Chapter IV: The "empress" Loses a Passenger (2)

I give this illustration of the tactics of half-mile racing to show how very much strategy has to come in in this event. You must know how your opponents run, and you must distribute your energies over the race so as to counteract as far as possible those of the other competitors. It would have been unwise for Hollister to fight with Kilpatrick for the lead in this case, because the latter could have run him off his feet. That is Kilpatrick's style. But by letting Kilpatrick set the pace, Hollister had an easier time of it in the first quarter, because he did not have to give any thought whatever to his gait. When it came to the stretch, all he had to do was to sprint. Nevertheless, the best general rule for a novice is to jump to the lead and hold it if he can. When he gets to be a first-class man he can devote more thought to the individual work of his opponents. One of the best things for any one working at the half-mile is to attend every meeting he can and watch the work of other half-milers. In fact, it is well for every athlete to follow big games, and study his own event in the work of others. Big championship games should never be missed if it is a possible thing to witness them.

In announcing the date of the New York I.S.A.A. spring games of May 9th, some of the daily papers said that the events would be open to "all preparatory schools of the United States." This was erroneous. The games are open to members of the N.Y.I.S.A.A. only. It is evident that no team could be chosen to represent the New York Association at the National meeting if these games were open to outsiders who could come in, and, by taking a number of firsts, make it necessary for the New-Yorkers to hold another field meeting to find out who their own best men were.

Baseball prospects in the Long Island League are bright. The St. Paul team, which won the championship last year, is almost the same again this spring. Starrs, Goldsborough, Baker, Hall, and Mortimer are back again in school. Adelphi has excellent material in Brooks, Graff, Crampton, Corbett, Forney, Langdon, and Baucher; while almost all of the High-School team of last year are on hand to play again this season. Poly. Prep. has as good a pitcher as any school in the League, and plenty of athletic material to pick from, and the Latin-School players promise to develop a strong nine. Baseball practice in New York has not begun in earnest yet, but it is probable that the average of the teams will be stronger than they were last spring, as there seems to be a renewal of interest in the national game, which has led a pretty precarious existence here for the last two seasons.

The interscholastic contests that are being held from time to time in the gymnasium of the New Manhattan Athletic Club are excellent things, and will serve to develop a good many young athletes who would not otherwise have a chance to show what there is in them. A strong incentive to energetic effort is afforded in the way of a trophy for the school that shall have earned the greatest number of points when the series of games has ended. This prize will be of small intrinsic value, but as a trophy it will be worth the having. These games will also develop a better spirit among the lads who follow athletics, for they are looked after by the N.M.A.C.'s new athletic manager, Mr. Cornish, who is as strict an enforcer of the amateur laws and the amateur spirit as can be found anywhere. Mr. Cornish can have a very strong influence for good over this rising generation of athletes if he cares to. His strongest hold upon the young men's confidence is that he knows his business, and if he now compels them to walk the straightest of straight lines, they will do so all the more cheerfully because they know that he has the right of the question on his side, and intends to stand by his principles.

Readers of this Department will remember that I urged the New York Athletic Club almost a year ago to show some interest in the sports of the rising generation, to cultivate the young men, and to encourage their efforts. I cited the Boston Athletic Association as an example, and spoke of how that organization holds meetings for scholastic contests, and helps the younger men with advice and suggestion. In fact, the meetings of the Boston Inter-scholastic Association's committees are held in the B.A.A. Club-house. The New York A.C., however, did nothing as an organization to advance the interests and promote the welfare of the boy athletes. Some of its members as individuals have done a great deal for the young men, but most of their work has been in the nature of acting as officials at meetings conducted by the schools.

The New Manhattan Athletic Club, however, after having stagnated in a mire of unclean sportsmanship, finally gets an injection of new and healthy blood, and realizes that from the boys of to-day are to be drawn the athletes of to-morrow. The Club thereupon sets out to do all it can to promote and encourage scholastic sports. It offers the services of its gymnasium and of its athletic instructors, it organizes a large in-door meeting and shoulders the entire financial and executive responsibility, and does everything, in fact, that a club can do under the circumstances.

Of course all this is done with the ultimate object of making the N.M.A.C. a successful and prosperous organization. But with all this aim there is a great deal more unselfishness about the movement than selfishness. The Club is not by any means trying to secure control of scholastic sports. I feel confident of this from what I know of the men in control. What the club is trying to do is to help the young men interested in sport by relieving them, as far as possible, from the business part of athletics, and thus to make sport purer; and after this has been successfully accomplished, the N.M.A.C. will be very glad to see all these honest young sportsmen competing as members of its organization--an organization which, I hope, will stand for cleanliness in sport just as prominently as at one time it stood for the very opposite.

The gymnasium work of the Trinity School has developed a new game there. The sport was originated and first played in New Orleans, I believe, and is called "The Newcomb." The boys of Trinity School were perhaps the first to play it in this section of the country, and they have found it to be exceedingly interesting. The game is on the order of basket-ball, which was spoken of in this Department last week. A line is drawn in the centre of the gymnasium; then another line is drawn on either side of this, and about eight feet from it. These are called the "base-lines." The distance may vary, it depending on the size of the room. Two sides are chosen by captains, the number playing depending upon the available space and number of boys present. Twelve or fifteen on a side is a good number. The teams then take their positions between the base-line and wall, so that they face each other, and are separated by the distance between the two base-lines. A basket-ball or football may be used. The referee, standing out of the way, throws the ball to one of the sides. The object of the boy who catches it is to throw it toward his opponent so that it will touch the floor behind the base-line. If he succeeds in doing this it counts as three points for his side.

