LAST January, when the Agassiz Association left the protecting wing of ST. NICHOLAS, we promised to keep our friends informed of its progress and condition. I hope that you all are kindly interested in the fulfillment of that promise. In most of the forebodings which came to us with the beginning of our more independent life we have been happily disappointed.

At first, it is true, many of the weaker Chapters fell away, but not so many as we had anticipated; and after a short time new recruits began to enlist in large numbers, so that now, in August, we find by careful census that we have more really active Chapters and a larger present membership than at any former period since we began, in 1880. Since our invitation was first carried by the ST. NICHOLAS to the young men and women of America to unite in forming an association for the study of natural science by means of personal observation, we have enrolled eleven hundred branch societies, with a total membership of twelve thousand one hundred. Besides these, there have been perhaps four or five hundred persons who have joined as individual students.

Many of these local societies, or Chapters, were organized merely as temporary classes, for the purpose of pursuing some one or more of the courses of practical work with minerals, plants, or insects, which we have been able to present. These have naturally disbanded on the completion of the courses in which they were engaged. Other Chapters have been organized with a view to permanence. These have in many cases rented rooms, or erected buildings, in which to hold meetings, establish libraries, and build up local museums. All these still remain with us, and are steadily growing in power and usefulness.

Many Chapters have been established in connection with schools. When these have been aided and superintended by the principal teachers, they are usually long-lived or permanent. When they have been organized and controlled by classes of students, independent of local residence or established teachers, they have usually disbanded at the graduation of the classes. A large number of little societies have been formed by the parents and children of single families. These have been broken up rarely, except by the sad intrusion of sickness and death. After deducting withdrawals from all these and other causes, we find by an examination of our books to-day that we have a total of six hundred and sixty-seven active, working Chapters, representing a total membership of seven thousand three hundred and sixty-three. In other words, out of all who have in any way connected themselves with us, either as temporary classes or established branches, during the past seven years, we retain as active members more than sixty per This membership is distributed as follows:

cent.

During the year, we have offered a course in mineralogy, which has been conducted by Professor W. O. Crosby, of the Boston Society of Natural History, and which has been largely patronized by conscientious and enthusiastic workers. We have emphasized the feature of special assistance to our members, by enlarging the corps of scientists who voluntarily hold themselves in readiness to answer questions and determine specimens for any members who

may apply to them. There are now forty-five of these gentlemen, who together form what we call the Council of the Agassiz Association.

Being interested to know what sort of question our young friends have been in the habit of launching at these kind specialists, a little

circular was sent to them quite recently, making a few inquiries, which will be inferred plainly enough from the answers which follow. Of course, I give only a few, but they are interesting as showing in the first place the noble spirit of unselfishness which animates a true scientist; and, in the second place, the spirit of courteous deference which inspires the earnest searcher for knowledge. I take selections nearly at random :

"Perhaps fifty or more have applied to me for help. The questions appear to come from beginners, and have been generally regarding the names of insects sent."-C. H. Fernald, Amherst College.- "The letters have indicated intelligent interest."William Trelease, Shaw School of Botany.. "The letters have invariably been courteously worded, accompanied by return postage, sensible, intelligent, and indicative of a real desire to learn." -Leland O. Howard, U. S. Dept. Agr.. "I have had a goodly number apply for help in conchology, but not one-quarter as many as I should like. I should like to hear from every Chapter."Thomas Morgan.- "It gives me great pleasure to say that I shall be most happy to continue. Without exception, all queries have been characterized by an earnest spirit, and by intelligence, and have been courteous in every instance and invariably accompanied by postage."-W. R. Lighton." About forty have applied for help in ornithology. I have been quite surprised at the character of some of the questions which were so indicative of an earnest desire to learn on the part of the quizzer."- J. de Benneville Abbott, M. D. Large numbers have corresponded with me, and it is noteworthy to remark the great good sense and discretion observed by the majority. With a most earnest desire to use my best ability to further the cause of the A. A."- O. Bruce Richards.“I am willing to render all the assistance I can to members of the A. A. who are interested in birds and reptiles. I always esteem it a privilege to help those who are trying to help themselves in original investigation."-Amos Butler."It affords me pleasure at all times to assist in smoothing the way and solving the doubts, so far as I am able, of all who apply to me. These applications have been numerous. The correspondence has uniformly been kind, and to me useful."-A. W. Chapman." A great many specimens have been sent, always accompanied by intelligent questions, showing fair discrimination. I shall be very happy to continue to be of what service I can, as I consider the effort that you are making an extremely valuable educational one, because it teaches young persons to discriminate between differences that are slight, and to cultivate habits of observation and judgment. There are very few enterprises with which I have become familiar in recent years that have a greater interest for me than this one that you are engaged in."- Thomas Egleston, Columbia College.- "Regarding the A. A., for which I have the greatest interest, I will gladly continue to answer questions in general biology. I regret that I have not kept a list of the questions received. All were to the point."- C. F. Holder." I have now labored with the Association for three years past as an assistant in my specialty, and since that time have received and answered many inquiries upon ethnology and archæology, which come from all parts of America, and occasionally from Europe. These communications come from both young and old people, and are steadily increasing in volume. I speak of the young people first, from the fact that they seem much interested in collecting archæological specimens, and in asking for information concerning the best methods of study, the geographical distribution, habits, songs, arts, folk-lore, etc., of our wild tribes."- Hilborne T. Cresson.

A prominent feature of the year's work is the increased number of older persons who have united with the A. A. While the large majority of our members are still children, and while the youngest are eagerly welcomed, yet we have been greatly strengthened by the accession of very many young men and women of from seventeen to twenty-five years of age, and also by the enrollment of large numbers of parents, teachers, and adult pupils. It is charming to find that the fascination of out-door study does not wear away. Those who have once fairly tasted the pleasure of carefully examining the structure and growth of flowers and insects, usually continue, throughout their whole lives, to draw increasing delight from renewed observations. Those who have once known the pleasure of unearthing a vein of crystals, or of making a complex mineral yield its secrets to the flame of the magic blow-pipe, never find cause for ennui, so long as they can get hold of a hammer and a stone. Those who have once raised a moth or butterfly from the egg to the perfect imago have secured a source of enjoyment as lasting as life and as unlimited as the insect world. All members of the Agassiz Association have the kindliest feelings for ST. NICHOLAS, and rejoice to see that this magazine retains all its love for the strange and beautiful objects of nature. It makes little difference to what special society one belongs, or whether he belong to any. The important thing for each one of us is to come to the early use of the seeing eye, the hearing ear, and the understanding heart.

HARLAN H. BALLARD,

"

YOUNG students of American history who may read Mr. E. S. Brooks's account of "Pocahontas," in this number, will note with interest that her real name was not "Pocahontas," nor that of her father"Powhatan ; also that she did not save the life of Captain Smith in the manner so often described, and that she was really a young widow when she married the rather sanctimonious Master Rolfe.

Those who wish to read the history of Pocahontas and Captain John Smith, in full, should obtain a copy of Charles Dudley Warner's very entertaining biography of Captain John Smith,

in the series called "Lives of American Worthies," published by Henry Holt & Co.

ALL readers of ST. NICHOLAS will be glad to see the amusing illustrated verse by Mr. J. G. Francis on page 39, and to know that Mr. Francis has prepared a series of these comic pictures which will appear during the coming year. And those young folk who have seen in books copies of the Aztec hieroglyphics, will appreciate the cleverness with which Mr. Francis has caricatured those old rude but expressive drawings without losing their special characteristics.

HOTEL WINDSOR, VICTORIA Street. DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: Though Mr. Stockton has visited England, he has made some slight mistakes in the description he gives of Buckinghamshire, my mother's native county.

