vating as such clocks must be, one might in time grow weary of
hearing the same sentiments reiterated, the manager pointed out that the
phonographic cylinders were removable, and could be replaced by other
sayings by the same author or on the same theme at any time. If one
tired of an author altogether, he could have the head unscrewed from the
top of the clock and that of some other celebrity substituted, with a
brand-new repertory.

"I can imagine," I said, "that these talking clocks must be a great
resource for invalids especially, and for those who cannot sleep at
night. But, on the other hand, how is it when people want or need to
sleep? Is not one of them quite too interesting a companion at such a
time?"

"Those who are used to it," replied the manager, "are no more disturbed
by the talking clock than we used to be by the striking clock. However,
to avoid all possible inconvenience to invalids, this little lever is
provided, which at a touch will throw the phonograph out of gear or back
again. It is customary when we put a talking or singing clock into a
bedroom to put in an electric connection, so that by pressing a button
at the head of the bed a person, without raising the head from the
pillow, can start or stop the phonographic gear, as well as ascertain
the time, on the repeater principle as applied to watches."

Hamage now said that we had only time to catch the train, but our
conductor insisted that we should stop to see a novelty of phonographic
invention, which, although not exactly in their line, had been sent
them for exhibition by the inventor. It was a device for meeting the
criticism frequently made upon the churches of a lack of attention and
cordiality in welcoming strangers. It was to be placed in the lobby of
the church, and had an arm extending like a pump-handle. Any stranger on
taking this and moving it up and down would be welcomed in the pastor's
own voice, and continue to be welcomed as long as he kept up the motion.
While this welcome would be limited to general remarks of regard and
esteem, ample provision was made for strangers who desired to be more
particularly inquired into. A number of small buttons on the front
of the contrivance bore respectively the words, "Male," "Female,".
"Married," "Unmarried," "Widow," "Children," "No Children," etc.,
etc. By pressing the one of these buttons corresponding to his or her
condition, the stranger would be addressed in terms probably quite as