Chapter II: Part 2

A new and growing department in the WITNESS office, but quite unique as regards daily newspapers, is the one where the wood-engravings are made. Next to the reporter, whose materials, except those carried in the head, consist of a cedar lead-pencil, a few sheets of paper and a penknife, his are the least troublesome and expensive used in almost any line of business. To bring out all the beautiful effects obtainable in wood-engraving the only tools used are about thirty "gravers' tools," most of them triangular in shape, ground down to a sharp point. The material used is boxwood, cut across the log, joined in small pieces so perfectly that the place of junction cannot be distinguished, and polished to a perfect state. On this the design to be followed is drawn. The engraver may either be an artist or not. If an artist, he will, as he pursues his work, alter and improve an imperfect drawing in its minor and imperfect details, as may be necessary; putting in a little light here, darkening a shade there, and almost invariably turning out a pleasing picture. If not an artist, he will "follow his copy, even if it goes out of the window," as a compositor would say, copying beauties and defects with the same unconcern, and producing a picture even from a good drawing with as little spirit or soul as the block on which he works--a "wood-cut," not an "engraving." It will be understood that all wood-engravings are made in relief, that which is to be printed being allowed to remain, the lights being cut away. If this were merely all, the work would not be very difficult; but more is required. The block must be lowered at places to give very light and delicate shades and that the edges of the shades may not be harsh and coarse, for the press is not naturally a discriminating machine, and unless everything is very near perfection, little aid can be given by it. But, nevertheless, the pressman is required to assist the engraver, and to do this properly he also must be an artist. By placing small pieces of tissue paper, or, sometimes, something coarser, under the electrotype here and there where needed, he will cause it to rise and greater pressure to come on some portions where greater distinctness is required than at others. This is called "underlaying." More perfect work than is possible in newspapers is obtained by "patches," as they are called, pasted on the "tympan," or the sheet which presses on the face of the engraving, a process called, in contradistinction to the other, "overlaying." There are now three engravers in the employ of the WITNESS office, and by one of these, Charles Wilson, a deaf-mute, the sketches which illustrate this article were made, with three exceptions, which the reader will have no difficulty in determining. Most of the pictures were engraved by him and his _confrères_, others being executed by an etching process on zinc without the use of wood at all, or, indeed, of any engraving process, which we cannot now further refer to.

All matters in regard to the newspaper are in interest subordinate to the editing, to which everything is in all ways subsidiary. Who or what is the mysterious "We" whose opinions have such weight, and who appears to be possessed of all knowledge? Sometimes there is little mystery about it, as when the public are informed that "yesterday _we_ received the finest cucumbers _we_ ever ate from Mr. Gardner;" or when it is announced that "the public must excuse the small quantity of editorial matter and the mistakes in _our_ paper of last week, as _we_ were laid up with rheumatism." There is no poetry about a "we" who eats cucumbers or is troubled with rheumatism. But the candid impersonal opinions of a newspaper are usually of great weight and value, and enhanced by the impersonality of the writer.

That this should be the case requires no discussion. A newspaper office is the centre of information on current topics. The news gravitates to this centre as naturally as riches to a wealthy man. Thus the writer should be well-informed and be the best able to give a correct judgment on matters of general interest. Then the fact that the argus-eyed press the country over is watching his utterances closely has a tendency to cause much greater care in the expression of views than is the case in ordinary conversation, or in public addresses which will be heard and forgotten. But let a writer in a paper which has the reputation of being impartial make a mistake of consequence, and he has many correctors before the day is over. On the other hand, there is a very great disadvantage under which many papers labor. They are the "organs" of some political party, and instead of being advocates of truth, are advocates of truth only when it suits the "party." It is strange that such papers are often blindly followed, although the followers generally imagine that they are the leaders.

Suffice it to say, while on this matter, that the editor of a metropolitan daily newspaper is an impersonal individual, or individuals, who never can be seen. His functions, however, are divided, and every one who visits a newspaper may find the person he wants. The reception of visitors is one of the most engrossing duties of the editorial chair. Almost daily they come in throngs, for business or for pleasure--to receive advice, but more often to give it--to compliment, but more frequently to complain--sometimes, but proportionately seldom, to give valuable information. But the last they do, sometimes, and all such visitors are gladly welcomed.

