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Chapter IV: Part 4

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Now they had passed the post-office and were slowly climbing the Weymouth hill toward the depot. The Centre lay in a deep valley, with the railroad skirting the top of the hill to the east. It was a steep, smooth hill, and the backs of the horses straightened and strained under the crupper straps. Marty puckered up her lips and lifted on the seat, as if to ease the load of her weight. At the middle of the climb they stopped where a "thank you, ma'am," ribbed the hill.

"Get up," said Uncle Eb, after the horses had rested.

Just as the wheels jogged forward Marty heard a sharp crack, and then a loud plumping and plopping from behind. She looked around and gave a cry of alarm. For the back board of the wagon had broken out, and down the hill her precious pumpkins were dancing and bobbing with a mellow rumble. Before Uncle Eb could say a word, Marty sprung from the wagon and darted behind.

"Stop! stop!" she shouted; but the renegade pumpkins acted as if they didn't hear a word, and rolled on down the hill. In two minutes the wagon was empty. Some of the pumpkins split open, and their rich dewy halves, full of seeds, lay gaping in the sunshine. Farther down the whole hill was speckled with bobbing bits of yellow, and the boys of the Centre had begun a hilarious chase. The pumpkins seemed possessed. They went careering through open gates and bumping against doors and casings. They broke their heads on fences and the edges of the sidewalk, and they sent Nick Dusenberry's old white team, that hadn't run away before in fifteen years, snorting up the street. All the dogs barked, and the boys shouted, and the Centre stood in its front door and cheered. Such excitement had not stirred the village since Marston's store burned down.

In the middle of the hill sat Marty, each arm clasping a fat pumpkin, and the tears streaming down her freckled nose. The horses had been frightened and had run up the hill, Uncle Eb doing his best to control them.

"Oh, my punkins!" sobbed Marty.

"Are you hurt? Can I help you?" asked a pleasant voice.

Marty looked up. It was the postmaster's wife.

"Oh, my punkins!" choked Marty.

But the postmaster's wife bent over and questioned kindly, and Marty told her about Tim and Uncle Eb and the pumpkins, and when she was through there were tears in the eyes of the postmaster's wife. By this time a crowd of men and boys had gathered. It bruised Marty's sensitive heart that they should laugh and joke about her precious pumpkins. When Uncle Eb came back with the team he was scowling, and when Marty asked him to let her pick up the pumpkins he said:

"Let 'em go. I don't want 'em."

And all the way home he was silent, and Marty sat beside him biting her lips to keep from crying. It seemed to her since her pumpkins were gone that nothing else remained in life. As she crept off to bed that night she heard Aunt Tucker say,

"Now, Ebenezer, you see what comes from foolin' with children's bringin' up."

All the next day Marty's heart ached, although Uncle Eb had said, while he was rubbing his curry-comb and brush together, "Never mind, child," in a tone that showed her that he was still kindly. Towards evening the Perkins boy came with the mail.

"Here's a paper fer you, Uncle Eb," he said, "an' a letter fer Marty."

Marty flushed and trembled. The whole family looked at her. She had never before received a letter.

The Perkins boy was holding it out. "It's a fat one, too," he said.

Uncle Eb took it, put on his spectacles, and turned it over and over. Then he passed it to Aunt Tucker, and Elly and Susie and John all had a peep at it. Marty stood with a rapt expression on her face and her heart was throbbing wildly.

"Is it from Tim?" she asked.

"No, Tim can't write," said Susie, impatiently, for Susie could not help being envious.

"Here, Marty, open it," said Uncle Eb.

Marty took it and tore the envelope with trembling fingers, Elly showing her how. Inside there was a fat letter, and inside of that a one-dollar bill. Little John's eyes were popping in wonder. Uncle Eb drew on his spectacles and sat down in his rocking-chair. Marty was so excited that she crowded up and held fast to his coat as if she feared the precious letter might fly away. It was from the postmaster's wife, and this is what it said:

"DEAR MARTY,--I wish to pay you for the four nice big pumpkins that
rolled into our front yard this morning. I've been wanting some
pumpkins for pies ever so long, and they came just in time. Mrs.
Brainard and Mrs. Peters also received a good supply. We enclose a
dollar in payment. Come in and call on me when you go to see Tim,
and have a piece of pie."

Marty's eyes sparkled. It wasn't so much the money as it was the fact that the letter was written to her own self, and that some one in the Centre knew about her.

The next day two more letters came--the postmaster's wife had done her work well--and when Marty counted her fortune, she had $4.25.

"That's more'n we'd got fer the punkins at the depot," said Uncle Eb.

The next week Marty, all in a new dress, her money tightly knotted in the corner of a handkerchief with pansies around the border, went to visit Tim. On her way she stopped to see the postmaster's wife and eat some pie made from the "visitin' punkins," as the postmaster called them.

Two of the most important interscholastic games of the year were played a week ago Saturday, the Exeter-Andover game at Andover, resulting in a victory for Andover of 28-0; and the New Britain-Meriden game on the Yale field, resulting in a victory for New Britain, 30-6.

