persons must be observed. This has been done with great care for a number of years at Yale and Amherst Colleges, by Jay W. Seaver, A. M., M. D., College Physician of Yale University, and Professor Edward Hitchcock, M. D., of Amherst. The development of hundreds of young men has been carefully studied, their growth in important particulars being measured from two to four times during their college course.. The result is thus stated by Dr. Seaver in an article in the Arena for Second month, 1897: "For purposes of comparison the men composing a class in Yale have been divided into three groups. The first is made up of those who The first is made up of those who do not use tobacco in any form; the second consists of those who have used it regularly for at least a year of the college course; the third group includes the irregular users. A compilation of the authropometric data on this basis shows that during the period of undergraduate life, which is essentially 31⁄2 years, the first group grows in weight 10.4 per cent. more than the second, and 6.6 per cent. more than the third. In height the first group grows 24 per cent. more than the second, and 11 per cent. more than the third; in girth of chest the first group grows 26.7 per cent. more than the second, and 22 more than the third; in capacity of lungs the first group gains 77 per cent. more than the second, and 49.5 per cent. more than the third.'

To express this in common fractions, the non-user has the advantage over the habitual user in amount of growth as follows in weight one-tenth; in height and in girth of chest one-quarter; and in capacity of lungs three-quarters.

Dr. Seaver also gives the following facts as to younger students:

"A tabulation of the records of the students who entered Yale in nine years, when all the young men were examined and measured, shows that the smokers averaged fifteen months older than the non-smokers, but that their size—except in weight, which was one and four-tenths kilograms more, —was inferior in height to the extent of seven millimeters, and in lung-capacity to the extent of eighty cubic centimeters. The observed rate of growth at this age would lead us to expect that the smokers, from their greater age, would surpass the others by one kilogram in weight, two millimeters in height, and one hundred cubic centimeters in lung-capacity.” Of the effects "in mental lines in mental lines" he says: We must always be exceedingly careful in handling statistics of the mental process. Out of our highest scholarship men only a very small percentage (about five) use tobacco, while of the men who do not get appointed (lower half or two-thirds of the class) over 60 per cent. are tobacco users. But this does not mean that mental decreptitude follows the use of tobacco, for we may read the results in another way, viz. : the kind of mind that permits its possessor to become addicted to a habit that is primarily offensive and deteriorating is the kind of mind that will be graded low on general intellectual tests.” In other words, the boy that begins to use tobacco is already mentally inferior, and by the certain deterioration of his physical powers, his already inferior mind may be rendered more inferior. In view of these facts, is it "manly" to use tobacco ? C. M. S.

NEWS OF FRIENDS. Alfred Cook, an English Friend, having a minute of unity as a member (he not being a recorded minister), has attended some of our meetings, his mission being to encourage a more brotherly feeling among the dif ferent branches of Friends. He attended Green Street Monthly Meeting, and spoke with acceptance in the first meeting. His minute was read in both men's and women's meetings.

At the Monthly Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia (Race street), last week, it was decided for the present to continue to meet in the evening, as has been done for three months.

The Committee on Best Interests had corresponded with over one hundred absent members, and

visited many near home, including quite a number of non-members who attend our meetings. They urged greater sociability with those who attend our meetings, especially strangers. If each one would follow Dr. Joseph Parrish's advice to his children of always shaking hands with those sitting next to them the in terest in one another would be promoted.

The Circular Meeting at Frankford, on the 7th inst., was a comfortable opportunity, but much smaller than twenty years ago. Five recorded ministers were. in attendance, including one belonging to Abington. T.

There is quite a colony of Friends at and near Lansdowne, Delaware county, too far from Darby meeting for those not having conveyances. Those deprived of this privilege feel the need of a meeting in that locality, and it is suggested that it would be well for them to meet at one another's dwellings on Firstday, and thus initiate a movement in that direction. A First-day school could also be held in connection therewith.

FRANCES WILLARD AND THE TREE.-Elizabeth Cady Stanton, in the Woman's Journal, describes a visit Frances Willard made to her in New Jersey some years ago.

"As she appreciated fine scenery, we took several drives on the Palisades. It was in the leafy month of June, when nature was at her best. Starting out one morning, I said: 'Now, Frances, we will drive where there is one of the most magnificent views we have yet seen.' But nearing the point, lo! a tree had fallen across the road, and as it was too narrow a place in which to turn, for a moment we were in a quandary. Frances promptly jumped out, saying, 'Wait till I look at the tree.' I could not see what good her looking at the tree would do, but I soon discovered. She seized the top branches and slowly pulled it round, until we had a safe pathway. She came laughing back and said, 'The tree was of light wood and not as large as it seemed; many of our blocks in life could be easily conquered if we would only go at them with a will.'"

WHAT PRAYER INCLUDES.-Prayer is more than simple petition. It sometimes seems to be looked at as though it were like an order sent to the butcher, to the baker, or to the grocer, for a daily supply of food, and little else besides. But true prayer includes specific thanks for what has been given, and communion with the Giver of all good. Prayer includes supplication for one's self, intercession for others, praise out of a grateful heart, and conference with Him who is worthy of all praise, and who ought to be communed with continually.—S. S. Times.

GRANT, O my God, that neither joy nor sorrow shall visit my heart in vain. Make me wise and strong to the performance of immediate duties; and ripen me by what means thou seest best for the per-. formance of those that lie beyond.-Margaret Fuller.

Friends' Intelligencer and Journal.

EDITORS: HOWARD M. JENKINS. LYDIA H. HALL. RACHEL W. HILLBORN. PHILADELPHIA, THIRD MONTH 26, 1898.

CHANGE AT SWARTHMORE.

THE resignation of Dr. De Garmo from the presidency of Swarthmore College, announced several weeks ago, has been followed by the appointment of his successor, Principal William W. Birdsall. The change will take effect at the close of the present college year.

In his withdrawal from the charge at Swarthmore, Dr. De Garmo will have, we are sure, the kindliest feeling and the most cordial good wishes of all who have been associated with him, or have had acquaintance with his work. His courteous and kindly temper and the fidelity with which he has labored to advance the educational standing of the College, until it stands abreast of any college of its grade, will be recalled with satisfaction by its friends. His new post at Cornell is of a character to give scope to his special studies in the methods of education, and will afford opportunity as well for his fine abilities as a teacher.

With the future of Swarthmore all of us are intimately concerned. It is the one institution which affords for our Society the advantages of advanced education, and it has been planted, watched over, and worked for by many earnest and devoted men and women. The task of its successful maintenance is not an easy one, in the face of the attractions which larger and other institutions offer; nor is it so easy as it would be if all who desire their sons and daughters. carefully and guardedly educated would fully appreciate the advantages which the smaller colleges offer for the student who has not fully reached maturity of judgment and steadfastness of purpose.

To the charge of the College the managers have decided to appoint the Principal of one of our largest and most important preparatory schools. Professor Birdsall's position is one in close touch with the College work, and his selection is a promotion which must be regarded as natural. He has the advantage | of close familiarity with Swarthmore, and he is cordially in sympathy with the work it is doing. As an educator of experience, he understands that it is no light task to assume its direction, and he will enter upon his duties, we are sure, with a full appreciation of the need there is for earnest and persevering effort. It should, and certainly it will be, a source of satisfaction to all who are interested in the Friendly character of Swarthmore College-which was and is its reason for being-that the new president is an

earnest member of our Society, active for many years in its affairs, and devoted to the principles and testimonies which it strives to maintain. It should, and we believe it will, have an important influence on the future of the College that the new president will bring to his position an intelligent knowledge of the Society's condition, a full sympathy with its work, and an intimate and wide-spread acquaintance with the young people who must be its future support.

Professor Birdsall, as has already been suggested, has had extended experience as an educator, and stands high in his profession. We have full confidence in his ability to meet worthily the demands of the College for broad and yet practical scholarship. And we bespeak for him the cordial support of all who would like to see Swarthmore continue successfully on its way, increasing in influence as the years increase.

BIRTHS.

H EACOCK.-Near Alliance, Ohio, Second month 26, 1898, to Nathan Ernest and Nancy Luella Heacock, a son, who is named Enos George.

HICKS.-Near Newtown, Bucks county, Pa., Third month 1, 1898, to William P. and Nellie B. Hicks, a daughter, who is named Cornelia, (she being a great-granddaughter of the late Edward Hicks, the minister).

