South Front St., Harrisburg, Pa.

Editor St. Nicholas: I thought that perhaps the following-description of a sort of kaleidoscope would be of service to your magazine, for the entertainment of your young readers, on a rainy evening:

Have the room brilliantly lighted, then raise the lid of a square piano just as if for a player, but, instead of resting it on the surface of the piano itself, let it rest upon two or three large books placed on the top of the piano, so as to form at the front, where the hinges are, an angle of sixty degrees. Cover the open side of the triangle thus formed with a thick cover, which should extend also over the crack caused by the hinges of the lid. Thus you will have a hollow, triangular prism, the length of the piano, open at both ends. Polish well with a silk duster the inside of one end of this triangular prism; hold pieces of crazy patchwork, or long pieces of silk ribbon,—the more variegated and brilliant the colors the better,—in a large hanging bunch, and shake gently about two inches in front of the polished end toward the angle of the front, while the spectator looks through the opposite end of the kaleidoscope. A watch, chain, or looking-glass among the ribbons makes a pleasing variety.

P. S. The lid on the top of an upright piano may also form a kaleidoscope in the same way, but smaller.

Philadelphia, Penn.

Dear St. Nicholas: I am one of the many little folk who have listened to readings from your pages all my life. I am too small to write you a letter all myself, so Mamma will write it, for I wish to tell you about our salt crystals. You remember you told us how to make them, in your number for July, 1884. Mamma and I each started one, and every one thinks they are great curiosities. Papa photographed them so that you could see them also. The large one belongs to Mamma, and the small one is mine; they are about five months old. We have ceased adding salt and water, and have them under a glass shade, one resting on the other, and they make a very pretty ornament. Every time we stop to admire them we smack our lips and think how well-seasoned the St. Nicholas always is.

We receive our St. Nicholas on the 25th of each month, and, dear Editor, you may always know that on that night there is a little hand resting under a pillow, holding tightly your enjoyable book waiting for the morn to dawn.

We thank the young friends whose names here follow for pleasant letters received from them: J. G. F., Bettie M. K., Gussie and Nannie M., Edith Norris, Harold K. Palmer, J. E. P., Eleanor D. Olney, Daisy B. Holladay, Nan E. Parrott, Elizabeth P., May E. Waldo, Alma and Estelle, Irene B. D., H. Olina Herring, Carrie L. Walker, Hattie Homer, Florence Halsted, Fay and Fan, Clara E. Longworth, May M. Boyd, Annie G. Barnard, Katie E. G., Alice Butterfield, Mabel P., E. C., James H. Saycock, E. Converse, Abe M. B., P. C. Brittain, L. H. E., May M. Boyd, Marie Clark, Morris Miner, Jo and Flo Overstreet, Roy C. Chambers, May Barton, Bessie Heath, Lawrence E. Horton, Charles R. Van Horn, Albertie G. Russell, S. M. K., Henry H. Townshend, Edith S. C., Blanche Sloat, Sadie Nichols, Jesse L. Pusey, Bessie Lenhart, John N. Force, Madge C. DeW., E. A. Burnham, "Sammy," A. G. K., Fannie B. S., Emily T. H., John R. P., Jr., Tommy Bangs, Florence, Julia McC., Brenda, Harry M. M., Gertie E. Kendall, H. E. H., A. K. E., Anna E. Roelker, M. H. N., "Katie," Etta A. Harper, May S., Tillie Lutz, W. P. Haslett, Charles L., Charlie P. Storrs, Maurice S. S., May, Freddie M., Florence M. Wilcox, Ida R. G., Louis R. E., Bertha, Muriel C. Gere, Ralph M. Fletcher, Bertha B., Ella O., C. H. Pease, Alice W. Brown, Clara L., Arthur F. Hudson, Katie, Thomas H. King, Jr., Mary L. Mayo, O. P., Carrie L. Moulthrop, Alice Dickey, M. Eva T., Daisy W., Marie G. Hinkley, Agatha Montie Duncan, Agnes S. Barker, Samuel S. Watson, Madaleine C. Selby, Hattie A. Taber, Cecelia R. G., Belle Sudduth, Johnnie E. Shaw, Inez B. Fletcher, Eva, Ferrars J., C. P, Hermann Thomas, Annie and Margaret, Edmonia Powers, Alice M. B., D. and A., Anna A. H., Lizzie Kellogg, Louis J. Hall, Charles H. Webster, C. L. Wright, Jr., Merrick R. Baldwin, Eleanor Hobson, Lottie A. D., John Moore, Harold Smith, C. W. F., L. Hazeltine, A. C. Crosby, Mabel L., May J., Grace Plummer, Alice Dodge, Bessie K. S., Ella Bisell, Irma St. John, Irene Lasier, F. L. Waldo, Ruth Morse, Maude G. Barnum, Bertha M. Crane, Aggie Drain, Roy Gray Bevan, John W. Wainwright, Edith, Ella L. Bridges, Bessie Rhodes, Floy G., C. A. G., L. O. C., Mary S. Collar, Pearl Reynolds, Evelyn Auerbach, Mabel E. D., Grace Fleming, Eddie Persinger, Charlie B., Lillie Story, Maude B., Mary M. Steele, Doris Hay, Gussie Moley, Ethel W. F., Arthur, Mary Springer, Marion M. Tooker, Mary F. K., Lizzie E. Crowell, Josie W. Pennypacker, Bertie Barse, Nellie B., J. W. L., Maude Cullen, Daisy C. Baker, Esther S. Barnard, Blanche M. C., Aurelia M. Snider, Howard E. T., Bacon, Hildegarde G., Kittie L. Norris, Nellie L. Howes, Leverette Early, Virginia Beall, Henry W. Bellows, Bissell Currie, Violet Quinn, Mamie Sage, Belle C. Hill, Alvah and Arden Rockwood, Lillian Miln, Adele Yates, Lillie S. E., Ollie C., Maggie Wispert.