Usually the busiest looking man on the editorial staff in a newspaper office is the managing editor, on a morning paper known as the night editor. Every item which appears in the paper except the advertisements must pass through his hands. It is his duty to see that the copy is sent in in good form and grammatically correct. He prepares the telegrams for publication, no inconsiderable duty, requiring an extended knowledge, exact and varied information, carefulness, tact and experience, to be properly done. No message, however ambiguous when he receives it, must be ambiguous when it leaves his hands. The contractions must be extended, the wrongly-spelled proper names put right and verified by means of atlas, directory or gazetteer, and on his zeal and ability in no slight measure depends the acceptability of the newspaper to the public.

A man of no little consequence in most daily papers is the commercial editor. He needs discretion, shrewdness, sound judgment, and above all to possess the highest sense of honor and responsibility. In these days when fortunes are made and lost in an hour, when farmers consult the newspapers as to the time to sell, and business is conducted at a feverish heat, it is necessary that all important commercial transactions be promptly and correctly reported in the daily papers. To do this properly is a matter of great difficulty. "Bulls" and "bears" are not over-scrupulous in playing a joke on a reporter sometimes, when they have an end in view, and unless the commercial editor of a paper is well up to his work he and his constituents will be often lead astray. He is supposed to be well versed in every topic of the commercial world, in stocks and produce, railroads, steamboats, dry-goods, hardware, and everything whereby men make gain.

The exchange editor of a newspaper is a man with an eye which just covers a page of print, no matter what the size. Through his hands pass all the newspapers received at the office, except, perhaps, those on special subjects, which may go to the different editors. He is usually armed with a huge pair of shears, and as he rapidly opens one paper after another, falling on something here and there of interest or probable interest, it is cut out for revision and perhaps republication. He is the "paste and scissors" editor so much talked and read about, but has no little responsibility in making a paper readable and "newsy." From the force of education or habit he knows exactly where to look for the kind of information he requires, and a single rapid glance over a page tells him at once if there is anything there for him. He is naturally well-informed in all matters interesting the country outside the city he is in, and thus becomes an authority on local politics.

The ubiquitous members of a daily newspaper staff are the city reporters. The education of habit can hardly go further than is shown in their lives. Unconsciously they are drawn to where some event is happening, or about to happen, and if the reporters are on the _qui vive_, but little need escape them. Gathering information is as much a matter of habit as the duties of the table. A reporter cannot stray along the street without finding something to make a note of, and the note is made in his mind if not in his book.

His perseverance is unmeasurable, his tact perfect, his courage undoubted, and his audacity--perhaps the least said of this the better! But it must be of a very peculiar nature--there must be no swagger about it. A reporter should not be what is best described by the vulgar term "cheeky." Such a one will never succeed. He must rather have a quiet determination which will overcome all obstacles, together with a modest demeanor and sufficient self-confidence "not to stand any nonsense;" be fluent of speech and speak with authority when he has anything to say; have a perfect knowledge of men and things of interest, and be an easy, rapid and fluent writer. It may be said that such a man would be a paragon of excellencies. However this may be, a first-class reporter is not often met, and seldom remains a reporter very long, except under specially favorable circumstances, for the opportunities to pursue other occupations, if he be a man of good character, are not few. But once a reporter, the reporting spirit never leaves him. The occupation is so full of variety and interest, that the mind constantly reverts to it. He has plenty of drudgery also. Sitting up till midnight or daylight to make a good _resume_ of some dry speech is not pleasant work; digesting long and complicated reports, and many other duties, are mere drudgery, and form no small fraction of his duties. To these, however, are added the excitement belonging to the work of a detective who is employed in searching out hidden things; that of a lawyer examining and cross-examining a witness in order to arrive at the truth; of a judge weighing the evidence from all sides to come to something like a satisfactory decision on troublesome questions. It may be thought that this is an ideal view of a reporter, and that the reality is never met with in real life. But the ideal has often been reached, and during the comparatively short life of the WITNESS there have been connected with it in this and other capacities gentlemen whose names rank with the highest in commercial and professional life. The ranks of the press in England, France, and the United States, as well as Canada, are constantly being infringed on to fill those of legislators, business men and authors. There is one thing connected with reporting which always has had a tendency to lower it in the public estimation. It has been considered a means of providing men of ability, but lax in morals and irregular in habits, a means of obtaining a precarious livelihood. This has made the dangers to be met with in this course of life very great, because of the associations surrounding those engaged in it, and at one time it was supposed to be almost impossible to be a reporter and a well-living man. But the days of "Bohemianism" have passed in Canada, and for years there has but very seldom been a reporter on the WITNESS who was not at the same time a total abstainer from all that intoxicates.

