LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2622, 15 June 1904, Page 73

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto : — We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves. Dear Dot, — I am going to tell yon how Lake Wakatipu v.as formed. Many years ago a fine young Maori warrior, Mafcaikauri, loved a chieftain' 3 slaughter named! Manata. Her falLer thought her faa: too good for the man who loved hear. One day a giant who was known as Matau caane and carried Manata, off to his den. When tho old chief learned this, he was- filled witlh grief, s-nd offered his daughter's hand to anybody who would rescue her. The giant always sl&pt when the wind blew from tlie north-west. Mata-kauri knew this, so ojb dUy when the wind blew in from the sea ha went in search of Mana-ta/. When he got near the giant 7 s den he heard he-r weeping bitterly. He could not rescue her because she was tied to the giant by o> cord made of the hids of the two-headed dog ; but as Matakauri was wondering what to do, the cord broko as if by magic, and she was free. Matakauri then set iiio to a pile of bracken, around) the giant. The fire burnt a hole about a thousand feet eileep, into whicih the mountains poured their streams. In this way Lake Wakatipu was fcimed. With love to tha editor, not forgetting yourself and the L.F.. — Yours truly, ROYAL ARTHUR. [So that is the legend of Lake Wakatipu, is it. Royal Arthur? I had not heard it before, and as> M&ta.kf.uri and Manata, are* both found in the neighbourhood of Wakatipu to this dny, I suppose they have lived happily ever since. — DOT.] D-eac Dot,-- Just the isanie old Sparrow H3.wk who wrote you some time ago. As r.ll mv kind axe known for tbeir proverbial cheek, you nrast let thint hereditary weakness suffice for my writing do soon again. Oh, what a lot I 'have seen, and would like to write about, and yet I dare not, for the commotion would be tco gu'eat even for a- Hawk to stand. However, I shall tel-1 you something, Dot, that if it does mot interest, may at lep.st anrusa you. For some time past, taking more interest than usual in thinga t!ha.t creep and crawl about, but canr.ot fly, I noticed that all and every man, beast, and bru'.e was drawn by some great curiosity — or should I say rnagnot.ism ? —in a certain direction, those in the south heading north, while those in the north headed youth, east and west also reversing their positions. Overcomrag the natural temptation to go and see what wi-s trumps, I went aLout my business, soaring high up out of slight, ancll watched them go by" Catching sigiht of a D.L.F. badge shining brightly m the sun, that deeicled 1 mo once and for all to go too, and. i,es what could induce one of Dot's bind to travel, so I followed the lead on oi.d on till I came to a bend in the moutitain, where, scattered here and there, wexe all those who had) come from eveaywhere, and considering where I was I could not but exclaim, "There's a picture fox you." Then I remambered it was here that my fuends of tlie hilltops had decided to match their skill, to say ncthing of their good looks, against all comers. Well, Dot, nobody knew me as a Hawk, for I had prevailed u|s>.n my good fairy to chango me for once into just am. ordinary folk without aiij iep^he-rs. As I was moving about trying

la see eveiythmg at onoe, -nhich wasn't very d'fScult, I came upon a gioup of "fuu andl gaiety," and among ihem, as happy as jou like, %xas "tha httlc Sparrow, with the badge flashing on her breast. I knew it was she, because the was so happy. She couldn't help but chiirtip, chirrup, chirrup. Well, there is no Ui3 gcing into details, So I ghall finish this part of my btcry by celling you that going hoire that nigiht I feit awfully like poetising, so, seeiiig a spanow sitting on the spouting of a oarn, I quickly rappsd off this little sonnet: "There was a little sparrow, Up a blooming spout, There came a. gust of wind, And blew the beggar out." Well, thait wasn't all, but it is quite enough to give you an ltiya as to what the rest was like. Oh, where, oh, where, is D.L.F. Civis! Dum Dum has, indeed, left a vacancy, and no one seems inclined to fill the gap. Don't you tlhink, Dot, that you could promote one of the best writers, oar an. Old Writer, to the position, fai I am sure if they were well lookedi ,*ftsr and kept up-to-date the D.L.F. Passing Notes would continue to ha quite a. feature in tho page. How would you like some Sparrow Hawk feathers, Dot? I have some nice tail feathers thai I can spa^e. I can send you stme if you would care? to have them. With 10-e to you and all D.L.F.,— Yours truly, •SPAKROW" HAWK. [Sparrow Hawk has evidently a kind s £vud genr.ious nature, notwithstanding his cynieil reiiu-arks concea-ning the ijoot Spaa-row. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — My uncle has been getting the Witness for o T . »r 30 yeais, and I do not Know what he would do without it. I went to Dunedin at Ea.ster time, and I saw the Gardens and si'ch a lot of beautiful flowers and swans and ducks. I also had r.'des in the electric oars, and had such a. good time, that I would have Uked to have stayed lon gar It is very ee'd here in winter time. We- have not had sn-^w j vet although the mountains are covered, — Yours truly, JEANNIK Dear Dot, — Since I last wrote to you, about five months ago, a lot of things have come ana gone. Our Christmas holidays are past; Easter has passed l , and there was a bazaar tteld here, and it is past. First I shall tell you how I spent my Christmas holidays. I went to T., and had a very enjoyable time. I was there a fortnight, and should have liked to have stayed longer, only I left it too long going, and had 1 to come ihiome to get ready for school. On <3ood Friday I went for a picnic to 0., anJ. enjoyed myself immensely. I am forgetting Empire Day is also past. Well, I have not much to' say about it, because it was wet, and ws had no amusements. Our church bazaar was held on the 26th, 27t)h, and 28th of May, and I think it was a- success. I hadn't my badge on, so when I saw a D.L.F. I did not like to speak. Tlie next night I had my badga on, but I raw nobody. I should like much, to eschange_auto3 with the D.L.F. I saw at the bazaar. If addressed to "Inquisitive Poll, cai© of Mr W. Douglas, Malieno," it will reach nu. lam away- from school just now, because I am not well. Deaar Lady Psyche, Heather, and Bluebell, please write to m°, as I lest your addresses. Withlovs to the D.L.F. I saw at the bazaar, and all the rest of the D.LJ?., not forgetting Do« and the editor, — Yours truly, INQUISITIVE POLL. Dear Dot, — The winter is with us now. The olher morning there was snow on the ground, here, and I did not get up till dinner time. I have a little- pony which I call Jack, and I ride him to school every day, for I. live in a country I'lace. I have two brothers older than myself, and one liltlo eistex four years ol<s. Are you frightened of rats, Dot?' I am not. My brother