SEC. 5. That any said commissioner, exam_The Chautauquan, Vol. 05, May 1885, No. 8

or any person in the public service who shall willfully and corruptly,

by himself or in coöperation with one or more other persons, defeat,

deceive, or obstruct any person in respect of his or her right of

examination according to any such rules or regulations, or who shall

willfully, corruptly, and falsely mark, grade, estimate or report upon

the examination or proper standing of any person examined hereunder, or

aid in so doing, or who shall willfully and corruptly make any false

representations concerning the same or concerning the person examined,

or who shall willfully and corruptly furnish to any person any special

or secret information for the purpose of either improving or injuring

the prospects or chances of any person so examined, or to be examined,

being appointed, employed, or promoted, shall for each such offense be

deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be

punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars, nor more than

one thousand dollars, or by imprisonment not less than ten days, nor more

than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

SECOND SUBJECT.

Question 1.—Multiply 307968 by 490875 and divide the product by 307968.

Write in full the operation.

Question 2.—Divide three fourths of eight ninths by one seventh of three

fifths and subtract one seventh from the quotient.

Question 3.—Divide one thousand and eight and three one-thousandths

by three and eight one-hundredths, expressing the process in decimal

fractions.

Question 4.—The compensation of a clerk, beginning June 30th, was $133.33

a calendar month. On the first of October his salary was increased 15 per

cent., and so remained until June 1st, when it was increased a further

amount of three per cent. on the original salary. What was the whole

amount payable to the clerk for the year?

Question 5.—A commissary suddenly forced to change quarters had on hand

980 bushels of wheat which cost 80 cents per bushel. He sold six per

cent. of it at a loss of four per cent. and four per cent. of it at a

loss of three per cent. How much was the whole loss incurred by the sale?

THIRD SUBJECT.

Question 1.—A note for $2,647.34 is payable eleven months from date with

interest at 3½ per cent. What will be the amount due on the note at

maturity? Give all the figures in the operation.

Question 2.—A disbursing agent failed, owing the government one item of

$308.45, another of $2,901.02. The government agreed to make a discount

of 13 per cent. on the first item and 11½ per cent. on the second. How

much was payable under the agreement?

Question 3.—June 30, 1880, A gave B a note for $1,005 payable July 4,

1882, with interest at 4 per cent. May 1, 1882, A paid $235. What was the

amount of principal and interest due B when the note matured?

Question 1.—A contractor furnished the government articles as follows:

June 8, 1880, 300 barrels of flour at $4.50 a barrel, and July 6, 1880,

187 yards of carpet at $1 a yard. August 4, 1880, 1,000 yards of carpet

at 87 cents a yard. The government paid on account as follows: June

12, 1880, $1,000; July 10, 1880, $100; August 4, 1880, $500. State the

dealings between the parties in the form of a debit and credit account,

showing the balance due.

FOURTH SUBJECT.

Question 1.—Give a definition as full as the space will allow of (1) a

verb; (2) a noun; (3) an adverb; (4) an adjective; (5) a preposition;

(6) a conjunction; and of (7) the phrase, “the grammar of the English

language.”

Question 2.—Write a letter, addressing it to the President and giving

your views, as far as you are willing to express them, in regard to the

duties and responsibilities of an officer in the public service which you

seek to enter. Let it fill, as nearly as may be, the following space.

FIFTH SUBJECT.

Question 1.—Which States extend to or border on the sea or tide-water?

What is the capital of each of said States?

Question 2.—What is meant in our history, (1) by the Colonial period; (2)

by the Continental Congress; (3) by the Declaration of Independence; (4)

by the Emancipation Proclamation? Let your answers, as nearly as may be,

fill this blank.

Question 3.—State in general terms, but as particularly as the space

below will permit, what are the authority and functions of (1) the

Congress of the United States; of (2) the Supreme Court of the United

States; of (3) the President of the United States; and give the names of

each of the executive departments at Washington.

LIMITED EXAMINATION UNDER CLAUSE 4 OF RULE 7.

First subject same as in examination under Clause 1.

SECOND SUBJECT.

DIRECTION.—In case the examiners think that any of the following examples

may have been seen by the applicants, they can in the first strike out

a line of the figures, and, in the others, change some of the figures

without altering the grade of the question.

Question 1.—Add the following:

64379582

28597346

91731625

52613719

26598421

53679713

83576532

62985274

79365497

--------

Question 2.—Find the difference between the following numbers:

905127038624

605138759928

------------

Question 3.—Subtract ten thousand one hundred dollars and six cents from

one hundred thousand and seven dollars and five cents, giving all the

figures required in the operation.

Question 4.—Multiply 7089 by 983.

Question 5.—Divide 368506 by 375.

Question 6.—When board costs three dollars and seventy-six cents per week

what will it cost from March 15th to July 4th?

Question 7.—How many times is 17 cents contained in ten thousand dollars

and ten cents?

Question 8.—There are seven hundred and three dollars to be divided

between nine men and three boys. The boys are to have twenty-five

dollars and five cents each, the residue is to be equally divided among

the men, what is each man’s share? Give all the figures involved in the

solution.

APPENDIX No. 6.

The following tables show the statistics of the examinations in the three

branches of the classified service. These considerations should be borne

in mind in considering them:

1. That the ratio of those who fail to those who succeed is likely to be

much less when the grade of questions shall be better understood; for the

more incompetent will see they have little chance of succeeding. Besides,

a better class has appeared at each succeeding examination.

2. It was necessary in the outset to examine a large number to make

sure of having those competent to fill every variety of vacancy. Many

appointments may be now made without further examinations. The excessive

number examined from the District of Columbia was the result of

conforming to a rule having an unanticipated effect, which has been since

amended.

3. In regard to education, the records of the Commission are defective in

not showing how long those who have been at an academy or college have

remained at either, nor how many are graduates. If a person has been

but a month at an academy or college, he is put under the head of those

institutions. The habit of calling so many schools academies, and so many

academies colleges, helps to make this unavoidable classification the

more misleading.

TABLE

_Showing numbers of examinations, number of those examined, passed,

appointed, age, education, etc., in the Department Service, Washington._

------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----------------------------

|Number examined. | |

| | |Female. | appointed.

| | | |Average +-----+

TERRITORIES | | | | +-----+-----+-----+ per |

DIST. OF | | | | +-----+-----+-----+ or |

------------------+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----

Alabama | 4 | 2 | 2 | 42 | 2 | 2 | .. | 2 | ..

Arizona Territory | 1 | .. | 1 | 33 | .. | 1 | .. | 1 | ..

California | 7 | 6 | 1 | 30 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 1

Colorado | 4 | 2 | 2 | 37 | 1 | 3 | .. | 2 | ..

Connecticut | 9 | 3 | 6 | 29 | 4 | 2 | .. | 3 | 1

Dakota Territory | 2 | 1 | 1 | 29 | 1 | 1 | .. | 1 | ..

Columbia | 125 | 54 | 71 | 25 | 48 | 53 | 24 | 74 | 3

Delaware | 1 | .. | 1 | 25 | 1 | .. | .. | 1 | ..

Florida | 2 | .. | 2 | 36 | .. | 1 | 1 | 1 | ..

Georgia | 3 | 2 | 1 | 25 | .. | 1 | 2 | .. | ..

Illinois | 24 | 16 | 8 | 31 | 4 | 6 | 14 | 15 | 4

Indiana | 40 | 29 | 11 | 26 | 15 | 12 | 13 | 18 | 2

Indian Territory | 1 | 1 | .. | 30 | .. | 1 | .. | .. | ..

Iowa | 3 | 2 | 1 | 23 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1

Kansas | 15 | 13 | 2 | 32 | 7 | 2 | 6 | 9 | 2

Kentucky | 21 | 16 | 5 | 28 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 2

Louisiana | 6 | 3 | 3 | 34 | 2 | 4 | .. | 3 | ..

Maine | 14 | 10 | 4 | 26 | 2 | 11 | 1 | 11 | 2

Maryland | 66 | 40 | 26 | 26 | 13 | 35 | 18 | 44 | 3

Massachusetts | 36 | 27 | 9 | 30 | 6 | 17 | 13 | 26 | 1

Michigan | 18 | 12 | 6 | 28 | 3 | 10 | 5 | 10 | 3

Minnesota | 7 | 5 | 2 | 36 | 3 | .. | 4 | 4 | ..

Mississippi | 4 | 3 | 1 | 30 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | ..

Missouri | 15 | 11 | 4 | 34 | 10 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 2

Nebraska | 1 | .. | 1 | 25 | .. | 1 | .. | .. | ..

New Hampshire | 6 | 2 | 4 | 35 | .. | 6 | .. | 3 | 1

New Jersey | 16 | 7 | 9 | 28 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 10 | 2

New York | 94 | 65 | 29 | 26 | 20 | 54 | 20 | 50 | 5

North Carolina | 38 | 26 | 12 | 27 | 2 | 24 | 12 | 19 | 1

Ohio | 64 | 45 | 19 | 32 | 20 | 27 | 17 | 42 | 4

Pennsylvania | 42 | 30 | 12 | 30 | 10 | 22 | 10 | 22 | 5

Rhode Island | 6 | 4 | 2 | 42 | 5 | 1 | .. | 1 | 1

South Carolina | 13 | 11 | 2 | 24 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 1

Tennessee | 4 | 1 | 3 | 31 | 2 | 2 | .. | 2 | ..

Texas | 3 | 1 | 2 | 36 | .. | 3 | .. | 3 | ..

Vermont | 5 | 1 | 4 | 28 | 2 | 3 | .. | 4 | 1

Virginia | 37 | 21 | 16 | 32 | 9 | 22 | 6 | 24 | 2

Territory | 1 | .. | 1 | 40 | .. | .. | 1 | 1 | ..

West Virginia | 19 | 13 | 6 | 30 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 1

Wisconsin | 7 | 6 | 1 | 32 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 2

+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----

Total | 784 | 491 | 293 | 32 | 217 | 366 | 201 | 459 | 53

* * * * *

Time was when Nature’s every mystic mood

Poured round my heart a flood of eager joy;

When pageantry of sunsets moved the boy

More than high ventures of the great and good;

When trellised shadows in the vernal wood,

And little peeping flowers, so sweet and coy,

Were simple happiness without alloy,

And whispered to me things I understood.

But now the strange sad weight of human woe,

And all the bitterness of human wrong,

Press on my saddened spirit as I go,

And stir the pulsings of a graver song:

Dread mysteries of life and death I scan,

And all my soul is only full of man.—_W. W. Bedford._

THE ART OF FISH CULTURE.

BY PROF. G. BROWN GOODE.

PART II.

There are two forms of fish culture. One of these, which has been

practiced for many centuries in China, and perhaps quite as long in

Europe, consisted in the transportation of living fish from waters

in which they were abundant, to other waters, depleted or naturally

deficient in fish life. The carp and the goldfish have been so long

domesticated that they have become modified, like domestic fowls and

cattle. The goldfish was introduced into all parts of the world from

China, centuries ago. The introduction of the carp into the United States

by the efforts of our Commissioner of Fisheries has been one of the most

extensive operations in fish culture ever attempted. In 1878 carp were

brought from Bavaria, and from this stock, planted in Babcock Lake, over

300,000 young fish have been distributed, in lots of ten to twenty, to

every part of the country, so that almost every county is now stocked

with this valuable food fish. As early as 1770 some experiments in

transplanting fish were attempted, at the suggestion of Benjamin Franklin

and others. In 1854, the black bass, now so abundant in the Potomac, were

introduced by an engineer on the B. & O. R. R., who brought them over the

Alleghenies in the water tank of his engine. This fish has also been sent

to England and France, where it bids fair to become a favorite. In 1873,

a car was freighted with eastern fish designed for introduction into the

waters of California. The car ran off the track in Nebraska, and the

rivers in that region are now stocked with our best fishes.

