rative youth and with length
of days still before them. In the matter of presents it is almost
impossible to go amiss, since there is scarcely an article of use or
ornament from dining-room to reception-room and from the library desk
to my lady's toilet table, that has not been made a thing of beauty
and a joy forever by the silversmith's art.

The Golden Wedding, from the advanced age at which it occurs, has an
element of sadness in its celebration. The aged couple who stand so
near the brink of separation can have little of bridal joy as they
look back to the day when they stood before the altar in the first
flush of youth, with life before them, or as they look forward to the
shortened span of years that links them to their loved ones here. The
gifts that are laid before them should be fitly wrought of gold, since
their love has been as gold tried in the furnace of life.

If the family means are insufficient for numerous valuable gifts, let
all the friends "club" together and purchase some fitting souvenir for
the occasion. Golden-rod forms an appropriate floral decoration.

But, after all, the chief idea and the pleasure of this anniversary is
the gathering together of as many as possible of the relatives that
yet remain to greet the pair at this, the golden milestone of their
life's journey.

Speeches and Congratulations.

The Diamond Wedding occurs so seldom, and is so much like the others
in the manner, if not the matter of its gifts, as to scarcely require
mention here.

The entertainment at these anniversary celebrations is very much the
same as at weddings or other gatherings. The refreshments may be
served at tables, or a "stand up" collation given. In this latter
case, there should be one or two tables set for the elders of the
party.

At Silver and Golden Weddings presentation speeches are frequently
made by some friend, and at golden anniversaries a regular program is
oftentimes carried out. Anniversary poems are read, "The Hanging of
the Crane" recited, congratulatory telegrams from absent friends are
announced, and any old acquaintances present that can be persuaded to
say a few words of "ye olden times" are pressed into service. Good
taste, however, would seem to prevent any repetition of the marriage
service on such an occasion.

Cards in acknowledgment of bridal presents are worded in the following
fashion: MR. and MRS. GEORGE H. BRANDON express sincere thanks to ----
for the beautiful we