WITCHES' BROOMS The school committee finally decided that Master Brench's curious methods of punishment were not actually dangerous.

He was advised, however, to discontinue them; and school went on again Monday morning.
Six or seven of the older boys refused to come back; but the old Squire thought we would better attend, for example's sake, if for no other reason, and we did so.

During Christmas week, however, we were out several days, on account of an order for Christmas trees which had come up to us from Portland.

I still remember that order distinctly.

It ran as follows: "Bring us one large Christmas tree, a balsam fir, fifteen feet tall, at least, and wide-spreading.