has fine ferrets, and I sometinies feed them for him. They are very pretty wheai they are young; — Yours truly, LENADear Dot, — My mothetr and youngest brother are away for a holiday, so my sister and I are lefi in charge of things. lam cook, and. sho ir< — well, "cook's mate." Last Sunday afternocn my aister, cousin, and I went for a- walk t;> a plantation not far froim here. When we were nearly there it started to rain. You know v;Lat sort of rain, Dor — the -stuff that soaks yon through twice over. Well, we went on, thicl'.Ji:g to get shelter in the plantation. It wag not so bad for a while until the leaves of the trees got thoroughly wet, and then didn't we get it nicely. Anyway, -wo managed to get pietty wet, and were well satisfied. We ana having lovely weather up here just now — a bit cold in the mornings, though, but warm, through the day. Our Band of Hope ocsnicert was held last wec-k, but I did not go to it, so I do not know how it came off There are two owls flying about our place frightening everyone r.t night. We- tried to catch them, but could not get near them. With love to Gladstone, Ksorargahape, Florodora, Dot, and the editor, — Ycurs t.uly, - KATE. Dear L>ot, — We have just been, here a yesur, coming from Lincoln, in Canterbury. I did not like coming in the boat from Lyttelton to Wellington, >and then the train is such a long journey — from 8.20 till 5 p.m. It was a very wet dlay when we arrived here, and we were all anxious to see our new house, and wondering what it was like. Dad was up here before us, and had fires in nearly every room, and had made us a nice stew. It was the- first one he had ever made, and it took him nearly all day to make it, the ingredients being mutton, carrots, turnips, potatoes, onions, and plenty of gravy. When we had finislieicS that lo\ely stow we went on an exploring expedition upstairs, ancl thioug'h all the rooms (10), sliding down the banister, etc. Dear Dot, could you tell me how to clean bear fur? Witih love to all the L.F. and your own deaa- self, — Yours tinly, VEEIvON. [T really don't know how to clean bear fur, dear. I wonder ii any L.F. know how it is done?— DOT.] Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you about a time I went pig-hunting with my miates. We left early one morning, taking with us plenty of food, as you get very hungry travelling through the busih. We had with us six dogs, and as we went along we sent them away hunting. Sonia of them would not hunt at all; they only ran about barking. We came on plenty of pigs' tracks, but no pig's. We wra-d-ered along till we came to a place oalkd the Heads. There the pigs' tracks were fresh, and we knew the pigs were not far off, so we sent cur dogs away. Wo had not gone very far when we heard them barking, and we stacrtcd off. The clicgs had cams upon a. mob of psgs, and they had some baileci up. My word, they were savage. We managed to shoab one, the others getting swaj-; but we did not care, as we had a bit of fun. We cut off the pig's hind le£s> to bring home, and one of my miates tool: his tusks, which were a very pretty pair. After we had had some dinner, we started for home. The dogs »ven<t awpy hunting again, and wa hoard them! barking once mere. We went aftei them, thinking there were more pigs, but they took us a long way off ouir tiack. We had to climb a big hill, and when we got to the top the dogs v.'ieae away down the other side among a lot of ferns. We went down to them, and something made a dart at me. I thought it was a wild pig, so I let out a yell and climbed on the top of a fern tree. My mates nearly took a. fit laughing at me, for it was only a calf the dogs had been wearying tilll they had made it mad, and it was "bunting at everything it saw. I soon came down from tiie- fern tree when I saw what it was. It was begui-

niug to get daik by this time, sc we made foi. a river to camp. It was all right camping in the bush at night. V\ r e made a big fir.?, and all lay axoxind it, and I soon went ofi to sleep, as I was tired My mates woke me up early in the morning, and we had breakfast, and started off again. We wandered about till nearly dinner time, then the dogs came upon, some of our cattle, aaid we thought we would take them home. Wo ha da contract, for Tevery time we got them into a mob some fivould break away and when they started off they went like wildfire ; but we managed to geb home with a f^w of them, aii'l I was not sorry, either, for vra were tired and hungry. Dear Dot, the girls down hen? gave a ball last Friday night. It was the first spinsters' ball that has ever been held in this district, and there wps a good 'turn out. I was there, and I enjoyed) myself all right. With love to all the D.L.F., yoxirself, and the editor, — Yous truly, HAED CASE. Dear Dot, — I shall soon-be leaving school, as I am pretty far on in the standards. In winter we usually ride to school, which is a good' distance off. I would soonea* ride than dirive. The first ride I had was to tdie top of the range with my brother. I shall be glad when the ice comes, so that we ;aai have some skating. Dot, were you ever out on th<> sea? I was, and I liked it vsry much. I am learning to play the piano, and I like it well. We can nearly all play the piano now. "I like baking, as many other young girls do.. Dear Dot, what is a good thing to do after you leave school? With love to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, SNOWFLAKE. [That is very hard to say, Snowflake. If you were in town you might get into a shop, and work yourself up, but of course you have not the same opportunity in a country cl-3trict like the one you live in. I should think dressinaJdng would prove very useful for you. — DOT.] Deax Dot, — I thought I would take up my pen and write a few lines to you, the firsrf? for many years. A mate and I have often thought of writing, but the time passed ajway without our doing so I used to write often to you, but somehow or other I stopped. Winter has started now, and we can look out for cold mornings, and nights, too. The snow is very thick on the ranges about h&re, especially on the; Old Man. Have you ever been up in Gemtral Ctago in winter, Dot? If co, you know wPas ccld weather is I like iiviag here, because in summer there is tennis, and in winter there are skating and! golf. Golf is a fine ganie, and a great number play up here. Skating- is grand, too. I learned last year, and I got some splendid falls ; Lut they did not stop niei from learning. We have not had thick enough ice lo skate mi yet, but I am sure we will shortly now. The D.L.F. Page has increased great deal since* last I wrote, and I always look-for-ward for Witness day to oorne, so as to read' tho letters. The D.L.F. picnics must be grand. I should like to be able to get to some of them, but living- in an out-of-the-way place like A., it is impossible. We hardly ever get iuin up here, alMiough. it has beer raining a little today. We bave. a .vater supply now, md