The “sticks” are quiet until the binder lets his arms fall, but then comes a sudden change; the “good woods” run to their seats, but the “snappers” chase the “binder” and try to touch him before he can begin to bind another “fagot;” failing in this, they have to go and mourn among the “good woods.”  Then the binding of the second “fagot” goes on, like that of the first.  But when a “fagot-gatherer” is touched, the “snapper” takes the place of the “gatherer,” who goes and rests himself.  The game ends when all the “fagots” have been used up in this way, and is then begun again by another selection of papers from the hat.  The fun is in the frights and surprises of the “fagot-gatherer,” who, of course, does not know who is a “good wood” and who a “snapper;” and all do their best to avoid betraying themselves.  If you have a good big room and lots of players you will find this game as full of fun as you can wish.

* * * * *

    Philadelphia, September 16, 1877.

Dear ST. NICHOLAS:  I was looking over your September number, and happened to read a letter addressed to the “Little Schoolma’am,” and signed “Father of two school-girls;” it was about school lunches, and told of a visit to the new Normal school of Philadelphia; he said that in the lunch hall there is a long table on which there was nothing but cakes of all sorts.  Now, being a member of the school, I was a little hurt at the injustice done to our school.  I know there is something else but cake,—­fruit, milk, soup, sandwiches, etc., being among the other things that are spread on the lunch-table, provided by the janitor, and sold to the girls at very low rates.  So you see I had reason to be a little indignant at the discredit done to our school, and set about repairing it as far as possible; and you, too, can help repair the harm done to this fine public school by kindly printing this note.  But I must close, for my letter is getting too long.

    —­Your true friend,

    A MEMBER OF THE MODEL CLASSES PRIMARY DEPARTMENT. (Aged eleven
    years.)

* * * * *

SCIENCE AT HOME.

    Brooklyn.

    DEAR ST. NICHOLAS:  I am an old boy, but not too old to be one of
    your most delighted readers; and I am glad of the present chance to
    send you my good wishes, and say my say.  Here it is: 

Be sure and tell your youngsters to bear in mind that opportunities for home study on their own accounts are multiplying around them day by day, and that in taking advantage of them they will not only find great enjoyment and add to their stock of knowledge, but also will come upon hundreds of ways in which to amuse their friends, both old and young.

Here, for instance, come Professor Mayer, and your frequent contributor, Mr. Charles Barnard,