C. L. S. C. MEMORIAL DAYS.

1. Opening Day—October 1.

2. Bryant Day—November 3.

3. Special Sunday—November, second Sunday.

4. Milton Day—December 9.

5. College Day—January, last Thursday.

6. Special Sunday—February, second Sunday.

7. Founder’s Day—February 23.

8. Longfellow Day—February 27.

9. Shakspere Day—April 23.

10. Addison Day—May 1.

11. Special Sunday—May, second Sunday.

12. Special Sunday—July, second Sunday.

13. Inauguration Day—August, first Saturday after first Tuesday; anniversary of C. L. S. C. at Chautauqua.

14. St. Paul’s Day—August, second Saturday after first Tuesday; anniversary of the dedication of St. Paul’s Grove at Chautauqua.

15. Commencement Day—August, third Tuesday.

16. Garfield Day—September 19.

The difficulty of holding a circle together is sometimes very great. Not a little thorough study of the needs and natures of the members must tax the leader who would hold a circle which has no interest in its work. At Richmond, Maine, our friends have experienced this difficulty. A circle of fifteen was formed in January, 1884, but did not continue its meetings. The lukewarmness of a few broke the interest of all; but ten of the members did their reading apart. These ten took matters into their own hands last fall, and now Richmond has a “Merry Meeting” circle, of twenty-two members, interested and promising.

Nashua, New Hampshire, has a Chautauqua circle. It has been in existence for two years past, with varying fortunes. Last fall, when reorganized for the season, it consisted of ten ladies, but now numbers fourteen. Though this number is less than one half that of the last year, the interest and enthusiasm are much greater. The weekly meetings are occasions of great interest and instruction. They follow, with frequent modifications, the program arranged in The Chautauquan, making the roll call and question box regular features. The only difficulty with which they meet is that they are all so busy that they can scarcely prepare for each program. They also derive much pleasure and profit in observing the memorial days. The circle is called the “Raymond” circle, in honor of the Rev. B. P. Raymond, president of Lawrence University, Appleton, Wis., founder of this branch.

The “Athenian Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle” of West Enosburgh, Vt., has entered upon its first year in the Chautauqua course. Although in its infancy, it shows a great deal of interest and enthusiasm. The circle was organized September 29, 1884. The officers are president, vice president and secretary. The circle began with eight members and has increased to thirteen. One of the most interesting exercises of this circle is the pronouncing match, each person being allowed to try once; if he misses he sits down. The words for the next match are the names of the sixty-six elements in chemistry.

Our travels through Massachusetts this month furnish much interesting circle news. The “Star” circle, in Foxboro, reorganized in October with twenty-eight members, which includes all the graduates with one exception. They believe there in once a C. L. S. C. always a C. L. S. C. The weekly meetings are reported in the local paper, and more are inquiring about the work than in previous years. One reason may be that they are but eighteen miles from the “Hall on the Hill,” which is in process of erection in South Framingham.——The “Henry M. King” circle, connected with the Dudley Street church, Boston, was organized in November, and has twenty-five members. Of these the larger part are gentlemen, not of leisure, but business men, who bring with them into the bi-weekly meetings the same energy and perseverance that characterize a successful business enterprise. These are certainly the ones who might with a good show of reason say: “No time.” But on the contrary they have time, not only for the regular work, but for the preparation of papers requiring much time and research.——At North Attleboro the new “Bryant” circle is four months old, and numbers twenty-six members. They open the meetings with reading Scripture lessons and singing Chautauqua songs. Roll call is responded to by quotations from a standard author, followed by essays, recitations, blackboard exercises, questions, discussions, etc., as the committee of instruction has arranged. The secretary writes: “If we are not great, our hopes are.”——“Profit as well as enjoyment we are getting from our studies,” says a member of the circle at North Weymouth. This organization is a circle of ’83, and has had time to thoroughly test the course. They have had recently a pleasant memorial service, and have been favored with chemical experiments by a chemist.——Pleasant notes of the work at West Madford have been sent us by the secretary: “Through the influence of one sturdy little lady, six or eight people met together last October and talked up the feasibility of the C. L. S. C. They elected a president and secretary, drew up a few by-laws, and are now in good running order. They meet once in two weeks. Their membership was limited to twenty, which was quickly reached. The opinion of these members seems to be that this circle is as good, if not better, than any reported in your magazine. We all work with a will, cull the best from the programs given for the local circles, and add original ideas. Each member, in the order of his enrollment, makes out the program. This gives each one an opportunity to do his share, as well as to add his own ideas. We think this feature much superior to the general mode of allowing the ‘chair’ to prepare all programs.”——Amesbury has a circle of unusual strength. We have been so fortunate as to receive a letter which gives an account of a delightful entertainment held by them in December. Our friend says: “Thinking perhaps you might like to hear from us once again, we are glad to write you of our pleasant and prosperous winter of literary work, brought about by the grand C. L. S. C. movement. Our meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, the programs comprise essays, music, readings and conversation, and are social and very delightful, showing a marked improvement on our ‘feeble beginning’ a year ago. Two new circles have been formed this winter, one, the ‘Delphic,’ having forty or more members. On the 18th of December we held our first public meeting in honor of ‘Our Poet’s’ (Mr. John G. Whittier) birthday, to which we invited the ‘Delphic’ circle, also the ‘Thursday Evening Club,’ an older literary society of Amesbury, and other friends, about three hundred in all. Members from the three circles took part in the program, which had been carefully prepared. We were greatly pleased to receive from Mr. W. C. Wilkinson a paper entitled ‘Whittier at the Receipt of Customs,’ which was read to us by his friend, the Rev. P. S. Evans, of Amesbury. As Mr. Whittier, owing to a previous engagement, could not be present with us, resolutions were drawn up and sent to him, as follows:

“‘Dear Mr. Whittier;—The three literary circles, together with a goodly company of the citizens of Amesbury as their invited guests, are met to celebrate the return of your birthday. We have talked together of all that you have done and suffered in the cause of freedom and of truth. We have listened to many of your words, rendered by living voices. We have looked at your ‘counterfeit presentment’ as it has hung before us covered with evergreen—our New England laurel. Because you were not with us in person, to receive them, we desire to send you our most hearty congratulations on the completion of your seventy-seventh year. We rejoice that after your “Thirty Years’ War” you have been spared to enjoy so many years of peace, and that in the prolonged “Indian Summer,” the “Halcyon” days of your life, you are receiving a well deserved tribute of reverence and affection. We think ourselves happy to have known you, not merely as a poet, but as a citizen, a neighbor, and a friend.

“‘We feel we can not better voice our sentiments than by retaliating upon you the words you once so fitly spoke of one who has been a co-laborer with you in the cause of humanity—the mild “Autocrat of the Breakfast Table.”

“‘“The world may keep his honored name,

The wealth of all his varied powers;

A stronger claim has love than fame,

And he himself is only ours.”’

“‘In the name and by the request of three hundred citizens of your own village.’

“To which Mr. Whittier responded with the following charming letter:

“‘Oak Knoll, Danvers, 12 Mo., 23, 1884.

“‘My Dear Friend:—Thy kind letter in behalf of the literary associations of Amesbury and Salisbury has just been received, and I hasten to express my thanks for the generous appreciation of my life work by “mine own people,” who know the man as well as the writer. That I am neither a prophet myself, nor the son of a prophet, may account perhaps for the rather remarkable fact that I am not without honor in my own country. I scarcely need say that among the many kind testimonials of regard which, on the occasion of my birthday, have reached me from both sides of the water, none have been more welcome than that conveyed in thy letter. If the praise awarded me is vastly beyond my due, I am none the less grateful for it.

“‘I know too well my own deficiencies and limitations, but my heart is warm with thankfulness to the Divine Providence which so early led me to consecrate the ability given me to the cause of heaven, freedom, and the welfare of my fellowmen. The measure of literary reputation which has come to me is as far beyond my expectation as my desert, and I am glad to share the benefit of it with my home friends and neighbors. With thanks to thyself personally, and to those whom thee represents, I am, very truly, thy friend,

“‘John G. Whittier.’”