it isi a gieat help. The train is coming nearer and Eenrci to us every year, but I am afraid iv will be a- few years yet before it reaches her?. We oan get to Dunedin in a day now, sa that is roi so bad. Dunedin must be very busy just now. The wintei show being on, I think there will be a great number of L.F. in town,. _ and I see you are going to have a group ta-ken. * I hepe it will be put in the Witness. I shall look out for it. Well, Dot, I think I have written enough for a time, so I shall close. With love to all the L.F., the editor, and youiself, and hoping this will not be put. into that dreadful condensed column. — Yours tru v, A GOLFER. [So you have become a golfer sin to you last wrote, dear, and changed your nonx co plurno accordingly. Well, lam very glad to welcome you back to the page. Though you cannot go to the picnics, you can become ft member of thj D.L.F. Literary and Debating Club. Yovi will be able to exchange books, even though, you cannot take part in the debates. I shouldn't be surprised if the group goss m the same week as your lett&r. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — It is a very long time* since I wrote to you last. T have ofteni thought of doing, so, but I have been too lazy. I always look at the Witness every week, though, and I think there at© more L.F. hitters lihan ever. I have been away for a holiday lately, and I enjoyed myself greatly. You will be scrry to hear that Star Queen has bee-n ill. I went to s»° hsr once. She looked pretty bad. Sflis is better now, though, and able to get out. I don't like to think winter lia here, do you, Dot? Have you ha<3 on of the chain letters which, acre to givei help lo the "Veterans' Home n* Avckland? If so. what Co you think of them? I was at the Chrysanthemum slhow the othea: week, and I thought it was very nice. The autumn leaves were, lovely; so were tlie fruit and table decorations. I liked the moisic, too ; but I could nol stay vry long, as I had h ( catch the train. Now, Dot, I think I shal tell you about a picnic we 'had at Easter, al though it is a long time ago. Wo went t'

— A doctor ■says that pei^cm who Pliii n their thhtietb. year without sufrcMig from enj- factions iisoa^o am bk'lj to h\c viil-.l they aic at lca;t 73 ycais of ago.

— Nc-vt (o Tinpo wine, it h behoved tl'at •le-pane o "Vako,' or lico wine, is tho olc'cs! a'cohji'c !'c cra^c Lncv.n to man, ms u^o in J.-prn t':-iin^ b:ick ener 2:00 yctas.

Dixon's Beach, which lies away on the other side of the Peninsula. There were three traps full of us-. We got thewj about 10 o'clock, and when we got all together there was quite a large party of us. First of all we started exploring, and along the bePooh a bit we came to a nice little cave. It did not take us long to find that there v?s nothing very interesting in it, so we startec 1 ! off again. We 'could not get along the beaoh much farther, because of tho tide, and nothing exciting happened till about lunch time, when my little brother, who always likes to bs different from anyone else, fell in the water. Well, he had to partly undress 'him and wrap him in a young lady's coat, and he had to Bit there for such a time, till his clothes cVied, that, ha felt he (had gained nothing by being "out of the common." We ha:i lunch u>ext, and we all felt very hungry, I can tell you. We had to wash tip a few dishe3, and then" we adjourned to the beach again. The boys nrast Qrave felt in a jolly mood -after their lumch, for they started playirvg leap-frog, and it was grand fun watching them. They often had spills, but they did not mind, _and they soon picked themselves up again. i\ext they irade kelp balls, and played rounders and crickc' The afternoon passed very quickly, and teatima soon came. All the rest but our own trapful werut away directly after, but we* did noS feel like going. We had to go at last, though, and the picnic, like everything else, oame ,to an end. Before closing, I must tell you about p. trick I had played on me last Sunday night. A girl promised to bring me seme violets and give them- to me after church. When I came out she was wailing, and handeci ma a bunch tied up with pink wool. I did not know till I got nearly home that it was some chickweed and a thistle. Lovs to all D.L.F.,— Yours truly, A. G. S. [I 'E,ni sorry to hear of Star Queen's illness, A. G. S., and. sincerely hope she will soon be quite well again. No, I haven't seen the chaia letter you mention. As a riile, it is as well for ai.yojie who receives such a letter to break the chain, as it offers sxvcii an easy method for swindling ; bub I suppose) in this case it la right, enough. These were certainly thfe most extraordinaiy violets ever heard of. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — I have just come over for a trip to the North Island from the West Coast, and I must say I like the North Island best. I had a splendid trip over in thj boat, as it was lovely weather. The place I am in now is very quiet, but still, Dot, you can enjoy yourself in a quiet place, can you not? There is a mill here, and I take a great delight in seeing it working. There ore plenty of ferns in the bush, so I thought I would make a fernery. I have a lovely variety of ferns. I take a great delight in wandering through the bush. I am afraid to go far in by myself, as they tell me there are wild pigs there. I, should not like to meet a wild pig— indeed, I think I would feel inclined to climb a tree if I saw one. Well, I am not in the buah altogether up here, as we • have a horse and trap, and I often go for a drive or a ride on horseback. I cannot go for a ride at 'present, as the river is in flood. I suppose I shell have to give up riding soon, aa we will shortly /be having cold weather. There was a heavy irost here yesterday morning, and everything- looked so pretty; out it was too cold to go out of doors, so I made a big fire and sat by it most of the morning. With love to all D.L.F., not forgetting your own dear self and Mr Editor, — Yours truly, AUNTY PAT. , Dear Dot, — As it is nearly six years since I wiote to you, I suppose you have quite forgotten me. We are experiencing awfully cold weather just now, and the Rock and Pillar Mountain is covered with snow. Oh, dear, how dreadfully one feels the cold these mornings. I had the pleasure of being at the Middlemarch show, and although it was an exceedingly damp day, I managed to scrape up a little' enjoyment. I had the honour of seeing our old D.L.F. friend. Harry, also several other coirespondents. How strange it seems to see violets, prinvroses, auriculas, and daisies out in bloora at this period of the year. With leve to Princess "Vera, Audace, Simon Pure, Goldspur, Queen of the May, and your dear self,— Yours truly, NITA. Dear Dot, — Sinee 1 last writing to you I have cevne. to live fll A. S. I lived 'here for nearly two years before, so I am used to the place. We are having very cold! weather here now; but we could 1 not expect any other at this time of the yesr. There is- usually a good deal of skating here in winter time, so I am looking forward to having a good 'time on the ic<;. A great many people go in for golf up here. I think it is a very peculiar game. Did you ever play it, Dob? One day I went up to the golf links with my i»ate, and had a tri.