A Course of Observations on Trees.

The United States Government, through the Forestry Division of the Agricultural Department, solicits the assistance of volunteer observers belonging to the Agassiz Association. The chief of the Division of Forestry, in consultation with the President of the A. A., is preparing a special "schedule of phenological observations" for the A. A. This is a very simple series of questions, in spite of its long name. One object of this series of observations is to determine the effect of climate upon the growth of plants. Among the facts to be noted are the dates of the appearance of first leaf, first flower, and first fruit. Nothing is required that can not be accurately and easily done by an intelligent boy or girl of twelve years of age. It is earnestly desired by the Department that as many as possible of our members undertake this work, in the interest of science, and for the practical results of the information sought.

All who are willing to try, will kindly send their addresses, at once, to "The Chief of the Division of Forestry, Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C."

The complete schedule of observations desired will then be sent to them, and they can begin at once.

The Iowa Convention.

The following programme has been prepared for our next General Convention to be held at Davenport, Iowa,in August:

Wednesday, August 25:—9 A.M. Reception of the National delegates, and visit to the Academy of Sciences.—2 P.M. Opening of Convention, 1. Prayer. 2. Address of welcome by Senator James Wilson of Iowa. 3. Response by the President of the A. A. 4. Reading of papers.—7 P.M. Reception and banquet, with toasts and responses.

Thursday, August 26:—9 A.M. 1. Question Box. 2. Visit to the Government Island.—2 P.M. 1. Working Session. 2. Address by the President of the A. A.—7 P.M. Lecture, by Prof. T. H. McBride, of the Iowa State University.

Friday, August 27:—Steam-boat excursion down the Mississippi.

Prof. Crosby's Class in Mineralogy.

Boston, Mass.

The class now includes 122 bona fide correspondents. The great majority have very greatly and agreeably surprised me by the excellence of their work. I have been especially delighted by the success of the chemical experiments. I was in doubt at first as to the propriety of introducing these; but I should never hesitate again. The success of the class is so much beyond my expectations that I am fully reconciled to the time and labor it has cost me.

Honorable Mention.

Mr. Paul L. Smith, President of Chapter 653, of La Porte, Ind., goes fifty-nine miles, on the first Saturday of every month, to preside at the meetings of his Chapter. And yet some doubt whether Natural History can awaken the interest of the young!

The A. A. by the Sea.

Miss Florence May Lyon and two associate teachers of the Detroit High School, members of Chapter 743, are making arrangements to take a bevy of a dozen or twenty young ladies for a summer vacation of six weeks, to the charming town of Annisquam, Mass. They propose to teach them in as "unbookish and delightful a way as possible about sea-side plants and animals." These ladies have had abundant experience, and we wish them the greatest success.

