(* * * Please note the typo in the title. * * *)

     Our duties were such that we could not on Satuday last attend the annual Collett McKay Picnic, nor have we met with one who was there. But we know how it was. The shadow of the spreading beeches sheltered from the fierce heat of the sun a goodly company. There were pioneers who had marked the change of Clinton county from a section of wild wooded country to its proud position as one of the best agricultural counties in the State; there were stalwart men and their matronly wives; there were young men and maidens and rolicking boys and sweet-faced girls, and babies in arms; all these were dressed in holiday attire, and each was glad to see the other. There were greetings among friends present, and solicitous inquiries for the absent; there were statements relative to marriages and deaths and removals, and gossip about the crops, and the drouth, and the approaching temperance convention at Burlington, and an expression of views as to the Republican, Democratic and "Reform" tickets. Anon a fire was kindled, and the blue smoke began to curl gracefully among the overhanging boughs. The aroma of steaming coffee began to freight the air. Long tables, draped with white cloths, were made receptacles of delicious viands, and then dinner was announced. and such a dinner! We regret that it was only in imagination that we were able to enjoy it.
     Our place was necessarily vacant this year, but we desire that we may be counted for another, because the occasion of the annual Collett-McKay picnic has, in the past, been to us one of rare delight.