\' ; lut very often I missed the bail. I am going -up again this w**k, aixl ihopa to do better. The ai'irual football sports are to be held here- tomorrow, but I -don't thinii I shall go, as it is too cold to stand looking on. Diinedin will bi %(?ry busy just new, as it is show tinm. My father and motliea- intend to ga down .to it, so I hope the -weather will be fine. Tliare will be a great many L.F. r-t the show, so I hope the group will come out all light, and I shall keep a look out for it in the Witness. I saw a young fellow about here for a few days, wearing a badge, and I kept «, look out to see if any one wrote about this jalace. I think from Texas Jack's lettei it must have been he. I did not have my badge on. so did not speak. I read the description of the L F.s picnic at Anderson's Bay, an<T< I think they must have had a good time. I think it would be veryi nice to be at cne. Dear Chips, Creamy, and Pufs Puff, I wonder if you know who I am'? With plenty cf leve to all the L.F., yourself, and the editor, — Yours iralr, NORTH POLE. Dear Dot, — I am writmg to tell you about a holiday I lately spent at Bannockburn. I drove^do-wn, accompanied by two Bannoc»fourn friends at whose place I wasi going to stay. The road was rather lonesome, but we amused ourselves by waving to the people whose places we were parsing. I think almost the whole of one family miust have turned out to unswfr us, thinking, no doubt, that we wexe ecme friends. Our driver was rather bashful, sc we tcok his hat and) waved it, while we, waved oia- handkerchiefs, to which we received a vigoious response. On getting farther down tho iroad we saw a mian making a course for tho spoits, which, together with the Clutha Dog Trials,' were held shortly afterwards. We v.aved to him, thinking he would be as friendly with us as the people we had just passed, but ho took no notice of us, evidently thinking we were tiying to have a little fun at his expense. So we drovo on, and soon cacne to Eccky Point, where we stayed for lunch. Afteir that .we again went on our way, arriving at our destination soon after 8 p.m., having hacil a very enjoyable drive. Bannockburn is a very fumy-looking place, it being nothing Lut w&ter-ruta all over, aaid I should advise you, if ever you are up Cromwell way, to go oJt and see it. It is perfectly unsafe for strangers to wander about afteir dark, as they might fall over a precipice or into a gully of some soit. One o£ the friends at tho place where I Ma 3 staying told me tfoa.t he walked over a bank 20ft deep when coming horns one night; so I thought it wise to be careful. It is evident, 1 by the broken appearance of the ground, that a gicat amount of sluicing has been done; and t I was shown one place in which thousands of t pcrnds had been made. While I wssl down 3 theie I was on a dredge (the Eiectric No 2) ILiee times. As I h : ad never been on one be-

fore, I was rather surprised to s-s* so nuch machinery working. The process oi goiddredging is really wonderful, and I should i:ke to try to explain what I did findi out aboat it, but I'm afraid I would give yoii a veiy I.cor idea, so I shall leave it to some one who knows mere about it than I do. I was shown all round the dredge, and one wouldn't need to be nervous, as it seems rather dangerous pacing so- near the machinery ; but I don't think tl-ey thought I was very nervous, as I stayed on for two or three hours one night. When the cilredge is working, it makes c terrible noise, and one wonders how the men stand it; tut they say they get quite used to it. It is very hard to hear all that is said to one on the dredge, and sometimes I used to think tha l&tn I said the better, a3 it was so ha.rd to speak loud enough to be heard. My friend, v. ho ! was working on the dtredge, suggested that wa should come down some Satua-day night End sco them lifting the buckets, so Annie ard I went down after tea, ard stayed till the men came off at 9.30. An old man com.es on board on Saturday night and stays till Monday nif thing as caretaker, and I asked the men when they went ashore for him not to say w© w»Te aboard, so «s to- give him a surprise. So they didn't, and he was walking round when sll at once he noticed iis sitting comfortably by the boiler. You can imagine he would be slightly surprised, «s it must have been Letween 9 and 10 p.m. We had a nice cup of tea on the dredge that night. .One of the men [ showed me how they boil the billy. They | simply put a little steam' pipe off the boiler j into the billy, and in a few minutes it is boiling. Another afternoon we went down to tho dredgo with two Bannockburn ladies, one of whom had her "baby -with her, -and when, we | got to the bank going down to the river we said to' the gentleman who was with us that he had better carry the baby, and he replied | that he would do so. When we got in sight j of the drecVje. first one would come out, and then another, till nearly the whale crew were watching us. Then they began to carry one another about and call out: "What's that you've g-ot, J. ?" But J. took no no-Ike of them, and went on. Ha was working on the diedge, but wasn't on shift that afternoon, so his mates were givirg him a bit of "barrack." We were going to hfi\*e afternoon, tea on the dredge, but it got very cloudy, and wo thought it was going to rain, so we left the basket. for the men, an-d went home. They were washingup that day, and we saw over 20(>oz of gold. The manager and all ware very kind to us, and took no end! of trouble in showing us everything. This dredge lately bioke the record by getting in a week the largest number of ounces yet obtained by any dredge. Well, Dot, I think I've said enough about dredging. You will be quite tired of it. We wont into CromwoM one evening to Mr Hosking's (the Methodist minister) f-sarewell social, and we enjoyed ourselves very much. The singing -was very nice. We also weat in to the farewell seovice in the church on iSimday night.' I stayed in Cromwell for a few days while I was away, andi I liked it very well, though it is a. bit sandy. Wft spent a very Enjoyable evening at Baanookburn. with the graphaphone. I , came home three weeks ago last Saturday, a.fter staying five weeks, during which time I enjoyed myself immensely. I was gladi to se« the nice pieces that -were written about poor Bhiebell. She was a nice, kind girl, whom( everybody loved and respected. I met her the Easter before last, a.t Pembroke, for the first time, but 1 / had been corresponding with her forseme 'time before tha.t ; and once-, when I was ill, before I met her, she sent me fruit-, which showed what a kino) and thoughtful nature hers was. I