New York.—In a letter received in June from the secretary of the “Literary Section of the Rochester Academy of Sciences” (Rochester), there was a pleasant prophecy expressed that the twenty-three members which the circle then numbered might be able this fall to add a cypher to the right hand of the number and send us an account of two hundred and thirty enrolled members, and they add in hearty appreciation of our words: “In a city so full of cultivated people as ours there ought to be double that number to which the course would be a blessing.”
The “Spare Minute” circle, of New York City, is one of the many which owe their origin to the interest of one or two readers. During the year 1882-83 there were two young ladies reading the course together, and finding it so interesting they tried to interest others. Soon three young ladies joined them, and in February they formed a circle, holding meetings once a month. The circle soon numbered seven, five ladies and two gentlemen. At a “special,” June 3d, they spent a most delightful two hours and a half with Latin Literature and Roman History. Their pastor, Rev. A. W. Halsey, of the Spring Street Presbyterian Church, met with them and took charge of the meeting. This circle wrote us of their plans for a C. L. S. C. picnic to be held in the summer. Was it a success?
New Jersey.—Everybody found the “Pictures from English History” in the course of last year a very delightful book, and at Marion, the circle of six organized late in the year was so pleased that they read it aloud, taking in connection with it the text-book on English history and the questions from The Chautauquan. A very interesting plan it must have proved. Our Marion friends hope this year to be able to report an increase of members and of interest in the work in that place.
Pennsylvania.—The reorganizing of the local circles has brought out many plans for the important work of collecting the old members again into the ranks, and of bringing in new members. That wonderfully energetic body, the Allegheny circle of the class of ’87, did a capital thing in sending out a large number of copies of the following letter:
“Allegheny, September 24, ’84.
“Dear Friend:—The Allegheny circle, class of ’87, C. L. S. C., will hold their first meeting for the term 1884-5, at 7:30 p. m., on Monday, September 29, 1884, at 55 Ohio Street, corner East Diamond. Members and friends cordially invited to be present.
“Have you any friends who may be made happier, wiser, and better, by using the spare moments of life in useful, pleasant and profitable reading? If so, bring them with you. Do you know any persons who have read part of the C. L. S. C. course, who, becoming discouraged, have given up the work? Speak to such ones and induce them to begin again and finish the course. We invite all to meet with us who wish to enter upon a four years’ course of useful reading, under the direction and wisdom of some of the best educators of the country.”