school-boys is like that of a modern industrial plant. The north side is composed largely of huge windows, to admit a steady light. The south exposure, facing the street, is of simple, but attractive, design, and the same effect is found

"THE DETAIL OF THE STAIRCASE, WITH ITS CONCRETE RESTING-PLACE."

within. The detail of the staircase, with its concrete resting-place in the well of the stairway, is a fine bit, of architecture, without florid effects, but not without grace.

Two other school-buildings in the city were designed wholly or in part by the youthful builders, and the practical value of the course is farther indicated by the fact that one lad, before he graduated, was designing homes and selling the plans. C. L. EDHOLM.

NATURAL FOREST PARKS

CITIES having natural forest parks where boys can chase squirrels and climb trees, are noted for their scarcity. But such a city is Seattle, Washington, which has a park named Woodland. It is very fittingly labeled, for it resembles a young forest reserve.

Notwithstanding its location within the city limits, the area of this park totals hundreds of acres. Its wild, rugged beauty and secluded spots make it a favorite resort for picnics, and on Sundays the great playground is a buzzing hive of humanity. Fresh-water springs abound, and there is an extensive zoological garden housing animals from almost every quarter of the globe. Then, too, trails are cut through the forest that visitors may have shady promenades and be able to get easily into the very heart of nature; but there are numerous cleared spaces having fine lawns where ball-diamonds, tennis-courts, and athletic courses abound.

Better parks mean better boys, and better men by and by; therefore every city should invest not only in numerous parks, but in large ones as well, for when one has enjoyed the pleasures of such a playground, the city streets lose many of their attractions. What city boy is there who would not rejoice in a big, wild playground such as that shown in the picture below?

MONROE WOOLLEY.

He had given them strict orders to shoot any one who came down that road. But toward twilight he had gone, with a few friends, to reconnoitre, and in the excitement of the battle had forgotten his orders of the morning. Faithful to these orders, his own sharp-shooters had fatally wounded him, his form being indistinguishable in the gathering dusk.

This costly error of Jackson's was a heavy blow to the Southern cause, since he had rendered important services in hindering the Northern forces in their pursuit of Lee. It was worse for the South to lose Jackson than it would have been to lose a whole army, so great

BY CHARLOTTE DOROTHY EDDY (AGE 12) OUR home was situated on top of a high hill, where we had a splendid view and took great pride in our flower garden. One spring when our flowers were blossoming better than they had ever before, a very tragic event happened to our garden. It was tragic to the Flower Family, victorious to the Weed Family, and droll, but expensive and destroying, to us.

At first we had struggled bravely to oppress every gardener's enemy, Mr. and Mrs. Weed and their flock and numerous relatives. But they were stronger and had larger numbers than we, so at last they claimed the battle-field, and began strangling the Flowers.

Early one morning a man very raggedly dressed, and with a far-away look in his eyes, came to our back door and asked for work and some breakfast. Mother told him he could cut down the Weeds, and after giving him some breakfast set him to work.

About noon Mother went out to see how he was getting along and how the Weeds "took it." But what a sight met her eyes! Instead of having the pleasure of seeing our enemy routed out, nearly all of our beautiful Flower Family were cut down and withering. (I suppose that at the same time the Weeds were having a lovely banquet in their stolen underground palace, with beetles and worms for servants, rejoicing at our loss.) When questioned our ragged stranger laughed heartily and answered, "Well, now, ain't that a funny mistake for me to make!"

Evidently this man, who proved later to be halfwitted, prized our enemies, the Weed Family, more than the roses, zinnias, daisies, geraniums, pinks, and big double poppies that made up our garden.