KESTER.—Near Mordansville, Columbia county, Pa., Second month 25, 1898, to John J. and Mary S. Kester, members of the Monthly Meeting of Friends held at Millville, Pa., a son, who is named Charles Leslie.

STABLER.—At 648 W. 158th Street, New York City, Third month 7, 1898, to Walter and Clara Merton Stabler, a son, who is named Francis.

MARRIAGES.

NOBLE—HALLOCK.—On Fourth-day, Third month 16, 1898, at Friends' meeting-house, 15th street and Rutherfurd Place, N. Y., under care of New York Monthly Meeting, Franklin Noble and Marianna Hallock, daughter of Henry B. and Anna B. Hallock, all of Brooklyn, N. Y.

DEATHS.

CLARK.-In Lambertville, N. J., Third month 1, 1898, of cancer, Francenia Q. Clark, wife of Smith Clark, and daughter of James and Grace Quinby, of Carversville, Bucks county, Pa., aged 45 years.

ELY.-Near New Hope, Bucks county, Pa., Twelfth month 5, 1897, Britton Ely, in his 86th year, formerly of Philadelphia. Interment at Solebury Friends' ground.

EVANS.-At Tacoma, Wash., First month 29, 1898, Ellwood Evans, son of the late Charles and Rachel S. Evans, of Philadelphia, aged 69 years and I month.

He had filled several important stations in that State. HAINES.—At the residence of her son, Clarksboro', aged 79 years. N. J., Third month 13, 1898, Lydia, widow of John Haines, aged 79 years. Interment at Mullica Hill.

NEEDLES.-In Baltimore, Md,, Third month 17, 1898, Augusta Stratton, wife of John A. Needles, in her 61st year,

PARRY.-Near Riverton, N. J., Third month 15, 1898, William Parry, son of the late William Parry, in his 49th year; a member of Westfield Preparative, and Chester, N. J., Monthly Meeting.

SMEDLEY.-In Upper Providence, Delaware county, Pa., of pneumonia, Third month 8, 1898, Ann Eliza W., wife of James Smedley, and daughter of the late Charles and Rachel Sleeper, in her 74th year; a member of Chester Monthly Meeting, Pa.

Interment at Media Cemetery.

TYLER.—At his residence in Greenwich, N. J., Second month 4, 1898, John Tyler, Sr., aged 90 years.

FRIENDS IN THE WEST.

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA, MEETING.

THE Friends of Lincoln held a meeting for worship Third month 13, II o'clock, in the G. A. R. Hall. Isaiah Lightner was present, and after gathering in silence, read from the Scriptures the 12th chapter of Romans. Following this was an earnest supplication for individual encouragement, spiritual comfort, and national peace at this time when a threatening crisis seemed pending.

He was especially favored in remarks that seemed unusual and impressive, and we feel that we voice the feeling of the meeting in saying that not only the spoken word, but also the efforts and interest shown. by this kind Friend are greatly appreciated.

Ira P. Bedell, who has returned with his family from California to his farm near Fairbury, was also with us, and it is a benefit to have the helpful influence of these good people with us once more. We find ourselves wishing that others of our membership, who have wandered to distant parts, might find it to their interest to come back. After the hour of worship had passed, the executive meeting met in adjourned session, the regular meeting in Second month having been prevented on account of a very bad

storm.

The principal business before the meeting was whether we should adopt the report of the committee appointed by the last Half-Year's Meeting to accept the invitation of the Friends at Garrison to entertain the Half-Year's Meeting this year, which was kindly given, owing to the limited number of Friends at Lincoln. The meeting, while fully appreciating the generous motives prompting the action of the committee, were united in retaining the meeting at Lincoln as usual, this being the most convenient railroad center, and the entertainment considered in no wise burdensome. Therefore, we trust this will meet the approval of all concerned, and, in behalf of the Executive Meeting, extend to all a cordial welcome to attend this meeting, fuller notice of which will appear in due time.

The nominating committee reported in favor of retaining the present officers another year, with which the meeting united.

Mary B. White and daughter Zella were acceptably received into membership by certificate from Blue River Monthly Meeting.

The queries were all read and answered, Isaiah Lightner again calling attention to the necessity of each one bearing faithful testimony at the present time in regard to war.

