HOW TO SKATE

February is perhaps as good a month as any other to learn to skate. The simplest, and most approved method, is as follows: One high-ball, another high-ball, 1 more high-ball, simply a high-ball, just one more high-ball, ditto, the same, and lastly, a highball. (Note—After the glass is full say, "Not another drop.") You will be surprised at the ease with which you can skate. "Spreading the Eagle" is a very pretty and artistic skating figure. It is done by trying to get from one side of the street to the other all in the same night. "Looping the lamp-post" is also quite an achievement in skating. It doesn't make any difference which of the two lamp-posts you loop—take your choice. It is difficult to give directions how to do this. The feat has to be seen to be learned. There is a simpler way of doing it, however, and that is—stand perfectly still while the lamp-post passes around you. Two persons skating together for mutual assistance are known as "a pair of skates." An expert skater can skate just as well in July as in February. Nocturne:
Bright
Light
Night. Miss
Kiss
Bliss. Pa
Bar
Scar.

SUNDAY
MONDAYCherry trees and hatchets have been supplanted by "big sticks" as decorations at the White House.
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY"Cut it out"—Surgeon's Motto.
THURSDAYGeorge Washington born. Neighbors took in their cherry trees.
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
FEBRUARY
When Duty calls, send her around to the back door.

HOW TO COMPOSE A SHORT STORY

"Ambitious" asks the compiler of this Almanack to tell her the easiest way to compose a short story. This depends somewhat on the short story, but a few general observations may be of interest. Some short stories are more excited than others. Lead the short story to a quiet place and soothe it by praise delivered in a gentle, monotonous, but authoritative tone of voice. Be careful not to criticize, as that will make it more and more nervous. When the short story shows signs of yielding to this influence, smooth it gently with one hand and pat it on the back with the other. When quite composed, withdraw quietly, still speaking in a low tone. A short story by Mary Wilkins can be composed more quickly than a short story by Kipling. In the latter case it may be necessary to gently persuade the short story to take an opiate. Health Hint:
All that blisters is not good for a cold. Lucky Advice:
It is unlucky to fall down 13 flights of stairs.