Chapter VII: Part I (2)

It may be objected to Arbor Day, or to any lessons on forestry in schools, that the course of study is already overcrowded, and this fact I admit. But the requisite talks on trees, their value and beauty, need occupy but two or three hours. In some large cities there may be little or no room for tree-planting, and no call for even a half-holiday for this work, but even there such talks, or the memorizing of suitable selections, on the designated day, would be impressive and useful. The essential thing is to _start_ habits of observation and occupation with trees, which will prompt pupils in their walks, or when at work, or at play, to study them. The talks on this subject, which Superintendent Peaslee says were the most interesting and profitable lessons the pupils of Cincinnati ever had in a single day, occupied only the morning of Arbor Day, the afternoon being given to the practical work. Such talks will lead our youth to admire trees, and realize that they are the grandest products of nature, and form the finest drapery that adorns this earth in all lands. Thus taught, they will wish to plant and protect trees, and find in their own happy experience that there is a peculiar pleasure in their parentage, whether forest, fruit, or ornamental—a pleasure which never cloys, but grows with their growth. Like grateful children, trees bring rich filial returns, and compensate a thousand fold for all the care they cost. This love of trees, early implanted in the school, and fostered in the home, will make our youth practical arborists.

They should learn that trees have been the admiration of the greatest and best men of all ages. The ancients understood well the beauty as well as the economic and hygienic value of trees. The Hebrew almost venerated the palm. It was the chosen symbol of Judea on their coins, and was graven on the doors of the Temple as the sacred sign of justice. The Cedar of Lebanon was justly the pride of the Jews, and became to them the emblem of strength and beauty. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans were proficients in tree-planting. Hence Thebes, Memphis, Athens, Carthage, Rome, Pompeii and Herculaneum, as their ruins still show, had their shaded streets or parks. Two thousand years ago, the richest Romans maintained a rural home, as does the wealthy Londoner, Viennese, or Berliner to-day, and their ancient villas were lavishly adorned. The Paradise of the Persians was filled with trees and roses. This taste for beautiful gardens was transplanted from Persia to Greece, and the Greek philosophers held their schools in beautiful gardens, or groves. The devastations of parks, the destruction of shade trees, the neglect of public streets and private grounds, the decay of rural tastes, and the utter slight of home adornments, were clearer proofs of the great relapse to barbarism than the vandalism which destroyed the proud monuments of classic art and literature.

Arbor Day has already initiated a movement of vast importance in eight states. In tree-planting, the beginning only is difficult. The obstacles are all met at the outset, because they are usually magnified by the popular ignorance of this subject. It is the first step that costs—at least, it costs effort to set this thing on foot, but that step once taken, others are sure to follow. This very fact that the main tug is at the start, on account of the inertia of ignorance and indifference, shows that such start should be made easy, as is best done by an Arbor Day proclamation of the Governor, which is sure to interest and enlist the youth of an entire state in the good work. When the school children are invited each to plant at least “two trees” on the home or school grounds, the aggregate number planted will be more than twice that of the children enlisted, for parents and the public will participate in the work.

Tree-planting is fitted to give a needful lesson of forethought to the juvenile mind. Living only in the present and for the present, youth are apt to sow only where they can quickly reap. A meager crop soon in hand, outweighs a golden harvest long in maturing. They should learn to forecast the future as the condition of wisdom. Arboriculture is a discipline in foresight—it is always planting for the future. There is nothing more ennobling for youth, than the consciousness of doing something for future generations, something which shall prove a _growing_ benefaction in coming years. Tree-planting is an easy way of perpetuating one’s memory long after he has passed away. The poorest can in this way provide himself with a monument grander than the loftiest shaft of chiseled stone which may suggest duty to the living, while it commemorates the dead. Such associations grow in interest from year to year and from generation to generation. By stimulating a general interest in tree-planting among our youth, Arbor Day will yield a rich harvest to future generations. George Peabody originated the motto, so happily illustrated by his munificent gifts to promote education: “Education—the debt of the present to future generations.” We owe it to our children to leave our lands the better for our tillage and tree-planting, and we wrong ourselves and them, if our fields are impoverished by our improvidence.

Arbor Day in school has led youth to adorn the surroundings of their homes, as well as of the schools, and to extensive planting by the wayside. How attractive our roads may become by long avenues of trees! This is beautifully illustrated in many countries of Europe. In France, for example, the government keeps a statistical record of the trees along the roads. The total length of public roads in France is 18,750 miles, of which 7,250 are bordered with trees, while 4,500 are now being, or are soon to be, planted. Growing on lands otherwise running to waste, such trees are grateful to the traveler, but doubly so to the planter.

The influence of Arbor Day in schools in awakening a just appreciation of trees, first among pupils and parents, and then the people at large, is of vast importance in another respect. The frequency of forest fires is the greatest hindrance to practical forestry. But let the _sentiment_ of trees be duly cultivated, first among our youth, and then among the people, and they will be regarded as our friends, as is the case in Germany. The public need to learn that the interests of all classes are concerned in the conservation of forests. Through the teaching of their schools this result was long since accomplished in Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and other European countries. The people everywhere realize the need of protecting trees. An enlightened public sentiment has proved a better guardian of their forests than the national police. A person wantonly setting fire to a forest would there be looked upon as an outlaw, like the miscreant who should poison a public drinking fountain.

