He who labors diligently need never despair. We can accomplish everything by diligence and labor.—Menander.
Maine (Parks Island).—We have a local branch of the C. L. S. C. here on this little down-east island. We have but fifteen members as yet, but hope to improve in numbers another year. We did not commence work until November, and have had quite hard work to catch up with the regular course, but think we shall be able to accomplish it after a little more hard work.
Maine (Lewiston).—We have three local circles in this city. They were organized this C. L. S. C. year. Most of the members began the course of reading last October. One of the circles is designated as the “Universalist,” another the “Methodist,” each of which has a membership of about twenty-five. The third, which is called the “Alpha” C. L. S. C., is much smaller, the number being limited to ten. Five of these are members of the Class of 1885. The Alpha class have been holding monthly meetings, but owing to the increased interest have decided to meet once in two weeks. Our gatherings have been very informal and pleasant at the home of one of the members. The previous month’s work is carefully reviewed, any topic not well understood is freely discussed, it being the privilege of each member to ask any question relative to the work. Essays are prepared and listened to carefully. At our December meeting two essays on “Geology” were presented—one embracing the October reading on that subject, the other the November—thus bringing into one lesson the principal features of Prof. Packard’s “First Lessons” in that science. The class enjoyed the evening very much and believe it will be a help to have the main points of a single branch of study all brought out in one evening’s work—that is as far as possible.
Vermont (Rutland).—Last year we organized our circle with five members, but only three finished the reading and answered the questions. This year we have nine members, and we meet the last Monday evening in the month. Each member is given a few questions on the month’s reading to answer. After meeting a few times we hope to be a little more methodical in doing our work.
Vermont (St. Albans).—We have not organized a local circle here, though there are not less than twenty persons reading the course in this city.