Far more important than fish transportation and the acclimation of

foreign species, is the art of fish breeding, by which it is possible

to keep up the supply of fishes in waters into which they have been

successfully introduced. It was in the year 1741 that Stephen Ludwig

Jacobi, a wealthy landed proprietor and civil engineer of northwestern

Germany, discovered the method of artificially fertilizing the eggs of

fish for the purpose of restocking ponds and streams, and began a series

of painstaking experiments with that end in view. He first conceived the

idea in 1725, when a youth of seventeen years, and was successful after

laboring for sixteen years. His discovery was not announced till 1763.

Although his discovery was thought to be of interest, and was used by

physiologists and students of embryology, it was not until the French

government resolved to make a grand experiment in stocking the waters of

France with fish that modern industrial fish culture was born.

The establishment in 1850 at Huningen, in Alsace, by the French

government, of the first fish-breeding station, or “piscifactory,” as

it was named by Prof. Coste, is of great significance, since it marks

the initiation of public fish culture. To this establishment the world

is indebted for some practical hints, but most of all for its influence

upon the policy of governments. The fortunes of war and conquest have

now thrown Huningen into the hands of the German government. The art

discovered in Germany was practiced in Italy as early as 1791 by

Bufalini, in France in 1820, in Bohemia in 1824, in Great Britain in

1837, in Switzerland in 1842, in Norway, under government patronage in

1850, in Finland in 1852, in the United States in 1853, in Belgium,

Holland, and Russia in 1854, in Canada about 1863, in Austria in 1865, in

Australasia, by the inhabitants of English Salem in 1862, and in Japan in

1877.

The history of fish culture in this country is so familiar to every one

who has the slightest interest in the subject that it seems unnecessary

to refer to it in this place, except to show that it was largely to the

growth of popular interest in the subject that the Fish Commission has

owed its original and since increasing support.

The establishment of the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries

in 1871 marked the beginning of a period of great activity and great

progress in fish culture, which has been quite without parallel

elsewhere. The duties of the Commissioner were thus defined: “To

prosecute investigations on the subject (of the diminution of valuable

fishes), with the view of ascertaining whether any and what diminution

in the number of food fishes of the coast and the lakes of the United

States has taken place; and, if so, to what causes the same is due; and

also whether any, and what protection, prohibitory or precautionary

measures should be adopted in the premises, and to report upon the same

to Congress.”

I think I may truthfully assert that very much of the improvement in

the condition of our fisheries has been due to the wise and energetic

management of our Commissioner, Prof. Spencer F. Baird. Himself an

eminent man of science, for forty years in the front rank of biological

investigation, the author of several hundred scientific memoirs, no one

could realize more thoroughly the importance of a scientific foundation

for the proposed work.

His position as the head of that influential scientific organization,

given by an Englishman to the United States, “for the increase and

diffusion of useful knowledge among men,” enabled him to secure at once

the aid of a body of trained specialists.

I wish to emphasize the idea that _the work of the Fish Commission owes

its value solely and entirely to the fact of its being based upon an

extensive and long continued system of scientific investigations_, for

the purpose of discovering unknown facts, the knowledge of which is

essential to the welfare of the fisheries, the economical management of

the national fishery resources, the success of fish culture, and the

intelligent framing of fishery laws.

The resolution establishing the Commission requires that its head shall

be a civil officer of the government, of proved scientific and practical

acquaintance with the fishes of the coast—thus formally fixing its

scientific character.

The work of the Commission is and always has been under the direction of

eminent and representative scientific specialists, acting as heads of its

several divisions, and the employes, with the exception of a very limited

number of clerks, are trained experts, usually scientific students—so

exact and special is the training required even for subordinate

positions, that in a majority of cases each man employed is the only man

in the country who understands and can perform his own individual work.

Pure and applied science have labored together always in the service of

the Fish Commission, their representatives working side by side in the

same laboratories; indeed, much of the best work in the investigation of

the fisheries and in the artificial culture of fishes has been performed

by men eminent as zoölogists.

The work of the Fish Commission is naturally divided into three sections:

1. The systematic investigation of the waters of the United States, and

the biological and physical problems which they present. The scientific

studies of the Commission are based upon a liberal and philosophical

interpretation of the law. In making his original plans the Commissioner

insisted that to study only the food fishes would be of little

importance, and that useful conclusions must needs rest upon a broad

foundation of investigations purely scientific in character. The life

history of species of economic value should be understood from beginning

to end, but no less requisite is it to know the histories of the animals

and plants upon which they feed, or upon which their food is nourished;

the histories of their enemies and friends, and the friends and foes of

their enemies and friends, as well as the currents, temperature and other

physical phenomena of the waters in relation to migration, reproduction

and growth. A necessary accompaniment to this division is the amassing of

material for research to be stored in the National and other museums for

future use.

2. The investigation of the methods of fisheries, past and present, and

the statistics of production and commerce of fishery products. Man being

one of the chief destroyers of fish, his influence upon their abundance

must be studied. Fishery methods and apparatus must be examined and

compared with those of other lands, that the use of those which threaten

the destruction of useful fishes may be discouraged, and that those which

are inefficient may be replaced by others more serviceable. Statistics

of industry and trade must be secured for the use of Congress in making

treaties or imposing tariffs, to show to producers the best markets, and

to consumers where and with what their needs may be supplied.

3. The introduction and multiplication of useful food fishes throughout

the country, especially in waters under the jurisdiction of the general

government, or those common to several states, none of which might feel

willing to make expenditures for the benefit of the others. This work,

which was not contemplated when the Commission was established, was first

undertaken at the instance of the American Fish Cultural Association,

whose representatives induced Congress to make a special appropriation

for the purpose. This appropriation has since been renewed every year

on an increasingly bountiful scale, and the propagation of fish is at

present by far the most extensive branch of the work of the Commission,

both in respect to number of men employed and quantity of money expended.

The limits of this article do not permit the discussion of work in

connection with the fisheries, or of the scientific investigations which

form the bed for the whole current of its activity.

The principal activity of the Commission has properly been directed

to the wholesale replenishment of our depleted waters, as is shown

by the fact that from seventy-five to eighty-five per cent. of the

appropriations have been directed into this channel.

For fifteen or twenty years prior to the establishment of the Commission,

popular interest in the fisheries, and a desire for their maintenance had

been on the increase, the state of public opinion being doubtless under

stimulation from the action of the French government in fostering the

still infant art of fish culture.

The publications and experiments of Garlick, Fry, Atwood, Lyman, Green,

Stone, Ainsworth, Roosevelt, Atkins, Stady, and others, awakened

everywhere a sense of the fact that our rivers and streams were being

rapidly cleared out, and the feeling that a similar state of affairs

was probably existing in the adjoining ocean. Measures were set on foot

for restoration and protection as early as 1605, when Massachusetts

appointed the first commission, and prior to 1870 this example was

followed by several other states. Nearly all the states and territories

now have similar organizations. The United States has distanced all

its competitors, as was evinced by the manner in which the prizes were

distributed at the recent fishery exhibitions in Berlin and London.

The fertilization of the fish egg is the simplest of processes,

consisting, as every one knows, in simply pressing the ripe ova from the

female fish into a shallow receptacle, and then squeezing out the milt

of the male upon them. Formerly a great deal of water was placed in the

pan, now the “dry method,” with only a little water, discovered by the

Russian Vrasski, in 1854, is preferred. The eggs having been fertilized,

the most difficult part of the task remains, namely, the care of the eggs

until they are hatched, and the care of the young fry until they are able

to care for themselves.

The apparatus employed is various in principle, to correspond to the

physical peculiarities of the eggs. Fish culturists divide eggs into

four classes, viz.: (1) heavy eggs, non-adhesive, whose specific gravity

is so great that they will not float, such as the eggs of the salmon

and trout; (2) heavy adhesive eggs, such as those of the herring, smelt

and perch; (3) semi-buoyant eggs, like those of the shad and whitefish

(_Coregonus_), and (4) buoyant eggs, like those of the cod and mackerel.

Heavy, non-adhesive eggs are placed in thin layers, either upon gravel,

grilles of glass, or sheets of wire cloth, in receptacles through which

a current of water is constantly passing. There are numerous forms of

apparatus for eggs of this class, but the most effective are those in

which a number of trays of wire cloth, just deep enough to carry single

layers of eggs, are placed one upon the other in a box or jar, into which

the water enters from below, passing out at the top.

Heavy, adhesive eggs, are received upon bunches of twigs, or frames of

glass plates, to which they adhere, and which are placed in receptacles

through which water is passing.

Semi-buoyant eggs, or those whose specific gravity is but slightly

greater than that of the water, require altogether other treatment. They

are necessarily placed together in large numbers, and to prevent their

settling upon the bottom of the receptacle, it is necessary to introduce

a gentle current from below. For many years these eggs could be hatched

only in floating receptacles placed in a river, with wire cloth bottoms,

placed at an angle, the motion of which was utilized to keep the eggs

in suspension. Later, an arrangement of plunging buckets was invented,

cylindrical receptacles with tops and bottoms of wire cloth, which were

worked up and down at the surface of the water by machinery. The eggs

in the cylinders were suspended in rows from beams which were worked

up and down at the surface of the water by machinery. The eggs in the

cylinders were thus kept constantly in motion. Finally, the device now

most in favor was perfected; this is a receptacle, conical, or at least

with a constricted termination, placed with its apex downward, through

which passes from below a strong current, keeping the eggs constantly

suspended and in motion. This form of apparatus, of which the McDonald

and Clark hatching jars are the most perfect developments, may be worked

in connection with any common hydrant.[A]

Floating eggs have been hatched only by means of rude contrivances for

sustaining a lateral circular eddy, or swirl of water in the receptacle.

The use of refrigerators, to retard the development of the egg until such

time as it is most convenient to take care of the fry, is now extensively

practiced in the United States, and has been experimented upon in Germany.

In the discussion of fish-cultural economy, the distinction between

_private fish culture_ and _public fish culture_ must be carefully

observed, and it must also be borne in mind that by _public fish

culture_, or _modern fish culture_, I mean fish culture carried on at

public expense, and for the public good. Public fish culture, to be

effective, must be conducted by men trained in scientific methods of

thought and work.

The distinction between private and public fish culture must be

carefully observed. The maintenance of ponds for carp, trout, and other

domesticated species, is an industry to be classed with poultry raising

and bee-keeping, and its interest to the political economist is but

slight.

The proper function of fish culture is the stocking of the public waters

with fish in which no individual can claim the right of property.

The comparative insignificance of the private fish-culture of Europe

is, perhaps, what has led to the recent savage attack upon fish culture

in general by Malmgren of the University of Helsingfors. European

fish culturists have always operated with small numbers of eggs. The

establishment of Sir James Maitland at Howieton, near Stirling, Scotland,

is the finest and largest private establishment in the world, and yields

a handsome addition to the revenues of its proprietor. A description

of this hatchery is published as one of the conference papers of the

International Fisheries Exhibition, and that the distinction between

public and private enterprise in fish-culture may be understood, it

should be compared with the following statement by Mr. Livingston Stone,

the superintendent of one of the seventeen hatcheries supported by the

United States Fish Commission—that on the McCloud River in California.

“In the eleven years since the salmon-breeding station has been in

operation, 67,000,000 eggs have been taken, most of which have been

distributed in the various states of the Union. Several million,

however, have been sent to foreign countries, including Germany, France,

Great Britain, Denmark, Russia, Belgium, Holland, Canada, New Zealand,

Australia, and the Sandwich Islands.

“About 15,000,000 have been hatched at the station, and the young placed

in the McCloud and other tributaries of the Sacramento River. So great

have been the benefits of this restocking of the Sacramento, that the

statistics of the salmon fisheries on the Sacramento show that the annual

salmon catch of the river has increased 5,000,000 pounds each year during

the last few years.”

