started off from the northern coast of Norway in search of the
adventurer and his companions.

There is a very interesting article in this month's _Scribner's
Magazine_, which tells about the starting of the balloon. You should
read it.

* * * * *

The fur seal conference has been in session in Washington for nearly two
weeks.

England's representative, of course, was not present. You will remember
that after several refusals and acceptances she finally decided to meet
the United States in a conference to be held separately from the one
which is now taking place.

Russia and Japan are well represented in this conference. Out of
compliment to Mr. Foster, of the United States, who travelled to
England, Russia, and Japan to obtain the consent of these various
countries to the meeting, the attending delegates made him chairman of
the conference.

The result of the discussions so far has been most gratifying to this
country.

The Russian and Japanese commissioners are as fully convinced that the
seal herd is decreasing as the Americans are, and all three countries
have come to an agreement on the matter.