I am exaggerating when I say that many of them are apparently in sport largely for the intrinsic value of the medals. Whether it is to pawn them afterward or not I cannot say. But to show these readers in other cities that I am not exaggerating, let me quote from an interview published in the New York _Sun_ of May 31. The _Sun_ is so rarely inaccurate in quoting an individual that we may all depend upon its accuracy in this case.

The name of the young man who is quoted in the article is given as Rose Ambler Curran. He is said to attend the Drisler School. I do not know whether Mr. Curran has ever done anything himself in athletics; he certainly is not in any way prominent in interscholastic sport here, and I do not think that he represents a very large element of the school-boys of this city. He certainly does not represent the best element. What he is quoted as having said, and what I think every true amateur will consider most reprehensible, is this: "The medals which were offered at the last in-door games" (the games given by the New Manhattan A. C. at the Madison Square Garden last March) "were of such a poor character that many would not have competed had they seen them before. This is the main reason, as stated by the boys, for what might be termed their lack of interest in the meet" (the National Meet).

As a matter of fact, the medals given to the winners at the Madison Square Garden games were as handsome and appropriate as any I have ever seen. They were simple. They were laurel wreaths on ribbons--gold wreaths, silver wreaths, and bronze wreaths. The designs were not such as would appeal to a pawnbroker, but they were such as would appeal to any honest boy who takes a pride in his athletic achievements for their own sake.

There is nothing ambiguous about Mr. Curran's statement as quoted above. He says clearly that the money value of the medals at the winter games was not great enough for a certain class of New York school-boy athletes to contest for, and that these same individuals are not going to spend their valuable time and energy in running races for less than a certain weight of gold or silver. I do not see how much nearer to professionalism these boys can get without being thrown out body and baggage from the society of amateurs. It is well if they do keep away from the National Interscholastic meeting. Such medal-hunters are not wanted, and the sooner they can be detected by the officers of the Association and prevented from mingling with the true and sportsman like element among school-boy athletes, the better will it be for athletics in this city.

The New Manhattan Athletic Club, or rather its athletic directors, were considerably surprised, I know, at the attitude taken by this semi-professional element among the New York school-boys. It had been their intention to offer a valuable trophy in the form of a cup, to be contested for on this occasion, in addition to individual medals, and they had even gone so far as to consult with the President of the National Association concerning the order for this cup. But when they found that their interest in school-boy athletics was apparently unappreciated, they gave up the idea entirely.

Fortunately the success or failure of the National Meet does not depend upon the entries from the New York Association, and we may well rejoice if a lot of medal-hunters keep away. Strong teams will come down from Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut, and there will be representatives from New Jersey, and probably from other leagues, and the sport will be good and clean, and the races will not be run with the sole idea of getting money value in prizes at the end, but for the sake of the honor of winning on that day--of the glory of sport for sport's sake.

At the recent Olympian Games the prizes were olive wreaths--plain, ordinary vegetable growth; worth, say, ten cents a bushel, with perhaps fifty wreaths to the bushel. And yet those dried branches brought home from Greece by the American winners are worth more to them than any yellow metal they can get here. The young men who talk of remaining away from the National meet, because the weight of the medals is not great enough to suit their tastes, would do well to reflect on this: there is a greater object in life than the collecting of medals.

The New England Interscholastic baseball season is practically closed, although there are a number of games yet to be played. But Brookline has won the championship, having played all its scheduled matches, and having won each of them. In the last game Brookline defeated English High 6-0. Brookline played excellent ball both in the field and at the bat, but E.H.-S. was weak all around. Some of the features of the game were Nettleton's stop of Manning's hard hit in the fifth inning, Wise's clever throw from centre to third in the eighth, putting out Cronin, and the heavy hatting of Lewis and Parker. A review of the whole baseball season will be made in this Department as soon as space enough becomes available.

C. S. D., BAYONNE, N.J.--Any interscholastic association composed
of at least two schools may join the National Interscholastic
Association upon applying for membership. The field meeting this
year will be on June 20, and is the first one ever held by the
Association, which was formed only last December.

THE GRADUATE.

* * * * *

ILL-TEMPERED BABIES

are not desirable in any home. Insufficient nourishment produces ill temper. Guard against fretful children by feeding nutritious and digestible food. The Gail Borden Eagle Brand Condensed Milk is the most successful of all infant foods.--[_Adv._]

ADVERTISEMENTS.

A cream-of-tartar baking powder. Highest of all in leavening strength.--_Latest United States Government Food Report._

ROYAL BAKING POWDER CO., NEW YORK.

Arnold

Constable & Co

* * * * *

Children's Wear.

_Dimity Dresses,_

_Children's Guimpes,_

_Piqué Reefers, Mull Caps._

Misses' Outing Suits.

Misses' Shirt Waists.

Children's

Hand-Embroidered Underwear.

* * * * *

Broadway & 19th st.

NEW YORK.

EARN A BICYCLE!

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

W. G. BAKER, Springfield, Mass.

Harper's 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 many valuable data kindly supplied from the
official maps and road-books of the League of American Wheelmen.
Recognizing the value of the work being done by the L. A. W., the
Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with membership
blanks and information so far as possible.

Continuing the journey from New Haven to Springfield, which was left last week at Hartford, the rider is advised to take what is called the East Connecticut River Road: that is, leave Hartford by Main Street, and four blocks from the City Hall--where, by-the-way, the United States Hotel gives L. A. W. rates--turn into Morgan Street to the right, and run over the bridge to East Hartford Street. On reaching East Hartford keep to the left, and take the long road that runs never more than a mile away from the Connecticut River. The road is in fairly good condition, and there are hardly any hills to speak of during the whole run. The rider, however, is of course advised to use side paths.

There is another route which may be taken along the west side of the Connecticut, and which is perhaps the better of the two. To take this, run out Main Street direct instead of turning right into Morgan Street, and keep on until Windsor is reached. At the latter town keep to the right and cross the Farmington River, crossing the railroad, and running along between it and the Connecticut River until Windsor Locks is reached. This town is fourteen miles from Hartford. At this point the Connecticut should be crossed, and starting from Warehouse Point, the rider should take the road already described, running up the east bank through Thompsonville towards Springfield. Crossing the Massachusetts-Connecticut line, he enters upon what is called Long Meadow Street, runs into Long Meadow, past Long Meadow station, and finally runs close upon the Connecticut River again at Pecowsic station. From Pecowsic the run into Springfield to the Massassoit House is easily found.

As has already been said in this Department, this is not what may be called the Springfield route from New York to Boston, and while the stretch of country from Springfield to Worcester is of course rideable, it is not a particularly good road, and the country is not to any great extent picturesque, so that unless the trip is a matter of making the journey--that is, if it is simply for pleasure--the rider is advised rather to turn westward than eastward, to ride a day or two in the Berkshire country, and then take a train or trains for Worcester, continuing from Worcester to Boston on his wheel. This trip from Worcester to Boston, and, in fact, from Springfield to Boston, will be given in the near future in this Department to complete that particular way of crossing Massachusetts from west to east.

