I OUR TOWN JANUARY 1901 Vol. IV. Mo. I 50 Cents a year Published at the Maugus Press, Wellesley Hills % I.' HEALTH ASSURANCE IN DENTISTRY Having purchased a new Formaldyhide Sterilizer, I am In a position to render all operations In dentistry perfectly antiseptic. Crown and Bridge work a Specialty. W. O. COPITHORN, D. D. S. Rooms 4 and 5, Middlesex Building NATICK NEW FRUIT STORE IN WELLESLEY HILLS A fine line of Foreign and Domestic Fruits, Cigors, Tobacco, Condy ond Tonics Your patronage is solicited E. R. BARBA & CO. Worcester St., opp. Elm Park Hotel PEOPLE'S STEAM LAUNDRY ESTABLISHED 15 YEARS Special Attention given to Ladies' Shirt Waists Pique Skirts, White Dresses and Lace Curtains AGENTS: EDWARD E. FITCH, WELLESLEY HILLS H. L. FLAGG, WELLESLEY D. A. Mahony & Sons Telephone 46-2 7 and 9 Common St., Natick for r O z o > en I 2 O H O z 0) H 33 m m H Our To^vn January 1901 Volume IV J\[ u m b e r I A. Literary NigKtmare By Robert Melville Baker Within a library's voiumed walls, I pondered, late one night, To throw upon an essay deep One ray of reason's light. Without, the summer's breezes played, A soothing lullaby, Till soon the type began to fade Before each drooping eye. Then from the shelves, methought 1 saw The volumes rare descend And flap their covers from the dust, As fowls from roost unbend. French novels, light and airy things, Wild cancans then did dance. While works on Romance tourneys held And sought to break a lance. The books of Science kept their set And opened up debates. While each did try to prove himself Much wiser than his mates. The Dictionaries refereed A thrilling war of words. And "Webster" got up on his ear When Worcester was preferred. And now a frightful din arose, As Shakespeare took the field, And armed his hosts with proofs galore To make fat Bacon yield. Said Bacon: "Hamlet, I did write." Said Shakespeare: "That's a roast." And Hamlet was so sorely tried He near gave up the Ghost. Encydopasdias received "At tea" out in the hall, And bored and blase they appeared Because they knew it all. Weird Fable, with her giants grim, Ran up against a snag; Dame Fact disclosed her as "a fake," Bent on some fairy gag. The poets, on their winged steeds. Called on their fickle Muse, Resolved, that climbing such a height Their "feet" they would not use. Dull Essays pricked their dog-ears up, Attracted by the din. But straightway shut up like a clam; They could not raise a grin. The works of Travel got mixed up; " Far North " to thaw began ; A heated argument it held With Asia's broiling sun. Psychology, perched on my head, Turned X-rays on my brain, And such a monkey made of me That I seemed near insane. Then chimed the clock the hour of twelve; What could this scampering be? The titled revellers withdrew And turned their backs on me. 1 woke. What caused this nightmare grim? I had no need to guess; It was the essay on my lap, Which 1 could not digest. Washington Street Trees By Joseph W. Peabody DISTINCT service has been rendered by the gentlemen who gave, at the last meeting of the Wellesiey Club, a report of their investigation of what, in their judgment, should be done to improve the appearance of the trees on Washington street. The report emphasizes the need of immediate but judicious treatment of these trees, for the purpose of obtaining better effects. That thoroughfare was selected as a matter of course, because of its magnitude and the greater growth of trees thereon. As the tree warden, who was an interested listener to the report, remarked, it required some courage to recom- mend the removal of eighty odd additional trees, while the echo of a very positive remonstrance to the taking out of trees caused by the widening of Washington street was still in the air. But it is to be assumed, if indeed it was not stated by the member reading the report, that these gentlemen do not advocate the removal of trees because of a lack of appreciation of their beauty and usefulness, but because, through a culti- vated acquaintance with the nature of tree life, they have learned that by giving them proper environment they may be made still more beautiful and attractive. Those of us who have given but little studied attention to "Nature's noblest adornments," are beginning to learn that a tree has individuality and characteristics peculiarly its own, but that it needs room and sun- light and conditions of soil for its best development. Some of the trees on or near the Washington street boundaries are fine illustrations of this fact, notably the elms in the vicinity of the Unitarian church and the enclosure of the Elm Park property. The great majority of the trees from this point to the Falls hill are hardly more than fifty years old, according to the report of the committee, in which case many years of growth yet remain, and Nature should be aided by judicious treatment in her work of giving picturesque adornment to our travelled ways. The tree warden, who has shown both interest and intelligent dis- crimination in his work of caring for the trees, should be given, the com- ing season, an appropriation sufficient to enable him to make a good beginning in the removal and planting of trees substantially, as recom- mended in the report alluded to, with which recommendations, it is 5 assumed from his remarks at the same meeting, he is in accord. Of course the tree warden would have to observe the preliminary proceed- ings which the law requires, but it is unlikely there would be much opposition to the removal of such trees as would contribute to the growth and beauty of those it is desired shall permanently remain. As we come Into a