No member should neglect to read on that day the designated selections, Milton's beautiful hymn, "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity," and his sublime description of Satan, from the first book of "Paradise Lost." Each member will also do well to give good heed to the advice of Dr. Vincent, and prepare a brief memorandum "on the birth, life, times, and influence of Milton," for his own use. The required C. L. S. C. reading for the month of December comprises Mosaics of History, Geology, Health at Home, and Christianity in Art, as published in THE CHAUTAUQUAN for the month, and Dr. Terry's Chautauqua Text-book, Man's Antiquity and Language, and Dr. Vincent's Chautauqua Text-book, Outlines of General History. Elsewhere in THE CHAUTAUQUAN are printed one hundred questions and answers on Man's Antiquity and Language, and General History. We make the following suggestive division of the work for the month into weekly parts: FIRST WEEK. 1. Mosaics of History, as published in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. 2. Chautauqua Text-book, Man's Antiquity and Language, Part I., the Antiquity and Primitive Condition of Man-to page 52. 3. Questions and answers on the Antiquity and Primitive Condition of Man, Nos. 1 to 25, inclusive. In the Calcutta, India, Statesman and Friend, of September 15, 1881, there is printed an admirable article of a column and a half in length, on the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. It is evidently from the graceful pen of the lady recording secretary of the Calcutta Local Circle, who modestly hides her full name behind the initials "E. A. K." An historical sketch of the C. L. 8. C. is first given, ending with this paragraph: "It has to-day an aggregate of twenty-three thousand readers; and local circles flourish in Londen, Birmingham, Leamington, Nangasaki, Honolulu, Wailuka, Canada, Mexico, all over the United States of America, even to Alaska; and now in India there are circles in Calcutta and Dehra Doon, with correspondents besides in Simla, Mussoorie, Allahabad, Coonoor, Guntoor, and Hyderbad. Thus we may say the C. L. S. C. now encircles the globe, uniting with its bond of good-will all people of every nation and creed, seeking to do good to the rich and poor on the pleasantest and easiest terms." follows a glowing description of Chautauqua and its attractions. Directions are next given for becoming a member of the C. L. S. C., and the article concludes as follows: 28th day of April, the day on which was inaugurated Dr. Vincent's scheme in Calcutta, will long be remembered. Over fifty members now form a Calcutta Local Circle, and four most interesting monthly meetings have been held. The subjects taken up have been Egyptian, Persian, Assyr Then "The SECOND WEEK. 1. Readings about Geology, as published ian, and Grecian histories. The Rev. J. M. Thoburn, D. D., in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. 2. Chautauqua Text-book, Man's Antiquity and Language, Part II., Language and Writing, from page 53 to end of book. 3. Questions and answers on Language and Writing, Nos. 26 to 50, inclusive. THIRD WEEK. 1. Chautauqua Text-book, Outlines of General History, first half. 2. Questions and answers on General History-ancient period-Nos. 51 to 75, inclusive. FOURTH WEEK. 1. Christianity in Art, as published in THE CHAUTAUQUAN. is President, Mr. C. A. Martin, Corresponding Secretary, and a lady, Recording Secretary. When time hangs so heavily on the hands of some it will be obvious to every Anglo-Indian that a field for the exercise of both energy and talent to good purpose is hereby opened to them. In a place like Calcutta the C. L. S. C. might have the help of the most talented lecturers. Dr. Vincent promises to be among us ere long. It is to be hoped that soon its membership may be so increased that an Indian Assembly may be projected." A local circle was organized at Wauseon, O., in January, 2. Chautauqua Text-book, Outlines of General History- 1880, with a membership of about a dozen. Mr. R. R. Daconcluding half. 3. Questions and answers on General History-medieval and modern periods-Nos. 76 to 100, inclusive. vies was the President and principal instructor. Of the method of conducting the meetings the Secretary writes: "The President gives outlines of our studies; sometimes we are required to fill them in writing, and sometimes verbally, and sometimes the whole evening is spent in reading important parts of our lesson." Under a late date a member of the circle writes: "Our circle has been very much increased, and as we have a very able President, we antici pate profitable evenings together during this, our third year of the course." The Osceola, Iowa, local circle has for its officers Mrs. Alice Cowles, President; Mrs. Hattie McIntyre, Vice President; and Miss Florence A. Tatham, Secretary. The meet The Pittsburgh, Pa., branch of the C. L. S. C. held their first meeting for the year at the Y. M. C. A. Rooms, Sixth avenue, on Thursday evening, October 6th, and the exercises were in observance of the Memorial Day of "Opening Day." The programme suggested in the October number of the CHAUTAUQUAN was substantially carried out. The opening exercises of prayer and reading of the selected psalms were conducted by Prof. O. M. Tucker, one of the Vice Presidents. A general statement of the excellencies and advantages of the C. L. S. C. course was given by Mr. A. M. Martin in a short address. Miss F. M. Sawyers pre-ings are held once a week, and the method of conducting sented a paper on the C. L. S. C. meetings held at Chautauqua during the Assembly of 1881. Miss D. I. McLean, the assistant secretary, read William Cullen Bryant's letter on the C. L. S. C. Rev. J. S. Wrightnour outlined the course of reading