THE SHEPHERD TURNED MERCHANT. A shepherd, that kept his flock near the sea, one clear summer day, drove them close to the shore, and sat down on a rock to enjoy the cooling breeze. The sea was calm and smooth, and the white sails of the passing ships were reflected on its unruffled bosom as in a mirror. The shepherd's heart thrilled with secret pleasure, and he began to long for the life of a merchant. How pleasant it would be," said he to himself, "to plough this liquid plain in a pretty tight vessel of my own, visiting strange countries and distant parts of the world, instead of sitting idle here, looking after a lot of senseless sheep while they graze. Then what handsome profits I would realise in the way of traffic! And what a certain path this would be to riches and honor!" He at once resolved to become a merchant. Away the shepherd posted with all speed, sold his flock and all that he had. He then bought a fine ship, and fitted it out for a voyage; he loaded it with a cargo of dates, and set sail for a market that was held on the coast of Asia, some hundred miles away. He had not been long at sea before the wind began to blow tempestuously, and the waves to rage and swell. The storm grew so violent, that the ship was in danger of sinking, and he was obliged to lighten her by throwing all his dates into the sea. After this the vessel was driven upon a rock near the shore and dashed to peices, he himself hardly escaping with his life. Cold and hungry, he made his way to the nearest village, and finding the man who had bought his flock, he was glad to be hired to tend it for its new owner. He sat in the same place as before, and the ocean again looked calm and smooth. Ah!" said he, "tempting and deceitful ocean, in vain you try to lead me away a second time. My misfortunes have left me too poor to be deluded in the same way again. Experience has made me so wise, as to resolve, whatever my condition may be, never to trust your faithless bosom any more." "FREE ITALY." (Key to Reporting Style, page 406.) When he was in Turin last, in 1851, it contained 80,000 inhabitants fewer than it does now. Everything looked brighter in Genoa, the people seemed far more lively and well to do, the streets swarmed with workmen, there was no room at the quays for the merchandise, and the mendicants of former days would run the risk of being trdden down in the crowd. The city had lost something of its solemn stateliness, and had increased wonderfully in population, commerce, and noise. It had become a miniature Liverpool or New York. New buildings were being erected in every direction. The change in Florence is wonderful. The noble drive round and up Nimiato Hill, with its plantations, shrubberies, pavements, white marble seats, and terraced walks, is alone a sufficient monument to the liberation of Italy. Forty thousand have been added to the population since 1870. The extensive alterations going on in some parts of Rome reminded him of the United States. A great many new houses are being built, and some new streets are being laid out in Naples as in all other cities. A new and handsome quarter has sprung up in Ancona since its deliverance from priestly rule, and 10,000 have been added to its population. Bologna surprised him perhaps more than any town in Italy. He was told that it had added 60 per cent. to its population since its annexation to the new kingdom, and the number of splendid buildings in the course of erection was marvellous. They were actually building new houses even in Venice. The increase in the population of the large cities since Italy got quit of the reign of priests and despots had been accompanied by a corresponding increase in the trade and the commerce of the country. (Applause.) Everywhere there were evidences of a new life having been infused into the people, and all the shipping ports indicated by numerous signs the wonderful industrial progress of the nation. "There is nothing more pleasing," said the correspondent of the Times, writing in June last," than to see the spirit of industry and enterprise which is wakening up throughout the country. It is flooded with books and pamphlets on ecconomical subjects; journals devoted to practical agricultural and commercial pursuits are springing up in all directions, and with them clubs and associations busy with the spread of useful technical knowledge. Even in the Venetian Provinces, more lately withdrawn from foreign thraldom, the symptoms of a stirring life are perceptible, and progress is undeniable." One of the most striking of the many changes for the better in Italy was the multiplication of booksellers' shops and stalls for the sale of all kinds of publications. Formerly newspapers were almost unknown; now vendors of them assail you at every street corner, and he read in a Palmero paper a synopsis of Mr Gladstone's address to the electors of Greenwich on the evening of the very same day upon which it was published in London. In towns where a few years ago there was not a