The small, flat boxes are the best for this
purpose.
Fresh cocoanut meat should be removed from the shell and divided into
penny squares, that the pupils may be able to buy a bit for a penny.
AN AFTERNOON IN PUERTO RICO.
PROGRAMME.
1. Introductory remarks by the guide, who explains our plan of
celebrating the anniversary of the discovery of Puerto Rico by Columbus,
Nov. 17, 1493, by a journey to that island, Nov. 17, 1900, to be spent
at Aguadilla, the first landing place of Columbus on Puerto Rico.
2. Another pupil gives a short talk on the location, size and surface of
Puerto Rico, using a large map.
3. History of Puerto Rico by the class historian.
4. Climate of Puerto Rico, with description of a West Indies hurricane.
5. Preparation for the trip.
6. Recitation - "Southern Seas" (given on the following pages).
7. Song, - "Life on the Ocean Wave."
8. Description of our voyage, by a pupil who has made an ocean voyage.
9. Harbor and city of San Juan.
10. Points of interest in the city.
11. Homes and home life of the people of the island.
12. Characteristics of the people of Puerto Rico.
13. Child life and education.
14. Amusements.
15. Burden-Bearing.
16. Travel.
17. The farmer.
18. The laborer.
19. Glimpses of cities in Puerto Rico.
20. A country home.
21. Animal life.
22. Plant life.
23. Recitation, "Puerto Rico," poem.
24. Conclusion.
25. Announcements.
26. Song - "America."
Before the concluding song, announcement may be made of the plan for a
series of afternoons or evenings abroad. Speak of the purpose of these
entertainments and express a hope that all those present will attend the
next entertainment - "An Afternoon [or Evening] in Hawaii."
SOUTHERN SEAS.
Yes! let us mount this gallant ship,
Spread canvas to the wind; -
Up! we will seek the glowing South, -
Leave care and cold behind.
Let the shark pursue, through the waters blue,
Our flying vessel's track;
Let the strong winds blow, and rocks below
Threaten, - we turn not back.
See, where those shoals of dolphins go!
A glad and glorious band,
Sporting amongst the roseate woods
Of a coral fairy land.
See on the violet sands beneath
How the gorgeous shells do glide!
O sea! old sea! who yet knows half
Of thy wonders and thy pride?
Look how the sea-plants trembling float,
As it were like a mermaid's locks,
Waving in thread of ruby red
Over those nether rocks, -
Heaving and sinking, soft and fair,
Here hyacinth, there green,
With many a stem of golden growth,
And starry flowers between.
But oh, the South! the balmy South!
How warm the breezes float!
How warm the amber waters stream
From off our basking boat!
And what is that?
"'Tis land! 'Tis land!
'Tis land!" the sailors cry.
Nay! 'tis a long and narrow cloud
Betwixt the sea and sky.