Birds' Eggs.

The destruction of the singing birds of America is a growing and a very serious evil. Many ladies wear on their bonnets enough birds to flood a grove with melody—if only the birds were not dead and in pieces.

We may make an appeal on this subject to the girls and women of the A. A., at a later date, but just now it is a question of robbing birds' nests. This association strictly maintains the scientific ground that when birds' eggs are actually needed by a young naturalist, as a means of identification or of practical knowledge, it is justifiable to take them, when the law allows. But the collection of eggs as curiosities, and the wholesale robbery of nests for purposes of sale or exchange, is a wanton destruction wholly unworthy of any earnest student of nature.

In view of the impossibility of discriminating between the two classes of collectors, we shall hereafter decline to publish in St. Nicholas, any requests for the sale, purchase, or exchange of the eggs of singing or game birds.

We shall notice, as formerly, eggs of the Penguin, eagle, crow, and ostrich.

Delayed Chapter Reports.

60, Pigeon Cove, Mass. We have not lost a member from our books since you first enrolled us, and although at present we are all so occupied by our daily work that we can not hold regular meetings, we all look forward to the time when we shall be able to begin again.—Charles H. Andrews.

150, Flushing, L. I. Our Chapter has not been very active during the past year, but I hope in the near future to build up a lively Chapter. Father and Mother will help me.—Frances M. L. Heaton, Sec.

189, W. Medford, Mass. The Chapter is still in existence, and is holding meetings every week.—Daisy G. Dame, Sec.

257, Plantsville, Conn. We have been very successful; meetings full of interest and well attended. Our last paper on "Crystals" was by E. N. Walkley, who illustrated the subject by plaster casts. We have a good male quartet in our Chapter; also gentlemen who play on the violin, flute, piano, and 'cello, so we can have a good time if we want it, at any meeting.

We have just papered, painted, and whitewashed our room, and intend to give an entertainment to procure funds to buy a new carpet (Bravo!)—Albert L. Ely, Pres.

287, Ottawa, Ill. Our members are scattered, some in college, most of the others going soon; but we do not wish to be counted out of that society from which we have received so much pleasure and profit.—Edgar Eldredge, Sec.

331, New Orleans, La. This Chapter has passed through severe trials, being sustained at one time by only two earnest members, but it is now triumphantly successful. It is unique in that it has for its president a gentleman, Mr. P. M. Hoit, who lives in Santa Barbara, California, more than fifteen hundred miles away from the Chapter. He sends plans of work, rules of order, by-laws, etc., and really governs the Chapter, with which he first became acquainted through a letter asking about exchanges. The Chapter has over 600 specimens.—Percy S. Benedict, Sec.

350, Los Angeles, Cal. The children never tire of going to the beach, and a trip to the mountains is another favorite excursion. Our cabinets grow, and I sometimes fear we shall get crowded out of the house by the "trash" that is accumulating!—Mrs. M. F. Bradshaw, Sec.

366, Webster Groves, Mo. We have thirteen workers, all active.
We have a collection of 510 specimens, mostly minerals and fossils of our own State; a library of 123 volumes; a microscope; and a chemical laboratory. We intend to hold an encampment this summer. How do you think it would work to have a "Midsummer Night's Dream," on some summer evening?—we might have the telescope-man come out from the city, do some star-gazing, and have an open-air magic lantern entertainment? (It would work "to a charm"!)—Edwin R. Allan, Sec.

400, Fargo, Dakota. We gave an oyster supper a few weeks ago, and cleared $15. Our rooms are in the Masonic Block, and the Masons kindly let us use their dishes for the occasion. We have one of the finest rooms for this class of work in the Northwest. Our members are taking hold in earnest, and it will be a success. We have a fine teacher in Judge Mitchell. Mr. Mitchell will be glad to aid any of the western Chapters, if they wish. I think for my part there could be more chapters formed in Dakota, if the boys and girls would volunteer work earnestly. How many of the Dakota Chapters would like to organize the Dakota Assembly of the A. A.? Those in favor will please correspond with me.—Frank Brown, Sec.

The Fifth Century.

403, Newark, N. J. We have begun to study the mounting of plants and leaves. We are going to admit some lady friends to our Chapter, which we think will be a great benefit to us.—Chas. Barrows, Sec. Wm. Earle, Pres.