was vray sorry iude-ed 1 to 'hear of - her death, and though 'it' is a loss to us, to her it is great gain. To her relatives I tender my sincerest sympathy. My birthday was last week, and I was 18, so I haven't much longer to write to the page. Now, Dot, I hope you will exciise the length of* my letter, but as I do not write very often, pleas* pardon me. Love to all, from. — Yours truly, ROSABELLE I. Dear Dot, — Ting a ling ling! Are you there? Self, Rough Rider 11, and Mavourneen this end. We are having fin-e inn tonight. Rough Rider II has persuaded me to join your page, and she has come over to write with me. Rough R^ea- II and Alpine Princess correspond, aaid 1 had the pleasure of reading the tetter's letter to R.R. I liked the kilter veiy much, and E. R. has piornised to introduce me to A. P. as scon as possible. I hoge to be at the A. «nd P. show, and I may mest some L.F. there. We met Sir Toim the other day. I did dio'J speak to Mm, but I had «. good laugh after we left him. There is plenty of mud hero just now. Ono of our churns is a "bit of a nut." She diessed up as a black man the other night, and frightened some poor peoplo out of their wits. Why sho was not "run in is a mystery. She got a new "bun" the other day, and it has two red feathers like a danger signal, and she looks real "hard" in it. I forgot to sa-y the hat is green. Remember me to Jockey. Thank you. — Yours truly, TIIs'G A LING LING. Dear Dot, — Back to the deair old page once more. I am quite settled again after my holiday, resigned to my fats — a. country life, with plenty of mud to 'relieve the monotony. While in Dunedin a frientl very kindly lent rue her bicycle to tour round) on, and! another girl and I had some splendid rid'esi together — and spills, too! I wandered Tight up over the W-aifaki River into Canterbury to see thait youngest sister of mine (by the way, I see she hes takeoi to "writin' poofcry." Good luck to her!). One day I donned her cyclic," skirt, which was "just the proper styk" for me — to sweep the pavement, I niean — and started off for a spin on her machine. I had a very anxious time of it you may be sure, peda.lling along in. constant terror lest my "train" should be ca-ught in the works. However, I am still alive — the happy possessor of &U any faculties — and limbs. I had 1 a ride on Reta's bicycle a few nights ago. It has no brake. Of course t3iat would seem all right for a fiat place like this is supposed to ba. But there are steep halls about here, too, and I was foolhardy enough, to ride down one of them, tieaarly coming down "wallop" for my recklessness. However, I ima-vi-aged to keep my presence of mind and my seat, and suoceeded in steering my wayward steed safely, while Reta was coming behind at a goodl pace on a horse of flesh and blood. It was a case of " I'm wobbling on a bike, Reta, where we strolled side by eide." Another evening one of my sisters and I were going along the road, and we passed a number of cows. We thought that one 6f themi looked at us rather threateningly. After we had) passed, my sis. said', "What would you dta if they cliased us? I would make for the feance." A few minutes later w6 heard a noise behind us, and on glancing round saw one of the animals coming- tearing up the road. Quick as thought I made for the sdd'e of the road, picked up a stick, and then got on to the top of the fence. My sister followed more slowly and) sedately, but laughed greatly at my cowardice, although I only did what she said' she was going to do. The cow took no notice of us, however, andl as w« heard a cart -coming, I suggested' tihat we had hotter get on to -the road and walk as sober people should. Aren't we having real winter weather, Dot ? Our road is in a dreacltful state, as there ■'s & great deal of traffio on it every clay. 'On© nig-h-t I fell twice coming down it, and d course they -wondered whatever I'd been doing when. I came in "with my cloak all mud. However, I had! a good laugh at my brother the other night, as he got into the same plight. How sa4 to lose Bluebell.

Do you remember, Dot, you asked her to vrite every 0.W.W., a.nd you said, "It is only once a. year"? But before the year was out Bluebell had gone from our chcle for ever. She will never write again. "We wonder at Death coming for one so yoimg and joyous; but, "We see but dimly thiongh the mist of vapours, Amid 'iese earthly damps; What seems to us but sad funeral tapers, May be Heaven's distair^ lamps." What a famous body of folk Dot's little folk are becoming. A Picnic Committee, and^-ah — a Debating Club. I— l can hardly take it all in. What an energetic company the P.C. Bwins to be. Come on, C.C., show your action* also. Good-bye till O.Tv.W. comes lound, — Yours truly, " JESSICA. Dear -Dot,— This is Sunday, and a wet, miserable d«y it is, too. My coiiaiu, Red Rata., went home to Roxburgh just two days before tha show meeting. I'll never forget that meeting. When is the photo of the group going to appear, Dot? I wonder if Lenoro remembers the: fun we had tiying to select a suitable nora da plume when sic commenced writing? It was one night last January, when I was housekeeper. I had often before asked her to write, but I don't suppose she could make up her mind to start. Anyway, she stported, and I euggerted all sorts of names imaginable; but she did not seem to care to have any of them for her pen name. At last I hit on a plan. I got an elocution book, and react through poem after poem until I cams to a piece called '"The Haven." In the second versa, which is aa follows, L. found her n.d.p. : — " Ah, distinctly I lemomber, it was in tha bleak Deoember, And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor. Eagerly I wished the morrow; vainly I had ! sought to borrow Fi cm my books surcease of sorrow — sorrow for the "losi Lenore — For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore, Nameless hei-3 far evermore." Well, she took quite a faoicy to that name, and I believe she is fond of it still. It is a long time now sine? my relatives found) oufc niy'ncm de plume. I remember the day quite well Almost the moment I -was inside my ' giai'dmother's door I was greeted with, "I saw your Icttcir in the Witness." "Did you?" I ! aiifwercd; "and -what did Dct say?" "Oh, Do t; said you were a ' screw loose. ' I have it in n.y pocket,"' added my aunt. Of-course, I thought she meant the letter, so I zskeel her to let ma see it. "Certainly." she replied', ''ai-y tiling to oblige you," aaict after groping for a- while in her pocket she produced — a. screw. I don't know what followed after that, but I know that it is 10 o'clock, and time I wa» going to bod. — Yours truly, UTJLCE DOMAX. Dear Dot, — I cm once more a prisoner ia tlie house, and while casting about for a task to begnile a weaiy hour I tiimbkd across my pen, the conseqiience being this letter. We have had a fill or two of snow and some -severs fiosts, so that skating, sliding, curling, etc., will soon be in vogue. I