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 No.
820. Trenton to Philadelphia in No. 821. Philadelphia in No. 822.
Philadelphia-Wissahickon Route in No. 823. Philadelphia to West
Chester in No. 824. Philadelphia to Atlantic City--First Stage in
No. 825; Second Stage in No. 826. Philadelphia to Vineland--First
Stage in No. 827; Second Stage in No. 828. New York to
Boston--Second Stage in No. 829; Third Stage in No. 830; Fourth
Stage in No. 831; Fifth Stage in No. 832; Sixth Stage in No. 833.
Boston to Concord in No. 834. Boston in No. 835. Boston to
Gloucester in No. 836. Boston to Newburyport in No. 837. Boston to
New Bedford in No. 838. Boston to South Framingham in No. 839.
Boston to Nahant in No. 840. Boston to Lowell in No. 841. Boston to
Nantasket Beach in No. 842. Boston Circuit Ride in No. 843.
Philadelphia to Washington--First Stage in No. 844; Second Stage in
No. 845; Third Stage in No. 846; Fourth Stage in No. 847; Fifth
Stage in No. 848. City of Washington in No. 849. City of Albany in
No 854; Albany to Fonda in No. 855; Fonda in Utica in No. 866;
Utica to Syracuse in No. 857; Syracuse to Lyons in No. 858; Lyons
to Rochester in No. 859; Rochester to Batavia in No. 860; Batavia
to Buffalo in No. 861; Poughkeepsie to Newtown in No. 864; Newtown
to Hartford in No. 865; New Haven to Hartford in No. 866.

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.

SIMPLE CHEMISTRY FOR AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS.

In order to do good photographic work by method rather than by guess, it is necessary to understand something of the nature of the chemicals used and their effects. Even a slight knowledge of chemistry enables the amateur to work understandingly and with far better results. We are therefore going to give, for the benefit of our Camera Club, a few papers on chemistry as used in photography, and shall try to make them so plain and simple that even the youngest member will understand them.

Chemistry is that science which explains the composition of the substances which compose the crust of the earth, the atmosphere which surrounds it, and the water which occupies so much of the earth's surface. These substances are called chemical elements. A chemical element is a simple substance containing only one kind of matter, such as gold, silver, platinum, hydrogen, oxygen, etc. According to the last report of Mr. F. W. Clark, the chief chemist of the U.S. Geographical Survey, there are seventy-two known elements. About thirty of these elements are used in the different processes of photography.

Each element is represented by a symbol, this symbol being the first letter or letters of the name of the element. The symbol of hydrogen is "H"; of oxygen is "O"; of gold, "Au," the first two letters of the word "Aurum," the Latin name for gold. Each symbol also stands for the weight of one of its atoms. (An atom is supposed to be the smallest possible division of a substance.) Hydrogen is the lightest element known, and is taken as the standard of weight when comparing the weight of other atoms. The symbol "H" would therefore not only stand for the element hydrogen, but for its weight, 1, or a unit. An atom of oxygen is sixteen times as heavy as an atom of hydrogen, and an atom of gold is 196 times as heavy.

In making up chemical compounds the chemical elements are combined in different proportions, which, united, make a new substance. The way in which these elements combine is always in the same proportion. The smallest number of atoms which combine to form a new substance is called a molecule. Take water, for instance, which is composed of hydrogen and oxygen; it takes two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen to form a molecule of water. These chemical combinations are expressed or written by the symbols of the elements of which they are composed, called chemical formulas. If two or more atoms of an element are used to form a chemical compound, the number of atoms used is written directly after the symbol; thus, H_{2}O is the chemical formula for water.

Two well-known developing agents, pyrogallol--commonly called pyro--and hydrochinon, are composed of the same chemical elements, carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen, the only difference in their composition being that a molecule of pyro contains one more atom of oxygen than the hydrochinon. The chemical formula for pyro is C_{6}H_{6}O_{3}, and the chemical formula for hydrochinon is C_{6}H_{6}O_{2}.

The chemical compounds employed in photography are used in the form of solutions. A solution is the liquid combination of a liquid and a solid. A simple solution is one in which the solid is entirely dissolved in the liquid, leaving the liquid transparent. A saturated solution is a liquid containing as much of the solid as can be dissolved in it and remain clear. In making saturated solutions, unless the exact proportions are known, add the solid to the liquid until there is a deposit of the solid at the bottom of the vessel containing the solution. The clear liquid can then be turned off carefully into a bottle.