HOW TO WORK ALONE.

BY CHANCELLOR J. H. VINCENT, D.D.

Not all members of the “C. L. S. C.” can enjoy the benefits of a local circle. Some live in the country, or in remote parts of the city. They can not get out at night, through lack of company, or because the house, the boys, or the baby must not be left alone; the local circle is not under wise direction, and is unprofitable; or it may be that the only accessible local circle is a close corporation, and is “inaccessible.” Father or husband objects to the time wasted, or the long walk, or something else. So the student is solitary. Whatever is done must be done alone.

This is not an unmixed evil, because it may develop power in the student, or drive him or her to find associates at home, associates who are not enrolled in Plainfield as “regulars,” and some of whom are quite too young to be enrolled at all. No deprivation in this world that does not make a place for some other unsought, unexpected blessing.

I purpose to offer a few hints to these solitary readers, who may, I trust, find much profit out of the restrictions of providence, and do their work well even though it be done alone. On the blank pages of your necessity you may make records of your own, worth more to you than volumes of other people’s print.

1. Although alone, remember that you are associated with a great Circle numbering thousands and tens of thousands of members. You are not alone, but one of many. This thought helps you. It sets currents of sympathy in motion. It annihilates distance. It fills the very air about you with companions with whom you are in sweet fellowship, although you have never seen them. They are a great cloud of witnesses. They march under the same banner; put their names on the same great record book in the central office; read the same pages; sing the same songs; answer the same questions; recite the same mottoes; observe the same memorial days; and turn with tender hearts to the same heavens, under the mystic spell of the vesper hour; experience the same longings after true culture, and have hearts full of sympathy for their fellow-students everywhere. This thought of oneness in work gives feelings of kinship and companionship. The solitary student in the little room—kitchen, sitting room, library, or bed chamber—is surrounded by thousands of fellow-students. They seem to look over the page with you. They seem to whisper words of good will and faith, and some of them, I assure you, are royal people. They would give you such greeting, if they had opportunity, as would make you proud and glad of your connection with the Circle. Indeed, solitariness is impossible to the thoughtful member of the C. L. S. C.

2. This sense of fellowship is increased, and a helpful stimulus given to the solitary worker, by reflecting on the character of the great fraternity of which you are a part. We now enroll more than seventy thousand members. Perhaps twenty-five thousand have practically given up the readings. Only fifty thousand remain with us. Many thousands of readers are connected with local circles who have never joined as “regulars” at the central office in Plainfield, N. J. There are thousands who are reading a part of the course, but who neither belong to the local nor general circle. I believe that these non-recorded and irregular readers make up for the lapsed thousands, so that to-day we have nearly or quite seventy thousand people doing all or a part of the required reading. This, therefore, becomes a great institution. Its territorial extent is as vast as its numerical strength. There are “C. L. S. C.s” in all parts of the world. Our office records contain names from India, China, Japan, the Sandwich Islands, and many other outlying regions, while the list in Canada and on the Pacific coast runs up among the thousands. In every state and territory members are to be found.

And who are these with whom you, my solitary student, are associated? They represent every calling in life, and almost every grade, social and intellectual. Here are lawyers, judges, physicians, clergymen, doctors of divinity, college graduates, literally by the thousand, who seek through our course to review the studies of other and earlier years. Here are seminary and high school graduates, and people old and young who dropped out of the grammar school when they were too young to understand their folly in doing so. Here are business men, mechanics and farmers who have been prospered, and who covet now a measure of culture to fit them for society, that their money may gain for them and their families more than a mere social recognition. Here are mothers good and true, who do not want to part hands with sons and daughters as they enter the higher schools, but who propose by our course of reading to keep in the literary and scientific world where their children are to be at home. Here are people of “low degree,” who toil for bread, with lengthened hours of service, that they may help those who are dependent upon them. They are in shops and kitchens, and have souls that would put honor into palaces. They want outlook as they go weighted down through busy and weary years. They do not expect always to be slaves to society and circumstance. There is blood-royal in every heart-beat, and power to hold princedoms in some near future. So, despised of men who live, they hold converse through books with gifted and kingly souls who, though dead, yet live, and who work in other kingly souls. There are many of these disguised princes and princesses in your Circle.

Here too are sufferers in homes of bereavement and pain, where arms are empty and hearts are full, where love calls but receives no answer, where disease binds the body but leaves the mind free to grieve over its loss; where lack of work gives place to temptation, and renders occupation of some sort a moral and religious necessity; where worldliness, that makes the soul barren, needs thoughtfulness to moisten, beautify and fructify the life.

In such great and gracious companionship you sit down for solitary study. Dismiss the thought, therefore, that this is solitude. Reach out your soul to greet the currents of invisible and loving influence that pour in upon you from every quarter.