We might mention very many interesting instances, showing under what difficulties information is sometimes obtained, how "secret" meetings are reported in full, and how but very little that reporters want to know is hid, but space will not permit.

We will now rapidly run through the WITNESS office. It occupies two large, three-story buildings, one fronting on St. Bonaventure street, Montreal, and the other extending back almost to Craig street in the rear. These two buildings are united by an enclosed space, which is utilized as an engine-room and storehouse. This portion is covered with a glass roof to give light to both of the buildings, which are connected by bridges ornamented with flowers and musical with the songs of birds, as suggested by the engraving. Entering by the front door from St. Bonaventure street is the business office. Ascending the large staircase shown, the editorial and reporting rooms are reached. In the latter is the library for the use of the WITNESS employees, containing over one thousand volumes. These books are lent free to all engaged in the office desirous of reading them. The principal English, American and Canadian papers are also kept on file. On the same flat is the correspondence department,--in which young ladies do most of the work,--the engraving department, the editor of the AURORE, and the desk of the mechanical manager. Going up stairs still higher, the "news" room is reached, where the compositors of the DAILY WITNESS perform their duties. The managing editor and the proof-readers monopolize a corner of this room. Crossing one of the bridges previously referred to, the electrotyping department is seen occupying a partitioned-off corner of the very large and airy "job" office, where are the compositors of the DOMINION MONTHLY, and where any amount of pamphlets, books, and of job work is turned out each year. Taking the hoist we descend to the next floor, which is occupied by the binding and folding room. Here also the mailing lists are kept and scores of "chases" full of names are to be seen, as well as the machines for mailing the papers. This room is the one shown in the illustration of the dinner to the newsboys, the tables, however being covered with something, to them, more attractive than sheets of pamphlets, while the walls are draped with the national flags. This room has been formally devoted to any reunions the employees may decide to hold for their own entertainment. Descending still another story, we reach the pressroom, where the huge eight feeder, nineteen feet high, thirty feet long and six broad, is turning out sixteen thousand printed sheets an hour. The double building occupies 7,300 feet of ground and 20,400 feet of flooring, besides cellarage.

In all there are one hundred and twenty-eight persons employed within these walls. In the business department there are ten; in the editorial and reporting thirteen; three engravers; four in the promotion and correspondence department; thirty-five compositors on the DAILY WITNESS, including foremen; four proof-readers and copy-holders; two electrotypers; thirteen job printers; eighteen folders and binders; four despatchers; three compositors to keep the mailing lists in order; fifteen pressmen; one engineer, and four drivers for delivery to city dealers.

Besides these there are a host of others, a part of whose sustenance is obtained from the WITNESS. Newsboys, carriers, dealers, correspondents, telegraphic operators, writers, agents and others, all make a list of no little importance. Female labor is extensively used in the offices, there being no less than thirty-seven young women employed. Amongst all the employees there has grown up a commendable _esprit de corps_, which is much to be admired. There are but few changes in the _personnel_ of any department, and the good feeling amongst all has much to do with the general efficiency of the establishment, and will conduce to make it still more prosperous and useful.

So much has been said about the WITNESS office that there is little room for the WITNESS itself. It will remain a lasting monument to the zeal of Mr. John Dougall, who is now in New York, endeavoring to engineer the New York WITNESS to success. Its history has been one of trial, perseverance, but ultimate success all through. It was started in Montreal as a weekly in January, 1846, on a basis then entirely novel in Canada. It was devoted to the advance of religion, religious liberty, temperance, and of all moral and social reforms, and to the education of the people in matters affecting their moral or material wellbeing, standing entirely alone on many questions. The following, from the opening article in the first number, shows the object for which the paper was started, and the course marked out for it to pursue.

* * * "We say good papers, for assuredly the utmost of care should
be exercised to keep such sheets as have a demoralizing tendency
away from the hallowed precincts of the family circle.

"The Canadian field is comparatively unoccupied at present, and,
therefore, the importance of sowing good seed early and plentifully
can scarcely be over-rated, otherwise it will, doubtless, soon be
filled with tares and thistles."