A solid dissolves much more quickly if it is first powdered. If one has no mortar, put the solid inside a piece of muslin, lay it on a board or stone, and pound with a hammer. When powdered, put the cloth and powder both into a glass vessel, and turn the liquid over it. When the solid is dissolved, remove the cloth. Another way in which to dissolve a solid more rapidly than by mixing it with the liquid is to tie the powder in a cloth and suspend it in the liquid.

In making up a formula for developing or toning, etc., be exact in the measuring and weighing of the ingredients. Even a slight deviation from the rule sometimes changes the action of the chemicals.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

"All is not

Columbia

that Glitters."

Your pleasure and safety depend on knowing what is under enamel and nickel before you buy a bicycle.

No question about Columbias. If you are able to pay $100 for a bicycle why buy any but a Columbia?

See the Catalogue. Free if you call on the agent. By mail for two 3-cent stamps

POPE MFG. CO.

HARTFORD, CONN.

Branch Houses and Agencies are almost everywhere. If Columbias are not properly represented in your vicinity, let us know.

* * * * *

All Columbia Bicycles are fitted with

HARTFORD SINGLE-TUBE TIRES

UNLESS DUNLOP TIRES ARE ASKED FOR.

WE KNOW NO TIRES SO GOOD AS HARTFORDS.

WALTER BAKER & CO., LIMITED.

Established Dorchester, Mass., 1780.

Breakfast Cocoa

Always ask for Walter Baker & Co.'s

Breakfast Cocoa

Made at

DORCHESTER, MASS.

It bears their Trade Mark

"La Belle Chocolatiere" on every can.

Beware of Imitations.

There is

no

Substitute

Every card of the famous DeLONG Hooks and Eyes has on the face and back the words

_See that_

hump?

RICHARDSON & DELONG BROS., Philadelphia.

Also makers of the CUPID Hair Pin.

Postage Stamps, &c.

$117.50 WORTH OF STAMPS FREE

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

C. W. Grevning, Morristown, N. J.

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

1000 Mixed Foreign Stamps, San Marino, etc., 25c.; 101 all dif., China, etc., 10c.; 10 U.S. Revenues, 10c.; 20 U.S. Revenues, 25c. Ag'ts w'td at 50% com. _Monthly Bulletin_ free. Shaw Stamp & Coin Co., Jackson, Mich.

=STAMPS!= 100 all dif. Bermuda, etc. Only 10c. Ag'ts w'td at 50% com. List free. L. DOVER & CO., 1469 Hodiamont, St. Louis. Mo.

=10 Rare Stamps free= (postage 2c.). 5 Japan, all different, 8c. F. JELKE, 516 La Salle Ave., Chicago.

* * * * *

The Fatal Letter.

Here is a letter and a puzzle all in one:

There was once a detective who had followed a criminal long and far, and when he thought he had "run him to cover" he found the place empty and only an open letter lying on the floor. He was overcome with chagrin, for it had been said of him that "he had never failed to catch his man." In despair he caught up the letter and read it. On the first reading it seemed a mere succession of idle village gossip. He read it again, then sat down, and pondered over the peculiar sentences all the night long.

His vigil, however, was not in vain, for three hours after dawn the criminal was behind prison bars. Below is a copy of the "Fatal Letter." Can you discover the secret message contained therein, the solution of which led to the arrest of the criminal? Don't be discouraged because the detective spent a night over it. Perhaps you are even sharper than the detective. He had no clew. Neither can one be given to you. But this much may be said, the message is not a haphazard affair, but follows a distinct plan.

THE LETTER.

BELOVED SISTER,--Dwellers of this town have been much excited over
a little affair of recent happening. A servant stole from a rich
woman what she called a ewer; it was brought from over the ocean.
It was of fine porcelain with heavy gilt edges and a calm summer
scene painted on the sides. A man of this town will soon begin
sheep-raising. If that old ewe is saleable send her on. It is the
druggist who wants her; R. Jones is his name. He will marry soon a
girl of this city; his wedding gift is a diamond necklace of
elegant and chaste design. It must have cost every cent of a
thousand dollars.