The monthly meeting at Samuel Coale's, at Bennett, has been held regularly the first First-day in each month. There have been no meetings for worship

held in Lincoln since Eighth month, until the one above mentioned,

A meeting was appointed to be held on the second First-day in the Fourth month, at the home of the Clerk, in University Place.

The meeting adjourned to meet at the home of David Swaney, at the usual time in Fifth month. ADALINE A. GARLOCK, Clerk.

On Seventh-day, the 12th inst., I left my home to attend an adjourned meeting of Lincoln Executive Meeting, which was held in the G. A. R. Hall on the 13th. Near the time appointed (11 o'clock) about thirty Friends assembled, and after spending about one hour in meeting for worship, the business part of the meeting was taken up.

After a silent waiting in the meeting for worship the 12th chapter of Romans was read, a vocal prayer offered, and then words of general encouragement were spoken, all of which were very kindly received, and the hearts of those present made glad by having thus been together.

This being the Executive Meeting, at which all of the queries were to be answered, some two hours were taken up in transacting all of the business, which was done in much harmony. A committee was appointed to arrange for the Nebraska Half Year Meeting, which is to be held in the G. A. R. Hall, at Lincoln, Neb., the last Second-day in Fourth month. They also arranged for a special meeting to be held at Adaline A. Garlock's, University Place, on the second First-day in Fourth month.

Ira P. Bedell, who has been in California for the last ten months, has returned to his farm near Fairbury, Neb., where he expects to reside, and he will again take his place in Lincoln Meeting. This meeting has been under some discouragement for the past year, and the meeting for worship has not been regularly held, but we now feel encouraged and hope they will again resume their meeting.

Monroe, Neb., Third month 14.

ISAIAH LIGHTNER.

For Friends' Intelligencer.

NOTES FROM ISAAC WILSON.-VII. OUR last letter left us in Buffalo, N. Y., where we enjoyed the day socially with our relatives. Leaving on Fifth-day afternoon (10th inst.) we soon crossed the newly-constructed steel bridge now spanning the Niagara river, on the site of the old Suspension Bridge, and are once more on Canadian soil, just six weeks from the day of leaving home. Reaching our daughter's that night at Guelph, Ont., I find that in the forty-two days we have attended forty-eight meetings, been in fifty-six different homes, and rode over 2,200 miles, enjoying good health all the time. For this, with other blessings, we feel truly thankful. Although having turned our faces homeward, after a day or two of rest, we turn aside about one hundred miles, accompanied by our daughter and grandson, to visit Friends at Coldstream, finding a hearty welcome with Daniel and Susan Zavitz. We attended their meeting on First-day. Owing to the heavy rain it

A

was not large, but a favored meeting; a desire being expressed for an afternoon appointment, we dined at Isaac Zavitz's, and met again, at 4 p.m., with a larger number than in the morning, and a corresponding interest and enjoyment.

Accompanying our friends, Samuel P. Zavitz and wife, to their home, we enjoyed their hospitality and friendship until time to drive to Ellis Cutler's to dine on Second-day. We were pleased to find the son, William, quite improved from his almost helpless condition (rheumatism) for a year or more. He is still unable to walk, yet very cheerful, and with the companionship of a devoted wife to help and encourage, we feel he is greatly blessed. We returned to the home of our friends, Daniel and Susan Zavitz, in the afternoon.

Third-day at noon, feeling anxious to return to our daughter's, after making some calls upon some invalid Friends, we drove seven miles to train, and after nearly one hundred miles' ride, are safely lodged without any injurious effect more than fatigue. This (Fifth-day) finds my wife suffering from a cold, though somewhat improved, but we shall not reach home. until Seventh-day morning, owing to the funeral of an intimate friend, David Brown, of Pickering, whose critical illness was in part the cause of our turning homeward as we did, and we still feel it right that we did.

We are thankful to say that our whole trip has been one of many favors, and of much satisfaction in the fact that even the wording of our minute has been carried out, in attending and appointing such meetings as Best Wisdom may direct. And surely it has directed us in pleasant ways, and I want to tender to all our dear friends who have been so kind and helpful in various ways in the prosecution of our part of the work, our sincere gratitude and appreciation, feeling assured that all willing workers share alike the reward of peace for their respective services. The very pleasant memory of extended and many new acquaintances formed during the past seven weeks will ever remain as another bright page in life's history. ISAAC WILSON.

Guelph, Ont., Third month 17.