404, Baraboo, Wis. We are still working, and our collection is steadily growing. One of our boys caught a common painted turtle, I put it into a tub with another of the same kind. They soon became so tame that they took food from my hand quite readily. One day I fed them as usual, but before they finished their meal I emptied the water from the tub, when one of them that had a worm in its mouth began to choke and could not swallow. I gave the other one, too, but he only took the end of it in his mouth. But as soon as I put water enough in for them to cover their heads, they swallowed as easily as ever. I tried this several times with the same result. We gave an entertainment and cleared $25.—Marie McKennan, Sec.

409, Sag Harbor, N. Y. This year has been marked by greater progress than any other since our organization. In April, 1885, a valuable addition was made to our cabinet by the finding of a shrew—genus sorex. This little animal, the least of the mammals, measured not quite two inches in length, excluding the tail. During May and June we organized for summer work, on a new plan,—the President appointing committees to collect in special departments. In July and August we spent numerous "field-days" in the woods and on the shore. We found a rare specimen of trap-rock. The skeleton of a bottle-fish excited a great deal of curiosity. One of our members who had caught a live one identified it.

In November, we commenced a series of discussions: "Which is of more value to mankind—cotton or wool?" (Decided in favor of wool.) "What is the most useful mammal?" (Four members voted for cow and four for sheep.) "What insect is most valuable in promoting human happiness?" (Decided for honey-bee.) "What is the most valuable fish?" (Cod.) Many other questions were debated. We have received many curious specimens: sea-horse, porcupine-fish, key-hole shells, etc. We intend to collect sea-weed and mosses this summer.—Cornelius R. Sleight, Sec.

423, Perth Amboy, N. J. Our thirty members have manifested great interest in collecting and examining specimens from the different divisions of the animal kingdom. Much attention has been given to articulates, including insects of the sea. At present we are engaged in a very interesting course of observation in mineralogy. We have the highest appreciation of the assistance we have derived from the A. A., in learning to observe and love nature.—Bertha M. Mitchell, Cor. Sec.

424, Decorah, Iowa. Several of our lady members are teachers, and highly value our meetings. We shall try to have public lectures in geology. We are connecting with these subjects that of humane work, proposing to organize as the Agassiz Band of Mercy. So we have two harmonious lines of good work begun, and hope to make both of them permanent.—M. R. Steele, Sec.

428, St. Paul, Minn. Since our organization we have had seventy-eight meetings, all at our house. As one of our number is studying for the occupation of mining engineer, and has a forge, furnace, lathe, etc., we have decided to study iron, steel, and the methods of mining and manufacturing them. We have a club-room, where we keep our cabinets, and a small library.—Philip C. Allen, Sec.

436, Toronto, Canada. Our president and several of our members have moved from town, so we have done comparatively nothing since I wrote you. But Charles Ashdown and I are endeavoring to get some new members, and I believe we shall have a stronger and better Chapter than ever.—David J. Howell, Sec.

439, Wilmington, Del. We have collected more cocoons and chrysalids this winter than ever before. Many of them are very rare, among them, Achemon, P. satellitia, Smerinthis gemmatus, E. imperalis, and Callosama angulitera.—Percy C. Pyle.

440, Keene, N. H. We have several hundred specimens, mostly lepidoptera and coleoptera. Have found a great many fine beetles lately under the bark of dead trees and stumps where they pass the winter. We always note the place of capture of all specimens, and all other items of interest.—Frank H. Foster, Sec.

448, Washington, D. C. We bring to our third anniversary, a gratifying sense of well-being and desert, with promise of continued vigor. Our portfolios hold 343 reports, and every member is there represented. Our fifty books and pamphlets are read with application. We are ambitious for a children's Chapter, and long to make discoveries. Perhaps some of us may some day, and with this thrilling thought we are planning careful summer walks, with thoughtful "observation books."—Sabelle Macfarland.

450, Fitchburg, Mass. As we have consolidated all our Fitchburg Chapters into one, now known as No. 48, Fitchburg, A, there is no special report from 450, but I think we now have an earnest society on a solid foundation.—Geo. F. Whittemore.

453, Oswego, N. Y. Active. Will soon hold meetings weekly instead of fortnightly. Special study for the year has been archaeology and geology. Have been much interested in the archeopteryx. On archaeology, will send you a more lengthy report.—Will A. Burr, Sec.