* * * "The power of the press is incalculable; it is, probably, the
very first element, next to the living voice, of general influence;
should not, then the Lord's people make every effort to wield it on
His side, and not tamely abandon it to the god of this world." * * *

"By occupying the field for the Lord, we do

not mean, however, the publication exclusively, or even
chiefly, of what is called religious matter. We mean that every
subject,--History, Science, Education, Agriculture, News, and in a
word, all the affairs of life,--should be treated and illustrated
as part and parcel of the Moral and Providential Government of an
infinitely great, just, wise, and good God, whose crowning mercy is
displayed on the cross of Christ.

"'I have never wanted articles on religious subjects half so much
as articles on common subjects written with a decidedly religious
tone,' were the words of Dr. Arnold, one of the master minds
of the age, words which the Religious Tract Society of London
has appropriately chosen as the motto of a series of volume
publications intended to supply the Christian family, and in
fact, the world, with the requisite information upon important
secular subjects, tinged, or rather embued, with the spirit of
pure, undefiled religion, instead of the spirit of infidelity or
licentiousness which has too often pervaded popular publications
hitherto. In fact, they seek to efface the brand of Satan from
popular literature, and substitute the stamp of Christ; and is this
not a worthy object of Christian ambition? For ourselves we would
say, that our highest aim is to spend, and be spent, in humbly
endeavoring to contribute to the attainment of such an object."

At the close of the year the following course was laid down:

"It is our intention to carry on the '_Witness_' substantially
as it has been carried on during the past year--testifying for
great truths as occasions may arise; acknowledging no sect but
Christianity, and regarding no politics but those of the kingdom
of God; yet devoting much attention to everything that regards the
physical welfare and social improvement of the people of Canada."

This was no idle expression of intention, as the history of the paper to the present time gives evidence. As it was instituted it remains to-day. It is amusing to read that in 1864 it began agitating for public baths--which it is agitating for now--and that it began working for a reduction in postage, which soon after it was successful in obtaining. It began publishing pictures in the second number issued, and still gives more space to them than other journals. For several of its early years appeals were made to subscribers to assist it so that it might be able to live and become a success. But the crisis once past it grew rapidly and firmly. It became a semi-weekly at the time it adopted first in Canada the cash system of payments, by which it was able to give just twice as much for the money. On the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1860, a daily was commenced experimentally. It was so popular from the first that it was continued. Its circulation, which began with hundreds, rapidly grew to thousands. As it became prosperous its production became expensive. First it was a very small sheet which might easily be sold for a cent with some profit. But as it grew older the necessity for improvement became more pressing until it now, in interest and the quantity and value of its contents, excels papers which attain to the proud dignity of selling fewer copies at three cents or more.

At first it was printed on a single feeder press in a back office; now it is printed on the gigantic eight feeder spoken of above. In 1860 the weekly pay list amounted to $80, which was paid to sixteen employees; now it amounts to $925, paid to one hundred and twenty-eight employees.

The NORTHERN MESSENGER was commenced in 1865, as a four-paged semi-monthly, under the title, CANADIAN MESSENGER. Its circulation then was small, but now it has attained to nearly fifty thousand copies. The NEW DOMINION MONTHLY began its existence contemporaneously with the Dominion of Canada, on July 1st, 1867. It has not had a very vigorous life until late years, but it seems to have overcome all its hinderances. It is now enjoying much popularity, and a long and useful career is looked forward to for it. The youngest of the WITNESS publications is L'AURORE, a child of adoption, which is published in French,--the only Protestant paper in America in that language. It is undergoing its struggle for existence and is weathering the storm bravely, and every day adds to its chance of ultimate success. All these publications are sent forth in the hope that they will be the instruments of good and blessing to many. Unless this object had been in some measure fulfilled, it is most likely that none of them would have lived any length of time. They were all, at starting, losing ventures in a monetary point of view, and in that respect have thus far little more than made ends meet; but in the higher reward sought--that of becoming engines of usefulness, they have exceeded all expectation.

G. H. F.

_THE WITNESS PREMIUM LIST._

(_Continued from second page of cover._)

WHAT KIND OF WEATHER WILL WE HAVE TO-MORROW?

This question can be solved by the possessor of one of

Pool's Signal Service Barometers with thermometer attached. If not already the possessor of one of these valuable weather indicators, send us $6 in new subscriptions to any of the WITNESS publications and we will send you one by express with all charges paid.