The player on the side to which the ball is thrown must try to keep it from touching the floor, and if he succeeds in doing so he must immediately throw it back to his opponent's side. This passing to and fro is kept up until a touch-down is made. If the ball is thrown and touches the floor between the base-lines, one point is scored against the side making the throw. The principal rules are that the ball may be thrown with one or both hands, but the person must not throw it while he is down or on his knees. He must not run with the ball, and he must not step over the base-lines. Breaking any of the above rules counts as a foul, and one point is given in each case to the side not at fault. The length of game is decided upon by the captains of the teams and the referee before play is started, and the side having the most points at the end of the allotted time is the winner. Two halves of twenty-five minutes each, with a ten minutes' rest, are usually played.

At the annual in-door games of the Hotchkiss School, at Lakeville, Connecticut, four of the school records were broken--R. B. Hixon established a new school record in the fence vault of 6 ft. 11 in.; C. D. Noyes in the high kick of 9 ft. 1 in.; H. H. Wells in the standing broad jump of 10 ft. 3-3/4 in., and J. P. Goodwin in the running high jump of 5 ft. 5 in. The first two records are most creditable for scholastic athletes, and are better, unless I am mistaken, than the Yale records for the corresponding events. Hotchkiss School made such a strong showing at the annual games of the Connecticut H.-S.A.A. at Hartford last spring that they must be counted as dangerous opponents at any future meeting. They are unfortunately at too great a distance from New York to send representatives to the N.M.A.C. meet.

THE GRADUATE.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

No other aid to the housewife so great, no other agent so potent in relief for the dyspeptic, has ever been devised. ROYAL BAKING POWDER is simply indispensable where the finest, purest, most wholesome and economical foods are desired.

ROYAL BAKING POWDER CO., 106 WALL ST., N. Y.

Monarch

Mounted on this king of bicycles, you are Monarch of all you survey. All nature is yours as you speed along on your ride of health and happiness. You can depend on the MONARCH in any emergency. There's "Know How" in the making.

4 models. $80 to $100, fully guaranteed. For children and adults who want a lower price wheel the =Defiance= is made in 8 models, $40 to $75.

Send for Monarch book.

Monarch Cycle Mfg. Co

Lake, Halstad and Fulton Sts., CHICAGO.

83 Reade Street, NEW YORK.

CARDS

The FINEST SAMPLE BOOK of Gold Beveled Edge, Hidden Name, Silk Fringe, Envelope and Calling Cards ever offered for a 2 cent stamp. These are GENUINE CARDS, NOT TRASH. UNION CARD CO., COLUMBUS, OHIO.

Two

Beauties.

THE DELONG HOOK AND EYE AND THE CUPID HAIR PIN. The one will not unhook of itself, the other will not slip out of the hair.

Both made by

Richardson & DeLong Bros.,

Philadelphia.

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.

Before we take up the maps again a word should be said concerning the purchase of a wheel for the ensuing year. Just at this time every bicyclist is longing for a $100 '96 wheel, and looking with disgust on his '95 or '94 machine, which has served him many a time, and carried him over many a good mile. Of course the '96 is better than the same make of '95. That is required of manufacturers if they wish to keep up with the best things of the time. There are certain improvements this year in bearings and tubes, in increasing the easy running of one, and strengthening without adding to the weight of the other; but in spite of those improvements, this year for the first time there have been no great changes in wheels. If you have a '95 wheel, therefore, which has run about a 1000 miles, two courses are open to you. You may be able to get $50 for it, and by putting another $50 with that, buy a new one; or you can spend ten or fifteen dollars on the '95 wheel and have a bicycle practically as good as can be obtained for ordinary use. If you are riding bicycle-races, or going in for long-distance records and thousand-mile tours, it will unquestionably pay you to get what you can for the old machine, and buy a new one of the highest price. On the other hand, if you seldom do more than ten to twenty miles a day once or twice a week, or if you use it for riding to and from the railroad station each day, or for going to and returning from school, the one you have already used a year, if it has been well cared for, will meet every requirement as fully as the new bicycle could. Indeed, a '95 or '96 bicycle of good make ought to keep in good condition with such use for three or four years without requiring more than five or ten dollars a year. There are cases to-day of '92 and '93 wheels which run as well as many '95 bicycles, and which have had constant use for three or four years. Naturally they are heavier, and the running gear is not as perfect as in the later wheels, but this year the improvements are so insignificant, compared with those of past years, that '96 and '95 wheels are not different in important details. In a place like New York city, or Chicago, or Philadelphia, or Boston, one can pick up a good wheel for half price which will be sure to last him a year without expense or annoyance. Somebody with a superfluity of money is willing to let his wheel go at any price in order to have an excuse for buying a new one; and such a man usually gives a bicycle a minimum amount of use.

