Nebraska. Rain has fallen there, and
the terrible drought appears to be over. The farmers are using every
moment of daylight to plough their fields and get them ready for the
fall planting.

Showers have fallen almost daily over the State since the drought was
broken, and, in the few days that have passed, the grass that was so
terribly burned and parched has sprung up anew, until it looks quite
fresh and green again.

The farmers are now feeling more hopeful.

* * * * *

We told you about a wonderful roller-boat that was being built in
Toronto.

It was given its first trial on Saturday, and Mr. Knapp, its inventor,
declared it to be a great success.

People who were on board this strange craft on its trial trip said that
when the machinery was put in motion the sensation was anything but
pleasant. According to their description, it seemed as if the whole ship
was being lifted into the air, and tilted to such angle that it was
bound to go over. When they, were half frightened out of their senses by
the tilting, there came a noise as if all the machinery was bursting at
the same moment, and when they had made up their minds that the whole
affair was going to pieces, the vessel began to move through the water.

As soon as it was found that the ship really did move, and that nothing
was going to blow up, everybody began to praise her, and the trial was
pronounced a great success.

Although at the trial the boat proved very slow, the builder is so
enthusiastic about her that he says he is confident she will be able to
move through the water at the rate of sixty miles an hour.

If this feat is accomplished, the three thousand miles of sea that
divide us from Europe will be crossed in two days and two hours.

G.H. ROSENFELD.

LETTERS FROM OUR YOUNG FRIENDS.

_Editor_ GREAT ROUND WORLD.

DEAR SIR: Can you tell me more about the map-holder
mentioned in No. 47? W.J.B.

DEAR SIR:

If you refer to the map-holder for bicycles, we would suggest that you
apply to A.G. Spalding & Co., Broadway, New York. EDITOR.

DEAR EDITOR:

Will you please explain in the next issue of THE GREAT ROUND
WORLD who are eligible to seats in the House of Lords and in
the House of Commons? By thus doing you will greatly oblige
one who is very much interested in your paper.