LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Otago Witness, Issue 2667, 26 April 1905, Page 70

LETTERS FROM THE LITTLE FOLK.

Motto: — We write for the benefit of others, not for ourselves.-

Dear Dot, — I may aa well tell you how I epent the 'holidays. A girl friend and myself left Gore by the morning express on January 2 for Timaru. When we arrived in Dunedin we were wishing we could get out of the train, but no such luck. We did not take so much notice of the surrounding country after that- Arrived in Timaiu, we were cwiy too glad tp leaye the crowded carriage sjid stand on the pavement, even though we were giddy. It was very windy, and spoilt the walk through the town. The next day we went to the sports, but I^ did- sot enjoy them. We often went to the bea-ch, and had a capital time. We also visited the park and the csmetery. Thursday afternoon being a, half holiday, a party of us always took provisions down to the beach and had tea there. We afterwards went to hear one of the bands play in the Band Kotunda. One day four of us were" taken through the Woolleri"Tffill. The wool goos through a great many wonderful processes before it is made into blankets and cloth. One Sunday -we went through a imrsery garden, and the> flowers in some of the hothouses were love'y. I stayed in Timaru lor nearly a fortnight, and left for Dunedin on January 14. On Saturday night I went down town with a friend,_ and had a ride in the electric cars. I had not been in Dunedin eiiica they, coinmsneed running, and I think < they axe an improvement on the horse cars. I ; stayed im Dunediii until tha Monday, and though* it was a short stay, I enjeyed My nest trip, -was with the school excursion to | Eiverton, my sister and I going. W,-e left "home about ialf-past. 6, and on arriving* at the station had- the goad forfeae to get into a canasge. Some, of my relations joined us. and wtemade a- good party. Afier getting off at - the- Hiver-tpn station," wh«re the «xcursion> . ists were, met by the Riverton JJand, we set out _fc».-4he bss^chi "We stopped by the roadside, got. hot -water for anaking tea. XTn.fortun»te"ly, enough water had not been provided, "so w-e went on fhprt allowance. We again set out for the beach, and were soon paddling- in the ses. Six of us determined togo round the pjoint, and after a good deal of scrambling we sttcceeded in getting a good distance io*rad. My cousin and I were left "behind on tha way, back, and we started crabfishing. We managed to secur-p a big purple one in. a large mussel shell. I suppose yoti will think us a pair of cowirds for not catching it in our hands, but it was not very ternpf-in^r-looking to handlou We r>ut o» our boots and stocking's, and set out for the Tjlr.ce where wt- were intending to have tea. Tea finished, •ihe next thing to do was to reiura to the train. The train was; full when we reached ii. TJut we secured a carriage, and in consequence had'to wait an hour and a-balf before it started). I was thankful when I reached home tha.; 1 night. I went to the Mata.ura flower show, and enjoyed myself fairly well. 7. was taken throneh the Paper Mills and ."freezing Works, and they atfe well worth see■'•i£;. It -ivas a rough day to-day, co there was '-> harvesting- done, Vat it is to be .hoped the ."•ther will inrorove. With love to all the ' \ wd yoiMtaelf- — Yours truly. BSMEEALDA. ~* ** —Will the L.F. who has taken my norn fie pinrß« please call herself Another E--mr-talda,.—E. Dear Dot, — There have - ocea a coutuo 01 fires here dioring the last week or two, which caused a bit of a, commotion. I am still chief cook, and am getting on famously except when anything goes "eronk," and then there's a bit of a "go." For instance, the other day, when I was baking, I make some scones ; but, alas ! T forgot to put any baking socla in them. Well, Dot, you should have seen the "things" ! They would not cook (I wondered what wsra the' matter), and were as flat as pancakes. I did not try to eat them, as I do not want to get indigestion. The fowls had a good feed, at anyrats. Then, one morning, -when I was making the porridge for breakfaet, I forgot to put. any salt in it. Needless to say, the cats and dqg<*ot' an extra feed that morning. So yon see, Dot, what an "absent-minded beggar" I am; but still it's an ill wind that blows no on« any good. There are only about two other D.LJF. writing from here now besides myself. There used to be quite a number contributing to the page '"fr.oni this part, but they all "seem to have given it up. The young people about here seem to be "dead slow 1 ' At writing letters. I have often asked my friends to write to our page, but their Teply almost invariably is that they would not know what to put in a letter. They are not half : enthusiastic enough — thai is what I think. What a "bonsing" picnic the D.L.F. seem to have had at Waihola. The photo in the "Witness was very interesting. I'm stuck for mews now, so I'm off to get a pear to eat, to see if that will help me to think of anything. (Don't be shocked, L.F.) Have you ever picked brambles, Dot? One day last week I

helped my sister to pick some, and nearly got my hands torn to pieces. I have been picking- the thorns out of my hands- ever since, and they are not all out yet. I got a bit of a" "have" the other -day. My sister and I were sitting inside — I was giving: her a comic leading — when there came a knock at the door. My brother had gone out, and, thinking he was playing one of his tricks (knocking at the door being a favourite one), I sang out, "Oh, come in if " I said no more, thinking it might possibly be someone else, so I told my sister to look through the window. She said it was Mr, , who had come to see the pater on business. I was glad I had not finished my remark, as I can't say it would have been very polite. The n-ext time I shall look before I leap. The farmers have all got their crop in stack now, and are waiting for the mills to come their rounds. With love to all the D.L.F., yonrself, and the- edit«v— Yours truly, EASTER.

Dear Dot, — I have left school now, and am working in a flaxmall which i 3 only four miles from onr house. I have eight sister's and four brothera: there are thus 13 of vs — a nice little mob, isn't it, Dot? I shall give you a rough description of a flaxmill. The flax is first classed, then it is taken up to the stripper. .When ii is put through the stripper it is

caught as it is falling down and put in hanks ' (tha 4 ; is what I have to do). It is then waterscutcbeo! and washed in a big tub. When it is taken out of the tubs it is tied up in bundles j and sent out to the paddock to be bleached, j When it is thoroughly dried it is take_i in and dry-scutched, packed in bales, and sent ' to the rope lacrory. Most of the farmers are j larte with their crops around here. We are j going to cut the last of ours to-morrow if the weather keeps fine. With best wishes to all, not forgetting yourself, — Yours truly, DIAMOND DICK.