In purchasing such a second-hand bicycle several important points should be noted. In the first place, and most important of all, take the bearings of front, back, and sprocket wheels apart and see if the balls are worn. Put them in place and note if they "rattle round" more than they should. Here is the first place where a bicycle begins to lose its usefulness. If the bearings are worn, either from use or lack of care in keeping dirt out, the wheel will never again run easily. Next look closely at the pedals, not only at the bearings in them, but at the condition of them generally. They get a large amount of wear and tear, and they strike obstacles which come in the way of the bicyclist more often than any other part of the wheel. From this they are apt to be imperceptibly bent in one place or another, which will account for an otherwise inexplicable difficulty in sending the wheel ahead. Then look at the tires carefully. If they have had several punctures you might as well pay out the money at once to get new ones as to spend it in piecemeal, at great inconvenience to your riding because of frequent punctures. Sometimes, too, the rubber is not of the best grade, and in a year will become dried and likely to crack. Sometimes the owner has not been careful to keep the tires well filled with air, and the rim of the wheel cuts partly through them, making them likely to burst at that point. Aside from these three important points, with the addition of sprocket chain and spokes, the faults of a wheel will show themselves.

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 quality of one's voice in conversation has much to do with the pleasure listeners find in their part of the exercise. "A low voice," says Shakespeare, "is an excellent thing in woman." I agree with him, adding on my part the adjective "clear." A low mumbling voice is not agreeable, but when a voice has pleasant modulations, is low-toned, sweet, and distinct, it is as delightful to hear it in speech as in song.

One sometimes meets a charming girl who has a beautiful complexion, bright eyes, a pleasant manner, and a merry laugh. But, alas! her shrill, screaming voice, or her nasal tones, or her harsh discordant way of speaking, neutralizes her other advantages. With my eyes shut, simply by hearing a girl's voice in another room, or in a public conveyance where she sits at my back and I cannot even glance at her, I can tell whether a young girl is well or ill bred; almost I can state positively whether she belongs to the better-educated or the untaught classes in our land. Her voice tells the whole story. It is a surer indication than anything else about her of the people she has lived among, the care that has been taken in her upbringing, and the sort of character, refined or coarse, which she bears.

There are little mannerisms of speech which belong to certain parts of the country, and which are caught up unconsciously by young people, so that when they go away from home those who meet them have little difficulty in deciding from what point they started. For instance, if a young girl drops her final g's, and says mornin', evenin', greetin', meetin', comin', and goin', I know where _she_ comes from. I have visited in a place or two where the sweet-voiced people nearly all cut off their final g's. And if she rolls her r's, and says the words that have r in them with a _burr_, I recall a journey I made one summer, and I remember numbers of nice girls who all paid r the compliment of twisting it lovingly around their tongues as they used it. A girl who says daown for down and caow for cow labels herself as plainly as if she labelled a trunk, and so does a girl whose vowel sounds are all matters of conscience to that degree that she speaks as if she were mentally spelling her words.

We ought to try to pronounce correctly. There are changes in pronunciation from time to time, but the dictionaries and the usage of well-educated persons will guide us, if we care about the matter and take pains to be right. But if we happen to hear some old-fashioned lady or gentleman pronounce a word in a by-gone manner, we shall, of course, be too polite to take notice, nor will we, as rude people have been known to do, repeat the same word in our own turn, with a different accent. I cannot too strongly urge my girls to be polite in all circumstances. Politeness is merely consideration for others, real unselfishness.

Kathie asks me to give her my views about flirting. My dear child, I haven't any. I cannot imagine school-girls flirting, if by this is meant interchanging looks and smiles in a silly way with strangers. No well brought up girl ever does this; and when a girl allows herself to infringe on the code of behavior which holds her aloof from strangers, she shows herself to be either very ignorant or very stupid.

When you are travelling, or are in any place where a stranger performs a kind and obliging act, acknowledge the courtesy by a simple bow and a thank you. The man who rises and gives you a seat in a car is entitled to this acknowledgment, and so is any one who, at any time, shows you politeness. But you must not enter into conversation with strangers, nor make new acquaintances in public.

Any question 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.

Owing to the number of questions received and replies given, we are compelled to omit this Department this week.

E. G., of Worthington, Ohio, asks what is the best kind of water to
use in photography, and what is done with the different solutions
after they have been used. The best kind of water is distilled
water, but as this cannot always be obtained, amateurs get along
without it. Water which has been filtered through blotting paper is
free enough from sediment to make it all right for ordinary
purposes such as developing, toning, etc. In washing pictures after
toning, or in washing negatives in running water, it is a good idea
to tie a flannel bag to the faucet, as this catches all sediment,
and prevents gritty particles settling in the soft film.
Photographers who use a great deal of material usually save their
solutions and separate the gold, but amateurs do not find it of
enough value to pay, as the quantity used is so small. Toning
solutions are usually thrown away after the gold is exhausted.
Developers can be used over several times if fresh is added to keep
up the strength. Hypo after being used for a batch of pictures
should be thrown away, for dirty hypo will stain negatives, and as
it costs but little it is better to have it fresh, and thus ensure
good results.

SIR KNIGHT LOUIS A. DYAR, OF WINONA, MINN., asks why pictures taken
with a camera that makes a picture 3-1/2 x 3-1/2 are not allowed in
prize competitions; how to make platinotype prints; if sepia prints
are considered artistic; if it is possible for one to take a good
instantaneous out-of-door figure study; and if a camera is not
perfect, if the manufacturers would repair it. The reason why
pictures made with a camera smaller than a 4 x 5 are usually
excluded from prize competitions is because the small cameras do
not admit of so much scope in the pictures, and while many artistic
"bits" are taken with the small camera, they cannot really enter
into competition with pictures taken with a larger camera, which
requires more care and skill in making. Prints made in sepia tints
are considered quite artistic for some pictures. Sepia tints would
not be appropriate for snow pictures or for marines, but for some
landscapes sepia tones are better than black or gray. It is
possible to take a good instantaneous figure study out of doors,
but the contrast between the lights and shadows is apt to be too
strong if the picture is taken in the sunlight. With a quick plate
and lens one may make a good instantaneous with the subject placed
in the shadow of a building. If a camera is found to be defective
it should be taken to the dealer from whom it was purchased, who
will return it to the manufacturers and have the defect remedied.