THE COUNTRY HOME.

Extracts from an Essay by Jane K. Jarrett, Horsham, Pa., read at a Farmers' Institute, Bustleton, First month, 1898.

THIS is a nation of homes. Since the first settlers landed on these shores, their first object was to establish homes for themselves and families. They were provided with barely the necessaries of life. What they called home was rude in construction, and they often suffered hardships, and were in want of comforts which were beyond their reach. However it was a spot in which they were protected from the elements, and the dangers of frontier life.

From time to time they were able to add some improvements to these homes, which became to them dear and hallowed through sacrifices and difficulties, which only they knew and realized.

Wonderful strides in progress have been made from that time until now. While we would not want to go

back to the scenes and surroundings of our forefathers, there is evidently a crying need of some of their economy, in the making and furnishing of our homes at the present time. Our city homes as well as those in the rural districts are alike too extravagant. It burdens the hearts and minds of the keepers who are in moderate circumstances.

Such a heavy mental strain does not conduce to the happiness, which would be realized in a home kept in a more moderate style. Our homes are very much what we make them. If we adapt ourselves to our circumstances, and turn hard conditions into discipline, we get all the happiness out of life there is in it. If we contract our desires we are as rich as anybody.

Our grandfathers and our fathers contrived to save money at farming, with farm produce much the same in price as it is now; they improved their homes in a plain substantial way, while we have departed from this. in a great measure, and adopted a fancy and showy style.

They did not have the improved machinery on the farm that we have to-day, and possibly not as heavy crops are raised under the present system. Surely something is wrong. While machinery is necessary to facilitate the work, there is some which can be done without.

The farmer only enriches the pocket of the machine agent, impoverishes his own, and the machine proves of not enough value for the money invested. It needs a wise and practical discrimination to decide what to buy in the way of machinery and what to discard. This is not the only extravagance of our farmers, but everything else is in the same proportion.

The years which intervened from the time of the civil war up to '85 or '90 were a time when we all grew extravagant. Not only farmers but all classes are in

cluded in this. It appeared as if there was not a thought given to economy. The boys and the girls. who were reared to manhood and womanhood in that interval are the ones who are suffering the most under the present depression. The same ruthless extravagance is at the head of our government. Salaries in many instances have been doubled, offices have multiplied, and who has to pay the bill? The farmers, principally. Mother Earth must produce it under your care. Can you do it, and keep your homes in any degree of comfort? Is it not time to call a halt? Is it not time for the voters of this land to look around them for a party to install at the head of the government, which will lessen expenses, and legislate for the good of the community, and not solely for its own pocket?

We read in the Bible and the old histories of the

warnings given to great nations, and great cities, that if they did not cease their extravagance, and evil doings, they would surely fall, and in every instance it proved true. Need we have any fear in this direction? Every right minded man or woman, who is dependent upon God for light and strength for his daily life, has a fear in this direction.

Our sisters too, have taken a wide departure from

must decorate the inside of the fancy homes, then vexations and worries come along as twin sisters. It is a mistaken idea, and lacks true moral courage, to think we must make and furnish our homes in the same beautiful style as our more wealthy neighbors. While it is right that we should do the very best we can in this line, it is not right we should allow the love of the beautiful to carry us beyond what we can afford. Those who are our friends will think none the less of us if our home is plain; and those who give us the cold shoulder for this reason, are not worthy the name of friends. Aside from successful home making in a financial point of view, there are many enemies to encounter and overcome. The saloon is a formidable enemy that "biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder."

Many bright and beautiful homes have been swept away like chaff before the wind. It brings desolation in its pathway; is relentless and merciless in its ravages of destruction. The most eloquent appeals from the stoutest, bravest and most loving hearts are of no avail. The law sanctions it and gives the injured ones no redress. Yet, this is the land of the free and the home of the brave. Again we encounter an enemy in our own weaknesses, our uncurbed passions, which wither the hopes and affections of human nature, blighting the love and tender relations one should bear toward the other.

THE EVASION OF TAXES.

From President Harrison's Address.

