problem, simply because its product is a rough casting, on which the finer work of the machine tool is still to be done. The proper proportions of iron, coal and coke, and the way they should be placed in the cupola; the grade of iron for the purpose required, the right proportion of silicon,-these are a few of the fundamental problems that make or break the reputation of a foundry for reliable work.

A lifetime of experience in working various grades of native and foreign metals has led Mr. Williams to make careful tests of every consignment of iron that enters the foundry. Its tensile

strength, durability, fineness of grain, and general adaptability to the work at hand are therefore not a question of theory or snap judgment, but the results of an actual recorded test. This is the nut in the shell that enables the Standard Foundry Company to turn out such a large per cent. of its daily run the year round. The value of this kind of experience is sometimes overlooked by a certain class of consumers, who imagine that the problem of making a casting begins and ends with forming a mould. in the sand and filling it with melted iron.

THOREAU: HIS HOME, FRIENDS AND Books, by Annie Russell Marble, from the press of Thomas Y. Crowell & Company, New York.— Nothing in the way of American book-making for the year 1902 exceeds in value this latest result of Mrs. Marble's taste and zeal. There were already in existence biographies of Thoreau, and at first thought we may have wondered why another should be written, but even a casual turning of the leaves of this volume convinces us that the discoveries made, the new matter recorded, give ample reason for the project, and every reader must lay aside the book not only with a feeling of gratitude to the writer, but with a sense of acquaintance with the poet-naturalist never held before. There is no effort made to enter into the minutiae of biography, but with a rare sense of the essentials, Mrs. Marble writes so entertainingly that each page irresistibly draws the reader to the next. Worcester has a wide interest in Thoreau, since here were some of his deepest admirers when living, and many ardent lovers long mourned his untimely taking off. His "Trip to Wachusett" was written in the early days of his manhood, but to-day a reading of the sketch is a desirable preface to an excursion to the summit of the county's highest prominence. Owing to this city's being the residence of H. G. O. Blake, Theodore Brown, and other sincere admirers of Thoreau, he often came here to lecture, and there are aged people in the city to-day who can tell of their listening to addresses which they did not then altogether understand. Were the private libraries of Worcester to be inspected, there is little doubt that they would reveal as manycopies of Thoreau's writings as any equal nums ber of collections elsewhere. Mrs. Marble has with the best of taste grouped her thought around nine central themes, viz.: Thoreau's Concord and Environs; his Family; Years of Preparation; Walden Experiment; Years of Expression; his Philosophy and Art of Life; his Friends; as Naturalist; and, finally, his Service and Rank. Many have read Thoreau, both his own writings and of him, through Channing, Sanborn, Page, and others, but no one, no matter how well read, need fear to read this latest story with apprehension lest old dishes be simply served up afresh. Long and diligent search in the fields most frequented by Thoreau

himself has resulted in the finding of large quantities of new matter, which come to us in most appetizing form, and if by chance an old friend appears, he comes in with an expression entirely unexpected and new. Into that corner of our libraries where we long since placed Walden and Excursions, ready for immediate service, we should put this latest and, in many respects, best picture of our favorite's life and eventual triumphs. The manner of telling Thoreau's career is not only appreciative, but it has a true literary flavor afforded only by those who love and, at the same time, have native and acquired ability to describe aright that which influences them. In some of the leading reviews of the volume it has been placed among the most notable contributions to the literary products of the season. Exteriorly the volume is a thing of beauty, and throughout no pains has been spared to make the work in keeping with the subject and its treatment. A fine portrait of the poet-naturalist himself leads off; this is followed by numerous views of places almost sacred through their associa tions, and the faces of Emerson and Blake also appear. The proximity of Christmas will suggest the book as a very appropriate gift to such as revere Thoreau, his life and his aims.

"FATHER JOHN," or the Life of the Very Rev. John J. Power, D.D., V.G., Pastor of St. Paul's Church, by John J. McGratty, with an introduction by President G. Stanley Hall of Clark University. Published in Worcester by the author. In a modest 12mo of 172 pages, the author has compressed the most important items in the life of this admirable man, so long a devoted priest in Worcester. Two facts have conspired to produce a volume of unusual interest and value. First, the author is a newspaper man of long experience, and secondly, he had a most excellent subject for his theme. The WORCESTER MAGAZINE, very soon after the death of Father Power, printed a fine abstract of his life from the pen of Mr. George McAleer, and it now welcomes this addition to the story with a deal of pleasure. Into the thirteen chapters, Mr. McGratty has crowded a large amount of matter which the people who loved the clergyman best will be glad to remember. The introduction by President Hall is in the superior manner which that distinguished writer always effects, and in

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the last chapter appears an eloquent tribute from the pen of our own Senator, George F. Hoar, long associated with the deceased. a word, the author has given us a book which adds much to our stock of local lore, and has placed in a permanent niche the form of one whom the public, irrespective of religious beliefs, thought most highly.