SIR KNIGHT LESLIE T. REDMAN, LEXINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS, says that
the film from his negatives has a tendency to rise from the glass,
and wishes some remedy. This is what is called "frilling," and is
usually caused by the solutions being used at too high a
temperature. A little alum in the fixing bath will harden the film.
The following is a good formula: Hypo, 16 oz.; water, 64 oz.;
pulverized alum, 1 oz. Mix thoroughly till the hypo and alum are
dissolved. Let it stand for twenty-four hours till the precipitate
formed by the alum has settled at the bottom. Then either syphon
off the clear liquid or turn it off carefully, so as not to disturb
the sediment at the bottom. The negative should remain in the
fixing bath five minutes after the silver has been removed.

F. P., MOK HILL, CALIFORNIA, asks for a good formula for an
intensifier. F. P. will find in No. 824 (August 13th) three
formulas for intensifying a plate, and one in No. 839 (November
26th) in answer to Sir Knight John H. Curtis. If not successful in
their use, please write to the editor of the Camera Club.

SIR KNIGHT ROBERT H. EWELL, sent, last May, directions for making
spirit photographs. The publication has been withheld until the
present time, as winter seems the best time for trying experiments,
there being little of out-door work for the camera. Drape a sheet
about a person, letting it fall below the feet. Take a picture of
this person standing near or behind a chair with the arm extended,
making a short exposure. Close the shutter, leaving the camera in
same position, pose some one in the chair--the ghost having, of
course, been removed--and take his picture. The first exposure for
the spirit should be quite short, while that for the real
photograph should be exposed as for any portrait. Develop the
plate, and the negative should show the dim outline of the "ghost"
standing by the person photographed. The editor has seen many
amusing photographs made in this way.

SIR KNIGHT TEEBOR ROLYAT, NEWARK, N.J., asks if the Night Hawk is a
good camera for a beginner, and if it is suitable to take good
pictures; what is the simplest and best solution for a beginner to
use; and if it would spoil a plate when the sun is shining on the
camera from the front. The Night Hawk is considered an excellent
camera for beginners, and it will take good pictures if the owner
will use care and judgment. Some of the pictures which won prizes
in a recent contest were taken with an outfit costing less than
twenty dollars. One must use that camera as the painter advised his
pupils to mix paints--"With brains, sir!" A beginner would be more
successful if he used one of the ready-prepared developers when
first learning. They are prepared by expert chemists and accurately
mixed. After a little experience in developing, one can then mix
his own solutions. Many formulas have already been given, and
others are to follow soon. Two formulas for developers are given in
No. 844 (December 31). The sun shining into the camera and striking
the plate would fog the plate, but if the lens is shaded so that
the direct rays of the sun do not strike it, the camera may be
pointed directly toward the sun.

* * * * *

FALSE ECONOMY

is practised by people who buy inferior articles of food. The Gail Borden Eagle Brand Condensed Milk is the best infant food. _Infant Health_ is the title of a valuable pamphlet for mothers. Sent free by New York Condensed Milk Co., New York.--[_Adv._]

ADVERTISEMENTS.

Arnold

Constable & Co

* * * * *

SPRING IMPORTATIONS.

PARIS LINGERIE.

_Peignoirs, Matinées, Jupons, Chemises de Nuit._

Fancy Trimmed Waists,

_Organdie, Batiste, and Linon._

Silk Petticoats,

_Silk Waists._

* * * * *

Children's Wear

_Hand-made Guimpes, School Frocks,_

_Fancy Lawn Dresses,_

_Piqué Coats, French Caps._

* * * * *

Broadway & 19th st.

NEW YORK.

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.

Postage Stamps, &c.

STAMPS! 300 fine mixed Victoria, Cape of G. H., India, Japan, etc., with fine Stamp Album, only =10c.= New 80-p. Price-list =free=. _Agents wanted_ at =50%= commission. STANDARD STAMP CO., 4 Nicholson Place, St. Louis, Mo. Old U. S. and Confederate Stamps bought.

$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

=500= Mixed Australian, etc., 10c.; =105 varieties=, and =nice= album, 10c.; 15 unused, 10c.; 10 Africa, 10c.; 15 Asia, 10c. F. P. Vincent, Chatham, N.Y.

FOREIGN STAMPS ON APPROVAL. Agents wanted at 50% com. Lists free. CHAS. B. RAUB, New London, Conn.

125 dif. Gold Coast, Costa Rica, etc., 25c.; 40 U. S., 25c. Liberal com. to agents. Large bargain list free. F. W. MILLER, 904 Olive St., St. Louis, Mo.

STAMPS! 100 all dif. Barbados, etc. Only 10c. Ag'ts w't'd at 50% com. List free. L. DOVER & CO., 1469 Hodiamont, St. Louis, Mo.

FINE APPROVAL SHEETS. Agents wanted at 50% com. P. S. Chapman, Box 151, Bridgeport, Ct.

BOOKS OF STAMPS at 33-1/3% com. References required. =Model Stamp Co.=, W. Superior, Wis.

=WANTED= Vol. I. HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE, bound or unbound. H. WILLIAMS, 25 East 10th Street, New York.