If there is not enough public virtue left in our communities to make tax frauds discreditable, if there is not virility enough left in our laws and the administration of justice in our courts to bring to punishment those who defraud the State and their neighbors, if crimes of fraud may stalk unrebuked and unpunished in our streets, how long will it be until crimes of violence make insecure the fortunes that have refused to contribute ratably to the cost of maintaining social order? The failures which have accompanied, in an increased ratio, the attempt to collect the personal property tax have led many tax-reformers to favor its total abolition and the substitution of other forms of taxation. The failure of the wealthy holders of these intangible securities to pay their just proportion of the cost of government has stimulated a demand for special forms of taxation and for progressive taxation, with a view in some measure to recoup to the community the losses which are inflicted by evasive or fraudulent tax returns. These efforts should serve as a warning. The people will not consent that this state of things shall be accepted as a permanent condition. If we are to have no taxes save such as in their nature necessarily exclude concealment and bribery, what tax will remain? If we admit the disgraceful conclusion that the state of public and private morals has become such in our country that the wealthy may not be brought under the law and compelled to yield it reverence and obedience, have we not confessed the failure of republican institutions?

Conferences, Associations, Etc.

SOLEBURY, PA.-The Young Friends' Association met in the The meeting-house, as usual, First-day afternoon, 13th inst. meeting being promptly called to order by the president, Ella B. Carter, a brief silence was observed, after which the minutes of the previous meeting were read by the secretary, Mattie Reeder.

The following report of the Executive Committee for appointments for Fourth month, was made by Seth T, Walton, on behalf of the committee: Which is the greater virtue, justice or charity?" assigned to Seth Walton. Reply to same, Florence R. Kenderdine. "Who exerted the most good on our Society-George Fox or William Penn?" assigned to Mattie Reeder. Reply to same, Martha B. White. "What is the Decalogue?" assigned to R. Ella Paxson.

None who were appointed to report on the various sections were present, and their appointments were therefore continued.

"

'What is the difference between premonition and revelation?" was answered by Watson Kenderdine. He thought premonition meant a warning of what may occur, revelation a record of a revealment of what has occurred. Exceptions were taken to the answer. Stephen Betts thought a revelation was not something that had occurred. Seth T. Walton believed the two words had very much the same meaning, as did also Eastburn Reeder. Ella B. Carter and Seth T. Walton expressed the thought that a revelation was of divine origin and that a premonition, though strange and phenomenal, was not considered divine.

An excellent reading was given by George H. Ely, from a work dedicated to the Society of Friends, by David Newport. This closed the regular exercises for the day.

The meeting was smaller than usual, partly owing to sick- . ness and bad weather. The secretary read the names of members, of which there were found to be fifty-three, and some surprise was felt that the Association is not more largely attended.

After some discussion among those present on various subjects of interest, a short period of quiet, was observed and the meeting adjourned until the second First-day in Fourth. month. FLORENCE R. KENDERDINE, Correspondent.

PHILADELPHIA.—A regular meeting of the Young Friends' Association was held on Second-day evening, Third month 14. The president and first vice-president being absent, and evening, J. Eugene Baker acted as chairman of the meeting. the second vice-president being one of the readers of the The minutes of the annual meeting were accepted as read. Full reports were read from the standing committees. The Literature Section gave a brief review of one of their completed biographies; this was the "Memories of Old Friends,' being extracts from the journals and letters of Caroline Fox. The Building Committee reported progress and that preliminary plans for the proposed new building were being prepared. On behalf of the Executive Committee, J. Eugene Baker presented a report. Three new members have joined the Association and plans were made for subsequent meetings. The president appointed the following as a Lecture Committee: Mary B. Paxson, William W. Birdsall, Anna A. Emley, Jesse W. Philips.

The business being finished, we began the evening with Quaker Poets of Great Britain and Ireland." J. Eugene Baker read a brief introduction, reminding us that a Quaker poet does not necessarily deal with particularly Quaker themes, and that a great fund of humor may go hand in hand with Quaker speech and garb.

The selections were from a collection of poems edited by Evelyn Noble Armitage and were read by Emma Waln, Mary S. Ash, Charles Paxson, Abby M. Hall, and Alice Hall Paxson.

The first was a beautiful poem by Elfrida Mary Crowley, entitled "An Old Town on the Riviera." It was followed by Drab Bonnets," by Bernard Barton; this was a particularly dainty and graceful poem, expressing what most of us have often felt as we see the beautiful faces under the plain bonnets. William Phillips Thompson's idea of "Taking Things Liter