Dear Dot, — -Since last writing to your page o\\t teachers took us to Port Chalmers, but I used not enter into the details of oar visit, as someone else has done so already. The same correspondent has given you a-n account 01 our Sunday School picnic, so I must n.eeds leave that subject alone also. I had three of my teeth dra>wa a fortnight ago, and, my word, it was painful. I could hardly sleep <£hst night, and when I got up the next morning I was surprised When I .looked in the mirror and saw how swollen my face was ; but when I tried to speak I found that I could, not open my lips more than about a quarter of an inch. The first words my brother and ' sister said were, "Htillo, fat face!" After breakfast, when my father came in, he said, "Why did^ you put all your breakfast in one side?" We have had lovely weathar lately, but it broke last Monday, with strone southwesterly winds, accompanied by cold, sleety showers, ,and it has been showery ever '■ince, though it cleared a bit this moping. Aniong the books I have road lately is "Tom and j Some Other Girls." a story of a boarding school. Toina?ma Bo 7 dersfon (Tom) is one : of the head girls, and such a hard case she i«. i This is a book I can recommend to anyone j who has not read it. I can also recommend "Liifclp Bricks." - Not very long ago the Times office here, with a hotn^e next to it, wag burnt to the ground, and about a week after this fire one of the chief buildings here was burnt down by one of the lama? exploding. With bast wishes to all the L.F. and yourseV,— i Yours truly, ! A WILD DUCK'S FF.ATHETt. | Dear Dot, — It has been terrible weather 1 these lasfc few days, and everything ir» so jnuddy that when you go outside you are mud j to the eyes. Our school picnic was ii-eld a j few months ago, and it was a great success, j X managed to jsee one or two D.L.F., including Anthea, Pearl Qnsen, and Shepherdess's Fairy. In the evening a dance was held, and ! ; was kept up until ari early hour in the morn- j ing-. The 3cer-stalking- is now in great swing. > My two brothers have both licenses, so you \ \ see, Dot, I have a great chance of going up | ; the mountain with them. One day, along j wilii my sister and several friends, I went to the top. When we got half way up my friends ' wanted to go back, but as I said that it was not far off the top, they decided to continue the climb. When we got to the top I we sat down and boiled the billy. After we had' had tea we went into the bush and got •some ferns. By this tune- It was 5 o'clock,, so "we > had'io start for tome. When we were coining Home vra managed to see some deer. My friends had not seen any desr before, and they thought they were funny animals. We retuamed home very tired, although we enjoyed our tramp. With love to Anthea, Queen, and Ivy Dore-en, not forgetting Yourself and the editor, — You.rs truly, CP.UCIFOE3I. I

Dear 2>ot, — I think it is about time I got the spider on the '"go" again, as I liifr^ sure it. is nearly a year since I wrote my last, but lirst, letter to you. The farmers up our way have not got all 1 their oats in yet, owing to the wet weather we have ha-d, but I think they will have it all in within a week (weather permitting). I have not bq«n to any D.L.F. picnics yet, but would delight in having the pleasure of going to one or two to make the acquaintance of some of your D.L.F. Band. The Literary and Debating Clubs seem to be going ahead all right. I only wish I could spend one or two^ evenings at them. I wonld think it glorious to be there. "We had a hailstorm here the other day. The farmers wouldn't like that at this time of the year. What do you think, Dot? We had to sow our turnips broadcast last spring, as it was so lat£ before we could get them in, so we were lucky in one way — no turnips to thin or hoe, but the poor cows will have to suffer for it a.ll in the winter time. We axe just milking 14 "owß, and there are four milkers to milk them, -•i it "doesn't take us long to "rattle" th^m raxough, as the saying gees. Mother and my sister' and I were visiting some of onr neighbours on Thursday, and talk about "hai"d cases"! — why, they are .enough to make a cat laugh. There are about seven or eight D.L.F. in this district. Well, dear Dot, this is not a very long letter, but I'll have to stop, as the 3pider's legs are getting stiff, and my eyes are beginning to close. I'll have to run and get two matches to prop my eyes oven until I have mv supper, so noising you, Mr "Editor, and aU the L.F. spend a very happy time at Easter, I remain, — Yours truly,

DOVE 11,

Dear -Dot, — There are not many flowers in our garden just now, . but there has been a great lot. My sister and I went to P. fcr our holidays, but I only saw one L.F., and her name is Black-eyed Su3an. She is sn exceedingly nice girl, and she and I were great rjastt€i3. Save you read "Mildred Arkell" and "St. Martin's Eve"? I thitfk they are splendid books. I went to a picnic at X., but I did not feel lip to much that day, so I was rather glad when it ended. What a splendid crop of fruit everybody seems to have this year. I think pears are most delicious. I was speaking to a lady the other day, and she told me all about ker pets. She had a deer called Prince, a cat called Trixie, a seagull called Titus, three dogs called Sancho, Spring, and Jim, and two canarie'3. Did she not have some curious ones? With love to Marcia, Rose-a-bud, Cherry Blossom, Young Tymon, Black-eyed Susan, and all the rest, and accept the same yourself, — Yours truly,

CLEMATIS I.

Dear Dot, — Our school picnic was held a little while ago, and we had good fun racing, skipping, and swinging. I have a good long way to go tc school, but I have mates who accompany me some of the road. I live near a large clump of forest in -which there are plenty of pretty ferns. The sea is about three miles from out place, and I sometimes go down to it. Most of the farmers about here have their crop cut, and some of them are leading in. I go to a Sunday School about two miles from our place. I have a sidesaddle, and I sometimes go for a ride. — Yours truly, OATY.

Dear Dot, — I wonder if you will mind having a wild creature writing to you? I hope you won't, Dot, for I am wild — at least, everyone tells me I am, for they say I am never quiet, always yelling and screaming, climbing irees, and tearing through the bush, and always getting into mischief; that is why they call me tlte -wild girl. B-ut, never mind, Dot, I don't care so long as I am happy. We are having awfully bad weather up here. It has been raining off and on for th last fortnight, and it is very cold — regular winter weather. It is not very pleasant milking cows in such weaher, Dot, but it is no use growling, for it has got to be done. The factory will soon be closing now; they are only making cheese

■ every other day, and th?n the butter-making starts for a while, and the cows are dried off. and turned away in the bush to wmtar, ! to bs brought out again in spring, when the faeotry starts again, and everything goes marrily on through the lojg, hanpy summer i months. Some time i'go we D.L.F. $,ot our photo? taken here, and the photographer said he would rend it to th? Witless, but it has i never been in yet. Perhaps they turned cut a 'failure. No wo.ider, say I, baeause I was in it. Wi'h love to the Chaslands DX.F. and Mr Editor, and your own dear solt, — Youii3 truly, THE WILD GIRL. Dear Dot, — It has been very fine weather here lately, but I am not rejoicing over it, because I do not like au'-iny weather- I like pelting rain. I daresay you will think I have j peculiar tastes. I am very fond of reading, and lam always making up stories. My favourite authors are 'Ethel Turner and Evelyn Everett G-rpen. "Every book I have had of Ethel Tnrntr's I have read about a dozen times. About 70 children attend my father's I school. The Black Family of Musicians were here a while ago. My sister went fo hear them, but I did not. She gaid their music was very pleasant. My sister is trying to make a picture of grass growing roimd a tree, but she says that the gra.«<3 is like some Dins sticking in the paper, with a big-headed hatpin in the centre. She i<? disgusted with it " now, and -in trying to mak? some poetry about the fire. I am getting; slespy, so I shall close. With love to yourself and the editoT, — Yours truly. LA BJ<ILLE RT7SSE. [Well, I certainly think your taste in connection with the weather ia eccentric, La Belle Ku^se. I thought everyone pi ef erred bright 'un^hine to gloomy weather, let alone pelting nin. However, tho fact of your bein? n Russian girl may explnin th" enigma. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — We are gfciiig to tell you about a trip we had to Dxmedin. We left hone at 5.30 n,.ni. by the coach to R^tigh Rid^e, then we took the train to Dnnedin. Wo saw maay pretty piaccs .is ws -were going down, such as Middlemarch, Salisbury, Burnside, and Cai-er-sham. We reached Dtinedin at 6.30 p.m., and re were very glad too, as we were tired. We say/ some D.L.F. in town, and we gave them the Witness pmile, but they vere tco proud to speak to u-s. We thought rt wonderful to be in town, after spending all our lives in a lonely country place. Otten at ni^ht?, when the Witness comes home, ws sit up for hours reading the D.L.F. Page, ard, my word, Dot, we would sit there until -we did finish, reading all the letters — condensed as well as others. The letters we like reading best are those of Uncle Con and Aunty Daisy Primrose. They, do not write now, but when they did their letters were always interesting to read. — Yours truly,

TWO SCHOOLMATES. [I ; sincerely hops it was not bacaaise the Xi.F. you met wer* too proud that they did not return your smile, Schoolmates, but rather that they did not notice your badges. Had you attended the Literary and Debating Club's meeting — that is, if you were in town on a Tuesday niglit — you would have found that the town L.F. would have given you a hearty welcome.— DOT.] Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you of a roam which Oafcy and I had through the bush a short time ago. We left homo at 2 p.m., and after following the water rr.ee for about i a mile we came to a number of supplejacks, ! and we could not resist the temptation to have a swing on them. While we were away we gathered a great rnarty fprns, and one or two fungi. I don't suppose you get many fsrns in "town, but if you like we cou'd gather some and send you them. I am going to Ealclutha to spend my Easter holidays, and while I am there I =hall look io^ badge*. With love to all D.L.F., especially Oaty. and 1101 forgetting yourself anrl Mr Editor.— Your? truly, A BUSH-ROAMER. [Thank you very much for your kind offer _to send me some ferns, JBush-roamer. lam very fond of ferns growing in thair natural surroundings, but I do not care about pressed fronds, as they are not the same aa the giowing plant. — DOT.] Dear Dot, — It is close on two years since I last wrote to you, but during that time I have • taken great interest in your page, which is very amusing isometimes. The debating societies have been formed since I last penned a letter to you. I think it is a very good idea for the- D.L.F. to meet together once in a while to enjoy themselves with readings from books, chatting, and debates on matters that they feel inclined to deal with. I saw by the last Debating Ciub meeting that, on the motion of the chairman, it was decided thai letters oc sympathy should be sent to the parents of the late Miss Messenger and Bookworm. It is very thoughtful and kind of the members of the club to act thus. I kn«\v Miss Jlessenger. She was living next doo- to us for two or three months, so we had a chat about D.L.F. sometimes. I went to picnics on both Christmas »nd New Year's Days. The former vre>{ held at Croydon Bush, which is situated at the foot of the Hokonui Mountains, I enjoyed myself at the picnic for a. while, and then I thought I would take a stroll up the mountain and see what could be seen. You can see as far as Stewart Island on a line dky. I have been to the top once, but it was so windy that I was glad to get back to the foot of the mountain again. There is a good deal of bush to pass through, so you can enjoy yourself by looking for ferns and one thing and another. The harvest is putting in its appearance again, so one is kept busy for a while. The weather is sort of reasonable as far as it has gone yet, but to-day it is blowing something fearful. Sports were to be held at Gore yesterday, but the weather was not very pleasant, so they had to postpone them. I did not go down, but my brother went, expecting to see something, but he had to content- himself the best way he could, as it was not a- very warm day to go about idling. This is choir practice night, but I do not go to it. Igo to another singing class, held once a v.'eek by Mr Thomas in the school. A good rv.mbet attend it, and we are practising up for a concert, which is to be held some time next month. Kowenl was down this way the other day, and we h.ad a chat on D.L.F. matters. Hoping that no one has run away ■with nay norn de plume during my absence from the page, and with love to yourself, Cornelia, Rovvena, Shellonica, Annak. and all the rest,— Yours truly, TJLYA. Dear Dot, — How swiftly old Time wings his flight. Why, it seems but a week since last 1 wrote ; but in reality a few months have lolled away. The old longing to once more indulge in a pleasant little chat on paper with you all has again taken possession of me, and I shall endeavour to narrate to you how the weather and the world have been using me of late. The weather — oh, I mustn't mention it. Suffice it to say that the night is pitchy dark and the ram i 3 descending as though it had never rained before. The -asual guiding lamps are hidden, and nothing can be heard save the incessant patter of the rain on the house-top ; but I am cosy, seiftecl near a cheerful fire, wondering what my letter shall be composed of. Quite recently I made it my business to attend our annual picnic, and, needless to relate, enjoyed myself immensely. In the early morning it was raiding, as usual, mak-

ing things look pretty dismal for tis. Dark clouds hung everywhere, and we were commencing to think thai we were doomed to disappointment , but no, every cload haa a =ilver lining, and at 1] am. the sun shone forth 111 all its ?,loiy, the ram ceased, pnd o:ice more we felt light-hearted. Wp. ftot away with a pack of thope detestable scapegraces known aj boys. Oh, clear me, their tongues went 19 to the dozen ; and we poor girls didn't get much room to speak. 3fy mate Annie and I wanted to avoid their presence, fo we left thpai and went ©n "our own." When A. jitl I reached the picnic «it? I hid a piy int:> my ba-sket In note thnt T hadn't upset anything;; but hadn't T, for I very discovered that ssveral cups v.-eie mii.us the handle*. Just like me — I had completely forgotten what I was carrying, and had beer, jingling things upeide down, with the result mentioned. However, a. little trifle like that didn't hurt me; and a,4 I had previously made up my mind io enjoy myself 110 matter what turned up, A. ctud I set about doing fo. We "paddled in tho deep with our great big feet" till we were by the boys wanting us to join in pome of their round game 3. Not wishing to make ourselves too disagreeable, iva yielded to their persuasions, and, Dot, didn't wo have a lively time of it' We played all the games imaginable, with the exception of leap-frog. We were determined not to play that at any price, and we were handsomely rewarded for trying to b« smsrt, aa they put it. I think they all regarded dinner as the most important ilam on the programme, for everjono did justice to the eatables. The tea was lovely, thanks to a very energetic yoimg lad;/ whom we ware fortunate in having with us. I was ashamed of my laziness, for I didn't turn up till everything m Hi-s flhape of wcrk was clone. While dinner was in progress I got some auful glances cast upon me And something exclaimed, "I'd fooaier you'd live with me for a week than a fortnight." I'm sure I wasn't greedy, Dot — 1 only rphshed everything that was nice. Racing was our next amusement. As it isn't the usual thing to run immediately aftei- dinner. I didn't feel inclined to join in, but father protested, and said I must. Well, Dot, I'm sure tho girls didn't get fair play, o.- we should have won f-omotiines. Wo were always put away at the back, and, of course, we would step forward when we got the chance. 'The men would ray, "Just look at those girls — its impossible to w*teh them; if they come m first we will disqualify them for cheating." The bo3"s won everything, and we girls felt cjuite small after that. I waited to do something startling, so I suggested that we siiould have a pancake race. They thought it was a fine chance •to show my skill; but they were mistaken, for I wasn't at all successful. "We couldn't find the winner, as some threw their... pancakes- in ths sand, others crarmned theux in their pockets, and altogether it was a mixed affair. For the remainder of the day £.. and I waded in the sea. I'm afraid we were pretty often on our head.3, as -we were stumbling all the time. I don't know how many times father told me fo corns out, but the fact •of the matter was I couldn't get. Every time I took a step forward I landed in a big hollow, and A would shout out. "The sands of time ara sinking." Of course T had to have a Wugh. and when we got out at last we were drenched. We didn't wait for thn others, 'but neparfced for horns at once. Picture\our dismay whpn wo found the place deserted, the firo out, and things very much out of orcJor. However. I soon put matters to rights, and li°-hted the fire. Then A." read my letters, while I made our never-to-be-forgotten cup of ten. I have not ss°n her s'inee, fo I cannot .say how she fared after setting so wet; but. oh, Dot, if she fplt like T did, sho wouldn't want another ducking in a hurry. Dpar Dot, I felt highly honoured when your old-time correspondent Cooee paid us a visit some time a°;o. I »ever before met such v lively girl, and the day that I spent in her company will live in my memory for over. I wanted to make her holiday a pleasant one if possible, so I actually pot a "movp on." and was fluished very early on this occasion. After loomting out the Xus:<rets to Coo & e. she and I went 021 a tour of inspection. We first visited the cave?, where we saw some magnificent scenery. C. thoiight it was a lovely place to commit suicide: but I am happy to say that she resi&'ted the temptation. How grand it was to gaze out over that vast exDanso of water and watch the big breakers dashing over White Island. Tiia smaller ones were content to circle round the base, while far and wide stretched one. mass of foam. Wp lingered clown among the locks for some time, reading names, and joking with each other. My name was carved in one corner of a sandstone by some person unknown to me, and it looked as if he or she had been trying to write a letter to me underneath the inscription. That person might have written on paper and posted it to me, instead of doing.it there for the public to read. After leaving the caves I suggested that we go home for dinner, so we turned up the hill. We had not gone far when a fero-cious-looking bull came tearing after us like wildfire. My, didn't we ran to the nearest fence, scramble half through, and there enjoy a hearty laugh. We were on private property, Dot, where we had no right to be, so he evidently meant tc see us off at once. C. gave me a pinch a.s a gentle reminder of that memorable run, and then we sped home without encountering any more dangers. As ■mother was going out in the afternoon we had to remain in till George would turn up for dinner. It so happened that hs was exrta late that day, and by the time he arrived our patience was fairly exhausted. I gave him something very nice, so he got done in a hurry, which was just what w"e were wanting. We then went forth foi another ramble, happy and merry too, Dot, for a certain person afterwards told me that he put us down as two lunatics at large. He" made a vast mistake surely, for I think we were both sensible enough. We went to the front beach and sat on the rocks, watching the huge waves rolling upon the sand's. At last, far away in the distance, I noticed a tiny black speck, which I said must be a seal. Of course we hastened towards it, but found, to our great disappointment, tliat it was only a heap of seaweed which had. been cast tip upon the shore by the tide. Several large boxes were lying about, too, and I thought how nice it would be to .lump into one of them and glide away over the rolling billows to explore that far-off isalud. That little word "if," which blocks all our plans, presented itseß again, and 1 needs must give up the idea of going a sailing on the ocean. We wandered on unconsciously uphill and down dale till at last we found ourselves on the road leading to Fairfield. As C. wished to despatch a telegram, we thought we would go over to the station and do so. After going a short distance we got tired, so we altered our mincj* and retraced our footsteps towards kome. Dogß Beetned particularly fond of tis. and we were chased by quite a number of them. At tea time we gave a. graphic account of our experiences, not forgetting to gtretch things a little, jn the evening C. treated us to some excellent dance music, which we all appreciated very much. Just as we were about to have a game of cricket a joung cyclist came in, so we were obliged