newspaper or even a shop for the sale of books there were now daily journals filled with news from all parts of the world, and lively denunciations of political and ecclesiastical tyranny. But perhaps the most hopeful symptom of all was the wonderful impetus which had been given to the cause of education. His journal said regarding Palmero:-"I remark with pleasure the number of day and evening schools which have been opened both in the town and suburbs for girls as well as boys since the annexation to Free Italy; the signs are quite new, and they meet your eyes on all hands." At the time of the declaration of the Independence of Italy 73 per cent. of the entire population, exclusive of the Provinces of Venetia and Rome, could not read. During eight subsequent years the pupils of the primary schools had increased by no less than 10 per cent. In the year 1871 there were 6,291 boys and girls in the public schools of Rome. In the present year notwithstanding the opposition of the clerical party, the number had increased to 15,024. This was educational progress which it would be difficult to beat. (Laughter.) NOTICE TO OUR CORRESPONDENTS AND CUSTOMERS THROUGH THE POST. The labor connected with the fitting up of the new Phonetic Institute, after the builders had left it, 7 December, (eight weeks after the expiration of the contract term,) and the greater labor of removing the "plant" of the phonetic business to the new premises, have occupied so much of our time and attention during the whole of this month, that our correspondence, and applications for membership in the Phonetic Society and for Teacher's Certificates, have fallen greatly in arrear. We have even been compelled to leave many letters unread, and they must remain so till we get fairly to work in the new Institute. This week (ending 12 December) and next will complete the removal, and we hope by the beginning of the new year to have read the many letters and postcards that now burden our table. We shall be obliged if members of the Phonetic Society will not commence renewing their subscriptions for the ensuing year till the 1st January. So facile is phonographic writing, and so cheap is postage, particularly when employing a halfpenny postcard, which seems to exonerate the writer from the duty of enclosing a stamp for us to reply, that we are favored with many letters every day to which it is impossible to find time to reply, even in the present state of the phonetic reform; and if such letters were answered, we should in a few years require an army of clerks merely to conduct the correspondence of the Phonetic Institute. We have lately preserved several specimens of these letters, with a view to publishing them as a kind of notice to our correspondents not to write to us on such topics, but we let them pass, and simply quote one received on this day. If it is not too much trouble to you would you kindly tell me which of the following outlines you would consider to be correct. You will remember this word appeared in the Phonetic Journal for the 28th Nov.: Amidomonochlorobuezenesulphonic, [written in Phonography with md mn kl rbs n sl f'n k,] or [md mn k l r bs n sl fn k.] The former is my way, and the latter is that of my Surrey pupil. Kindly say which of us are (sic) right, or what your idea is as to the outline for this word."-Ed.] NEW MEMBERS. 3 Anderson Bertha, 3 Fell street, Seacombe, Birkenhead: scholar 3 Atherton Cornelius, 28 Edgmond street, Seacombe, Birkenhead: scholar 3 Atherton Reuben, Newton bdgs., Seacombe, Birkenhead scholar 3 Brown John, 3 Glasserton terrace, Seacombe, Birkenhead: scholar 3 Burnet William, 27 Edgmond street, Seacombe, Birkenhead: scholar * 1 Campbell Fraser, 22 Bolingbroke terr., Wandsworth Common, London 3 Dickinson Barbara, 2 Primitive terrace, Seacombe, Birkenhead: scholar 3 Fullerton Alexander, Church street, Egremont, Birkenhead: scholar 3 Fullerton Mary M., 132 Margaret street, Ashton, Manchester: scholar 3 Girdwood Margaret, 36 Edgmond street, Seacombe, Birkenhead: scholar 3 Hatton Mary Jane, Brighton street, Seacombe, Birkenhead: scholar 3 Jones Robert, Victoria road, Seacombe, Birkenhead: scholar 3 Lawson E. A., 1 Waterloo terrace, Seacombe, Birkenhead: scholar 3 Lawson William, ditto: scholar 3 McAllister John, Edgmond street, Seacombe, Birkenhead: scholar 3 McFarlane John, Church road, Seacombe, Birkenhead: scholar 3 Peters B. A., 11 Church st., Dundalk, co. Louth, Ireland: engineer's clerk 3 Sinclair W. G., 70 Wheatland lane, Seacombe, Birkenhead: scholar Alterations of Address. Forbes John, from Lerwick to Rippachie, Strathdon, Aberdeenshire Fraser D., from 2 Manors pl, to New Court buildings, Pilgrim street, Newcastle-on-Tyne Miller H. J., from Fishponds station to Weigh Bridge house, Clay Bottom, St George's, near Bristol Letters of inquiry to the Editor of this Journal, must contain a postage stamp or an addressed postcard. Every communication must be authenticated by the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee of good faith. The London Phonographic Library provides plenty of instructive and entertaining reading practice in the best Style-the most important means of acquiring and retaining facility. Fifteen days allowed for reading the fol lowing magazines, which are circulated monthly, post free :-Shorthand Magazine, Lecturer, Pulpit, Student, Reporter, Standard, Cabinet, Notes and Queries, Eclipse, Phonographer. Paper for correspondence. Subscription for December, 3d. Intending subscribers should make immediate application. Conductor, Mr Charles Byatt, High street, Marylebone, London. Wanted, six members to complete the postal list of an evercirculator to be written in the Learners' and easy Corresponding Styles of Phonography, and will circulate monthly. Articles original or selected, on any subject; sheets for correspondence, advertisements, etc. No entrance fee; annual subscription, 6d., payable in advance. For further particulars apply, enclosing stamped envelope, to Mr W. W. Aylward, 7 Clifton villas, The Grove, Reading. The Railway Phonographer.-This magazine, circuiated exclusively among railway clerks, has now entered upon its second year, and has vacancies for one or two more members. It has recently been converted into a transcribed Enmagazine, and contains pages for remarks, criticisms, outlines, etc. trance fee, 1; annual subscription, 6d. Any good phonographer in the railway service who may be desirous of becoming a member is requested to communicate with the conductor, Mr H. J. Palmer, Northgate cott., Wotton, Gloucester, who will furnish any further particulars on applleation. The "True Blue" evercirculator, containing articles on all subjects, and written in the easy Reporting Style, is in want of a few good writers of Phonography to complete its postal list. Entrance fee and subscription for next year 13, payable in advance; subscription returned if not approved of. For further particulars apply to Mr R. A. Newton, 29 Burford rd., Stratford, Essex. The annual subscriptions of the Phonographic Literary Society commence on the 1st January next, and this is a very favorable time for joining the Society (which now numbers 60 members). The Committee will be glad to receive early applications from phonographers desirous of joining. Apply to the Secretary, Mr J. H. A. Stamp, 131 City road, Bristol. Mr A. J. Parrott, Telegraph department, P. O., Peterborough, wishes to correspond with a member of the Phonetic Society who knows, or is learning, Latin, and willing to lend a helping hand to a brother phonographer in the study of this language. THE FOOD QUESTION.-List of the Publications of the Vegetarian Society forwarded to any applicant by post card.-The Secretary, The Hurst, Heaton Mersey, Manchester. TH HE MIDLAND PHONETIC HERALD, a Monthly Magazine published by request, containing original and selected literature. It numbers amongst its subscribers some of the best reporters in the country. Single copies, 34d., post free; annual subscription, 3/3. P.0.0. payable at Barker street, Handsworth. Please address orders and communications direct to J. Thomas, editor and writer, Rose hill, Handsworth, Birmingham. Now Ready, price 18. A NEW EDITION of the "PHONOGRAPHIC PHRASE BOOK." A clearly printed LETTER PRESS EDITION, with Engraved Shorthand characters. WANTED, a CORRESPONDENCE CLERK in the Office of the Superintendent of a London Railway. Must write Pitman's Shorthand well. One acquainted with railway routine preferred. Salary £70. Address, with full particulars, by letter only, Mr Palmer, 4 Lyndhurst grove, Peckham, London, S. E. Ready on the 15th December, 32 pages of closely written Phonography, price 2d., post free, 24d. A NEW PHONOGRAPHIC PUBLICATION, the PHONOGRAPHIC ALMANAC AND CHRISTMAS ANNUAL. It will consist of a Calendar and other very useful information, besides a few short tales, etc. To be obtained only of the publisher, T. J. Fletcher, 27 Church street, Lozells, Birmingham. Agents wanted everywhere. Sub[ec] scriptions may be sent at once. THIS Month's "PHONOGRAPHIC STANDARD' Now Ready. Price 34d. post free. [u] MIDLAND PHONETIC HERALD.-Christmas No. 3d. post free. Eight page Supplement gratis. Contains:-Twenty Pounds; Fearful Contest; Christmas Ghost; Young Napoleon; etc. Nos. 1 to 4 forwarded on receipt of Is. in d. postage stamps. Annual subscription, 33. P.0.0. payable at Barker street, Handsworth. J. Thomas, Rose [ec] hill, Handsworth, Birmingham. A NEW SHORTHAND VOLUME NOW READY, in Cloth, Gilt Lettered, price 2 post free. A condensed Report of 14 Lectures on "Mental Culture," by the Rev. H. W. Holland (Wesleyan); printed by permission, and published by Edward Chamberlain, editor of the [u] Phonographic Standard," Lozells road, Birmingham. MUSICAL SHORTHAND.