Chapter I (2)

“Music dwells
Lingering and wandering on as loth to die.”

These are the four elements necessary to a good program. As to how they shall be treated we have also a theory. Its first principle is let everything be well done; while thorough, do not go astray in dates and statistics, but go to the point which you desire to make. Then be bright and interesting, the third essential in each performance. Withal, suit your theme and your treatment of it to your audience. Let the subject be of common interest, the matter neither so commonplace as to seem puerile nor so technical as to be “over the heads” of your auditors. Such is our program-philosophy. A better you will undoubtedly formulate by practicing this.

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.

Regularity is necessary to permanency. Whatever undertaking we desire to make a permanent success, we must make regular; whatever we wish to do successfully, we must do regularly. A tiresome, prosaic quality we are apt to consider it, and one which restricts our freedom. The regular return of small duties often makes them annoying, yet in large affairs regularity adds dignity and strength. It is essential for the establishment of any institution. A trite truth this may be, but trite truths are not always applied, and it is for the application of this homily to local circles that we sue.

It is most desirable that your local circle should become durable. Not a club, to which you can run in as you have leisure, or which can be adjourned for other engagements; which shall run this winter, and “perhaps,” “if nothing happens,” go on next winter. Not at all. There is a higher idea embodied in the plan. The true ambition of each member of a circle should be to make it _the_ literary association of the community, the leader in practical ideas, clear thinking, intelligent talk and refined manners; but to reach this goal the circle meeting must be considered too valuable to be omitted for any occasion whatever. Its object is equal to that of any institution in the town. If you wish to develop this idea, to establish your circle, to secure for it recognition as a well founded organization, regularity in meeting and attendance must be secured. It is true that a social or religious event sometimes happens for which courtesy seems to demand an adjournment. In such a case it is quite possible to select another night. The one idea upon which we would insist is that the circle be considered and conducted as a permanent institution, that it be made the intellectual center of your life. How wonderful an impetus to thought and culture is such an organization, only those who lack its influence can tell. Some of the earnest letters which come to us from time to time give a suggestion of what a circle might be to lone readers. Is there not, indeed, in this delightful letter from BULGARIA, a hint of the real value of a circle, a value which we so often fail to appreciate? It comes from an old Chautauqua friend—Miss Lenna A. Schenck, now a missionary at LOFTCHA, BULGARIA: “How gladly would we report to you from this out-of-the-way corner of the earth the organization of a flourishing local circle. But, alas! alas! we can not boast of even a triangle or a straight line, only a point, a mere dot, but a thoroughly loyal one, keenly enjoying the good things of THE CHAUTAUQUAN, that most welcome and highly prized of all the white-winged friends that come to us by mail. Though so few in number, we keep the vesper hours and the memorial days, and begin each day happily by devoting the time from six to seven in the morning to Chautauqua reading, and so we are inspired by glimpses of charming circles away in the homeland, and by memories of delightful summers with our blessed alma mater, Chautauqua herself. Before another year rolls round, we hope to have at least a local triangle here at Loftcha, and perhaps a Bulgarian translation of some of Chautauqua’s best ‘ideas.’ Many things might be said of our new home and new work, but we remember the delicate suggestion given in the November ‘Local Circle,’ that ‘no one could stay very long,’ so with heartful greetings to the class of ’83 and to all good Chautauquans the world over, we bid you adieu.”

Are not such friends of Chautauqua the prophecy of a time when the work shall encircle the earth? Each month brings signs of its growth. Particularly do we notice this month the spread of the work in CANADA. The press is particularly friendly to the movement in the Provinces; for example, the _Educational Weekly_, of TORONTO, quotes the _Globe_ of that city as saying: “The Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle is now pretty well known. It has been in operation since 1878, and has done a great deal of good. The yearly reunions at Chautauqua have come to be very pleasant and very profitable. We understand that a similar summer resort is to be instituted in Canada, in connection with the reading circles already established in the Dominion. We wish the enterprise all success.” Much of the interest in Toronto is undoubtedly due to the hearty work of Mr. E. Gurney, and Mr. Lewis Peake, president and secretary of the “Central” circle. This circle has recently had the pleasure of hearing a lecture on “Athenian Literature” from Professor Hutton, of the University College. LONDON has also a very flourishing circle, dating from the fall of 1883, when it was organized with a membership of about forty. It is a most healthy sign of growth, when reorganization finds a circle larger than when it disbanded. The “Central” circle had this fortune. They began the present year with a membership of forty eight. Their plans have been most happy; the vesper services in the Chautauqua song books are used at every meeting, and quotations as responses to roll call; chemical experiments are performed for them by a professor of practical chemistry, who is a member of the circle, and their programs are full of variety. So important to them is their circle that they made Christmas the occasion of a special meeting, at which they used the Christmas vesper and praise service which appeared in THE CHAUTAUQUAN for December. The service was followed by an address and several entertaining exercises. This is exactly the work which enhances the value of the circle, both for the members and for the community. It raises a circle to the point where it becomes the medium through which all extra social occasions may be observed. It makes it not only a reading club, but a factor in the social, religious and intellectual life of a community.

At DARTMOUTH, NOVA SCOTIA, we learn from a local paper, there is also an energetic circle. They have done good work in introducing the C. L. S. C. to the public, securing a notice of a public vesper service, an explanation of the work they are doing, mention of the circles in the vicinity, and following their information by announcing their next meeting with a cordial invitation to the public to be present.