*» have another tune or so. He just ro minded me of that bicycle episode, Harry, only I was careful to have a little control over my tongue this time. Shortly after he took his departure it was time for C. to gc itl-o. When the had gone I felt lonely, but my brothel and slster-m-law canae to .-^pend the night, so that broke the monotony. I sh.ill long, long lemember Cooee's cheery and gei.erou3 disposition, and that day will ever be green within my memory. Often when I iini returning iroin the debate 1 see the lighthouse light flickering at the Nuggets, and my heart goes cut to her across the sea.^May the time hasten along when I shall onos more ha\? the pleasure of renewing my acquaintmee with her. Dear Dot, do you think it is fair" and just for any person to wear a badge and call himself a D.L.F. when he has never written to the page at all? At present I know of one or two cases in point, and I do thi/ik that it is a mean thing to do. If they are so anxious to wear a badge,

why not vnte like honest D.L.F. Then they would be entitled to wear one, and ba introduced to the v.-orid as real D L.F. I know one boy who told me that he never wrote, nor even took an interest in ths letters, yet he purchased a badge and calls himself a L.F. Then there are others who do aot~wear badges, but profess to ba members of our band, and actually use the title of some of our oldest and well-known favourite writers, when they know no more about tha pag-0 than p fly. I am not having this little, growl simply to be in the fashion. Duringthe five ye?rs I hfve been contributing to your columns I have never to my* 1 knowledge had a growl, so this is the first, and mayit be tho last. Dpo.v "Doc, was it me m untimely cad thai befell 13001- Red Cap? He will bs greatly missed by tho 0.W., with whom he was a universal favourite. "But -.\hilo Death's sharp cythe is sweep-

We ivmember, mid«t our weepiucr, That the Father Hand i<3 keeping TC\ery vernal b'roin that falleth Underneath his chilly sway." To the parents and D.L.F. rebtives of on, late comrade I tender my heart-felt sympathy. Now, dear Dot, the night is already far advanced; silence reigns throughout the house, the other inmates having Jong since entered the land of nod; so I shall lay aside my pen and say good-night to you all. In conclusion I wish to thank dear old Coooe for her many kind acta since ehc returned home. "With kind regards to Bramble. — Tours truly, JSANNIE DEANS. [With such a record I don't think we can grudg-e Jeannie Deans her little growl, and I am sure, having unbuxthened her mind oi her grievance, shs will feel better now. II has been understood all along that readers had. a. right to wear a badge as well as writers, but I certainly think anyone who attends the Debating Club meetings should write at least one letter to give him or her, if it -were for nothing else, a right to a norn de plume — ■ 130T.]

Dear Dot, — Since 1 last wrote to you the oats have been cut and led in, and now we

have taken up- our abode in the oat paddock. The grass is all right too, I can tell you, and there are lots ot oats round the edges. We have mor-f shelter here, too, sc I think we are well off. There was not enough feed in the oth=i paddock, and sometimes v,-a reached through the fence and got turnips. If the boss saw us he would set the dog afteus, and -wouldn't we go! I do hate that dog: ho always bites our legs, and when he can't keep up with U3 he swings alc^, on our tails. Only the other day he ai£ another dog chased one of the cah-e?, and thepoor thing rar about crying with feir, so my two mates and I charged those dogs and chased them right out of the paddock. The children were watching us, and tliey did laugh. lam sure they would nob feel s® amused if s. big black clog chase"d them: they wotild soon call 0.1 their mother. Ont of my mates got a whipping the othei day for trying to rush one of the other children. It was a narrow squeak for that little girl.. and if the misirc-ss had not been there she would have got a nice toss up. I often feel like chasing her myself when I look at that red dress she wears. She g°t an. awfuS fright, anyway- My word, Dot, how the L. and D. Clubs are. nourishing. I should like to go to the Invercargill one, but I am afraid they would net let me in. It would look strange to see a cow sitting beside the nicelooking cfirla, who attend. I am afraid they wemid not romo too near me, howevpr, as I have a fine long pair of horns. Perhaps D.L.F. Pony Nero a.nd I will go .some day, t»nd give the company a display of our kicking powers. I saw Pony Nero a short time

ago, and he grave roe the Witness smile, all unknown to his mistress, who was riding him. If ?he had known me I am pure she

would have =miled too, but next time she r-ass I am going to bellow out " Hullo, D.L.F.!" so I hope she won't be eh, Miss A. P. Well, Dot. this is all till next! time; so good-byp till then. Yours truly, KATE THE KICKIXO COW.