The greater part of my mother's childhood, at least every summer, was spent by her father and mother in a large farm-house on the top of the hill on which lies the White Cross, of which he speaks as being made by an antiquarian society to commemorate the battle fought by the Saxons and Danes, in which the former were victorious.

The fact is that the cross was cut by the Saxons themselves, to commemorate the victory, in about the year 600. It is kept in order by funds from St. John's College, Oxford.

The name of the village, Whiteleaf, is a corruption of Whitgelt, who was son of either Hengist or Horsa, and commanded the Saxons in this battle. The other village he mentions, which we also know well, is spelt Kimble, not Kimball, and was named after the British hero Cymbeline, about whom Shakspere wrote the play.

I hope, dear ST. NICHOLAS, Mr. Stockton will not mind my writing this letter, but I thought it would interest your readers. Now I must close. I am your constant and admiring reader, DOROTHEA MARY G(Aged 11 years.)

ENGLEWOOD, ILL.

DEAR OLD ST. NICHOLAS: Mamma subscribed for you when I was eleven years old, as a birthday present. I have taken you ever since (I am nearly thirteen now).

Perhaps, like very modest people, you don't like to be praised, but you most certainly deserve a great deal of it.

Laura Scott (a friend of mine) and myself were very much interested in the paper foldings which have appeared in the September and August numbers.

We tried the "Nantucket Sinks," and did n't succeed, but we astonished ourselves with the "First Paper Canoe." We made some on the scale of four and three-quarter inches, and we intend to try one on the scale of twelve inches.

We bored holes in the center of each side of our canoes, through which we passed tooth-picks for oars. Laura made a paper man who sat in a very dignified manner with the oars (or rather tooth-picks) in his hands.

We had "grand times" with our boats in the bath-tub. We also had a fleet of several smaller boats.

My favorites are: "ST. NICHOLAS Dog Stories," "Juan and Juanita," "Little Lord Fauntleroy," "Jenny's Boarding-house," and all of Miss Alcott's stories; I am also very much interested in the "Brownies" and "Letter-box."

I am afraid my letter is getting too long, so I will say good-bye.
Ever your constant reader,
ETHEL R.

SELINS GROVE, PA.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS : I have taken your magazine since January. I like "Jenny's Boarding-house," and it is too bad it was burned. I think the Brownies are funny little creatures. I must tell you about my little sister Mary, two years old. She gets her prayers and Old Mother Hubbard mixed. The other night she said, "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord to give the poor dog a bone." She makes lots of fun for us, and often talks about Brownies. I wish you would make my mistakes right. I must stop now and give the others a chance. Your little reader, W. M. S.

WASHINGTON, D. C.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I have taken you only two months, and I think you are the most interesting magazine I have ever read. We used to live in Illinois, but have lived in Washington nearly two years.

I went down to Alexandria not long ago, and went into the Braddock House, where General Braddock held a council of war one night, and saw the church where General Washington went to church.

I will be thirteen years old the 4th of September, and we are going to have a play called "Ten Dollars," which we saw in the ST. NICHOLAS for January, 1879.

We have a friend who has the ST. NICHOLAS in bound volumes from the first number issued. PORTIA O

I am your constant reader,

MONTCLAIR, N. J. DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: In reading some of the letters in the "Letter-box," I have seen some strange things told, and I want to add to them.

I was sitting in the sewing-room half an hour or so ago, when my married sister came, holding what looked like a baked "Fritz,' pear. she said, "don't you want a baked pear?" I said, as I had never tasted one, I would like to have it, and I took the hot pear she offered me, and bit into it. I looked up and remarked that it was very good, when she broke into a peal of laughter. I asked what the matter was, and she said, " Harry [her husband] and I put these pears out in the sun to ripen, and when I took them in today, that is what I found." All of the six pears were baked soft and juicy by the sun. The pear was hot, as if it had just come out of the I took them to my mother, and she also thought they were very nice. How she laughed when I told her that they had been baked by the sun! From one who loves dear old ST. NICHOLAS dearly, FREDERIKA P.

oven.