In the two government hatcheries at Alpena and Northville, Michigan,

in the winter of 1883-84, there were produced over 100,000,000 eggs of

whitefish, _Coregonus clupeiformis_, and the total number of young fish

to be placed in the Great Lakes this year by these and the various state

hatcheries will exceed 225,000,000. The fishermen of the Great Lakes

admit that but for public fish culture half of them would be obliged to

abandon their calling.

Instances of great improvement might be cited in connection with nearly

every shad river in the United States. In the Potomac alone the annual

yield has been brought up by the operations of the Fish Commission from

668,000 pounds in 1877 to an average of more than 1,600,000 in recent

years.

In 1882, carp bred in the Fish Commission ponds in Washington was

distributed in lots of from 20 to 10,000 applicants in every State and

Territory, at an average distance of more than 900 miles, the total

mileage of the shipments being about 9,000,000 miles, and the actual

distance traversed by the transportation cars 34,000 miles.

Public fish culture is only useful when conducted upon a gigantic

scale—its statistical tables must be footed up in hundreds of millions.

To count young fish by the thousand is the task of the private

propagator. The use of steamships and steam machinery, the construction

of refrigerating transportation cars, and the maintenance of permanent

hatching stations, seventeen in number, in different parts of the

continent, are forms of activity only attainable by government aid.

Equally unattainable by private effort would be the enormous experiments

in transplanting and acclimating fish in new waters—California salmon in

the rivers of the east; landlocked salmon and smelt in the lakes of the

interior; the planting of shad in California and the Mississippi valley;

and German carp in thirty thousand separate bodies of water distributed

through all the states and territories of the Union. The two last named

experiments, carried out within a period of three years, have met with

success beyond doubt, and are of the greatest importance to the country;

the others have been more or less successful, though their results are

not yet fully realized.

It has been demonstrated, however, beyond possibility of challenge, that

the great river fisheries of the United States, which produced in 1880

48,000,000 pounds of alewives, 18,000,000 pounds of shad, 52,000,000

pounds of salmon, besides bass, sturgeon, and smelt, and worth “at first

hands” between $4,000,000 and $6,000,000, are entirely under control of

the fish culturist to sustain or destroy, and are capable of immense

extension.

Having now attempted to define the field of modern fish culture, and to

show what it has already accomplished, it remains to be said what appear

to be its legitimate aims and limitations. Its aims, as I understand

them, are:

1. To arrive at a thorough knowledge of the life history from beginning

to end, of every species of economic value; the histories of the animals

and plants upon which they feed or upon which their food is nourished;

the histories of their enemies and friends, and the friends and foes of

their enemies and friends, as well as the currents, temperature and other

physical phenomena of the waters in relation to migration, reproduction

and growth.

2. To apply this knowledge in such a practical manner that every form of

fish shall be at least as thoroughly under control as are now the salmon,

the shad, the alewives, the carp, and the whitefish.

Its limitations are precisely those of scientific agriculture and animal

rearing, since, although certain physical conditions may constantly

intervene to thwart man’s efforts in any given direction, it is quite

within the bounds of reasonable expectation to be able to understand what

these are and how their effects are produced.

An important consideration concerning the limitations of fish culture

must always be kept in mind in weighing the arguments for and against its

success. It is simply this: _that effort toward the acclimation of fishes

in new waters is not fish culture, but is simply one of the necessary

experiments upon which fish culture may be based_. The introduction

of carp from Germany was not fish culture, it was an experiment: the

experiment has succeeded, and fish culture is now one of its results.

The introduction of California salmon to the Atlantic slope was an

experiment. It has not succeeded. Its failure has nothing to do with

the success of fish culture. If any one wants to see successful fish

culture in connection with this fish, let him go to the Sacramento River.

The introduction of shad to the Pacific coast was an experiment. It

succeeded. Shad culture can now be carried on without fear of failure by

the fish commissions of the Pacific states.

Shad culture is an established success, so is whitefish culture in the

Great Lakes. The experiments with cod and Spanish mackerel were not fish

culture, though there is reason to hope that they may yet lead up to it.

Public fish culture, then, scarcely exists except in America, though in

Europe many eminent men of science appreciate its importance and are

striving to educate the people to the point of supporting it. Germany is

at present in the vanguard, and the powerful _Deutscher Fischerei Verein_

is doing all in its power to advance the interests of fish culture.

[A] Trans. Amer. Fish Cultural Association, 1883.

* * * * *

If we could take all things as ordained and for the best, we should

indeed be conquerors of the world. Nothing has ever happened to man so

bad as he has anticipated it to be. If we should be quiet under our

troubles they would not be so painful to bear. I can not separate the

existence of a God from his pre-ordination and direction of all things,

good and evil; the latter he permits, but still controls.—_Chinese

Gordon._

HONESTY IN THE C. L. S. C.

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

The system of examinations which prevails in secular schools has its

advantages, but is not an unmixed benefit. It is an incentive to study.

It aids the teacher in determining the proper time and degree of the

promotion sought by the pupil. It is an approximate test of the place

which a candidate may be able to command in the advanced grades.

But the examinations may become an end instead of a means. Pupils may

work for success in a process rather than for the possession of power to

think on any subject at any time. Examinations may give advantage to an

inferior type of mind, rewarding mere memory and facility of expression,

thus putting to a disadvantage the steadier, calmer, slower movements of

a thorough student.

While in the day school, which deals with youth, we think the examination

in some form or other is indispensable, in our Circle it is entirely

impracticable. It is equally undesirable and unnecessary. We aim at

reading and not study, except as reading by mature minds, eager to know,

must necessarily induce the most fruitful kind of study. This, our aim,

is the highest and wisest. People join the C. L. S. C., not for degrees

in college, not for recognition as competitors in departments of exact

scholarship, but for direction in useful reading, and for the pleasures

of association in literary pursuits. It gives no pecuniary reward in

the shape of prizes or professional diplomas. It would seem to present

no inducement to dishonesty on the part of its members. They read for

personal profit. Their compensation lies chiefly, if not wholly, in the

joy of knowing, in the sense of increasing taste and power, and in the

delights of high and honorable companionship.

In our Circle moral worth is assumed. The men and women who join us

have long since learned that knowledge without character is not only

worthless, but is a curse. They come, through faith in the highest ends

of life, to improve their intellectual faculties. The gate by which they

enter the C. L. S. C. bears this legend: “We study the Word and the Works

of God.” On our holiest altar they read: “Let us keep our Heavenly Father

in the midst.” The most fervent appeals which fall from the lips of our

leaders are based upon the lofty religious standards which are lifted by

the institution. The memorial days, the Sunday vesper hour, the sacred

songs, all bear testimony to the religious character of the Circle. There

would seem to be no inducement to dishonest souls to knock at our doors,

or record their names on our lists.

A fact or two, not widely representative, justifies this word of warning.

I am glad to believe that to but few members in the Circle can it be

necessary or appropriate. We should all be watchful where temptation

is not excluded, and we may as well recall the fact that in the old

story from a very old book, there was a lurking serpent in a garden of

innocency and delight.

A C. L. S. C. diploma, though radiant with thirty-one seals—shields,

stars, octagons—would not stand for much in Heidelberg, Oxford, or

Harvard. As an American curiosity it would not attract a moment’s notice,

save as thoughtful men might come to measure its real significance. But

even then it would be respected, not as conferring honor upon its holder,

but as indicating a popular movement in favor of higher education. No

wearer of the badge of the “S. H. G.” or of the “Guild of the Seven

Seals,” would thereby stand any chance for appointment from any of these

institutions, to wear an honorary degree, or take a professor’s chair.

At Chautauqua in the season, and at local circle receptions, and

recognitions, the C. L. S. C. badge and diploma are not thus impotent.

The color and stamp assign the holder to the place of honor. It is

something even to our learned and honored Dr. Eaton to be the first

member of the “Guild of the Seven Seals,” and the only member of its

highest degree. It is something to be able to linger to the last in

the Hall of Philosophy at Chautauqua at the sunset, as the successive

societies are requested to remain—“S. H. G.,” “O. W. S.,” “L. R. T.,”

and the “G. S. S.” Members of our Circle appreciate the distinction,

and it is a distinction with meaning in it, and with genuine pleasure

accompanying it. It is something to have a high place in the Chautauqua

procession, and to frame a diploma at home with increasing luster as new

seals flash out upon it as stars in the evening sky.

But along these lines of promotion lie the perils indicated. The

recognition given to the members of the C. L. S. C. graduates and members

of its advanced societies may prove a temptation to unguarded souls, and

in an evil moment reading may be reported that has not been done, and

seals solicited on false representations.

An anonymous note (which none but contemptible people ever write) called

my attention to a possibility in a particular case, and a careful

investigation was made. The idle boast of a thoughtless woman was

reported, and an official examination of her report papers seemed to

corroborate the ungracious charge. Later investigations vindicate our

member and relieve her from the implied condemnation. But the subject has

weighed heavily upon my mind, so that I call the attention of all to a

possible peril.

Since the organization of the Circle I have been greatly pleased with

the conscientiousness of its members. Many of them were afraid, when

we required a report of the time spent each day in reading, that they

would not keep an exact account. They were afraid that if they could not

recall the contents of the chapter, or book, as students at school would

be required to do, that they could not report that chapter or book as

thoroughly read. Many persons refused to join the Circle lest they should

not be able to complete the four years’ course, believing as they did

that members were pledged to such completed work.

While this conscientiousness was gratifying it was excessive, and was

based on false views of the aims of the Circle. I have endeavored to

correct these views, to modify details of working, and to impress all

members with the simple aim of the Circle, to promote the reading of

certain books, leaving every person free to decide how superficially or

thoroughly the reading should be done.

Our only aim is to promote reading. If we enlist people in the reading

of good books on a wide range of subjects we shall at some point strike

their taste, and thus promote the culture that comes from the use of

one’s faculties in the line of his inclination and opportunity.

This being the modest standard of the Circle, we have a right to expect

that every member will honorably discharge his duty, reporting the books

he has read and none else, filling out his memoranda (when he undertakes

to do it at all) by his own hand, or by dictation, not by proxy, winning

the honors he seeks in our Circle by the honesty which will render his

recognition a pleasure to himself and a credit to the management.

If any member feels that his conscience would be quieted by re-reading

portions of the required books, let him do it.

If any member expects to gain distinction or place among us by

unfairness, let him remember that self-contempt is the severest penalty

we care to predict.

Let us live honestly.

OUTLINE AND PROGRAMS.

OUTLINE OF REQUIRED READINGS FOR MAY.

_First Week_ (ending May 8).—1. “Easy Lessons in Animal Biology,” in THE

CHAUTAUQUAN.

2. Sunday Readings for May 3, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

* * * * *

_Second Week_ (ending May 16).—1. “English as a Universal Language,” in

THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

2. Sunday Readings for May 10, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

* * * * *

_Third Week_ (ending May 23).—1. “Home Studies in Chemistry,” in THE

CHAUTAUQUAN.

2. Sunday Readings for May 17, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

* * * * *

_Fourth Week_ (ending May 31).—1. “The Eyes Busy on Things About Us,” in

THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

2. Sunday Readings for May 24 and May 31, in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

PROGRAMS FOR LOCAL CIRCLE WORK.

FIRST WEEK IN MAY.—ADDISON’S DAY.

“Give days and nights, sir, to the study of Addison if you

mean to be a good writer, and, what is more worth, an honest

man.”—_Samuel Johnson._

Music.

1. Roll call—Responses consisting of the name and distinguishing trait of

some character in Addison’s writings.

2. A Paper on the Political History of England in Addison’s Time.

3. A Brief Sketch of Addison’s Life and Travels.

Music.

4. Selection—“The Transmigration of Souls—A Letter from a Monkey.”

5. A History of the Newspapers with which Addison was connected.

6. A Paper on two of Addison’s Works—“The Campaign” and “The Tragedy of

Cato.”

