Maine (Saco).—The Wilbur F. Berry Circle was started January 1, 1882. No organization was formed, however, until the next October. As we were three months behind at the beginning, the work seemed somewhat hard, but the interest did not flag, and the course for the second year was entered upon with much zeal. We have a membership of sixteen. Deep interest is manifested by the members.

Massachusetts (Magnolia).—We have received the sad news of the death of Miss E. O. Tuck. Her mother writes: “My daughter died very happy; her Savior’s presence lighted the dark valley. She was much interested in the C. L. S. C., having induced more than twenty to join it. She would have graduated this year, having completed the reading required for the White Crystal Seal Course.”

Massachusetts (Rockville).—Our village is so small that we try to be united in every good work; therefore when we started our circle we found only six who thought they could afford time and money for the full course. Seven others subscribed for The Chautauquan, five of whom met with our circle as often as convenient. We sold tickets for a course of lectures, and all who bought them were made local members, to give them an ownership feeling in the C. L. S. C. One of our members lives at Norfolk, three miles away. She must harness and drive over herself when she comes, and she has not been absent a half dozen times since we organized. One of our members, a young girl, has a bed-ridden sister, and is unable to go from home for an education, so the C. L. S. C. is a God-send for her. As we have no minister here and can not call upon those in the neighborhood, we are reading the sermons from The Chautauquan. Thus the good seed reaches many hearts.

New York (Troy).—The Troy Times contains the following: “The ‘Vincent Circle’ of the C. L. S. C. met at the North Second Street Methodist Church last evening and had a packed house, a fine program and a most spirited meeting. The program was wholly astronomical in character. The Round-Table conducted by the president was facetious, varied and instructive. It is looked forward to by the circle with keen relish. The conversazione on Copernicus, Galileo and Kepler added interest, and showed how the members were posting themselves on the subject of astronomy. It was announced and received with great delight that Dr. John H. Vincent would lecture in our city shortly before the circles of this vicinity.” This circle numbers over two hundred, and enthusiastically writes us: “We’re alive.”

New York (Friendship).—We have a small circle of seven ladies of the classes of 1883 and 1884. We follow the plan of work given in The Chautauquan and find it a help, as all know what is to be reviewed; our plan is to talk the lesson over. While going through Greek history we had one or two short essays each week—subject assigned by the president. A lady nearly seventy years old gave us a beautiful essay on Geology. She is a member of the class of 1883, and expects to be at Chautauqua next fall to receive her diploma. There are none of the class more enthusiastic than she. Her reading has been a source of comfort, as well as profit; has lightened her burdens, giving her little breathing spells in the busy whirl of her life. Last year we had no organized class and feel that much is gained by meeting and conversing on the subjects.

New York (Jamestown).—By the March number of The Chautauquan I see that the president of the Pittsburgh association, Mr. Martin, did not know when he hopefully placed that organization of C. L. S. C. as “first in paying homage to our alma mater.” On the evening of September 30 the graduates of Jamestown, the class numbering twenty-five, met for a “jubilee reunion.” The secretary of all the years, Mrs. D. W. Hatch, read a condensed history of the work and life of the circle, and its diminishing size during the years’ siftings. The president discussed the “Chautauqua Idea,” congratulating the members in this the overcoming of the hindrances and discouragements, that he knew had attended the years now ended. If there had been any lack of enthusiasm it would have been supplied by the “real presence” of the C. L. S. C. flag and banner, that had been brought from its secure storage for another purpose, and which, for the first time, was hailed by a few who had not been able to follow it through the Golden Gate; and that old flag told such a story that it seemed almost sacred. Jamestown has also an earnest circle of twelve girls from the Sunday-school of the Methodist Episcopal Church, organized this year, and doing good work, under the supervision of Mrs. M. Bailey. Good idea.

Pennsylvania (Allegheny).—A local circle was formed here December 22. We are now advancing splendidly, and every meeting shows an increased interest in the work.

Pennsylvania (Stroudsburg).—On Saturday evening, June 24, 1882, Mr. O. W. Deck, of Rehresburg, also a member of the C. L. S. C., delivered a public lecture under the auspices of the circle, his subject being one of the mottoes of the C. L. S. C., “We study the word and the works of God.” The lecture has been very highly spoken of by all who attended. Our circle is growing, and we believe a great amount of good has been and is being done.