gave myself away in, my lust letter. a>nd a large number of people hava become .aware that, they know Hoelihart personally v My cousin got a gxeat tsa<sing_ becpuse I wrote about him. About a fortnight ago liiis district was enlivened by a concert and dance, heldl in the school. Our family; drove up to the school -early, as father heldl the position of doorkeeper. I waited for tha if£c.hex, and as soon p.s we went into the .sohooj! tht concert commenced. ' A friend, and I stung tcptther, and when our turn, came we weT» quite nervous. However, we got through all' right, des-pite cur s.pprehension-s to the contrary. At the close of the conceit a verse of the " "National Anthem" -was sung by tha people. Nf-xt csano that most important item on the programme — viz., refreshments. -fj assisted, to carry rou<nc!i the fcandwichca and! things. After a while the attendants (waiters and waitresses) s«t down to have somethings to eat, and oh, the fun. we had. While th<» remaining fooct was being cleared away andl the floor prepared for dancing, snow began t» fait It scon shopped, ond left the world cshn> anil peaceful, ancil beautifully illuminated by the full moon. Dancing was commenced, and! kfcp*. up uutil 3 a.m. Then followed the inevitable , ten. {>nd cake, after which dancing was resumed , About 4.30 the gathering dispersed. I think that all eiijojed themselves thoroughly, and they had a beautiful morning to go home, for the moon was shining brig'litJy, and the ground, was cri&p with frost. 1 affrlvod hornet at half-past 5, anc'f although tired, I was well pleased with my night's amusement. I think Lynette's suggestion re a given subject to> write about and comment upon a very goodl one For tih© old«T and moie experiences! writers it .vould be pleasant and useful; but I fancy it "nould he r?.ther difficult for the younger and inexperienced. The D.L.F. Debating beciety is aai advancemsnt on this, and ought to be a success. Emmeline's page, open to ali oontnbtitors, would be the best place to pursue Lynette's ictea in, for this week there are sorna interesting letters written, upcoi a favourite tlicmo in fiction. Would it ncvt f Dot? , My father and coxisin were out ha.re-hunting today, and they managed to shoot four fine hares. All my flowers have withered and died, and I am sorry, for I love flowers. I have a little brother jutt three weeks' old, and he ia such a little monkey. It is a long time since we had a. baby in the hou^e, and he is quits a novelty. This is all at present, so, with lovi to all the L.F., yourself, and the e&itor, — • Yours truly, HOOLIHAN.

Dear Dot, — As it is over six months since m? laot letter appeared! in print, I think it i 3 about tiino I was making & ireeh start. Sinca last writing Easter has come and gone, and now the colil, dreary cloys of -winter are upon us BoiiEie Prince Chatrlie and 1 ba.cl a pleasant day's outing on Saturday, June 4. A dayj or two before we appointed to meet each othe« at 9 o'clock in tho morning. The time scorn ani\ed, but no B. P. C. As I had intendecli to meet another D.L.F. in Dunedin, I couldn't wait any longer, so I proceeded, on my journey I had not gone far when I overtook a. friend, and we went into town, together. Whea we got out of the electric car wo hurried dowru to where the -winter show was being held, I keeping a sharp look out for badges all th» while. On entering the 'hull I looked all around to &cc if a badge would meeb my gaze ; Tbut no such luck. However, my frlond and I; had a good look at the sheep and ancT all the other exhibits which were downstairs"? Having satisfied ourselves with the look of everything we were interested in downstairs^ we wended our way to the upper portion of tho bi.iiding. While busily engaged, looking at tho exhibits up there, B. P. O. noticed -ffs-, and came running over. B. P. C. and I them spent the remainder of the day together. She had evidently come in in the next car, and had! been in tire eho-w building a long time before I noticed Slier. Ws stayed in tha show till a quarter to 1, and during; nil ib?i lime we never caw or spoke t|O a single 3.' F. By this time tt» were beginning to think that we were doomed. 1 to disappointment, so we left the building, and' made our way lip town. "Whilst proceeding; alcng the street we noticed a girl wearing ai badge, and of course -\ve spoke; but sha seemed m a great hurry : as Bhe just said', "Hulloa," nnct gave us tbe Witae's smile. Further on we met Her.\y "We3t, and had a. pleasant chat with her: Uit I am afraid we

eletained her too long, as she was with several other girls. "We walked! about town for nearly an hour, and then we thought of going down to tJie railway station. On our way down we met Queen Charlotte, the D.L.P. whom I had been looking for all dta-y. We tad a short yarn with her, and oh, she is a lively D.L.F. When B. P. C. antb I reached the station, we llad our eyes on every one's hats ; but all to no purpose, for not a L.F. could we. find. By the time we got up town again it was time for us (to depart for our homes. This time we determined to walk to Caversham. Going along Princes street, B. P. C. suggested that we should call on Texas Jack. The suggestion was readily agreed to, and before long we found ourselves talking with the wall-known T. J. He vtsl3 awfully nice -and sociable, andl im.preesed me as an, enthusiastic D.L.P. chum. As we were passing E. O. A-s place, we noticed him busy at work, and he> had not even Ibhe Witness smile for us. Al ,'Cavershain we Saw Florodora, and had a long yarn on ordinary D.L.F. topics. While we were speaking with her, Awkward Niedi came up, and F. introduced us to him. Of course we had to have another yarn, and 1 , stayed uri'til F. had to go and milk her cows. By this time it ■was getting dark, so we had to hurry and get Ithe things we wanted. We then hurried home, xe&ahing thiere at a quarter to 6, after spending a most enjoyable day. Dear Dot, the D.L.F. picnics seem to be turning out very successful now, especially the Stewart Gully tones. It -was a gre>a.t pity thai. E. O. A.'s was epcilt by the day bring so wet, aa he had it •well arranged. With love to Queen Chaarlotte, Florodora, Henley West, Texas Jack, and Slack Watch, — Yours truly, JEAWNIE DEANS. Dear Dot, — It is about nine months since I last wrote to you, and since then I havia been to Greymouth, so I shall give you a sfliort account of my trap. We left Oamaru. by the 'aiorth express on Saturday, January 16, andt at 9 o'clock we were aboard the s.s. Mararoa at liyttelton. After a splendid) passage! we arrived at Wellington at 9.30 next -mjorning. We went to Petone with some friends, who met us on the wharf. On Tuesday we came into Wellington, and after a walk up Cuba and Willis streets, we wended our way to the wharf, where the s.s. Mapourika was moored. We went on board the steamer, and she sailed at 10 p.m. W* arrived a<t Nelson next morning to let off some passengers andl to fake on some fruit. We