from crimes, the vexation, the friction, the domestic discontent in life, are provoked by bad weather.  We should like to have some statistics as to incompatibility between married couples produced by damp and raw days, and to know whether divorces are more numerous in the States that suffer from a fickle climate than in those where the climate is more equable.  It is true that in the Sandwich Islands and in Egypt there is greater mental serenity, less perturbation of spirit, less worry, than in the changeable United States.  Something of this placidity and resignation to the ills inevitable in human life is due to an even climate, to the constant sun and the dry air.  We cannot hope to prevent crime and suffering by statistics, any more than we have been able to improve our climate (which is rather worse now than before the scientists took it in charge) by observations and telegraphic reports; but we can, by careful tabulation of the effects of bad weather upon the spirits of a community, learn what places in the Union are favorable to the production of cheerfulness and an equal mind.  And we should lift a load of reprobation from some places which now have a reputation for surliness and unamiability.  We find the people of one place hospitable, lighthearted, and agreeable; the people of another place cold, and morose, and unpleasant.  It would be a satisfaction to know that the weather is responsible for the difference.  Observation of this sort would also teach us doubtless what places are most conducive to literary production, what to happy homes and agreeing wives and husbands.  All our territory is mapped out as to its sanitary conditions; why not have it colored as to its effect upon the spirits and the enjoyment of life?  The suggestion opens a vast field of investigation.

BORN WITH AN “EGO”

There used to be a notion going round that it would be a good thing for people if they were more “self-centred.”  Perhaps there was talk of adding a course to the college curriculum, in addition to that for training the all-competent “journalist,” for the self-centring of the young.  To apply the term to a man or woman was considered highly complimentary.  The advisers of this state of mind probably meant to suggest a desirable equilibrium and mental balance; but the actual effect of the self-centred training is illustrated by a story told of Thomas H. Benton, who had been described as an egotist by some of the newspapers.  Meeting Colonel Frank Blair one day, he said:  “Colonel Blair, I see that the newspapers call me an egotist.  I wish you would tell me frankly, as a friend, if you think the charge is true.”  “It is a very direct question, Mr. Benton,” replied Colonel Blair, “but if you want my honest opinion, I am compelled to say that I think there is some foundation for the charge.”  “Well, sir,” said Mr. Benton, throwing his head back and his chest forward, “the difference between me and these