In November last two new circles were formed in MAINE. A “Pine Tree” circle, of twenty-seven members, coming from DOVER and FOXCROFT. These beautiful villages are closely connected by covered bridges—the Piscataquis river flowing between, though it is a hard matter for a stranger to see where one begins or the other ends, so much like one village are they. A friendly way to live, is it not? These classmates have evidently learned what Thackeray found out in London long ago—that “A man ought to like his neighbors, to be popular with his neighbors. It is a friendly heart that has plenty of friends.” But we all learn that in the C. L. S. C. The second is the “Simpson” circle at AUBURN, where the Rev. G. D. Lindsay is president. Sixteen enthusiasts make up the circle which, so far, finds the work suggested in THE CHAUTAUQUAN sufficient for its needs.

One of the most interesting and prosperous, though not largest of Chautauqua circles, is the “Baketel” circle, at GREENLAND, N. H. It is named in honor of its founder and leader, Rev. O. S. Baketel, an old Chautauquan of the class of ’82. The organization is very simple. The leader prepares the program for each evening, and the members come promptly. No inflexible rule is adhered to, but as much variety given as possible. That the plan is most successful we know from a recent letter from a friend, in which he says of the work: “Our members vary in age from eighteen years to fifty-three, and none are more enthusiastic than the oldest ones. It makes one of the most interesting gatherings ever brought together in the community, and is furnishing help to some whose advantages in early life were very limited. Every member feels like exclaiming ‘All hail C. L. S. C.’”——The “Webster” C. L. S. C., of FRANKLIN, N. H., is enjoying its second year of existence. A good interest was maintained throughout last year, and they began this year’s work promptly in October, with twenty-two active members. To them the dining room table has revealed its wonderful power to stimulate sociability and “good talk.” They have discovered its genial ways, how it will always stretch to make room for more and still more, and how it seems to be always saying: “Stretch out your arms; don’t mind just how you sit. I shield your position, I am here to help you all, to bring you close together, to hold your books, to forbid your parting, to compel you to be a circle.” Indeed, we are glad the “Webster” circle has learned the virtues of a dining room for study and for friendliness. Maybe if they but analyzed their devotion to their circle that stout, wooden friend would deserve not a little of the honor, and perhaps, too, it has helped not a little in bringing in the children, which, they write, are crowding into the Chautauqua work until the circle boasts even grandchildren.

The “Clio” club of twenty members at NEWPORT, VT., kindly remembers THE CHAUTAUQUAN with one of the programs used at a recent public meeting. The dainty, tasseled souvenir they send us bears a list of exercises of unusual richness and variety.

MASSACHUSETTS is getting her circles into the press. Scarcely a paper from within her borders comes to our sanctum which does not contain at least one item of Chautauqua import. The _Melrose Journal_ of MELROSE reports the organization of a circle of fifteen members in that city.——The _Woburn Journal_ notices the work of the circle there in a very appreciative notice: “The fortnightly meetings of the First Woburn Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle are being well attended and the exercises are very profitable intellectually and the students are doing good work. Two weeks ago the Rev. Charles Anderson gave a very interesting talk on Prof. Schliemann’s recent explorations in Mycenæ, and Hissarlik, the supposed site of ancient Troy. At some meeting in the near future the Rev. A. E. Winship, a true Chautauquan, connected with the ‘New West Education Commission,’ a thorough scholar and a very interesting speaker, will lecture on ‘Literary Clubs’ before the members of the circle.”——The _Saturday Union_, of LYNN, speaks of the thorough work their circle is doing in chemistry.——The _Ipswich Chronicle_ highly commends the Milton memorial held by the “Masconomo” circle of that city. By the way, the name of this circle brings back an interesting bit of early Massachusetts history. It was the Indian Masconomo, or Masconnomet—from whom the circle is named—who, in 1638, “sold his fee in the soil of Ipswich” for £20, to John Winthrop, Jr. And here was established the town which the Indians called Agawan (“fishing station”), and to which the white men gave the name of Ipswich.——The _Salem Gazette_, too, gives notices of two branches of the C. L. S. C. in that city. About forty members are in each of these societies.——Several new circles we have the pleasure of adding to our visiting book. At MERRIMAC a circle of seventeen members has been formed, with the happy title of the “Hale” circle. The first circle, so far as we know, which has honored itself by assuming the name of our esteemed counselor. They should be glad they waited; so good a name does honor to anybody, and ought to be an omen of future prosperity.——The “Eaton” circle, named in honor of the Rev. G. F. Eaton, begins life with seventy members. Its home is WALTHAM—city of watches. If the spirit of the town is to be the spirit of the circle, wonderful results will certainly be forthcoming.——Last October a few of the many students in the C. L. S. C. in WORCESTER organized a local circle. By the perseverance of these few, others have been persuaded to take the course, until the circle numbers about sixteen. They have taken the name of the “Warren” local circle, in honor of Bishop Warren.——At PROVINCETOWN a company of ten, five ladies and five gentlemen, met on the evening of the sixteenth of December last, to form a local circle. The meetings have occurred every week since; the circle has adopted the name of “Mayflower.” The meetings are full of interest, and the members are busy trying to make up the reading of the past months. All are members of the class of ’88 except one, who belongs to the class of ’85.——SOUTH GARDEN reports a circle organized a year ago, but which has never been noticed in THE CHAUTAUQUAN before. It is a “Pansy” class—all the fifteen members belonging to the class of ’87.——“Not Chautauquans for four years only, but Chautauquans for life,” the friends at HOLBROOK subscribe themselves. Their motto grew out of the ardor of a lady member of the circle who, when at a recent meeting something was said about a four years’ course, said: “I shall not consider that I have finished the course at the end of four years. I for one am going to be a Chautauquan as long as I live.” A right royal motto, is it not?——The WAKEFIELD circle sends a program of a meeting in which we are glad to notice that present affairs go side by side with discussions of Grecian history and art and literature. The subjects for essays include a “Review of Current Affairs in Massachusetts,” “The Pension Problem,” etc. The history that is making certainly deserves our attention, as well as the history of the past.——NORTH CAMBRIDGE also sends the program which they prepared for the January meetings of the “Longfellow” circle. In addition to their regular work, they added the novel feature of a talk on newspaper work, from a practical newspaper man.——The last of this month’s Massachusetts reports contains a most capital hint. AUBURNDALE is the home of a flourishing circle, which among its other good features has a constitution. One of the articles of this constitution is the suggestion which it will please us to have you all ponder. It reads: “A short report of the condition of our society shall be forwarded twice a year to THE CHAUTAUQUAN.” Do you all take the hint? Perhaps one secret of this energetic article is the nearness of Auburndale to Framingham—so near is it that all the members of the circle went to the Assembly last year. To Massachusetts, too, belongs the honor of the following merry Chautauqua feast, of which a friend from Providence, R. I., has written us: “Spending a few days in ROCKLAND, MASS., I was invited to visit the ‘Sherwin’ Chautauqua Circle, and being a true-blue member of the ‘Clio’ C. L. S. C. of Providence, I was joyful in accepting. The exercises were of a most novel and interesting kind, and unusually pleasing to me, as I was an old acquaintance of Prof. Sherwin. Since this society was instituted, some two years ago, but one representative of the posterity of the circle has been born, and the members of this enterprising circle showed their appreciation of Prof. Sherwin’s noble work in the good cause by naming this gift after him. An elegant gold lace pin had been made to order, with the initials C. L. S. C. neatly engraved upon it, and that evening the presentation was made. After Chautauqua greetings had been exchanged, the baby Sherwin was called for, and made his appearance, riding on his mother’s arm, as wise and dignified in behavior as a youthful Solon. One of the frolicsome Chautauqua dames then read the following formal rhyme:

“‘There were some fair dames of Chautauqua,
Their possessions were lovely to see,
Between you and me;
They had jewels of gold,
Of value untold,
These elegant dames of Chautauqua;
But children were few,
You scarce find one or two
In the homes of these dames of Chautauqua.
And sad were the dames of Chautauqua
When they read of the Gracchus,
Of Cupid and Bacchus,
The lesson seemed filled up with mocking.
They longed for a son,
So the gods sent them one,
Full of frolic and fun,
Sent a son to these dames of Chautauqua.
Then what joy in the circle Chautauqua!
What pæans were sung,
And Chautauqua bells rung,
To welcome the lad of Chautauqua!
Straight they gave him a name,
Sherwin Burrill the same—
These frolicsome dames of Chautauqua!
Now, they badge him with gold,
So that when he is old,
They can still claim their son of Chautauqua.’”

At SOUTH MANCHESTER, CONN., a most encouraging increase of members has taken place. Last year the circle numbered twenty, this year forty-eight. Such growth is full of promise for the future, and yet it is the inevitable result of enthusiastic members and carefully prepared programs.——The new circle at MANSFIELD CENTER, CONN., numbers ten members. They are expecting a lecture on chemistry soon, from Prof. Washburn, of the North Mansfield Agricultural College.——The “Newfield” C. L. S. C. of WEST STRATFORD, CONN., has recently received the following pleasant letter from “Pansy:”

CARBONDALE, PA., January 6, 1885.

_Dear Friends of ’87_:

My word of greeting to you must commence with an apology. The
letter from your secretary found me immersed in work. The holiday
season brings upon me a heavy pressure of care, in addition to
the usual routine. From the almost hopeless mass of unanswered
letters which I have just overturned on my study table, that of
your secretary emerges, so I seize it and make a beginning. What
shall I say? I might congratulate you on being members of that
great literary circle, which verily seems destined to reach out
its long arms and encircle the world—but to what purpose would
this be?

You already know by experience all, and more than I could tell
you of its advantages, and its far reaching influences.

What then, shall I, in this moment of time, say to you who are
classmates of mine? Shall I hope that you may be able to pass
the Golden Gate and join in the class song of the ’87s, and
receive your diploma from the hands of the Chautauqua chief,
and enjoy all the delights of Commencement day? That indeed I
heartily wish. I hope to be there and to clasp hands with you,
and give and receive greeting.

But I am conscious while I write, of a higher, stronger, holier
hope than that, even that every member of your circle and of all
the great Chautauqua Circle may finally pass the Golden Gate
that leads to the palace of the King, and receive from him the
greeting “well done, good and faithful servants,” and receive
from his hands the crowns laid up for those who are “called, and
chosen, and faithful.”

Oh, to be sure of passing safely through the ordeal of
examination by the Judge!

When I think of the immense enthusiasm of the C. L. S. C., I
am glad. I believe in enthusiasm. I believe in the Chautauqua
Literary and Scientific Circle. Yet I wonder, often, whether we,
as Christians, can not learn something from the eagerness of many
scholars who are not of the royal family, and yet are eager to
learn all they can, about our Father’s handiwork in earth and air
and sky.

I am writing longer than I meant. I only wanted to say this: Let
us make sure of clasping hands at last in our Father’s house.