-The most rapid method of writing Music extant. Send stamped envelope for Prospectus to William Roberts, 12 Dickenson road, Rusholme, near Manchester. References to pupils n all parts of the country. [r] ISAAC PITMAN'S PHONETIC SHORTHAND WORKS. The PHONOGRAPHIC TEACHER; or, First Book in Shorthand, eontaining a series of Progressive Lessons. Price 6d. Four for 1/8; Six for 2/6; Twelve for 4/10; post paid. The PHONOGRAPHIC COPY BOOK, for writing the Exercises from the TEACHER. Price 3d.; large size, 6d. Small size, 2/6 per dozen; large size, 4/10 per dozen, post paid. ESOP'S FABLES in an easy style of Shorthand. Price 6d. Four for 1/8; Six for 26; Twelve for 4/10: post paid. The PHONOGRAPHIC READER. A course of Shorthand Lessons with a Key facing each page. Price 6d. Four for 1/8; Six for 2/6; Twelve for 4/10; post paid. A MANUAL OF PHONOGRAPHY, being a complete exposition of the System. Price 1/6. Four for 4/9; Six for 78.; Twelve for 14s.; cloth, 2/; roan, 2/6: post paid. Price 3d. QUESTIONS ON THE MANUAL OF PHONOGRAPHY. This work is recommended to young persons who are learning to express their thoughts in writing. A COMPEND OF PHONOGRAPHY, containing the Alphabet, Grammalogues, and principal Rules for Writing. Price 1d.; 10d. per dozen, post paid. EXERCISES IN PHONOGRAPHY: a series of Graduated Exercises to be written in Shorthand by the student. Price 1d.; 10d. per dozen, post paid. The PHONOGRAPHIC REPORTER, an Adaptation of Phonography to verbatim reporting. Price 2/6. Four for 7/10; Six for 11/9; Twelve for 23/6; cloth, 3/; post paid. The PHONOGRAPHIC PHRASE BOOK, containing nearly 2,000 examples of the phrases used in reporting. Price 1/. Four for 3/2; Six for 4,9; Twelve for 9/6, post paid. SELECTIONS FROM THE BEST AUTHORS; a course of reading prac tice in the Reporting Style, with a Key in common print. Price 4d. Four for 1/1; Six for 1/9; Twelve for 3/4, post paid. LIST OF THE PHONETIC SOCIETY for the present year. Price 24. The first-class members of this Society correct the lessons of learners through the post, free of charge. The public are cautioned against persons who advertise themselves as teachers of Phonography through the post for payment. The PHONETIC JOURNAL. The volume for 1873 contains over 200 columns of printed Shorthand, with Key in common print, and interesting articles in phonetic printing. A valuable work for Shorthand students. Price 68., half bound, cloth sides, post paid. Bath Isaac Pitman, Phonetic Institute. THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL, DALTON-IN-FURNESS. Late Open Mathematical Scholar of Pembroke College, Oxford; First Class HOROUGH AND EFFICIENT TEACHING in all The Blowing branches is guaranteed: The English, French, German, Latin and Greek Languages; Arithmetic, Book-keeping, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Calculus, Statics, Dynamics, and Hydromechanics; Chymistry, with illustrative experiments; Logic; Geography (Physical and Political); History (Ancient and Modern); Music (Vocal and Instrumental); Musical Composition (in. cluding Harmony, Counterpoint and Fugue); Drawing (Outline, Landscape, Map & Geometrical); Phonography, or Phonetic Shorthand; Military Drill. The extent to which the study of Mathematical Science is pursued at this School renders it admirably adapted to prepare pupils for the Civil Service, or for any vocation in which a complete knowledge of Mathematics is required. Parents who wish Music to form a part of their sons' education cannot fail to appreciate the facilities here offered. Part singing is regularly practised by the pupils, and those boys whose parents desire it also receive private instruction on the Pianoforte and in the Theory of Music. Phonetic Shorthand is taught throughout the upper forms of the school. The Chymical Lectures are a source of great interest to the pupils: and are constantly varied by practical illustrations of the properties and com binations of the different bodies; for which purpose a complete set of chymicals and chymical apparatus is kept. Pains are especially taken to perfect the pupils in English Grammar, Analysis, Literature and Composition; Writing, Spelling, Arithmetic and Book-keeping. It is intended shortly to fit up a Gymnasium for the School, and to add Calisthenics to the subjects already taught. Dalton is healthfully and beautifully situated. It is a mile and a half from the magnificent ruins of Furness Abbey, within a walk of the sea-sands, and only a few miles from the English Lakes. To parents who desire to place their sons at a School where they will be treated with kindness and liberality; where every attention will be paid to their health and comfort; where the education imparted is of the highest order, and the range of instruction sufficiently extensive and elastic to meet varied requirements; where the terms are strictly inclusive, and as low as is compatible with a thorough liberal education; this School offers unrivaled advantages. Terms, without extras of any kind, FORTY GUINEAS PER ANNUM, charged from the date of entrance. Mr Harrison has received many testimonials from the parents of his pu pils, and will be glad to supply references to parents of past and present [eu] pupils. Prospectus and full particulars on application. Printed by ISAAC PITMAN, at the Phonetic Institute, Parsonage lane, Bath; to whom all communications, by Post, are to be addressed. Parcels may be left with the Publisher, FEED. PITMAN, 20 Paternoster row, London, E.C. PUBLISHED WEEKLY, DEVOTED TO THE PROPAGATION OF Phonetic Shorthand, and Phonetic Reading, Writing and Printing. TERMS: Single copy, post free, per annum, sent weekly, 6s. 6d.; per quarter, 1s. 74d. If more than one copy of the same number be taken there is no charge for postage. A dozen copies of the same number, 10d., post free. Monthly Parts, each, 5d. ; per annum, 5s., post free. All Subscriptions must be paid in advance.