Pennsylvania (Media).—A number of the ladies of Media, feeling the need of higher culture, and the pleasure of seeking that culture in connection with each other, met on the evening of October 3, 1882, and organized a society, with constitution and by-laws, the society to be called the “Chautauqua Local Circle of Media.” There are seven now in our circle, with abundant promise of a larger circle next year.

Pennsylvania (McKeesport).—We have received a poem read by Charles A. Pitts, of McKeesport, Pa., on board the “Vincent” on the evening of August 16, 1882, at an excursion tendered the class of ’84 by Mr. Fairbanks, of Chicago. We regret that we cannot publish the entire poem, but lack of space prevents. We give the following stanzas:

Pennsylvania (Girard).—At Girard, Pa., a little town of about one thousand inhabitants, the C. L. S. C. members of the Class of ’82 organized a local circle in 1878. The circle was reorganized in October, 1882, and at present has a membership of thirty-four, five of whom were graduated with the Class of ’82; four are of the Class of ’83, twenty-one of the Class of ’86, and the other four are local members. The object of our circle is to hold together and help the regular members of the C. L. S. C.; hence we have not made our meetings public, and admit local members only on condition that they read at least one hour a week of the required reading. Most of our work, aside from reading and study at home, is done in sub-local circles, of three or four members each, who meet about once a week, talk over their special work, and bring difficulties and results to the regular monthly meeting.

Pennsylvania (Houtzdale).—This is a community of about eight thousand people. The Philomathic Circle was organized November 28, 1882. We now have succeeded in reading up with the advance, and are taking a review. The membership has been limited to twenty-five, because we are obliged to meet at the houses of the members. We are looking forward to the time when we can have a regular place of meeting and increase the membership. There are many here who would like to join us.

Pennsylvania (Bradford).—The Bryant branch of the C. L. S.C. was organized in November. We have nine regular and several local members. Thus far the meetings have been very prosperous, and out of nine members we have had an average attendance of eight. We have some hope of increasing the numbers of our circle, as another circle here has been broken up and several members have expressed a desire to join us. At our last meeting we voted to have a critic appointed at each meeting, who shall take notes, and at the end of each exercise shall bring his criticisms before the circle.

Pennsylvania (Erie).—We commend to local circles everywhere the following excellent plan for studying the geography of the heavens, sent us by Prof. H. A. Strong, of Erie:—At the beginning of the study of astronomy, the circle took up the subject of celestial geography, and intend to pursue it the entire two months until the map of the heavens becomes as well outlined as that of the earth. We turned to the chart of the heavens given on pages 201, etc., in Warren’s Astronomy, and entered on the study of these celestial maps immediately. We had no trouble with the circumpolar constellations as given in figure 67 of the text-book. These were readily found in the heavens above, traced and mastered. But further on we find the other constellations are described and located in the heavens for September and November, and such location only confused and led astray for the present study. Our researches in the heavens were well nigh blocked, when we had the good fortune to find a chart of the entire heavens that removed all our difficulties and made the study of the stars easy and delightful. This chart is entitled a “Movable Planisphere of the Heavens,” the work of Henry Whitall, 130 Grand St., New York, adapted as an atlas to go with Burritt’s “Geography of the Heavens,” and the chart was copyrighted in the year 1862. The perfection of this atlas of the heavens is that it can be so arranged by a simple adjustment as to show the visible heavens, with the position of all the constellations, and the names of all the principal stars, for any observer in any hour or any night of the whole year. It is a key that unlocks the heavens, and any layman can use it. The chart consists of two circular boards about fifteen inches in diameter attached to each other, with the upper one pivoted upon and revolving about the lower one. The lower and immovable board has painted upon it the geography of the starry heavens as divided into constellations, and the upper board being set for any night of the month shows what constellations are rising, setting, on the meridian, or in any part of the firmament. Actual trial has proved its use and success as compass and guide book. Such a method in this study gives a delight that only trial can reveal. Astronomy thus studied illumines the page of inspiration; and the works of God explain the Word of God. Such readings of the heavens gem with added lustre the divine question, “Canst thou bind the sweet influences of the Pleiades or loose the bands of Orion?”