j [It would be euotigh to startle hei 01 any other L.F. to hear a cow salu'inoj her ia that manner. Kate, notwithstanding tha knowing wiak of Pony Xc-ro. — DOT.I Dear Dot, — Being a subscriber aud reader of the Otago Witness in Zeehan, Tasmania, I have much pleasure in informing you that I take great interest in reading the lettei-3 you receive from the L.F., and I feel aa though I would like to write you a few linos a l aC) — that is, 01 course, if you can spare rue a, little room in your page. This being my first letter, I do not care to make it very long. lam a native of ISTew Zealand, said was born in Dunedin. I have b? a n out here now about 11 years, only bsinf: three years old when I left Maoriland, *o I do not remember very much about Dunedin, as youcan imagine. Tasmania is a very nice place, although not vary large. Hobart is the capital, on account of its lovely deep harbour. There have been some very large steamers berthed alongside the Hobart wharl 1 — =ome that have not been abe to berth at the Melbourne wharf. The apple season 13 the time to see the Hobart wharf. I wa«

there for five ye?rs, then came to Zeehar,

where I have been ever since. Zeehan ia the third largest town in Tasmania, the population being nearly 6000. It is more of a mining district than anything else. It is a terrible place for rain. You can imagine \ihat it is like, when we have had 27 wet days out of 31 ; but foi all that it is a healthy place to live in, and there is plenty of amusement, etc. I am looking forward for the football season to commence, for football is my favourite game. I see by th^i papers that the Australian Eleven proved too strong for the New Zealand diekefcers, but 1 hardly think the Xew Zealanclerji had had as much piactic as the Australian XI. It I see this short lettar inserted in your paga t hope to be able to write you every fortnight. I might as well mention that I am a clerk, but as for my name, I would rather not see it in print. With kind regards to all L.F., Mr Editor, and not foigetting yourself,—Yours tiuly, EDDIE.

[Eddie is very welcome as a member of

our band, and I am sure he will have plenty, to tell us aboxit Tasmania which will interest

one and all. I am afraid a fortnightly letter would be rather often. Suppose we say monthly, Eddie; will that suit?— DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I am writing amid most congenial surroundings — viz., the home of ray childhood. As I think of this there comes into my mind a boyish episode concerning a neighbour and her fowls. It happened this way. On my way to school the read passed near a local party's fowl run, and nothing pleased us more than tormenting the fowls. One day I espied a splendid rooster enjoying a sun-bath on "his own." Arming myself with a stone, I proceeded to waylay him, and, more by bad luck than design, I hit him, and he stretched his corpse on tiie road. You bet I did not stay to feel his pul&e, but, thinking 1 was unobserved, I made tracks from the scene. After getting out from school, 1 had (much against my will) to pass the late Mr Rooster's owner's residence. To add to my already uncomfortable feeling, I observed the owner evidently waiting for me. Putting on a look of injured innocence, I bravely faced her. Judge of my surprise when, instead of being crossquestioned about the deed, she calmly took from behind her back the victim of the morning's slaughter, and presented it to me, complimenting me on my prowess. Poor nic, a. prey to mingled emotions, stood thunderstruck, with the late lamented in my hand. Needless to say, I flung him away, but I was taught a lesson far* more effective than a whipping, and, believe me, Dot, I never molested any more hens from that day forth, and I came to the conclusion that there are more ways than one of stopping mischief. How well I remember the Saturdays during my school career. They were days of pure enjoyment, when -we roamed o'er the hills, gathering birds' eggs, waging wa? on labbits, and devastating the hills by fire, and when our inner man struck half-past dinner time we would make a meal of the succulent berries of the fuchsia and native lawyers (not a city one, but resembling them, insomuch as to waylay the unwary, and lot him go minus a good deal). But now those days are faded and past, and the sterner walks of life are entared on ; but they will never be forgotten, and we shall in imagination live them over again, and they will become dearer to us as our associations dwindle away, and they, too, become an indistinct memory. How well I remember when I wagged it (played trua.nt) with such disastrous results, but that is too lengthy a tale to narrate here, so I shall reserve it for our club at a later date. Pleorse find enclos?d a little poam which Darky's Brother shcmld have included in his essay: —

— A Sister Jess Home. —

What is home without a sister? It is but a sorry place, Where we only hear of mister, Never sea a girlish face. Where you eat no sodden pastry, STever ssa a broken cup, You may euoss the sister's very little, Or else she is quite grown up. If you tread upon no hatpin. Never pit upon a needle there, You may safely reckon that home Does not know a sister's loving care. What is home without a sister ? It is but a peaceful place, Now there are no scratches On our little Cornish's fpce. ■Yours truly, CORNISH.

P.S. — Lady May Trevelyn, prove triie 1o your colours, and next time you see Cornish I hope \ou will introduce yourself. — C.

Dear Dot, — Jjlore is pcoi old Gruuipy again after a long spell of two or three years. I suppose you have forgotten that such a perso.i as Grumpy ever existed, but you will see from this that 1 am stil l m the land of the li\mg. A Sunday school picnic v.-aa held here not long ago, and I enjoyed my»eli very much. I am going to stay with L.ttle ICell for two or three da\ s at faster, and I hope to have « good time. I milk two cows night and morning, and I think it grand. My father has baen very ill lately, but I fin glud to say he is recoveiing now. I have only saen or>e badge since I have been down here, but I did not speak to the owner — I suppose I was too shy. — Yours truly, GRUMPY.

Dear Dot, — We have just uaci it rnoiitn's hoiidaj lor th_- liaivest, s»s we oniy hud a tew w^eks at Chiiatnias. Tiie people Here arc all getting their stacks tnretneu just uc ,v. 1 ws clow a at Liumsden lor uiy holidays, and- 1 eujoyeu my visit very much, as 1 have a gooci lnaio" irieixis about thei-e. W o have liaci very gcod weather lately, but now I think it Has taken a. turn tor the woi-e. I have weaned my pet lamb, and she is uo trouble now, ab sue never c oin.es about the door looking ror her milk. My music tsacher is going to give a concert on the 11th of this n.onth," and I nave to pay trie organ at, it, which I don't care much about. When 1 was going in the tram I met two 0.L.F., but 1 dia not speak, as I was not retiring ruy badge. They both had dark skirts ?.na light blouses on, with badges in their hats. I \va.s out for a ino&t enjoyable drive with, my mother and sister the other day to s-eo a friend who In es about four miles fiom us. I think I am about the only D.L F. around here, so it niust have been me that ono of the D.L.F. caw at A. on her vsay u;j to QuD-cnstown. It will be very nice reading the letters from th« new D.L.F. , liitombi, m South Africa. Her lather mast have a very good garden with a lot of fiuit m it. We have one of our cousins staying with, us, and he is a very comical little chap, always up to something. Wilh lov-e to all the D.L.F., not forgetting yourself and the -editor, — You.s truly,

P-RIMPOSE

Dear Dot, — Since last writing to you I have bi-en very ill, but I am glad to say that I am keeping a lot better at present. We aie ha\ ing teinbly wet weather JUst HOW, and I hope it will clear up, as we shall hs very busy next week, as it 13 Ka&tsr tune. We are losing our next-door neighbotU', as she is going L«ay down south to live, and w» shall all miss her very rrwuch, as we have not manj neighbours here. Princess Myrtie dots not seem to like Seaward Bush -v cry much, but 1 suppose she will foon get used to it. Harry must have had a hard time of i* -.% hen he was riding th.10v.511 "to Alexandra, but he was very lucky to nnd Indi?n Chief. With love to Texas Js«ck. Princess Myrt'e, Alpine Viim ?=s, A'beita, Tnnian Chief. a>id not forjiettm^ your own de.ir self -md the editor,— Your- tiuly, I-'AIRY QUEEN.