Harper's Catalogue,

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

From a Naval "Veteran."

On Wednesday, October 2d, I saw the new United States armored
cruiser _Brooklyn_ launched in Cramps' ship-yard. There was a large
crowd outside the gates when I arrived. The _Brooklyn_ rested on an
inclined platform, which was well greased with tallow. She looked
superb and gigantic as she rested there waiting for the time to
come for her to take her first plunge. When the time did come the
cheering of the spectators and the shrieks of the whistles were
deafening. The launch was entirely successful from every point of
view.

The _Brooklyn_'s keel was laid in the summer of 1893, and she will
be finished next February, when she promises to be superior to any
cruiser afloat. After the launch I had a look at the United States
war-vessels _Indiana_, _Massachusetts_, and _Iowa_, and the
steamers _Curaçoa_ and _Comanche_. About two weeks later I again
visited Cramps' and went on board the _Brooklyn_. All over her were
men busy finishing her. I was also aboard the _Comanche_ and
_Paris_. The _Indiana_ and _Curaçoa_ were no longer in the yard,
and as the _Massachusetts_ was being repaired no one except the
employés were permitted on her. I expect to see the _Iowa_
launched. On Saturday, October 5th, accompanied by a younger
brother and a friend, I visited the United States Navy-yard, which
is situated on League Island in the Delaware River. We saw the
monitors _Montauk_, _Canonicus_, _Mahopac_, _Manhattan_, _Lehigh_,
_Catskill_, _Jason_, and _Nahant_, which lay in the arm of the
Delaware that separates League Island from the mainland. For fully
an hour we clambered all over the monitors, which had but one
turret and two guns apiece, and we thought, as we left them, that
the _Catskill_ was the best.

These monitors, as well as the ones we saw later, were in the civil
war, and since then, up to the middle of last August, when they
were ordered here, they have been lying in the James River, not far
from Richmond, Va. Crossing the island we went on board the
receiving-ship _Richmond_, where boys are "received" for the United
States Navy and then sent to Newport, R. I., to be instructed before
entering active service. We also saw the monitors _Miantonomoh_ and
_Ajax_. The former has two turrets, each containing two great guns.
Upon our giving him a "tip," a man showed us all over her, and
explained how her men and officers "bunked," how she was
ventilated, how her turrets were moved, how her guns were loaded
and fired, etc. After a jaunt of an hour or more over the island,
we wound up our visit with going on board the United States
dynamite cruiser _Vesuvius_, which we inspected in every part.

I am much interested in naval matters, and am collecting, besides
stamps and autographs, pictures, scenes, etc, of the navies of the
world. I like Mr. W. J. Henderson's stories, especially "The Old
Sailor's Yarns," and _Afloat with the Flag_. Any one who is
interested in naval matters, and who would like to enter the Naval
Academy at Annapolis, I will give a sample of the style of entrance
examinations, and also a few hints.

SIR JOHN H. CAMPBELL, JUN., K.R.T.
413 SCHOOL LANE, GERMANTOWN, PHILA., PA.

* * * * *

Santa Barbara's Flower Festival.

I do not think that you have heard much of the yearly flower
carnival held in Santa Barbara. This city is noted for its large
and beautiful flowers and foliage, and also for semi-tropical
trees, such as palms, bananas, guavas, lemons, oranges, and
loquats. The festival lasts about three or four days, and comes
almost always in the middle of April. The one I am going to
describe is that of last April. Unfortunately about a week before
it the pavilion in which was to be the carnival ball was burned,
and with it all the flags, bunting, and other decorations. This
dampened the spirits of the people, but thanks to the help of some
of the prominent citizens, money was soon raised for the
decorations and a temporary pavilion was built.

State Street, the main thoroughfare, was beautifully decorated, and
several arches spanned it. Tribunes were erected for a block and a
half, in which the people were to sit while the procession passed
by. The carnival opened on Monday. The first feature was the riding
at rings at the race-track. On Wednesday there was the flower show
at the pavilion, followed in the evening by a concert. On Thursday
the grand floral parade took place, and this was the gala day of
the carnival. Floats, spring wagons, surreys, phaetons, carts, and
horses were covered with flowers, and prizes were awarded to the
best-decorated vehicles. Friday night a grand flower ball took
place, opened by the French minuet in costume, and attended by a
number of United States naval officers of the United States cruiser
_Olympia_.

SIR FREDRIC N.
CALIFORNIA.

* * * * *

A Bit about the Old Hall.

We visited Independence Hall one day while in Philadelphia. It was
most interesting. In one room were the portraits of all the men
that signed the Declaration. On the floor were the chairs that the
men sat in. In the hall there hung the great Liberty Bell "with
many a chip and crack." In the west room was the arch that
Washington walked under when in the house.

In a case on the right of the door were a piece of Penn's elm, the
paper England tried to make us use before the Revolution, and some
old-fashioned money. On the left was the frame on which the Liberty
Bell used to hang. Right near it was a case with Lafayette's
epaulets In it, also a drum, a gun, a cannon-ball, and many other
things. We went out wishing we had more time to spend. Shall I
write again and tell you about our visit to Girard College?

JULIAN BREITENSTEIN.
TIDIOUTE, PA.

If you please.

* * * * *

The World and the Ancients Again.