did not stay long, but went out again with tJie same tide. It was a beautiful day, «nd the sea was very calm, so we were, ablsi to Btay on deck for a long time. We reached Westport about 1 o'clock on Thursday morning, and after a short stay there we went on again. At 9 o'clock we oamie within, sight of G-reymouth, but we hove-to for half an hour on account of the tide not being in our favour. It was a lovely morning, >and the poTpoises were disporting themselves in the fresh morning -«ir. TBe half-hour passed quickly, and we coon crossed the bar and went up to the wharf. !We were not long in -getting off, andl we soon arrived at our friendis' place. As tihe weather was very hot we rested for the lest of that day. On Saturday aifternooni we went up to Maisden, in the coach. We stayed with a friend that night, and next morning we went up two miles through the bush along a bridle track to my uncle's hut. It was a lovely walk, and although it was & very hot day, we did • not feel the heat, as wa were sheltered from -the' burning sun. by the stately pines arid rita .trees wMch" towered? high, above us. The ferns, . which* grow -in profusion .on.- either side of the . trsclc, were lovely. When we got up to the hut _ we found dinner awaiting u<s, and after we had 'satisfied ourselves we went out to see what • iras to be^sreen. ' My uncle took miE\ up to his claim, -where H« and his mates' work- I did . not go in the tunnel, which runs for thousands , of- feet under tne Hill, buti I saw him wash some gold in a basin. There was aiot much ' gold in thi basin,' but I could, sea the little •specks very plainly glittering in the sum. The bush is very dense, and it would not take one very long to get lost, so we did not go in, but oanie back to the (hut and made a -raid on the plums, which w«re nice and -ripe. After, we Lad satisfied ourselves wiih plums, it was nearly tea time, but before we had tea. the gcats iad to ba milked. After tea. we started on our way down to Marsden, but we cSid nob hurry, as we} wanted to get some f earns. We got some Prince of Wales's feathers," or crape ferns, as. they are more commonly called; but before we got to Marsden wa had to be scraped, as we weto covered v wit4i bid-a-bids. Niext day, - Monday, as we were going up a. eteep hill to visit some friends, we were terrified by the continued Tears of a bull, and we fully expected) to ac« "him rush out^of the bush on to thoToad; but we arrived at r the top "of'the hill without a sight of Mr Bull, who, we afterwards heard, wae away. down the river. We came into ■ Greymouth on Tuesday morning by-the coach, and we spent the remainder 'of the wieiek in •sisiting bur friends. While I was down "the street one Saturday night I ea.w three D.L.F., but I diid" not speak to any of" them. On Fefciuary 3 there waa a school picnic up at Iruohbonnie, near Jackson's. I did not go, 83 we intended leaving next day. On Thursday a.t-1 p.m. we lsft Greymou>t<h by the s.s. . Mapourika- /.There, was » very heavy sea' on, • and it was not very nice going out over the , bar. W_e •aTrrvjE'd at Westport next morning about 9 a.m., and we lay .there all -day until \ 12 at nigtit> We <went up tihe street and got 'fiome' fruit"; but I do" not like Westport, as it -is~a^~dirty place." We came •wiihta eight of . Nelson next 'day, about dinner time-;" bift-wa could not-get in- until! 10 at night on account of the 'tick/ * We did not stay loiTg, but went on again to Wellington, which we reached* at 9 o'clock on Sunday morning. On Mond*y we went to the Museum, but it isn't as good as the Dunedin one, and we spent the re^t of the day in wandleiring about the town. In the evening, about 7 o'clock, we went to the wharf, ■where the s.s. Mararoa was lying. We went o.i board, and arrived at Lyttelton early next lncrcing. We took train to Christchurch, and went up the street to get something to eat, as we were unable to eaflf ahytihiiig on the boat. ;Wlies "wi* came back tc>. the station tihe express was -waiting, ajad we g"ot in, and after^ a, long, tiresome journey, we armed at Oamarii at helf-past 4 after -being r-vway for a month. With love to Vixen, Queen Bee, Khaki, Enoch, »na Dot,— Yours truly, GINEVEA. Dear Dot, — Green Island, with its suburbs, is mentioned in the "New Zealand Index" as "a coal-pit locality ." Well, in a sense it is; but you do not only see, as would be suggested by this description, long rows of coal dross, smoking embers, and such like. No! '.There are the green fields, \he lovely bushes, the flowery meadows, the little streams running to and fro, and countless other things which are exceedingly pleasant to the eye and lieaTt. If I had termed Green Island "my native place," the expression would have been quite correct, for in it I was born, and lived for 11 years. As a person seems t_o.liaye same deep liking for his native town, I love Green Island. I d.on't know why; I suppose it is due to the memory of the happy days I spent while living there. The suburbs which I spote about are Abbotsford, Burnand Fairfield. Abbotsford is on the west 6r-Qreen Island, Burnside on the north, while Fairfi^ld is situated tv little to the south. Fairfield consists chiefly of one road— that is the main ofre> which runs south. It is a pleasant little plac?, with a well-fitting rame. The principle buildirtgg are Mr Loudon's store and Mr Tansey's hoteT. lately the liotel was destroyed by fire, but the proprietor *>id net a 1 low that calamity to suspend )&9

business, for in a very short time he had put up a shed, at which liquor was sold as if nothing had happened. The most notable figure in the landscape as you drive up the main road is Saddle Hill, with its clearly-cut features standing boldly against the sky. When viewed from the Brighton road it does not appear to be very far distant, but when you are climbing up its sloping sides you think you shall never reach its summit. Before passing the hotel before mentioned you branch off on to a clay road, which takes you to the foot of the hill. When travelling on this road you are really climbing this ''solitary guardian of Fairfield," for this clay path gradually slants upwards. At the termination of the slanting road the Saddle Hill Creamery stands, and from here the ground takes an abrupt change, suddenly raising itself up to an anfle of about 60 degrees. Half-way up the ground is covered with rocks and dried lumps of wood, these making it very diffiru and, to a certain degree, dangerous to climb. I remember once, while climbing up these rocks, I fell on one, making a deep gash in my leg. On a pleasant day the bush seems full of life; tom-tits flit here and there as if imitating the fantails, the thrush pours forth its joyous notes, the blackbirds and the starlings glide their black bodies before our eyes, anil last, but not least, the skylark can be heard sending his lively tunes to the earth. All this life-like appearance creates a feeling in one not easily described. When nearing