buoyant, exhilarating effect of the exercise, can be realized only by those who have had the same experience.” This little book, which still appeals to the juvenile mind,--a new edition was put out as lately as 1899,--has had a singular charm, not only for boys, but for those grown men who never quite lose the heart of boyhood. Gibson himself brought it to the notice of Charles A. Dana, of the “New York Sun,” and handed him a copy to read. The result of that chance courtesy was not a perfunctory review by a subordinate of the staff. The “chief” himself read it and wrote an enthusiastic notice of over two columns’ length. The young author--he was only twenty-six--went to Mr. Beecher for a notice, at the time he first changed publishers. He wrote this account of the call to his mother: “NEW YORK, _July 22, /78_. “DEAR MOTHER:-- “I sent you the day I wrote this letter, four papers and a magazine. The magazine is quite well printed and the bird article has created a regular ‘sensation.’ I hear of it on all sides, hear people talking about it on the ferry-boats and in restaurants, and have received many enthusiastic congratulations. The press (those which have yet spoken) are appreciative, as you see, and there will be doubtless many more equally commendatory notices. It is a pleasure unspeakable. “I have got a little bit of news which I think will please you. You remember I told you that I thought of getting a line from Mr. Beecher on my book to be used on a circular. Well, I called upon him and took my bird proofs with me. He was delighted, even excited, over them, and manifested the keenest interest in all pertaining to them, particularly as regarded Mr. Parsons. I told him all about the thing and he ended up by saying ‘Well, Will, your progress is simply stupendous. I’m proud of you.’ I then told him about the change in my book, and he was again delighted at the mention of Mr. Bradley’s name. He said that I might travel the world over and would not find a nobler man than Bradley, and the business push of the firm was second to no other in this or any other country--that it was a ‘feather in my cap’ to secure such men as my publishers. I broached the subject of the ‘opinion’ from him, asking him if he could conscientiously give me about ‘ten words.’ He turned about after a minute’s thought, and penned two pages of note paper, and such a two pages! The following is a copy: