94 THREE KINGDOMS. 



Among 1 our most delightful branches are what we 

 call 'Family Chapters,' in which the members of one 

 family unite to form a little society and study to- 

 gether. 



Flushing, L. I. 



I want to tell you how much we enjoy our meetings. The 

 subject of the last meeting was Mistletoe, and here is what was 

 said about it. Mamma said, "The botanical name of the 

 mistletoe is Viscum album. In olden times it was thought to 

 be poisonous, for Shakespeare speaks of the 'baleful mistletoe.' 

 The Druids used it in religious rites. It is a parasite, growing 

 chiefly on apple-trees." Miss Scott had tasted the berry, which 

 is sweet and glutinous. She painted me a lovely picture of 

 mistletoe and holly. In the evenings when papa is at home, we 

 have music, and, if possible, pieces bearing on our subject; 

 for instance, this evening we had a song entitled "The Mistletoe 

 Bough," and an instrumental piece, the "Mistletoe Polka." 

 Mamma plays on the violin, and I on the organ or piano. 



From your friend, F. M. H. 



There is no limit with regard to age. Little chil- 

 dren have, bright eyes. 



The Oaks, Tioga Center, N. Y. 



I am nine, and my sister is five. We have examined a 

 geranium-bug, and it is beautiful. Its body is green, and it 

 has six legs that are clear like crystals. The antennae are 

 longer than the insect, and are sometimes thrown backward. 

 It has a long beak. The body has two horns at the end. The 

 eyes are reddish-brown, with tiny white dots. 



ANGIE LATIMER, Secretary. 



Several of our chapters publish local papers. 



Macomb, 111. 



Progressing nicely. We meet at each other's houses every 

 Friday afternoon after school. Almost all of us have been 

 collecting insects during the summer. We have a paper read 

 every two weeks, to which we contribute original articles on 

 anything pertaining to natural history. The chapter is di- 

 vided into two parts, and each part edits the paper alternately. 

 We cannot understand how other chapters have so nice club- 

 rooms and cabinets and microscopes, etc. Where do they get 

 their money? We like the A. A. VERY MUCH. 



NELLIE H. TUNNICLIFF. 



