,,home ,,arts ,,for ,,old ,,and ,,young4 ,,by ,,mrs4 ,,caroline ,l4 ,,smith4 7,,aunt ,,carrie47 ,,illustrated4 ,,boston3 ,,lee ,,and ,,shepard1 ,,publishers4 ,,new ,,york3 ,,lee1 ,,shepard ,,and ,,dillingham4 #ahgc4 ,entered1 according to ,act of ,congress1 in the year #ahgc1 ,by ,,lee ,,and ,,shepard1 ,in the ,office of the ,librarian of ,congress1 at ,washington4 ,,contents4 ,,christmas4 ,,page ,how to make a ,christmas ,tree #ac ,the ,christmas ,bran ,pie #ai ,twelfth ,night #ba ,the ,christmas ,bag #bb ,,amusements ,,for ,,christmas ,,holidays4 ,shakespeare ,reading ,clubs #bc ,private ,theatricals #bg ,charades #cj ,con ju-gate #cb ,dumb-found #cc ,so-ro-sis #cd ,lamentable #ce ,proverbs #cg ,tableaux ,vivants #ch ,tableaux of ,statuary #ci ,lights and ,shades #da ,,ventriloquism4 ,what is ,ventriloquism #dd ,the ,theory of ,ventriloquism #df ,practical ,rules and ,illustrations #ej ,polyphonic ,imitations #ee ,to ,imitate an ,echo #eg ,concluding ,remarks #eg ,,natural ,,magic4 olian ,harp #fa ,magic of ,acoustics #fb ,to show how ,sound ,travels through a ,solid #fc ,theory of a ,voice #fc ,singular ,example of ,superstition #fc ,,gardening1 ,,flowers4 ,how to plant ,seeds #gj ,the ,queen of ,flowers1 the ,rose #ge ,flower ,beds #hc ,carnations #hg ,fuchsias #hg ,pansies #hh ,how to plant ,hardy ,bulbs #hi ,japan ,lilies #ia ,cape ,bulbs #ib ,how to grow ,bulbs in ,winter #ic ,garden ,insects #if ,some ,useful ,hints #ii ,moss ,baskets #aja ,hanging ,baskets #ajd ,artificial ,rockeries #ajg ,ferneries #ajg ,ivies #aji ,pressed ,flowers #aaj ,strawberries #aac ,grapes #aae ,how to arrange ,sea ,mosses #aag ,,house ,,and ,,home ,,arts4 ,knitting #abj ,how to knit a ,stocking #aba ,baby's ,knitted ,shirt #abd ,baby's ,blanket #abe ,border to a ,blanket #abe ,knitted ,bed-quilt #abf ,baby's ,blanket #abg ,sofa ,cushion #abh ,table ,mats #abh ,carriage1 or ,bed-room ,mat #abi ,knitted ,moss #abi ,plain ,needle-work and ,useful ,hints for ,young ,ladies #acj ,embroidery in ,spangles and ,cannetille #ace ,embroidery in ,lam of ,velvet and ,gold #acf ,embroidery in ,feathers #acg ,cork ,work #acg ,black ,landscape #adb ,vegetable ,flowers #adb ,ornamental ,seed ,work #adc ,how to impress ,leaves on ,velvet #add ,paper ,pillow #ade ,imitation of ,carved ,ivory #adf ,diaphanie or ,stained ,glass #adh ,painting on ,glass #aea ,painting on ,velvet #aec ,casting in ,plaster1 ,sulphur1 c4 #aef ,engraved ,boxes #aei ,,solitaire ,,games ,,of ,,cards4 ,the ,legitimist #afa ,the ,sultan #afc ,french ,solitaire #afe ,the ,army ,solitaire #aff ,,the ,,toilet4 ,the ,bath #aga ,complexion #agd ,recipe to cure ,freckles #age ,a ,cure for ,freckles #agf ,a ,cure for ,freckles #agf ,a ,cure for ,pimples #agf ,hair #agf ,carrot ,pomade #agh ,bandoline #agh ,cold ,cream #agi ,recipe for ,camphor ,ice #agi ,cucumber ,salve #ahj ,to loosen ,stoppers of ,toilet ,bottles #ahj ,to remove a ,tight ,ring #ahj ,hair ,wash #aha ,cure for ,poison #aha ,,home ,,reading4 #ahb ,,the ,,sick ,,room4 ,cooking for the ,sick #ahg ,port ,wine ,jelly #ahg ,toast ,water #ahh ,to prepare ,rennet ,whey #ahh ,flax-,seed ,sirup #ahi ,mucilage of ,sago #ahi ,applications for the ,sick4--,refreshing ,lotion #ahi ,recipe for ,croup #aij ,remedy for ,sore ,throat #aij ,burns #aij ,,directions ,,for ,,making ,,bread1 ,,yeast1 c4 ,bread #aia ,waffles #aid ,cream ,tomato ,soup #aie ,breakfast ,cake #aie ,molasses ,gingerbread #aie ,plain ,cookies #aif ,moonshine ,crackers #aif ,new ,year's ,cookies #aif ,sponge ,cake #aig ,loaf ,cake #aig ,,politeness4 #aih ,,home ,,arts ,,for ,,old ,,and ,,young4 ,,home ,,arts4 ,,christmas4 ,we beseech all our youthful readers not to pass by our ,christmas chapter4 ,we wish we possessed an abler pen1 that would induce every family in the land1 rich or poor1 to celebrate the birth of our ,saviour ,jesus ,christ1 who gave his life for us4 ,even if some learned men think the twenty-fifth of ,december is not the day ,christ was born1 what does it concern us8 ,we know ,christ brought love and charity into the world1 therefore in gratitude