MUSIC HATH CHARMS.

By sending us $10 in new subscriptions we will send a very good concertina by express, with all charges paid.

OPERA GLASSES.

For $10 in new subscriptions we will send you a first-class Opera Glass.

For $15 and $16 in new subscriptions we have two sizes of beautifully finished

WIRE BIRD CAGES;

prettily painted and fitted up with perches.

We still offer the DOUBLE-EDGED LIGHTNING SAW which, on account of its size and usefulness, is well adapted for household and general purposes. It is so arranged with holes in the handle that a pole can easily be attached with bolts, so that it may be used for sawing off the superfluous branches and twigs of a tree. Send us $7 in new subscriptions to the WITNESS publications and receive the above mentioned valuable implement.

A most necessary article in the kitchen is an Apple Corer. For one new subscriber to the WEEKLY WITNESS, at $1.10, or four new subscribers to the MESSENGER at 30c. each, we will send a

SOLID IVORY APPLE CORER.

FOR YOUR HOUSE WIVES AND DAUGHTERS.

If you want to make your wife happy, send us $17 in new subscriptions, and we will send you by express a set of FLUTING, CRIMPING AND SMOOTHING IRONS.

WHO WOULD NOT HAVE A PHOTOGRAPH ALBUM?

When you can get a magnificent one by sending in $7 in new subscriptions to the WITNESS publications, or for $6 you can get one not so finely bound.

For $7 we will send something new in the shape of a pretty little

ALBUM RESTING UPON AN EASEL.

Every boy has a longing for a box of tools, so that on a rainy day he can exercise his ingenuity in making or repairing some article of furniture. For such we now offer a

A NO. 1 FAMILY TOOL CHEST

which contains Gauges, Screw-drivers, Chisels, Gimlets, a small saw, Tack-lifter, Pruning Knife, an Inch Square, a Measure, &c., &c., all of which fit into one strong handle, and when packed in the box may be carried in the pocket. This valuable assortment of tools will be sent to any person sending us $20 in new subscriptions to the WITNESS publications.

DO YOU PAINT?

By this question we do not mean painting your cheeks, but do you paint pictures? If you do, and have not a good box of paints, send us $5 in new subscriptions to the WITNESS publications, and we will send you a

BOX OF PAINTS,

fitted up with all the necessary requirements to fit you to fill the position of head artist to the family. For $7 in new subscriptions we will send you a better box.

RINGS WITH STONES.

A handsome and most appropriate present for a birthday or New Year's gift is a gold ring. For $5 in new subscriptions to the WITNESS publications we will send a SOLID GOLD KEEPER, while for $10 in new subscriptions we will send a GOLD RING, with PEARLS and GARNETS, and which retails at $4. If the competitors prefer they can obtain Rings of greater value on equally advantageous terms. A lady in sending for any of these Rings should send a piece of thread or paper the size of her finger, so that one to fit may be obtained.

THE "EVER READY" POCKET KNIFE.

Fathers and Brothers Read This.

The desideratum of every living male is to become the possessor of a well stocked and thoroughly reliable pocket knife. The article which we now offer on such advantageous terms is not only a double bladed knife, but also contains several tools, which will be found to be very handy, and just the thing wanted in an emergency. The two engravings will show our readers the appearance and number of blades which the knife contains. The very effective and convenient SCREW DRIVER is hidden by the opened large blade, but is shown in the picture of the knife as closed. The HOOK can be made useful in sundry ways, such as to clean a horse's hoof, pull on the boots, lift a stove cover, &c. The back of the Hook makes a good tack hammer; while the inside of the Hook forms a small but strong nut cracker. The Punch makes holes in harness, wood, &c., which can be enlarged by its sharp corners. All close into a strong and compact handle. This POCKETFUL OF TOOLS will be sent to any person who sends us $5 in new subscriptions to the WITNESS publications.