The “Crescent” circle, of Wakefield, grew out of a meeting held last September, and addressed by Mr. Fairchild, of Malden, in the interest of the Chautauqua movement. A circle was formed as a result of their meeting. About twenty members are now recorded on the books, although more than that proposed at first to join. The meetings are quite interesting, the programs being varied.——The “Alpha,” of Uxbridge, is a new name on the books. This cutting from a recent letter is suggestive of their spirit: “We start with six members only, but all are very enthusiastic. We propose to do thorough work. Our object is improvement and genuine culture. We shall use the best means to bring in others to reap with us the golden harvest, and not be selfishly content with ‘our set.’”——There are in Fall River about sixty members of the C. L. S. C., but the “Amity” circle is the first organization in the city. It at present numbers only thirteen members. A larger number certainly ought to be in the organization. The “Amity” will undoubtedly soon bring them in.——From Pittsfield a friend writes: “I am happy to report to you a constantly increasing interest in the C. L. S. C. work in Pittsfield. Our circle reorganized in October for another year’s work. To the leadership of our efficient president, the Rev. Geo. Skene, we owe our present prosperity. We have now sixty-four members, twenty-three of whom belong to Class ’88. We have one graduate, our president, who took his diploma at Chautauqua last summer. We also have one member of Class ’85, making five classes represented in our circle. Our meetings are full of interest, and the attendance is excellent, the smallest number present at any meeting this year being twenty-five. Programs are arranged by a board of seven managers, who serve for three months. Singing, prayer, roll call, with responses by quotations and reading of minutes of last meeting, always form the opening exercises. We have also used the Chautauqua vesper service, and enjoyed it. Our pastor has had the Sunday vesper service several times, and we have found it very enjoyable in both church and circle. We have had, too, experiments in chemistry, illustrating some of the articles on that subject in The Chautauquan. As another specialty we have had ‘pronunciation of Greek names,’ conducted as the old fashioned spelling matches. This proved highly entertaining, as well as instructive. We have recently changed our name to ‘Bryant Chautauqua Circle.’ We think it particularly appropriate, as Cummington, the birthplace of Mr. Bryant, and where he spent much of his life, is situated only twenty miles from this town. Another circle has been formed here since November, taking as a president one of the members of our circle. They have at present thirty members. On Monday evening, February 2d, Dr. Vincent gave a lecture, both circles attending, and after the lecture a joint reception was given him. It is expected that arrangements will soon be made for occasionally holding union meetings. Thus the C. L. S. C. prospers in Pittsfield. We find that here, as elsewhere, the C. L. S. C. is promoting the best interests of the people.”——For several years the two or three members of the C. L. S. C. in Marshfield have been accustomed to meet weekly for reading, study and conversation, but they never dignified the gathering by the name of a local circle. Within a few months they have organized under the name of the “Webster” circle, inasmuch as they are the nearest members of the C. L. S. C. to the home and burial place of that great statesman. They meet once in three weeks, and have a membership of eight or ten, including representatives of nearly every class.

The “Phelps” local circle, of New Haven, Connecticut, of the C. L. S. C., started in November with five Chautauquans, and now numbers twenty-six, with a number of others who are reading. So far they have kept very closely to the Greek part of the course, and in the meetings have had a number of map exercises, which they find very interesting.——West Winsted, of the same state, has a year-old circle, from which we have had our first letter: “Our local circle numbers sixty, thirty of whom are regular members of the central Circle. Nearly all of these members belong to the ‘Pansy’ class, and are loyal to it. We have never labored under great difficulties, always having had good meetings. We have a most efficient lady president, to whom, in a large degree, the success of our circle is due. Early in the fall of 1883 a few enterprising men and women sent for the books for the year and commenced reading, hardly daring to hope that a circle would be formed. Our village is not lacking in literary circles, having an almost countless number of different kinds, and for this very reason it seemed that another one would not meet with success, but at the first call nearly forty responded. We organized our circle that night and continued the meetings during the year, taking up the work in essays, questions and readings, and observing, as far as possible, the memorial days, by appropriate exercises. This year we reorganized in October, and, if possible, have had more interesting meetings than last year. Some of our members who have a long distance to walk in order to attend have proved themselves filled with the Chautauqua enthusiasm by their regular attendance, whatever the condition of the weather. At our last meeting we had chemistry for the topic, and devoted the evening to experiments, having twenty or more, nearly all of which are given in The Chautauquan. We have had sometimes, in addition to the regular literary work of the evening, a personation of some author given by a member, the remaining members guessing the author personated. One feature of our program for January 20th was a match, similar to an old-fashioned spelling match, upon the questions on ‘Preparatory Greek Course’ in The Chautauquan for October and November. From the fact that new members join our ranks at almost every meeting, we are encouraged in the feeling that though popularity is not the winning feature, the good ‘Idea’ has taken deep root.”