more intelligent appreciation of what our trees may become as a picturesque feature in the beautifying of our streets, we shall join sense with sentiment, realizing that to obtain the best effects it is quite as necessary at times to remove a tree as to plant one. There is a generous love of nature and naturalistic effects among our people ; the care and cost expended upon private grounds throughout the town are the substantial expressions of that love, but we have to learn sometimes through a costly experience that the best and most attractive effects, those that combine taste and a measure of refinement, are obtained only by the application of recognized standards of landscape treatment. It is to be hoped that if the tree warden is supported by public sentiment and supplied with a requisite appropriation to enable him to make more effective the adornment of our principal thoroughfare, that other streets also will share in the improvement, so that in time a unity of treatment may be observed in all parts of the town. Private enterprise should assist in this work, and by co-operation with the town officials the more quickly bring about the improvement needed in so many sections of our highways and adjacent grounds. Education Association By the Press Committee HROUGH the courtesy of the Woman's Club a joint meeting was arranged with the Education Association for December fifth, and a rare treat was provided. The rapidly increasing interest in the Education Association was evidenced by the large and representative audience which convened at Maugus Hall to listen to an address by Professor Luther Gulick upon the educational value of motor training. Mr. Gulick was known to be an advocate of manual train- ing, or, as he more broadly terms it, motor training. But it was also known that he had come to his conclusion at the end of a most patient and thorough investigation of all phases of the question. Mr. Gulick is connected with the Pratt Institute of Brooklyn, which means much of itself, for the Pratt school occupies a unique place among educational institutions. Charles Pratt, its founder, held definite opinions of his own about the education of boys and girls. While he was a most consistent believer in the educational value of mathematics, history, literature, science and art, he also appreciated in an unusual degree the great value to children of forming habits of thrift and industry, developing self reliance and self control, devotion to duty and respect for the rights of others. He believed strongly in teaching the dignity of productive labor, the dishonesty of taking that which is not fairly earned, and the importance of meeting engagements and obligations promptly. After years of investigation and experience, he concluded that all branches of learning are more rapidly, thoroughly and effectively acquired by children who are rightly trained in the use of hand and eye; that such training makes substantially for the normal growth of the brain, and that intel- lectual power and moral fiber are directly produced and organized by wisely guided motor training. Pratt Institute provides such training as a basis for the symmetrical, harmonious, sane development of the child. The results acquired have fully justified the course pursued. The Institution has produced hundreds of right-minded men and women of sterling character, broadly educated and well equipped for wise living and good citizenship. Mr. Gulick went to Pratt Institute after he had become convinced that the educational principles employed there are right, but he became convinced of this only by a most rigorous judicial investigation of both theory and facts. He stoutly set aside prejudice, tradition and all similar handicaps, and considered only the actual, available facts which throw light upon the educational value of motor training. At the end of his investigation he was permanently convinced of the truth and great impor- tance of the theory. In his address before the Education Association, Professor Gulick outlined in a most interesting way the course pursued by him in arriving at his conviction, and fully satisfied his audience that he had left no stone unturned. First, he noted with the greatest care the effect of manual training upon his own children, and spoke enthusiastically of the results. He extended his observation to the homes of his neighbors and then to a wider field. He studied the lives of inventors, artists, writers, successful business and professional men, and found a large majority were skilled hand laborers. With the assistance of those who became interested in his work, he patiently investigated the lives of upwards of six hundred eminent men and found clear evidence that at least two-thirds had been trained as children to work with their hands. Then he turned to history, and it very soon became evident to him that the races which have pro- duced history makers have been most skilled in a variety of handicraft. Still curious, he turned to the animal world, and there he found intelligence graded according to motor development — orders of animals possessed of the greatest skill in use of wing and limb, he found possessed also of the largest brain and brightest intelligence. The breadth of the speaker's argument may be judged by the above. He has sounded everything available to him, which has a bearing upon the question, "What does manual or motor training do for the intelli- gence, character and capacity of the race?" and he has found enough in it to lead him to most heartily endorse it as a legitimate and most impor- tant phase of public school work. He referred