Yours in His name,

MRS. G. R. ALDEN.—“PANSY.”

Desiring to promote the interests of the C. L. S. C., the Chautauqua circles of Rhode Island, numbering about twenty-five, have united and formed the “Rhode Island Chautauqua Union,” with the following officers: President, Prof. John H. Appleton, A.M., of Brown University; first vice president, the Rev. J. Hall McIlvaine, pastor of the Union Congregational Church; second vice president, Hon. Thos. B. Stockwell, A.M., Rhode Island State Commissioner of Public Schools; third vice president, Levi W. Russell, A.M., Principal of Bridgham School; secretary and treasurer, Wm. D. Porter, D.D.S., all of Providence. There have been three new circles formed this year in PROVIDENCE, R. I., one of them bearing the popular name of “Vincent.” “Hope” circle, formed in 1882, is still in a flourishing condition. They were favored last month with a very interesting and instructive address by Prof. Appleton, on “The Value of the Study of the Natural Sciences.” The executive committee arrange the order of exercises and find the monthly programs in THE CHAUTAUQUAN of great benefit. The circle has now about seventy members, and most of them belong to the C. L. S. C.——Another newly organized circle of Providence is the “Esmeralda Bachelor” circle. It numbers twenty members, all gentlemen, and they give as the only excuse which it seems to us could be at all valid for forming a circle of bachelors, that they can get more young men into their club by restricting its membership. “Whittier” circle, of the same city, has been reorganized, and a most pleasant item comes to us from them. On the birthday of the beloved poet, the circle sent to him as a souvenir a paper weight of serpentine, from a quarry in Newburg, Mass. It had been cut into a design of oak leaves and acorns. Their remembrance brought back a kindly response from Whittier.——A newly organized circle also exists at RIVER POINT, R. I. It was formed in October last, and numbers thirty-five. Their plan is that laid out in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

The NEW YORK circles are doing wonderfully energetic work. At JORDAN there is a new and growing organization of twenty-four members.——At MEDINA, one of thirteen, which has already begun to scatter seed, some of it so far away as the Pacific coast, where our Medina members believe they will soon have an offshoot.——The “Wolcott” C. L. S. C. has been organized at WOLCOTT, with over thirty members, who write most enthusiastic words of the benefits they have already received.——At BROCTON the veteran circle, composed of members of the S. H. G. and C. L. S. C., held a delightful Milton memorial.——At ROCHESTER, the circle which is connected with the Academy of Science in that city, wins this appreciative notice from a local paper: “Public sentiment in favor of the Chautauqua movement is spreading with marvelous rapidity. Such certainly is the fact in regard to the circle in this city. There are now upward of forty members enrolled, and beside these a large number of persons attend the semi-monthly meetings who have not yet identified themselves with the regular work. The practical benefit derived from this course of home study becomes more apparent as it is investigated, constantly confirming the wisdom of its founders in setting in motion a plan for the intellectual and moral elevation and culture of thousands who have only spare minutes for such an object.”——At GLENS FALLS, not long ago, Chancellor Vincent greeted his C. L. S. C. pupils, delivering his lecture on “That Boy and His Friends,” before them, and meeting them afterward at a reception.——At OCEAN GROVE, the circle under Dr. Stokes’s genial management is doing admirable work. A delightful social was recently held by the circle at the Sheldon House.——The MARION circle has reorganized this year, strong and hopeful as ever. Says a member: “The ‘Inner Chautauqua’ is taking a deeper hold upon us year by year, and we propose that our connection with the C. L. S. C. shall continue indefinitely. We are trying to extend the knowledge of it by distributing the ‘Popular Educational Circular,’ by inserting an occasional item in our village paper relating to the doings of our circle, as well as by personal conversation with our friends and acquaintances.”——The circle at CARMEL has also been reorganized, with seventeen members. Their programs show excellent work.——At SANDY HILL, during the holidays, a special meeting commemorated the season. Among the exercises was a poem on “The Triumph of our Language,” which deserves special mention.——The BROOKLYN circle, of Hansom Place M. E. Church, has increased its membership to over one hundred. It owes to the Rev. George E. Reed, its president, the large increase. Having outgrown the capacities of private parlors, they have met lately in those of the church, where, while losing some of its more social elements, there is a far better opportunity for map display and the general working of the monthly class. Following out the assignment of an instruction committee, they find no lack of willing participants. One of the most popular exercises is the five minutes’ essay on some person or incident connected with the current reading. In good hands, the information condensed is of the most direct kind, and at its conclusion an opportunity is given the class to ask any questions relevant to the topic. All this is clear knowledge, and has proven one of the most agreeable of their methods.——At FORT PLAIN, the circle carried out on Bryant day a highly enjoyable program. That this circle is enthusiastic, the fact that some of its members come from four miles away, is a proof.——A second New York circle which has enjoyed a visit from Chancellor Vincent, and had the pleasure of tendering him a reception, is that at CHATHAM. Several new members have joined the circle there, the result of the inspiring talk which the Chancellor gave them.——The “Ionian” circle of BURLINGTON, N. Y., is winning friendly attention from the local press, its meetings being noticed, and its exercises commended.——The “Vincent” circle, of TROY, invariably sends out to its members, on its announcements of monthly meetings, some bit of inspiring thought. On the January program we find this sentence, useful, we suspect, for other than Troy readers: “Remember this: In proportion as you put thought and work into these monthly meetings, in that proportion, with high interest, will you draw out in enjoyment and profit.”