we should celebrate his birth2 the exact period is of but little consequence4 ,seldon informs us that the ,christian church1 desirous of abolishing the ,saturnalia of the ,romans1 a festival instituted in honor of ,saturn1 appointed a festival in honor of her ,divine ,master1 ,jesus ,christ1 to supersede it4 ,but the observance of the day did not become general until about the year #ejj4 ,the reason why the evening before ,christmas day is celebrated1 is1 that in the primitive church the day was always observed as the ,sabbath1 and like it1 preceded by an eve1 or vigil4 ,it was once believed that if we were to go into a cow-house at twelve o'clock1 on the night before ,christmas1 all the cattle would be found kneeling4 ,many firmly believe the bees sing in their hives ,christmas ,eve1 to welcome the approaching day4 ,we deck our houses and churches with evergreen1 because at this sacred time the earth1 then wrapped in darkness1 was1 as it were1 clothed in living green by the birth of ,jesus ,christ1 our ,saviour2 fit emblems are they1 of the never-dying spirit of our ,lord and ,master4 ,the laurel is used with other evergreens at ,christmas1 because of its use among the ancient ,romans1 as the emblem of peace1 joy1 and victory4 ,in the ,christian sense it may be applied to the victory gained over the powers of evil by the coming of ,christ4 ,the mistletoe is used in all ,christmas decorations by the ,english4 ,its berries and its green are very beautiful4 ,it is a parasitic plant1 and grows on the oak tree4 ,a branch of mistletoe is often hung over a door-way on ,christmas ,eve1 and if a gentleman can kiss a lady as she passes under the mistletoe1 he has on that evening a right to the privilege4 ,the evergreens mostly used in ,america are hemlock1 spruce1 laurel1 and the varieties of ground pine4 ,the bright red bitter sweet berries gathered in the fall add to the beauty of the wreaths4 ,many have asked the meaning of initials affixed to crosses on that day1 such as ,i4 ,h4 ,c41 and ,i4 ,h4 ,s4 ,the former stands for three ,latin words3 8,jesus ,humanitatis ,consolator0--,jesus the ,consoler of mankind2 the latter1 8,jesus ,hominum ,salvator0--,jesus the ,saviour of ,men4 ,on some very ancient crosses are found ,i4 ,n4 ,r4 ,i41 8,jesus ,nazarenus1 ,rex ,judorum0--,jesus of ,nazareth1 ,king of the ,jews4 8,yule0 was a name anciently given to ,christmas1 and it was the custom to select a large log to burn on ,christmas ,eve1 for in those days the old-fashioned fireplaces would hold very large logs of wood4 ,the festivities of that night lasted until the log burned out4 ,this log was called the 8,yule log40 ,the ,scandinavians watched the declining rays of the sun from early spring even to ,december1 with great anxiety1 and erected slanting dolmens to detect the first certainty of its approaching return2 and when informed that its face was once more turned towards their habitations1 over which their enemy1 the snow1 had already usurped his authority1 they brought the 8,yule log0 to the fire1 and danced1 and sung1 and shouted1 and drank1 the grand carouse of all the year1 making the frozen air jubilant with their ,christmas carols under the mistletoe4 ,our ,pilgrim ,fathers had suffered so much persecution from the ,church of ,england1 that they abolished all church festivities4 ,their persecutions made them austere in all things4 ,they looked upon church festivals as devices of the evil spirits1 forgetting that ,he who gave us the bright sun1 lovely flowers1 and sparkling streams1 rejoices to see man cheerful as well as good4 ,our ,pilgrim ,fathers suffered much for our good1 and now our noble free country can afford to have many festivals4 ,the celebration of ,christmas is fast winning its way1 even in ,new ,england4 ,the beautiful custom of decorating our homes and our churches yearly increases throughout the land4 ,what can be more appropriate than to celebrate the birthday of our ,saviour with garlands and songs1 and the affectionate interchange of gifts4 ,god gave us his only begotten ,son2 we in humble