The score of the Exeter-Andover game was somewhat of a surprise to the supporters of both teams. The Exeter team had been looked upon as a very strong one, and in spite of the fact that it was to play on strange grounds it was slightly the favorite. Looking back now it seems strange that this should have been the case, for Andover has nearly twice as many students to draw from, and had the advantage of home grounds. It is possible, however, that the reports of Andover's crippled condition gave Exeter the prestige which she seemed to enjoy before time was called.

The renewal of athletic relations between the two schools was very successfully opened by this game, and all through the day the two bodies of players and spectators did everything in their power to let bygones be bygones, and to contribute toward the success of the occasion.

There was a marked contrast between the playing of the two teams. Exeter entered the competition with a certain confidence which soon became akin to demoralization as the determined spirit of Andover began to exert itself. Andover's play deserves great praise, and her eleven earned every point scored. Exeter was outclassed in rushing and line-work, and was proficient in no especial point. The Andover linesmen opened up generous holes for their rushers when these were needed, and on end plays their interference was compact and effective. Every Andover man knew what was expected of him in the interference, and performed his duty. The tackling of the whole team was sharp and sure, and exceedingly distressing to their opponents, who were forced to call in a number of substitutes before the end of the game.

Andover's victory is all the more creditable when we consider that the regular captain was unable to play, and one of the best guards was not in the game. Quimby, who acted as captain, put up a fine game and commanded the men well. He showed that he has the powers of a good football general. Two other players who give much promise are Elliot, who played full-back, and Schreiber, who played left end. The former made several good rushes, and in individual play there was no superior to him that day. Schreiber broke up every mass of interference that assailed his end, and frequently tackled the runner for a loss. Burdick at right end displayed unusual talent, and from obscurity sprang into prominence by his bearing and skilful rushes. Pierson at centre was a stonewall, and did excellent work in making holes besides.

The Exeter players had but little method in their play, and were deplorably weak in team-work. The line was ragged, and, although heavy, it was no match for Andover's stocky forwards. Shaw, at end, made several brilliant tackles, but made as many costly failures. Highly, at tackle, managed to stop the heavy push plays of Andover, but was not able to break through them so as to down the runner. Sawyer, who played for a short time in the second half, was especially conspicuous for tackling behind the line. The clean play of the game was undoubtedly due to the efficient work of the officials, Messrs. J. H. Morse and Lorin F. Deland, umpire and referee. They watched every detail, and maintained strict adherence to the rules.

The detail of the play deserves some mention, and I regret that space alone prevents me from devoting more than a few paragraphs to the subject. Andover took the north goal, and Miller's kick-off was returned by Quimby. Exeter began her offensive play on the 40-yard line. Whitcomb got five yards at centre, and Miller added two at the same place. Whitcomb worked the same position for several yards, and also left tackle. By short plunges the centre of the field was reached, when Andover held, and got the ball on downs. Elliot immediately booted the leather, and as no Exeter player was ready to receive it, forty yards were gained. Andover prevented Exeter from advancing, and had the ball on her 25-yard line. White got in six yards at right end, and the playing became fierce as Exeter realized the approaching danger to her goal. Exeter braced wonderfully on her 2-yard line, and saved a touch-down by a superhuman effort. The ball was gradually carried out from her goal, and five yards for interference at centre aided materially. When the 30-yard line was covered, Andover got the ball for holding on her rival's part, and Burdick electrified the crowd by coming out of the bunch at left end and running the whole distance for a touch-down. It was a pretty exhibition of sprinting and interference of Andover. The try for goal was a dismal failure, the ball falling short.

As on the first kick-off, Quimby caught and returned inside the centre of Exeter's territory. Whitcomb got his length at centre, and Miller added four yards to that. Syphax on a tandem play got two yards at left tackle, and Miller the same amount nearer the centre. The middle of the gridiron became the battle-ground, when Andover secured the ball on downs. Andover did not want to rush, but Elliot punted well down the field, and the Exeter half-back fumbled the ball, allowing Wheeler to get it for his side. The referee allowed Andover five yards for interference at centre, which put the ball on Exeter's 35-yard line. The identical play that resulted in giving Andover her previous touch-down was repeated by Burdick, with an improvement in the interference. Elliot did not miss his second try for goal. Then for the third time Quimby returned Exeter's kick-off, this time much closer to the goal-line.

Exeter could not gain at end or centre, and resorted to kicking, Miller punting outside. Andover did not wait to rush, but kicked back, getting the ball on her antagonist's 15-yard line because of a fumble. Elliot was credited with four yards at centre. Holladay could not make an impression on the line; but Burdick was equal to the emergency, and eluded all tackles at right end, and scoring a touch-down--from which Elliot got his goal.