3. Select and furnish your Chautauqua corner. Do not be too anxious to have it harmonize with other corners of the room. Put shelves for your books “required” and for “review.” On the lowest shelf pile THE CHAUTAUQUANS. On the wall put up the motto cards, the list of memorial days, the Chautauqua calendar, the photograph or engraving of the Hall of Philosophy, and such other Chautauqua views as you approve. Put up busts or engravings of the great leaders—Homer, Cicero, Dante, Milton, Goethe. Somewhere place a picture of Bryant, the earliest distinguished friend of the C. L. S. C. By gradual additions fill the Chautauqua corner with pictures and bookshelves, busts and mottoes, all in the line of your reading, until the other corners and the intervening walls shall be filled with reminders of Chautauqua and the world of literature, science and art it represents. And if somehow you can place on the wall that matchless engraving representing the great Master with his two disciples on the way to Emmaus, you will, in a sense, sanctify your room, and set forth most effectively, the aim, scope and spirit of the great Chautauqua movement. In such a room, or in such a corner, can students be solitary?

4. You will greatly increase your power by systematic habits. One may “read up” at any time, but the regular daily reading which renders unnecessary what is called “reading up,” is much the better way. It renders the work comparatively light; it makes the C. L. S. C. a help to other less congenial work of the day into which it falls like a refreshing shower. It forces life into a system which always expedites and lightens labor. It schools the will. It brings lower duties into proper subjection to the higher. It is every way better to do each day’s work as each day comes. Thus working alone, but systematically, one keeps the hand in and does not lose grasp, taste or delight.

5. Though compelled to work alone, make casual contacts with others afford opportunities for drawing them out, for finding out what they know, or for corroborating your own views. Ask questions. Elicit opinions. Start conversation. Try to tell what you know or think. Tell your children. Tell your neighbors. As you interest them, you set them in search of knowledge, which finding, they will later on report to you, and you thus give them a start in lines of self-improvement.

6. This setting others at work in quest of knowledge for you is a most practicable way of getting knowledge and doing good to the finders thereof.

Write out ten different questions, and give one to each of ten young boys and girls of a high school, for example. They will ransack libraries, consult teachers, find out and report what you want to know, and be immensely helped by the knowledge found and the service rendered. Though alone, you need not work alone.

7. Practice talking to yourself about the things you have read. Put facts and dates into sentences. Now and then write out these sentences, or speak them off. Recite a lesson to yourself every day. Make a speech with yourself as audience. Put facts into recitative lullabies, by which you sing baby to sleep. Don’t do too much of all this, lest it weary you, but do a little of this sentence-framing and solitary speech-making, and nursery-crooning every day. You will then have a local circle of you, and yourself and your own soul. Now one’s self makes very good society sometimes; there are so many powers and voices and thoughts and projects in a single soul.

8. Lift your soul up to its height, now and then, and breathe a thought of the heart that may grow into a prayer as you recall the great Circle of which you are a member. Think in silence of their multiplied and varied circumstances, perils, temptations and necessities. Think of the disheartened, the bereaved, the suffering, the doubting; those who have great power, but do not know how to use it; those who are sick of sin and worldliness, and do not know how to get into the path of holiness and peace. Think of all these, and then pray. Let your heart swell toward God in sympathy and longing.

Thus will you find in your solitude the presence of the Spirit invisible and eternal, whose name is love, and whose home is heaven, and whose children are the lowly and meek and devout, who love souls—the world full of souls—and who daily bear them in tender sympathy to the throne.

They who do these things can not be alone.

* * * * *

If it were not for my love of beautiful nature and poetry, my heart would have died within me long ago. I never felt before what immeasurable benefactors these same poets are to their kind, and how large a measure, both of actual happiness and prevention of misery they have imparted to the race. I would willingly give up half my fortune, and some little of the fragments of health and bodily enjoyment that remain to me, rather than that Shakspere should not have lived before me.—_Lord Jeffrey (from a letter to Lord Cockburn, 1833)._

OUTLINE AND PROGRAMS.

OUTLINE OF REQUIRED READINGS FOR APRIL.

_First Week_ (ending April 8).—1. “Chemistry,” chapters XVIII, XIX and XX.

2. “History of the Reformation,” from page 1 to 27.

3. “The Circle of the Sciences,” in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Sunday Readings for April 5, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

* * * * *

_Second Week_ (ending April 15).—1. “Chemistry,” chapters XXI and XXII.

2. “History of the Reformation,” from page 27 to 55.

3. “Home Studies in Chemistry and Physics,” in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Sunday Readings for April 12, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

* * * * *

_Third Week_ (ending April 22).—1. “Chemistry,” chapter XXIII.

2. “History of the Reformation,” from page 55 to 88.

3. “Easy Lessons in Animal Biology,” in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Readings in _Our Alma Mater_.

5. Sunday Readings for April 19, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

* * * * *

_Fourth Week_ (ending April 30).—1. “Chemistry,” chapters XXIV, XXV and XXVI.

2. “History of the Reformation,” from page 88 to 117.

3. “Aristotle,” in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

4. Readings in _Our Alma Mater_.

5. Sunday Readings for April 26, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

PROGRAMS FOR LOCAL CIRCLE WORK.

FIRST WEEK IN APRIL.

1. Essay—Easter.

2. Selection—“All Fool’s Day.” By Addison.

3. A Paper on the Life of Martin Luther.

Music.