imitation give gifts to our loved ones4 ,god's deeds seem consistent with this day4 ,he1 whose birth we celebrate1 gave his life for us4 ,can we restrain our hands from relieving1 our hearts from sympathizing with the poor1 the bereaved1 and the distressed8 ,the custom of giving presents at ,christmas originated in ,germany4 ,it was derived from the ancient feast of ,sol4 ,the children of many ,americans1 who remember ,christmas1 hang up their stockings ,christmas ,eve1 thinking 8,santa ,claus0 will come in the night and fill them with gifts4 ,some1 to avoid being roused at too early an hour1 have taken a large bag1 as a receptacle for presents1 and the father or mother of the family in due time distribute the presents4 ,others have had a table spread with their gifts of love1 or place their gifts carefully under the breakfast plates1 or on the chairs at the table4 ,but the ,german custom of ,christmas trees is by far the most desirable4 ,we wish it was universal here4 ,the writer of this assisted in preparing almost the first tree in our portion of ,new ,england1 but since then the ,christmas tree has spread far and wide2 a tree more productive of pleasure and fun was never before planted4 ,we will give some simple directions for the arrangement of the ,christmas tree1 hoping to induce some families1 who have felt a ,christmas tree was too expensive1 to plant it this year4 ,this tree is within the means of the poor as well as the rich1 by the exercise of the united skill of any family4 ,we think all such festivals and family meetings assist in making 8the home0 the dearest spot on earth4 #a4--;,,how ,,to ,,make ,a ,,christmas ,,tree4 ,the first thing to be considered is how to obtain a suitable tree4 ,if you are not near any woods1 and intend to purchase an evergreen from a nursery of trees1 the 8silver fir0 is decidedly the best adapted for that purpose4 ,in the large cities1 trees of all kinds can be easily bought2 they are carried through the streets for sale4 ,if you go to the woods1 the common spruce is the most suitable4 ,the hemlock is the prettiest green1 but its boughs are not sufficiently firm to bear any considerable weight4 ,if a spruce cannot be found1 hemlock can be used by nailing narrow slats of wood across the tree and under the branches1 as a support4 ,paint the slats green1 and they do not show2 in that way candles and presents can be firmly fastened to its branches4 ,if the tree is not perfect in shape1 nail on here and there an extra branch1 until it becomes symmetrical4 ,take a small round tub1 or half of a small cask4 ,place your tree in the centre and brace it firmly1 and fill the cask with sand4 ,cover the cask with green moss2 it is the prettiest green for the purpose4 ,it can be covered with little branches of hemlock if moss cannot be procured1 or even a green floor mat can be placed around it4 ,another simple way to fasten a tree firmly1 is to take a suitable block of wood1 and have a hole made in the centre just to fit the stem of the tree1 and cover the block with moss1 or paint it4 ,then place your tree either in the centre or corner of your room where it is to be1 first spreading a white cloth over the floor1 which will not only protect your carpet1 but add to the brilliancy of your tree when it is lighted4 ,some use a small tree1 and place it in the centre of a table2 the presents too large and heavy for the tree1 are placed upon the table4 ,when your tree is firmly placed in the right position1 fasten on your candles with little tins1 cut in the form of a diamond1 with two very acute angles1 and bent in the centre to form a right angle2 push one point into your tree1 and on the other fasten your candle or taper4 ,the latter is the prettiest1 and neatest to use4 ,buy the colored wax tapers4 ,if you prefer you can cut up candles4 ,tapers or candles can be fastened also to your trees by wires1 or by melting one end of the candle1 and while hot1 fasten it by the melted wax to the branch of the tree4 ,also you can purchase tins prepared to hold the tapers1 made with a sharp point to fasten