ends, or first, of May, commonly called May Day,
the juvenile part of both sexes are wont to rise a little
after midnight and walk to some neighboring wood,
accompanied with music and blowing of horns, where they
break down branches from the trees, and adorn themselves
with nosegays and crowns of flowers. When this is done, they
return with their booty homeward, about the rising of the
sun, and make their doors and windows to triumph with their
flowery spoils.

In the "Morte d'Arthur" we find this passage:

Now it befell in the moneth of lusty May, that Queene
Guenever called unto her the Knyghtes of the Round Table,
and gave them warning that early in the morning she should
ride on Maying into the woods and fields beside Westminster.

Shakespeare, in "A Midsummer Night's Dream," alludes to the custom:

No doubt they rise up early to observe
The rite of May.

The Maypole is still common in many countries. It used to be general
throughout England, and the cutting and decorating of the pole was one of
the many reasons for going a Maying. Often the pole was left standing
until near the end of the year, and sometimes especially durable poles
remained erect in their places for many seasons and were used in
successive festivals.

The last Maypole erected in London was a hundred feet high and stood in
the Strand. Taken down in 1717, it was removed to Wanstead Park, in Essex,
where it was made part of the support for a large telescope which was set
up by Sir Isaac Newton.

The May Queen traditionally represents the Roman goddess Flora.

SOME DEEP-SEA HUMOR.

The first day out: Steward--Did you ring, sir? Traveler--Yes, steward,
I--I rang. Steward--Anything I can bring you, sir? Traveler--Y-yes,
st-steward. Bub-bring me a continent, if you have one, or an
island--anything, steward, so l-lul-long as it's solid. If you can't,
sus-sink the ship.--_Harper's Bazar._

* * * * *

Van Dyke--As the boat left the dock I waved my handkerchief, and then a
most curious thing happened. Forney--What was it? Van Dyke--The ocean
waved back.--_Truth._

* * * * *

Uneasy Passenger (on an ocean steamship)--Doesn't the vessel tip
frightfully? Dignified Steward--The wessel, mum, is trying to set hexample
to the passengers.--_Chicago Tribune._

* * * * *

Jinks--I can't understand