Scripture competition, and had each received a prize. Twenty-six Members had been helped from the Branch sick fund, and several had received grants from the Homes of Rest Fund. There were no set speeches made, but it was stated that the interest shown by the Members and by their friends in the Homes of Rest Fund is very gratifying. Many small sums are continually finding their way to Lady Grey, and much work is done, both at home and in the sewing class, for this object One girl, who has been away in a convalescent home for several months, has begged to have work sent to her in order that she may feel she is helping others, while one who has lately died in the Brompton Hospital was working as long as her strength lasted for the same object. Attention was called to the importance of Members who are servants consulting their Associate as to the situations they take, as through want of care in this respect they often find themselves in very unsuitable places; also it is most important that they should always and at once inform their Associates when they have a situation, that their right address may be known. It had been intended to conclude with a short service in Addington church, but the large numbers rendered this impossible; therefore, after thanks had been voted to the Archbishop and to Miss Tait, a hymn was sung, and the blessing given by Bishop Tufnell, Vicar of Croydon, and the party separated, feeling they had had a delightful opportunity of knowing more of each other, and of learning what the G. F. S. really is to them.

BECKENHAM BRANCH.-The third annual festival was held on Trinity Sunday at the parish church, where a large number of Associates and Members met for a special afternoon service and sermon, the latter preached by the Rev. H. Arnott on the motto of the Society. The treat was somewhat later-on Tuesday, July 6th, when, by the kind permission of the Archbishop of Canterbury, 110 Members and thirty-four Associates and friends joined the Croydon Branch at Addington Park early in the afternoon. After a ramble in the beautiful park tea was served at five o'clock picnic fashion on the grass, and as the rain kept off it was a most enjoyable meal. At 6.30 Miss Tait, assisted by the Rev. W. Wilks, Vicar of Shirley, distributed the prizes and premiums for good service, first to the Croydon, and then to the Beckenham Branch. Seventeen Members of the latter Branch received premiums, and eight prizes were given for plain needlework and knitting. Mr. Wilks then proposed a vote of thanks to Miss Tait for taking such kindly and active interest in these two G. F. S. Branches, which was responded to by vigorous clapping of hands. Afterwards a vote of thanks to each of the Branch Secretaries was responded to in a similar manner.

The

G. F. S. hymn was then sung by all, and the Right Rev. Bishop Tufnell, Vicar of Croydon, gave the blessing. Before leaving the ground one verse of 'God save the Queen' was heartily sung, and all started in vans for the homeward drive about 7.30, delighted with the pleasant afternoon they had spent.

BLANDFORD AND STURMINSTER-NEWTON BRANCH. -The third annual festival of this Branch was held at Tarrant Gunville on Tuesday, July 6th, when 112 Members, twenty-six Associates, and twelve clergy were preThe proceedings began with service at three o'clock, the prayers in the special form being read by

sent.

the Rector (Rev. J. Lee-Warner), the lesson by the Rev. Canon Farquharson, and the sermon preached by the Rev. E. F. Trotman, Priest-Vicar of Wimborne Minster. The offertory, amounting to 31. 10s. 6d., was given to the Home of Rest at Sunning Hill. After the service all adjourned to Eastbury Park, where tea was laid out in the arcade of the old house, and later on twenty-one premiums and four bonuses, awarded to Members, were given by Mrs. Huxtable. The Revs. T. F. Bigg, Canon Farquharson, and R. R. Watts having spoken a few words, the party broke up at seven o'clock. ST. MARY THE LESS, LAMBETH. This Branch, which was started last April, had its summer festival on July 10th. Twenty-six Members and three Associates drove to Addington Park, where, by the kind permission of the Archbishop, they spent the day. The weather was very rainy, but the trees afforded a capital shelter, and during some gleams of sunshine the girls were able to ramble about the park and gather wild flowers. The grass was too damp to allow of boiling the kettle in gipsy fashion as had been intended, but the hot water which the gardener's wife kindly supplied made, perhaps, better tea.