[The promised report came in due time, and it is a masterpiece of patient work,—carefully illustrated with drawings of Indian arrow-heads, axes, pottery, needles, fish-hooks, pipes, and anvils. It covers twelve pages closely written. We value it, and have placed it carefully on file.]

460, Washington, D. C. This Chapter was organized in the spring of 1882 from a small association we then had; it had already existed for two years or more when we heard of the A. A. We concluded this would give us a wider scope for scientific investigations, and so made formal application for admission into the Association, which had already advanced with marvelous rapidity.

Vernon M. Dorsey, an unusually promising mineralogist and chemist, was elected president. When a new member was elected it cost him nothing, so he was elected with the full consent of all the members, not one objecting. Passive members were allowed in this Chapter, they paying ten cents a month, which money went into the treasury.

We adopted most of the rules and regulations in the Hand-book, and, after having arranged the executive portion of the Chapter, we commenced to have a regular course of essays or lectures, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, given by the active members, which lectures the passive members could attend if so inclined. After the lectures we generally had debates, and as each member had a different branch of Natural History to which he devoted his attention, the lectures and debates were not monotonous.

We ran on pretty smoothly for about a year and a half, until the money in the treasury commenced to accumulate, when, with the exception of one or two members, the Chapter spontaneously combusted.

We have never been able to rebuild it. We can hold no meetings. It exists, really, only in name, because the prospects for the future look rather dull.

If you will allow our Chapter to remain on the list, I should much prefer you would do so.

I have carried on investigations in various branches of zoÖlogy, but, as this is merely a report of the Chapter, I will not enter into details concerning them.

I hope that the other Chapters will meet with better success than ours, though it may yet revive.

[We are sorry that this excellent Chapter experienced "spontaneous combustion," but we hope and believe that it will ere long also experience voluntary resurrection.]

465, Waterville, Maine. Our president has moved away. The rest of us have been exceedingly busy. We have been obliged to vacate our room, and, as we could not get another, have had to store our specimens. But we are not dead yet! Far from it! It is only a case of suspended animation. We fully expect to take up work again this summer.—Charles W. Spencer, Sec.

[Not even "suspended animation;" the Chapter is only catching its breath for more vigorous exertion.]

470, Nicollet, Wis. Still prospering. We have a small room nicely fitted up, in our High School building, of which we are quite proud. We have a working membership of twenty-four, and hold regular meetings.

[A friend of the Chapter adds to this report of Miss Sara Ritchie, the secretary, the following:]

"I was exceedingly interested in listening to the different members reporting formally the occurrence of our spring birds, with which was associated the arrival of certain insects. Two years ago, such reports were impossible, as the observing faculties of very few of the members had been sufficiently trained. If nothing more has been acquired, this one habit of close observation, developed by our A. A. work, is worth all it may have cost those who have encouraged and carried out the plan of the Association."

Change of Address.

The address of Chapter 850 is now simply Chapter 850 A. A., Box 1587, Bangor, Maine.

Exchanges.

Correspondence with other family Chapters whose members are beginners in botany or entomology.—Mrs. R. Van Dien, Jr., Box 13, Hohokus, Bergen Co., N. J.

Correspondence desired. Entomology and botany.—Paul L. Smith, 3348 Indiana Av., Chicago, Ill.

Postmarks and fossils (Lingulipis pinnaformis) for books on zoÖlogy. Write first.—Chas. F. Baker, St. Croix Falls, Wis.

Cecropia moths for other lepidoptera.—W. B. Greenleaf, Box 311, Normal Park, Ill.

Correspondence with other Chapters earnestly desired.—Stephen R. Wood, Sec. 776, Oakland, Cal.

Florida (east coast) shells, star-fishes, coquina, small live alligators, etc., etc., for anything rare or curious.—J. Earle Bacon, Ormond, Volusia Co., Fla.

Coquina, trap-rock, asphaltum, Skates' egg-case, key-hole shell, and cocoons.—C. R. Sleight, Sec. Ch. 409, Sag Harbor, L. I., N. Y.

All kinds of Chinese curiosities for fine Indian relics.—Kurt Kleinschmidt, Box 752, Helena, Montana.

Address all communications for this Department to
Mr. Harlan H. Ballard, Lenox, Mass.