Right after the next kick-off a series of kicks were exchanged between the teams, until Andover gained the advantage at the middle line of the field. The play still continued to be through the air, till finally Andover settled down to a steady forward march for Exeter's goal by reeling off rushes, at the rate of ten yards each, made by different players in the line. When the teams lined up on the 18-yard line, Exeter had captured the ball on downs. Miller's kick was blocked, owing to the slowness of the pass, but Pyton was on hand to keep it in Exeter's possession. On the 15-yard line Elliot was signalled for a goal from the field, which did not materialize, the ball rolling in front of the goal-posts. Time was called soon after for the end of the half.

At the start of the second half, Exeter started to rush, ignoring the brisk wind at her back, which Andover had used so continuously and advantageously. When a kick did come, Quimby hurried the ball back to its original resting-ground. Elliot, by a remarkable run, in which he leaped over an upright Exeter player, accumulated sixty yards. Play was now being stopped after every other scrimmage for some injured Exeter player to recuperate or be taken off. Andover resumed her plugging away in the direction of the enemy's goal-line, getting only one setback by losing the ball on downs; and another touch-down was scored by Elliot.

Although the final game of the Connecticut Interscholastic Football League, between New Britain and Meriden high-schools, was in many respects not so good an exhibition as that given by Hartford and Bridgeport last year, it was nevertheless an interesting occasion. In one respect, however, this year's game surpassed any school game that has ever been played on the Yale field. This was in the display of a system of interference by the New Britain team which proved almost irresistible to their opponents. The backs ran in a line headed by an end. The end was followed by one of the backs, after whom came the man with the ball, followed by the two other backs and the second end. This formation worked almost every time it was used, and most of New Britain's gains were due to its practice.

The defence of both elevens was weak, Meriden's, of course, being the weaker. Lane of Meriden was the best back of either team. He ran hard and fast. Hubbard of Meriden worked to his greatest strength, but he was unable to achieve much on account of a lack of interference. All the Meriden men were remarkably good at tackling, Lane leading in this branch as well. O'Donnell of New Britain made four of New Britain's touch-downs, and put up an excellent game. He did some excellent line-bucking, and is undoubtedly the cleverest full-back among the Connecticut schools. Meehan of New Britain at quarter-back is a sure passer, and made many hard tackles. McDonald of New Britain had it all his own way with his opponent, Hirschfield, and made holes for the backs whenever these were called for. He is a good tackler and a capable ground-gainer. Porter of New Britain proved by his play in this game that he is undoubtedly the best end-rusher in the Connecticut Interscholastic League. He made numerous tackles, and it was but on rare occasions that the Meriden team was able to make distance around his end. Fitch, Flannery, and Griswold likewise did good work.

As for the detail of the game: In the first few minutes New Britain scored by end plays and by going through Hirschfield, right tackle. The same sort of work was kept up by New Britain until the team had scored five touch-downs, from only one of which a goal was kicked. New Britain started again to force her way over the Meriden line, but lost the ball on the 20-yard mark. It was passed back to Lane, who jumped through a hole through Buckley, and with Hubbard interfering for him, he made a beautiful run of ninety yards and scored for Meriden. This was the most brilliant play of the day. In the second half Meriden pulled herself together and held New Britain much better than she had been able to do in the first part of the game. New Britain, however, succeeded in scoring again before time was finally called, and the score was left 30-6.

The feature of the play in the recent game between Hopkinson and Cambridge High and Latin, in the Senior League of the Boston Interscholastic Association, was the splendid interference formed for end plays. The accompanying illustration gives an excellent idea of how Hopkinson made her gains. The picture shows Huntress, Hopkinson's left half-back, taking the ball to circle right end; the left end and tackle can plainly be seen getting into the interference on the opposite side of the line. The camera shows distinctly the failure of the C. H. and L. right end to put into practice what he ought to know of the game, and follow the play around.

The score of this game was 34-0 in favor of Hopkinson. Perhaps the weakness of the Cambridge eleven was better shown on this occasion by its inability to hold Hopkinson for four downs more than once. C. H. and L. also failed to make first down by rushing more than half a dozen times; the team seemed to hold the ball only when getting it on kick-offs or after punts. Nevertheless, C. H. and L. put up a plucky game, and the half-backs especially worked hard behind the indifferent interference. Lewis did by far the best work for his side, Donovan ranking next.

In the game between Lawrenceville and the Hill School a week ago Saturday the Jerseymen were victorious by 14-6. The game was played at Pottstown, in the rain and on a very muddy field, and consequently the play was limited mostly to line tactics, although Keiffer, the Hill half-back, got around Lawrenceville's ends twice for thirty-yard runs, and once for a fifteen-yard gain, when he scored.

On the kick-off by Lawrenceville, the ball was regained at once on the ten-yard line by a muff by Hill's full-back, Monypenny, and in a few plays Lawrenceville's first touch-down was made, the goal being missed. During the rest of the first half Lawrenceville made another touch-down, going down the field some forty yards, the plays directed on the line-men, though this goal was also missed.

Shortly after the second half began, with the ball on Lawrenceville's twenty-yard line, Hill sent Keiffer around the end for their only touch-down, to which a goal was added. Lawrenceville's last touch-down was made just before time was called, the goal being kicked this time. Without losing the ball, some sixty yards were covered by the Lawrenceville backs plunging through the line.