ST. PAUL'S, DEPTFORD.-The third annual Festival of this Branch was held on Saturday, July 10th. The Associates and Members met at St. Paul's Church at 2 p.m. for a special service, when the G. F. S. hymn, 'True friends help each other,' was sung, and a very earnest address given by the Curate-in-Charge, Rev. W. H. Jackson, who took for his text the motto of the Society, Bear ye one another's burdens' and the remaining words of the verse. After the service both Associates and Members went to Charlton by train to spend the afternoon in the grounds of Charlton House, by kind permission of Sir Spencer Maryon Wilson. Here the pretty gardens were thoroughly explored and tea much appreciated. Everyone was presented with a lovely rose before leaving, and it was with regret that Charlton was left to return to Deptford.

RETFORD BRANCH.-The second annual festival took place on Monday, July 12th. Tea was provided in the Masonic Hall at 4 p.m., after which several premiums were given to different Members, and the hymn 'True friends help each other' was sung. At 5.30 a short service was held in the Parish Church, and an address given by the Rev. Canon Gray. After service all adjourned to Mr. Burnaby's garden, where various games were played, till the party broke up between seven and eight o'clock: 39 Members, 7 Associates. The Rev. A. F. Ebsworth, Vicar of East Retford, and a few other friends were present.

UPTON-ON-SEVERN BRANCH.--The fourth annual festival of this Branch of the G. F. S. was held at Longdon, July 12th, beginning with service in the church. An address was given by the Vicar, Rev. A. C. Lefroy, from Romans, xvi. 12, and a collection made for the Sick Fund. Seventy afterwards sat down to tea in the Vicarage garden; viz., 1 Member from Berrow, 16 from Hanley Castle, 17 from Longdon, 4 from Queenhill, 10 from Upton, and 6 from Welland, with the Associates from the different parishes. Six premiums for long service, and nineteen bonuses on savings, were given.

LAVINGTON BRANCH.-On July 14th the Members

most

and Associates met at 2.45 at St. John's Church, Devizes, where a special service was held, and an excellent sermon preached by Rev. J. Hart Burges, D.D. After leaving the church they walked over the fields to Broadleas, where Miss Ewart had prepared a excellent and prettily-arranged tea for the Members on the lawn in front of her house. After tea the Archdeacon of Wilts spoke a few words to the girls, encouraging them to remain in the Society, which he thought so helpful to them. The girls then dispersed to walk about the beautiful grounds and to join in various games. At seven o'clock they reassembled, and drove off, having spent a very pleasant day. Miss Ewart kindly entertained the Associates at tea in her house after they had looked after the Member's tea on the lawn. One hundred and ten Members and 30 Associates were present.

ROATH AND LLANDAFF CITY BRANCHES.-On Wednesday, July 14th, the Associates and Members of these Branches, to the number of ninety-six, were welcomed by the Bishop and Mrs. Ollivant in the gardens of Bishop's Court. They strolled about till five o'clock, when they attended the cathedral service. A short and most appropriate address was made to them by the Rev. C. Smythies. Tea followed in the National Schoolroom, and the holiday ended by another hour's amusement in the Bishop's garden. Great regret was expressed when the breaks arrived, and the Roath girls were obliged to take leave of their Llandaff friends. All the Associates and nearly all the Members of the Roath Branch had begun this happy day by attendance at a celebration of the Holy Communion at 7 a.m. at St. Margaret's Church.

FULHAM BRANCH.-On July 20th this yearly festival was held, by kind permission of the Bishop of London, in the beautiful grounds of Fulham Palace, when 240 Members from the five parishes of Fulham, joined by those of St. Matthias', Brompton, enjoyed tea and games. The Associates and clergy numbered thirty-four. Grace was said by the Bishop, and before evening service, at which the Society's Festival Service Book was used, and the address given by the Rev. W. M. Sinclair, Vicar of St. Stephen's, Westminster, some good words were spoken by Edward Clifford, Esq., and bonuses on savings and rewards for continued good service distributed to deserving Members.

LINCOLN BRANCH.-The annual festival took place on Wednesday, July 21st. The Committee having decided that this year's treat should be a country one, arrangements were made that it should be held at Washingborough, about two and a half miles from Lincoln. At 3 p.m. the Members with their Associates assembled at the railway station, and after a journey of a few minutes were at Washingborough. By the kind permission of the Rev. J. Dudding they walked up to the village through the shady shrubberies of the Rectory, a peal of bells greeting them and guiding them in the direction of the church close by. They found chancel, lectern, pulpit, windows and font, prettily decorated with flowers and ferns, a graceful welcome on the part of the Washingborough Associates to their town sisters. In the porch they had been joined by the Members from Skellingthorpe, those from Washingborough being already in the church. The special service, read by the Rector,

