FARMERS (INSPECTING CORN CROP)—“_Well, boys, things look mighty blue for a good corn crop unless we get some good, sweltering hot weather pretty soon. The corn looks mighty skimpy. Just look at them ears—they ought to lop over instead of standin’ straight up._” ] [Illustration: “_Hooray! That’s the stuff, Mr. Sun. You can’t make it too hot for us. Just listen to the corn grow._” ] [Illustration: THE SEWING-MACHINE AGENT—“_Morning, gents. Hain’t this sun fierce? I wish it would blow up a frost or a good heavy rain and cool off things a bit._” ] [Illustration] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ A MESSAGE FROM THE FRONT, OR, RATHER, WHERE THEY PUT UP A FRONT [Illustration: “MY DEAR HUSBAND—_I arrived here last evening, and O, I’m having the loveliest time. It is perfectly grand here—all so quiet and restful, too. This morning I intended to take a long walk before breakfast, but the maid was so slow in hooking me up that breakfast was all over when I got down._” ] [Illustration: “_After taking a bite or two I put on my riding habit, but by that time it was so near the luncheon hour that I decided to wait until after I had eaten. And besides, I found that I could get no horse. I wore my embroidered grenadine at luncheon. It was really the prettiest gown on the veranda. I’m just having a perfectly lovely time here!_” ] [Illustration: “_We all intended to walk over to the golf links after luncheon, but when I had put on my walking suit it was time to dress for dinner. So we walked a little way and then returned._” ] [Illustration: “_The big dining-room was perfectly gorgeous. It was all lit up, and so were all the women. I wore my new lace net robe trimmed with Russian applique, and I really was very easy to look at, although the men all strained their eyes. This has been a heavenly day, and I do so wish you were here, but, poor boy, I suppose you must stay at home and work. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy this unconventional life after my long winter of endless dinners and receptions. It is such a relief to be able to do as one pleases. Please have Hester send me the new gowns as soon as they come from the dressmaker’s, as I positively have nothing to wear._”—YOUR DEVOTED WIFE. ] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ ANOTHER BOARD OF INQUIRY [Illustration: “_What is father striking for, mother? Higher wages?_” “_No, dear. The wages are satisfactory._” “_Is he striking for shorter hours?_” “_No, dear. The hours are satisfactory. It’s a sympathetic strike._” “_Sympathy for us, mother?_” “_No, dear._” ] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ WHAT IS THE MOST INTENSE HAPPINESS THAT A HUMAN CAN FEEL? [Illustration: