As much of the business of a company's season as can be arranged in New York during the summer, is attended to by the manager. He meets the prominent theatrical managers of the country on "The Square" and makes dates at their respective houses for his attraction. Having located his route as to the large cities he proceeds to fill in the intervals with one or two-night stands in smaller places, and this being done he and his company are ready to take the road just as soon as the season begins. The contracts for cities like Chicago, Cincinnati, Louisville, New Orleans, and St. Louis are made and signed in New York during the summer vacation. The others are completed while the company is on the road. Ahead of every attraction is a press agent, herald, avant-courier, or, as he began to call himself two years ago, a business manager. When he invades a town the first place he makes a rush for is the most available opera house or hall, with the proprietor of which he makes a contract like the following:-- BELLEVILLE, ILL......... 1882. This is to certify that I have rented the hall (room or theatre) known as ................ to the Madison Square Theatre Company for .......... night ...., viz ....................... for the sum of ......... dollars per night, which includes license, stage hands, ushers, ticket-seller, etc. Said hall, passage-way, and stage to be well lighted, and also to be kept clean and well warmed, with services of janitor and privilege of matinee included. _Signed_: .................. Lessee. _Witness_: ................ Business Manager. Numerous other contracts are made,--for hauling baggage, for carriages and omnibus, for orchestra, etc. The hotel contract, which is as follows, is very explicit:-- "This is to certify that the landlord of ..................... does hereby agree with the Agent of the Madison Square Theatre Company to board and lodge the said company, consisting of ........ persons, more or less, for .......... days, more or less, at the rate of ........... cents per day for each person. Three meals and one (night's) lodging to constitute a day's board, and for any time less than one day the charge shall be at the same rate per diem as is above mentioned. Fires to be furnished at .............. cents per each room. No charge to be made under the above agreement providing the party see fit to go elsewhere. Agent to be kept at same rates. ..................... Landlord."