to the tree1 and one to put in the taper2 that point must be heated before fastening it to the candle4 ,this tin has a hollow rim around it to catch the melted wax4 ,trees can be lighted with gas1 by unscrewing the centre gas chandelier1 and fastening on a gas pipe reaching to the floor1 with branches or arms of different lengths1 according to the size of the tree1 longer at the bottom1 shorter at the top4 ,fasten your tree firmly close to the centre pipe2 the branches of the tree should hide it4 ,the branches of the gas-pipe should be wound with gold or green paper1 and the branches of the tree placed1 if possible1 over them4 ,this makes a brilliant tree1 and is much easier to light1 and does not require to be constantly watched4 ,but wax tapers are more appropriate4 ,when your tree is firmly fastened and the lights all arranged1 hang on your ornaments with wires and ribbons1 commencing with the top of the tree first4 ,we will give a few simple directions for making ornaments1 which may be useful to those who cannot afford to purchase4 ,to form gilded balls1 take nuts1 such as walnuts1 filberts1 and ,english walnuts 7the latter nut can be opened and filled with anything you please1 and then glued together again74 ,fasten a long tack or nail into the end of the walnut to hold it by1 and afterwards to suspend to the tree4 ,wash the nut all over with the white of an egg1 laid on with a feather4 ,then roll it in leaf gold till it is well covered4 ,be careful you do not breathe over the leaf gold1 or it will fly away from you4 ,a cheaper way is to take a sheet of gold paper1 and cut a piece sufficiently large to cover the nut4 ,brush it with paste1 then fasten it round the nut1 rolling it over and over in your hand1 to fill in every crevice4 ,apples covered with gold paper look very tempting2 a smooth-skinned apple1 of medium size1 can be used1 and the gold paper should be cut in sections1 so that it will fit the apple smoothly4 ,pretty little ornamental bags can be made of ,english walnuts4 ,after the shells are well cleaned1 varnish and paint or gild them in stripes1 then bore holes in each half shell at the top and bottom1 and fasten them together with narrow ribbon4 ,another prettier way is to take pieces of colored silk or ribbon1 and fasten together at the side1 then take half of one side of a nut1 and glue the silk firmly all around the inside edge2 hem the top of the silk and run in a string1 or simply take strong saddlers' silk and run all around1 to draw it up4 ,thus is formed a pretty bag1 which can be filled with candy2 lace bags1 filled with candy and parched corn1 are ornamental4 ,take oblong pieces of coarse lace1 run into the meshes bright colored worsted1 then fasten them into a bag firm with the same worsted1 and draw them up at the top with worsted4 ,birds' nests add to the attraction of the tree4 ,take some halves of unboiled egg-shells2 dip them in white of egg 7but first you must have some moss ready71 make a hollow of moss in your hand1 and put the half shell in it4 ,the moss will adhere to the outside4 ,take care that your moss be thick enough to hide the white of the shell4 ,line the inside with down or cotton wool1 and put sugar-plum eggs in it4 ,these nests look charming in the dark foliage of a tree4 ,small flags are a great addition2 we would suggest that flags made to represent the national banner of other nations would be pleasant work for both boys and girls1 illustrations of all of which can be found in any large atlas4 ,for horns of candy1 get some white cartridge paper1 cut squares1 ornament them with pictures1 mottoes1 gold1 silver1 and fancy paper2 shape them into a horn1 and paste them firmly2 cut off the top point and bind the rim with paper or ribbon1 also paste on a loop of ribbon to fasten to the tree1 and fill them with candy4 ,glittering crystals1 made of alum1 are very pretty4 ,to make them1 dissolve alum in hot water until it will hold no more1 then strain it off4 ,then take bonnet wire and form little baskets1 sprays of leaves1 little wreaths1 or make the wreaths of tiny