n these days there are few children who do not possess a
microscope; those who do will find innumerable interesting objects both
for mounting and inspection.

"Variety is charming," as every one knows, and after a little recreation
of this kind young people are often glad to return, by way of a change,
to books, work, and sketching, and appreciate all the more a favourable
rise in the barometer. But while so usefully and pleasantly employed
they will soon learn to greet with less regret an occasional rainy day.

HILDA FRISBY.
2, _St. Mary's Crescent, Leamington._ (Aged 15.)
Certified by JANE A. FRISBY (Mother).

* * * * *

SECOND PRIZE DESCRIPTION.

When the day is fine and the sea calm, it is very pleasant to wade and
splash about in the sunny water, and to roam among the rocks, searching
for little crabs, many-coloured anemones, starfish, &c.; but when the
rain is pouring down as if it would never stop, and the sea looks grey
and dismal, it is sometimes difficult to amuse oneself within doors.

It is interesting to collect seaweed, though in pressing it, it is
difficult to prevent the thin fibres from matting together when taken
out of the water. One of the best methods is to float the seaweed on a
plate, full of water, and after placing a piece of rather thick
blotting-paper in the water, underneath the seaweed, to raise the paper
suddenly out of the plate, when the water sinks through the
blotting-paper, on which the most delicate parts of the seaweed remain
spread out.

There are many games suitable for a rainy day; amongst them a poetry
game, in which each player is provided with a slip of paper and a
pencil. A circle is formed; every one writes a noun, and, folding down
the line on which he has written, passes the paper to the next player,
who writes a question on it. Each paper is then passed to the next
person, who, unfolding it, has to make a short piece of poetry, not only
introducing the noun but also answering the question.

When finished, the rhymes are read aloud, and generally cause much
amusement.

This game can be varied by limiting the "nouns" to names of animals,
with any absurd question concerning them: for instance--

"Porcupine," and
"Does it like sweets?"

The porcupine of many spines
Always eats sweetmeats when it dines,
'Tis very fond of chocolate-creams,
And munches candy in its dreams.
The