touchingly to the effect upon a "hardened" boy of mak- ing with his hands a thing at once useful and beautiful. He could see, he said, the boy's soul open and his nature soften as his hand skill developed. When asked in private what studies he would recommend dropping to make time for motor training, Mr. Gulick said emphatically, "None, none whatever. Introduce manual training and you will have time for more studies than you now have, and will get vastly better results from all of them. Motor training develops brain power, and time thus used judiciously will find ample compensation in increased study capacity." Electric Li^Kts By I. H. Farnham T may not be amiss, now that the Electric Light Committee has closed its work and been discharged, for its Chairman to offer to the citizens, through the unprejudiced columns of Our Town, a few "light" suggestions as follows: The printed report recently distributed to every residence, and costing about S500, contains valuable information which will be useful for future reference as well as for present careful study. The report contains a copy of the electric light contracts, (three in number), under which we are now operating, and must continue to operate for one year, and may at the option of the Town 8 extend for an additional period of two or four years (pages 7, 9, 18). Notice the penalties in case of failure by the Electric Light Company to furnish sufficient current for street lights (page 8) ; also notice the clause providing for a recording voltmeter (page 18), by which a constant record of service is obtained and must be accepted as final in settlements ; that instrument is now installed, and the monthly bills will be modified by its records. Do not omit a careful reading of the report of Stone & Webster, the electrical engineers and experts of very high standing, employed by the Committee to give careful and unbiased estimates upon the cost of install- ing a suitable generating plant and its yearly cost of operating. This report is found on pages 20 to 30. Notice that according to the figures given therein, it will cost the Town very much more to generate its current than to purchase as it is now doing (page 27); this for the very simple reason that the cost of generating electricity on a large scale or by large power units, is very much less than by generating it in small quantities by small units. Please note also the statements on pages 51 and 52, relating to the possibilities of lighting by the Welsbach system. in addition to the facts given in the printed report, please consider the following letter which was obtained after the report went to press : BOSTON ELECTRIC LIGHT CO., Ames Building, Court and Washington Sts., Boston, Dec. 18, igoo. MR. I. H. FARNHAA\, 125 Milk St., Boston, Dear Sir: — In reply to your inquiry as to whether it was feasible for the Bos- ton Electric Light Company to furnish current for the Town of Wellesley, would say it would be perfectly feasible and practical for us to do so if we had the rights for our wires through Brookline or Newton. This I presume could be arranged with the companies holding rights in those towns. At present we have given prices to three towns adjoining Boston for supplying current to companies already existing and doing business, and undoubtedly shall contract with some of them, as lam informed that our price is lower than what they can produce electricity for, the reason being that we produce in large quantity. If it is possible for you to get along a year or two, I think by that time we shall have our lines connected into these towns and furnishing current, so that an addition to reach you would be less expensive, and the current could be furnished you cheaper at such a time than it could be considered today. We would like to do anything to help you out in the matter if possible, but the above suggestions are the ones that I believe the most feasible at the present time. Very truly yours, F. A. Gilbert, President and General Manager. The Boston Electric Light Company is one of the largest companies, if not the largest, in the State, with ample equipment to light Greater Boston, and to extend current or power for fifty ( 50) miles in either direction should it choose to do so, and there is probably no company in this vicinity which can compete with it today in producing electricity at a low cost. In view of these facts, and the possibilities of securing satisfactory lights, both street and commercial, at a cost much less than will be possible by a municipal plant, all this, too, without giving a private com- pany a franchise, or otherwise embarrassing our streets or giving valuable rights therein, will our citizens rashly close their eyes, stop their ears and plunge into a scheme which will add a large and unnecessary burden to the Town, and one from which, once entangled, it will be practically impossible to recede ? Let the citizens show their good sense in this, as they so often have done in other important town projects. Wellesley Boy in PeKin By Roscoe Buck [Last year we published a letter from "A Yankee in Cavite." The writer was Roscoe Buck of Weilesley Farms, who had enlisted in the Marines, and of his own choice was sent to the Philippines. During the campaign in China, last sum- mer, he was one of the number who hastened from Manila to the relief of the foreigners in Pekin. He took part in the capture of Tien-Tsin, and later in the victory at Pekin. We publish below a "composite "article of extracts from several brief notes recently received in Weilesley Hills.] E left Manila harbor on the U. S. Battleship Brooklyn on the night