gh, in reviewing the incidents of my administration, I am
unconscious of intentional error, I am nevertheless too sensible of my
defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors.
Whatever they may be, I fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or
mitigate the evils to which they may tend. I shall also carry with me
the hope, that my Country will never cease to view them with
indulgence; and that, after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its
service with an upright zeal, the faults of incompetent abilities will
be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of
rest.

Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that
fervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man, who views in it
the native soil of himself and his progenitors for several generations,
I anticipate with pleasing expectation that retreat, in which I promise
myself to realize, without alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in
the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under
a free Government, the ever favorite object of my heart, and the happy
reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labors, and dangers.

XI

EXERCISES

DECORATIONS FOR WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY EXERCISES

The hall in which the exercises in celebration of Washington's Birthday
are held should be decorated with all the patriotic emblems
obtainable,--flags, banners, flowers, etc.; including a portrait of
Washington centrally and prominently exhibited, with the motto, "First
in war, etc.," and the figures 1732 and 1799, the dates of his birth and
death; the former trimmed with flowers, the latter with crepe. Nothing
available should be omitted to render the hall as bright and attractive
as possible.

The orations should be delivered by boys, but the other portions of the
exercises may be rendered by girls, or by both girls and boys, as may be
found most suitable to the text and the occasion.

* * * * *

SOME YEARS IN WASHINGTON'S LIFE

BY M. LIZZIE STANLEY

An Exercise for Boys From "_The Popular Educator_"

_Let the scholars who represent the ghosts of the vanished years stand
in the background and come forth as they are called. Each should bear in
his hand a standard with the date of his year in large letters upon it,
or wear a badge with the same. Hang a large picture of Washington on the
wall; above it place the motto, "First in war, first in pe