Music.

7. Selection—“Reflections on the Delights of Spring.”

8. Essay—Addison’s Delineation of Woman’s Character.

Music.

A delightful entertainment for an evening can be given by preparing a

banquet at which the guests are to personate the characters introduced in

Addison’s “Vision of the Table of Fame.” These characters can be studied

from other sources, so that each person may be enabled fittingly to carry

on the representation during the time spent at the table.

The “Exercise of the Fan” can be prepared by a little practice so as to

afford much amusement.

For books of reference see Thackeray’s “English Humorists,” Aiken’s

“Memorials of Addison,” Macaulay’s “Life and Writings of Addison,” and

the books on English Literature.

SECOND WEEK IN MAY.

1. Essay—The Aryan Race.

2. A Review Lesson—Questions from Chautauqua Text-Book, No. 5; Greek

History.

3. Selection—“Orpheus and Eurydice.” By J. G. Saxe.

4. A Trip on Paper through the Soudan.

Music.

5. Story—“Circe’s Palace.” From Hawthorne’s “Tangle-Wood Tales.”

6. Book Review—“The Life of George Eliot.” By J. W. Cross.

7. A General Talk on the Mohammedan Power of To-day.

8. Question Box.

THIRD WEEK IN MAY.

1. A Paper on the Introduction of Temperance Text-Books into the Public

Schools.

2. Selections—“Prometheus” and “Epimetheus.” By Longfellow. [The two read

by different members.]

3. Brief Sketches of Literary Women who have assumed Masculine Pseudonyms.

Music.

4. Essay—What is the Oklahoma Boom?

5. A General Talk on the practical Home Use of the Study of Chemistry.

6. A Pronunciation Match—The circle chooses sides, the leader spells the

words, and the class pronounces.

7. Critic’s Report.

FOURTH WEEK IN MAY.

1. “Questions and Answers,” in review.

2. Essay—May-day as Observed in Olden Times. [It might be well to suggest

that a May-day suitably arranged for modern times would be fully as

enjoyable as it used to be.]

3. Recitation—“Phaëton,” by J. G. Saxe. Compare this with “The Story of

Phaëton,” by Addison.

4. Map Exercise—Locate all the most important battle fields of Greek

history.

Music.

5. A Paper on the Foreign Service of the United States.

6. Essay—What Remains of Greek Art.

7. _Conversazione_—The Wrongs of the Indians as portrayed in Mrs.

Jackson’s “Ramona.”

* * * * *

Knowing there are times and places in which every little helps, we

offer a few suggestions for Special Sunday. If they only serve as index

fingers, pointing out the way to fields where each can glean for himself

much more successfully and satisfactorily than to take what others have

gathered, they will accomplish a good purpose. To hopeful, earnest,

self-reliant workers with “eyes busy on things about us,” more help is

not needed, and perhaps not even this much. In addition to the vesper

service prepared, selections, essays or papers, and Bible studies can be

very profitably used.

From “The Literature of the Age of Elizabeth,” by William Hazlitt, the

part referring to the translation of the Bible is very fine. Also,

“Christianity the Great Remedy,” by Robert Charles Winthrop, LL.D. These

selections can be found in Allibone’s “Great Authors of All Ages.” In THE

CHAUTAUQUAN for January, 1885, “The Inner Chautauqua” is a good reading.

In _The Chautauqua Assembly Herald_ for August 9, 1884, “Mrs. Pickett’s

Missionary Box” Miss P. J. Walden, 36 Bromfield Street, Boston, will send

for three cents “Thanksgiving Ann.” Nothing could be better suited for

such a service than selections from Miss Havergal’s writings.

Themes for Essays are: “Personal Culture a Christian Duty.” “How Best can

I Help my Neighbor?” “Work in the Home Missionary Field.” “How to Make

the Sabbath a Beautiful Day.” Papers can be prepared on Bible customs

and manners, Bible lands, and Bible characters. With the aid simply of

a Concordance and a Reference Bible, interesting Bible studies on any

desired topic can be prepared. Hitchcock’s “Analysis of the Bible” would

afford great help in arranging work of this kind.

LOCAL CIRCLES.

C. L. S. C. MOTTOES.

“_We Study the Word and the Works of God._”—“_Let us keep our Heavenly

Father in the Midst._”—“_Never be Discouraged._”

C. L. S. C. MEMORIAL DAYS.

1. OPENING DAY—October 1.

2. BRYANT DAY—November 3.

3. SPECIAL SUNDAY—November, second Sunday.

4. MILTON DAY—December 9.

5. COLLEGE DAY—January, last Thursday.

6. SPECIAL SUNDAY—February, second Sunday.

7. FOUNDER’S DAY—February 23.

8. LONGFELLOW DAY—February 27.

9. SHAKSPERE DAY—April 23.

10. ADDISON DAY—May 1.

11. SPECIAL SUNDAY—May, second Sunday.

12. SPECIAL SUNDAY—July, second Sunday.

13. INAUGURATION DAY—August, first Saturday after first Tuesday;

anniversary of C. L. S. C. at Chautauqua.

14. ST. PAUL’S DAY—August, second Saturday after first Tuesday;

anniversary of the dedication of St. Paul’s Grove at Chautauqua.

15. COMMENCEMENT DAY—August, third Tuesday.

16. GARFIELD DAY—September 19.

The sensible, social way in which the February memorial days were

observed has brought to our mind a comment on Madame Mohl and her methods

of entertaining, how, “beyond ordering a good and abundant meal, she gave

little thought to the mere material details of her entertainments; but

she took great pains with the intellectual _menu_. She would give time

and thought and personal trouble to provide for each guest intellectually

what he would most enjoy, and would carefully consider whether this

person would like to meet the other, and to sit next So-and-So. Her

great preoccupation was the combining of congenial elements for all in

general and particular.” We feel very much as if our circles’ friends

have learned Madame Mohl’s wisdom. As if the long desired reform in the

methods of social entertainment was beginning in our own C. L. S. C.

family. To give entertainments where wit and wisdom and social freedom

prevail, where thoughts are more desired than feasts, and music and

art take the place of supper tables is, it may be, the Quixote and

blue-stocking way to-day—but it is the true social method. Any one who

will take a glance with us over the receptions, “socials,” “at homes,”

and public meetings which our circles held in February will, we believe,

conclude that it certainly is the C. L. S. C. idea of “society,” and of a

“good time.” Such delightful programs are rare to find.

Founder’s day is a new and very welcome occasion for observance, and

very many circles made it the time of a special or public meeting. Some

prepared an extra program, invited a few friends and spent a quiet

evening in pleasant, friendly talk and merriment; others prepared

a public meeting and strove to celebrate the day by increasing the

interest in the work. At FRANKLIN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, the “Webster” C. L.

S. C. had charge of a joint meeting. The program they carried out was

admirable. Two other Chautauqua societies assisted the “Websters” in the

entertainment; the “Pemigewassett” C. L. S. C., and the “Crystal” C. Y.

F. R. U.——February 27th was so close in the wake of February 23d that the

celebration of the two days was united in several places, with excellent

results, too, we should judge. At MILFORD, MASS., such a union meeting

was held. The circle numbers twenty-eight, and as each member was allowed

to invite one guest it made a goodly company. Vine wreathed portraits of

the two heroes of the evening decorated the tables of the parlor where

the circle met, and the program, divided into two portions, one devoted

to Chancellor Vincent, the other to Longfellow, was happily arranged.

We are glad that they have found out Lowell’s tribute to Longfellow; it

makes a very appropriate number.——At FOXBORO, MASS., the “Star” circle

quite distinguished itself by its celebration of Founder’s day. There

were present several out-of-town circles, among them those from Franklin,

Medfield, and Mansfield. In the notice which a local paper gave of this

affair, we find some comments which are particularly encouraging:

“Many have expressed their great delight at the manner in which the

whole entertainment was carried out, which shows that these seasons are

becoming more and more popular. Says a lady somewhere in the fifties,

‘How I wish there had been such an organization when I was young. My

advantages for gaining an education were limited. If my memory was not

so poor I should be tempted to join, even at this late day.’ Another

says: ‘I have enjoyed the whole program very much, and have got a better

idea of the work of the Circle from this evening’s entertainment than

from any other source.’ Still another: ‘I enjoyed the whole of it very

much indeed. The program was nicely carried out,’ and asks ‘Why don’t

the circle give such entertainments oftener, so that people can better

understand the object of this organization?’ Says a gentleman, a graduate

of one of the higher schools, ‘I enjoyed it immensely. The exercises

from the commencement to the close were very interesting.’ Another, ‘It

carried me back to school-days and spelling schools, and I thoroughly

enjoyed it, supper included.’”——At PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, the plan of

the Milford circle was followed by the “Milton” circle. A paper on “The

Chautauqua Movement” was one feature of the evening. It seems to have

been an evening of practical work as well as pleasure, for good results

are promised us as an outcome of the meeting. The “Miltons” now number

twenty-two, an increase of seven over last year. Indeed, we can hardly

see how a meeting at all suitable for Founder’s day could do anything

else but convert people. It would necessarily be brimming over with such

sparkling ideas, such enticing plans, that the fortunate guests at such

an entertainment would very naturally want to join the company.——Another

circle, that at NORTHFIELD, OHIO, adopted this theory, and combined

the two memorial days, making their celebration a public meeting, to

which about sixty guests were invited. The program was very skillfully

arranged, including some excellent subjects for essays. The Northfield

circle was organized last year by ten “Pansies,” and has been recruited

this year by two of the class of ’88. A good idea of their program is

that they begin each evening’s work with the vesper service. The “quiz”

is a prominent feature of the evening, and as “discussion” sends them

home alert, interested, and sorry that the evening is over. A discussion

on a live subject, we would whisper to leaders, is one of the best

methods of making your circle sorry that it is time to stop, a result

which is the best possible proof of an enjoyable evening.——At SILVER

CREEK, NEW YORK, Founder’s day was celebrated with much enthusiasm by the

circle; an excellent program of the evening was prepared and published,

the week previous, in the local paper. The program was divided into three

parts—the first consisting of Chautauqua songs, mottoes, selections from

Founder’s writings or sayings, a sketch of his life, and appropriate

recitations; then a _petit souper_, and, on the principle, perhaps,

that the best should come last, part third consisted of the reading of

a letter from the Founder himself, sent in reply to a request from the

circle for only a few words, and of a poem from the poetess of the class

of 1886, Mrs. Cleveland.——The three Chautauqua circles of NEW ALBANY,

INDIANA, have now about seventy-five members, and all memorial days are

observed by them jointly. Among the several pleasant meetings of the

year, none have been so successful as Founder’s day. On the program of

exercises we notice that roll call was responded to by giving quotations

on the “Companionship of Books.” These were collected and printed in a

local paper for preservation in the circle’s scrap books. Prof. R. A.

Ogg, of the class of ’84, presented “The Founder and his Chautauqua Idea”

in his happiest manner. “The Founder at Chautauqua” was vividly pictured

by Rev. W. S. Austin, secretary of the class of ’86. Every Chautauquan

present left this memorial meeting with the expression upon his lips,

“The best of all our union meetings,” and the public were loud in their

praises of it.——The _sixth_ circle of MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, young,

enthusiastic ’88s, all ladies, and hard at work for their own improvement

and for the advancement of their circle, make a right jubilant report

of the pleasant time they had with their friends of the “Beta” circle

on Founder’s day. They held their meeting in the afternoon, and carried

out the program very nearly as THE CHAUTAUQUAN prescribed. “To some of

us,” a member writes, “our second _alma mater_ bids fair to become even

dearer than the one of earlier remembrance.”——Right in tune with this

glad greeting is a message which comes from the circle at INDIANOLA,

IOWA, another circle that celebrated Founder’s day. “We have received

so many helpful hints and useful suggestions through your local circle

column, that we take courage to say: ‘May the Chautauqua work we love so

well go on until it spreads from east to west, from north to south.’” Our

Indianola friends were organized six years ago. Two of their number were

members of the first graduating class. A method of leadership, which we

believe to be very effective in a small circle, is pursued by them. It is

that each member take turns in the leadership of the circle.

The 27th of February is the memorial day most universally celebrated,

and this because, perhaps, our memories of Longfellow are so peculiarly

near and tender. This season the memorial services celebrated by the C.

L. S. C. were particularly prominent. To begin “at home,” the “Willis”

circle of PORTLAND, ME., gave a charming entertainment. From a Portland

paper we clip the following description: “The exercises were conducted

in a very unique and pleasing manner. One of the double parlors was

filled with about fifty invited guests, while the other, being fitted

up in representation of the Wayside Inn, was occupied by members of

the circle, each one representing in costume some one of Longfellow’s

characters. Each of the participants in the exercises was introduced

with appropriate selections by ‘John Alden,’ while by his side sat

‘Priscilla, the Puritan maiden.’ Other characters represented were the

‘Landlord and Daughter,’ ‘Evangeline,’ ‘Rabbi Ben Levi,’ ‘Astred, the

Abbess,’ ‘Precissa, the Gipsy,’ ‘Spanish Lady,’ ‘Hiawatha,’ ‘Minnehaha,’

‘Young Musician,’ ‘Paul Revere,’ ‘Theodore,’ and ‘Lady Wentworth.’ On

the whole, the entertainment was decidedly a novel affair and will be

long remembered by the members of the circle and their many friends.”

This “Willis” circle was organized last September, and numbers eighteen

members. They are blessed with the best of recommendations. They declare

that willingness and good nature are their prominent characteristics.

Certainly, with plenty of the sunlight and fresh air of society theirs,

it is not strange that they “look forward from one meeting to the

next, anticipating much pleasure and profit.” The “Dorionic” circle

of BIDDEFORD, MAINE, laid aside its studies for one evening and held

special exercises in honor of Longfellow. This circle has been doing

exceptionally thorough work in chemistry this winter. A full course of

lectures on the subject has been delivered in connection with the study

of the text-book on chemistry.——One of the most novel programs with which

we have been favored is from RICHMOND, ME. The “Merry Meeting” circle

send it. A gay Japanese napkin, on which the title page, the committees

and the exercises all find place. As in several of the programs, we find

that tableaux take a prominent position. No better interpretation of

striking scenes is possible than by _tableaux vivants_, and a strictly

literary program can be readily enlivened by a well selected scene.——The

Longfellow memorial day was especially and appropriately observed at OLD

TOWN. The pleasant and commodious vestry of the Congregational Church was

filled with the members and invited guests to the number of a hundred or

more. The program—an excellent one—contained beside its essays, readings

and music, extracts with tableaux from “Evangeline,” “Miles Standish”

and “Excelsior.” The “Old Town” circle is one of our new friends, having

been organized last October; young yet, but vigorous, for it numbers

already thirty-five members.——At CASTLETON, VERMONT, the “Lone Pine”

circle is doing very thorough work, and rejoicing in a good organization.

Their Longfellow memorial program was very complete; though they have

but fourteen members, they seemed to have no difficulty in securing the

music, essays and readings for a full program. The closing feature of

the evening was an informal _conversazione_ over their ice cream and

cake, on Longfellow. With such an entertaining “something to talk about”

the circle must have gone home full of ideas and happy thoughts.——A

very energetic effort was made recently by the “Berkeley” circle, of

BOSTON, MASS., to bring the Chautauquans of Boston and vicinity into

more intimate relations. A union meeting was the means chosen, and

Longfellow’s day was the time. Fifteen circles in all participated in

the exercises; among them were: “Phillips,” of South Boston; “Hurlbut,”

of East Boston; “People’s Church,” of Boston; “Parker Hill,” of Roxbury;

“Floral Society,” of Tremont Temple; “Longfellow,” of Cambridge;

“Pericles,” of Brighton; “Clark,” of Jamaica Plain; “Sherwin,” of

Dorchester; “Henry M. King,” of Roxbury; “The Pilgrims,” of Dorchester;

“Bromfield Street Church,” of Boston; “Berkeley,” of Boston. About fifty

persons were present. Letters were received from the Rev. B. P. Snow, the

president of the class of ’86, and Prof. W. F. Sherwin, who were unable

to attend. This brave effort to strengthen the bonds of fellow-feeling

will not be fruitless, we are sure. “Berkeley” circle, in undertaking

such a reunion, has instituted one of the most practical and useful

ways of increasing the breadth and strength of the C. L. S. C. It is to

be hoped that it will be made an annual feature of the Chautauqua work

of Boston.——The “Mount Hope” circle, of BRISTOL, R. I. believes in the

liberal use of printer’s ink. Accordingly, all of their meetings have

been reported in one or both of the papers most widely circulated in the

town. Three of the reviews which have been read before the circle this

year have been printed, and an essay read at their recent Longfellow

memorial also appeared. This “Memorial” was an unusually pleasant

affair.——The circle at GOUVERNEUR, N. Y., is the outgrowth of Mr.

Hurlbut’s teachings at Thousand Islands Park, one year ago last summer.

It has been successful beyond the hope of its organizers. At present its

membership is about twenty-five, and these are all hard workers. Some

two hundred of the circle’s friends met with them on February 27th to

celebrate the day. There was music, recitations in costume, and an essay

on a splendid subject—“Acadia”—and finally, a pleasant hour of social

life. This circle at Gouverneur has done great good in the community and

the members seem to grow more enthusiastic the longer their connection

with the circle lasts. Two features of their meetings which they find

very interesting are the review contest and conversation on a certain

given subject.——A flourishing C. L. S. C. exists at AMSTERDAM, N. Y. It

is composed of forty members—double the number of last year. The circle

recently celebrated Longfellow’s memorial day in a pleasant manner.

The program consisted of an essay on the poet and his works; music,

songs and readings, selected from Longfellow; “The Black Knight” and

“Nun of Nidaros” were read and illustrated by tableaux. The program

closed with a series of tableaux, taken from “Evangeline,” portions of

which were read.——The “Courtship of Miles Standish” was dramatized for

Longfellow’s day by the circle at JOHNSTOWN, N. Y., and with music and

a few additional numbers, made a very interesting program. This is the

first memorial day observed by the circle, and it brought together many

old Chautauquans, who professed themselves highly pleased with the vigor

of the circle. We hope that if any of these “old Chautauquans” are not

lending to the vigor of the circle, they will hasten after this happy

evening to renew their allegiance.——The program of a literary and musical

entertainment given on this chosen day by the circle at EAST NORWICH,

N. Y., has reached our table, in company with a genial letter about the

C. L. S. C. life of that town. “We have been sarcastically spoken of,”

our friend writes, “as that _great_ Chautauqua Circle, and no doubt

we have rather bored the people by our enthusiasm. Hawthorne compared

religion to a painted window in a cathedral; seen from the outside it

is not admirable, and one wonders that they can be so much praised; for

it must be viewed from the inside to see its full beauty. The C. L. S.

C., it seems to me, could be fittingly compared to the same thing. You

see, I know, for it is not very long since I was outside myself. Our

entertainment was a great success. We have considerable talent in our

circle, both elocutionary and musical.”——Another delightful entertainment

was the social given by the “Alyssum” to the “Argonaut” circle, of

BUFFALO, N. Y. The program was brightened by an excellent variety of

tableaux, refreshments were bountifully served, and the delighted guests

departed after a hearty vote of appreciation of the pleasant evening

with Longfellow.——The program carried out by the “Allegheny” circle of

PITTSBURGH was characteristic of the circle—that is, very good. This

circle always does something good.——The “Pansy” circle, of CHESTER, PA.,

observed the “Longfellow Memorial” in a very appropriate and spirited

manner, by a program which included the singing of Chautauqua songs,

sketches and recitations. A pretty feature was the reading of “The Nun

of Nidaros,” with organ accompaniment and tableaux. The greater portion

of “The Courtship of Miles Standish,” with numerous tableaux, was given.

The evening’s program ended with choruses from the songs. This “Pansy”

circle was organized last October and its membership is divided between

“Pansies” and “Plymouth Rocks.”——Another Pennsylvania circle formed last

fall is the “Longfellow,” of PHILADELPHIA. The circle is made up of eight

members. Their regular order of exercises is capitally arranged to cover

all points of the readings. They invited the “Sappho” circle to join with

them in commemorating Longfellow’s day, the members of both circles to

take equal part in the entertainment. They spent such a very pleasant and

profitable evening, that it has been decided to keep all the memorial

days in the same manner.——In a recent letter from a WASHINGTON, D. C.,

friend, we find the following interesting points about one of the circles

of that city: “The weekly meetings of ‘Parker C. L. S. C.’ during the

past winter have been, for the most part, very interesting. The annual

celebration of Longfellow’s day was no exception. An appropriate program

was carried out, one of the best features of which was the account of

the poet’s life. The whole time was divided into periods and assigned to

different members. After the exercises, Mr. Lowe, Engineer U. S. N., at

whose home the circle met, kindly gave a most interesting and instructive

account of the Greely Relief Expedition, by previous request, he having

been one of those brave rescuers. He was listened to with attention, and

the scenes he pictured were rendered more vivid by the exhibition of

various articles of fur clothing worn in that region, by photographs of

the relief ships, natives, etc., and also by some of the identical food

upon which Greely’s party were subsisting when found.”——The “Crescent”

circle, organized at FREMONT, IND., three years ago, would like to extend

greeting to their many fellow students, and claim a place in the great

family of workers who are reading the same books and thinking the same

thoughts. The circle is not large, but has abundant hope and ambition

to make the work enjoyable. Every meeting is a treat to them, they

say. They, too, observed Longfellow’s day and carried out an excellent

program, in which some of the “little folks” carried off high honors

for their share in tableaux and charades.——At HAMPSHIRE, ILL., the

most interesting memorial service of the year was that celebrated on

Longfellow’s day. A large audience collected to listen to the exercises

and went away seemingly well satisfied with the ability of Chautauquans

to furnish an evening which should be both literary and social. This

circle is doing good work in Hampshire. The members are more active

than ever, and there is a prospect of an increase in numbers.——Another

delightful parlor entertainment was that at ELK HORN, WISCONSIN. The

circle, bubbling over with C. L. S. C. devotion, mingled an occasional

purely Chautauqua subject with the _Longfellowana_, not at all to the

detriment of the program, so we think. At the close of the literary

exercises, the guests, numbering about forty, were invited to a lunch,

in quality and quantity “fit for a king.” Then came the “good-nights,”

and each guest left with the wish that C. L. S. C. might long continue

to flourish, and that such evenings might be in the ascendant among

the diversions of the town.——A dainty invitation has come to us to be

present at the Longfellow memorial exercises and social reunion held

March 2, at the Grand Avenue Congregational Church in MILWAUKEE, WIS.

The program which accompanied it has an essay subject which we hope

our friends will tuck away in their memories for next year’s use. It

is “The Women of Longfellow’s Writings.”——A houseful of Chautauquans

and their friends gathered on the evening of Longfellow’s day at one of

the delightful homes of MARSHALLTOWN, IOWA. The “Vincent” and “Alden”

circles held a joint meeting which was a source of great pleasure to

both the Chautauquans and guests present. The social notes of the local

paper of Marshalltown contain a very complimentary reference to this

pleasant affair.——Along with the notice of a Longfellow dinner given by

the secretary of the circle at MAPLE HILL, KANSAS, comes a sparkling

letter of the birth and growth of that same circle. Perhaps it will be

more suggestive than even the pleasant exercises of the dinner would

be. Our correspondent writes: “It would be too long a story to tell

of the first infection of the secretary of this circle by visiting a

_live_ Chautauquan in Topeka during the fall of 1883. Enough to say, she

‘caught’ the fever, as the diagnosis plainly showed. The first pronounced

symptom, enthusiasm, was increased by the purchase of Pansy’s ‘Hall

in the Grove,’ and finally culminated in the Chautauqua brain fever.

