96 THREE KINGDOMS. 



exception. We bought a mineral collection, and studied the 

 specimens in order, bringing our own specimens to compare 

 with them. Memorial Day we celebrated by an excursion to 

 Lantern Hill. Twenty-two of us reached the foot of the hill 

 before noon, and there had singing and select readings. After 

 dinner we climbed the hill. Orchids, star-flowers, and rag- 

 wort excited remark among our botanists. We chiselled " A. A. 

 '87" upon the bark of a chestnut tree, gave three cheers for 

 Agassiz and three for our chapter, and then wended our way 

 to the silex-works. Here each member tried to find a large 

 crystal, several succeeding in getting them as large as a man's 

 thumb. Besides these we brought home handfuls of the 

 powdered silex, which is sent to New York to be made into 

 crockery, paint and SUGAR. In the fall we hope to purchase 

 books, and raise money for a course of scientific lectures. "So, 

 high in hope, we wait the summer through." 



MART A. AVERT. 



And our ranks are recruited by an increasing- num- 

 ber of adult members, who are equally welcome. 



When a wide-awake teacher takes hold of the mat- 

 ter, the most important results follow. 



About six months ago, Chapter 266 A. A. was organized in 

 connection with my school. We have succeeded wonderfully, 

 both in point of numbers and collections. We now number 

 thirty-three, and the prospects are that we shall soon have 

 as many more. The boys, some twenty or more, have over five 

 hundred specimens, consisting of fossils and insects. The 

 girls, of whom we have lately added a dozen, are busily en- 

 gaged in gathering leaves, roots, and seeds, and, when they 

 make a report, we shall classify them botanically. The whole 

 neighborhood has been awakened by the enthusiam of the 

 boys and girls. All this work is collateral; that is, no part of 

 school-time is taken up. The County Superintendent of 

 Schools was so delighted with the idea, that he has earnestly 

 requested me to bring the matter before our County Institute, 

 the third week in December. The Institute numbers six 

 hundred teachers, and if this is done, the A. A., no doubt, will 

 spread in this county. T. G. JONES, 



St. Glair, Schuyl. Co., Pa. 