was followed by a short and earnest address from the Rev. Canon Crowfoot, on the text from the lesson for the day, Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess before my Father which is in heaven.' At 4.45 the party again passed through the Rectory grounds to a large barn, where a plentiful tea had been prepared. The premiums were afterwards awarded, and then all adjourned to a neighbouring field, which had been most kindly lent for the purpose by Mrs. Curtois. The weather continuing fine, it was possible for the remainder of a very happy day to be spent out of doors in games, talk, search for wild flowers, &c. At 8.30 all the party returned home, charmed with their afternoon and the peep of the country they had thus been able to enjoy.

WATFORD BRANCH.-The first annual festival of this Branch was held on Thursday, July 22nd. Associates and Members to the number of 150 (including the Bushey Guild, affiliated with the G. F. S.) assembled in St. Andrew's Church, Watford, at 2.30, where a special service was held, a short and earnest address being delivered by the Rev. Yalden Thomson, Vicar of St. Andrew's. The party then proceeded to Cassiobury, where, by the kind permission of the Earl of Essex, they were allowed to walk through the private gardens and wood-walks on their way to the tent, where tea had been prepared, in another part of the park. After tea the Rev. James Aitken, Vicar of Chorley Wood, addressed the girls in a very interesting and excellent speech, and then all united in singing the G. F. S. hymn, True friends help each other' before dispersing to the various amusements provided. About half-past six the party broke up, the Rickmansworth Members having to return by train, and all separated feeling that their first meeting had been most enjoyable, and in every way a great success. HOUGHTON, MICHELMARSH, AWBRIDGE AND NETHER-WALLOP BRANCH.-The first annual festival was held on Thursday, July 22nd, at Houghton. At four o'clock a service was held in the Parish Church; shortened Evensong, Ps. cxix. 1-16; Lesson, St. Matt. X. 24-42; Hymns, 380, 271 (A. and M.) The Rector gave an address founded on Rev. iii. 3 (first part) and Gal. vi. 2, the former having reference to the 'Scripture Rules of Life,' the latter to the objects of the G. F. S., and how it attained them. Six Members were present and eight Associates, besides other friends. One Member received a premium for service, and four received a bonus on deposits. The Members, Associates, and friends, had tea together at the Rectory, and the Members enjoyed a pleasant evening in the garden.

WORCESTER BRANCH.-The annual Festival took place on Saturday, July 3rd, when about 170 Members and 40 Associates and friends went by special train to Hagley, where they were received by the Hon. and Rev. W. Lyttelton, Rector of Hagley, and the Hon. Mrs. Lyttelton, formerly Secretary of the Branch. A short service was held in the Parish Church, and an earnest address, given by the Rector, on the lessons to be learned from the story of the little captive maid (2 Kings, v. 2). After service, the girls sat down to tea in the Hall barn, which was placed at their disposal by the kindness of Lord and Lady Lyttelton, and the tables decorated with flowers and hot-house plants lent by

them. The party then visited the Hall gardens and grounds, and the girls then amused themselves in the barn, the frequent storms which, unfortunately, fell during the afternoon making further rambles in the park impossible. Worcester was reached on the return at 8.45, the Members having greatly enjoyed their afternoon.

-

INGATESTONE R. D. BRANCH. -The first Festival was held July 13th, at Docklands, Ingatestone, where Mr. and Mrs. Langton kindly gave tea to a large party of Associates and nearly thirty Members. It began with a service in the Parish Church, when an appropriate address was delivered by the Rev. T. Hearne. After the tea, Associates and Members joined in various games. A list of absent Members was then read by the Branch Secretary, followed by the distribution of bonuses and premiums by Mrs. Parkin. The proceed

ings terminated by the Rev. L. Parkin, thanking Mr., Mrs., and Miss Langton for their kindness, in the name of the Branch, and the singing of the G. F. S. Hymn and the Evening Hymn.