District of Columbia (Washington).—A few of us concluded to push the Chautauqua movement here, and so we went to work to ascertain how many circles had been formed, and as a result representatives from Parker, Union, Foundry, and Dumbarton circles met and organized a Chautauqua Union, the object being for mutual interest and to endeavor to organize other circles during the coming summer and fall, to secure lectures upon the topics connected with the readings, and to do anything that would bring to popular attention the grand C. L. S. C. The first thing we did was to go to the fountain-head, and on March 16, Dr. J. H. Vincent lectured in the Foundry Methodist Episcopal Church, before the Union and a very large audience, upon the Chautauqua work, with marked success, and with his usual eloquence and power to interest and instruct. The lecture was free, as we wished those to come who could not well afford to pay for admission. We wish to reach the very lowliest. His lecture caused many to join circles, even at this late day, and we expect to reap a grand harvest next October. But this is not all. Our lines have fallen in pleasant places. On the 20th Mrs. Spofford, a large-hearted lady, invited the Union, through Foundry Circle, to meet in her parlors Bishop H. W. Warren, a counselor of the C. L. S. C., and author of “Recreations in Astronomy.” There was a large gathering, and the bishop and his fair daughter were cordially welcomed. Mrs. Lydia H. Tilton welcomed the bishop with the following lines:

Florida (Miccosukie).—Our local circle was organized March 14, with Rev. W. S. Richardson, president. I think it is the first local circle in the State; there are several members of the C. L. S. C., however, who are pursuing their studies alone. We organized with five members, all of whom seem deeply interested in the work.

Ohio (Plain City).—About October 1 we organized a local circle of fourteen members. Soon after, by the appointment of conference, our pastor’s family was removed, which, with the removal of another family, deprived us of five of our most reliable members, and disspirited the remaining ones. The consequence is that we have not attained a very sure footing as yet. We have not succeeded in having enough members present to accomplish anything at meetings more than once or twice, although one or two of us have exerted ourselves to secure an attendance, and have a program prepared. Most, however, are doing the reading and enjoying it. If some enthusiastic Chautauquan can suggest a plan by which we may bring about a better state of affairs in our circle, we shall be glad to hear from him or her.

Ohio (New Albany).—We are all very well pleased with the course. We feel much stronger now than when we commenced last October. The work commends itself to all, old and young.

Ohio (Norwalk).—Our circle is doing a grand work. All of the graduates are members of the local circles, and are reading the seal courses.

Indiana (Monticello).—We organized a local C. L. S. C. January 24, 1883. Seven of us are taking the full course, two of whom did last year’s work. Besides those taking the regular course, nine are taking The Chautauquan this year with the intention of reading the full course next year. It is impossible to tell you how much we love the work. Many are becoming interested in the readings, and we hope to have a better report next year.

Illinois (Chicago).—One of the most difficult things we found was naming the circle. It was weeks before we could find a suitable name, but our motto was “nil desperandum” and at last we came off conquering, for we are now the “Vincent (conquering) Circle,” of Chicago.

Illinois (Hampshire).—Our meetings are conducted wholly on a conversational plan, led by our president and everyone taking part. The members are all very much interested in the work, and show a great deal of enthusiasm. Each book is left with regret.