A Rhode Island friend writes from Warren: “To the numerous reports from local organizations, I am pleased to add a few lines from the ‘Delta’ circle, organized last October, in this part of ‘Little Rhody.’ It consists of nineteen ‘regular’ and four ‘local’ members, assembling on the second and fourth Monday evenings of each month. Our president and vice president are enthusiastic Chautauquans, respectively of the classes of ’86 and ’87, the remainder belonging to the class of ’88. Our programs are arranged by ‘the committee of instruction’ during the intermission, and reported to the circle before its adjournment each evening. In the arrangement of these great help is rendered by those published in The Chautauquan. Our memorial days have been pleasantly observed, and we shall shortly have a Sunday evening vesper service. We also intend to have a supper, the cooking of which is to be ‘à la Chautauquan.’ While waiting for the Chautauqua songs our president has carefully prepared by hektograph, for our use, both notes and words of several selected from his copy, and we are delighted with the harmonies. Should we discover any new departure that would be helpful to local circles, we shall write again.”

Almost as numerous reports reach us this month from the “Empire State” as we received last; several are of circles hitherto unknown to our columns. The “DeKalb” circle, of Brooklyn, is one of these. It was organized in the fall of 1883, with fifteen members. Since that time the membership has increased to twenty-six.——At Batavia a local circle was formed in October last, and consists of about fifty members. These are mostly beginners in the Chautauqua course, with a few who will finish next year. They have done some good work in the way of essays, readings and experiments, and hope to do more. The work upon Greece has been made particularly interesting, from the fact that the leader, the Rev. C. A. Johnson, has described so faithfully many of these landmarks of the past as seen by him in recent years.——In October, 1884, a new C. L. S. C. was organized at Whitestown. It is called the “Hestia” circle, and has fifteen enthusiastic members, all ladies. At one meeting leaders are appointed to conduct the exercises on the various readings at the next meeting, having as many different leaders as there are different subjects in the readings for the week. The leaders are appointed in alphabetical order, so each member is required to lead in some exercise as often as once in every three or four weeks.——The “Lakeside” circle, of Fair Haven, is to be counted “one of us.” Many readers have been at Lakeside, but the circle is a new organization. Thus far the work has been, most of it, on the Greek course; they take the questions in The Chautauquan, have essays on the leading characters, selections, questions, discussions, etc. The president drew for them a large map of Greece, which was a great help in fixing the position of the different places in their minds—an admirable plan, which more presidents would do well to follow.——A delightful circle of seventeen exists in the pleasant city of Rome. Unfortunately, they have recently lost their president, a gentleman of scholarly taste, to whom the success of the first two years of their life was largely due.——At Little Genesee there is an enthusiastic circle of sixteen members. At each circle one of the members presents a program for the next session, every member taking his turn in the order in which his name stands on the secretary’s book. Although not formally made a rule, it is understood that no member shall refuse to undertake any work assigned on the program. Chautauqua songs, roll call, and “Questions and Answers” from The Chautauquan are the standard features of the programs. Essays, discussions, select reading, questions, etc., furnish variety, and conversation is always in order. At the last circle the responses were to be from “Kitchen Science.” The responses assumed form, as well as expression, and a bountifully spread table gave opportunity for practical tests of kitchen science.