THE LLOYD COMBINATION PEN-HOLDER

is the best, and only practicable combination in the market. It is heavily nickel-plated, and with ordinary care will last a lifetime. It contains twelve articles in one. Pencil, pen-holder and a patent fountain pen, eraser, penknife, envelope opener, paper cutter, rubber and thread cutter. The knife is made of steel, firmly fastened in place, and can be used for ripping seams, cutting of hooks, eyes and buttons, for erasing blots, and many other purposes. The Combination has no open slots or ends, nor slides, to wear off the plating and get out of order. When not in use, the Lloyd may be so closed as to leave nothing but the rubber opened--even the point of the pencil may be turned in and protected; this could not be accomplished if the pen-holder was open at the ends or sides, as any opening would allow dust, dirt, moisture, &c., to enter. This handy Combination will be sent to any person sending us $2 in new subscriptions to any of the WITNESS publications.

THE AMERICAN HOUSEKEEPER'S SCALE WEIGHS UP TO 24 LBS.

A pair of reliable scales is what every housekeeper should have. The _Christian Union_ says of it: "American Housekeeper's Scale--the most convenient scale we have yet seen for housekeepers is that advertised in this week's issue. It is simple, accurate and cannot readily get out of order. The platform bears directly over the spring, and the nut is adjustable, so that the tare of the dish is had without the use of weights." To any one sending us $6 in new subscriptions to the WITNESS publications we will send one of the above described platform scales.

FOR THE LITTLE GIRLS ONLY.

Every little girl has an intense longing for a beautiful doll. Those little girls who desire a large and handsome wax doll to act as head of their doll family can easily earn one for themselves by canvassing for subscribers to our paper among their friends and relations.

SPECIAL OFFER.

To any little girl sending us $6 in new subscriptions to the WITNESS publications, we will send a large and

HANDSOME WAX DOLL.

This doll is the acme of perfection, and is possessed of all of the virtues that a good little girl's doll should possess. Its hair is of a light golden hue, done up in the latest Parisian style; the eyes are as blue as the summer sky, its cheeks are suffused with the most modest blushes, and to crown all--wonder of all wonders--from its tiny and well shaped ears hang a pair of the tiniest earrings.

After obtaining the doll, of course, you will require to set to work and provide it with a "trousseau."

Now, as a suitable article to accompany the doll in its travels around the nursery, we have a

BEAUTIFUL WORK BOX,

lined with silk, and fitted up with the required scissors, spool and needle case, thimble, &c. This can be obtained by sending us $8 in new subscriptions.

Go to work at once and become the happy possesssor of these pretty articles. Get your father or "big" brother to take you around, and with a few days' work you will obtain the required number of new subscribers to obtain the doll and work box.

MAKE YOUR HOMES BEAUTIFUL.

Send us $40 in new subscriptions to any of the WITNESS publications, and we will send you by express a handsomely chased and satin finished electro-plated

ICE PITCHER.

The pitcher is treble plated, and manufactured by Simpson, Hall & Millar. With ordinary use this article will last a lifetime.

PATENT BUTTER COOLER.

For $25 in new subscriptions we will send a very heavy plated and elaborately finished butter cooler, forming altogether a most useful as well as ornamental piece of table ware.

LAST, THOUGH BY NO MEANS LEAST,

is the STANDARD WORCESTER QUARTO DICTIONARY, illustrated and unabridged. It is a massive volume of 1,854 quarto-pages, handsomely bound in library sheep, and is enriched by more than a thousand excellent articles on synonymes, in which five thousand synonymous words are treated, and accurately and concisely illustrated by short and well chosen examples; it contains more than one hundred thousand words in its vocabulary, with their pronunciation, definition and etymology.

To anyone sending us ten new subscribers for one year to the NEW DOMINION MONTHLY at $2 each per annum, we will send by mail or express this famous and world renowned Dictionary. This offer we make specially to STUDENTS, MINISTERS and TEACHERS, and is one of the most advantageous offers we have ever made.

For those who are not acquainted with our papers we will state that the prices of the WITNESS publications are as follows:

DAILY WITNESS at $3.00 per an.

" to ministers and teachers. 2.50 "

WEEKLY WITNESS 1.10 "

" to ministers and teachers. 85 "

NEW DOMINION MONTHLY 2.00 "

" to ministers and teachers. 1.50 "

NEW DOMINION MONTHLY and } 2.60 "
WEEKLY WITNESS to one address }

L'AURORE, (French Weekly) 1.00 "

NORTHERN MESSENGER 30 "

" 10 copies to one address 2.50 "

" 25 " " " 6.00 "

" 50 " " " 11.50 "

GENERAL DIRECTIONS.

IMPORTANT.

Every letter for these prizes must be marked "In Competition."

The money in all cases must accompany the order.