Mattis of Lawrenceville outkicked the Hill full-back, Monypenny; and the Hill right guard, Mills, played an excellent game. Cleveland, Lawrenceville's left half, played a very good game, considering his short experience. The Hill School has an excellent team this year, most of last year's players being back, and they consequently put up an unexpectedly strong game against Lawrenceville's green team. Lawrenceville has been unfortunate this year in having a number of mishaps to her players just as these got into condition.

The series of games in the second section of the New York Interscholastic Football League has been won by Trinity; the first section is a tie among De La Salle, Berkeley, and Barnard, Berkeley having lost, 6-0, to De La Salle last week on the play-off of the tie game of the week previous. This all-round tie has necessitated the arrangement of a new schedule which will be played off as follows:

November 20.--Berkeley School _vs._ Barnard School.

November 24.--De La Salle Institute _vs._ Berkeley School.

November 28.--Barnard School _vs._ De La Salle Institute.

December 5.--Championship game between Trinity School, winner of
the second section, and the winner of the first section.

This last game between De La Salle and Berkeley was interesting and exciting. The play was sharp, and both teams put forth their greatest efforts to win. In spite of the many good plays, however, there was considerable fumbling by the backs of both sides. The touch-down was made in the early part of the first half. After some good rushing, De La Salle got the ball on Berkeley's five-yard line, and then Tilford was pushed through the line for a touch-down. Carrigan kicked the goal, and there was no scoring done after that, although the ball was a number of times within dangerous proximity to Berkeley's posts. The latter part of the game was greatly interfered with by darkness.

The Trinity-Cutler game, which was played on November 12, was a fine exhibition of football as well, and although the Cutler team proved unable to score against its heavier opponent, it displayed good team-work on several occasions. The game was played in the rain; but in spite of that, both elevens showed considerable snap, and there was not so much fumbling as might have been expected. This game was likewise started so late in the afternoon that darkness came on before the end of the second half, and made the play unprofitable for the players and invisible to the on-lookers.

A rather startling announcement appeared in a New York paper last week to the effect that St. Paul's School, Garden City, had defeated the West Point cadets at football by the score of 16-2. As a number of readers of this Department may have noticed this report, and would naturally expect to find some comment on so unusual an occurrence in these columns, it may be well to state that the report in the New York paper was entirely unfounded. West Point never has played the St. Paul's School team, and never has played a game away from West Point since 1893. The team defeated by St. Paul's on the occasion in question was the Harvard School of New York.

Champions of the Inter-Academic League of Philadelphia.]

The championship of the Inter-Academic A.A. of Philadelphia was won by Cheltenham Military Academy a week ago by the defeat of Germantown, 16-10. Lack of space prevents further comment this week, but in our next issue I hope to be able to devote to the game the space which it deserves.

"G. S., END," asks the following questions concerning football:
1. If the ball is fumbled, and recovered by a player of the side
which fumbled, does it count as first down for that side, or second
or third down with a certain number of yards to gain? 2. If, when
the ball is fumbled and recovered, it has passed the place where it
was put in play, does the gain thus made count the same as if it
had been rushed there?

1. It counts as second or third down, as the case may be; see Rule
21, _e._ 2. Certainly; many a touch-down has thus accidentally been
made.

"A PRIMER OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL."--BY W. H. LEWIS.--16MO, PAPER, 75 CENTS.

THE GRADUATE.

* * * * *

Some people are a bit thick-headed. The following has been communicated by a doctor in an extensive Highland parish:

One morning he received a letter from a remote corner of his parish, written by a man who stated that he was unwell and would like to be prescribed for. He was sorry he could not come to the hospital himself, on account of the distance. The physician was rather puzzled at this request, so he wrote, saying it was much more satisfactory to see the patient; but if he could not possibly come, it was necessary at least to send some account of his symptoms. Next morning's mail brought the man's photo, which happened to have been taken twenty years before.

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EARN A TRICYCLE.

We wish to introduce our Teas. Sell 30 lbs. and we will give you a Fairy Tricycle; sell 25 lbs. for a Solid Silver Watch and Chain; 50 lbs. for a Gold Watch and Chain; 75 lbs. for a Bicycle; 10 lbs. for a Gold Ring. Write for catalog and order sheet Dept. I

W. G. BAKER,

Springfield, Mass.

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.
Recognising the value of the work being done by the L.A.W., the
Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with membership
blanks and information so far as possible.

The map accompanying the department this week is a continuation of the best routes on the western bank of the Hudson. Last week the map covered the country as far north as Englewood and Hackensack; this week it runs from Englewood across into New York State. The most direct route, and the most interesting ride, is to leave Englewood, and run northward through Highwood, Tenafly, Cresskill, Demarest, Closter, Norwood, Tappan, Blauveltville, Rockland Park, to Nyack; or one can ride from Tappan through Sparkill, Piermont, direct to Nyack nearer the river. In parts this road is in very good condition, but there are places where it is heavy riding. In Tappan it is worth while stopping for part of an hour to see the Andre Monument and Washington's Headquarters.