Dcur Dot, — We are two mates, and thi^ is the first time we have evei written to \on, but v>e hope it lvoi't b. 1 tha List, a<; we wou'd hl»c to b?>.ome regu'R^ co rcoo dent'-. We had a gieat bit of fun !'i<=t i , 'it. Hound ,ibo<.it our [>lac o are i> lot o. big stumps, and we pot a loiig nil. and put across ous for a see-taw, and our sieter got on the middle far the pudding. T\ T e were enjoying our^e-vss l'tT^CT-elv when :iU of a sudden we hcrr'l v. -<rpjm the poor pudding had fallen off, .i d I unn ed her he. d Oh, Do* she tl'd ye 1, .r.'l nn'li:r lame op., a^d we hid to inn. =o 11.l 1 . it nid-vl our 'eo-v.wmg {<>;• the n'fjht Aitci bII v.m-, o'uo'onecl mother went out 'o' - a ualk ..rid Kft u^ till .;t hoiae. .=o no thonn'it x.p would have a g-vnie with fcoiup of ktr

sour yeast. We put a lot of baking soda in one bottle, and shook it well, and got Pudding to pull the cork. She had her mouth open at the time, and the result was painful to see, for poor Pudding was yeast from the top of her head to her toes, and she cried til! we got the mirror, so that she could see that her face was not disfigured. She says that she will nevei stay home with us again. The factory up here will soon be closed now. They are only making cheese every second day, as the feed is getting scarce, and the cows are going off their milk. Dear Dot, we hear that you have a motor car, so there is no excuse now to stop you coming to Chaslands. Send and let us know when you are coming, and we will all be ready to give you a hearty welcome, and show you all the beautiful spots. With best love to all the L.F., especially the Chaslands ones. Air Editor, and your own self, — Yours truly, HUGO AND HIGO^

[It is often said we have to go away from home to learn news, and this is certainly a case in point. Fancy Dot with a motor car! I scarcely think li. and H. are serious, however: it is only a J'ttle bit of fun, uo doubt. — DOT.]

Dear Dot, — I am going to tell you about a walk I had with my school mate aud Christmas luily. We left honie at about i o'ciock to look for the cows. We went to the -place we expected to find them, but they were not there. We then went into the bush, but we could not find them there. When we came out to the open again, v c found that three of them had come out, and my mother came and found the re3t. One Sunday afternoon I went with my hvo brothers and Christmas Lily to get some blackberries. We climbed a big hill and went through the fence to get them. We had a jug with ug, but we did not get it half full. One day I went with my mother for some leaves foi the cows. After we had walked about a quarter of a mile we went into the bush and" climbed about half-way up n big hill. We got our leaves, but when wo were coming out again we had to climb ud and down the hill, bux at last we came tc the open and we soon got home. There is a littie islanS in the river close to our hou&e, which is covered with pretty green trees and ferns, and there is one swamp turkey on it. Poor, lonely bird! it comes out to the -edge and watches us when we play on the bank of the river. A number of wild, ducks are to be scan on the river too, but I suppose they will bs shot before long, as the season will noon be in. With love to all the D.L F., not forgetting s'oursclf and the editor, — Yours truly,

LAMP GLASS

Dear Dot, — It is very rainy weather up here just now, and the turrxps are corning away very quickly. M.litary sports were held at It«nfurly on the 13th inst., but I did no* go to ifiein. My bro'.her and his schoolmates are i=t?.nding beside me, and they waut to read this letter, but i won't let them. They were tiying to get on a horse for a ride, but the hor-e would not let them, so they had to go without one. "We had a gcod many apples and p^irs. but they are nearly all enten now. exrept some which we mp.ds into jam.- — Yours tru'y, GEEALDINE. Dear Dot, — We have not had very good weather here lato'y. It seems as if it wou'd neve.- stop raining, and I believe you are \our share of the rain too I have a bad cold, and I hope it will get better soon, as I cannot go out to any mee'j ngs at night until it is better, and theie seem to be a Jot of them going on just now Zephyr is writing you a letter just now, but sho hr.s to stop every minute to gat out of the way of the Maiden of Glen, or else she wi'l get a pinoh. I was at the Avenal regrtta, and enjoyed myself ve - y well. We were all glsd to have a rest whm we airivcd the^e. as It is a lons walk Before long I was on the lo'/kou 1 for badges, but I & d not sec ary. Aocut hall-past 3 we had afternoon tea, and piter that I was bu.=v trying to find on f th» winders, and to my surprise, the Zephyr had lo«t. With love to Catlins, the pdilor. and yourself —Yours truly, URSULA. De r Dot — \Ty father has recovered from his lllne-s i:ow, but my sisie" is still very lov. — almflst at death's door, but the doctor told us to-day tint £he wa3 on the turn for the better, so I hope she w.ll scon be all,a 11 , r.ght again, as she is lr.y best friend at home. I notice-1 the i spoils of the Christian Erdea^cur Sccii-ty Convention in the Witness last week tr.d the meetings seamed to be very gcod. Wo are to hod our convent on on Good Fliday. The meeti'igs bsgm at 7 o.m , ptarting v.'it!i a pray-r inceting, wh'ch will last foj half an hour. Th° meeting is fo continue pll day — l:~> to 10 o'c'o-k at night, and I in le'-dl e'-d io he present all day. and I am sure I shall enjoy mvoe'f. a= I take a gre^t interest in the Endeavour". Then on Easter Mondt y oiuEndeavcur intends ho'ding its annunl picnic, anc 1 vre have a!-o asked some oi the other fO3ieties to loin mi with us, and I hone v?e shall have a fine day. so thpt everyone will be able to e->joy the outing. Hew depressing it i> to find the cold weathsi coming on so soon and the nights so dark and r-tormy. Next Sunday is Easter Sunday, and we are gong to ho d our annual harvest thanksgiving serv cc. I aia to help to deco-a'e the church with al! of grain vegetables, fruitr=. flowers arcl evprc; eens. We are going to hc\e p small haystack on top of the organ, so you ca.:i imoaine how beautiful it will look. "With love to all L.F., yourself, and the editor — Yours

ZEPHYR

[I am plad to hear of your lather' 5 - lecoverv, Zenhyr, Rnd I trust you will soon b* nble to tell u« that yenr sister a'so is well rrvau:.— DOT.]