4. Fifteen Minutes’ Talk on the Cause of the Present Troubles in the Soudan.

5. Character Sketch—General Gordon.

6. Debate—Resolved, that dynamite is more productive of evil than good.

SECOND WEEK IN APRIL.

1. Selection—“Martin Luther.” From Robertson’s “History of Charles V.” Found also in Chambers’s “Cyclopedia of English Literature.”

2. A Paper on the Inquisition.

3. Recitation—“The Prisoner of Chillon.”—By Byron.

4. Character Sketch—John Knox.

Music.

5. Essay—The Vegetation of the Carboniferous Period.

6. A General Talk on Socialism.

7. Critic’s Report.

THIRD WEEK IN APRIL.

1. Essay—The Massacre of St. Bartholomew.

2. Recitation—“Robinson of Leydon.”—By O. W. Holmes.

3. Character Sketch.—William of Orange.

Music.

4. A Paper on Mount Cenis.

5. Selection—“The Chambered Nautilus.” By O. W. Holmes.

6. Conversation on New Books.

7. Questions and Answers for the month in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

SHAKSPERE DAY.

Music.

1. Roll call—Quotations from Shakspere.

2. A Paper on the Life and Times of Shakspere.

Music.

3. The Story of “The Tempest.”

4. Recitation—“Perseverance.” Selected from “Troilus and Cressida,” Act III., scene 3; beginning, “Time hath, my lord, a wallet,” etc.; ending, “One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin.”

5. Essay—Characteristics of Shakspere’s Women.

Music.

6. Analysis of “Winter’s Tale.”

7. Court scene in “Merchant of Venice,” Act IV., scene 1; beginning, “Is your name Shylock?” ending with the exit of Shylock.

The plan followed by many Shakspere clubs would afford a fine entertainment. They assign the characters in any one of the plays (that of “Julius Cæsar” being exceptionally fitting for an evening of this kind) to the different members of the circle, who read the parts assigned.

To hold a Shakspere carnival would be a very interesting way in which to commemorate the day. Let each one come dressed in costume to represent any one of Shakspere’s characters and personate that character throughout the evening.

LOCAL CIRCLES.

C. L. S. C. MOTTOES.

“_We Study the Word and the Works of God._”—“_Let us keep our Heavenly Father in the Midst._”—“_Never be Discouraged._”

C. L. S. C. MEMORIAL DAYS.

1. OPENING DAY—October 1.

2. BRYANT DAY—November 3.

3. SPECIAL SUNDAY—November, second Sunday.

4. MILTON DAY—December 9.

5. COLLEGE DAY—January, last Thursday.

6. SPECIAL SUNDAY—February, second Sunday.

7. FOUNDER’S DAY—February 23.

8. LONGFELLOW DAY—February 27.

9. SHAKSPERE DAY—April 23.

10. ADDISON DAY—May 1.

11. SPECIAL SUNDAY—May, second Sunday.

12. SPECIAL SUNDAY—July, second Sunday.

13. INAUGURATION DAY—August, first Saturday after first Tuesday; anniversary of C. L. S. C. at Chautauqua.

14. ST. PAUL’S DAY—August, second Saturday after first Tuesday; anniversary of the dedication of St. Paul’s Grove at Chautauqua.

15. COMMENCEMENT DAY—August, third Tuesday.

16. GARFIELD DAY—September 19.

* * * * *

The difficulty of holding a circle together is sometimes very great. Not a little thorough study of the needs and natures of the members must tax the leader who would hold a circle which has no interest in its work. At RICHMOND, MAINE, our friends have experienced this difficulty. A circle of fifteen was formed in January, 1884, but did not continue its meetings. The lukewarmness of a few broke the interest of all; but ten of the members did their reading apart. These ten took matters into their own hands last fall, and now Richmond has a “Merry Meeting” circle, of twenty-two members, interested and promising.

NASHUA, NEW HAMPSHIRE, has a Chautauqua circle. It has been in existence for two years past, with varying fortunes. Last fall, when reorganized for the season, it consisted of ten ladies, but now numbers fourteen. Though this number is less than one half that of the last year, the interest and enthusiasm are much greater. The weekly meetings are occasions of great interest and instruction. They follow, with frequent modifications, the program arranged in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, making the roll call and question box regular features. The only difficulty with which they meet is that they are all so busy that they can scarcely prepare for each program. They also derive much pleasure and profit in observing the memorial days. The circle is called the “Raymond” circle, in honor of the Rev. B. P. Raymond, president of Lawrence University, Appleton, Wis., founder of this branch.

The “Athenian Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle” of WEST ENOSBURGH, VT., has entered upon its first year in the Chautauqua course. Although in its infancy, it shows a great deal of interest and enthusiasm. The circle was organized September 29, 1884. The officers are president, vice president and secretary. The circle began with eight members and has increased to thirteen. One of the most interesting exercises of this circle is the pronouncing match, each person being allowed to try once; if he misses he sits down. The words for the next match are the names of the sixty-six elements in chemistry.