At Latrobe, Pennsylvania, a C. L. S. C. was properly organized, and went earnestly to work October 1, 1884, with twenty-five members. It being the first Chautauqua circle in the place some difficulties had to be overcome before getting rightly started. The circle is now under good progress, and doing a good work. They have enjoyable monthly meetings, where a regular program is carried out, consisting of readings, recitations, music, etc. The benefit gained by the members is far beyond expression. Both old and young are alike profited and pleased with the readings. October 22, 1884, the circle was called to mourn the sad death of Miss Alice Newcomer, one of their most beloved members.——A very interesting variation from the usual response by roll call has been introduced into a program of the Harrisburg circle. It is that each person respond by mentioning some one important event which has occurred in the past month. This circle sends a very skilfully prepared program.——At Berwick the C. L. S. C. pursues the plan of study laid down in The Chautauquan, finding it admirably adapted to complete the required reading in the given time. A friend telling of their prosperity says: “We have lost a few members by removals, and one or two have withdrawn, after a year’s study, but the backbone and sinew of the circle remain, and the body is growing vigorous and symmetrical. At the dawn of the Chautauqua year we were compelled to part with our learned and valued preceptor, Prof. L. H. Bower, who was called to the Dickinson College Preparatory School. The circle, with appropriate ceremony, presented him with a copy of ‘Knight’s Illuminated Pictorial Shakspere,’ in eight volumes, as a token of their appreciation of his services. His talented brother, Prof. A. V. Bower, was elected to succeed him as president of the circle, and the change was made without any friction whatever. We congratulate ourselves upon being members of the Class of ’86.”

The outlook which a friend from Maryland sends of the new circle at Frederick is very encouraging: “Through the energy of a lady of the Methodist church we have organized a C. L. S. C. local circle under the name of ‘Mountain City.’ We organized November 24, 1884, with nine members, elected a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. We are glad to say we now have thirteen members, and hope soon to increase this number. We have enthusiastic meetings every week at the homes of the members; read in the circle some of The Chautauquan required readings, and carry out as far as practicable the programs for local circles, and expect to observe all memorial days.”

We have just received a very encouraging report from the Madisonville, Ohio, circle which was organized last year. They have twenty-five members, all of whom take a great interest in the circle. The committee of instruction, composed of the officers, has a full program prepared for each meeting. Two ministers of the town belong and take an active part. Miscellaneous questions have been introduced, and beside a question on the lesson, each member is required to bring one on outside matters. All questions remaining unanswered are distributed, to be answered at the following meeting. There is no doubt that if the interest in the circle still continues there will be a second circle started in the town next year.——At Defiance a local circle was organized October 1st, with a membership of twenty, all of whom belong to the general Circle of the C. L. S. C. The president is the Rev. B. W. Slagle, pastor of the Presbyterian church in the town. They have prepared special programs for the memorial days, which have proved very delightful, as well as instructive. There is a good prospect of doubling the membership by next year.

The annual report of the work of Calvary church, Detroit, Michigan, for last year, includes an account of the work done by the “Calvary” circle, a society which has been made a part of the church organization. From it we learn that the society has thirty-three active members. They have held twenty-two meetings; the programs have included—essays, 36; select readings, 28; music—instrumental pieces 21, vocal pieces 17; general talks, 4; debates, 2. The regular Chautauquan review questions have been taken up at each meeting. There has been a great deal of interest manifested in the meetings and a disposition on the part of officers and members to make them a success; every one who has attended them has been benefited, not only in the improvement of his or her mind, but also in some degree morally.

Indiana reports two circles: the “Wide Awakes,” of Moscow, a circle of four, and the “Laconia,” of Gumfield. Some five years ago, when the “Chautauqua wave” was moving westward, it reached Gumfield in a modified form. Eight persons began taking The Chautauquan, but did not perfect an organization; only one of the number matriculated and kept up the required reading. In the fall of 1882 they began the work vigorously, organizing a promising circle. As time advanced their influence gradually widened and extended, until this year there are over twenty enthusiastic Chautauquans enrolled at the Plainfield office. The “Laconia” meets weekly, and has endeavored to make thoroughness one of the characteristics of its work. It is composed entirely of housekeepers, but they feel more than compensated for sacrifice of time by inspiration received from the reading and study. Most memorial days have been observed. By this means the public has become interested in the C. L. S. C., and a similar society has been organized among the young people.