sprigs of spruce1 fir1 or take raisin stems 7a slightly rough surface is necessary71 suspend these by a network of string tied across the top of a deep basket2 the dissolved alum must cover each article entirely2 let them remain undisturbed over night4 ,remove them carefully the next morning1 and you will find them glittering with minute crystals1 resembling diamonds4 ,if powdered turmeric is added to the hot alum solution1 the crystals will be bright yellow4 ,litmus will cause them to be of a bright red4 ,logwood will turn them purple4 ,the more muddy the solution the finer will be the crystals4 ,sprays of mock coral1 also tiny baskets of the same material1 add to the tree's beauty4 ,to make them1 take bright red sealing-wax1 powder it1 and dissolve it in alcohol4 ,then take your twigs1 sprays1 or anything you wish to imitate coral1 and dip them in the above mixture until they are well dyed4 ,baskets made of moss and filled with natural flowers1 add a fresh beauty to the tree4 ,balls made of cake1 and frosted all over1 look like snow balls4 ,pop corn balls make quite a show4 ,bits of cotton wool1 covered with diamond powder1 and scattered over the tree1 imitate snow4 ,take gold paper1 cut it in strips a quarter of an inch wide1 and an inch and a half long4 ,take one of the strips and fasten together with paste1 forming a ring2 then take another strip and pass it through the ring just formed1 and fasten it together with paste2 continue this process until you have made a long chain4 ,a number of these chains1 festooned from branch to branch1 resemble chains of gold4 ,fairies always please children1 and are easily made4 ,purchase some small1 jointed wooden or china dolls1 and different colored tarlatans for dresses1 and form the wings of white tarlatan1 or of white linen banking paper4 ,take butterfly wings for a pattern2 sew on gold and silver spangles on dress and wings1 or paste on tiny stars of gold and silver paper4 ,cut little strips of gold paper1 and roll them up1 as you do paper lamp-lighters1 for the wands4 ,fasten them with thread or wire to the hand of the fairy4 ,the crown of the queen can be made of gold paper1 cut in strips long enough to go round the head1 and cut it in points in front1 and paste it round the head4 ,fasten wire round the waists of the fairies1 leaving one long end to wind around the branches of the trees4 ,thus they look as if they were flying4 ,many pretty things can be made from egg-shells1 such as pitchers1 bowls1 goblets1 and tiny cradles2 ornament them with gold paper and little colored pictures4 ,there are hundreds of little glittering toys1 which can be purchased for a few pennies1 such as brass beads1 little looking-glasses1 glass balls1 gilded toys1 c41 too numerous to mention2 odd bits of tin hung among the branches glitter very prettily4 ,every member of a family preparing a ,christmas tree1 should use his or her wits to contrive little inexpensive ornaments2 even the little ones1 with some instruction1 can make many pretty things1 and it will add tenfold to their pleasure to feel they have assisted in ornamenting their precious tree2 only let them think they can do it1 and most assuredly it will be done4 ,in making presents1 every member of the family should strive to find out the wants and tastes of those to whom they intend to give presents1 thinking only of giving pleasure1 and not of personal gratification of their pride or love of show4 ,the golden rule our blessed ,saviour gave us should be ever uppermost in our minds4 ,love should be the presiding genius of every home festival4 ,god works upon our hearts in many and various ways4 ,often the simplest thing in life may awaken us to a right sense of his goodness and mercy4 ,so in home influences1 if a ,christmas tree every year can add one link to the chain which binds us in love to one another1 should we not be paid for weeks of labor8 ,every child thus early taught thoughtfulness for others1 must feel the good effects through life4 #b4--,,the ,,christmas ,,bran ,,pie4 ,the bran pie is often used in ,england1 in