This is, of course, a direct contradiction of the generally accepted trade axiom that "it is easier to find sellers than buyers." The fact is that there are times of scarcity when neither money, nor coaxing, nor appeals, nor reference to past favors will move an independent Jamaican grower to supply buyers with bananas, although for months they may have taken his product and paid handsomely for it, too. There are numerous obstacles in the way of obtaining fruit, which only the experienced comprehend.

Bananas grow chiefly in the interior. Very few are obtainable close to the seaboard. It is necessary in advance to notify growers of shippers' requirements. This is done by means of circulars, or placards, posted at the post offices or market places in the fruit-growing districts. They state that shippers will be buying bananas on certain days of the following week; the particular wharf is named, then follow price to be paid, and a clause which reads, "We reserve the right to reject all bruised or blemished fruit and any fruit not satisfactory to us in every particular."

(Begun in issue March 16. To be continued.)

It is believed the Index sent with this number will be regarded as a marked improvement upon previous ones. Important events are classified under the countries in which they occurred. The names of countries appear in bolder type,

for quick reference.

Schools throughout the land are closing, and this is a fitting time for THE GREAT ROUND WORLD to express its thanks for the very

generous patronage When scholars reas

extended to it during this term. semble after the long vacation it is believed they will find The Little Newspaper better than ever. They and their teachers are among the paper's best friends.

A large number of History of Our Own Times, Part X, begun April 6, ended with this number, have been bound. The book contains 415 pages of text, fully illustrated. It is a permanent, handy record of the world's doings during one of the most important periods of this country's history. Attention is called to the growing scarcity of the earlier parts, from Nov. 11, 1896, to Jan. 6, 1898. A second edition of Parts I, II, III, and IV was printed. After it is exhausted, no more copies can be supplied at any price. In ordering please use the coupon in last week's number and state color of binding desired.

THE GREAT ROUND WORLD trusts its readers, old and young, will spend a happy Fourth of July. The day will be more widely observed than hitherto, and coupled with the national jubilation and pyrotechnics will be the celebrations in Cuba, Porto Rico, Hawaii, and the Philippines, for the first time in this country's history. Youthful readers are reminded that powder, cannons, and small arms, unless handled with the utmost care, often lead to deplorable results. Caution in using them is wise,