The man who lived next door is dead. He took a draught of poison
and only lived two hours after. His wife was once the belle of the
town. She keeps crying, "I'll take poison myself." Yet he was a
poor provider; they had meat only once a month, and their table was
always ill supplied. He was also as meddlesome as a flea and of
very uncertain temper. Quite lately he quarrelled with me because
of my statement concerning a lump of iron ore which he owned.
Answer this soon and don't forget about the old ewe. Ah, another
bit of news. The woman at the candy store has found a dye that has
turned her gray tresses as black as a coal.

BROTHER TOM.

* * * * *

How We Interested Our Chapter.

A few weeks ago the Allen Chapter, 715, was on the verge of
"breaking up." The writer, who is president and a Founder, thought
long and at last found a way by which he could start an interest
again. It was this. We began to publish a paper called the _Allen
Courier_. Only one copy was made, and that was written. A circuit
was started--_i.e._, a member, after keeping the paper a day,
handed it to the next on the list. In this paper the writer, who is
editor-in-chief, inserted stories written by the members,
clippings, Chapter news, etc., and so started a fresh interest in
the glorious old Allen. At the next meeting all were on hand.

CLAUDE T. RENO.
ALLENTOWN, PA.

* * * * *

For the Natural History Club.

One day in July, in company with a friend, I crossed a lake near my
home in search of interesting specimens. By chance we came upon the
nesting-place of a colony of water turkeys. These birds are
abundant here, but this is the first time I ever found their nests.
The latter appeared to be several years old and were large
structures, nearly flat on top. It was late for eggs, and young
birds were everywhere. They were covered with white down, and
presented a great contrast to the dark colors of the old birds.

When the boat approached a tree containing young birds they would
tumble into the water, a distance of ten or more feet, where they
would dive long distances to escape us. The nests were in
cypress-trees growing in two or three feet of water. Sometimes as
many as a dozen nests were in one small tree. Under these trees we
shot two small alligators. Perhaps the alligators knew the birds'
habit of falling into the water. We also found nests of the purple
and Florida gallinule. I would like to belong to a press
association or corresponding Chapter.

ED. H. CLUTE.
LAKE CITY, FLORIDA.

* * * * *

Puzzle to Draw.

Two angles acute;
A triangle on rails;
Two little serpents
With twists in their tails;
Two spikes with a bar;
A tall headless tack;
Two angles acute
Which are placed back to back;
A part of a circle
Two straight lines to meet;
Two thirds of a cross;
A circle complete;
And lastly two angles. And do you not find
A character loyal, brave, noble, and kind?

WASHINGTON.

* * * * *

Knights in a Far-away Land.

The Table has two devoted members in distant South Africa. Their names are George Uhlig and Ernest A. Chaplin. Writing under date of the middle of February, they say the fruit season is just ended, and that apples are being barrelled for winter, now coming on. Both attend Gill College, to which students come from all parts of the colony, and their favorite games are cricket and football; the former in summer and the latter in winter.

One of them remarks that from a perusal of the ROUND TABLE he thinks baseball must be a good game, and that he would like to see a game--the "New York's," for example. Both are fond of farm life, of hunting and fishing. The principal birds are the dove, sparrow, fink, day-breaker, laughing, and mouse birds. Both young men are stamp-collectors. Their address is Somerset East, Cape Colony, South Africa.

* * * * *

Washington State Salmon.

In the State of Washington the fish industry comprises a good share
of the business. Salmon are the principal market fish, and are
found in abundance in the waters of Puget Sound and Gray Harbor.
The salmon-fishing season begins in September and closes the 1st of
April.