Not long since the question was asked, "How the ancients knew there
were poles without having some idea of the roundness of the earth."
A phrase, _intonnere poli_, was quoted from Virgil which is
certainly translated "The poles resound with thunder." As I
interpret this it means the heavens thunder--the "heavens" being
symbolized by the "poles" upon which they were supposed to revolve.
According to the ancient idea the earth was a circular disk, above
which was the "starry vault of heaven," of solid metal, and below
which was the deep cave of Hades.

Around the earth flowed the black waters of the River Ocean, and
beyond this the heavens met the lower world in much the same manner
as the one half of a hollow sphere joins the other. But the shape
was not spherical, it was elliptical, and this peculiar mass
whirled on an axis extending from the highest point of heaven down
through the centre of the earth to the lowest point of Hades.
Either extremity of this axis was a pole, hence the use of "poles"
for "heavens," but whether this axis was an imaginary one or
whether it is to be taken literally I have been unable to
ascertain.

The earth was thus completely enveloped by the upper and lower
worlds, separated from them by strong horizontal pillars, and held
in its place by Atlas; but notwithstanding the fact that an axis
passed directly through it, the earth had no rotary motion; in
other words, the earth was in the interior of a spinning mass.
These are some of the most important facts, and I hope an answer to
the question. In looking over the Grecian and Roman mythology a
great many conflicting theories are noticed, and the ancient mind
appears to have been most unstable and unsatisfied in regard to the
idea of the construction and arrangement of the universe.

PAUL A. SINSHEIMER.
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CAL.

* * * * *

Navajo Indians.

I am going to try and tell the readers a little about the Navajo
Indians, near whose reservation I live. The Navajos, as a rule, are
not a tall race, although there is one living about two miles from
town who is over six feet. His white friends call him "Lengthy."
The squaw who went to the World's Fair as being the best Navajo
blanket-maker of the tribe has two photographs, one of herself and
another squaw, and one of the Government Building which was at the
Fair, which she delights in showing to every one that goes to her
hut. She talks about "much people" whom she saw while there.

Some of the Indians are quite old, but as active as when young. One
squaw has great-grandchildren who can do as much work in field or
house as a man. Three years ago la grippe came among them; but few
died, as they have a way of curing it which they will not reveal.
One man died who had curly black hair which came to his knees--the
only Indian ever known hereabouts to have curly hair. Between Fort
Defiance and here, about nine miles, there is a large hill which
was made by the Indians, who, as they went from one place to the
other, would throw, as they passed this spot, a stone, stick, or
handful of dirt on it, praying that they would accomplish their
journey in safety.

It is seldom that those who have been to school for a year or two
live when they return to their tribe, because, after becoming used
to our food, they cannot live on their own, it being very poor and
insufficient. The Navajos live principally on corn, mutton, beans,
melons, and green pease, in their season, which they raise
themselves, besides tea, coffee, and sugar for those that can buy
or beg it. They have a bread made of a mixture of flour, meat,
water, and red pepper which has a very sharp taste. There are two
silversmiths in the tribe, who make buttons, belts, rings, bridles,
and bracelets out of silver money. One of them had his nose hurt on
the point, and he immediately filled it with clay and put plaster
over it, and now the skin has grown partly over it, giving him an
odd appearance indeed.

The clothing of the men usually consists of one or more calico
shirts, cut and made by themselves, a pair of overalls, and
moccasins, with a blanket tied around the waist, which is worn at
all times, with a hat sometimes, and sometimes not. The squaw
usually has four or five calico dresses, either made by herself or
given to her by some white friend, with blanket and moccasins the
same as the men. They make no money except a few dollars or cents
now and then by doing small jobs, running errands, and selling
their beautiful blankets for half what they are worth.

MARY D. TARR, R.T.L.
MANUELITO, N. M.

* * * * *

Geographical Hiding-places.

1, Find meat in an English river. 2, Find a mineral paint in American mountains. 3, Find a small steamer in a European country. 4, Find a floor-covering in a country of South America. 5, Find a destructive animal in a New York watering-place. 6, Find a kind of clay in an Atlantic sound. 7, Find a carriage in a lake. 8, Find a small carpet in an Asiatic island. 9, Find small talk in an Asiatic sea. 10, Find a discoverer in a continent. 11, Find a part of the foot in a Virginia city. 12, Find a useful fowl in a city of New York.

Answer.--1, T-_ham_-es. 2, C-_umber_-land. 3, Por-_tug_-al. 4, U-_rug_-uay. 5, Sa-_rat_-oga. 6, Albe-_marl_-e. 7, Ni-_car_-agua. 8, Su-_mat_-ra. 9, Kamt-_chat_-ka. 10, Am-_eric_-a. 11, W-_heel_-ing. 12, Sc-_hen_-ectady.

* * * * *

Blue-fishing off Nantucket.

I have been to Nantucket two summers and have watched the fishing
that is carried on there at all times of the year. In the summer
the blue-fish are the ones most caught. They are taken in seines.
The men who fish with these seines are called seiners. The
blue-fish are caught at a place called Great Point, where the water
is very shoal. Great Point is about twelve miles from the town of
Nantucket, but it is a part of the island.

A seiner starts from the town about 4 A.M. By law no net may be
used in the harbor or within a mile of the shore. When a seiner
sights a school of blue-fish he sends row boats out to surround the
school. As the nets are hauled into the sail-boat the blue-fish are
taken out and put in barrels. Sometimes one seiner gets as many as
a thousand blue-fish. The fish are then sent to New Bedford, where
they are loaded into "tank-ships." I have never seen a tank-ship in
Nantucket.

F. A. JUDSON.
LANSINGBURG, N. Y.

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.