MANHOOD-MAKING, by the Rev. Alexander Lewis, Ph. D., from the Pilgrim Press, is a strikingly handsome volume, particularly well

fitted for a Christmas present, and is sure to be a favorite. Received too late for extended notice in this number, it will be considered again in the January Magazine.

The same disposition must be made of the delightful little book which comes from the press of J. C. L. Clark of Lancaster, descriptive of the life in Harvard of the Alcott family. A treasure to all who revere the Alcott parents and their remarkable daughters-and who does not?-will be reviewed in our next.

recently done his part at the annual family gathering, is finding an equally responsive chord in his heart over the Christmas festivities which follow hard after those of Thanksgiving. Centuries of old-world ways of doing revive in him, and whether orthodox or heterodox, he cheerfully joins the crowd. that would make a holy as well as a holiday.

WORCESTER'S merchants are

alive to the demands of the hour, and, with the street railways,

that in following years customs and practices reprobated by them. would become an almost inseparable part of their descendants' ways of living. Stern Governor Bradford had no liking for the Christmas-keeping excuses of some of the recent comers to the colony or plantation, and all of the Pilgrims were anxious to throw aside old-world habits for something new. Hence, perhaps, the exaltation of Thanksgiving.

activity more pronounced than ever. Our Board of Trade Notes outline what they are expecting to do, and if their places are not busy marts of trade then will country dwellers fail to recognize a good thing when seen.

At

no time in the whole twelve months do our stores look so inviting as when they don their December attire and The street make everything shine.

railways which centre here make it possible for thousands to come and go where five years ago only a few score could avail themselves of such opportunities.

READERS of the MAGAZINE will

observe that many of our best business men, irrespective of political party, are growing restive under tariff restrictions, and are demanding a per

manent commission of revision, not an ultra-partisan body, but one representing both prominent parties, and to insure the highest value it should represent all sections of the nation. While the West is crying for certain modifications, it holds up its hands in utter horror over equally strong demands from the East. If no agreement can be reached, then should the changes be made to produce the greatest good for the greatest number. Upon such a platform as this thoughtful men everywhere ought to be able to unite. all discussions and deliberations the fable of the Hands and the Body must not be lost sight of. The extent of our territory, and the variety of our occupations, demand the utmost wisdom on the part of those who would legislate for the good of the whole body politic.

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F the same has not already been observed by those who read the pages of this monthly, their attention. is called to the fact that the WORCESTER MAGAZINE is maintained for the advancement, in all legitimate ways, of the city whose name it bears. If Worcester in this or that seems to be often in evidence, it will be remembered that were there no such flourishing municipality as Worcester, there would be no Worcester Board of Trade, nor any magazine to attempt to set forth the merits and attractions of this place, located very near the heart of the Commonwealth, and so specially susceptible to every move which redounds to the good of Massachusetts, and, incidentally, to that of the city. Our city is in the centre of an extremely fertile agricultural section, as well as the resort of the most expert mechanics in the world. Her professional men are as good as the best, and her schools yield in character to those of no other

place, hence the unceasing cry of all interested, "Let us by all means in our power advance the interests of our own home city, Worcester."

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HIS number of the WORCESTER MAGAZINE will have been read before the results of the municipal elections are known. That a deal of interest in the same is felt becomes apparent when the increased registration is noted. Our city has some people who openly proclaim their indifference to local issues, and say they will not take the trouble to go to the polls. Such people have no just cause for complaint if matters go wrong or not to their liking. While party responsibility may be productive of certain desirable conditions, there are those who claim that, in home matters, there should be no mention of party names, and they ask whether elections to-day are resulting in greater municipal prosperity than when divisions were along non-partisan lines. However, whatever the alignment, it augurs commendable interest when city registration exceeds. that for state and national issues. Naturalization clubs have done their part towards this result, induced thereto, very likely, by the mayoralty question, since not for many years have more determined efforts been put forth than the two great parties are now making to place their respective candidates in the City Hall. A third party, thoroughly at odds with both of the greater ones, enters the field with a full list of candidates, just so much involving the outcome in doubt. For the period of her municipal life, Worcester has exultingly pointed to her record as being well nigh immaculate. The active, zealous, determined concurrence of her best people can keep it thus.