Another good run is to start from Englewood, running direct to Hackensack--that is, as direct as the road will permit. The road-bed is good all the way. On reaching Hackensack, run southward through the town; then turn westward, and run out through Dundee to Paterson. From Paterson the road is in more or less good condition out towards Tuxedo, running through Ridgewood Junction, Ridgewood, Hohokus, Allendale, Ramseys, to Sufferns. Proceeding thence towards Tuxedo, or turning eastward and running through Tallmans, Monsey, Spring Valley, Nanuet, Clarksville, and West Nyack, to Nyack. Still another run is from Englewood to Hackensack, and thence northward to Sufferns, through Arcola, Paramus, turning to the left at Ridgewood, and running on through Hohokus.

Any of these roads can be picked out easily from the map, and you are pretty sure to find that in the main those roads marked in heavy black are good bicycle roads. The hotel accommodations are none of the best in any part of this country, with a few exceptions. In the summer-time the Prospect House in Nyack is probably the best hotel within a radius of many miles, but it is closed in the fall and winter. Reasonably good accommodations can be had at Hackensack and Paterson, but the smaller towns usually have but one hotel, which is apt to be of the road-house type, and one must make up his mind, if he finds it necessary to stop over night anywhere, to take what comes in an optimistic spirit. The hills of the country are in some cases rather steep. Close to the Hudson, after one has once got on top of the Palisades, there are not many which cannot be ridden. The road running from Hackensack up the Hackensack River valley, through Overtown, Westwood, Montvale, Middletown to Nanuet does not run over many hills, but further back from the river, north of Paterson, the wheelman is likely to find more irregularities in the surface of the country.

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 to Utica in No. 856;
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; Hartford
to Springfield in No. 867; Hartford to Canaan in No. 868; Canaan to
Pittsfield in No. 869; Hudson to Pittsfield in No. 870. City of
Chicago in No. 874. Waukesha to Oconomowoc in No. 875; Chicago to
Wheeling in No. 876; Wheeling to Lippencott's in No. 877;
Lippencott's to Waukesha in No. 878; Waukesha to Milwaukee in No.
879; Chicago to Joliet in No. 881; Joliet to Ottawa in No. 882;
Ottawa to La Salle in No. 883: Jersey City to Englewood in No. 890.

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.

Belgium has just issued a new series of stamps in commemoration of the exhibition to be held in Brussels next year. These stamps can be used throughout the kingdom, and no limit as to time for such use has been made. Consequently the S.S.S.S. will probably not put them on the list of stamps not worthy of collection.

The stamps are about twice the size of the current issue of Belgium, and all have the sabbatical label attached. The design is St. Michael and the Dragon, with the Brussels City Hall and Palace of Justice in the background. The 10 centimes is a rich brown, the 5 centimes a violet, and the 25 centimes, for postal packets, black and green. The design is very handsome, and the stamps make a good appearance.

The surcharging of India stamps with the names of the various native governments goes on apace. New issues have lately come on the market from Gwalior, Jhind, Chamba, and Sirmoor. These are very good stamps for the average collector to leave alone. Advanced collectors and specialists, of course, need no advice.

STRAITS SETTLEMENTS, JOHORE.--Design--A portrait of the new Sultan.

1c., green. 4c., green and rose.
2c., green and blue. 5c., green and brown.
3c., green and olive. 6c., green and yellow.
$1, lilac and green.

NEGRI SEMBILLAN.--Water-mark crown and C.A. Design--Tiger head.

15c., green and mauve.

PERAK.--Water-mark crown and C.A. Design--Tiger head.

25c., green and carmine.

Same design, but water-marked crown and C.C.

$2, green and carmine. $10, green and violet.
$3, green and olive. $25, green and yellow.

The following are late issues which are now in the hands of dealers:

SIERRA LEONE.--Water-mark C.A. with crown. De la Rue's standard design.

1d., black and rose. 2-1/2d., black and blue.
2d., black and orange. 1s., green and black.

Canada has just issued a new 2c. post-card.

MADAGASCAR.--

1c., black. 20c., red.
2c., brown. 30c., brown.
4c., claret. 1 franc, bronze.

COLOMBIAN REPUBLIC, ANTIOQUIA.--Two sets seem to have been issued at one time. The design is the same in both, but the colors are different. The denominations are 2c., 2-1/2c., 3c., 5c., 10c., 20c., and 50c.; 1 peso, 2 pesos, and 5 pesos, and a registration stamp.

The new French stamps, the design of which was published last March, seems to have been abandoned. It is said the government was not satisfied with the design, and intend to open a new competition.

I am frequently asked whether the dollar values of U.S. stamps are ever used in a legitimate manner, and if so by whom.

