vessels as the Holland cruising near our harbors, it will simplify the problem of coast-defence very considerably.

On page 317, Vol. I., of The Great Round World, we spoke of the explorer who was trying to reach the North Pole in a balloon.

This gentleman, Professor Andree, had his balloon in readiness for the attempt last year.

He waited from the 23d of June till the middle of August for a favorable wind to bear him northward.

While his party was still waiting, Dr. Nansen returned from his famous expedition, in which he reached a point within two hundred miles of the Pole.

After a few more days, it was decided that it was too late in the year to attempt the aerial voyage, and so Mr. Andree had to postpone the attempt.

Not at all discouraged by his failure, he stated that he would try again the next year, and has spent the past winter making preparations for a fresh venture.

The balloon will be filled and ready for the start about the middle of June, when Mr. Andree and his companions will once more make the attempt.

The Russian Geographical Society has printed hundreds of circulars to be distributed among the natives of the lands lying around the pole, showing them by the aid of pictures what kind of an object a balloon is, and urging them to tell the nearest authorities if they see it. They are also requested, if the balloon should descend, to treat the men who are in it with the greatest kindness.

Mr. Andree is full of hope for his scheme, and expects to reach the pole. He will be spared the long journeys over the ice-fields, which all Arctic explorers have found to be the hardest part of their work.

The Sixth Convention of the Universal Postal Union is being held in Washington this month. Delegates from all over the world are here to attend it.

The Postal Union is a union of governments to regulate the postal business between nations.

As the correspondence of the world grew larger, and the improved means of travelling made it possible for men to journey to all parts of the earth, great trouble was found in the handling of the mail matter.

The rates for carrying letters varied for each country, and infinite work and delay was caused by the calculation made necessary thereby.

At last a few of the countries most interested in the matter formulated a Universal Postal Union, which established a fixed rate for letters sent to all countries in the Union.

This plan was first suggested at Berne, in Switzerland, in 1874.

The countries agreeing to abide by this rule styled themselves the Universal Postal Union, and made many useful laws for the transmission of mail matter.

It was the hope when the Association was started that every country in the world would join it.

In 1894 the hope was so nearly realized that all countries excepting parts of Asia and Africa had become members of the Union.

It is expected that China and Corea will ask for admission at the present meeting in Washington, and then, to quote the words of Postmaster-General Gary in opening the Congress:

"When these two countries shall have joined us, the sun in its daily circuit will not rise on a civilized people which is not included in the Postal Union."

Many subjects will be discussed during the session of the Congress. One of the most important will be that of having a Universal Postage Stamp. Stamp collectors won't like the idea, because there will only be one kind of stamp in use between all countries; it will, however, be a great benefit to people in foreign countries who would like to prepay the answers to their letters.

New York has decided to make some important changes in her mail service.

These changes have not been suggested by the Postal Congress; but if they were only in working order, they would give some of the delegates much to talk about when they return to their own