In the first part of the season the "silver-side" salmon are alone
caught, and the run is very large. In the latter part the
"steel-head" salmon is the principal catch, the run being far less
than in the former part. The canneries only run during the period
of time when the silver-sides are running. Only Chinamen are
employed in the canneries on Gray Harbor. In the cannery at
Cosmopolis eighty-five Chinamen are employed.

In the process of canning, the heads of the fish are first cut off,
and the salmon are dressed and washed until perfectly clean. They
are next cut into small pieces by what might be termed a
"gang-chopper," after which they are packed into cans. Every can
has to be weighed. The salmon are put up in one and two pound cans.
The average sliver-side will weigh thirteen pounds, for which the
fishermen are paid thirteen cents apiece, large or small, by the
canneries.

REUEL M. NIMS,
COSMOPOLIS, WASHINGTON.

* * * * *

A Glimpse of Newfoundland.

The chief fisheries in which the public of St. John's are
interested are the cod, seal, salmon, and herring. These afford
labor to the people of the principal city of Newfoundland. Quite a
few people are engaged in the manufacture of the different kinds of
gear used in taking fish, such as lines, twines, nets, and cordage,
also boats and tackle. The cod season lasts longest. The seal
fishery is the most valuable. Salmon and herring are not much
caught. The principal merchants of St. John's are engaged in
exporting fish. Times are very bad here.

B. BOWERING.
ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND.

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.

The secret of being at ease wherever you are is a very simple one. It is only this--Do not think about yourself. Bashfulness, awkwardness, and clumsiness are caused by what we call self-consciousness, and as soon as we entirely forget ourselves these pass away. A girl who writes to me complains that she is so tall for her age that she cannot help being awkward. "The moment I enter a room," she says, "I look about to see if any other girl is as tall as I am, and I am always the tallest--a perfect bean-pole. Then I fancy that everybody is sorry for me, and I cannot fix my attention on anything which is going on. It makes me quite wretched. What shall I do?"

In the first place, my dear, your height, if you carry yourself well and hold your head up, is a great advantage. Far from being a thing to regret, it is something to be glad of.

Tall, or short, fat, and dumpy, or thin and pale, let the young girl never think of this when she meets her friends. Instead, let her try her very best to make the rest happy. If there is a girl in the room who is a stranger, or who seems not to be having a pleasant time, single her out and entertain her. Your hostess will be pleased with this sort of unobtrusive help, if it is kindly given.

A summer or two ago I happened to be paying a visit in a country house where there were a half-dozen young guests. Among them were several lovely girls from the South. I noticed that these girls had each some useful social accomplishment. One played very sweetly, and she was always ready to go to the piano and to play accompaniments for the violinist of the house party, as well as to give us her dreamy nocturnes and slow sonorous marches when we asked for them. Another sang, and she needed no urging when there was a wish to hear songs. Still another played chess, and lent herself to be partner to any one who wished that diversion. It was beautiful to watch the sweet unconscious way in which these girls entertained the rest, never putting themselves forward, but always to be depended on when it was a question of how to pass an evening delightfully.

These are the days of out-door enjoyment, and my girls are playing golf and tennis, and riding their wheels, and spending some portion of every day in healthful exercise. Perhaps some of you like work out-of-doors as well as play, and if there is a garden where you can dig and plant seeds and watch flowers grow, or you have a poultry-yard with chickens and hens, or your talent for the practical leads you to raise vegetables--radishes, pease, and lettuce which grow for you will taste as no common market vegetables can. Keep in the sunshine, girls. Sunshine means brightness and bloom for every one of you.

This Department is conducted in the interest of stamp and coin
collectors, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question
on these subjects so far as possible. Correspondents should address
Editor Stamp Department.

