very ancient institution, and the only pie that has religious significance. The hollow crust represents the manger in which the Savior wa3 laid; its rich interior, the good things brought by the wise men as offerings and laid at His feet. A good mince pie is not only better for digestion than a poor one but it has a representative character of its own—it symbolizes our love and devotion to the divine principle to which the Christmas festival is consecrated. Mince pies should be prepared with a due sense of their character and importance. They should not be eaten often; but they should be well-made of fine and abundant materials, and, when served, received with due regard and given the place of honor. Thin layers of impoverished mince, inclosed in flat, ceramic (hard, like earthenware) crust, are not mince pies; they are the