for 1881-2 in a ten minutes' talk. Rev. T. J. Leak gave an interesting presentation of the general features of the C. L. S. C. course. Several vocal solos were finely rendered by Miss Mamie McKnight, and Prof. L. H. Myers added to the entertainment by some excellent recitations. The attendance was large and the outlook decidedly encouraging. The following officers were elected for the coming year: Rev. Dr. W. W. Ramsey, President; Mr. D. W. Jones, Secretary; Prof. O. M. Tucker, Chairman of the Executive Committee. the meetings is stated as follows: "Our circle is composed wholly of ladies, and our meetings are held every Saturday afternoon at the residence of some member. Each time a leader is appointed to conduct the next recitation. With different studies we recite differently. From the general history of the world we take notes. When studying church history each one had some topic from the lesson given her, upon which we wrote short essays, collecting all the information we could bearing on that subject. On most of the studies, though, we recite topically." In a recent letter the Secretary says: "When we began the studies two years ago people said 'That will soon fall through,' but now I think that all the members of our class are more enthusiastic than ever before." The Milwaukee, Wis., local circle has organized for its third year by the re-election of Mrs. William Millard as President, and Mr. S. H. Hooley as Secretary. Meetings are held every Monday evening, and regular lessons are recited as if in school. The President appoints a leader each evening for the following week, going through the class, giving each one an opportunity to be questioner. One of the members writes as follows: "Our local circle begins the new studies with great enthusiasm and the addition of eleven new members. We are especially pleased with the questions and answers in THE CHAUTAUQUAN, and the division of the work for the month into portions for each week. A most delightful social entertainment was given our circle last week by Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Millard, serving to introduce the new members, and enabling them to become better acquainted. An essay upon 'Chautauqua,' was read by Miss Louise Slocum, and an essay upon Lord Burleigh, by Mrs. Tufts. The song of the C. L. S. C. for 1880 was sung, Mr. Fowler leading at the piano. Then followed an essay upon the Pyramids by Mr. Hooley, a reading by Mrs. Wallis, and another Chautauqua song, "The Winds are Whispering,' after which supper was served. The most delightful feature of the evening yet remained. Miss Bertha M. Hansom, who came so near receiving a prize last August, told us all about Chautauqua from her three weeks' experience of its delights. Her remarks were illustrated with numerous photographs, among which the picture of Dr. Vincent was particularly admired, seeming almost to speak to us. The enthusiasm was so great that when one of the members exclaimed, 'Let us all go to Chautauqua in a body next year,' it found a ready response in every heart." MEMORIAL DAYS. MILTON'S DAY, DECEMBER 9th. MILTON BORN, DECEMBER 9th, 1608. [Readings for the Milton Memorial Day.] ON THE MORNING OF CHRIST'S NATIVITY. (MILTON.) I. This is the month, and this the happy morn, That He our deadly forfeit should release, II. That glorious form, that light unsufferable, Wherewith He wont at heaven's high council-table He laid aside; and here with us to be, And chose with us a darksome house of mortal clay. SATAN. (MILTON.) He scarce had ceased when the superior fiend Or in Valdarno, to descry new lands, Hath vexed the Red-Sea coast, whose waves o'erthrew Your wearied virtue, for the ease you find C. L. S. C. ROUND TABLE.* DR. VINCENT: I am happy to report to you the organization and successful conduct of the Second Assembly of the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle at Pacific Grove, near Monterey, California, opening June 28th and closing July 13th. The circular of announcement which was scattered all over the Pacific coast states that "this Assembly is partially modeled after the famous Assembly held each summer near Chautauqua Lake, New York." From all accounts they had a delightful session. I am looking every day now for the presence here of the Secretary, Miss Lucy M. Washburn, who has been the Secretary from the organization of the California Circle two years ago. I am happy to read to you the following communication: 46 DHURRUMTOLLAH STREET, CALCUTTA, INDIA, June 4th.j Dr. J. H. Vincent: DEAR SIR-I wrote to you last week informing you of the organization of a Circle of the C. L. S. C. in this city. Several short articles about the Chautauqua plans have been published in our India papers, and in consequence great numbers of letters have been coming to me as corresponding secretary, asking for further information, plans, etc. One other circle has already been organized with an encouraging enrollment, and a request for seventy-five blank applications for membership. To me this matter is growing rather serious. I can not refer them to you, for it would take months for an answer to come back to them. In regard to ordering books, great contusion would ensue if we would individually order from New York. Again, such an organization as the C. L. S. C. has to grow into the understanding, if I may use such an expression, of the people here. It is hard for them to realize its full scope at once. When you think over the case for yourself many other difficulties will present themselves to you. Such a work as the C. L. S. C. is expected to perform is needed in India as badly, if not worse than in any other country, and if it can be made a success here a great advance will be made toward the establishment of God's Kingdom. I know you will be extremely busy at the time this letter reaches you, but if you can possibly give a personal reply you will greatly oblige and assist, Yours sincerely, C. A. MARTIN. P. S.