One of the most enthusiastic circles of Illinois is a quartette of “Irrepressibles,” at Nokomio. The circle had the novel experience of graduating in a body at Chautauqua last August. Now they are working more vigorously than ever, trying to cover their diplomas with seals.——Elgin has four large circles, the result of the “Alpha” circle, an organization formed in December, 1883, with six members. Last fall this society increased its numbers to nine, and most zealous has been their work. A sad loss recently befell them in the death of one of the charter members, Miss Mary Warde.——The circle at Sullivan, was organized in October, with a membership of eleven—one “Progressive” and ten “Plymouth Rocks.” They meet once a week at the homes of the members. The president appoints the members in turn to act as leaders, and the circle is composed of enthusiastic workers. Seven members visited New Orleans in the holidays, and two are spending this month in the “Crescent City.”——From Prophetstown a friend writes: “We are a modest bouquet of ‘Pansies,’ counting only seven, but we feel the charm of the Chautauqua Idea, and propose to ‘Neglect not the gift that is in us.’ One of our number, Mrs. Amelia K. Seely, passed ‘beyond the gates’ December 15, 1884. We sadly miss her cheery presence and unfailing interest in the work.”——Wednesday, January 21st, was a “red-letter” day for the Chautauquans of Hinsdale. Their usual enthusiasm was raised to a high key by the long-looked-for visit to their suburb of Chancellor Vincent, who made a stop of two hours on his way to Aurora. He was received by the class, who were out in full force, at the residence of the secretary. A lunch was served, and the time was most agreeably and profitably spent in conversation upon topics of interest connected with the C. L. S. C.

The “Oak Branch” circle was organized at Oakfield, Wisconsin, in November. There are only seven members, and all are busy people, but they are zealous and interested in the work, and thankful that they may enjoy the benefits of the C. L. S. C. They meet once in two weeks, their circle being conducted similarly to others which have been reported in The Chautauquan.

The “Centenary” local circle, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, writes us: “Our city boasts no less than twelve circles, but Centenary, the pioneer circle, still lives, and while our members are about one half what they were when ours was the only one in the city, we are going on quietly and promptly with all our work, and expect to furnish ten graduates for the class of ’85. We have our cottage engaged for the coming Assembly at Chautauqua, and hope to send a good delegation next summer. We have some eight or nine members of the class of ’88, and several representatives of classes of ’86 and ’87.”——At Spring Valley, a circle of seventeen members organized last fall, the president being from the class of ’84, but the members from ’88. The interest in the circle is decidedly increasing.

The friends of The Chautauquan in Iowa have been unusually kind this month. The following brief clippings from their letters give an excellent outlook on the work there: “A circle was organized at Afton, in October last, consisting of eleven regular and fifteen local members. Although nearly a month behind in organizing, we intend continuing our society through July, so as to be able to commence the next year at the regular time. In making out our program for local circle work we usually follow the one given in The Chautauquan, and find it a great help, but occasionally vary our exercises to adapt it to peculiar circumstances. The average attendance is good, and most of the members seem to take quite an interest. We hope the society will prove of lasting benefit to each member.”——“Through the energetic efforts of our village doctor, there was started last October a C. L. S. C. circle at Le Grand, and we feel worthy of mention in your columns. The circle consists of eleven members of the great Circle, and four or five local members. We appoint a new teacher for each book. We are learning much, and very much enjoy the circles. We have chosen for our name ‘Philohellemon.’”——“The ‘Ladies’ Chautauqua Reading Circle,’ of Sioux City, Iowa, has seventeen members. We organized in October, 1884. Our society is full of earnest enthusiasm. We meet once a week, following with slight variations the programs suggested in The Chautauquan. Chemistry is a favorite study, made specially interesting by the fact that a gentleman familiar with the subject gives us lectures with illustrative experiments.”——The “Kelly Humboldt” circle, of Humboldt, was reorganized last fall with renewed energy and vigor. About fourteen new members were admitted. “Our circle being now so large (numbering about twenty-six) as to almost require dividing, next season we intend organizing one in the adjoining town, just half a mile from here; then those living in that vicinity can withdraw from our circle to their own, leaving room for more to join us. To say that we enjoy our study, would be saying but very little; we can hardly wait for Monday evening to come, so anxious are we to meet and discuss the topics prepared for us. The programs arranged in The Chautauquan are a great help to us, although we vary them a little, generally opening by prayer and music; then, as a sentiment, we each give a current event of the week. We observe all the memorial days, and are now making extensive preparations to hold a public meeting in the church on Longfellow’s day. So that we may not be confused with the other ‘Humboldt’ circle, we have, in honor of the originator, Miss Mary Kelly, named our circle the ‘Kelly Humboldt’ C. L. S. C.”——Wapello has the “Qui Vive” circle, which enjoys the work. It was organized in September, 1884, and is composed almost entirely of members of the class of ’88.——In a recent letter from Burlington, we find some entertaining news from still another Iowa friend: “You always have something in the local circle column from Iowa. You know Iowa has two great staples, corn and Chautauquans, and we think you would surely be glad to hear of our flourishing circle, as well as others of the thousands of Chautauquans. Our circle was organized for the year’s work on Garfield day. We have the best circle we ever had, and are conceited enough to think there are no better ones anywhere. Our president is a busy lawyer. Indeed, our circle is composed of the busiest people in the town. We meet regularly and promptly every Monday evening. Burlington is a city of seven hills. Then you understand what regular meetings are here, for the circle is comprehensive and takes in all the hills. Our chemistry lessons are taught by a practicing physician who is a thorough chemist and teaches intelligently and enthusiastically. We have the willing coöperation of many of the educated people of the city, and when necessary for either our own advancement, or more perfect instruction on a topic, we find them ready to give us an address or essay. Our most enthusiastic members are graduates of colleges, or advanced academies. We recognize each memorial day. One of our daily papers freely makes any announcement we have to make, and aids us all it can. I can not undertake to tell you the good our circle is doing for us individually. Some of us, deprived of early advantages, can not be too thankful for the C. L. S. C. It is an influence for good that enters into our everyday life, and overbalances and counteracts some of the other influences that every soul must encounter.”

