The next mention noted is one by Dr. Kitchiner, in 1824. When speaking of a friend above sixty, he says, "This strain of the eye and occasion for spectacles of a high magnifying power is particularly found in mending pens (this was when the goose-quill was the most generally accepted tool in the trade of authorship), so that he has a sufficient number of pens to prevent the necessity of mending any of them until he has finished writing." To this there is appended a note: "To those who find the mending of pens rather a difficult job, I recommend the occasional use of the steel pen, especially when they wish to write very small and neatly."
AN INDESTRUCTIBLE PRESENT.
Joe is a boy who, through the beneficence of his grandparents, is singularly blessed with uncles and aunts, and Christmas and birthdays he realizes it most. They give him so many toys that his father and mother, on such occasions, usually make their presents consist in carrying out some cherished plan of Joe's.
"Actually," his father remarked, on his most recent birthday, "Joe has more presents now than he can break in a year."
"Oh no, papa!" said Joe, with an injured air, "there's one present I won't break."
"Well, Joe," replied his father, "I'm glad there's one. Which is it—the cast-iron train of cars Uncle Bill gave you?"
"Oh no!" cried Joe; "I can break that easily enough. I mean I won't break your promise to send me to dancing-school."