Our travels through MASSACHUSETTS this month furnish much interesting circle news. The “Star” circle, in FOXBORO, reorganized in October with twenty-eight members, which includes all the graduates with one exception. They believe there in once a C. L. S. C. always a C. L. S. C. The weekly meetings are reported in the local paper, and more are inquiring about the work than in previous years. One reason may be that they are but eighteen miles from the “Hall on the Hill,” which is in process of erection in South Framingham.——The “Henry M. King” circle, connected with the Dudley Street church, BOSTON, was organized in November, and has twenty-five members. Of these the larger part are gentlemen, not of leisure, but business men, who bring with them into the bi-weekly meetings the same energy and perseverance that characterize a successful business enterprise. These are certainly the ones who might with a good show of reason say: “No time.” But on the contrary they _have_ time, not only for the regular work, but for the preparation of papers requiring much time and research.——At NORTH ATTLEBORO the new “Bryant” circle is four months old, and numbers twenty-six members. They open the meetings with reading Scripture lessons and singing Chautauqua songs. Roll call is responded to by quotations from a standard author, followed by essays, recitations, blackboard exercises, questions, discussions, etc., as the committee of instruction has arranged. The secretary writes: “If we are not great, our hopes are.”——“Profit as well as enjoyment we are getting from our studies,” says a member of the circle at NORTH WEYMOUTH. This organization is a circle of ’83, and has had time to thoroughly test the course. They have had recently a pleasant memorial service, and have been favored with chemical experiments by a chemist.——Pleasant notes of the work at WEST MADFORD have been sent us by the secretary: “Through the influence of one sturdy little lady, six or eight people met together last October and talked up the feasibility of the C. L. S. C. They elected a president and secretary, drew up a few by-laws, and are now in good running order. They meet once in two weeks. Their membership was limited to twenty, which was quickly reached. The opinion of these members seems to be that this circle is as good, if not better, than any reported in your magazine. We all work with a will, cull the best from the programs given for the local circles, and add original ideas. Each member, in the order of his enrollment, makes out the program. This gives each one an opportunity to do his share, as well as to add his own ideas. We think this feature much superior to the general mode of allowing the ‘chair’ to prepare all programs.”——AMESBURY has a circle of unusual strength. We have been so fortunate as to receive a letter which gives an account of a delightful entertainment held by them in December. Our friend says: “Thinking perhaps you might like to hear from us once again, we are glad to write you of our pleasant and prosperous winter of literary work, brought about by the grand C. L. S. C. movement. Our meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the programs comprise essays, music, readings and conversation, and are social and very delightful, showing a marked improvement on our ‘feeble beginning’ a year ago. Two new circles have been formed this winter, one, the ‘Delphic,’ having forty or more members. On the 18th of December we held our first public meeting in honor of ‘Our Poet’s’ (Mr. John G. Whittier) birthday, to which we invited the ‘Delphic’ circle, also the ‘Thursday Evening Club,’ an older literary society of Amesbury, and other friends, about three hundred in all. Members from the three circles took part in the program, which had been carefully prepared. We were greatly pleased to receive from Mr. W. C. Wilkinson a paper entitled ‘Whittier at the Receipt of Customs,’ which was read to us by his friend, the Rev. P. S. Evans, of Amesbury. As Mr. Whittier, owing to a previous engagement, could not be present with us, resolutions were drawn up and sent to him, as follows:

“‘DEAR MR. WHITTIER;—The three literary circles, together with
a goodly company of the citizens of Amesbury as their invited
guests, are met to celebrate the return of your birthday. We
have talked together of all that you have done and suffered in
the cause of freedom and of truth. We have listened to many of
your words, rendered by living voices. We have looked at your
‘counterfeit presentment’ as it has hung before us covered with
evergreen—our New England laurel. Because you were not with
us in person, to receive them, we desire to send you our most
hearty congratulations on the completion of your seventy-seventh
year. We rejoice that after your “Thirty Years’ War” you have
been spared to enjoy so many years of peace, and that in the
prolonged “Indian Summer,” the “Halcyon” days of your life, you
are receiving a well deserved tribute of reverence and affection.
We think ourselves happy to have known you, not merely as a poet,
but as a citizen, a neighbor, and a friend.

“‘We feel we can not better voice our sentiments than by
retaliating upon you the words you once so fitly spoke of one who
has been a co-laborer with you in the cause of humanity—the mild
“Autocrat of the Breakfast Table.”

“‘“The world may keep his honored name,
The wealth of all his varied powers;
A stronger claim has love than fame,
And he himself is only ours.”’

“‘In the name and by the request of three hundred citizens of
your own village.’

“To which Mr. Whittier responded with the following charming letter:

“‘OAK KNOLL, DANVERS, 12 MO., 23, 1884.

“‘MY DEAR FRIEND:—Thy kind letter in behalf of the literary
associations of Amesbury and Salisbury has just been received,
and I hasten to express my thanks for the generous appreciation
of my life work by “mine own people,” who know the man as well
as the writer. That I am neither a prophet myself, nor the son
of a prophet, may account perhaps for the rather remarkable fact
that I am not without honor in my own country. I scarcely need
say that among the many kind testimonials of regard which, on
the occasion of my birthday, have reached me from both sides of
the water, none have been more welcome than that conveyed in thy
letter. If the praise awarded me is vastly beyond my due, I am
none the less grateful for it.

