A PICNIC ON THE RIVER.

“ DEAR JEANIE,—We are having a fine time, and enjoying
ourselves ever so much. I do wish you were with us!
We are quite a large party—five grown-ups and six young
ones. The other day we young ones went off for a picnic
up:the river. We took a,man with us to help with the
sail, but Maurice and I did nearly all the work. The
country is very pretty. In one place the hills come down
close to the river, and as the girls wanted to pick flowers
(girls always want to pick flowers, and it is such dull
work), and Maurice and I wanted to explore, we pulled
the boat into shore, and all landed. We had lunch on a
rock, and then we boys went off for a climb. Somehow
or other we managed to lose our way, and it was ever
so late before we got back to the boat. Then, as we -
pushed off from the shore, I managed to tumble into —
the water, and got very wet, but we enjoyed it very -
much all the same. I> can’t. go out to-day, as I have’
a bad cold, so I’m writing to you. I wish you were here
to enjoy the fun. I hear the tea-bell ringing, so I must

stop, Good-bye. I am, your loving cousin, DonaLp.”