—The Phonetic Journal may be ordered through any Bookseller. No. 52.-Vol. 33. SATURDAY, 26 DECEMBER, 1874. On and after 2nd January 1875 the Journal will be sent in monthly parts to subscribers in the United States, Canada, South America, & West Africa, for 10 6 a year; and to India and Australia for 12,6. All subscriptions must be paid in advance, and may commence with any No. The friends of the Writing and Spelling Reform are respectfully requested to assist in extending the circulation of this Journal, as a means of promoting the useful art of Shorthand, and the educational agency of Phonetic Spelling. The present circulation of the "Phonetic Journal" is 7,250. It is hoped that the enlarged series will commence with 10,000. SUBSCRIPTION TO THE PHONETIC SOCIETY. The annual subscriptions of members of the Phonetic Society are now due, and the Secretary will feel pleasure in receiving them early in the New Year, and not later than 1st February. The List of members for 1875 will then be prepared. Each member is requested to state the Class in which he wishes to appear, and to place before his name any honorary distinction, (*) showing that he can write 100 words per minute, (**) 150 words per minute, (***) 200 words per minnte, or (†) certificated teacher, to which he is entitled. INTELLIGENCE. BRISTOL. From F. J. Williams.-The elementary and advanced shorthand classes held in connection with the Young Men's Christian Association in this city have, since their commencement in October last, made considerable progress in the art, and have been well and regularly attended. For the information of any in Bristol who are learners, I may state that these classes will meet again after the Christmas recess, on the third Saturday in Jannary 1875, when any desirous of be formed, to meet on Wednesday evenings. On the 9th of January joining may do so. In addition to the above, an elementary class will next I have arranged to deliver a lecture in the hall of the above Association on "Phonography; its History, Uses, and Advantages." Admission free. GLASGOW SHORTHAND WRITERS' ASSOCIATION. From the Glasgow Herald.-The annual soiree in connection with this Association was held on the 10th December in the Crown Halls, Sauchiehall street, which was well filled. Mr Bailie Morrison, who presided, in the course of his opening address pointed out that in 1837 Phonography and electricity began to take such shape as had greatly influenced the spread of intelligence ever since. He thought that every lad should learn Phonography almost as soon as he was able to read, write and spell. He considered it an invaluable accomplishment to every student, literary man, and public character. The Rev. Mr writing his sermons in it. He also gave some valuable hints on Whitelaw gave an account of his experience in learning shorthand and "How to learn Phonography." Mr Donaldson, the President of the that each year since its inauguration it had been increasingly prosAssociation, gave an account of the Society's progress, and showed perous in its membership, finances, and labors. Recitations, songs, etc., were given by Messrs Laird, Irving, Smith, Hannay, and others, and the proceedings termiuated with the usual votes of thanks. LOWESTOFT. From Douglas Blackburn. making very satisfactory progress here. The class I started in Oc- Phonography i tober has progressed admirably, and I have now taken in hand three new pupils. Two booksellers here have lately displayed copies of the Phonographic Teacher" in their windows, and I believe this has had the effect of tempting several young men to the study of the art. I have just come upon a respectable man in this town who was taught Phonography by a poor shepherd boy. WELLS. From Frank Thomas, 2 Upper Berkeley place, Bristol. -In accordance with my desire announced in the Journal some time ago to give free lessons in Phonography in the city of Wells, I have succeeded in forming a class of six, all of whom I believe will thoroughly master the art and become efficient writers. As however I have discontinued my visits to Wells, I am carrying on the lessons through the post. My pupils will not, however, need much teaching, as they are exceptionally quick, and most thoroughly in earnest. I am sure they will do their best to further spread the work in Wells. THE PHONETIC SOCIETY. From T. M. Healy, Newcastle-on-Tyne.