“‘I know too well my own deficiencies and limitations, but my
heart is warm with thankfulness to the Divine Providence which
so early led me to consecrate the ability given me to the cause
of heaven, freedom, and the welfare of my fellowmen. The measure
of literary reputation which has come to me is as far beyond my
expectation as my desert, and I am glad to share the benefit of
it with my home friends and neighbors. With thanks to thyself
personally, and to those whom thee represents, I am, very truly,
thy friend,

“‘JOHN G. WHITTIER.’”

The “Crescent” circle, of WAKEFIELD, grew out of a meeting held last September, and addressed by Mr. Fairchild, of Malden, in the interest of the Chautauqua movement. A circle was formed as a result of their meeting. About twenty members are now recorded on the books, although more than that proposed at first to join. The meetings are quite interesting, the programs being varied.——The “Alpha,” of UXBRIDGE, is a new name on the books. This cutting from a recent letter is suggestive of their spirit: “We start with six members only, but all are _very_ enthusiastic. We propose to do thorough work. Our object is improvement and genuine culture. We shall use the best means to bring in others to reap with us the golden harvest, and not be selfishly content with ‘our set.’”——There are in FALL RIVER about sixty members of the C. L. S. C., but the “Amity” circle is the first organization in the city. It at present numbers only thirteen members. A larger number certainly ought to be in the organization. The “Amity” will undoubtedly soon bring them in.——From PITTSFIELD a friend writes: “I am happy to report to you a constantly increasing interest in the C. L. S. C. work in Pittsfield. Our circle reorganized in October for another year’s work. To the leadership of our efficient president, the Rev. Geo. Skene, we owe our present prosperity. We have now sixty-four members, twenty-three of whom belong to Class ’88. We have one graduate, our president, who took his diploma at Chautauqua last summer. We also have one member of Class ’85, making five classes represented in our circle. Our meetings are full of interest, and the attendance is excellent, the smallest number present at any meeting this year being twenty-five. Programs are arranged by a board of seven managers, who serve for three months. Singing, prayer, roll call, with responses by quotations and reading of minutes of last meeting, always form the opening exercises. We have also used the Chautauqua vesper service, and enjoyed it. Our pastor has had the Sunday vesper service several times, and we have found it very enjoyable in both church and circle. We have had, too, experiments in chemistry, illustrating some of the articles on that subject in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. As another specialty we have had ‘pronunciation of Greek names,’ conducted as the old fashioned spelling matches. This proved highly entertaining, as well as instructive. We have recently changed our name to ‘Bryant Chautauqua Circle.’ We think it particularly appropriate, as Cummington, the birthplace of Mr. Bryant, and where he spent much of his life, is situated only twenty miles from this town. Another circle has been formed here since November, taking as a president one of the members of our circle. They have at present thirty members. On Monday evening, February 2d, Dr. Vincent gave a lecture, both circles attending, and after the lecture a joint reception was given him. It is expected that arrangements will soon be made for occasionally holding union meetings. Thus the C. L. S. C. prospers in Pittsfield. We find that here, as elsewhere, the C. L. S. C. is promoting the best interests of the people.”——For several years the two or three members of the C. L. S. C. in MARSHFIELD have been accustomed to meet weekly for reading, study and conversation, but they never dignified the gathering by the name of a local circle. Within a few months they have organized under the name of the “Webster” circle, inasmuch as they are the nearest members of the C. L. S. C. to the home and burial place of that great statesman. They meet once in three weeks, and have a membership of eight or ten, including representatives of nearly every class.

The “Phelps” local circle, of NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT, of the C. L. S. C., started in November with five Chautauquans, and now numbers twenty-six, with a number of others who are reading. So far they have kept very closely to the Greek part of the course, and in the meetings have had a number of map exercises, which they find very interesting.——WEST WINSTED, of the same state, has a year-old circle, from which we have had our first letter: “Our local circle numbers sixty, thirty of whom are regular members of the central Circle. Nearly all of these members belong to the ‘Pansy’ class, and are loyal to it. We have never labored under great difficulties, always having had good meetings. We have a most efficient lady president, to whom, in a large degree, the success of our circle is due. Early in the fall of 1883 a few enterprising men and women sent for the books for the year and commenced reading, hardly daring to hope that a circle would be formed. Our village is not lacking in literary circles, having an almost countless number of different kinds, and for this very reason it seemed that another one would not meet with success, but at the first call nearly forty responded. We organized our circle that night and continued the meetings during the year, taking up the work in essays, questions and readings, and observing, as far as possible, the memorial days, by appropriate exercises. This year we reorganized in October, and, if possible, have had more interesting meetings than last year. Some of our members who have a long distance to walk in order to attend have proved themselves filled with the Chautauqua enthusiasm by their regular attendance, whatever the condition of the weather. At our last meeting we had chemistry for the topic, and devoted the evening to experiments, having twenty or more, nearly all of which are given in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. We have had sometimes, in addition to the regular literary work of the evening, a personation of some author given by a member, the remaining members guessing the author personated. One feature of our program for January 20th was a match, similar to an old-fashioned spelling match, upon the questions on ‘Preparatory Greek Course’ in THE CHAUTAUQUAN for October and November. From the fact that new members join our ranks at almost every meeting, we are encouraged in the feeling that though popularity is not the winning feature, the good ‘Idea’ has taken deep root.”