With an excellent program of a regular meeting has come to us a notice of a circle at Hatboro, Tennessee. The secretary says: “With great pleasure I report a local circle in our little town. We started with two members; we now enroll thirteen. We all are deeply interested, and think the Chautauqua Idea a grand one. We call ourselves ‘Golden Flower’ (Chrysanthemum) local circle, and our badges are clusters of chrysanthemums.”

From Greenville, South Carolina, come very cheering reports: “Our circle was organized in the fall of 1883, and we are therefore of the ‘Pansy’ order. We have twelve members, six young ladies and six young men. Most of the members are college graduates, and take the course to keep bright in their studies. We adhere, with occasional changes, to the following order of business: First, roll call and reading of minutes; second, examination of question box, in which each member is required to deposit at least three questions, bearing directly on the subjects for the time in the regular course; third, an essay; fourth, reading by two members appointed by the president; fifth, twenty minutes allowed for informal discussion of the lessons. We of course celebrate the memorial days with appropriate ceremonies. Some additional interest is given by having some extra literary entertainment. A Dickens party we had recently was very enjoyable. The book we selected was ‘Our Mutual Friend.’ Each member represented one of the leading characters in the book. Besides we acted several scenes, which added much to the enjoyment. We are all enthusiastic in our interest in Chautauqua, and fully determined to finish the course.”

At Atlanta, Georgia, there is a circle of fifteen in West End, the largest suburb of Atlanta. The Rev. H. C. Crumley, a pastor of the city, deserves the credit of founding this organization.

A very kindly and graceful courtesy has been extended to those Chautauquans visiting New Orleans, by the “Longfellow” circle, of that city. It is an invitation prettily framed, which has been hung in the Chautauqua alcove. The placard reads:

C. L. S. C.

GREETING OF THE LONGFELLOW CIRCLE OF NEW ORLEANS.

To any and all Fellow-Chautauquans who may be visiting The World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition, we offer a cordial invitation to attend the meetings of our Local Circle, which are held every Tuesday afternoon, at five o’clock, at No. 393 South Rampart Street, corner of Erato Street.

Also, we extend a like invitation to all Resident Chautauquans to join our Circle, wishing to awaken renewed interest in the Great Movement.

New Orleans, January 26, 1885.