Dei' 1 T?ot — Niagara, whpre I live, is a farming district, and reir'v all the farmers Lava ju"t finished cutting tHs yelio^v cvop. Afy si c ter and I were up seeing Auld Re°kie the other r- plit and we did have 'ime fur.. It w;.s ji rairv nr.d pitch-black night goi ■'p u'i. bul (opiin? hack it was as clear dov. I tl.mk it inusi. have been t'^e mow lismcr thai node nt look fo clear. I am going in the bush i,ci.o^ dly foo i \o 'ook fo. BaekVo-ks Hcim t'- civc an 1 I hope to frid it. "Wilh love to all tho L.F., Dot, and the cd '.or — Yours

ATTERB

Dear Dot, — Ywikawa Vallej i=j ?.ot rt very nice plice to I've m It is bush nvd hills all round. Iher^ is a b g hill called Blackhorii. and it is v. cli nimed Dot. for it is a? biack as it can be. There i= »notlier_ bier hill not far away called Mount Bleak, it .s a'wavs covered with svow m w nter. I have uddea over it ninny n t'nie J thought I "a lf""cy.L ir i to the s.iddie on one occasion. The.* 1 is l^lent yof vild pi^s r>p. it. ?o ;ou oa 1 have nt ' t of goo 1 fun. I lud a very long id e tlip cthe day — about 50 ini'e*. I =ta> ed rt Cha«l.n ds for tw (i days. a'ld I went to the ai»il oi t'-, R.vcnrclßV ad saw foitip o" the D.L.F — S n .':l l!^ Li 1-*-.1 -*-. ..irons the lumber. Mie 's w^l I.: .u ed. I wab there for rb-ut an borr and a-hflf. md every time I looVed at her slip was sinilirsr. Tv"ith l&vp to the erh'tor. Sin'h -s; Ta = s TToliy Tr°e. and vour'plf — Yrnr=s

Ocai Dot, -I \,oiik! have \\ U_a to jo., last we k bu l " y =i-t i i n-ne heme \. tl' Ih.oe cli ' r ci, finJ s.i we lit \ c had rather a l.vcly tune n" it I do not thirl: I ever hsd a in i ill \ pc.i^- 1 v;':o i t''cv were here, rxcep' when they \ve:e in b-d. The tv.o eldest we.c

always at me to give them a ride on cut old horse, so on Wednesday morning I took them both out in the paddock, and put them on. I was going to take them up to the shed, but jut = t a» I was going through a muddy piece the younger one slipped off. and pulled the gh'l with him I cou'd hardly pck them up for laughing. I tell you they did look two pitiable little objects. The worst of it was I hafl to wash their clothes, and it wa*> not a very easy job. Mother and I went over to pick some blackberries one day, and as they were very high bushe=, we had to get a ladder. When I had finished picking a basket full, I turned to come down, but slipped and came down in a way that I did not expect. In my rapid descent to the ground I lost all my berr.'es, and so I had to set to work again. — Yours truly, " LADY LILIAN Dear Dot — The weather up here is a b.t unsettled for harvest weather, ?nd most of the peop'e have some of their crop out yet. Our cow? aie beginning to go dry, but the factory will not stop till the end of the month. Oar minister is to deliver his farewell sermon, to-day. He has baen here about two years. My brother, my niece, and ni> brother's wife aie all coming down from Oamaru at Er.ster. My Uttle niece can wa'k now. Our apples are just about ripe, but they are about finished I have a big doll. It i^ about two feet high, and I call, it Irene. It is dressed in pink, trimmed with pink fntin ribbon, ar.d I have | a baby's bonnet for it. With love to Alpine I Princess ar.d all the other D.L F., — Ycurs I truly, MADAME MELBA. I .Dear Dot, — Five months have slipped by since last 1 penned those two little words. My la^t letter, if jou remember, was latoer lengthy, so 1 resolved to resist writing lor six months to atone for it, but temptation, was too strorg, although I daresay the six i months will t>. up ijetore this appears in. 1 pr^nt. How time flies! Christmas and New I l'ear's Day pre now things of the past, and. the long-looked ioj Old Writers' Week also is a bygone memory. Accept uiy congratulations, Dot. It was a ''brilliant success. ' A good mar.y of the little folk have been telling us about their holiday, but I ep.si't rill up space that way, as I had "tae bide at hame a.i* mind ma wark, I ne'er gae galaw.i.tin'." But I will toll jou in as few words ss possible how I put m Xew Year. Our Uncle Jack to!d Ivew Churn and I a. few days previously that he was going- to i take Lady Lygon and us for a drive to Port | Molyneux on th 2nd of Ja-nuaiy, fo, of courss, we lived in ths seventh heaven of de- ! light until the eventful day. Well, Monday | uiorning dawned cold and grey, and New | Churn and 1 were up at a very early hoar ! working like a pair of niggers, as we hed to be at our uncle's pla-ce by fc> o'clock. Wei 7 , jwe didn't manage to bs quite to time. I don't know what possessed 2T.C that morning, but I know she took a most terrib.e time to get ready, and I say it without exaggerating—^she took half an hour to do her hair that morning an.! half an hour the night b?fore. Of course, she was monopolizing the Jooking-glass the whole time, and there was no show for little me when she was in from; of it. Ilowev?- 1 , Uacle Jack and her ladyship w?re not q\nte ready when we arrived. 1 won't attempt to describe the morning, suffice it to ssy that the sun was not siiiring is it ought to have been, but it was raining pitchforks and donkeys, prongs down. Uncle Jack was thinking of staying at home, but when he saw my sistsr all dressed in her best Sunday clothes he hadn't the heart to atay, co he went and yoked up the hordes. We had a pair, Dot, and they didu't take loig to leave Pux^pito Lir behind. I don't know . yet how we managed to get into the bugpy. The wind and ram were boating in cut facss. and the horses were trying to rcrchr th" shelter of the hou-3. N. C. got in the front with Uncle J.. who wa3 trying to keep th© horses still; then I got into the back seat, and Latlv Lygon fo' lowed. We were hardy seated when they started. I succeeded in. gsttr.ig tiiv umbrpJla up, pnd Lady Lypon managed tr g?t the rugs round n% but bsfore we Ind crone ■'"cry far I found, to my di'-may, that the iv.g had slipped down, and n.y dress was in r> moss of mud: but I ■Minpos-? we must take t'.i3 bLttsr with -the sv.-e^t Th? sin c-ime out sooa after w<» p(v,rt<=d, ar:l r.'thoujh the wind was a bit stro.ig at time?, we were well protect°d with ru^s, cloiks, and umbrellas, md enjoyed t"ie rlri" c immon'plj-. Lac'v L-gon and I v>-p:a foitunat? in having securpd the back c eat, r« we had for a brcakwirid Uncle Jack, New Chum, and a lady, who joined our uarty at Balclutha My lady and I we-re joking, and having n real merry tiuia, when, to our «ui-nri'-e, we heard a peal of hmghter coming from N. C. ond Miss G . who mean things! were eave^dnnpirisr.. The horses were in pood povng <i~dc", ay""! we uiJ. the jotiraey iii three hours The drive along the beach wa«; e a oecial'y enjoyable. We drove very close to the water* edse, and one big wave coming in, startled one of tHe horses, causina: it to jump nearly ov<=r the othor's back, but w arrived safe aaA «onnd. Wiion we alighted. I fourd, to vny disgu=t. that my jacket was all s.ilashol with mud, and I had to go wi'hout it. My dress, also, was al! creased and crumple:!. ?nd a young lady actually accused lue of h">-mg sleut with my clothes o i to £jet a start for the morning, but shs was not ''gams" tr> take off her cloak to lei u= see whether =*he had dresped the night before oi not. However, we got our bpi'kets niid started in search of a suitable pace to h:;ve n\v luiirh, which we soon found, and ar:er lnvii::j done full justice to tha contents < *!■•■» bi-ket=. wp proefsded io thj grounds tn I'-'-p j 'oak at the sports. Ths place where t'i-> "voi-is were h^ld was fairly well she't^isr Wi? had a few small showers in the cour< ? oi the afternoon, but nothing fo speak of. Ths r jor^s were dead slow, the on'y it m= worth locking; at beinp the vrood-chon-pinqf nnd vood-Fawinsr comrr-titions. Lticinda. won the Yo«:ij ±jr.dic=' ~R"ce. My vo T t], Dot. yon s'lould have &een her running. U.fpk about a dc^r bpmgr swiftfootecl— why, I am Hire Lucu.d-i cou'd bsat pny deer hollow. Thp b<uid f^lii'ii band I couldn't say) played at interval- clunn^ (he afternoon. Thc-.e was a <joid many peo-}' - there from this little ror>i-r, Mary of Ar*yl-> and Titroe among tiio immli;r; «o we mil >'n a very pleasant sifterl'or..; Then • imc ."> o'clock, tho lnur appointed for sttmmsr. We left the sports shorty rtf'cr -t, msd wended our way •towards th? bn-h. whsrc we found an ideal spot m whi-h '-o hi-.-f our tja. One. of the men fo'k of tiie yaiiy boi'ed the billj-, and c«e>* tii:u it ---I=. «j h't^e salt— the tea was dci-i -ill's. b;llv tpi n'vvays is. New Chum. Lrt'v Lv<;on, :.rd I veia a I'ftle late in cciri: Z oi th? »c»n», and we had scarcely seated oj;r=elvf- wVn someone announced thafe U.irl-» -lack wa= yoking up and was not goin^ to wiit a minute for us We snatched a piece o' wh"->ier cjiup handiest and ran to' the place wherp tie buggy was. What was our stsrt>rl«e to find, on reaching the buggy, tihas ;i was a fiT=?c alarm, for owe tinde wiis j'usi bri^ii' 'x <li-> Worses. We weren't groing to go li-iA to ti.ii^h our tea and give the rest r th;.n-" to l^ugh at v-, so we grot into the \n~4v anJ when we had ]pft "Port MoVnenx f»r behind we got out the basket arid fvi ishrc 1 our t?a is pp'ce. Tho drive home w?,= -) ; o.'-ar. -or P'-p'i tli^ -> the diivc a=; i)\ > ,viud h.id r.iilcn. We arriicJ at Uncla