-I must say the great success of the Circle thus far has resulted from the labors of Rev. T. H. Owens, one of our Methodist pastors here in Calcutta. C. A. M. I think Mr. Owens caught the fire here. I am not quite sure. I know he was interested in the work in Plainfield. In the office of the C. L. S. C. at Chautauqua you may see the list of thirty-nine members of one of the local circles of Calcutta. It is proposed, in pursuance of a suggestion directly or indirectly from the Christian Union, to make February 27th a Longfellow Memorial Day for Longfellow. Mr. Martin will please make a record of that. ever. We must hereafter require the fifty cents annual fee to be paid in advance. It has been thought necessary to insist upon no enrollment until the fee is paid. This seems a necessity on account of many who make no remittance whatWe have said little or nothing about the money matter. We have alluded to it in our communications. There are people who overlook that, and imagine the C. L. S. C. is in some way sustained by Chautauqua, and that there is a large income from which to pay all these incidental expenses. Then there are some people in the world who always postpone paying money. We never like to get money in postage stamps if we can help it, and it is difficult to get a postal order at some places to send fifty cents. Consequently the treasury has actually suffered this year, and our expenses are really heavy. A word to the wise is sufficient. *The third Round Table Conference of the C. L. S. C. for 1881, held at the Hall of Philosophy, Chautauqua, Monday, August 8th, at 5 o'clock, p. m., Rev. Dr. J. H. Vincent, presiding. A communication from a lady in Connecticut, of the class of 1883, is worthy of our consideration, and shall have it: Your kind reply to my request for a Shakspere Class has been received. My knowledge of English literature is quite limited, and for one of the Chautauqua classes. I do not feel at all competent to select a course of reading However, the works that I have selected for my own reading this summer, on the subject of Shakspere, are: White's Life and Genius of Shakspere;" Chautauqua text-book No. 23, "English Literature;" Rolfe's annotated "Merchant of Venice," sixty cents. The above named books, I think, would be sufficient for the Required Reading, while Dowden's "Shakspere Primer," fifty cents, and Rolfe's "Hamlet" or "Julius Cæsar," would be good additional books. I think that the months of July, August and September will be sufficient to complete the course satisfactorily. I shall be happy to assist, as far as I am able, in forming this summer Shakspere class. Respectfully, I think we shall add to the Bryant Class the Shakspere Class, probably for the coming year. I read this to show you the current of thought, and to have from you an expression of opinion on that subject. I hold in my hand Miss Frances E. Willard's memorandum giving a course of temperance reading as a special course-a temperance course for a temperance seal in the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. The books given are these: Judge Pitman's "Alcohol and the Church," Judge Pitman's "Alcohol and the State," Dr. R. W. Richardson's "Ten Lectures on Alcohol,” Canon Farrar's “Ten Talks on Temperance," Dr. Crosby's "Lectures and Replies on Moderation vs. Total Abstinence," I. N. Stearns's แ Does Prohibition Prohibit?" Dr. Hunt's "Alcohol as a Food Medicine," "Dr. Willoughby and his Wine," Pansy's "Temperance Stories," "History and Mystery of a Glass of Ale," by Dr. Crane, Rev. Dr. Steele's " History of the Crusade," Mrs. S. M. J. Henry's "Pledge and Cross." From these we shall select a few books to place on the special seal course for temperance, and I suppose that almost every member of the C. L. S. C. will want to take that special course, and get a coldwater seal on the diploma. You have been supplied with copies of a circular setting forth our new scheme of reading, which is in some sense preparatory to the C. L. S. C. It aims at a double objectthe enlisting of children in a course of reading that will not interfere with their week-day studies, and the providing of a preparatory course as a substitute for the preparatory course we have already adopted. You have looked at this as an advertisement. A specimen copy of the Wide Awake, the July number, you may have by calling at the bookstore, free. That is the Wide Awake, but it is not the Wide Awake with the "Chautauqua Supplement." It has a supplement with a serial in it. The Wide Awake will publish every month, beginning with the October number, a supplement of sixteen pages devoted to the interests of the Chautauqua Young Folks' Reading Unicn. I do not think that the initial letters will make as euphonious initials for the new organization as the C. L. S. C., and we tried to get something better than C. Y. F. R. U. But we could not do that; there was some objection on the part of one member of the committee or another. We shall probably call it the "Chautauqua Reading Union" as distinguished from the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle. It is not for children alone, but for what I call the after-boys and after-girls of societygirls and boys who are no longer girls and boys, but are not quite women and men. If you will turn to the fourth page you will find the advertisement of the Magna Charta Stories, the first to be known as "The Great Paper," by Harriet Slidell Mackenzie; the second to be "In the German Woods Long Ago;" and the historical series to follow, of the struggle for freedom, which will be of great interest to the old as |