The local circle of BRIDGEVILLE, PA., was organized November, 1881, with a membership of thirteen. During the intervening three years there have been many changes, but the good work has been steadily going forward. The circle reorganized October, 1884, with eight members, and has taken up the work of the year with increased vigor, the meetings being well attended and very interesting. The monthly meetings are held in the village church, though none of the members live in the village, some having to travel the distance of two miles to attend the meetings.——At READING, the “Cleaver” circle has been reorganized, with double its old membership. Their program they make very interesting, by introducing variety into the exercises.——Nine ladies and gentlemen formed last fall the “Castelian” circle, in PHILADELPHIA. Happy are they to have a large map of Greece. What a treasure it is to a circle these days!

The “Meridian” circle, of WASHINGTON, D. C., has been having a feast of good things. How can it help it? It lives in Washington, and Washington offers peculiar advantages to literary and scientific clubs, not only on account of its immense professional library and large scientific collections in the Smithsonian Institution and National Museum, but also through the _personnel_ of these institutions and of the many other scientific bureaus of the government, who, making literature or science their daily vocation, afford a large field from which to draw essayists and experimentalists of a high order. “Meridian” circle has been fortunate in availing itself of these advantages. Last year, during the course in vegetable biology, they had an evening’s instruction in the microscopic examination of bioplasm, by Dr. D. S. Lamb, the eminent anatomist of the United States Medical Museum, who had charge of the autopsy of President Garfield. This year, at their last meeting in November, they had an essay from Mr. Lee Shidy, of the United States Coast Survey, on “The Tides,” a most interesting subject, and most interestingly and ably illustrated and explained.

A seven-years-old circle certainly deserves a warm corner by THE CHAUTAUQUAN’S fireside. Most cordially do we grant it, for we mistrust that a circle so experienced will be unusually good company, and will be able, too, to give us some suggestions of value. It is the “Trojan,” of TROY, OHIO, which claims this rare distinction, and we believe we are not wrong in saying that their history will be of great interest to all. The ‘Trojan’ circle was organized with a large membership in 1878. Eight members graduated in 1882, five of them being at Chautauqua that season. In the fall of that year the circle increased greatly, and has been growing in interest ever since. Now it numbers thirty-two members. Their plan of work is as follows: They open with singing, and responsive reading from ‘Chautauqua Songs.’ At roll call each member is expected to respond with a Bible verse. The questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN on the week’s lesson are asked, and also original test questions from some or all of the members, on the readings. Sometimes the circle reads alternately from one of the text-books, or from THE CHAUTAUQUAN. They always have a critic, and a committee of two that gives a digest of the topics of the times, often in the form of questions, which thus makes a pleasant _conversazione_. Memorial days are faithfully remembered and made interesting and attractive by essays, readings, recitations, and music.——At PERRYSBURG, OHIO, ten persons are in the circle, which has been in existence for about four years. One entertaining feature is novel. Occasionally a paper of interesting general news is added to the program. The question box, too, is made a feature of each evening, a practice which is always worth all the work it takes. Memorial days find pleasant observance, the Milton memorial being celebrated with peculiarly pleasing exercises. The circle is rejoicing in their readings, considering them of great benefit.

MICHIGAN advances with a goodly list of new circles this month. At PETOSKEY there are fourteen members formed into a circle. These friends have the invigorating influence of the Bay View summer Assembly to help their work.——At HUDSON, a delightful company of thirty-five has formed the “Carleton” circle, the name being given, of course, in honor of the popular poet, Will M. Carleton, whose birthplace and early home were in Hudson. Round-Tables with genuine “at home” feeling, recitations, select readings, question box, queries, criticisms and quotations make the meetings full of life and variety. The program for an evening is always published in the local papers at least two weeks beforehand, and a report of each meeting is slipped in after each session, so that the people can not forget the existence of the C. L. S. C. At an early meeting our friends are going to take a trip to Naples and return.——Strong organizations have been formed at both KALAMAZOO and SAUGATUCK. At the former place the “Burr Oak” circle has twenty members, and at the latter, a lovely town about two miles up the Kalamazoo River, the circle, though small, is growing. The use which they make of our columns seems to us very good. “THE CHAUTAUQUAN is our ‘guide and counselor,’ and though we do not follow closely its outline for local circles, yet we never prepare a program without its aid.”——In the land of the arbutus, at TRAVERSE CITY, the “Arbutus” circle, of twenty members, has been organized. A pretty monogram has been designed for them, and it is to be printed upon the sermon paper which the members use for essays and reviews. These contributions are then to be bound in paper covers and filed. An interesting collection it will certainly make. The growth of our language has been furnishing this circle with some interesting topics.

The “Vincent” local circle of LAFAYETTE, IND., has entered upon its fourth year, with forty members, three of whom are C. L. S. C. graduates, but remain active in the work. The president, Prof. Craig, and vice president, Prof. Thompson, both of Purdue University, are thoroughly interested in the work. The program is prepared a month in advance. They are following the suggestions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, largely. The success of their lecture course last winter left the society with funds sufficient to rent a room, centrally located, for the regular meetings. The vice president, a Professor of Art, recently presented the circle with a terra cotta medallion of Dr. Vincent, his own work. It has been handsomely framed and hung in their room.