Since "specialization" has become fashionable many stamps which have a larger or smaller perforation, a different water-mark, or a decided difference in shades of the same color, etc., have increased in value enormously. For instance, the 4c. slate, Hong-Kong, perforated 14, is worth 6c. used, or 8c. unused. The same stamp, perforated 12-1/2, is worth $5 used, $50 unused, and hard to find even at those prices. The cataloguing of all these minute varieties has resulted in lists which simply bewilder the beginner, and in catalogues of 600 pages or more in small type. These minute varieties are out of the reach of all except the very rich collector. Some thirty-five dealers recognizing the needs of the smaller collectors have united in issuing _The American Standard Stamp-Catalogue_, which omits these "varieties," simply listing the stamps in the regular colors, etc.; and I learn the demand for this catalogue has been so great that the first edition was exhausted on the day of publication.

P. W. VARNEY.--This Department does not give dealers' names. The
gold dollar, 1849, is worth $1.50.

F. BRENGLE.--The capped 2's of the 1890 issue are sold by dealers
at 10c. each. Immense quantities are on hand, as every one saved
them.

G. W. SCHAICK--U.S. stamps issued previous to 1861 can _not_ be
used for postage. All others can.

G. CARLISS.--The $1 and $2, present issue, can be bought cancelled
at half face.

W. HILLES.--See the ROUND TABLE for December 17, 1895, and January
14, 1896, for values of U.S. coins. Circulated coins of the last
seventy-five years have very little value beyond face.

O. H. SAMPSON.--The coin is worth 5c., the "shin-plaster," 20c.

W. G. WALDO.--The prices quoted are those asked by dealers. See
answer to W. Hilles.

R. A. HAYES.--U. S. stamps cut in two and used on letters have no
postal value, and collectors do not care for them.

F. C. SMALL.--There are literally millions of Roman coins in
existence. Every little while some one digs up a whole boxful.
Dealers sell many of these coins at 10c. each.

L. HUBBARD.--The unused reprint of the 3c. 1869 U.S. is worth $15.
The reprint is on a different paper. It is worth about the same
used.

E. C. WOOD.--A few of the 1875 reprints were used for postage, and
they can be used for postage to-day. No rule can be given, but as a
general thing, when the catalogue does not price a stamp in both
used and unused condition, the inference is that so few copies are
known that no definite market value has been established. Jefferson
and Perry.

S. MANNING.--Defaced coins are worth metal value only; possibly
some such coins would be redeemed at face value at the Sub-Treasury
in New York.

R. H. MARTIN.--I shall always be glad to examine any rare stamps,
but it is not worth the expense to send common or ordinary stamps.

E. C. ALLEN.--Thank you for your courtesy, but I see all the new
stamps as soon as they reach New York. Re-engraved stamps have all
their lines deepened, and they lose the clear look of the
originals.

ORIGINAL SUBSCRIBER.--Your coin is of private mintage. The initials
S.M.V. stand for "San Francisco Mint Value." The coin is worth
bullion only ($5).

A. B. TAYLOR.--The 3c. 1869, unused, is worth 25c. The 1875
reprint, unused, on a different paper, is worth $15. Many of the
1869 issue were faintly grilled, or escaped grilling entirely.

G. WILSON.--The foreign coins are worth metal value only. The
U. S. coin list was published in the ROUND TABLE for December 17,
1895, and January 14, 1896.

H. L. GRAND.--Scotland uses the stamps of Great Britain. The
Columbian 1c. to 15c. can be bought for 45c. used, $1 unused.

R. SANDS.--The Massachusetts coin can be bought for $2. The 5c.
piece is worth face only, if it has been circulated.

B. M.--The stamp you describe is one of the five or six varieties
of U.S. Revenues, of which hundreds of millions were used, hence no
value.

PHILATUS.

If art embroidery be soiled
And washed with common soap, 'tis spoiled;
But Ivory Soap preserves the hue
As brilliant and as fresh as new.

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

PRINTING OUTFIT 10c.

For printing cards, marking linen, books, etc. Contains everything shown in cut. Type, Tweezers, Holder, Indelible Ink, Ink Pad, etc. Thoroughly practical for business or household use and a most instructive amusement. Sent with catalogue illustrating over 1000 Tricks and Novelties, for 10c. in stamps to pay postage and packing on outfit and catalogue. Same outfit with figures 15c. Large outfit for printing two lines 25c.

=Brownie Rubber Stamps=--A set of 6 grotesque little people with ink pad; price, postpaid, 10c.

G. A. R. series Rubber Stamps, 12 characters. Makes all kinds of Battles, Encampments and other military pictures, 25c. postpaid. Address

ROBERT H. INGERSOLL & BRO.

Dep't No. 62,

65 Cortlandt St., New York.

BREAKFAST--SUPPER.

EPPS'S

GRATEFUL--COMFORTING.

COCOA

BOILING WATER OR MILK.

=A NEAT BOX=, containing 12 mineral specimens from Millard County, Utah, including genuine gold and silver ore, copper, onyx, etc., postpaid to any address for 25 cts. J. A. ROBINSON, Clear Lake, Utah.

PLAYS

Dialogues, Speakers for School, Club and Parlor. Catalogue free. =T. S. Denison=, Publisher, Chicago Ill.

