now applying its forces here. Under the pressure of popular condemnation, similarly conducted establishments have given way along the banks of the Rhine; and with the fall of Monte Carlo gaming will be relegated to its proper habitat from the sunshine to the shade. Its evils are manifest; for, allowing even that the player has none dependent upon him-no wife, no children-yet, where loss is certain, the man should be protected against himself. As a matter of public policy, it should be restrained, for it has a tendency to discourage labor and establish false values. Details are here out of place; but the injunction of Bulwer covers the ground on which gaming may be condemned, "Do not treat money affairs with levity."

Monte Carlo, shorn of its tables, would still be beautiful, and attractive, too, if some good providence would only

temper the tastes of the gay world. The gorgeous theatre, the unrivaled orchestra, the tropical surroundings, might be sufficient to attract, but I doubt very much if the same sportive throng-so representative of Parisian civilization -could be assembled in the Casino after the danger which they loved had passed, and the fruit which was forbidden is

no more.

TH

love of life in humanity is deep; and as long as the sick entertain the hope to be well, and the well to be better, this watering-place shall continue to attract pilgrims from the four quarters of the globe; and, as in California, there are many mineral springs of great value, it may be both of interest and profit to you to learn something of this farfamed spa—what it is like and why it is liked. In large cities too many believe that the drug-store is the fountain of health (and the good doctors somehow do not undeceive them); and so it is that, in a land where natural medicinal springs well up on all sides, they are rarely resorted to for cure purposes, and if so, ignorantly.

But the appreciation in which Carlsbad is held-and I am confident there are equally good waters in America— ought to awaken some interest in these natural springs, which, with its climate, entitle California, for instance, so well equipped is she-to be the Sanitarium of America, if not of the world.

Carlsbad is situated 1200 feet above the sea, and in a

ravine which separates the hills forming the southern boundary of the extensive Valley of the Eger, and comprises the most picturesque tract in all Bohemia. Through this ravine, a small mountain stream, "never too grave to smile, too tired to run," finds its way, bearing lightly its tribute to a more pretentious river, into which it empties its water just below the town.

The town proper is located between a bend in the stream's course and the confluence a mile and a half away -and its 900 houses, in long lines, occupy either bank. The hills rising from 300 feet to 500 feet, are also dotted with houses. Free from anything like studied artificiality, they present a most refreshing front of green foliage, the deep color of the pine contrasting beautifully with the paler hues of the beech. There are the ancient houses, the village churches, the smoke curling lazily skyward, seeking an avenue for escape.

During mediaeval turbulence, they say, this was the scene of many an unrecorded Thermopylae, though now the very strategic points of the place confirm the impression of absolute and unruffled peace.

Carlsbad is in many respects a model town; the burghers are civil, and the Government paternal and painstaking. Its ambition necessarily is confined, for, locked in the arms of the mountains, it can never expand.

Like many of the genus, it has, we may say, but one street, and that on the left bank of the river-the Alte Wiese by name. It is shaded by chestnut and acacia trees, under whose branches tables and chairs are ranged, and in the attractive stores on either side there is offered for sale carved wood, ivory and glass specialties.

Besides this, the 10,000 inhabitants' sole business consists in providing for the wants of 30,000 annual visitors; and when the season, which is from May to October, has gone by, like the fabled ant, they live the winter through in well-provided-for ease. Prior to the fourteenth century there was no village here, for it was then, we are told, Emperor Charles IV. discovered the spring while hunting. The value of the thermal waters was at once recognized, and to-day they are the chief source of revenue of this municipality.

Every person who remains more than eight days must pay a direct tax for the freedom of the springs and the support of the music. This is levied according to the persons' occupation in life, which also determines his rank! Simple Americans are always classed with aristocrats when there is any money to be paid. But by this tax you become, for all agreeable purposes, a citizen of the place. The circumjacent country, more like a private demesne, so carefully is it kept, and the rejuvenating springs are all yours for the time, and the atmosphere filled with melody.

The visitors are of all races and classes, and come impelled by a variety of motives.

But as by far the greater portion seek health, "The most aristocratic watering-place in Europe" as applied to Carlsbad by Baedecker, is surely a misnomer, for what is more leveling than infirmity? And what strange admissions must be forced from royal personages who come hither to mend their shattered constitutions!

When you arrive you secure accommodations-rooms or hotel-but for the most part eat at restaurants and spend your time out of doors. You consult a doctor, and he

directs you to a particular spring; prescribes the number of glasses you are to take and the dietetic regimen you are to observe.

There was a time when unfortunate patients were orordered to take as many as forty glasses a day; but they did not last long.

Now, from two to eight glasses suffice, and these before breakfast, at an interval of half an hour, gently exercising in the meanwhile. The theory is that the minerals in solution are absorbed into the blood, besides acting in a mechanical way, and thus cure, it is claimed, a long list of diseases, particularly those rising from excesses in eating and drinking. The principal constituents of the water are, in decreasing order: Sulphate of soda, carbonate of soda, chloride of sodium, carbonate of lime, sulphate of potash; and that they have cured and do cure many patients, there is no doubt; that in numerous cases they fail, and fail so completely that they lean to the side of reactive injury, is equally indubitable.

But there seems to be an element outside of the water, and the methodically frugal living which is requisite to recovery, and that is faith-faith in the beneficient efficacy of Carlsbad.

It is reasonable that due allowance must be made for the condition of the mind, as an abiding confidence in a cure is its most healing agent.

From 6 to 8 in the morning the skeptical and sanguine alike drink from the stirred Bethseda. The principal springs-the Sprudle and the Muhlbraun-are covered by grand colonnades of great length where the people promenade to the inspiriting music of two bands of 30 pieces