of the 26th of June, leaving but one company of marines to do duty at Cavite, and put in at Hong Kong, at Nagasaki, then at Cheefoo and at Taku. At that time it was perhaps the most interesting sight that the world ever saw. Here was a fleet composed of nearly every nation in the world, anchored you might say at sea, for in no direction was land in sight. And here also we experienced a novel 4th of July (although it was the 9th), for nearly every ship there had to salute Admiral Remey, who was then third in command and on the Brooklyn. On the loth, we went on board the Monocacy, a side-wheeled gunboat, then lying at anchor about three 10 miles above Taku on the Pei-Ho river. The ruins of Taku, captured a few days before, were still smouldering. The next morning we were transferred to a lighter, and made a fifty-two mile journey up the Pei-Ho in a little less than sixteen hours, arriving at Tien-Tsin about midnight. The night of the 12th, H Co. was sent to the railroad station to hold it during the attack on the walled city. Every nation except Germany was well represented here. We were nearly in the centre, with French and Japs on our left and about three regiments of Russians on our right On the morning of the 13th, the allies opened fire, and for thirty-six hours shot and shell fell like rain. About noon, when we had become so accustomed to the sound of bullets that we did not duck, we were all standing in the station, eating a little hardtack and bacon, when a shell exploded among us killing five men and wounding eighteen. I received a slight bruise, but not enough to do any harm. We did not love the man who worked that gun. A little later he killed three more of our number and wounded seven. On the morning of the 14th, we left the trenches and entered the city behind the Japs, who blew up the gate. For the next few days we did nothing, and then on the ist of August we began our march for Pekin, but only went to the walled city of Tien-Tsin. On the 4th, we advanced again and ran into a fight at Pi Sang arsenal, in which the Japs lost nearly a regiment of cavalry. It had rained hard all the previous night, and oh, how cold it was ! But it was hot enough the next day when we marched from 10 A. M. to 3.30 P. M. under a constant fire of shrapnell and small arms. At last the Chinos took to their heels. That night by the camp- fire I had some serious thoughts. Here we were 100 miles from Pekin, and already in my company alone were seven dead and twelve wounded. After that, however, there was very little fighting until we reached Pekin, and by the time 1 saw the terrible walls 1 didn't care whether I was killed or not. 1 hardly knew my own name. ... As soon as 1 got a chance I made for a well to get a drink. There was a dead Chino in it. Others, however, drank of the water and 1 followed suit. But 1 think 1 shall never be able to forget it. The outer walls of the city are sixty feet high and forty in breadth, made out of granite. We lay on the wall one night firing continually at the enemy over the Chinese city. Well you know from the papers how the city was taken. We remained in Pekin about two months. On the 9th of October, we started back, marching about a hundred miles in four days over the former battlefields. The bodies of the dead Chinos still lay where they fell in battle. On the 20th, 1 reached Cavite and found that it had been II rumored that I was killed. But thank God I am alive and well. But I have heard all the bullets sing that 1 care to. We arrived here on the 28th of October, and 1 hope that in a few days we may be coming home, though if it were not for you and the others I think I could live here for the rest of my days. Ne^w MetKods in A.ritKinetic By Marshall L. Perrln SIDE from those few scholars to be found in every school to whom mathematics of any kind are a bugbear, the study of arithmetic seems, in the past, to have consumed an unwar- rantable amount of time in the school curriculum of even the most apt pupils. Especially is this true when we consider the exceedingly small results from all this work. It certainly has been discouraging to observe the inaccuracy and blunder- ing of graduates from grammar schools. Educators have theorized and written learned theses on the principles of mathematical study, but apparently in vain. There has been a fearful loss of time and misapplication of energy somewhere. To those whose children are in the public schools, our own experience and present methods cannot fail to be of interest, as arithmetic tradition- ally holds such a prominent place in school work. In common with pro- gressive schools, we long since abandoned the subjects of Alligation, Par- tial Payments, Cube Root, and other very unpractical matters. Great things were expected from this pruning; but they did not follow it. Scholars merely knew less than ever and became less skilful. Our own methods of meeting the question, which so far as 1 know are peculiar to the schools of Wellesley, have been discussed in several Annual Reports. The results, as advancing classes demonstrate them, are favorable; and the diagnosis seems reasonable. It is believed that children must not be required to attend to too many things at once; that it is not pedagogic in early grades to expect them, as in so-called Written Arithmetic, to manage large numbers accurately and deal with complicated processes at the same time. The one is Pure Mathematics : the other is Applied Mathematics. These are kept distinct in college, and much more should they be in elementary work. In every teacher's ears there echoes the question from pupils that may cipher