The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1886-03-25
A Word for Chautauqua.
BY ERNESTINE IRVING.

| have sometimes noticed inquiries in The
Household, as to G. l.. S. c., what it signified,
| and its object. AS | have been a member of
the circle the past year, and considerably inter-
ested in the reading, propose to talk a little
about it. In the first place the initial letters c.
L. S. G. are for Chautauqua Literary and
Scientific Circle, whose grand central ralIying
point is at Lake Chautauqua, western New
York; but some of the New England states,
western, Pacific, and for aught | know, south
ern. have assemblies within their own borders.
Besides many of the leading cities and towns,
even the outlying country villages, and So
called backwoods towns, have formed local
circles, which are recognized by the main
branch. Then there are hundreds of indvid-
lals, like the writer, who study and read by
themselves without this aid. OF course each
member must read and write, in Il sense pre-
pare his lesson by himself, but in the circle,
the meeting together, interchange of thought,
and helpful ideas received from discussion of
the subject, are almost equal to a class recta-
ton in school. The local circles usually meet
once III two weeks sometimes not oftener than
once Il month. These meetings can be made
very pleasant, and very profitable. The lead
ing literary men and women usually compose
them; hence, if one of less capacity gets in, he
or she may learn much by association. A
minister in the town is usually made the pres-
The object of this instruction is to furnish
| an unbiased, broad, and comprehensive course
OF reading and study extending through a
period of four years as supplemental school
or college course to these whose School-dayS are
ended, or who can obtain such an education in
no other way, or have abundant leisure and an
active mind preferring not to remain dormant,
and rust. There are many ladies of leisure
who are improving their time and minds in
this way. l suppose fashion and the many
frivolous nothinSs of the present, might by a
close calculation be made to consume nearly
all ones time; but it seems to me the returns
from such life must b, dreadfully unsatisfy
ing. Nature abhors a vacuum, and when the
mind is empty it naturally reverts upon itself,
causing weariness, besioe which a healthfu
course of reading with logical, concise think
ing, would be pleasure.
Last year, it is said, there We're about six
thousand reading in the United States. This
year the number has quadruped, showing the
popularity and favor it has gained. 1t is really
becoming quite the fashion to see Chautallul,a
text books and hand books lying among every
day books. not parlor volumes, Kept for show
but everyday, often-used articles, and people
are waking up to the great gain to be derived
from this kind of study.
\ portion of the reading is published in a
monthly paper, magazine form, known as The
Chautauquan, price S1.5O. From October until
June inclusive, the following in the course for
81 aud 81 has been found therein: MoSaicS of
History Christianity in Art, Readings in Math-
cmatics, Political Economy, Geology, Laws of
Health, Chemistry, Mental and Moral Philoso-
ply. This, as | said has been published in
The Chautauquan, which is published at Mead
vile, Penn, by Rev. Theodore Flood. In adj
dition the following books have been required
this year: "a Short History of Art" and
"Outlne Lessons on Art" by Miss De Forrest ;
Vincent; ''Outlines in General IIstory;"
WARS of the Roses = "Art of Speech" by Dr.
Townsend; "Ili>tory of Ancient Literaturc,''
by Prof. Quackenbos, and McAenzie'S Nine
teenth Century, which alone is worth the price
paid for the books. The cost including the
price of the Chautauquan, and fifty cents in-
tiation fee. has been $40, and suppose the
books for 80 and 'S3 will cost nearly the same.
1t may be rather more, perhaps 5000. The
course is as follows: Readings in the histcry
and literature of Greece, England, Russia,
Scandinavia, China, Japan, and America. Read
ing. in geology, astronomy, physiology and
hygiene. Readings in bible history, and in
biblical and general religious literature.
A portion of each months required reading
is to be found in The Chautauquan, besides
much other valuable literature, for it is jour
nal of Scventy-two pages. One hundred qnes-
tions and answers are arranged each month
upon some topic under discussion, and are
much help in fixing certain points. Forty
minutes each day. Sundays excepted, devoted
to the reading from October until July will
late i'll the year as Christmas, and accomplish
the course by giving more than the forty mii-
uteS.
Much greater benefit to the mind is derived
than what is gained merely during moments of
reading; for the mind is strengthened and i'll
vigorated by the train of thoughts started, and
often the petty annoNanceS, or little VeXing
nothings that mar ones comfort, and fret and
worry, are passed lightly over or forgotten,
when matters of greater weight and more in
tereSt are present.
The past year the study has been very COM
prehenSive, it being the last, OF senior year for
the class of 1882, who graduated at Chautallqll;
and all over the land, August u. This was the
first class who have taken the four years pre-
scribed course. 1t was the grand day at Lake
Chautauqua, and DR.. Vincent must have felt a
grand triumph to behold this child of his brain
bearing first flowers of fruitage. The plan
originated with him, and he is the general
superintendent of instruction, while DR.. Lewis
Miller, Akron, Ohio, is president. A postal
card directed to DR.. }. II. Vincent, Plaintield,
N. D., stating information is desired concerning
the {. l.. 5. e., will bring a circular with direc-
tionS. l will here copy a little from the last
circular which think will be of interest
"1im.--This new organization aims to pro-
mote habits of reading and study in nature, art,
science, and in secular and sacred literature. in
| connection with the routine of daily life,
especially among those whose advantages have
been limited,) 50 as to secure them the college
students outlook upon the world and life and
to develop the habit of close, connected, and
persistent thinking.
ual study in lines and by textbooks which shall
be indicated, by local circles for mutual help
and encouragement, by summer courses Of
lectures and Students sessions at Chautauqua,
and by written reports and examinations. The
Household.