A RHODE ISLAND friend writes from WARREN: “To the numerous reports from local organizations, I am pleased to add a few lines from the ‘Delta’ circle, organized last October, in this part of ‘Little Rhody.’ It consists of nineteen ‘regular’ and four ‘local’ members, assembling on the second and fourth Monday evenings of each month. Our president and vice president are enthusiastic Chautauquans, respectively of the classes of ’86 and ’87, the remainder belonging to the class of ’88. Our programs are arranged by ‘the committee of instruction’ during the intermission, and reported to the circle before its adjournment each evening. In the arrangement of these great help is rendered by those published in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. Our memorial days have been pleasantly observed, and we shall shortly have a Sunday evening vesper service. We also intend to have a supper, the cooking of which is to be ‘_à la_ CHAUTAUQUAN.’ While waiting for the Chautauqua songs our president has carefully prepared by hektograph, for our use, both notes and words of several selected from his copy, and we are delighted with the harmonies. Should we discover any new departure that would be helpful to local circles, we shall write again.”

Almost as numerous reports reach us this month from the “Empire State” as we received last; several are of circles hitherto unknown to our columns. The “DeKalb” circle, of BROOKLYN, is one of these. It was organized in the fall of 1883, with fifteen members. Since that time the membership has increased to twenty-six.——At BATAVIA a local circle was formed in October last, and consists of about fifty members. These are mostly beginners in the Chautauqua course, with a few who will finish next year. They have done some good work in the way of essays, readings and experiments, and hope to do more. The work upon Greece has been made particularly interesting, from the fact that the leader, the Rev. C. A. Johnson, has described so faithfully many of these landmarks of the past as seen by him in recent years.——In October, 1884, a new C. L. S. C. was organized at WHITESTOWN. It is called the “Hestia” circle, and has fifteen enthusiastic members, all ladies. At one meeting leaders are appointed to conduct the exercises on the various readings at the next meeting, having as many different leaders as there are different subjects in the readings for the week. The leaders are appointed in alphabetical order, so each member is required to lead in some exercise as often as once in every three or four weeks.——The “Lakeside” circle, of FAIR HAVEN, is to be counted “one of us.” Many readers have been at Lakeside, but the circle is a new organization. Thus far the work has been, most of it, on the Greek course; they take the questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, have essays on the leading characters, selections, questions, discussions, etc. The president drew for them a large map of Greece, which was a great help in fixing the position of the different places in their minds—an admirable plan, which more presidents would do well to follow.——A delightful circle of seventeen exists in the pleasant city of ROME. Unfortunately, they have recently lost their president, a gentleman of scholarly taste, to whom the success of the first two years of their life was largely due.——At LITTLE GENESEE there is an enthusiastic circle of sixteen members. At each circle one of the members presents a program for the next session, every member taking his turn in the order in which his name stands on the secretary’s book. Although not formally made a rule, it is understood that no member shall refuse to undertake any work assigned on the program. Chautauqua songs, roll call, and “Questions and Answers” from THE CHAUTAUQUAN are the standard features of the programs. Essays, discussions, select reading, questions, etc., furnish variety, and conversation is always in order. At the last circle the responses were to be from “Kitchen Science.” The responses assumed form, as well as expression, and a bountifully spread table gave opportunity for practical tests of kitchen science.

At LATROBE, PENNSYLVANIA, a C. L. S. C. was properly organized, and went earnestly to work October 1, 1884, with twenty-five members. It being the first Chautauqua circle in the place some difficulties had to be overcome before getting rightly started. The circle is now under good progress, and doing a good work. They have enjoyable monthly meetings, where a regular program is carried out, consisting of readings, recitations, music, etc. The benefit gained by the members is far beyond expression. Both old and young are alike profited and pleased with the readings. October 22, 1884, the circle was called to mourn the sad death of Miss Alice Newcomer, one of their most beloved members.——A very interesting variation from the usual response by roll call has been introduced into a program of the HARRISBURG circle. It is that each person respond by mentioning some one important event which has occurred in the past month. This circle sends a very skilfully prepared program.——At BERWICK the C. L. S. C. pursues the plan of study laid down in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, finding it admirably adapted to complete the required reading in the given time. A friend telling of their prosperity says: “We have lost a few members by removals, and one or two have withdrawn, after a year’s study, but the backbone and sinew of the circle remain, and the body is growing vigorous and symmetrical. At the dawn of the Chautauqua year we were compelled to part with our learned and valued preceptor, Prof. L. H. Bower, who was called to the Dickinson College Preparatory School. The circle, with appropriate ceremony, presented him with a copy of ‘Knight’s Illuminated Pictorial Shakspere,’ in eight volumes, as a token of their appreciation of his services. His talented brother, Prof. A. V. Bower, was elected to succeed him as president of the circle, and the change was made without any friction whatever. We congratulate ourselves upon being members of the Class of ’86.”

