THE 1RR1GA T10N A GE. 335 



do our best by pen and voice and prayer, and sir should we succeed, 

 generations yet unborn will rise up and call us blessed. 



In the August issue of IRRIGATION AGE I will endeavor to show 

 why Col. A. Hoagland's patented steel canal or flume should be 

 adopted for this work in lieu of a dug canal. Meantime I am, sir, in 

 all good works and deeds, 



Yours very truly, 



C. B. PARKER. 



A DIPLOMAT. 



You have heard the tale, perchance, 

 How an ancient King of France 



Of his baker made a minister of state ; 

 For his majesty, 'tis said, 

 Liked a certain kind of bread, 



Which no baker in the land could dupli- 

 cate. 



But one day he took a bite, 

 When upon his royal sight 



Burst an insect they had baked into the 



bread ; 



Cried the monarch, "Ha, a roach ! 

 Bid the pastry cook approach, 



He shall answer for this outrage with 

 His head." 



When the baker viewed the bug, 

 He made answer with a shrug: 



"Tis a rasin, sire I put into the food.' 

 Then he praised its luscious taste, 

 And he swallowed it with haste, 



And he smacked his lips as though he 

 thought it good. 



And the monarch, reconciled, 



To his courtiers turned and smiled, 



"I confess," he cried, "at length I've 



found my mate. 

 Such a diplomatic head 

 Shouldn't waste time baking bread". 



So he forthwith made him minister of 



state. 

 - -Milton Goldsmith in Harlem Lijc. 