As a matter of fact the dollar values are used in a very few post-offices, and probably the bulk are used in New York city. Bankers send bonds abroad in large packages by registered mail. The regular rate is 10c. an ounce, $1.60 a pound. One large firm of bankers to my knowledge has used over $2000 in dollar stamps for this purpose in a single week. The average size of the bundle of bonds necessitates stamps to the average value of about $20. Larger bundles are frequently sent. In England a stamp of £5 ($25) is frequently used. I have seen the wrapper of a bundle received by a New York banker on which were eight £5 stamps. Lawyers send legal papers in a similar manner. The largest package I know of from New York was about the size of a large dry-goods case. It was filled with legal papers to be used in a patent suit in South Africa. The postage was $187, consequently the box weighed about 117 pounds. There is practically no limit to the weight of first-class parcels in either the domestic or foreign mails.

F. W. LAMPIER, JUN., STITES MELTON, and MISS FANNIE MOORE, of
Ridley Park, Pa., wish to exchange stamps.

B. A. RICHARDSON.--Dealers sell the 1835 dimes at 20c.

F. I. O.--The 3 kreuzer 1865 Würtemberg unused is offered by
dealers at about $2.

K.--The following are prices quoted by dealers: U.S. cents, 1831,
1845, 1846, and 1847, 5c. each. Dimes, 1838, 1842, 1854, and 1856,
20c. each. Half-Dime, 1853, 10c. Quarter, 1845, 50c.; 1853, 35c.
U.S. cent, 1705, 50c. to $1. The other coins, etc., face value
only.

A. ALBERS.--English Revenues used for postage, if on the original
envelope, are sought after in England, but in America there is no
demand.

C. P. K.--By buying at auctions entire envelopes can frequently be
bought at much less than the catalogue prices for cut copies.

PHILATUS.

* * * * *

RECALLED STORMY TIMES.

"Well, that looks natural," said the old soldier, looking at a can of condensed milk on the breakfast-table in place of ordinary milk that failed on account of the storm. "It's the Gail Borden Eagle Brand we used during the war."--[_Adv._]

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Patriotism.

We are not, in this land of diversified industries, accustomed to think of Newfoundland, with its one fish industry, as a land flowing with the milk and honey of this world's riches. Yet here is an intelligent member of our Order, living on the island, who sees his home through different eyes from those that we use. His love of country equals that of a matron of seventy years, who had lived her life on Prince Edward Island. Not only had she never been across the Northumberland Strait to the mainland of Nova Scotia, twenty-three miles distant, but she had never even been to the other or Tignish end of the island, but had spent her days at her home near Georgetown. She was a broad-minded and intelligent woman, yet to such an extent had her environment influenced her that she remarked complacently:

"I think Prince Edward Island the best spot in the world. It is central in the world of affairs, and I could not live content elsewhere."

Here are our Newfoundland Knight's opinions:

A WEALTHY COUNTRY.

We claim for Newfoundland a high position. For its size and density
of its population it is the wealthiest country on the face of the
earth. This extreme or, as perhaps some may think, extravagant
claim, which is made by us with the utmost deliberation, we base
upon the following general facts:

1. The fishing season, broadly speaking, extends over three or four
months of the year. During that brief working period enough is
earned by 40,000 to 50,000 fishermen to supply the wants of a
population of 200,000 souls.

2. Every year there is drawn out of the waters of Newfoundland
wealth amounting to from $8,000,000 to $10,000,000, including the
value of fish used for home consumption, and most of this product
is realized and marketed within the working year.

3. This wealth is almost entirely expended in the purchase and
import of goods of foreign growth and manufacture, on which an
average taxation of 23-1/2 per cent. on the value is paid.

4. The annual earnings of the fisheries, or at least an exportable
earning of $6,000,000, cannot be diverted from the country by any
incident of trade or competition, and cannot be mortgaged in
advance except within each year.

5. That while the value of all other articles of human food has
declined from 20 to 30 per cent. within the last decade, and while
all articles consumed by the fishermen of Newfoundland have also
largely declined, the price of Newfoundland codfish has been
steadily maintained, and is now as high as ever it was.

6. That as such the producers of Newfoundland codfish hold in their
hands a practical monopoly, and are certain of as unfailing a
market as they are of an unfailing supply of the product.

7. That from the great diversity and extent of the area of its
operations, and from the fact that the waters around the island
furnish the proper food of the codfish, the annual crop of the
Newfoundland fisheries is in the aggregate practically as certain
in its supply as any annual crop known to commerce.

8. That this annual crop, being in the hands of the actual
producers, is less affected by such financial fluctuations as
affect other crops in other countries, and no such fluctuations can
extend to the capital stock on which the annual crop is dependent,
so as to limit the production or lessen its value from year to
year.

B. BOWERING.
43 GOWER STREET, ST. JOHN'S, NEWFOUNDLAND.

* * * * *

For Beginners in Art.

I wish to become an artist, and would like to enter the
Metropolitan Art School. Can I learn to draw and paint well enough
to be able to open a studio of my own after graduating? When does
the school open, and when must one apply for admission? How many
classes are there, and about how long must one stay in each class?
What is the age of the average pupil?

