=Province of Quebec (Bedford).=—The Harmony Circle was organized here
last September. We are seven in number, all having so many cares that
the Chautauqua work has to be done by improving the spare moments, and
often by giving up some pleasure or recreation; but the sacrifice is
made willingly. Each member prepares seven questions; the number to be
chosen from each subject in hand is determined at the previous meeting.
Each in turn puts a question to his or her nearest neighbor, then the
second time round to the nearest but one, and so on; thus each member
puts a question to every other member. This, with discussions and
conversations which arise from the lesson, occupies more than two hours
in a very enjoyable manner. We have derived profit from the work, both
in increase of knowledge and improvement of literary taste. Our circle
has also been the source of much kindly feeling and mutual interest,
and a strong bond of friendship amongst us.
* * * * *
=Maine (Brownfield).=—Our circle was organized early in October, 1882,
with ten regular members, five gentlemen and five ladies. We arranged
to meet once in two weeks, and enjoyed our evenings together so much
that it was extremely difficult to keep the length of our sessions
within reasonable bounds. We congratulated ourselves constantly on the
pleasure afforded us by our studies, and on the obvious improvement,
from month to month, in the work of individual members. It was
decided, for the present year at least, to change the whole board of
officers once in three months, that the educating influences of the
responsibilities connected with the various offices might be shared, in
turn, by all who were willing to accept them.
* * * * *
=Maine (Fairfield).=—A local circle was organized here in October,
1882, and now numbers fifteen members, nearly all of whom have
completed the required readings to date. Teachers are assigned to each
of the subjects as they are taken up, and recitations are conducted
with excellent system and thoroughness. In addition to this we have
numerous essays and readings, and the enthusiasm is such that,
notwithstanding our regular meetings occur fortnightly, we have many
special meetings. It is the custom at all of our meetings to criticize
freely, and this leads to an exactness of pronunciation when reading,
not otherwise to be attained.
* * * * *
=Maine (Brownfield).=—Our circle meets once in two weeks, takes
up questions in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and then devotes a short time to
questions of our own asking, using a question-box. We think this an
excellent plan. After this we generally have short essays on the
subjects we are reading, often closing with general conversation.
* * * * *
=Massachusetts (Wareham).=—The Pallas Circle closed for the season with
a lawn party, June 18.