A very encouraging report of the circle at Eureka Springs, Arkansas, has reached us: “We organized the Eureka Springs Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle October 1st, 1884. Our circle has about thirty members, half of whom are reading the books. We follow the programs given in The Chautauquan. A great many spectators attend. Everybody is interested in our circle. We are talking of establishing a lecture course at this place for the summer months, probably in July, in the interest of the Chautauqua Circle. We always have between 4,000 and 6,000 people here, in the summer many more. We have very suitable grounds, near the purest water in the place. Our town is easy of access from Missouri and Kansas, as well as from other parts of this State. So far as known, we are the only organized Chautauquans in this State. Probably many persons are reading the course at different places, but we know of no circle.”

From Clarksville, Missouri, a lady writes: “This Pansy bed by the ‘Father of Waters’ has much for which to be thankful: Fifteen earnest workers compose our number. We are all teachers and scholars, by turns. We attempt as much thoroughness as practicable in the readings, brought out by recitations and conversation. We carry out some parts of the programs in The Chautauquan. Some of the Pansies hope to be transplanted for a time to Chautauqua in ’87.”

Ottawa, Kansas, circle was organized in time for the October work, with a membership of fourteen. “Our circle has increased, until now we are twenty-eight in number. Our meetings, held twice a month, are both pleasant and profitable, each member faithfully doing his part. We respond to roll call by quotations or class mottoes. We find the programs in The Chautauquan quite beneficial. The essays, recitations and music form a pleasing variety. We adopted the question match, also the question box, and find these not only amusing but profitable. This month we will try some of the chemical experiments in connection with a lecture. We are all looking forward to the Sunday-school Assembly, which meets here in June, and to the meetings of the circle conducted by the Rev. Hurlbut. The spirit of the C. L. S. C. is spreading, and we hope to report a large circle to you next year.”

A friend writes from Seattle, Washington Territory: “I notice in your January number a communication from Mr. K. A. Burnell, in which he states that at Seattle and Tacoma he found but a single reader and one family reading the Chautauqua course, a statement from which one might infer that he was indeed so much under the ‘shadow of Mount Tacoma’ as to obscure his vision. There are at Seattle as many as forty readers, at least, who have been pursuing the Chautauqua course of study since October last. There are three regularly organized circles in this place, holding weekly meetings, and a general semi-monthly meeting in which the members of all the circles join. One of the circles, named ‘Alki,’ has a membership of sixteen. This circle has the honor and advantage of numbering among its members a noted linguist and scientist in the person of Dr. John C. Sundberg. Considerable interest is being awakened throughout the whole of the Puget Sound country in the Chautauqua readings, and it would not be surprising if, in another year, the regular Chautauquans in this section of country are numbered by hundreds.”

The “Washakie” circle, of Evanston, Wyoming, was organized on the 10th of last October. The names of twenty-six members have been enrolled. Starting late, they were behind with their studies until lately, consequently the program for each week as laid down in The Chautauquan was not followed. The meetings, however, have been very interesting. The leaders appointed for the different subjects on each evening came well prepared. Essays on Milton, Burns, and others, have been read. Prof. Halleck, of the public schools, has delivered short lectures on the scientific subjects. Prof. Capen has given experiments in chemistry. Music, and recitations from the classic authors by a fine elocutionist, have rendered the meetings more entertaining. The enthusiasm has grown with the year.

The first circle that was regularly organized in Portland, Oregon, was that established by the Y. M. C. A., last October. This circle is composed of about twenty members. The other two circles which have joined the class of ’88 are those connected with the Taylor Street and Grace Methodist Episcopal Churches. The latter was organized during the month of December, and is composed of about twenty-five members, who seem to be now deeply interested in their work. The former is the largest circle in the State, composed of about forty active and progressive young men and women, who are now deeply interested in their studies, and a notable fact of this circle is that there is no restraint in thought by the members, as is often the case where freedom of opinion is withheld, thus repelling the progress of the meeting. The able secretary of their circle deserves great credit for the time and trouble he has exercised performing that office, and volunteering to assume all responsibility with regard to books, dues, and pamphlets. The Rev. G. W. Chandler, the efficient president, is the originator of this circle. Their efforts and untiring energies have made this circle most interesting, and have brought into it some of the best scholars in the State. By perseverance and thorough study, with the watchword “Forward,” they are determined to ever press onward and upward in this grand work, and receive their reward.