Illinois (Peoria).—The Y. M. C. A. of Peoria has been trying to find the best method for putting their members in the way of doing themselves a permanent good, and to get an interest in their thoughts and hopes, tastes and inclinations, so as to guide them to that which is higher and better. After many efforts they believe they have found it: “We have our gymnasium for those who like it, some receptions with refreshments, and some games, chess, checkers, etc., and a library, and the periodicals, but such things do not take a hold upon earnest natures so as to create a new life in them. They are not exhilarating or inspiring. We finally have concluded that the C. L. S. C. was just what we wanted, and adopted it. There is certainly a very great benefit in the knowledge that 30,000 people are taking the same course, that our work is all laid out for us, a definite amount for each week. It is a great advantage to the committee on program; they are not compelled to spend any time in discussing what they will take up next, and how much. The members of the circle waste no time in suggesting this, that and the other thing to the committee. Many a circle would be disintegrated and broken up if they should attempt to discuss what study they would take up next, and how much and in what manner it should be studied; just as many persons waste their lives vainly attempting to determine the question what they shall do, and most people waste a large part of their leisure moments because they have no plan for using them systematically. I look upon the ‘Chautauqua Idea’ as one of the greatest and best ideas of our wonderfully rich and fruitful century, and I believe it is only in its infancy, and anything I can do to help it along I desire to do. It seems to me that the C. L. S. C., and the Book-a-month, and the C. Y. F. R. U, are very proper departments of Y. M. C. A. work, and that their introduction into Y. M. C. A.’s would greatly strengthen the associations and greatly benefit the members, and I can (now) see no objection to the Y. M. C. A. being used to introduce the ‘Chautauqua Ideas,’ and thus be made to do good and get good. Mr. Hill, of Ohio, has succeeded in having the movement favorably endorsed by the Y. M. C. A. State Conference of Ohio. I think I will try to attend the International Y. M. C. A. Conference at Milwaukee this spring, and bring the matter up there; but in the meantime if it could be brought before State and local organizations, it would be so much time saved. It seems to me that small Y. M. C. A.’s would be even more benefited than large ones by the C. L. S. C., and that they might be maintained with a C. L. S. C. in country neighborhoods and small hamlets where they could not exist alone. The size of our C. L. S. C. puzzles me now, and I hardly know what to do about it. Owing to the large number of members we are compelled to limit each member to answering one question, and to something like one minute in which to do that. If the circle were smaller each one would have more time. But I am afraid to try to divide it, for fear some will thereby be discouraged. Still there are new members who wish to join, and if size was no detriment to a circle, I think we could commence the next year with two hundred members. We have rather encouraged the organization of a local circle in the R. E. Church, of which Alex. G. Tryng is a member. I think they have about fifteen (all local) members, no regular C. L. S. C. We have not encouraged any but regular C. L. S. C. members to join our circle, though we have seven local members.” This circle sends in a report of fifty-seven regular members, with an average attendance of forty-five.

Wisconsin (North Leeds).—I have read much, but no course of reading that I’ve ever undertaken has afforded me the genuine satisfaction which I have received from the C. L. S. C.

Michigan (Davison Station).—We organized a circle here in December last, and now have a membership of fifteen. Commencing so late in the year, we are still somewhat behind in our reading, but we are trying to do extra work, and hope to finish the year’s work in time to begin with the class next October.

Tennessee (Memphis).—The Memphis local circle was organized on July 23, 1880, with eight members. Mr. J. R. Pepper was elected president. The membership increased to twenty-nine during the first few months following its organization, and thirty-five joined the Class of 1885 formed in October-December, 1881. During the winter of 1881-82 there were seventy-five persons engaged in reading the course, although only fifty belonged to the local circle. The Memphis local circle held monthly meetings from the date of its organization until October last, when its members were divided into three local circles, the smaller bodies proving more beneficial in their results and more convenient, since the members are scattered over the entire city. The three societies now in existence are the Central, Chelsea, and the South Memphis local circles. The Central circle consists of sixty members, and meets on the first Friday evening of each month. The Chelsea circle meets in the school room at the brick church, on the evenings of the first and third Tuesdays of each month. It contains thirty-two members. The South Memphis circle, containing about twenty members, meets in the Second Presbyterian church, on the second and fourth Tuesday evenings of each month. All the circles are in a prosperous condition, and the interest taken in them is progressing steadily.

Minnesota (St. Paul).—We have received from Professor Daniels, of the Academy of Science at St. Paul, some encouraging words: “I came up here on account of some Geological work in the Rocky Mountains last fall, and have remained with my family to begin the organization of a campaign for scientific and industrial education in these new States. I have hunted up the scattered Chautauquans, and endeavored to persuade them to enlarge their circle, and take up the scientific part of the course with greater earnestness. I see a mighty future for your work, and am stirred to enthusiastic admiration of it, and it seems to me a grand opportunity is opened to ally it with scientific development and place it in the front rank of educational progress. Myself and my whole family have joined the class, and we are live Chautauquans, doing our class readings and drawing others into it as we can. We meet to-morrow evening at the house of Mrs. Emily Huntington Miller, well known to you I presume.”

