The Picnic to Woosuns.
The longed-looked-for picnic on behalf of the children came along at last, and at twenty-five minutes past one on Satarday, the special train steamed out of the Shanghai Railway Station with as hap-and joyous a human freight as ever set forth in the roar of the iron horse from any station in the homelands. The run down was greatly enjoyed by one and all, for at this period of the year the country is looking its best and many picturesque and cosy little nooks are to be seen from the rails as we glide quickly along. Arriving at the Forts Station we disembark and forming into line, with Mr. Thomas at our head, march off to the Parade ground—a short distance away. Here everything is looking spick and span, for the advance guard have been working hard and have done much in the short time allotted them: tents are pitched, the tennis court and cricket wicket are O.K, and near the tents a long line.of tables covered with white tapestry, and shining with cups and saucers, speak of the good things that be shortly put thereon, while all around a group of interested Chinese have assembled from far and near to see for themselves what sort of a thing a Sunday School picnic is.
Scattered and strewn are the only words that can adequately describe the next scene, for an hour will elapse before the gathering together for tea, and carte blanche is given to the youngsters to fill up as they best wish; 50 over the -wide expanse of this fine piece of ground—so kindly lent to us for the occasion by General Li—have they spread and are engaging themselves in all sorts of yames and pastimes.
At 3.30 the bell rings for tea and soon we are in the heat of serving and being serve with tea, sandwiches, atd cakes galore; at the conclusion of which comes on the interesting part of the afternoon's doings, viz: the sports—a good and taking programme having been arranged. This we are sorry to say came to a termination sooner than we intended owing to the action of Miss Weather—who, no doubt, thought that too much energy on the part of the children was not wise. A very muggy day changed suddenly to coolness as the wind whipped round to the westward and brought with it the rain-clouds that had been hanging about all the afternoon and which compelled us to strike camp and set off for the station. Here the prizes were given away to the senior classes by Mrs J. ©, Ferguson, and in the carriage ailette to the Infant class Mrs. Law at the samd time kindly presented those won by the younger members, the whole concluding by three lusty cheers for the ladieg General Li, and all the friends who has, done so much towards the day's enjoyd ment. At 6.15 we are again aboard the special and en route for home; arriving at the Shanghai terminus about 7 o'clock, after a very enjoyable and long-to-be-remembered outing.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.