The outlook which a friend from MARYLAND sends of the new circle at FREDERICK is very encouraging: “Through the energy of a lady of the Methodist church we have organized a C. L. S. C. local circle under the name of ‘Mountain City.’ We organized November 24, 1884, with nine members, elected a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. We are glad to say we now have thirteen members, and hope soon to increase this number. We have enthusiastic meetings every week at the homes of the members; read in the circle some of THE CHAUTAUQUAN required readings, and carry out as far as practicable the programs for local circles, and expect to observe all memorial days.”

We have just received a very encouraging report from the MADISONVILLE, OHIO, circle which was organized last year. They have twenty-five members, all of whom take a great interest in the circle. The committee of instruction, composed of the officers, has a full program prepared for each meeting. Two ministers of the town belong and take an active part. Miscellaneous questions have been introduced, and beside a question on the lesson, each member is required to bring one on outside matters. All questions remaining unanswered are distributed, to be answered at the following meeting. There is no doubt that if the interest in the circle still continues there will be a second circle started in the town next year.——At DEFIANCE a local circle was organized October 1st, with a membership of twenty, all of whom belong to the general Circle of the C. L. S. C. The president is the Rev. B. W. Slagle, pastor of the Presbyterian church in the town. They have prepared special programs for the memorial days, which have proved very delightful, as well as instructive. There is a good prospect of doubling the membership by next year.

The annual report of the work of Calvary church, DETROIT, MICHIGAN, for last year, includes an account of the work done by the “Calvary” circle, a society which has been made a part of the church organization. From it we learn that the society has thirty-three active members. They have held twenty-two meetings; the programs have included—essays, 36; select readings, 28; music—instrumental pieces 21, vocal pieces 17; general talks, 4; debates, 2. The regular CHAUTAUQUAN review questions have been taken up at each meeting. There has been a great deal of interest manifested in the meetings and a disposition on the part of officers and members to make them a success; every one who has attended them has been benefited, not only in the improvement of his or her mind, but also in some degree morally.

INDIANA reports two circles: the “Wide Awakes,” of MOSCOW, a circle of four, and the “Laconia,” of GUMFIELD. Some five years ago, when the “Chautauqua wave” was moving westward, it reached Gumfield in a modified form. Eight persons began taking THE CHAUTAUQUAN, but did not perfect an organization; only one of the number matriculated and kept up the required reading. In the fall of 1882 they began the work vigorously, organizing a promising circle. As time advanced their influence gradually widened and extended, until this year there are over twenty enthusiastic Chautauquans enrolled at the Plainfield office. The “Laconia” meets weekly, and has endeavored to make thoroughness one of the characteristics of its work. It is composed entirely of housekeepers, but they feel more than compensated for sacrifice of time by inspiration received from the reading and study. Most memorial days have been observed. By this means the public has become interested in the C. L. S. C., and a similar society has been organized among the young people.

One of the most enthusiastic circles of ILLINOIS is a quartette of “Irrepressibles,” at NOKOMIO. The circle had the novel experience of graduating in a body at Chautauqua last August. Now they are working more vigorously than ever, trying to cover their diplomas with seals.——ELGIN has four large circles, the result of the “Alpha” circle, an organization formed in December, 1883, with six members. Last fall this society increased its numbers to nine, and most zealous has been their work. A sad loss recently befell them in the death of one of the charter members, Miss Mary Warde.——The circle at SULLIVAN, was organized in October, with a membership of eleven—one “Progressive” and ten “Plymouth Rocks.” They meet once a week at the homes of the members. The president appoints the members in turn to act as leaders, and the circle is composed of enthusiastic workers. Seven members visited New Orleans in the holidays, and two are spending this month in the “Crescent City.”——From PROPHETSTOWN a friend writes: “We are a modest bouquet of ‘Pansies,’ counting only seven, but we feel the charm of the Chautauqua Idea, and propose to ‘Neglect not the gift that is in us.’ One of our number, Mrs. Amelia K. Seely, passed ‘beyond the gates’ December 15, 1884. We sadly miss her cheery presence and unfailing interest in the work.”——Wednesday, January 21st, was a “red-letter” day for the Chautauquans of HINSDALE. Their usual enthusiasm was raised to a high key by the long-looked-for visit to their suburb of Chancellor Vincent, who made a stop of two hours on his way to Aurora. He was received by the class, who were out in full force, at the residence of the secretary. A lunch was served, and the time was most agreeably and profitably spent in conversation upon topics of interest connected with the C. L. S. C.

The “Oak Branch” circle was organized at OAKFIELD, WISCONSIN, in November. There are only seven members, and all are busy people, but they are zealous and interested in the work, and thankful that they may enjoy the benefits of the C. L. S. C. They meet once in two weeks, their circle being conducted similarly to others which have been reported in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

The “Centenary” local circle, of MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, writes us: “Our city boasts no less than twelve circles, but Centenary, the pioneer circle, still lives, and while our members are about one half what they were when ours was the only one in the city, we are going on quietly and promptly with all our work, and expect to furnish ten graduates for the class of ’85. We have our cottage engaged for the coming Assembly at Chautauqua, and hope to send a good delegation next summer. We have some eight or nine members of the class of ’88, and several representatives of classes of ’86 and ’87.”——At SPRING VALLEY, a circle of seventeen members organized last fall, the president being from the class of ’84, but the members from ’88. The interest in the circle is decidedly increasing.