Jack's shortly aiten 9, and got home by 10. Lady Lygon had her cows to milk, but father and Puddin' Head had milked ours for us. Boys are all right sometimes. I think, had I been in your place, L. L., I would have left the cows that night and milked them twiGe next morning. We were a little tired, but stili it was the best day's outing I had had for some time, and I shall always look back to it as a pleasant memory of the past. Now, Dot, I must tell you about New Chum and her latest pastime — namely, bareback riding. I won't say whether she rides sideways or astride — I might get my ears boxed. "Weil, one Sunday afternoon she took a notion to go for the cows. My brother got the i hack out and New Chum safely on, then he ; and I sat down to match the performance. She disappeared down the paddock, and in about Half an hour came back full gallop without the cows. She couldn't get the filly to go down into the gully for them. However, she galloped up to the gate, which was about a foot open, and, having lost control over the horse, which showed no sign of pulling up, she feared it might crush through the gate, and hurt her, so, to prevent this, my sister gave a great leap, and landed astride on the lop of the gate, with the bridle in her hand. Thus ended New Chum's bareback riding. Since last writing, my father has consented to our riding the young horse he broke in Borne time ago,' and which was formerly deemed too flash for us, and I assure you w-e Were not slow in taking advantage of it. Last time ,1 was out riding, my brother saddled Bluebell for me, and didn't girth the saddle "up half tight enough. I got out of -sight of the house, and commenced to canter; Bluebell began to go harder and harder, and " -I was busy holding on to my hat," when suddenly the saddle came round, taking me with' it. I managed to pull up the horse, but I was hanging by my habit to the pommel, and, try as I might, I couldn't free.- myself . For once in my life I was very thankful that we* live in the backblocks, as I should* not have liked anyone to see me in this predicament. At last I succeeded in freeing myself; then I got the saddle into its proper place, and girthed it up as tight »s I could get it, you may be sure. Then I mounted, and rode straight home for my ■brother's cap, which is, after all, a very suitable riding hat. When I told my brother ■what had taken place he only laughed, and said it would teach me to sit straight. "y"ery sympathetic, wasn't he? Now for a, word on that much-used topic — boys. I ought to know a little about them, as I have ilve brothers, great and small. Are brothers teases? Decidedly so; I know from experience, and they say experience is a. good teacher. But I must tell you how I taught my eldest brother Puddin' Head— -he is well named— to have a little more respect for my sunbonneC He has a peculiar fancy for it, and is always trying it on, or else drying his ha-nds with it. He always had a special fancy for it when it was newly done up, but I just said to myself, "Patience your \urn is coming," and so it did, sooner than I expected. It happened one hot afternoon when he was busy harrowing a piece of land some distance from the house. When 3 o'clock came I took him out some lunch, and after having' disposed of the latter, he picked up my bonnet and put it on, tying the strings under his chin. Meanwhile, I had*, gathered up the things ready to start for home; then Puddin' Head, ajjked me how the bonnet suited, him, and, of eour&e, I said it became him beautifully; then I grabbed up his hat and ran as hard as~T could for 'heme, leaving him with nothing but my bonnet for a headgear, and. as Currant Duff •was:" working in a paddock just/ opposite, he didn't quite like the idea of being seen harrowing with a girl's hat on.. So he gave chase, but as I had a good start of him he didn't catch me till I was half way home. Then h« very unceremoniously grabbed hat and hair and all, and threw me the bonnet. It proved a very effective cure, for he hasn't touched it since. Before I close I take this opportunity to thank Ivy Leaves for the pretty card he sent at Christanas time. I'm not sure who the so-called Ivy Leaves is, but I've got *a good idea. INew Chum got one from Old Chum and Mary of Argyle, and Lady Lygon from Siirfacenxan and Lord Dumpling respectively. We couldn't guess who any of the abovenamed were, and we were not aware that there was anyone" writing to the page under such noms de plume, so, to solve the mystery we looked at the postmarks, compared the hand-writing, and found that they were posted at Pukepito, and the writing was iril the <=ame, so we came to the conclusion that Old Chum, Lord Dumpling, Surfaceman, and Ivy Leaves are one and the same person. However, I shall be very pleased if they or he will exchange autographs with me. In his last letter Currant Duff was growling about not having become acquainted with any of the Pukepito D.L.F., but I fancy he must be a very bashful boy, as he seldom comes to see US, although he has been asked to ever so many times. Then he doesn t attend any of the dances— perhaps he is » non-dancer, and I have never yet seen him At church, although I believe he was there once. One day a young lady and I were out for a. drive, and Currant Duff happened to be ploughing alongside the road. As we •were passing, ray companion cried out, "Hullo, Currant Duff!" but he did not— or pretended he did not— hear: he was evidently very busy fixing some part of the plough. Now, Dot, I know you will be thinking I am very greedy, taking up so much of your precious space, but when I start writing I find it hard to put the brake on in time, so to make up "for having trespassed so far this time I shall keep silent for six months: that will bring us to September; so au revoir till then. With love to all the little folk Queen Dot, and the gracious editor, — Yours truly, LAURA. [Remember, Laura, there will probably be a special subject week, and if that is arranged for your determination must be relaxed for that occasion at least. — DOT.]