She went home and showed a ‘method in her madness’ by inoculating her

friends through the loan of that same ‘Hall in the Grove,’ and she was

delighted to see the usual symptoms develop in due course of time. This

same secretary was dubbed the ‘She-Talker’ by her friends, but all to no

purpose, so far as discouragements go, for she had the satisfaction of

forming a class in November of 1883, consisting of four members. Now be

it known, Maple Hill is a sparsely settled farming town, made up mostly

of large farms and ranches, and this makes it the more difficult to carry

on such an enterprise. We, however, read on during the winter, but were

disappointed when the fall of 1884 came round, to find that one of our

most enthusiastic members had ‘taken a school’ some twelve miles away,

and would have to read on alone, ‘probably,’ but before our first month

had passed we had taken five new names, and had adopted two honorary

members, who, although they were fully in sympathy with the movement,

could not this year take up the regular line of work. So we number eight

regular members, making a class of ten. It would make my letter too long

to tell of all our work. Our readings have been not only profitable, but

exceeding pleasant this ‘long and dreary winter,’ and this united class

of ’87-88 extend the right hand of fellowship to their comrades all over

our goodly land.”——At CHANUTE, KANSAS, the memorial service was equally

pleasant. The circle there is composed of seventeen members, and they

all contributed their best to make the program bright and taking. The

success which attended their efforts is peculiarly gratifying, when we

remember that for all save one of the members this is the first year

of C. L. S. C. work.——Longfellow’s day was appropriately observed at

CLINTON, MISSOURI, by the “Excelsior” circle, with a program modeled

on that published in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. This circle, organized with four

members, now numbers nineteen, all ladies. There is a growing interest

in the work at CLINTON which insures future prosperity and increase of

strength.——“Out among the Rockies,” at BOULDER, COLORADO, Longfellow’s

day was appropriately observed by the circle. The meeting was made doubly

pleasant by the fact that February 27th is the birthday of the hostess

of the occasion.——“Central” circle of SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, has

never yet been reported to THE CHAUTAUQUAN. It was organized in 1883,

and reorganized in 1884, with a membership of twenty-three, fourteen of

whom belong to the “Plymouth Rocks,” ’88. Their plan of work is to have a

special leader for each study, and a paper or select reading has a place

in nearly every program. Longfellow’s day was observed in a pleasing

manner. In addition to a biography of the poet, each chapter of which was

written by a different member, “The Bridge,” and “The Day is Done” were

sung, and “The Builders” given as a recitation. At roll call responses

were given from Longfellow’s most beautiful thoughts. A good degree of

interest is manifested, and young and old find places in their ranks. Two

of the members expect to graduate this year, but, writes one of them, “I

shall be none the less a ‘Chautauquan,’ for that I intend to be through

life.”

A large number of new circles are reported this month, with a few which,

though organized for some time, have never be fore reported to us. At

AUGUSTA, MAINE, a circle of fourteen members was formed in October

last. The circle has been so interesting that the numbers usually swell

beyond the actual fourteen—a good sign of the manner in which the circle

conducts its meetings. They have observed the memorial days, and send

us an excellent program of the Longfellow exercises. One of the numbers

on this occasion was an original poem—from the pen of a “Pansy,” we

suspect—one stanza of which we quote:

“Take whatever God sends,

As the blossoming pansies do;

He clothes them with royal grace;

Shall he not take thought for you?

Trust—for the trustful heart

Knoweth the tenderest leading,

Knoweth how certainly God

Our need and our craving is heeding.”

The “Garfield” circle, at LEWISTON, MAINE, a new circle of seven members,

gives us a delightful glimpse of their C. L. S. C. hour: “Our president

is a dressmaker, and ‘we girls,’ or at least four of us, work for her.

We have reading in the shop nearly every day, forty minutes or more, and

then talk of what we read. Almost a Socratic school in a dressmaker’s

shop! Friday evening of each week the shop takes on another look. The

work is put away, the table drawn out, the bright cloth laid, the lamps

trimmed and burning; the members take their seats and place at the ‘table

square,’ and for two or three hours we spend a refreshing and enjoyable

evening. We find the programs in THE CHAUTAUQUAN very useful, but always

have to add to and rearrange the parts, for we all want to do something

for the next meeting. Arrangements were made by the presidents of the

‘Garfield’ and ‘Scott’ circles to have a union meeting on Longfellow

day. We spent a delightful evening. The work was divided between the

two circles, and we all felt much benefited by the meeting. We heartily

recommend the occasional union meeting.”

There are over twenty-one regular members in the “Alpha” circle of

MELROSE, MASS., though it was started only last October, and any amount

of enterprise. The secretary writes many appreciating words of the C. L.

S. C.: “This is my fourth year,” she says, “but I can echo the sentiment

expressed by some one in the last CHAUTAUQUAN—‘Once a Chautauquan, always

a Chautauquan’—and rejoice to think that it is by no means my last year.

I hope to send you annual greetings from our circle, for we anticipate

a future for it.”——A share of the honor which is bestowed upon the

circles of ’88 certainly belongs to the “Hestia” circle, of LEOMINSTER,

MASS. Their motto, _Festina lente_, they are faithfully carrying out. In

addition to the Chautauqua course, they are taking a systematic course

in botany, which they expect to enjoy very much this coming summer. One

of their number is a zealous student in botany and chemistry, and is a

great help to them in these branches, performing all the experiments, and

explaining the difficult points.

The “Gardner” circle was organized in PASCOAG, R. I., last November,

with a membership of seven, which rapidly grew to its present number of

twenty-two, all, with the exception of two, “Pansies,” of the class of

’88. The circle was named in honor of Mr. E. P. Gardner, of Norwich,

Conn., to whose inspiring words it owes its formation. The interest of

the members is steadily increasing, and although few of the number are

persons of leisure, yet the earnest work accomplished by this circle, we

are confident, would cheer the hearts of those who love the C. L. S. C.

A second circle in PLAINFIELD, N. J., has met with a cordial

recommendation from Dr. Hurlbut. There is no lack of enthusiasm in the

new circle. The members are thoroughly pleased by the readings, and

give a hearty support to the work, writing many interesting papers.

At a recent meeting it was decided that the circle be hereafter known

as the “Hurlbut” circle, in recognition of the assistance which has

been received by them from the able C. L. S. C. worker, the Rev. J. L.

Hurlbut.——At PHILADELPHIA, PA., so a note informs us, the “Arcadia”

circle was organized in February, with a membership of five, and a

promise of gathering in more.——On February 16th, through the efforts of

Mrs. Dr. Seeley, a circle of the C. L. S. C. was organized at JEFFERSON,

OHIO, which at present numbers thirteen members. It is the first circle

organized in the place, although two of the members are graduates of

’82.——The C. L. S. C. of ELLSWORTH, OHIO, has never before been noticed

in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. A circle of seven members was organized there more

than a year ago. Each made an effort to enlarge the circle this year, but

succeeded in obtaining but one new member. It is a country place, and the

members are scattered, but meet occasionally; although they can not meet

often they are busy workers.

This little note from IOWA explains itself: “We are glad to announce an

organized local circle in IOWA CITY, of eleven members. At our first

meeting we received an invitation from the Nineteenth Century Club,

to attend a lecture given by the president of the State University.

Subject: ‘Our National Constitution.’ We are all enthusiastic over the

C. L. S. C., are working now for a large membership to begin fall work

in time.”——At HOPKINTON a circle was formed last October of fourteen

members. A bright, interested circle it is, too, quite up to the times in

the variety and quality of its fortnightly exercises. The special days

afford much pleasure to the circle. College day was spent in a half day’s

visit to their flourishing local college, Lenox.

At the confluence of the Vermillion and Missouri rivers in the town of

VERMILLION, DAKOTA TERRITORY, a new circle came to life in November last.

The circle has an active membership of twelve, consisting of lawyers,

teachers, printers, university students, milliners, business men and

their wives. Among the special features of the circle may be mentioned

that of thorough interest in the readings; special effort to acquire

accuracy in pronunciation; the utmost freedom in conversing about,

and discussing questions that incidentally arise during the evening’s

reading; essays on the important facts of the subjects considered; and

the roll call, the responses thereto being made by reciting mottoes,

wise sayings, proverbs, quotations from the poets, brief descriptions of

foreign countries (the assignments for this exercise having been made at

a previous meeting). At its next meeting the responses will consist of

three minute biographical sketches of eminent American statesmen.——Still

another new circle sends greetings from the heart of the Rockies. A class

of three has been formed at GUNNISON, COLORADO, and neither the small

number nor their far-away home dampens their ardor. They are “greatly

interested, and feel a thousand times repaid.”

Several of our senior friends from NEW YORK have come in with

how-do-you-dos and cheerful news this month. The C. L. S. C. readers

in the “Flower City” (ROCHESTER) have not been idle during the past

months, and although, like most Chautauquans, they are busy men and

women—teachers, professional and business men, housekeepers and

students—still they find time to keep abreast with the prescribed

reading, and do not fail to attend the meetings of the circle. The circle

is known as a section of the Rochester Academy of Science. By affiliating

with this body they secure an excellent hall for a place of meeting, as

well as increased dignity and importance, and frequently members of other

sections are attracted to their meetings as interested spectators. Their

circle was reorganized early in the fall, starting off with nearly twice

as many members as last year. They hold meetings twice a month, and the

interest and attendance are constantly increasing. The leaders in the

Academy of Science, at first somewhat adverse to connection with them,

are only too glad now to welcome the circle in their monthly meetings,

and the vice president of the circle is now the corresponding secretary

of the Academy. There are about fifty active members, and many others

are quietly pursuing the course of reading. In character they are quite

cosmopolitan, representing extremes in age and character, as well as

every C. L. S. C. class, from that of ’82 to that of ’88. The president

is an old Chautauquan, and although an active business man, never

misses a meeting; other leading members are quite as punctual in their

attendance.——At ANDOVER the circle of nine is steadily working away, and

with good results, too, for their work has brought this experience: “We

all agree that the C. L. S. C. has brought a blessing and inspiration

into our lives, and we give to all its projects our undivided and

unswerving loyalty.”——At SOUTH LANSING the C. L. S. C. has lost one of

its most devoted workers. Miss Emma Morrison, a member of the class of

’84, died at her home October 21, 1884.——Another bereaved circle is that

of OLEAN. Nelson F. Butler, a warm admirer of the Chautauqua work, and

a leader in the “Philomathic” circle, was taken from them February 20,

1885.——“Les Huguenots,” of NEW PALTZ, N. Y., was organized in 1883, since

which time the circle has increased from fifteen to twenty-seven. The

programs, prepared two weeks in advance, are very bright and interesting.

The circle is faithful, and work promises well for the future.——Some

excellent suggestions, and aptly called too, come from WEBSTER’S CORNERS,

N. Y., where the “Iota” class of Orchard Park entered upon its second

year’s work last October. It is at present composed of fourteen earnest

members, the classes of ’84, ’86, ’87 and ’88 being represented. The aim

of the class has been to make its meetings as informal as possible,

and this year it has succeeded. Among their exercises are roll call,

responded to by quotations or facts, talks on some given topic, select

readings, pronouncing contests, and the question box. To vary the program

a “basket of facts” is sometimes substituted for the usual question box.

Sometimes they have conundrums on Greek History. One feature of a recent

program which gave an excellent drill, besides affording much amusement,

was a Greek memory test, consisting of twelve facts from Greek History.