the top the climber sees a large rotten log lying in front of him, and upon it are carved hundreds of names. On the hill top there is a tall tree, up which you can ascend without much danger of falling. In a little hollow groove in it a match-box is placed, and whii-b, at the time I write, was half-full of matches. You open the box, take out a match, and upon a piece of paper, also in the box, sign your name. After this an impulsive movement makes you" sweep your eye around, and there- on one side of the hill lies the fcioad Taieri Plain, There appears to be something magnificent in that wide landscape. Far back are the white silvery waters of Lake Waihola; the Taieri River sparkles in the sunshine ; the ploughman can be seen driving his team through the fields; the scattered patches of green and black land all combining make it one of the most beautiful sights viewed from the hill. Then "right about turn," and you face the broad mighty Pacific, with its glittering waters and its little island, against which these waters aro tumbled, making long lines of whitened foam. Now turn your eyes towards the village, and then you see the coal-marked features of the land. These paddocks of the Walton Park Coal Company have a peculiar surface: all over them you see smoking hollows. These hollows are caused by the coal being taken away from underneath, and, there being nothing left to support the land, it naturally falls in. This is the reason why the people are afraid io walk over the land, and some are even in fear of the land falling away from under their houses. And now at your back lies the secluded little town of Brighton. When looking at it you involuntary think of that beautiful line — "Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife." And now I must end this part of the story with love to the other L.F., the editor, and your dear self.— Yours truly, VICE-ADMIRAL TOGO. Dear Doit, — Just at few lines to let you know that I am still in -the land of tha living — very imw4 olive, too, ort certain oooas^ona. After a speil of lovely summer weathiar, we ai>e again having a week of mud and slush — just the weather the cpwpunchers (cus) like. It is not very nice getting up *t 3 o'clock in the morning in the winter, milking abouit 30 or 40 cowa up to your boot-tops in mud. Of course "it wculd be •all right in the summer." There are some peopie here who get up at 3 o'clock evenry -morning; and get first to the factory. I don't see that they profit any more than other people, who, at the iwid of the season, are just aa far forward with their crop 3, etc., and get up at a respectable hour. Well, enough of this, or the L.F. will say 1 anu grumbling. Let's turn to something more interesting. I was very pleaded to see by the Witness tihat tihe picnic at Anderson's Bay turned out a success. The picnic season is ovor now, and socials and da-uces are the order of the day — night, rather, I should say. The cow-punchers' ®oci?l was held here last week, and came off Al. On the 24/ th Mlay the Oddfellows' ba.ll came off, and although the niigUrt was wet and miserable, there was ft good attendance, and everything vent off tip-top. Our small town has been a bit lively lataly. What with weddings, dances, socials, and concerts, rtihe plac© has been going ahead apace, and still tihere are more concerts coming. I am alone to-day, all the other members of tihift family having gone out, so I am taking advantage of the opportunity to finish ray letteiv You see, I can get peace and quietness now; not co when my rowdy brother and sisters ane here. Still, I don't blame them — you can't expect people to ba "numskulls" all their life. I wia.3 down in Dunedin for tihe winter show,' andl enjoyed my trip thoroughly, turning up at the D.L.F. gathering, of course. Luckily, the 3ay was fine, and we spent a most enjoyable afternoon. I need E.ot enter into details, as there were many better writers there who will no doubt write an account of it. A large number turned up, conspicuous amongst them being Awkward jfedy Indian Chief; Texas Jack, Fred, Black Watch, Duke's Amusc-r, Vance, Ali Baba (and the 40 "D.L.F.) ; also" madiy, others too numerous to nuemtion. The girls, as usual, outnumbered the boys, the latter being .rather shy (?), don'tcherknow. I met Nut; but he would not ccmo to the group. After having our photos taken, the editor took us all to afternooh tea, after which Fredi and Reta sang — very nicely they sang, too. Hhe editor then gave an appropriate speech, aftea which all were invited to g.o and look through the Witness office ; but as I (had to meet a friend at 4 o'clock I was sorry not being able to go. With love to all the D.L.F., I shall say au revoir.— Yours truly, EASTER. Dear Dot,— l have be.an going to write to you four the last couple of years, but have always kept putting it off. The weather is very cold now. I was in .it the winter sihow, and* I notwed a few D.L.F. with badges knocking about. TKets hajs been a great lot of talk in the page lately about dairy farming. That vvas a very good letter of Urupn Jacks last week. He knows what dairy" f aiiuiHg^ Js, as they have a big farm at S. I shall be staying in town for a while this winter, so I phdll jron the Debating Society. I hop? it will be a success, «pid that the L.F. may ©njoy thenv sel\£S*. By all acoovunts that I have read T. D. A. will keep things moving. 1 had a ricle on the electric cars, but I dto not think they are so pleasant to ride in a© thpse_ in Hobart. With love to alii, especially Canteen, I<iss Me Quick, and Dundonald,— Yours truly, TIME MACHINE. Dear Dot, — I saw by last Witness that a D.L F. proposed that little folk should -write about books they have read, and tell what they think about the author and of *ba characters in the book. I think this a very good idea. I have read a few of Mrs Henxy Wood's bcolrs- -ciamieJy, "Ashley," "East Lynne," "The Channings," -'Lady Adelaide," and "Edina," and I found them all rery interesting. The place whore I live is very beautiful in summer. The people say that in winter there is not a mote miserable place anywhere. I do not cgroe witih Uicm, as t'be bush is veiy pretty when the snow is on the U'e&s. "Whwi the

snow tbaws it is certainly vary unpleasant tc ■walk in, however. The school children here have four weeks' holidays on account of the , bad weather, and I think taey deserve them. We live not far from the sea, of which I ' am very load. I do not oare to vemtuxe too j far out on tho rooks, however, as I was onc-9 caught by the tide. While sitting reading on the rocks at low tide tile water surroundedl me without my knowing it. On hearing my friends calling, I got back to dTy land with a little difficulty, more frightened tflian. hurt. The weather is very severe here at present — 'hail and rain falling heavily all the time. I must stop now, and go and' put the calves out of the garden and milk the cow. With love to you and all other D.L.F., — yours truly, NiAUTILIS.