Reach-me-down dresses, reach-me-down scenery, reach-me-down equipments are considered good enough for dramatic masterpieces--are positively preferred to decent and beautiful things because they are so much more theatrical.
As to plays, they, too, must be second-hand reach-me-downs. Your amateurs don't want to bring plays to a correct and moving representation for the sake of the life they represent; they want to do Hawtrey's part in this or Ellen Terry's part in that, or Cyril Maude's part in the other.
The enormous and overwhelming advantage possessed by amateurs--the advantage of being free from commercial pressure and having unlimited time for rehearsal--is the last one they think of using.
The commercial plays, which are the despair of actors, but which they must produce or starve, are the favorites of our amateurs. They do out of sheer folly and vulgarity what our real dramatic artists do of necessity and give some saving grace and charm to in the doing.
The Most Versatile of Monarchs Draws Up a List of Rules to be Followed by Horse-Owners.
Varied and numerous as are his regular activities, the German Emperor frequently adds new ones to the list. One of the latest manifestations of his ubiquitous interest is the following productions, which he has sent to his friends under the title, "The Ten Commandments for Horse-Owners." It is worth preserving for two reasons--first, because of the soundness of the advice it offers; second, because it indicates that the most important figure among continental monarchs is not above considering the welfare of his dumb servants.
First--Do not expose your horses to draft, in or out of the stable.
Second--Do not allow any broken windows in your stable. At the same time see that it is properly ventilated.
Third--Do not keep your horses too warm. Never cover them with blankets in the stable.
Fourth--Exercise your horses daily as the best preventive against disease.
Fifth--Don't feed wet fodder, but give dry fodder and fresh water. In winter let the water stand a while after taking it from the well or faucet.
Sixth--Prevent ammonia gases, which are bad for the eyes and the ligaments.
Seventh--Every fourth or sixth week remove the shoes and have the hoofs attended to. After that the shoes may be nailed on again.