CARMARTHEN BRANCH FESTIVAL. The second Anniversary Festival of this Branch was held on July 13th. The Associates and Members went eight miles into the country, and, by the kind invitation of Mrs. Bath (one of the Honorary Associates), enjoyed a long and pleasant afternoon in the lovely woods and grounds of Alltyferin. Upon their arrival, the G. F. S. Special Festival Service was used in Holy Trinity Church (a beautiful little building erected by Mrs. Bath), and an impressive address was given by Dr. Arnold, of Gunfreston Rectory. The Vicar and one of the Curates of St. Peter's kindly acted as pioneers in exploring all the chief beauties of the gardens and woods, and the view from the banks of the Cothi was thoroughly enjoyed. Both before and after the very pleasant ramble, the usual accompaniments of tea, coffee, cake, &c., were liberally supplied, and several appropriate hymns and songs brought the proceedings to a close, after a most enjoyable day.

OLD WINDSOR BRANCH.-About thirty-five Members and several Associates of this Branch, met on Friday, July 16th, at the Vicarage, and walked to the Parish Church in procession, carrying banners and singing a hymn. An address was given by the Rev. J. S. Blunt, Master of St. Katharine's, in which he urged upon the Members the benefit of receiving Holy Communion all together every month. Tea was provided for all by the Rev. W. H. Rooper, and a pleasant afternoon was spent walking in his garden and listening to glees sung by four Lay Clerks of St. George's Chapel, Windsor. The great feature of the day was that each Member and Associate carried in their hands bunches of beautiful flowers, to be sent as a token of affection to the Members of the Christ Church Branch in London. These were distributed the following day, and were received with the greatest pleasure and gratitude.

CATERHAM AND GODSTONE R. D. BRANCH.-This Branch held its annual Festival at Godstone, July 28th, and 100 Members and Associates assembled in Godstone Church. After the service, the Almshouses, and the beautiful Chapel attached to them, were visited; and then, by the kind permission of Canon and Mrs. Hoare, the Members went to the Rectory and spent some time

playing various games in the grounds. About five o'clock, the Members walked down to the Institute Room, kindly lent for the tea. The room and tables were beautifully decorated with flowers by the Godstone ladies, who not only supplied flowers, but lent handsome glass ornaments for the occasion. After tea, Canon Hoare addressed the Members; and Mrs. Hoare, being unfortunately unable to be present, prizes and premiums were distributed by Mrs. Chawner. A needlework competition was held in the Branch this year, and three workboxes, three books, and three honorary cards were awarded to the successful Members. The good service premiums were claimed by eight Members, one for two years and seven for one year's good conduct. Mr. Chawner, the Rector of Bletchingly, then addressed the Members for a few minutes, and after an examination of the needlework offered for competition, the meeting dispersed, the flowers being distributed amongst the Members.

CUDDESDON R. D. BRANCH.-On Saturday, July 17th, a pleasant entertainment was given at Cuddesdon Palace to the Members of the Girls' Friendly Society of that parish and their mothers, by the Bishop of Oxford and Mrs. Mackarness. The girls, nineteen in number (including several in service in Oxford, who were present by the kind permission of their masters and mistresses), assembled at four o'clock in the Palace grounds, and after walking about and looking at the pretty gardens, sat down to an excellent tea in the servants' hall, after which the Bishop said a few kind words to them on the object and meaning of the Girls' Friendly Society. They then adjourned to the lawn, where the ladies of the house, Mrs. Gregorie (the Working Associate of the parish) and the Misses Gregorie, played games with the girls and their mothers till the time of evensong, when they all went to church. ended a happy afternoon, and the girls went home each with a little book, the gift of Mrs. Mackarness.

A Plea for a Piano.

Thus

A FEW weeks ago, I was spending a pleasant evening at the Rochester Diocesan Lodge, at Brixton, meeting there a little company of Members in business, who had come in to refresh themselves with a cup of tea and a friendly talk after their long day's employment.

One could well imagine how the rest and cheerfulness of that cheery Lodge would be appreciated by the tired workers; but one thing was sadly wanted to make the evenings brighter still:

'If only we had a piano!' was the cry.

But a piano, alas! can't be had for nothing, even in these days of wonders; and then it must be really a good one or it would be no use at all.

Towards this desirable object, 117. has already been collected. Will not some of our friendly' readers who love their own pianos and have charmed away many a fit of weariness from their own hearts, as they brought sweet music from the familiar keys,-will they not help to supply this need for the Brixton Members in business?

Any contributions will be thankfully received by Miss HAWKSLEY, 18 Lambeth Road, Brixton Rise, S. W., and will be acknowledged in Friendly Leaves.

M. E. TOWNSEND.

HOMES OF REST-GENERAL FUND.