Iowa (Maquoketa).—This is the first year of a branch of the C. L. S. C. in Maquoketa; although we did not organize our local circle until late in November, we have thirty-eight members, who seem to be in earnest and doing good work. Rev. F. C. Wolf is our president. It was through his efforts that the interest in the C. L. S. C. was awakened and a circle organized. We have a committee of three, who arrange a program for each meeting. We have essays and talks on subjects assigned, written questions brought in by the members to be answered by the circle, readings of selections from The Chautauquan, or the books we have been reading, and the last half-hour devoted to “Round-Table Talk.” Our president had great difficulty at first to get the tongues loosened, and we had numerous long pauses in the conversation, but we know how to improve the time now, and all enjoy it.

Iowa (Washington).—Our local circle has a membership of thirty-eight, six of whom have taken up the four years’ C. L. S. C. work. We meet every Monday evening at the homes of the different members, and our program consists in reading, answering questions in The Chautauquan, and general discussion of the subjects under consideration, after which the secretary calls the roll, and each member responds with a quotation from a favorite author.

Missouri (St. Louis).—Under the efficient leadership of its president, Miss Helen Peabody, the circle here is doing good work, and is one of the largest and best sustained literary societies in the city.

Kansas (Leavenworth).—This circle was organized March 5, 1883, with eighteen members, which have since been increased to twenty-nine. At the meeting, Mrs. Burrows, of Ohio, a graduate of C. L. S. C., was present, and it was largely through her influence and zeal (according to knowledge) that the circle started so auspiciously. The membership includes teachers, lawyers, merchants and others, and all seem thoroughly alive to the benefits of the mental and social culture which the course affords. We begin several months behind the class of 1886, but we don’t forget that we live in a State whose motto is “Ad astra per aspera,” (“To the stars through difficulties.”)

Idaho Territory (Ketchum).—We are two. Only a Chautauquan couple in this far-away little mining-camp, whose natural location brings to mind with new beauty the words, “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even forever.” We have had our books less than one month, and are still in our first enthusiasm over the glad fact of each being one of the 12,000 of the class of 1886. Beginning with the readings for October, we have read up to date—everything on English History—Ancient Greece, Preparatory Greek Course, Scandinavian, and Sunday Readings, besides pouring delightedly over every thing in The Chautauquan relating to the C. L. S. C. work, longing for the time when the completion of the required reading will allow us to enjoy all of the excellent things therein. With cordial greetings for all Chautauquans, and especially warm ones for the lonely ones scattered in solitary places, we hope to remain unto the end.

Oregon (Portland).—On December 11, 1882, was organized the first Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle (within our knowledge) in Oregon. We feel quite encouraged, as we had so little difficulty in getting started, and all seem to take a great interest, notwithstanding our class is composed almost entirely of working people. By this I mean those who have little or no leisure even, outside of daily labor, but what should in a measure be devoted to the home circle; still we are becoming (even within so short a time) so attached to our class or circle, that we class it among one of our household and family treasures that both old and young can cherish and enjoy. Our class numbers sixteen. Now we are prepared to go along with the lessons of The Chautauquan, and feel that we are more united to the Class of 1886.

Southern California (Riverside).—We have a large circle, meeting monthly in the Methodist Episcopal church, and each two weeks at the residences of members.

Canada (Toronto).—The Toronto Central Circle has a membership of about two hundred, and includes all Chautauquans in Toronto and vicinity. About seventy-five of the two hundred members are of the class of 1886, and have therefore only just begun, while others are completing their course. As yet we have only one alumnus, our enthusiastic secretary, Mr. L. C. Peake. In connection with the Central Circle are two or three strong local circles, one at least of which meets regularly, and has very interesting meetings. I think, if we may have a little space in The Chautauquan occasionally, we can furnish you with an item now and then to let Chautauquans know that Toronto is pushing ahead, and will soon have a band of Chautauquans second to no city of its size in numbers and enthusiasm. I may say we expect to have Dr. Vincent lecture here in Shaftesbury Hall soon—subject, “On the Heights.” We anticipate a rare treat. Dr. Vincent is perhaps the most popular lecturer we have on the Toronto platform.