From SHELDON, ILL., a friend writes: “We have a local circle of about twenty-five members and great interest is taken in the exercises. We usually follow your program. Not having started until after October 1st, and having been delayed in obtaining our books, has thrown us behind some, still we are making up lost ground better than expected.”——At CRETE a circle has started off with twenty-six members—many of them young people, to whom the course has been just what they needed.——ABINGDON also has a society of twenty-three members. Several readers have been there in past years, but not until now has there been a circle. The chemistry readings are furnishing an excellent opportunity for experiments, and the Abingdon circle are fortunate in having a college laboratory to resort to for experiments.

The circle of the Franklin Avenue M. E. Church, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, has been formed two years and has not reported until now to THE CHAUTAUQUAN. They have an interesting class of nineteen members, who are all very zealous in the work. The circle meets every Monday evening to review the week’s work, which they are studying after the plan laid out in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

The circles of MINNESOTA, and, indeed, of the entire north-west, are requested to send a note to Mr. E. P. Penniman, ST. PAUL, MINN., stating whether they will coöperate in a plan for securing a C. L. S. C. day at either the Red Rock camp ground, Lake Minnetonka, or at White Bear Lake. The six circles of St. Paul, those of Minneapolis, Hudson, and Stillwater, have signified their willingness to help carry out this excellent idea. Such a day would be an event of greatest interest and value to the circles in that locality; it would arouse flagging enthusiasm, would give every one present a fund of new ideas, and would spread the plan of home reading in many homes where it is unknown.

We are very much pleased to hear from BLOOMFIELD, IOWA, of a circle, organized in 1882, but which has not before been introduced to our circles. Since its organization its membership has increased from six to fifteen members. The memorial days are observed and much social life enjoyed by the circle which promises that at no late day there will be more than one organization of the C. L. S. C. in their city.

A late number of _The Daily Register_, of MOBILE, ALABAMA, contains an essay on “The Character of Milton,” which was read before one of the circles of that city at a recent meeting. Had we space we should gladly reprint this excellent paper. Mobile has two societies reading the Chautauqua course, and we hope that we shall soon receive full reports from them.

A great deal of energy is displayed by the DESOTA, MISSOURI, circle. Few issues of the _Jefferson Watchman_ come out without a notice of its meetings. A late number says: “The members of the C. L. S. C. are again busily engaged in their work after their holiday vacation. Two meetings have already been held in the new term, both of which were enjoyable and instructive, and the reading of ’85 is well under way. The number of members is about the same as last term, as none after becoming interested in the work seem to have the least inclination to drop out of the circle, but on the contrary become more and more interested and enthusiastic. The program for the next meeting will be found in another part of this paper.”

KANSAS quite equals Missouri, however, in its enterprising readers. A letter from a reader at WAKARUSA remarks of their circle: “We number but eight members, and are so scattered that our circuit embraces several miles, but having adopted the name ‘Olympian,’ we hope in time to carry off a double prize, one for intellectual attainments, the other for physical prowess exhibited in combat with Kansas mud. Though we have difficulties and discouragements even in our own little circle, we are yet resolute and enthusiastic. At present the Round-Table is the principal feature of our meetings.”——Quite as interesting is a live report from WYANDOTTE: “Although we have not been reported for nearly a year, our circle is not dead, but the interest is increasing, and we are doing better work than ever. Our membership numbers twenty-five, with twenty subscribers to THE CHAUTAUQUAN. In 1884 we held forty-seven meetings, and had an average attendance of twelve. With us, as with nearly all other circles, the great difficulty is to keep from having too much of a sameness in our programs. Thus far we have had good success by giving a committee charge of the literary work, which reports performers and programs a week in advance for regular meetings and three weeks for memorial meetings. We sometimes vary the exercises by devoting an entire evening to one subject. We endeavor to have all roll calls answered with quotations, and stimulate inquiry by having a question box, the contents of which are discussed at each meeting. We observe all memorial days, and they are a never failing source of interest. On Milton memorial the biography of Milton was given by the circle, each member taking up the history where the former one stopped. Each member read a favorite selection from the author, and the variety of selections indicated a variety of taste. We make good use of the Chautauqua songs, and find that the singing of them renders a meeting so much the more interesting, and there is, too, a bond of union in a stirring song. Our members have taken the liberty of naming this circle the ‘Pansy’ circle, as nearly all of us are members of the ‘Pansy’ class.”

We are sorry to “skip” the wide space between Kansas and California, and gladly stop at NORDHOFF, CAL., where we find the “Ojai” circle, which was organized last October. Although they are only seven, they are all in earnest and full of the Chautauqua spirit. They meet once each month, at the homes of the members. They are all busy people, but are glad to _make_ time for the C. L. S. C. reading, which they find adds a charm to busy lives. They hope to be able to persuade many of their friends to join them.

THE C. L. S. C. CLASSES.

CLASS OF 1885.—“THE INVINCIBLES.”

“_Press on, reaching after those things which are before._”

OFFICERS.

_President_—J. B. Underwood, Meriden, Conn.

_Vice President_—C. M. Nichols, Springfield, Ohio.

_Treasurer_—Miss Carrie Hart, Aurora, Ind.

_Secretary_—Miss M. M. Canfield, Washington, D. C.

_Executive Committee_—Officers of the class.

Class badges may be procured of either President or Treasurer.

* * * * *

A very pretty program comes to us from a loyal “Invincible” of Toledo, Ohio, the Rev. H. M. Bacon, the president of the “Bryant” circle of that city. The program contains a six months’ outline of work. It bears the mottoes, the dates of regular meetings, and the memorial days. A kind of C. L. S. C. calendar which we imagine any once having had would find it hard to do without.