-The Phonetic Society is established to promote the Reading, Writing, and Spelling Reform, but as far as I can see the only way in which its members ercises sent them by learners of Phonography; and I think it will can do anything to forward these objects is by correcting any exbe admitted that this mode of action will never set the Thames on fire or direct public attention to the odious state of things we are leagued together to put down. Let the Phonetic Society be divided into branches or lodges, in each of the large towns where there are half-a-dozen members. Let these branches meet together everywhere upon a certain day, in conjunction with the members of any kindred local Phonographic Associations in the neighbourhood. Indeed, under the proposed new arrangement such offshoots from the Phonetic Society might amalgamate with it, without at all interfering with their usefulness, as all their special features would be carried out if this scheme were adopted. Let branch officers be appointed, and let a delegate or delegates be elected. Let a conference of these delegates be held in some central town, such as Manchester or Birmingham, to put the thing on a proper basis. Let Mr Pitman place his views before that conference, explain his position to them, state how matters stand in regard to any property or funds the Society may possess, a point on which personally I am very much in the dark. Let rules be framed for the guidance of the branches, and for the working of the Society generally. Let a President, Secretary, and Treasurer be elected, and their power defined. Let it be decided how often a convention of the delegates should be held, the proportion of members which entitles a branch to send a delegate, and the amount per member to be paid periodically by the branches of the Society at large. Let some rule be laid down as to the use to which the funds received in this way shall be applied, and who shall empower the Treasurer to disburse them; and let a permanent Committee or Trustees be elected, in whom the property shall be vested, and who could have the guidance of the Society during the time they hold office, etc. The branches then being furnished with a definite code of rules, can at once proceed upon their course of action. A meeting weekly or fortnightly could be held, cards admitting members to the Society issued, subscriptions collected, and the just proportion of them forwarded to the central Treasurer, teachers properly certificated appointed, classes taught, etc. Then with the light of a little experience, things having crystalized somewhat into shape, the time will be come for bringing our influence to bear on the public. Free lectures can be given, bills and tracts distributed, letters written to the newspapers, deputations sent to wait on the School Boards, and at such great crises as the election of members to the latter body, all our strength should be put forth to aid the return of persons favorable to the phonetic cause. In this way a perfect system of propagandism can be carried out, and the usefulness of the local branches will be seen as time widens their sphere of action. [We can only express surprise at the assertion that "the only thing members of the Phonetic Society can do to forward the objects of the Reading, Writing, and Spelling Reform is by correcting any shorthand exercises sent them by learners." There is nothing which would tend to promote the reform which the members may not do, and are urged to do in the circular they receive on joining the Society, such as teaching phonetic reading, bring ing the subject before School Boards and teachers in general, writing their longhand letters phonetically, writing articles for the press, organizing phonetic societies, distributing tracts personally and in their letters, etc. The phonetic parliament here required, whose members are to be elected by the votes of the Society, is really too magnificent an idea At any rate, the editor of this Journal has not time to organise it, as it is suggested he should, and attend its conferences. Phonographers have been expecting, throughout this year, the publication of the remaining sheets of the Shorthand Bible. We have been able to lithograph but two sheets in the whole year, and have now to complete from the commencement of the Psalms to Malachi. We think Mr Healy will acknowleege, on reflection, that it is not in our power to fulfil our presetn engagements, and also carry out his plan. We propose to present a balance sheet of the Phonetic Fund, to which he refers, as soon as the Shorthand Bible is finished.-Ed.] "FREE ITALY." (Key to Reporting Style, page 411.) He passed from industrial and social improvement to the political condition of the people. Even in the most gloomy days, when Italy had no place among the free nations of Europe, when Popes and petty princes preyed upon its vitals, there always re mained a shadow, as it were, of local government-of those mu- the Garden of Europe. No doubt the moral and intellec |