ary culture and the secretary of the James River and Kanawha Canal Co., and Jas. E. Heath. They assigned the first place to Miss Evelyn H. Taylor, of Virginia, for her poem, "To a New Pen," which is the leader. Then and afterwards seven of the unsuccessful contestants are given and E. B. Hale and Mrs. E. J. Eames seem to have been among their authors.
For nearly six months the Messenger, though so heavily bereaved, keeps up and on punctually and perseveringly. Many of its old contributors adhere to it and a goodly number of new ones seek its favor. Nasus (Miss Walker) tries poetry as well as prose. Mrs. Sigourney, Judge Meek, Wm. Oland Bourne, Lewis J. Cist, Henry B. Hirst and his sister, Park Benjamin and others still value the Messenger. Judge John Robertson furnishes his "Riego," except Act V. Mr. Heath procures the re-publication of the long poem, "Rhododaphne; or the Thessalian Spell," in the belief that its author was a Virginia poet, Richard Dabney. He had quite a ontroversy in regard to its authorship, which was at last settled against him by Mr. Dabney's sister, who stated that he had disclaimed the authorship.
Consul Andrews now engages in a "Historical Sketch of St. John of Jerusalem." Toga Civilis and an Official Military Seaman have a lengthy