It is desired to collect, by degrees, a Homes of Rest Fund, to secure admission for our Members to Convalescent Homes where payment is required. We think many of our Members may like to help their sister Members by subscribing small sums for this object. The smallest donations, from ONE PENNY upwards, will be received with pleasure, and may be forwarded to HoN. LADY (B. C.) GREY, Fairmile House, Cobham, Surrey. They will be acknowledged each month in the Magazine. The following are gratefully acknowledged :

DONATIONS TO HOMES OF REST

....

The Lady Jane Levett, Wychnor Park,
Burton-on-Trent.

Peterborough Mrs Milman, the Governor's House, H. M.
Prison, Holloway, N.

Rochester

..

Miss A. Goodrich, Prospect Villa, Central
Hill, Upper Norwood.

Winchester.. Miss E. C. Orr, Cheriton Rectory, Alresford. Worcester The Lady Norton, Hams, Minworth, Birmingham.

..

In all other Dioceses, Branch Secretaries and Associates requiring help for sick Members to apply to the Hon. Lady Grey, Fairmile House, Cobham, Surrey.

TO THE G. F. S. MEMBERS PETERBOROUGH DIOCESE.

The Homes of Rest Fund has since April 29, 1879, been the means of sending three sick Members to Convalescent Hospitals, and of assisting three others in their own Homes. No. 1. A factory hand, living with her widowed mother, had long struggled with illness. She had been G. F. S. Member three years. Was sent to Scarborough Convalescent Home. No. 2. Was assisted at Home (Leicester).

No. 3. Was also helped at home (near Leicester). No. 4. Had been suffering severely from rheumatic fever; her mother was a widow. She was sent to Buxton Bath Hospital, where it was hoped she would be perfectly cured. No. 5. Was a servant with excellent character, but fell into weak health after her father's death. She was sent to an hospital near Southampton.

No. 6. Had been ill for two years, and was only able to work at home at times; an invalid sister, who scarcely ever could work, was dependent upon her; she was, therefore, assisted at home. 67. 35. has altogether been collected this year, and 47. 175. 14. spent; we have 17. 5s. 11d. in hand.

VOL. V.

Talks about Words.

BY MRS. FETHERSTONHAUGH.

VI.-ACCURACY.

HE readers of Friendly Leaves who have followed the interesting course

of 'Chapters on Plants,' have been learning from the very highest source one meaning of the word Accuracy.

If we consider the meanest flower that blows we find in its construction a perfection of detail that strikes us with wonder. We are amazed to discover that the myriads of tiny blossoms that are never beheld by mortal eye, have been formed on immutable laws, and with a delicacy of finish that the greatest of human artists and workers can never hope to attain.

Look, too, at the bees' cells of perfect workmanship, the spider's web, the bird's nest.

No human teacher has been theirs : but from them we may learn accuracy.

Look up at the starry heavens, or at the eastern sky at dawn, then you will see shine out, exactly at the same place, at the same hour, on the same night, or morning of the year, the same stars, or the same rising sun; and learn how the immensity of the universe is all governed with the accuracy which is so often wanting in our poor human undertakings.

Think how often our work is so far from being our very best; how readily we leave undone what we think (forgetting that the

No. 50.

eye of God is in every place) no one will see: how little we care for the perfect finish of it.

And yet, in the commonest things, so much of the effect depends upon accuracy, and in some things such harm is done by inaccuracy. You have no doubt heard the proverb, 'a stitch in time saves nine,' and of poor Richard's horse-shoe,

'For want of a nail the shoe was lost,
For want of a shoe the horse was lost,
For want of a horse the rider was lost,
Being overtaken and slain by the enemy.

Alas, poor Richard!'

Yes, lives may be lost, and much labour incurred by a slovenly, slipshod way of doing everyday work; and on the other hand, a thoroughly efficient, accurate person gives a neatness and a finish to all they do, and makes all around them satisfactory.

Accuracy in speaking is the result of perfect truthfulness, and is far from being common. Much mischief is made by inaccurately repeating what a person has said—that is, repeating it carelessly, with just a little dif ference. It is impossible to be too particular in this respect, or to be too careful in the statements we make ourselves.

In money matters accuracy is, of course, all-important: indeed, nothing tends more to habits of accuracy than keeping regular accounts; not only of money belonging to others, but of what we call our own, though