One mail brought me two letters suggesting the formation of an exchange society by the readers of the ROUND TABLE. Harold C. Day, Upland Farm, Harrison, Westchester Co., N. Y., and Willis H. Kerr, Bellevue, Neb., both say they would like to hear from any one interested. Other correspondents have suggested the same thing at other times, and asked my opinion on the plan. I regret to say it is not favorable. I have had some experience of exchange societies, and have come to the conclusion that it is feasible only when some capable man is at the head of the scheme who is willing to give his time and experience to the plan, and that all sales are for cash only. All the larger societies already have exchange circuits, and experience shows that common stamps are not exchanged, and that valuable stamps must always be sent by registered mail or by express, which is a considerable expense. The Dresden International Society sends out books of stamps every year worth many thousands of dollars; the leading society in New York has sent out five circuits this year, aggregating about $2000 on each circuit. The first circuit was completed a month ago. Stamps to the value of $1200 were taken. The second circuit will be about the same. Almost all other societies have similar plans.

Their method is quite simple. 1. All members who wish to contribute stamps for exchange purchase a small blank book from the manager (Price 10c.). 2. These books, filled with stamps, are sent to the manager, and when he has a sufficient number they are done up in a package and sent out to the first name on the circuit. 3. This person looks over the books, picks out what he wants, sends a list of what he has taken to the manager, with P.O. money-order for the amount. 4. He then sends the books to the second name on the list, etc. 5. After the books have gone through the entire list the last man returns them to the manager, who returns the unsold stamps to their owners, and sends the cash (less commission) to those members whose stamps were sold.

Some members buy very little and sell very much, others sell very little and buy much. Before the books are sent out the manager examines them, removes counterfeits, etc. Each man who takes out a stamp puts in its place a "control" stamp with his number on it. These control stamps are bought of the manager, and he only knows who has sold and who has bought.

It is expensive and troublesome. A much better plan is the old-fashioned one of "swapping" stamps with one's comrades and friends.

H. B.--Your piece is a "Hard Money" token, not a coin. It has no
money value, but is very interesting.

L. K. BABCOCK.--See answer to H. B.

A. ULMER.--The 6c. Hawaii, 1864 issue, is catalogued as worth 25c.

PHILATUS.

TO BICYCLISTS:

There is no better chain lubricant than Ivory Soap; it is a cleanly application and perfect for this use.

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

_The coolness is refreshing; the roots and herbs invigorating; the two together animating. You get the right combination in HIRES Rootbeer._

Made only by The Charles E. Hires Co., Philadelphia.

A 25c. package makes 5 gallons. Sold everywhere.

THE

BALTIMOREAN PRINTING-PRESS

has earned more money for boys than all other presses in the market. Boys, don't idle away your time when you can buy a self-inking printing-press, type, and complete outfit for $5.00. Write for particulars, there is money in it for you.

THE J. F. W. DORMAN CO.,

Baltimore, Md., U.S.A.

TWO GOOD BOOKS.

* * * * *

TRACK ATHLETICS IN DETAIL.

Compiled by the Editor of "Interscholastic Sport" in HARPER'S ROUND
TABLE. Illustrated from Instantaneous Photographs. 8vo, Cloth,
Ornamental, $1.25. In "HARPER'S ROUND TABLE Library."

The young athlete who cannot secure instruction at the hands of a professional trainer will find this book invaluable. It gives in clear, terse sentences abundant directions for learning each event at present contested in intercollegiate and interscholastic meetings.--_Boston Herald._

FOR KING OR COUNTRY.

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

A fascinating study. It is replete with those Homeric touches which delight the heart of the healthy boy.... It would be difficult to find a more fascinating book for the young.--_Philadelphia Bulletin._

A capital story for boys, both young and old; full of adventure and movement, thoroughly patriotic in tone, throwing luminous sidelights upon the main events of the Revolution.--_Brooklyn Standard-Union._

* * * * *

HARPER & BROTHERS, Publishers, New York.

* * * * *

Some people are never at a loss for an answer, and the colored valet who got off the following is a good exponent of that class. It seems he was a lazy rascal, and his master one day remonstrated with him about his neglect of duty.

