ing a certain number. Other
picnics are got up on a different system, each person contributing a
share towards the general expenses; but these gatherings are not so
sociable as are the invitation picnics.

Invitation picnics where everything is done _en prince_ are extremely
enjoyable and friendly affairs; they are big luncheons, given
out-of-doors instead of indoors, at a distance instead of at home. But
even these are not more pleasant than those well-arranged little
picnics given by officers in country quarters, when the regimental coach
conveys a favoured few to some favourite spot.

* * * * *

=Water-Parties.=--There are many ways of arranging a water-party at
yachting stations and at all riverside places. At yachting stations, for
instance, a sailing yacht is hired to convey a party of from eighteen to
twenty-five to some point of interest on the coast, in which case
luncheon and tea are provided at an hotel in the vicinity of the place
where the party have landed, and the expenses are equally divided. Not
unfrequently, on the return journey, the yacht is becalmed, and does not
reach its destination until between two and three the following morning.
If it happens to be a fine moonlight night, this prolongation of a
water-party is an additional source of enjoyment; but if there is no
moon as well as no wind, and the calm betokens a storm, it is the
reverse of pleasant. But these little _contretemps_, when they do occur,
rather lend a zest to the day's pleasure, and are something to talk
about afterwards.

Water-parties are often given by owners of yachts. These are invitation
parties, and luncheon, tea, and sometimes dinner, are served on
board, and the party land and stroll about, but return to the yacht
to be entertained.

Picnic and water-parties in general include as many gentlemen as ladies,
whether they are invitation or contribution parties, although sometimes
a majority of ladies is unavoidable. Ryde is a favourite station for
water-parties, as the island itself, as well as the opposite coast,
offer innumerable points of interest for picnicing, and many are able to
combine the pleasures of the yacht with those of the launch in one and
the same water-party; thus a party sails from Ryde to Yarmouth, Isle
of Wight, and then proceeds in a steam, or other, launch to Alum Bay.
Launch parties are immensely popular, both on the river and on the
coast. Some picnic on board, and o