accurately: "What do you do, multiply? " — and on the other hand the cases are legion, where a problem is reasoned out correctly and the answer is wrong. Now these 12 involve two quite distinct brain processes ; and not earlier than the sixth or seventh year of school training should they be united. They should both be begun early, but be kept entirely separate in method and time of recitation. The problem work before these years should be wholly oral, involving only small figures that can be easily carried in the head ; and in that case all arithmetical relations can be readily grasped and practised, with an interminable amount of rapid oral drill. Fractions and percentage lose their horror when second and third year children, with their dissected discs, enjoy working so fast that an adult can hardly follow them. Side by side with the concrete oral work in reasoning, but at another recita- tion, the pupil should every day be required to do abstract sums in addi- tion, in subtraction, in multiplication, and division, to train him to careful work in mere mechanical "ciphering." As these sums grow bigger, he loses his fear of large numbers; and this drill in accuracy should be con- stant, exacting, and merciless. But up to the time mentioned, it is worse than folly to plunge a scholar into "written arithmetic," where the size of the numbers confuses the child so that he loses sight of the process, or where in grappling with the thought he becomes inaccurate. It is worse than folly ; since it not only wastes five or ten minutes over each problem with only moderate chances of success, but it confirms the pupil in habits of inaccuracy and wrong thinking, so that the longer he studies arithmetic the more hopeless he becomes. Now when we consider that the actual number of processes to be understood and subjects to be explained, as arithmetic is now taught, is not over a couple of dozen, and that an average child can with numbers under lOO be made to see through all these in the course of a few months, it would seem needful only to drill him in the various presentations of these subjects, with countless half- minute illustrations, until he is familiar with all desirable processes and numerical relations, and then — not until then — introduce him gradually into the art of doing this thinking with a pencil in hand. He is now to jot down numbers too large to carry in his head, and with these then to perform the operations necessary to the carrying out of the process he has in mind. If, now, in previous years he has been already drilled to accuracy and facility in these four fundamental operations, he will not be distracted by the mechanical work, nor frightened by the size of the numbers, from his connected course of reasoning. Adherence to these evidently sound psychological principles bids fair to insure a greater degree of accuracy and mathematical acumen, to save an enormous waste of time and energy, and withal to straighten out arithmetical processes in the minds of those to whom they have formerly been a bugbear. 13 OUR TOWN January 1901 PWBLISHED ON THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH BY C. M. EATON MANAGING EDITO% V. T. FARIVELL, IVELLESLEY HILLS ADVERTISING MANAGER, J. G. SHEA, NATICK ^4Dy. ^GENT, T). ADAMS, l^/ELLESLEY HILLS Entered at the post office at Wellesley Hills as secand-class matter. editorial The readers of OUR TOWN are requested to note the advertising pages. As our space for this department is limited, we have taken adver- tisements only from parties that are considered reliable and are sure to merit your patronage. The illustrations in this number are an evidence of the zeal of our Publisher and promise of more to follow, it is the Publisher's purpose to make OUR TOWN in its dress and general appearance a credit to the community and a pleasure to our readers. One of the most important changes which we contemplate is the publishing each montli of a Calendar of coming local events, in which we would place every lecture, entertainment, concert or public meeting for which a future date has been arranged. To this end we invite secretaries of all organizations to provide us with the needed information as far in advance as is possible. It is also proposed to devote a page or two, in future numbers, to the children, and we are happy to announce that Mrs. E. M. Overholser has kindly consented to take charge of this Children's Department. We call special attention to this Issue as a promise of what is to come. We have here articles from the Woman's Club, The Education Association, Park Commission and the Superintendent of Schools, which should inter- est a very wide range of readers. No question excites more general interest, at present, than that of the lighting of our streets. Mr. Farn- ham, chairman of the recent Committee on a Municipal Lighting Plant, contributes his own view of the subject. Concerning the letter which he publishes from the Boston Electric Light Company, inquiry has been made of the committee appointed at the last Town Meeting and it is learned that they are in conference with that company and with others of a similar nature. In due time, undoubtedly, the town will learn the result of these conferences, and meanwhile it is well for us to remember that the committee in question are interested as deeply as any one in obtaining that end which is best for the town. 14 Our Town wishes its originator, and for tiiree years its managin:;i; editor, Rev. Edward H. Chandler, a Happy New Year and many more to come. In common with all his friends, we rejoice at the new opportunity which opens before him as the