At first the leader gives but one fact, the class repeating it. As each

additional fact is given, the ones previously given are repeated in

reverse order. For instance, after the twelfth is given, all are repeated

in this order—12th, 11th, 10th, 9th, … 2d, 1st. They have also had “An

Historical Lingo,” commencing about 900 B. C., and giving prominent facts

in Greek History down to the year 145 B. C., when the Romans controlled

Greece.

Several PENNSYLVANIA items are at hand, too. The “Emanon” circle, of WEST

PHILADELPHIA, now in its second year, is meeting with good success. The

members of this circle have been delighted with the studies ever since

the organization—no one regrets, they say, having joined the circle.

While actively engaged in the literary, historical, and other studies,

they pay more attention to the scientific studies, probably because

they have more advantages in that direction. The circle has access to

a very fine microscope, and is one of the circles to whom Mr. Hall, of

Jamestown, N. Y., sends slides with instructions regarding them, and the

preparation of the same. Again, they have a good outfit of chemicals

and chemical appliances for experimenting in chemistry; also the use

of stereopticon views, to illustrate some studies. And while thus well

equipped in various instruments and appliances to help in their studies,

it should be added that they are largely—indeed, altogether—indebted

to their instructor, Mr. John S. Rodgers, for the explanation of these

branches of study.——At LOCK HAVEN the circle has been enjoying a good

winter, and prominent in their work has been chemistry, many experiments

having been performed for them by an interested friend.——At the Y. M. C.

A. parlors of HARRISBURG a meeting was held on March 20th, the program of

which we have received. It has some very pleasant features.

An excellent method of work has been adopted at BAYONNE CITY, NEW

JERSEY. Each member makes a specialty of some subject in the course, and

is prepared to furnish an article on the subject at any meeting when

called upon, and also to answer any questions on that subject from the

question box. The “Pamrapo” circle has ten members and one officer, a

president—they do, however, have an extra official, a journalist, who is

appointed at each meeting.

As enjoyable a C. L. S. C. banquet as we have heard of this year was

that held in AKRON, OHIO. The circle entertained its friends royally on

this occasion, some one hundred of whom were seated at the supper table.

A happy surprise of the affair was an unexpected visit from Chancellor

Vincent, who responded to the toast, “Chautauqua.” A fine speech was

made by President Lewis Miller. “This is an age of quick things,” he

said, giving an apt illustration of his remark by referring to his

telephone talk with Dr. Vincent, at Cleveland, forty miles away, but for

which conversation, voice to voice, Dr. Vincent would not have been the

guest of the Akron C. L. S. C. Because one could talk with Pittsburgh

by telegraph—by the quick medium which was the product of this latter

day—did not obviate the necessity for the longer or slower trip by rail,

requiring hours. In fact, the telegram might be only a preliminary to

the trip by car. As this is an age of quick things, so it is an age of

condensed things. The student sweeps over 1,000 years of history—of great

events—in the story of an hour. This is the work of the C. L. S. C. It

takes these broad, quick views of the great events in the world’s life.

And because the C. L. S. C. student makes this general survey, we are

not to infer that he is content with that. It is the hour’s study in the

history of the Roman empire that precedes the trip to Rome.

“Though we are so late in reporting the existence of our little circle,

known as the ‘Philomaths,’ of ACKLEY, IOWA, we are confident that none

other has been carrying on the season’s work with more enthusiasm than

our own. September 19, 1884, we organized with an enrollment of ten;

since that time the number has increased to fourteen—all ‘Plymouth

Rocks.’ Each member leads a busy life, yet we meet each Friday evening,

and are convinced that we can not spend our few spare minutes more

profitably than in following the C. L. S. C. readings. Our programs,

prepared by an efficient board of three members, are based on the

proposed programs of THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and are published each week in the

town papers. The quotations selected as responses are brought into the

circle on uniform slips of paper and are preserved in a ‘Mark Twain Scrap

Book.’ In course of time we shall possess a very choice collection of

‘gems.’ Bryant and Milton days were observed in their turn, as was also

a Burns day. We are all delighted with the work, and our only regret

is that the wave reached us no sooner.”——“We have organized in our

village—BLANCHARD—a local circle of the class of ’87, of eleven members.

This year we have nineteen members, one being a lady seventy-four years

old, a graduate of the class of ’82. We hold our meetings weekly, members

answering by quotations. We pursued THE CHAUTAUQUAN plan of questions and

answers last year very successfully, and are proceeding in the same way

this, although our programs vary according to the option of the leader.

We usually have written questions on the readings in THE CHAUTAUQUAN.

The work has proven pleasant and profitable.”——Another IOWA circle

from which we are very glad to hear is that of GRUNDY CENTER. They had

the misfortune to have their goodly membership of fifteen of last year

dwindled down to five when they started last fall, but their enthusiasm

was too much for discouragement. They have “caught up” again, and now are

a democratic assembly composed of three ministers, Methodist, Baptist

and Presbyterian, and their wives, one doctor, four lawyers, an editor,

and two school teachers, a banker’s wife, two merchants’ wives, a county

officer and two farmers.

It is a matter of congratulation that the CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE,

branch has joined the “local circles.” The cheery letter giving their

past history is a guarantee that we will get the lines from them giving

accounts of their future progress which they promise to send from time

to time: “We have a very active little circle in Chattanooga, and think

we have accomplished a fair amount of work in a short time, and under

somewhat adverse circumstances. In the latter part of March, 1883, seven

of us met and organized a class. We hoped and expected to increase our

numbers in a short time, but resolved to pursue the course of reading

and cling together, whether successful or unsuccessful in our efforts

to induce others to do likewise. A month passed before we got fairly

to work, the Chautauqua term being then two thirds gone. We preferred,

however, doing double work and studying during the summer months to

waiting until the following October to commence. We completed the first

year’s reading in December, and were ready to begin the third year the

first of last October. Our meetings are intensely interesting, for we

are all in love with the course, and intend to finish it. Our silence

respecting our circle and its work is attributable to the fact of our

work and the jealous economy of every moment of time. We hope, however,

to forward an account of our progress from time to time.”

“We can not do without the Chautauqua movement here,” so writes the

secretary of the circle at KAHOKA, MISSOURI. The class of workers there

is large, including twenty-two regular members, beside many local ones.

They are studious and regular, and as a result interested. Last year this

circle held an open session in June, which was very successful, and they

are looking forward hopefully to the next one.

The _personnel_ of the circle at COLUMBUS, NEBRASKA, is very striking,

and, we think, decidedly an advantage. Here is what the secretary

says: “One farmer, one teacher (our pioneer, all honor to her), one

book-keeper, and two housewives. We are also decidedly cosmopolitan; one

hailing from Switzerland, another from Alsace, one from Nova Scotia,

and two from Ohio. One Nihilist, four woman suffragists (the ladies

included), four prohibitionists, but all enthusiastic Chautauquans.

What we lack in quantity we make up in quality, versatility and power.

Our Longfellow anniversary was a right pleasant affair, and instructive

withal. ‘Ah, that’s the way you literary people entertain yourselves!’

exclaimed one aged visitor. Our town is not a ‘literary’ one, by any

means. Saloons, skating rinks and ball rooms seem to crush all upward

tendencies. It is evident that a mingling of people from the four

quarters of the globe has a depressing effect on public morals here.”

At SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, much more interest is taken in the Chautauqua

readings this year than ever before. The circle has regularly observed

memorial days. It meets every Tuesday evening. The roll call, responded

to by quotations from different authors, is always profitable and

entertaining. The Rev. T. C. Iliff, pastor of the Methodist Church, is

the president. He is an enthusiastic leader, and frequently entertains

them with accounts of his travels in many of the places mentioned in the

Greek studies. In its platform the circle is broadly Chautauquan, four

churches being represented. A class in the “Spare-Minute Course” has

lately been organized in Salt Lake City, composed mostly of pupils from

the various schools in the city. Excellent work is being done.

We are heartily glad that our loyal Chautauqua worker, Mr. Burnell,

brought out the SEATTLE friends who were consenting to hide their light

under a bushel. Here is a second come forward to vindicate Seattle’s C.

L. S. C. honor. However, it must be said, in order to in turn vindicate

Mr. Burnell, that his work on his western tour was evangelistic, that his

efforts to aid the C. L. S. C. was an extra labor of love, done because

his heart was so warm toward Chautauqua, so zealous for her welfare

that he was glad to use any effort to extend her usefulness. He was in

Seattle only a few hours and was driven with work all the time. It is not

strange that he did not find the workers which now come so valiantly to

the front. As we said before, we are glad Mr. Burnell has “brought them

out.” And here is the second vindication. It contains much excellent

news about the work in that section: “The article from K. A. Burnell

is entirely behind the times. Three active circles are in Seattle, with

an average attendance of forty in all. The University of Washington

has just arranged a series of twelve lectures, six on ‘Chemistry,’ and

six on the ‘Greek College Course.’ Professor G. O. Curme, Professor of

Greek, Latin and German, is an earnest worker and enthusiastic lecturer

on Greek history and literature, and four of the professors are actively

engaged in the course. An executive committee of five from each circle,

and two from the university faculty, have organized to hold a Chautauqua

Assembly on Puget Sound the coming summer, and the teachers of the public

schools are in full sympathy with the movement. The first public movement

in the Chautauqua course known to me was the formation of a literary

society for the study of American authors, in the Seattle Baptist Church,

September, 1883, at which THE CHAUTAUQUAN was regularly read for one

year. This society resolved itself into a Chautauqua circle the first of

September, 1884, and engaged Prof. G. O. Curme, Prof. C. B. Johnson and

J. C. Sundberg, M. D., to lecture before its members. Other circles were

formed, and a general society centered in the university, resulting in

the present combination, as above stated. I think there will be twenty

circles in Puget Sound next year.”

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.

The thousands of men and women who belong to the Chautauqua Class of

1885 are beginning, we think, to feel the pressure of the responsibility

of their position—which is something more than that which has rested

upon the shoulders of their honored predecessors; that the expectations

of the Chautauqua public are becoming higher, year by year; that what

was equal to the great occasion in former years will not meet the hopes

that will be entertained by the masses of people who will be gathered

on the grounds this year. The readings must not only be faithfully and

intelligently completed, so that the diplomas may be earned and received,

but it should be the purpose of every member to answer, entire, the list

of questions submitted, and answer them correctly. And an organized

attempt should be made to secure the attendance of all members of the

class who can possibly be present on Commencement day. We should have a

larger class present in front of the Golden Gate than has ever appeared

in that conspicuous place. Members should commence their preparations

at once, and so arrange matters as to enable them to do their part in

swelling the ranks of a class which is to honor itself by the work of the

year, and by the demonstration of strength and spirit which shall bring

it to the front at the supreme hour!

For Chautauqua is growing! And its career is onward, and upward, and

outward! It has planted itself in hundreds of cities and villages

throughout the land, and in some other lands, and in thousands of social

circles it has shown an influence and potency that is not only wholesome,

but inspiring and wonderful. Well may the class of 1885 sing in behalf of

the whole fraternity:

“No pent-up Utica contracts our powers;

The whole boundless continent is ours!”

And the whole world, too! For Chautauqua is not only reaching outward, in

all countries, but the peoples of all climes and zones are beginning to

reach toward Chautauqua. Her representatives have their hands upon the

machinery which moves many of the country’s most important enterprises;

the new administration could not carry on its work without Chautauquans,

and we can not now tell whereunto this great thing will grow. For the end

is not yet. Chautauqua has only made a fair beginning. Let us hope that

Dr. Vincent and Mr. Lewis Miller will live to experience a long series

of annual surprises at the wonderful developments and achievements of

Chautauqua!

