There are several ways in which a beautiful leaf album might be made. I
once possessed one which was composed of card pictures, every one of
which represented either a single leaf or a cluster of leaves, with
descriptions printed under each picture. A person with skill in painting
could make a very lovely album by copying the leaves in their fresh or
ripened tints. But probably the best way for you will be to gather
leaves and press them carefully, and then fasten them upon your pages
either with mucilage or by cutting a little slit in the paper large
enough to hold the stem of each leaf. Write under every leaf the name of
the species, the place where it grew, and the date of gathering it. You
might also write a stanza of poetry on every page, selecting from
American or English authors as you prefer. Any blank-book of convenient
size will do for an album.
I am very glad you like history. As I do not know what books you have
already read, I can give you only the names of some which I like. _The
Life and Letters of Lord Macaulay_, by G. Otto Trevelyan, is a charming
biography, and after reading it you will not rest until you have read
Macaulay's _History of England_. Green's _Short History of the English
People_, in one volume, is a book which will charm you from the first to
the last page. I hope you read Shakspeare, especially the historical
plays. And I advise you to read, by way of informing yourself about
American history, Miss Eliza Robins's _Tales from American History_, and
Thatcher's _Tales of the American Revolution_. Lossing's _Field-Book of
the Revolution_ is delightful reading. You will say, "Please,
Postmistress, stop," and I will do so, because I might fill a column
with the names of books which an intelligent young person would enjoy
reading. One thing let me add, and that is, that a good school text-book
is always an excellent book to keep at hand for reference when you are
reading larger histories.
The careful perusal of YOUNG PEOPLE will help you to learn about
out-of-the-way episodes in history, which you might have to look over
many volumes to find.
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The following articles in this number are specially designed for the
C. Y. P. R. U.: "The Home of the Reindeer" (illustrated), by John
Habberton; "Bits of Advice"; and "Window Gardening," with several
illustrations.
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Contributions received for Young People's Cot in Holy Innocent's Ward,
St. Mary's Free Hospital for Children, 407 West Thirty-fourth Street,
New York:
Rev. John G. Smith, Chicago, $1; Amy Fownes, Alleghany, 51c.; Annie
Rothery, Matteawan, $1.25; D. W. Bishop, Jun., Lenox, 50c.; C. F.
Bishop, Lenox, 50c.; Frank L. Cisco, Staten Island, $1; May Cisco,
Staten Island, $1; Walter E. Saunders, Washington, N. J., 50c.; Grace C.
Hayes, Clinton, N. Y., 51c.; Grace and Willie Fyfield, Yocumville,
$2.50; J. Clarke Burrell, New York, $1; proceeds of a fair held by Lulie
Lawrence, Lulie H. Fox, Gertrude Birch, Adelia F. Doolittle, Jennie I.
Baxter, Josie A. Lawrence, Mamie Doolittle, and Carrie H. Lawrence, of
Linden, Montgomery Co., Md., $6.75; Gerald Morton Bliss, East
Providence, 27c.; Alma L. and Kleber A. Campbell, West Rutland, Vt., $1;
Anna and Levi Rassow, Reading, Penn., $1; Jamie and Freddie Miller,
Mamaroneck, $1; Amy Cohen, Albany, 25c.; Willie Needham, New Bedford,
Mass., 35c.; Maude and Carrie Cooke, Cheltenham, Penn., $1; Marguerite
Laquer, Mendrisio, Switzerland, $2; Dudley A. Williams, Hackensack,
50c.; Allie Bales, Philadelphia, 1c.; A Reader of YOUNG PEOPLE,
Flushing, $1; L. D. C., Chicago, $2; "Little Ada," Cincinnati, 20c.;
Hope Kishlar, Goodland, Ind., 50c.; Grace V. C., Watertown, N. Y., 25c.;
total, $28.35. Previously acknowledged, $138.61; grand total, $166.96.
E. AUGUSTA FANSHAWE, Treasurer, 43 New St.
_October_ 15, 1881.
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