place of the ,christmas tree1 or as an addition to the 8,twelfth ,night0 party4 ,it is within the means of every family1 as its contents can be inexpensive or expensive1 according to the taste and means of the maker4 ,first1 a large wooden bowl should be obtained1 or any large tin pan or dish4 ,this can be covered with white cloth or not1 as the maker pleases2 a wreath of evergreens around the edge is an improvement4 ,the contents of the pie may be sugar hearts1 rings1 kisses1 or any bonbons1 mock rings1 or gold rings1 indeed1 any article which can be easily tied up in a small bundle4 ,it is desirable that there should be many articles in this pie that will cause fun and laughter4 ,blanks1 such as an empty box1 or some trifle rolled up in many papers4 ,a bright piece of silver1 called a lucky piece1 or a half-sixpence1 enclosed in a nut-shell1 and like all the rest of the articles1 tied up in paper1 adds to the sport4 ,all these bundles should be placed in the large bowl or dish and covered with bran4 ,a large spoon can be laid on the top of the pie4 ,this pie should be placed on the table1 after a ,christmas dinner or supper1 the guests or family all remaining in their seats around the table4 ,if there are many little ones1 it can be arranged beforehand1 and have a servant1 or some member of the family1 place the pie at the front door1 and ring the bell furiously and blow a trumpet2 also place a paper on the top of the pie1 on which is written1 8,a present from ,santa ,claus40 ,as soon as the bell is rung1 the ringer must disappear at once1 as children are wide awake at ,christmas4 ,we had a bran pie brought in that way2 the children rushed to the door1 and in their eagerness to see ,santa ,claus1 ran past the pie some distance1 looking eagerly on all sides2 when they returned1 one little boy declared he saw him whisking round the corner of the street4 ,when the pie is on the table1 everybody is invited to partake4 ,each in turn takes a spoonful2 whatever bundle the spoon touches is theirs2 the bundle must be opened at once and exhibited before the next person dips4 ,the very inappropriateness of some of the gifts helps to create laughter1 and there is a good deal of amusement in the after exchanging1 or refusing to exchange1 when the pie is all distributed4 #c4--,,twelfth ,,night4 ,in ,england their festivities continue twelve days4 ,twelfth ,night is sometimes called 8,old ,christmas10 as it was the day celebrated as ,christmas before the almanac was changed4 ,the change was made by ,pope ,gregory ,,xiii41 during the year #ageb4 ,therefore ,twelfth ,night has its own peculiar festivities4 ,in some portions of ,england they have a large gathering of friends4 ,during the evening two dishes of little frosted cakes are passed round1 one for the gentlemen and one for the ladies4 ,in each there is one cake with a ring1 and one with a broken sixpence4 ,the two who get the ring will be married before the year is out4 ,the broken sixpence indicates an old bachelor or an old maid2 but if the two agree to join their broken sixpence1 there is a chance for them4 ,so says the old tradition4 ,a lady1 whose early youth was spent in ,england1 says where she lived ,twelfth ,night was celebrated especially by the children4 ,at their social parties they selected a king and queen1 who regulated the festivities of the evening4 ,sometimes the lady of the house prepared cards1 with various figures written or drawn upon them1 among them a king and queen4 ,each child drew a card on entering1 which designated the character he or she was to represent4 ,of course the lady managed to slip the cards of king and queen into the hands of those best able to preside4 ,in one of our small cities1 where there are several families who unite in keeping ,twelfth ,night every year1 they have but one ring1 and whoever gets it must give the party the next year4 #d4--,,the ,,christmas ,,bag4 ,make a large bag of thin white paper or silver paper1 fill it with sugar plums1 and tie a string around the top1 to keep it fast4 ,then suspend it from the ceiling1 or