secretary of the Twentieth Century Club, an office that is full of dignity and of promise. It is a compliment to Mr. Chandler, warranted by his abilities, that he has been chosen to so honorable and important a position. No organization in the city has greater influence for the ends for which it exists, "to promote a finer pub- lic spirit and a better social order." Its Saturday morning lecture courses, during four winters past, have been attended by large numbers, especially of teachers, and have been very valuable ; its free organ recital courses, its campaign against bad tenements, its public spirit in general have given it a place in the fore -front of influential organizations. And since of late its membership has been considerably increased, a larger and more useful future opens before it. We congratulate Mr. Chandler that he has been chosen to such a place in such an organization. OUR TOWN will sadly miss his guidance. All its associated editors, with one mind, express their appreciation of past co-operation, their esteem for their fellow pastor and editor, their good wishes and congratulations upon the future opening before him. We enter the New Year with a new dress, new plans, new hopes and new expectations. The record of the past is one of which we are not ashamed. Under the skilful management of our retiring editor, OUR Town did not fall far short of that which, at the outset, it undertook to accomplish. It was never the paper's ambition to rival the dollar maga- zines, nor to be a literary meteor, nor a newspaper, nor a Philistine. But it sought to act as a medium for the utterance of the thought of our townsmen upon matters of local interest, to present facts or arguments when necessary on all sides of questions of public concern, to report to its readers so much of the addresses delivered before our various clubs, and such parts of their proceedings as were desired; to be a medium for advancing interest in local, educational and philanthropic efforts, and especially to bring together, in one manifest bond of union and expression, the four churches of the town. All of the churches were invited into this union, and four have taken advantage of it to their profit. The paper has intended to give to the town what is presented by no other means. Its value has been appreciated by those who desired such a medium. But we believe that improvement can be made in this respect. We heartily invite the co-operation of all the churches and the clubs in carrying forward toward perfection the undertaking so far advanced. The Publisher's prospectus in the December issue presents our ideal. By the aid of public-spirited citizens and officers of the various organizations of the town the ideal may become a reality. We earnestly urge all who wish to assist in such an undertaking to send in their subscriptions to Mr. Eaton, the Publisher. 15 Wellesley Hills Woman's Club HE Wellesley Hills Woman's Club is enjoying, this winter, a np series of afternoons of an unusually attractive character. A new method of providing for these meetings has been adopted. The program is under the general oversight of the Board of Directors, and by them each afternoon is given, in charge of a committee representing some department of work in which the Club is interested. That the plan works well , a^ n has already been proved by the interest taken in the meet- ^^^J ings which have been held, and there is every reason to suppose that the good things yet in store will sustain this opinion. The season opened with a reception given by the Club to the Presi- dent and officers. This reception was held November second, in Maugus Hall, which was beautifully decorated with cut flowers and potted plants, the latter being kindly provided by Mrs. J. Franklin Wight. After the transaction of necessary business, a most enjoyable musical program was given by Miss Aiken, pianist, of Wellesley Farms, and Miss Maude Black- mer, soprano, of Dorchester. Mrs. Robson gave an enthusiastic and inspiring talk, touching briefly upon the work of the Club, what its ideals should be, and what it ought to accomplish for the good of its members and of the town. Following this was a social hour, during which tea was served, and an opportunity was given of meeting the following officers of the Club : President, Mrs. W. O. Robson ; first vice-president, Mrs. George F. Richardson; second vice-president, Mrs. Calvin Smith; record- ing secretary, Mrs. John D. Hardy; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Willard F. Dillaway ; treasurer, Mrs. George A. Sweetser; and the directors, Mrs. Charles Spring, Mrs. Elijah T. Weatherbee, Mrs. Edwin M. Overholser, Mrs. John E. Oldham, Miss Ellen W. Fiske and Mrs. Seldon Brown. At its second meeting, held November sixteenth, the Club listened to a most interesting lecture by Prof. Katharine Lee Bates of Wellesley College, under the direction of the Arts and Crafts Committee, of which Mrs. Gilbert N. Jones is chairman. Miss Bates spoke upon William Morris and his work for "Household Beauty." She gave a very enter- taining sketch of the life of Morris, telling how he not only gave to the world a higher conception of the artistic in the household, but also showed how common articles, which all must have, may be made beautiful and, i6 at the same time, not too expensive to be within reach of ail. Morris gave us tliat often quoted maxim, "liave nothing in your home which you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful," and, in the building and furnishing of his own house, he adliered steadfastly to this rule. Miss Bates brought with her several bool