day, and that the Public Schools must wait till 1.30. He confidentially remarked that he thought only a few would turn up, but unaccountably, of course on that day about four times as many as usual came.

At 1.30 the shooting did really begin; Marlborough, having won the toss, chose the windward target, thus avoiding the smoke of the other teams. Corp. Robertson and James went down first and led off with 28 and 28 respectively; they were then followed by Sergt. Hulbert, and Quarter-Master Sergt. DeJersey who made 27 and 30 respectively, the latter score was very creditable, as DeJersey began with an outer, Priv. Prescott and Bulman who came next were not quite so successful, making 26 and 23 respectively; the 200 yard shooting was then brought to a close by Sergt. Cheke and Priv. Spencer who both made 29, bringing the 200 yard grand total to 220.

On comparing with the other scores, it was found Marlborough was ahead of Winchester by 7 points, and of Wellington by 34.

A little uneasiness was experienced on beginning at the long range, but on Corps. Robertson and James leading off with bull's-eyes, confidence was restored, and the shooting went on as steadily and as well as if the range had been an old friend.

On finishing at 500, Marlborough was found to be first by 45 points, thus winning the Hunter Cup 15 times to Winchester's 7.

Marlborough and Winchester then retired to dinner, Wellington being unable to join, having to catch thier train. Winchester soon had to follow Wellington, and the day was wound up by an hour's pleasant strolling about the town, after which the visitors returned to "Home sweet Home."

Natural History Society.

average.

201 402

The

On Friday, June 12th, a large party had a very enjoyable field day at Bincknoll, near Broad Hinton. The scientific results were above the botanists found an unusually large number of species in flower, and of these a large proportion were first notices. The greatest rarity was the Fly Orchis (Ophrys muscifera) which has not been found in the district since it was first discovered at Bincknoll many years ago. Ranunculus sceleratus was also in flower, but it was too early for most of the traditional Bincknoll specialities. The entomologists were also successful. Their chief finds were the 'greasy' Fritillary (M. Artemis) and the 'Scarce Magpie' (4. Ulmata). This latter species was 'swarming' in one small spot.

On Thursday, June 18th, L. W. Browne gave lecture on "Fixed Stars." He pointed out the Idifference between planets (members of our own Solar System) and fixed stars in distance, observed motion, and telescopic appearance. He proceeded to

explain how we can often discover the distances of

heavenly bodies by their parallax.

In the case of the fixed stars, however, the distances are so overpowering, that only a few have as yet proved tractable; the nearest star being a. Centauri, distant 22 billions of miles, so that a ray of light requires 3 years for its journey across the intervening space. The distances of the stars do not correspond with their apparent size; for it is thought that 61 Cygni, quite a small star, is the next in order of distance. The lecturer then passed on to variable stars, doublestars, star-clusters, and nebulæ ; and touched upon the more advanced parts of astronomy, such as Precession and Nutation, and the proper motions of the sun and other fixed stars. He concluded by exhorting his hearers to make use of any opportunities they may have for learning the various constellations, and thus acquiring a fund of knowledge at once interesting and elevating.

There were present,-Members, 27; School, 30; Visitors, 6.-Total 63.

ART SOCIETY.

Since our last report in the Marlburian our proceedings have displayed much energy. Both sections have been in full swing, two exceedingly enjoyable field-days have taken place, and two papers have been read before the Society.

The first field day, on May 30th, was to Bishops Cannings, near Devizes, where there is an interesting church in the transition state between the Norman and early English styles. The second was to Chiseldon, between Marlborough and Swindon, where there is also an interesting church. On both occasions a good many sketches were taken, Mavrogordato's productions being especially noticeable.

On May 21st L. E. Upcott, Esq., read a paper on Athens, which he had hoped to visit during the previous vacation had not circumstances prevented it. The lecturer touched on many of the principal temples and other points of interest at Athens and illustrated his remarks by a number of photographs.

On Thursday, June 4th, E. K. Chambers read a paper on George Eliot. He traced her power as a novelist to her sympathy with the modern positivist spirit, which seeks to embrace the whole of humanity; most of her characters are drawn from the peasantry or lower middle classes. The two main elements in

in her novels are elaborate analysis of character, and a careful study of provincial life. As instances of her power of humorous description he read part of the scene at the inn in Silas Marner. He spoke of Maggie Tulliver and Dorothea Casaubon as types of her more serious characters, and of Mrs. Poyser and Mrs. Glegg as being pre-eminent among the lighter Various extracts, chiefly from the Mill on the Floss, served to illustrate the paper. The attendance at both these lectures was poor, even for Marlborough. At the last there were present, 7 ladies, 3 masters and 8 members of the school.

ones.

CONVERSATION.

