SKATING

Good skating weather was very rare at Bowling Green, and, when the ice got thick enough to hold, the girls usually had a holiday. During one season the lake was frozen over for several weeks and everybody had a world of fun. The Naturalist spent days upon the ice, assisting the weak-kneed, encouraging the timid, and rescuing the fallen. He also found time to stretch his legs from one end of the lake to the other, in company with his young men friends. Lunch was rarely eaten where it was served, but a sandwich at a time while "on the wing" and back for more. A huge fire on the bank surrounded by logs for seats attracted and usually held those who came for observation only.

BIOLOGY EXCURSIONS

These were very popular. The weekly holiday came on Monday, and, if fair and seasonable, it was quite certain to be utilized by the entire biology class for an all-day excursion to some good collecting ground within walking distance of the school. The class proceeded in a body and took note of everything of special interest, whether mineral, vegetable,

or animal. A fire was always built at lunch time in some cosy spot and the girls made a pretty picture as they gathered about it, preparing and enjoying the generous lunch.

These excursions were more of the nature of walks and talks, with interesting observations, than definite collecting trips for botanical or zoological material. In other words, the fields and woods were used as both laboratory and museum, with the advantage of actual life and a natural setting. Nature was studied and loved both as a whole and as made up of infinite details, all of which were beautiful and wonderful.

SERENADING

Music and moonlight always appealed to the Naturalist; so he hunted up three other young men in the town who felt the same way and formed a troop of troubadours. They visited the homes of friends and sang beneath their windows the old songs of the South and of the war, accompanying them on banjos and guitars. One of their favorites was:

"Just before the battle, Mother,

I am thinking most of you;
While upon the field I'm lying,
With the enemy in view."

These songs never failed to bring a response of some kind, and many happy hours were spent in this way, especially during the months of April and May.

THE QUARTET

The vocal teacher also organized a quartet, of which the Naturalist was a member, to undertake more difficult music for use in entertainments and on social occasions. The first selection attempted was: "The Night has a thousand eyes,

The Day but one,

And the light of the whole day dies
With the set of sun."

This organization did not bring the same returns, however, as the other and was soon discontinued.

SENATOR DANIEL

Senator John W. Daniel made a political speech at the courthouse one day to a large audience. Before the speech, he had a lunch at the hotel and the Naturalist was invited to eat with him. His entire

lunch consisted of three large cups of strong, black coffee. In the late afternoon, he took tea with the faculty at the school, when he allowed himself more

latitude. The Senator was a remarkably gifted man, and one of the most brilliant orators the country has produced.

A CHUM COMES VISITING

Mr. Andrew Sled arrived from Randolph-Macon on the early stage one Monday morning. He was the Naturalist's special chum at college and came on a mission of a secret and delicate nature; but that did not prevent a good, long talk about old times and the happenings of recent months after they were separated. His visit was peculiarly comforting because of a feeling of isolation induced by the novelty of the Naturalist's position and the lack of an appreciative and sympathetic masculine friend. It is not advice that one needs in such a position, but the opportunity to talk with one who understands and feels. The very presence of a true friend gives inspiration and courage for the struggle, and the good effects linger long after the friend is gone.

NIGHT-BLOOMING CEREUS

An invitation from the Postmaster brought quite a party together at his home to witness the opening of thirteen beautiful cactus flowers. He was, of course, exceedingly nervous at first lest he might

have miscalculated the time, but, as the buds swelled and it became evident that the expected was really going to happen, his face became wreathed in a perpetual smile and he spent the remainder of the evening going from one guest to another congratulating himself. The entertainment was a great success; not only did the flowers do their share, but the table was loaded with delicacies and everyone was in a merry mood, which lasted until the small hours of the morning.

THOMAS NELSON PAGE

A charitable wave struck the town hard, and for weeks the people did nothing but prepare for a monster benefit performance in which all the local talent had a part. The Naturalist could not have escaped if he had wished to do so. Rehearsals were the order of the day, and new stars were discovered over night; the histrionic talent was found to be universal. May, the best Latin scholar, was finally selected for the star rôle and the Naturalist was to be her father. What pleased him most, however, was not this brief notoriety, but the privilege of meeting and talking with Thomas Nelson Page, who had come up from Richmond to make the principal address.