* * * * *

Miss Kimball writes our secretary, Miss Canfield, of Washington, that the Invincibles—true to their name—are making a splendid record, and that the class standing is excellent. She says: “I think the Invincibles may well be proud of their record. The prospect is that the class will stand fully as high, in proportion to its size, as any of the other classes. Of course we can not expect the actual number of graduates to reach that of other classes, as the whole recorded membership is much smaller.” Let this encouraging news help us to “press on,” and, classmates, see to it that all members of your local circles, who rightfully belong with the ’85s, have their memoranda completed and sent in by the first of July.

* * * * *

Of those who expect to receive diplomas at Chautauqua, forty-one, representing fifteen states, Canada and the District of Columbia, have responded to the request to send their names to the secretary. Let us hear from you all, that the list for “roll call” may be complete.

* * * * *

One ’85, who writes he lives alone with his brother “away out in the backwoods of California,” regrets he can not be present at Chautauqua, but hopes to receive his diploma at Monterey. From the Atlantic to the Pacific the pulse of the C. L. S. C. is beating strong and steady.

CLASS OF 1886.—“THE PROGRESSIVES.”

“_We study for light, to bless with light._”

CLASS ORGANIZATION.

_President_—The Rev. B. P. Snow, Biddeford, Maine.

_Vice Presidents_—The Rev. J. C. Whitley, Salisbury, Maryland;
Mr. L. F. Houghton, Peoria, Illinois; Mr. Walter Y. Morgan,
Cleveland, Ohio; Mrs. Delia Browne, Louisville, Kentucky; Miss
Florence Finch, Palestine, Texas.

_Secretary_—The Rev. W. L. Austin, New Albany, Ind.

* * * * *

“For light!” and “with light!” as the words we repeat,
Yet fuller and deeper the message they bring;
Still through every volume each line that we meet
In undertone earnest our motto shall ring.

“For light” do we ponder the history vast
Which spreads through the ages its sunshine and shade,
“With light” for the present, we come from the past,
With lessons whose impress we can not evade.

“For light” must we study the many-hued lines
Which Greece with her delicate pencil has traced;
While Rome with her pride and her grandeur combines
To deepen the picture no time can efface.

“For light” at the portals of Nature we wait—
Descend to her rocks and mount up to her stars—
Her atoms diffuse and her gases collate,
Yet learn, as her secrets she slowly unbars,

How, filling, pervading, encompassing all,
Still law—mighty law—through all systems doth reign;
The world and the atom respond to its call,
The dewdrop and ocean are bound by its chain.

“For light,” above all, when our vesper has chimed,
We bathe in the beams of an unsetting Sun;
When thus up the ladder of prayer we have climbed,
“With light” shall be blessed many thousands through one.

“For light!” and “with light!” ’tis for this we would live,
O fling our glad banner abroad to the sky!
Truths won for ourselves unto others we give,
Till light never-clouded shall greet us on high.

ALICE C. JENNINGS, Class of ’86.

CLASS OF 1888.—“THE PLYMOUTH ROCKS.”

“_Let us be seen by our deeds._”

CLASS ORGANIZATION.

_President_—The Rev. A. E. Dunning, D.D., Boston, Mass.

_Vice Presidents_—Prof. W. N. Ellis, 108 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn,
N. Y.; the Rev. Wm. G. Roberts, Bellevue, Ohio.

_Secretary_—Miss M. E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio.

_Treasurer_—Miss M. E. Taylor, Cleveland, Ohio.

All items for this column should be sent, in condensed form, to
the Rev. C. C. McLean, St. Augustine, Florida.

* * * * *

Badges for the Class of ’88 sold only by Mrs. Rosie M. Baketel, Greenland, N. H. Price, 15 cents each.

* * * * *

All members who have interesting items of class news should send them promptly to the Rev. C. C. McLean.

* * * * *

The following circles of the Class of ’88 have been formed, viz.: “Janes,” Brooklyn, N. Y., sixty-two members; “Vincent,” Wyoming, Iowa, over twenty members; “Washington Avenue,” Milwaukee, Wis., fourteen members. In Collamer, Ohio, there was organized a circle four years ago. It has enjoyed active vitality ever since, and is now doing most efficient work in astronomy. Aroused by the last Chautauqua Assembly, nearly thirty organized a new circle. All are of the Class of ’88, except one of ’82, one of ’83, and five of ’86. The latter includes an old lady in her 81st year, who is not only beautiful in character, but, seemingly, as bright in intellect as in the meridian of life. This circle favors a change in motto; one suggests “Perfect in principle, in practice pure.”

* * * * *

The Florida Chautauqua is now in session at Lake de Funiak, and closes March 9th. The program is varied and interesting. We hope to report a good increase in the Class of ’88 at the close of the Assembly.

* * * * *

IOWA.—I am enrolled in the C. L. S. C. army, “Class of ’88.” Not until the middle of this month (December) was I able to commence my reading. The prescribed course I think grand, and I can but feel grateful for a plan so far reaching, and so full and beneficial in its results. Our class motto is excellent. I am a busy farmer, but I shall make known the advantages of the “Chautauqua University.”

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

BY A. M. MARTIN,

General Secretary C. L. S. C.

I.—QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON “COLLEGE GREEK COURSE IN ENGLISH”—FROM PAGE 187 TO END OF THE BOOK.

1. Q. Who was the third member of the great tragical triumvirate of Greece, Æschylus and Sophocles being the other two? A. Euripides.

2. Q. When was Euripides born, and what noted battle took place the year of his birth? A. 480 B. C., in the year of the battle of Salamis.