M. M., R.T.L.

There are at least two institutions in New York city to which you may apply for circulars. One is the Metropolitan School of Fine Arts, Carnegie Hall, Fifty-seventh Street and Seventh Avenue, and the other the Art Students' League, 215 West Fifty-seventh Street. The former was organized by pupils of the Metropolitan Museum when the schools of the Museum were closed, and is maintained by them. It is in no way connected with the museum. It is open September 30 to May 30. The latter is maintained by the art students of New York. Tuitions are from $2 to $12 per month, according to class. There is no graduation. Pupils stay as long or short a time as they please. Whether you could successfully maintain a studio at the end of one year's instruction, or five years' instruction, or at any other period, depends wholly upon yourself, as you can readily see.

* * * * *

To Twickenham and Beyond.

Last summer we--there were seven of us--went one day up the Thames
River to Hammersmith Bridge. Then we walked to Richmond, to pretty
Teddington, and finally to beautiful old Hampton Court, with its
long rows of trees, its big grape-vine, and its canals. Of course
we saw much to interest us, from the odd Thames boats, which land
and start so quickly, and which have on board small boys who repeat
the captain's orders in a language which we vainly tried to
understand, to the river-course over which the Oxford and Cambridge
boat-races are annually rowed, and the breweries whose success has
brought knighthood to their owners.

But that which most interested us was old Twickenham Church, which
we saw by a side excursion. It is surrounded by old trees, and a
yard in which are those curious tombstones that lie flat on the
ground, and do not stand up as our American tombstones do. The
church has a square Norman tower, and an interior that carries you
back hundreds of years--almost, indeed, to the Reformation. Here is
buried the remains of Alexander Pope, brought thither from
Twickenham Villa not far away. We returned by train to London, so
tired were we of limb, and so filled were our heads with history,
reminiscence, and pretty pictures of rural life.

ANNA BURTON.
NEW YORK.

* * * * *

Answers to Kinks.

No. 55.--A carrier-pigeon.

* * * * *

No. 56.

1. Queenstown. 2. By fighting for us in the war of the Revolution. He was an officer. 3. A British officer under Cornwallis. 4. Stephen Girard, of Girard College.

* * * * *

No. 57.--New-castle--Newcastle.

* * * * *

No. 58.--WORD SQUARE.

B L A S T
L A T H E
A T L A S
S H A F T
T E S T Y

* * * * *

Questions and Answers.

The Priscilla Chapter can procure a copy of the handsome book we mentioned recently by applying to L. G. Price, 547 Union Street, Hudson, N. Y. The price is twenty-five cents, and four cents for postage. It is the record of a successful Chapter, neatly cloth bound, and a pretty souvenir for your library.--Harry C. Farrer, 559 Sixty-ninth Street, Englewood, Chicago, Ill., wants correspondents in foreign countries. He can get information of the Daughters of the Revolution by writing to the secretary, 156 Fifth Avenue, New York. There is no active Chapter near your Englewood home. You might form one perhaps.--C. B. Yardley, Jun., 332 William Street, East Orange, N. J., is much interested in boats, both small and large, and he wants to hear from you if you have the same fancy. He goes every summer to a New Hampshire lake, where he owns a sail and a row boat. He asks where he can see models of boats. Since he lives near New York, we think the best available collection is in the rooms of the New York Yacht Club, 71 Madison Avenue. If you write in advance for permission, we are quite sure you will be permitted to inspect these models as carefully as you may desire.

Three or four readers have lately asked questions directly in the line of what follows. That such jingles help one to remember facts is unquestioned. Still, if one can do so, it is better to remember the facts without the rhyme. Marion H. Cooke, who finds the lines in a newspaper, sends them to the Table just at a time when several readers are asking for them. The first one is:

A LIST OR PRESIDENTS.

Come, young folks all, and learn my rhyme,
Writ like the one of olden time.
For linked together name to name,
The whole a surer place will claim;
And firmly in your mind shall stand
The names of those who've ruled our land.
A noble list: George Washington,
John Adams, Thomas Jefferson,
James Madison and James Monroe,
John Quincy Adams--and below
Comes Andrew Jackson in his turn;
Martin Van Buren next we learn;
Then William Henry Harrison,
Whom soon John Tyler followed on.
And after Tyler, James K. Polk,
Then Zachary Taylor ruled the folk
Till death. Then Millard Fillmore came;
And Franklin Pierce we next must name.
And James Buchanan then appears;
Then Abraham Lincoln through those years
Of war. And when his life was lost,
'Twas Andrew Johnson filled his post.
Then U. S. Grant and R. B. Hayes
And James A. Garfield each had place,
And Chester Arthur, and my rhyme
Ends now in Grover Cleveland's time.

And the other:

THE RULERS OF ENGLAND.