"But, massa, I's am not equal to de occasion as I once wuz."

"Why, George, what on earth is the matter with you now?"

"I's got a stitch in my side, sir, dat trubbles me a powerful lot, and I's not able to do as much as I hab been doin'."

"A stitch in your side! Oh, come, George, that won't do. Where did you get such a thing as a stitch in your side?"

"De oder day, sah. You see, I wuz hemmed in by a crowd."

* * * * *

Clara wanted very much to go out in the yard to play. Her big sister said to her:

"You mustn't go in the yard. Don't you see that moolly-cow out there? What do you suppose she would do with her horns if you went close to her?"

Clara answered, "I suppose she would blow them."

* * * * *

There are many little acts of heroism, displaying rare courage and presence of mind, performed around us daily that ofttimes pass unnoticed in a popular sense. It is not so long ago that a certain bright young fellow was the hero of a deed that escaped the newspapers and, consequently, the public. It happened in one of our largest cities; and to tell it as modestly as the hero did, it must be told briefly, so perhaps it would be best to use his own words.

"I am very fond of my bicycle," said he, "and ride whenever I chance to have an opportunity, and I am also very fond of practising all sorts of stunts on the wheel. I was riding down the avenue that evening, when I heard the clashing gong of a fire-engine coming through the side street ahead of me. I felt tempted to push ahead and cross the street before the engine reached the corner, and as I was momentarily figuring just what I would do I saw a little girl standing in the middle of the crossing, clapping her hands in childish glee at the approaching engine. The people on the sidewalk seemed paralyzed with fright, and stood, in a sort of fascination, gazing at the child's perilous position. All this I saw with my first startled look, and unconsciously I pushed the pedals down hard and rushed at the child. In a second I reached the crossing, and a few feet off were those three horses tearing along in their mad gallop, the driver doing his best to pull them in, with but little success. They were too close on the girl. As I passed the little one I seized her by the arm, throwing my weight over to the other side of the wheel as I did so. I felt a stinging sensation in my arm, and heard the child scream with fright and pain from the fierce grip with which I grasped her. The velocity with which I was moving, however, accomplished the purpose, for it dragged the child a number of feet before I came to a standstill--or rather before I fell off the bicycle. It was a narrow escape, for those engine horses were very close upon me, and it was lucky I never thought at the time of the danger of my position, for I should never have had the courage to carry out my purpose. Several people took the little one, and I hastened down the avenue before they got me too. You see stunt-practising comes in handy at times."

* * * * *

THE BEAR.

CARRIE. "Isn't the bear's skin to keep him warm in winter?"

MAMMA. "Yes, Carrie."

CARRIE. "Then what does he have to keep him cool in summer?"

* * * * *

It is not very often that we hear of the Russian peasant equalling the Irish peasant in witty sayings, but doubtless those who read the following retort of a Russian will allow that sometimes they are fully equal to the Irish, regardless of the wonderful readiness of the Celtic tongue.

It seems a peasant, having accumulated a little money, took himself to town to purchase a new pair of boots. Returning homewards he espied a luxuriant spot for a siesta, and being tired, lay down for a quiet nap, which developed into a sound sleep. A conscienceless tramp passing along the road took note of the peasant's new boots, and also of his own very poor footgear, and decided an exchange would be beneficial; and accordingly he stripped the peasant of his new purchase and proceeded on his way. The driver of a passing wagon, seeing the peasant's legs stretched part way across the road, yelled for him to "take his legs out of the way."

"Legs?" inquired the half-awake peasant, "what legs?" and then rubbing his eyes, he stared stupidly at his lower limbs. "Drive on," said he; "those legs ain't mine. Mine had boots on."

* * * * *

A MUSICAL QUESTION.

BOBBY. "Isn't that an ear-trumpet that man over there is using?"

MAMMA. "It is."

BOBBY. "And is he working it in connection with his ear-drum?"

End of Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, June 9, 1896, by Various