3. Q. Where were the closing days of Euripides spent? A. At the court of the king of Macedonia.

4. Q. Who are two of the translators of Euripides? A. R. Potter, who has made a metrical translation, and T. A. Buckley, who has produced a version in prose.

5. Q. From what play of Euripides are the most of the extracts presented by our author taken? A. From the “Alcestis.”

6. Q. Under what title has Robert Browning rendered a version of “Alcestis?” A. “Balaustion’s Adventure.”

7. Q. Who was Alcestis? A. The wife and queen to Admetus, king of Pheræ, in Thessaly.

8. Q. By grace from Apollo, on what condition was Admetus granted the privilege of not dying? A. On condition of his being able to find some one who would agree to die in his stead when his turn should come.

9. Q. Who became the required substitute? A. Alcestis, the wife of Admetus.

10. Q. After her death by whom was she brought back to life and restored to her husband? A. By Heracles.

11. Q. From what drama of Euripides does our author take a celebrated chorus, in part eulogistic of Athens? A. The “Medea.”

12. Q. Who stands alone as representative to us of Greek comedy? A. Aristophanes.

13. Q. What two comedies of Aristophanes retain for us more interest than perhaps any other of his works? A. “The Frogs” and “The Clouds.”

14. Q. Who were the especial targets of these two comedies respectively? A. Euripides of the “Frogs” and Socrates of the “Clouds.”

15. Q. Who is first in fame among ancient lyric poets? A. Pindar.

16. Q. What does Sappho remain to this day in general estimation among those entitled to adjudge her just rank, from the various trustworthy indications that survive? A. The foremost woman of genius in the world.

17. Q. What is the only complete poem that has come down to us from Sappho? A. The “Hymn to Aphrodite.”

18. Q. On what does the fame of Simonides chiefly rest? A. On his epigrams.

19. Q. What is the most celebrated, perhaps, of all the epigrams of Simonides? A. That on the Spartan Three Hundred who fell at Thermopylæ.

20. Q. What is the great name in Greek idyllic poetry? A. Theocritus.

21. Q. What two other pastoral poets are associated with Theocritus, in a kind of parasitic renown? A. Bion and Moschus.

22. Q. From what two idyls of Theocritus does our author give presentations? A. The “Death of Daphnis,” and the “Festival of Adonis.”

23. Q. Who is first among the masters of eloquence? A. Demosthenes.

24. Q. The name of what other orator is associated with that of Demosthenes? A. Æschines.

25. Q. What are the most celebrated of Demosthenes’s public orations? A. The “Olynthiacs,” the “Philippics,” and the oration on the “Crown.”

II.—QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON “CHEMISTRY,” FROM PAGE 85 TO PAGE 156, INCLUSIVE.

26. Q. Why is chlorine a substance of very great commercial importance? A. On account of its extensive use as a bleaching agent.

27. Q. Of what common article is chlorine an important constituent? A. Salt.

28. Q. What are the three most striking properties of chlorine? A. Its noticeable weight—greater than that of the air—its greenish color, and its exceedingly irritating odor.

29. Q. In connection with what two principal properties does chlorine, as a chemical agent, manifest its activities? A. Its affinity for hydrogen and its affinity for the metals.

30. Q. Of what may the substance known as bleaching-powder be spoken in a general way as consisting? A. Of lime saturated with chlorine.

31. Q. When was bromine first recognized as an elementary substance, and by whom discovered? A. In the year 1826, by Balard, a French chemist.

32. Q. Where does the substance bromine occur? A. In the brine of the ocean, and in the water of mineral springs, united with certain metals in the form of bromides.

33. Q. To what does bromine show very decided resemblances, in its chemical relations? A. To chlorine, having affinities for the same substances, only less in intensity.

34. Q. In what processes is bromine an important substance? A. In the processes of photography.

35. Q. In what form has bromine had a very wide and beneficent use, as a remedial agent? A. In the form of potassic bromide.

36. Q. What is the other member of the chemical family to which it may be said chlorine and bromine belong? A. Iodine.

37. Q. Where are all these three elements found? A. In sea water.

38. Q. From what source is iodine obtained? A. From sea weeds.

39. Q. To what are the chemical characteristics of iodine throughout closely allied? A. To those of chlorine and of bromine, only in general, iodine may be said to have weaker chemical affinities than either of the other two.

40. Q. What are two of the principal uses of iodine? A. In photographic processes, and as a remedial agent.

41. Q. What remarkable statement is made of fluorine? A. That is has never been known to be produced isolated, that is, in a separate or uncombined form.

42. Q. What property above all others is characteristic of fluorine? A. Its striking affinity for silicon.

43. Q. With what substance is fluorine never known to form any compound? A. With oxygen, which can be said of no other element.

44. Q. What are three considerations upon which the importance of oxygen depends? A. The surpassing abundance of the substance itself, the great number of compounds into which it enters, and the activity of its chemical powers.

45. Q. To whom is the first discovery of oxygen usually attributed? A. Dr. Joseph Priestly, an English clergyman and student of natural science.

46. Q. What is the most prominent compound of oxygen? A. Water.

47. Q. What are some of the remarkable properties of sulphur? A. The ease with which it melts; the readiness with which it takes fire and burns in the air; the striking blue flame produced when it burns; the choking and disagreeable odor attendant upon its combustion; and its burning when in the pure form without leaving any ashes.

48. Q. From what localities is the principal supply of sulphur for commerce obtained? A. From the volcanic districts of the island of Sicily.