to induce them to come
regularly that they may profit by the influences and instruction of the
house. Boys pay five cents for supper (and they get an excellent meal),
five cents for lodging, and five cents for breakfast. Those who are
found unable to pay are given shelter and food without charge, and if
they are willing to work for themselves are assisted in doing so.

The boys come in toward nightfall, in time for supper, which is served
between six and seven o'clock. Many, however, do not come until after
the theatres close. If they are strangers, their names and a description
of them are recorded in the register. "Boys have come in," says Mr.
Brace, "who did not know their own names. They are generally known to
one another by slang names, such as the following: 'Mickety,' 'Round
Hearts,' 'Horace Greeley,' 'Wandering Jew,' 'Fat Jack,' 'Pickle Nose,'
'Cranky Jim,' 'Dodge-me-John,' 'Tickle-me-foot,' 'Know-Nothing Mike,'
'O'Neill the Great,' 'Professor,' and innumerable others. They have also
a slang dialect."

Upon being registered, the boy deposits his cap, overcoat, if he has one,
comforter, boots, "kit," or other impedimenta, in a closet, of which
there are a number, for safe keeping. He passes then to the bath tub,
where he receives a good scrubbing. His hair is combed, and if he is in
need of clothing, he receives it from a stock of second hand garments
given by charitable individuals for the use of the society. Supper is
then served, after which the boys assemble in the class room, which is
also the chapel. Here they engage in study, or are entertained by
lectures or addresses from visitors. They also sing hymns and familiar
songs, and the sitting usually terminates about nine o'clock with the
recitation of the Lord's Prayer and the singing of the Doxology. After
this they may go to bed, or play dominoes for an hour or two longer, or
repair to the gymnasium.

On Sunday evening divine service is held in the chapel. Says Mr. Brace:
"There is something unspeakably solemn and affecting in the crowded and
attentive meetings of these boys, of a Sunday evening, and in the thought
that you speak for a few minutes on the high themes of eternity to a
young audience who to-morrow will be battling with misery, temptation,
and sin in every shape and form, and to whom your words may be the last
they ever hear of either friendly sympathy or warning."

"The effect on the boys," he adds, "of this constant, patient