The Newtown bee., 1904-06-24
Copyright, 1904. by Christine Terhune Her
 rick.)

Long days spent in the open air are becoming more and more feature o1 our summer life. No more do we con- sider a picnic rare function that Oc. CUTS but once or twice in the season. Instead we take 1t as matter of course and make little fuss about it.
 Several reasons may be given fol this. We are turning more and more to Nature for our rest time and are learning to appreciate what beneti, there is in pure, fresh air. We long tC get into the woods and fields and away from the city,-even the most devoted learned new ways of doing this. The bicyclists explore all the country with in reach and the trolley has made ac- cess to rural joys easy for the dwellers in cities. We do not have to hire a horse and wagon when we wish to put the town behind us for few hours
 When such outings as these are tC be a matter of frequent occurrence it is mistake to plan that they should be too elaborate. Then they become a burden. The woman who has tired herself out with preparations for a days rest, feels, by the time she is ready to start that she is so weary she would rather stay at home than gC ally WucIC UQC 4O against this there should be certain stock arrangements made once for all and the means thus devised should be always on hand.
 In the first place there should be a picnic basket. The ideal of this is the beautifully made tea-basket or lunch basket of the English, but the cost of this puts it beyond the reach of most persons. We would not be Yankees and ingenious if we could not manage substitute. It may not be so elegant but it will serve the purpose as we'll. A good sized basket with cover and 8 stout handle should be selected and if the fittings for this can be attached to the inside of the basket by stout rubber or elastic bands, so much the better. If not, they can be packed in as best one may. Such fittings should, when possible, be of aluminium, because of the lightness of this, but tin can be wares that are on the market.
 First among these fittings should be a couple of boxes with tightly fitted lids. If they cannot be procured, paste-board boxes will serve. The ad- vantage of the metal boxes is that their contents keep moist and fresh. One of these receptables will hold sandwiches, another cold meat, if this is taken, or If not, cake and other sweets. In addition to these boxes there should be drinking cups of some light metal,-glass and china are too heavy,-and set of ordinary knives, forks and spoons that are kept for this purpose alone and will be no great loss If they come to grief. When plates are needed the light ones of wood or paper that are used by grocers will an Swer admirably, and plenty of these should always be in the house. There should also be supply of Japanese napkins on hand. None of the articles belonging to the picnic outfit should ever be used for any other purpose.
 Far different is the sort of provision that Is to be made for bicycling party Thesmembers of this must not entangle themselves with the cares of this life to the extent of loading themselves with heavy baskets. They must trav- ell light and depend upon rOadhouses and farmers for the bulk of their meals Yet some things they will be wise to take with them and the experienced in cycling trips have made out plan by which they can supply themselves not only with food but with change of garments if long ride is in con- temptation. This is done without as suming a load that would be bulky or heavy enough to cause them annoyance.
 One man who has lived enough in England to become devoted to his cup Of afternoon tea, never starts out on a ride that will take him all day without