TRURO, NOVA SCOTIA.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I am a little girl, eight years old, and I live in Nova Scotia. Once we had a little kitten; she was my pet, and she got into the oven one day, and we could not find her for a long time.

I have two brothers and two sisters. A gentleman in Boston has sent you to us for two years.

Douglas can not read you yet, but I can. I think "Jenny's Boarding-house" is a delicious story. Your affectionate friend,

P. S. My kitty was dreadfully frightened. long time, but she was n't hurt.-G. H. P.

GRACE H. P. She trembled for a

BOULDER, Colorado. DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: My grandmother gives you to me every year for a Christmas present; I have always enjoyed your stories. I am thirteen years old. My sister tried the "Human Melodeon once, and it worked splendidly. I have a dog named Uno; he is very intelligent,- he will play hide-and-seek with us; one of us holds him while the others hide. I am very much interested in "Juan and Juanita," and I hope they will get to their mother in the end. I remain your constant reader, ARTHUR C. J—.

UNION CITY, EUREKA Co., NEV.

MY DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I am a little Buckeye girl, but I am spending the summer in a mining camp in Nevada. The ST. NICHOLAS is sent me every month. I am seven years old, but I can't read yet, and my mamma reads the stories to me. I enjoy them very much.

I have not been down in the mines yet, but when I go it will be in a bucket. The sage-brush is all around us. The other evening I saw two coyotes, a large one and a small one. My auntie said they looked like greyhounds, only they were shaggy. There are mountains all around us, and it seems as though I am inside of a round ball.

I have another book, but it is not half as nice as the one you send

me.

Every night I see the stars that form a dipper, and the moon, and the evening star go down behind the mountain.

My mamma is writing this letter for me, but I tell her what to say.
Your true little friend,
MARY P

HOLMWOOD, WEYBRIDGE, SURREY, ENGLAND. DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: I am an English girl. I am ten years old, and I am writing to tell you that I was born on your day, 1876. We all like your magazine very much, and I especially like Miss Alcott's Spinning-wheel stories. We have taken you for nearly seven years, and I hope we shall take you for a great many more years. I am ever your constant reader, HILDA G.

PAOLI, IND.

DEAR ST. NICHOLAS: Although I have only had the pleasure of reading your pages for two years I don't suppose any of your readers enjoy them more than I do. "The First Paper Canoe" in the last number interested me very much, so much that I worked one whole day over it before succeeding. Please let the author know that at least one American girl can carry the series through. I am eleven years old. I, like several of your readers, am very much interested in the fate of "Juan and Juanita." I remain, Your constant reader, KATE C. GREEN.

PROVIDENCE, R. I. DEAR ST. NICHOLAS : Since I have read of the curious utilizations of a square of paper, all our lesser ornaments have given place to Nantucket sinks and sail-boats, and I want to tell you how much we

appreciated your piece about paper boats, and how much amusement we derived from it.

The other day my sister and I collected our fleet from the numerous dry-docks, launched it in the bath-tub, and witnessed one of the most exciting races of the season. My sister, with a huge palmleaf fan, impersonated Boreas, while I assumed the offices of judges, crews, reporters, and spectators.

The Volunteer, being favored by Boreas, won the race, and with it the Nantucket sink, although, in her speedy run over the course, she damaged her keel, and had to be laid up for repairs.

The Mayflower sprung a leak in rounding a light-house strangely resembling a tooth-powder bottle, but with the united efforts of the captain, who, being a bean, swelled to such an extent that the safety of the crew of collar-buttons was imperiled, and the sailors, who were kept busy pumping, she came in second.

The Thistle in dry-dock was a handsome craft, but upon being launched she showed her inferior make by collapsing.