from a large door frame1 and provide a long1 light stick4 ,each little child is blindfolded in turn1 and the stick put into his or her hand4 ,she is then led within reach of the bag1 and told to strike it4 ,if she succeeds in her aim and tears a hole in it1 the sugar plums are scattered on the floor1 and the little ones scramble for them2 but it is by no means easy to strike a suspended object blindfolded2 generally many attempts are made unsuccessfully4 ,each child is allowed three trials4 ,the maker of the bag can put in it tiny books1 pincushions1 or any little toy1 with the sugar plums4 ,this bag would add to a child's party2 it is often used at birthday parties4 ,an older person should always superintend1 for some children would be greedy or rude4 ,,amusements ,,for ,,christmas ,,holidays4 ,,adapted ,,to ,,all ,,ages4 ,shakespeare reading clubs1 private theatricals1 charades1 and tableaux are deservedly the popular home amusements of the present day4 ,they certainly strengthen the lungs and memory1 and improve the intellectual tastes4 ,these amusements are peculiarly adapted to enliven long winter evenings4 ,as some of our young friends may not understand the modus operandi of these amusements1 we will try and enlighten them4 #a4--,,shakespeare ,,reading ,,clubs4 ,some clubs read ,shakespeare alone4 ,it is most certainly a noble study1 and one we can never weary of4 ,few can hope ever to excel in delineating ,shakespeare4 ,therefore it is well1 if we meet together for social enjoyment as well as improvement1 to have a variety of plays1 such as ,sheridan ,knowles' plays4 ,also1 it is an admirable way of learning to converse easily in ,german and ,french to read plays in the different languages4 ,in reading these plays1 the parts1 in the beginning1 should be given to different members4 ,the librettos of many excellent plays can be bought for a very small sum1 such as 8,ion10 8,hunchback10 8,william ,tell10 8,love's ,sacrifice10 and many other excellent old plays4 ,these small books are less cumbersome to carry around4 ,it is well before the club meets to read any play1 to have each person read over his or her part1 so as to be able to comprehend the character4 ,therefore the play to be read at each reading should be given out at the close of every meeting1 and the parts selected1 each member having an equal share4 ,such clubs are far more agreeable to its members1 and less likely to cause unpleasant rivalries1 than clubs for private theatricals1 as private actors are often jealous1 for human nature1 alas6 is weak4 ,we have known of some very successful clubs1 where discord and jealousy never appeared1 and where harmony reigned4 ,we will give the manner of proceeding adopted by one of them1 as it may assist in the formation of others4 ,the club was started by some young ladies1 with a view of making home and winter evenings agreeable to their brothers4 ,a committee was chosen to form a code of laws4 ,each one was to subscribe a small sum to purchase the librettos of their plays4 ,the following rules were signed by all the members3-- #a4 ,each member of the club must take his or her turn in choosing a play1 and in giving out the rle of characters4 #b4 ,every member must take the characters given him1 and do his best1 unless he can exchange parts with some other member1 with the consent of the one who selected the play4 #c4 ,the one who selects the play has a right to the best character4 #d4 ,the club shall meet once a week at the houses of members1 in alphabetical rotation4 #e4 ,whenever any member is unable to take his part and cannot attend the meeting1 he must provide some one to take his character4 #f4 ,no new member can be admitted without the vote of the majority4 #g4 ,each member must study his or her part well1 before meeting with the club4 ,if any two1 or several1 should have difficult parts together1 they must meet privately and practise them4 ,at first they merely read the plays2 but soon they partially acted them1 and found them increased in enterest thereby4 ,they always had their little librettos by