First William the Norman, then William his son,
Henry, Stephen, and Henry, then Richard and John;
After Henry the third, Edwards one, two, and three,
After Richard the second, three Henrys we see.
Fourth Edward precedes the third Richard, then press
Two Henrys, Sixth Edward, Queen Mary, Queen Bess;
Then Jamie from Scotland and Charles must be reckoned,
Succeeded by Cromwell and then Charles the Second;
Then we had James, who relinquished the throne
To William and Mary, then William alone,
Till Anne, the Four Georges, Fourth William had passed;
Victoria now reigns--may she long be the last!

To Ames Ulmer.--The latest record at hand is December, 1895. On that date the President of Switzerland was Joseph Zemp. The official residence is at Berne.--F. S. Davis: Order _Si Klegg and His Pard_ from any bookseller. If you have none, write to The Baker and Taylor Company, New York.--Janey Crowe, 13 Birch Crescent, Rochester, N. Y., plies us with a sheet full of questions, which we are glad to answer as fully as we are able: 1. Elvirton Wright is the author of _Majoribanks_, and, we presume, also of the book you mention. Write to the Congregational Publishing House, Boston, for fuller information. 2. The other author whom you name has written many books. L. F. Meade was her former name. Now it is Mrs. E. T. T. Smith. Her publishers are Lippincotts, Cassells, and half a dozen others. 3. Some information is wanted about these authors--where they live, and some interesting facts in their lives. Can any readers supply us with morsels containing such information? 4. There are to be Round Table prizes this year for puzzles, stories, and amateur photographs. The puzzle prizes are to be $40 each, and there are to be five contests. The story prizes are worth $75 for the first, $50 for the second, and $25 for the third, and the photograph prizes amount in all to $125. Full particulars with conditions will be announced very soon. 5. No Round Table reunion has been planned.

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.

OUR ANNUAL PRIZE CONTEST.

We have received many queries since the appearance of the Prize Offers as to the exact nature of the photographic prize competition, showing that our amateurs were looking forward to and preparing for the yearly event of the club. Each person should read the announcement of the Prize Offers, and the rules governing the contest, in the October 27 issue of the ROUND TABLE.

There are two contests, both of which are open to the members of the Camera Club, and we hope each member of the Camera Club will send pictures to both competitions. The very fine photographs which were submitted last year showed that the members are all striving to do good work. The improvement in the style of pictures and the subjects chosen was much better last year than in any previous year, and we expect still better work submitted in this contest. All contestants must be subscribers to HARPER'S ROUND TABLE themselves, or take the paper in their family.

There is no restriction as to the number of prints one may send, but in sending prints mark _each print_ with name, address, and class for which the picture is designed. The best place to mark a picture is on the back of the card-mount.

Any printing process may be used except the blue print. While many amateurs use the glossy papers, the preference is for the matt surface, and a bromide or platinum print is the paper generally chosen by first-class amateurs. If one does not know how to use these papers, or cannot procure them, try to make the best print possible on the paper which is chosen. The printing and mounting of a picture have a great deal to do with its attractiveness, and the mechanical work in a photograph is always considered when judging pictures.

Several queries were received last year asking if a picture taken with a 4-by-5 camera, and trimmed down so that it was a little less than 4 by 5, would be admitted to the competition. The answer was that a picture might be trimmed a little, but not enough to bring it down to a size perhaps 3 by 4, that would make it too small to be "eligible."

Each competitor in the Camera Club may send as many pictures as he pleases to both contests, and he may compete in each class in the two competitions. This gives the members of the club the advantage over non-members, who can only compete in the "Open to All" contest.

We have received many additions to our club during the last year, and shall expect to see some fine work. Do not delay, but send in your pictures as early as possible. The names of the prize-winners will be announced in the January, probably the New-Year's, number of the ROUND TABLE.

Her graceful presence, everywhere
Suggests the fragrance, faint and rare
With which the sweetest flowers allure:
To such a dainty gown and face
The touch of soap seems out of place--
Save Ivory, which itself is pure.

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

FOOTBALL AND OTHER SPORTS

* * * * *

A PRIMER OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL

By W. H. LEWIS. Illustrated from Instantaneous Photographs and with Diagrams. 16mo, Paper, 75 cents.

There is probably no other man in America who has had as much
football experience or who knows more about the game than Mr.
Lewis.... Of value not only to beginners, but to any one who wishes
to learn more about football.... We heartily recommend it as the
best practical guide to football we have yet discovered.--_Harvard
Crimson_, Cambridge.

Written by a man who has a most thorough knowledge of the game, and
is in language any novice may understand.--_U. of M. Daily_,
University of Michigan.

Will be read with enthusiasm by countless thousands of boys who
have found previous works on the subject too advanced and too
technical for beginners.--_Evangelist_, N. Y.

Beginners will be very grateful for the gift, for no better book
than this of Mr. Lewis's could be placed in their hands.--_Saturday
Evening Gazette_, Boston.

_NEW EDITION OF_

CAMP'S AMERICAN FOOTBALL

By WALTER CAMP. New and Enlarged Edition. 16mo, Cloth, $1.25.

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Harper's Round Table, November 24, 1896Chapter IV: Part 4

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