HOOPING

COUGH

CROUP

_Can be cured_

by using

ROCHE'S HERBAL

EMBROCATION

The celebrated and effectual English cure, without internal medicine. W. EDWARD & SON, Props., London, Eng. Wholesale, E. FOUGERA & CO., New York

DOLL CLOTHES

Eleven Complete Patterns (all separate), for every article of Dolly's clothing, with full directions for making, and one yard of fine lace, all sent to any address for =only Ten Cents= (silver or stamps). Address

DOLL SUPPLY HOUSE, East 51st St., Bayonne, N. J.

=MAKE MONEY= by writing stories. Our Literary Bureau is the Open Door. Stamp for samples and particulars. CURRENT EVENTS, Cleveland, O.

CARDS

FOR 1896. 50 Sample Styles AND LIST OF 400 PREMIUM ARTICLES FREE. HAVERFIELD PUB. Co., Cadiz, Ohio.

POEMS BY MRS. SANGSTER

Little Knights and Ladies

Verses for Young People. By MARGARET E. SANGSTER. Illustrated.
16mo, Cloth, Ornamental, $1.25.

On the Road Home:

Poems. By MARGARET E. SANGSTER. Illustrated. 16mo, Cloth,
Ornamental, $1.25.

Home Fairies and Heart Flowers.

Twenty Studies of Children's Heads. With Floral Embellishments,
Head and Tail Pieces, Initial Letters, etc., by FRANK FRENCH. With
Poems by MARGARET E. SANGSTER. 4to, Cloth, $6.00. (_In a Box._)

* * * * *

HARPER & BROTHERS, Publishers, New York

TOLD BY FLORENCE.

William J. Florence, the comedian, had a reputation for bright stories and practical jokes. The following one is said to have been told by him at a dinner one night, when the conversation turned on travelling theatrical companies:

"Years ago," said Florence, "I was in a small company skipping from town to town. We had met with extremely bad luck up to our landing in the town of D----. There we found the lowest ebb of all, for when the curtain rolled up there were just two persons in the audience, a young girl in an orchestra chair, and a young man in the front row of the balcony. We went on with the performance, however, possibly to warm ourselves more than anything else. According to my part, I was helping the heroine to escape the clutches of the villain, and in one of my lines I said, 'Have you noticed that even the bright moon is rising to light us on our way.' Before she had time to reply, the young man in the balcony called out, 'I am not so certain about the young lady downstairs, but I can see it all right.'"

* * * * *

A LITTLE TOO ECONOMIC.

A gentleman residing in New York recently hired a colored boy for a valet. The boy proved a valuable acquisition in everything except one, and that was his practice of economy. He was forever endeavoring to save money for his employer. One day he was sent to get some letters stamped and to post them. Upon his return the gentleman asked him if he had attended to it all right. The boy replied, "I's found a lot of gemmen getting stamps, and as they didn't charge them anything to put the letters in the slot, I saved you twenty cents, 'cause I slipped yours in without stamps." That colored boy was too economic, and he was dispensed with.

* * * * *

An awkward man attempted to carve a turkey, and in so doing pushed it from the platter to the floor.

"There, now, we've lost our dinner," wailed his wife.

"Oh no, we haven't; I've got my foot on it!"

* * * * *

BOBBY. "Boo! hoo! hoo!" (_fingering a big bump on his forehead._) "They do give things the most 'diculous names. I don't see what they call that bicycle a safety for."

* * * * *

CLASS IN NATURAL HISTORY.

TEACHER. "Johnny, what do we call a creature with two legs?"

JOHNNY. "A biped, ma'am."

TEACHER. "Name one."

JOHNNY. "A man, ma'am."

TEACHER. "Are there any feathered bipeds?"

JOHNNY. "Chickens and ostriches, ma'am."

TEACHER. "That's right. Willie, what is a quadruped?"

WILLIE. "A thing with four legs, ma'am."

TEACHER. "Name one."

WILLIE. "An elephant."

TEACHER. "Are there any feathered quadrupeds?"

WILLIE. "Yes, ma'am."

TEACHER. "What?"

WILLIE. "A feather-bed, ma'am."

* * * * *

A "PUPIL OF THE CELEBRATED MASCAGNI."

Almost every boy and girl has heard of Pietro Mascagni, the composer of _Cavalleria Rusticana_, made so famous in the world through its beautiful intermezzo, and also through having the good fortune to be sung by some of the most brilliant artists of the nineteenth century. One day, when sitting in his study, an organ-grinder stopped below his window, and began grinding out the intermezzo from the _Cavalleria_ so rapidly that it could hardly be told from a jig. Mascagni jumped up in a rage, and, rushing out, seized the handle of the organ, and played it slowly, as it should be, explaining meanwhile that he was the author, etc. This somewhat appeased the wrath of the organ-grinder, and before Mascagni had finished, a broad smile illuminated his face. Shortly afterwards Mascagni and some friends had the pleasure of passing the same organ-grinder, and thereupon his organ was a large sign that read: "Pupil of the Celebrated Mascagni."

* * * * *

RAILROAD REPARTEE.

A very smart young man wishing to supply amusement for a group of young ladies that accompanied him, accosted the conductor of a railroad train as follows:

"My dear conductor, what--er--do you call an up train!"

"Why, a train that blows up, explodes, goes to smash--anything of that sort."

"Ah, yes, to be sure. And--er--what do you call a down train?"

"Down train!--why, that's a train that goes down an embankment, or through a trestle-work; has some sort of a fall, you know."

The young ladies were laughing heartily at these answers, which embarrassed the young man, and desperately pointing to the train they were about to board, he asked,

"And where might this train be going?"