DR. JOHNSON used to express unbounded contempt for all talk that was not discussion. A subject worth talking about was to him the indispensable condition of talking well. But such opinions are a cut above us ordinary Englishmen. We do not care to praise the good old times and reproach the present degenerate age with the extinction of the true art of conversation. What we want is an art which will teach us how to talk to strangers. We, who are without any real aids to conversation, can imagine what a relief it would be if some competent person were to devote himself to the study of the great art of conversation, and tell us how we ought to proceed. It is only when conversation is difficult that the art would be needed, but then conversation is sometimes as difficult as the Lancers to a person who has never learnt them. With a well-informed sociable man or woman the talk flows on easily in a continuous stream without any awkward pauses. But when we meet a good worthy every day Englishman then we feel the want of some art to teach us how to talk.

There are persons who can and will talk at once to anybody, who never feel any difficulty, and who immediately engross the conversation wherever

PRICE 3d.

they may be. A man will come into a railway carriage or an omnibus, and immediately pour forth a stream of remarks that are quite good. enough for mixed company. The Irish are adepts

in this way and are often envied for the easiness and grace of their talk. But if we examine the talk we find that it is based on saying everything and anything that comes into the mind, and revealing the smallest facts of personal history. A stranger is always interested and amused by this personal gossip. The only objection is that the talker is generally thought a fool. This does him no harm and he enjoys the pleasure of being listened to: but it deters others from following his example. The difficulty is to make up one's mind to talk in this way, not to talk in it if once the resolution is made. Perhaps the national objection to thus opening the mind is not altogether a matter of congratulation. If we were more like the Irish in this way we should probably be more sociable: but we must take national prejudices as we find them; we have very little chance of altering them. No art can give the Irish facility in conversation. The level aimed at must be low, we do not want to shine in conversation: we only want to avoid the annoyance of not knowing what to say to passing acquaintance.

We do not hold remarks on the weather to be conversation at all. They are mere preliminaries: the flag of truce to show willingness to enter into conversation: a sign that we do not mean to be discourteous. But then what is to come next? If people are aware that they have special pursuits in common, no difficulty is felt. Two cricketing men, two foxhunters, two farmers or soldiers can go straight to their favourite subject of talk, and people. who live in the same society can discuss their common acquaintances. But when we are introduced to a man or woman whom we have never seen or heard of before, and never expect to see again, and to whom we wish to be tolerably civil,-what are we to say ? We think that two rules will be found to cover almost all cases. Talk about the Inventions Exhibition or the Academy, while they are open: and for the rest of the year talk about travelling.

Some people think it a good plan not to go to the Exhibition at South Kensington or the Academy. There is much to be said for this. If you have not been you can play the part of the attentive listener, occasionally helping the conversation by a question, and drawing out the person to whom you are talking. But on the whole we think it is better to go. If you do not go, you may meet with another person who has followed the same plan as yourself, and then difficulties might arise. Almost everyone has been either to the Inventions, the Healtheries, or the Fisheries. If you meet a person who has been to all three there is boundless source of talk. Compare them with one another: talk about the beautiful illumination of the gardens, and the wonderful crush of people there. From talking of the crush you might lead on to the subject of hot and crowded rooms; and then when you have a common grievance to grumble about, the conversation can hardly fall through.

If it is impossible to talk about the Exhibition at South Kensington or the Academy, talk about travelling. Everyone travels: and the great object of travelling is to have something to talk about. This is why the Yankees, and not a few Englishmen as well, speak of 'doing' a place, and when they have done' the place, say with a complacent air, Well, now I guess I can say I have seen so and so,' whatever the place may have been, that has just been honoured by their scrutiny. Well-travelled people have always plenty

to talk about. They can discuss the places they have visited compare the hotels at different places: then you probably get on a common subject of grumbling. If the person addressed seems inclined 14 to be sociable, talk about the hardness of the beds and the dirt of the bedroom: if he seems reserved and reticent, talk about the weariness of the tables d' hôte.

It ought to be observed, however, that the art may not always be successful. There are some people who resolutely shut themselves up and refuse to be drawn out, who answer 'yes' or 'no' till one's whole battery of questions is fired. Then we may rest on our oars with the feeling that we have done our duty and well deserved the luxury of a few minutes' silence.

Cricket.

PROMOTIONS.—July 4th.
Into XI.
H. F. Hayhurst.
Into XXII.
G. A. Miller,
H. M. Lewis,
A. N. Lubbock,

A. T. Keeling.

M.C.C.C. v. E. H. BUCKLAND'S XI.

Our opponents brought down a strong team. The was unsettled and cold; otherwise the match was a success.

weather

We got innings and Meyrick-Jones and Meyrick commenced. The former did not last long as he fell to a catch off Buckland for 12. But Meyrick and Lazenby fell to work and gave our opponents a great deal of trouble. Meyrick's defence was perfect and Lazenby made some very pretty cuts. However, bad luck dissolved the partnership by a 'run out for which Lazenby was really to blame. Kitcat joined Meyrick who however fell to a catch at the wicket We believe he was not out, but he was the only person who can really tell. Kitcat hit well on the on side: if he could only cut! but he must learn, for had he possessed the art he would have made 60 instead of After this Houseman came and went; and rain caused long and frequent interruptions. The noticeable feature of the rest of the innings

41.

was

Ashfield's performance. Despite flukiness at first

we have not seen a neater innings this year played on our side; bis cutting was extremely taking a