Send full prices for publications, deducting no commissions.

Ministers' and teachers' subscriptions are not received in competition for any of the prizes.

Send at once for samples and instructions.

JOHN DOUGALL & SON,
_Montreal_.

FREE PAPERS TO ALL.

_The WITNESS Publications to the close of the year Free to New Subscribers for one year._

To give our workers every opportunity to gain one or more of the prizes mentioned above, we make the following offer: We will send our publications from the date of the subscription to the end of the year, 1878, free to all new subscribers. Thus, every person paying $1.10 for a year's subscription to the WEEKLY WITNESS will receive the paper from now to January 1st, 1880, for that amount.

GENERAL OFFER.

Any person sending us TWO new subscribers to the NEW DOMINION MONTHLY at $2 each will get a third copy for himself or herself.

Any person sending us FOUR new subscribers to the WEEKLY WITNESS at $1.10 each will receive an extra copy for one year.

Any person sending us ONE new subscriber to the WEEKLY WITNESS together with his own subscription will receive both copies for $2.

Any person sending in ONE new subscriber to the WEEKLY WITNESS at $1.10, or FIVE new subscribers to the NORTHERN MESSENGER at 30c. each, will receive an extra copy of the NORTHERN MESSENGER.

TO SUNDAY-SCHOOLS.

Any Sunday-school that does not now take the NORTHERN MESSENGER can procure a sufficient number of copies to supply one copy to each family attending the school FREE to the end of the year, 1878.

WITNESS FREE LECTURES ON AGRICULTURE.

The publishers of the WITNESS have conceived the plan of establishing a Winter Course of Lectures on Agriculture. For this purpose they have secured the services of Mr. W. F. Clarke, of Lindenbank, Guelph, formerly editor of the _Canada Farmer_ and of the _Ontario Farmer_, who will lecture in such parts of the country as may offer him the best openings. The first lecture of the course, entitled "The Nobility of Agriculture," was delivered in the Ontario School of Agriculture, Guelph, Ont. This lecture, and ones which will follow, we propose issuing in the form of an eight paged pamphlet. Those who wish to procure this instructive course of lectures will do well to send a one cent stamp for return postage, and we will send them the first lecture of the course.

JOHN DOUGALL & SON,
_Montreal_.

_An Open Letter_

_To those Working for our Prizes._

The WITNESS publications are favorites with the best people in the community, and on this account are the most easily canvassed for.

In preparing our prize list we have tried to introduce articles to suit both young and old, male and female.

The premiums are all of good manufacture, no common trash or worthless articles having a place on our list.

If you can act as canvasser for us do so, but if not please oblige us by handing this to some honest, intelligent person, of your acquaintance, whom you think will be willing to act in your stead.

_How to Send Money._

Send money by Post Office Money Order or by Registered Letter. Money may be sent by registered letter at our risk.

Canada Postage Stamps taken in small quantities, if in good order; BUT MONEY is PREFERRED, as we have to sell the stamps at a loss.

Remit as often as possible, as the sooner you remit the sooner will your subscribers receive their papers, and thus they, by receiving their papers promptly, will become an assistance to you.

We desire your aid, and feel confident that there is something in the preceding list that each and every reader can obtain with a few hours determined work.

Yours, respectfully,
JOHN DOUGALL & SON,
_MONTREAL, QUEBEC_.

SPECIAL OFFER.

WE ARE NOW OFFERING, AS A PREMIUM,

THE STANDARD

WORCESTER

QUARTO DICTIONARY,

ILLUSTRATED AND UNABRIDGED,

_WHICH RETAILS AT $10.00_.

TO ANY PERSON

Sending us ten =NEW= subscribers to our

"_New Dominion Monthly_,"

An Illustrated Magazine of 128 pages, at $2.00 per Annum,

_we will send a copy of this DICTIONARY, which, for many years, has been the Standard in ENGLAND as well as in AMERICA, with all Express charges prepaid._

☛ SAMPLES, and any further INFORMATION desired, will be furnished on application by a postal card addressed to

JOHN DOUGALL & SON,
_MONTREAL, QUEBEC_.

* * * * *

TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES

1. Italic text is denoted by _underscores_ and bold
text by =equal signs=.

2. Silently corrected simple spelling, grammar, and typographical
errors.

3. A Index of Illustrations has been created by the Transcriber.