The Puritan lost one man overboard, but he was a light weight and floated until rescued.

The Sachem was stranded on a sponge half-way across the sound. I am a very big little girl, fifteen years old, but have been very much interested in the transformations of a square piece of paper, and hope you will send other designs for the benefit of your devoted peruser, EDITH L. H

WE present our thanks to the young friends whose names here follow, for the receipt of pleasant letters which they have sent : J. M. Brown, Jr., Sherman W. Bowen, Evelyn P. Willing, Jennie Hawkins, Sarah Chambers, Alice H. M. and Rachael A. S., Emma and Agnes, May G. B., Agnes J. Arrott, Julia Robinson, Joe G., Nellie B. Bridgman, Joe C., Lucy Lee Brooks, Alice Hirsh, Bertha Crane, Kittie and Louie, Lily A. H., Cherry, Rosa P. L., Nina D., Jessie C. Drew, Grace W. Stoughton, Louise Hall, A. G. Robinson, Bessie D. P., A. N., Charlie C. S., Kitty, Gertrude A., Marie C, Chase, Florence M. Keith, Annie W. Mays, Jessie A. Wardrope, Carrie C. A., M. E. B., Mary K. Hadley, Edward A. Selkirk, Henry Kramer and May Southgate, Rowena M. B., Maysie L. E., Nellie R. Mason, Gertrude W. Hepworth, Carrie M., Emma E. S., Agnes, Arthur D., Kate B. Conrad, Anna P. Hannum, Lottie G., Madge H. Lyons, Mary S. G., Elise Ernest W., Kathleen Pictor, Helen Howe, Edward E. J., Gertrude B., Clara B., Bertha Danforth, Jessie Doak, and Edna Shepp.

I. UPPER SQUARE: 1. Scrutinizes. 4. A nozzle. 5. To rest. II. LEFT-HAND SQUARE: 1. To urge. 2. To untwist. 3. To escape. 4. A plant which grows in wet ground. 5. To rest. III. CENTRAL SQUARE: 1. To repose. 2. An insect in the first stage after leaving the egg. 3. Ospreys. 4. Occurrence. 5. A meat pie.

3.

IV. RIGHT-HAND SQUARE: 1. Like paste. 2. Burning. Paternal ancestors. 4. To entertain with food or drink. 5. Foaming. V. LOWER SQUARE: 1. Uncooked. 2. To worship. 3. Pertaining to the sun. 4. To discipline. 5. Yearns. "ROYAL TARR."

11-17-9-3-24

DOUBLE ACROSTIC.

PRIMALS: A warrior brave, I seek my home
From distant Palestine;

But seized by treacherous foes, I'm cast
In prison walls to pine.

FINALS: Through many lands, in tower and town, I seek my master dear;

CROSSWORDS:

In castle strong, at last with joy His well-known voice I hear.

1. The first name of a Scottish outlaw bold, Whose feats in song and story still are told.

2. Eyes have I, yet I can not see at all; In heathen lands I worshiped am by all.

3. How fair this lake lies 'neath Italian sky! Sure in your travels you'll not pass it by.

4. The loveliest woman earth has ever seen; "She looked a goddess and she walked a queen.'

5. This noble king was England's pride and boast Ere Norman William conquered Harold's host.

6. If one writes not in prose, nor in blank verse, He surely must in this his tale rehearse.

7. If you don't guess this riddle, by and by, This adjective to you I must apply.

HOUR-GLASS.

N. B.

2. Con

CROSS-WORDS: 1. On this side of the Atlantic Ocean. stancy. 3. The daughter of Sithon, King of Thrace. 4. Sufficient. 5. Very large. 6. In capacity. 7. To urge importunately. 8. A covering for the head worn by ecclesiastical dignitaries. 9. Inhabi. tants of Ionia. 10. Resemblance. 11. A race or people. The central letters, reading downward, will spell one belonging to a diminutive race.

R. V. O.