The work of generating, cultivating, and executing the first of these

surprises belongs to the class of ’85. Classes of former years have

done so well that it will require thought, and effort, and scheming,

and coöperation, and energetic pushing on the part of our class to do

better! There must be hard studying, and close figuring on expenses,

and a vast deal of management, and a world of rallying and enthusiastic

work, if we are to have the best and the largest of classes at the

foot of the Chautauqua Acropolis this year! But let us have it! Let

the ’Eighty-Fivers, of all classes, sexes and colors, flock toward

Chautauqua early in August, from Oregon, and California, and Texas, and

Florida, and Canada, and England, and China, and India, and the Soudan,

with a common impulse, and inspiration, and a common purpose to honor

their _alma mater_ and the cause of popular, intellectual and moral

culture, and growth, and progress, which she represents.

* * * * *

NOTES FROM MEMBERS.—One lady, mother of two little children, writes: “I

only wish every young mother in this land could see her way clear to try

this course, not only for her own pleasure, but the influence it would

have on her home.”

* * * * *

Another from Massachusetts, “the solitary ’85” in a circle of fourteen,

writes: “I read alone for a year, then succeeded in starting a circle. I

have had some advantages of education, but this C. L. S. C. has made my

life very different from what it would have been without it.”

* * * * *

From Philadelphia, likewise, report comes of good work by the ’85s, who

organized the “Ivy” circle of that city.

* * * * *

An “Invincible” asks, “Why can not the class of ’85 have a seal for

reading the course of biographies, etc., which was provided for the ’84s

last year?”

* * * * *

A classmate now residing in Kansas challenges all his fellow-students

that, being born in the year in which the battle of Waterloo was fought,

he is the oldest—_no, the youngest_, who will claim his diploma this year

among the “Invincibles.” Does any one dispute the honor? His letter,

together with many others, will be read at our class gatherings at

Chautauqua, the coming season. Let us all be there.

* * * * *

Those of the ’85s who can not possibly be at Chautauqua this summer,

but who can visit, if for only one day, Ocean Grove, N. J., will be

pleased to learn that during the Sunday-school Assembly exercises at

that popular resort, C. L. S. C. Recognition services will be held, July

29th, and then those who have won their parchments can not only obtain

them, but also hear eloquent words of congratulation from Dr. Vincent,

who has consented to be present. All who expect to be present, and desire

their diplomas, should send their names immediately to the Rev. E. H.

Stokes, D.D., the president of Ocean Grove, or the Rev. B. B. Loomis,

Superintendent of Instruction for Ocean Grove Assembly, at Troy, N. Y.

* * * * *

It is proposed that the “Invincibles,” after their graduating exercises

are over, publish in a small volume the Baccalaureate Sermon by

Chancellor Vincent, Oration by Bishop Warren, Class Poem by Mrs. Frank

Beard, the Memorabilia of the Class Meetings, and whatever else may be

deemed of interest. Such a book could be issued and bound in cloth, in

class colors, for fifty cents each, or seventy-five cents in gilt edges,

if (500) five hundred copies are desired. If enough names are received by

Miss M. M. Canfield, our secretary, Washington, D. C., before July 1st,

arrangements will be made to issue the book.

* * * * *

Many inquiries are still made, notwithstanding several explanations have

been given in this column, as to the purpose of the class fund. It is

that we may present to our _alma mater_ a suitable remembrance of the

“Invincibles.” Just what it shall be will be decided by the class at

Chautauqua, at such time as the largest representation may be on the

grounds. Every true ’85 should send their contribution at once to Miss

Carrie Hart, Treas., Aurora, Ind, as it is very desirable to have as

little of this business to do at Chautauqua as possible; we want all the

moments then for the ever-to-be-remembered “good time coming,” when we

meet as a class at the Hall in the Grove.

* * * * *

The Rev. J. H. Vincent, D.D., Chancellor of the Chautauqua University,

will conduct Recognition services for the benefit of ’85s who can not

be at Chautauqua, at Ocean Grove, N. J., July 29th, and at Framingham

Assembly in July—date to be announced in next CHAUTAUQUAN.

CLASS OF 1887.—“THE PANSIES.”

“_Neglect not the gift that is in thee._”

OFFICERS.

_President_—The Rev. Frank Russell, Mansfield, Ohio.

_Western Secretary_—K. A. Burnell, Esq., Chicago, Ill.

_Eastern Secretary_—J. A. Steven, M.D., Hartford, Conn.

_Treasurer_—Either Secretary, from either of whom badges may be

obtained.

_Executive Committee_—The officers of the class.

* * * * *

The Allegheny, Pa., circle, Class of ’87, is gaining a reputation for

enthusiasm and thoroughness of work. They hold regular meetings, have

printed programs, and sometimes are entertained at times of meetings or

excursions, at a good hotel.

* * * * *

The Toledo, Ohio, circle, with the Rev. H. M. Bacon for its president,

issues a beautiful program of the whole course of winter meetings, with a

list of the memorial days, put in handsome shape.

* * * * *

The officers of the class are in receipt of many pleasant letters,

speaking among other things of many letters which have been written to

Pansy containing suggestions about the class memorial book which is

expected from her pen, and which will receive most enthusiastic welcome

from every member of the class.

* * * * *

As the dreary winter weather is likely at last to give way to spring,

Pansy blossoms are appearing on paper in preparation for their appearance

in the memorial Pansy bed, which it is hoped will be a treasured

improvement in the Chautauqua grounds.

* * * * *

Williamsburg, Kansas, writes of a circle of forty members, all but two of

whom are members of ’88. These two delightful Pansy blossoms, a minister

and his wife, represent the class of ’87.

* * * * *

Here is a C. L. S. C. inspiration from a lonely but enthusiastic reader

in New Virginia, Iowa: “I have never had the benefit of a circle, and

could seldom attend if one were here, having four small children, the

eldest of whom is not yet seven, and besides, I am trying to fill my

mission as the wife of a pastor whose work takes him much away from home.

After the little ones are tucked up in bed, and the good-nights are

spoken, I find it delightful to rest with my book and reading for an hour

or more. I am determined that my husband with his studies shall not leave

me far behind. Two years is a long look ahead, but I am planning for that

one trip to Chautauqua, when I shall hope to grasp the hand of many an

’87.”

* * * * *

The Lower Oswego Falls circle, New York, is doing a most excellent work

by downright hard study, in their class meetings.

* * * * *

The circle in Hartford, Conn., with Secretary Steven for its president,

issues a fine program for its meetings, which already for this winter run

into the twenties.

* * * * *

A new circle has been organized in Chicago, called the Oakland circle.

All of its members belong to the Pansy class, though that can not account

for their all being ladies. They are doing a most excellent work.

* * * * *

Great gifts are not given to all,

Great tasks from all not required.

The Master is just—faithful use

Of talent is all desired.

“Neglect not the gift that is in thee,”

Oh! heed well that resonant call;

Teach, write, or speak, at its bidding—

To thy work, ere the shadows fall.

—_Margaret Heath, Class ’87._

* * * * *

Miss Eliza Gummage, a member of the class of ’87, recently died at her

home in Lewiston, Me. She was a devoted and enthusiastic Chautauquan.

* * * * *

MASSACHUSETTS.—I am a member of the Pansy class, but am entirely alone in

my reading. My attempts to form a circle have not yet been successful.

Not because our people are not interested in all good work, but they

have some “first loves” in the way of clubs, the proceeds from which are

appropriated for good at home or abroad. Still I hope that very soon they

will expand their hearts and take in the C. L. S. C., the benefits of

which are so many. I read with much interest all items from our class.

In fact, I think the Pansy column is the first thing I look for upon

the arrival of THE CHAUTAUQUAN. I am not only alone in my reading, but

have not the acquaintance of a single member of the great family of

“Chautauquans.” However, I am far from discouraged, and look forward to

meeting a goodly array of Pansies in ’87.

* * * * *

Miss Flora Warren Potter, a member of “Pansy” class (’87), C. L. S. C.,

and of “Union” circle, of Washington, D. C., died in that city on the

evening of March 20th, at the residence of her brother-in-law, Geo. H.

Walker, Washington correspondent of the Cleveland _Leader_. Becoming a

member of the C. L. S. C., she foresaw the advantages and possibilities

which it opened out before her, and though an humble toiler in the work,

none loved it more than she. At five o’clock on the Sabbath afternoon

following her death, at the regular Chautauqua vesper hour, funeral

services were held in the Union M. E. Church, the members of “Union”

circle being present in a body and rendering the music, some new and

choice selections, on the occasion.

* * * * *

In the past winter the C. L. S. C. lost a devoted member of the class of

’87 in Miss Maggie R. Elwell, of Salem, New Jersey. Most appreciative

resolutions of condolence and respect were sent the bereaved friends by

the Salem circle.

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.

We give name, locality, and number of members of new circles formed:

“Kate F. Kimball,” Minneapolis, Kan., 12; “Delta,” Norwich, Conn., 16;

Orlando, Fla., 20; “Evening Star,” Torreyville, N. Y., 7; “Oird,” Oird,

Mich., 27; “Lawrence,” Chillicothe, O., 18; “Souri,” Blair, Neb., 22;

“Progressives,” Danielsonville, Conn., 16; “Colton,” Colton, Cal., 16;

“Gleaners,” Zumbrota, Minn.; “Euclid,” Vicksburg, Miss., 18; “Olympic,”

Yarmouth, Me., 14; “Adelphic Union,” Holden, Mo., 21; South Manchester,

Conn., 50; oldest member seventy-four, youngest sixteen; West Lebanon, N.

Y., few members; Carpinteria, Cal., 8; Hopkinton, Ia., 12; Tiffin, O.,

organized with 6, now 13; “St. Johns,” Toledo, O., 26, was organized by

a “lone member.” In Barrie, Ontario, Canada, the enthusiasm of 5 enrolled

24 more; smallest attendance has been 16. Two teachers of Brainard, Neb.,

have failed but twice during the severe winter, to meet every week. Their

walk is several miles to the home of an invalid, who, with them, composes

a circle, “The Triangle.” “Straight Line,” Matawan, N. J., 2. These

object to name, saying “it speaks of poultry.” Can not the class suggest

names and have them given in our column, and be voted upon, selecting the

one receiving the highest number of votes? Portland, Ind., circle desires

a change of name. One from Darlington, Ind., also objects to name. One

member from Chicago, Ill., suggests change of motto to “Let us be doers

of the Word, not hearers only:” Matt. v:16. “Evening Star,” Terryville,

N. Y., “started late, but worked hard and caught up, and have not yet had

a dull meeting.” “Oird,” Mich., writes: “After starting, no one wishes to

turn back.” Quite a number have written regarding their “Longfellow” day.

One circle, “Delta,” of Norwich, Conn., sends a poem respecting their

“Washington” day. Want of space crowds out this, and much more.

* * * * *

THE PLYMOUTH ROCKS.

Why should we take with such pretense

A name so great? and in what sense

Should we be likened to the stone

Which to the Pilgrims first was known?

This answering thought then came to me;

“The teachings of our class should be

A stepping-stone for coming youth,

From seas of doubt to shore of truth.”

So, when the ocean waves of wrong

Shall dash about us fierce and strong,

We may not fear, nor be dismayed—

Truth never in the grave was laid.

And when the surging waves subside

And calmed shall be the raging tide

We, like the “rock,” may firmly stand

To “welcome home” the storm-tossed band.

These principles our lives will lead,

If to our name we give good heed;

True helpfulness to others give,

And firmness for the right to live.

Our influence will then appear,

Proving more clearly year by year,

The motto which our class now leads,

“Let us be seen by our (good) deeds.”

—_Marietta S. Case._

* * * * *

Many write of the “unbounded pleasure” they find in our reading course.

* * * * *

“Adelphic Union,” Holden, Mo., says their circle has neither “flaw nor

break.” They have sent us a program of a symposium. Each member assumed

a Greek name and wore an appropriate costume. The Greek idea was carried

out even to the “Master of Revels.”

SEC. 5. That any said commissioner, examiner, copyist, or messenger,