them4 ,those who had ready memories rarely referred to them1 or a mere glance would be sufficient4 ,finally they dressed in character1 and admitted an audience composed of their relatives4 ,there is not necessarily anything awkward in having the books in hand4 ,such little pamphlets can be easily rolled up1 and will scarcely be noticed4 ,under these rules they became familiar with the best plays1 without wearying of them1 and each member had an opportunity of consulting his own taste4 ,before the winter closed the members of this club found they could so easily learn their parts1 that they rarely were obliged to refer to their librettos4 ,constant practice improved their memories4 ,often those whose parts were associated together1 would meet for private practice4 #b4--,,private ,,theatricals4 ,private theatricals amuse a large circle of friends1 and any club willing to undertake the presentation of plays deserve the thanks of their audience4 ,even a simple farce requires much labor and frequent rehearsals to be well acted1 and one soon wearies of the constant repetition of even witty sayings4 ,the most trivial character must be carefully studied1 for one bad actor often destroys the effect of the whole play4 ,then the footlights1 stage1 c41 must be prepared4 ,a few directions1 with a list of easy farces1 may be of service4 ,all who live in cities can easily hire scenery1 dresses1 c41 but for the benefit of towns and villages1 we will give a short account of how such things can be managed4 ,some lady can almost always be found who will give the use of her house4 ,a house should be selected which has two parlors1 connected by large folding doors or an arch2 one parlor being for the audience1 and the other for the stage4 ,all the furniture and carpets should be taken from the latter room4 ,a rough staging should be built 7boards can be easily hired71 and by boring a hole in the floor1 a gas pipe can be run up along the front of the staging1 with a sufficient number of burners4 ,tin shades painted green 7as they render the light softer1 and more agreeable to the eye71 are an addition1 for they keep the light from the audience1 and throw it directly on the actors4 ,a large floor cloth can be nailed on the stage for a carpet4 ,a drop curtain1 so arranged as to be rolled up quickly and easily1 by means of a cord pulley at one side of the stage1 where the prompter sits1 just out of sight of the audience1 is necessary4 ,scenery for the sides and back parts of the stage can be roughly painted on cloth2 it answers every purpose of canvas1 by being strained when wet1 over light wooden frames 7made so as to be easily moved72 when dry1 it presents a smooth1 hard surface4 ,each member should provide his or her own dress4 ,to give the required expressions to the faces1 a box of good water colors1 some fine chalk powder1 camel's hair pencils1 and rouge saucers are wanted4 ,to make frowns1 scowls1 or comical expressions1 such as a broad grin1 smirk1 or simper1 stand before a mirror and assume the desired expression2 then trace the wrinkles produced with a fine brush of the brown tint2 this will fix the required expression on your face4 ,rouge is best applied with the finger4 ,burnt cork is excellent for darkening eyebrows and making moustaches1 also for representing leanness1 which will be done by applying a faint tint just under the eyes1 on the sides of the cheeks1 and under the lower lip4 ,a strong mark running from the corner of the nose down towards the corner of the mouth on each side marks age or emaciation4 ,a few directions may be of use in regard to the preparation of theatrical dresses4 ,powdered wigs can be made of tow1 ravelled yarn1 or gray-colored horse hair2 beards and moustache of the same1 or a piece of buffalo skin4 ,ermine can be made of cotton flannel1 with tags of lion-skin cloth sewed on1 or black tags painted4 ,pelisse wadding is sometimes used4 ,crowns and sceptres are easily made of pasteboard and gold paper4 ,velvet talma cloaks1 capes1 or even the loose velvet sack1 can be converted into cavalier cloaks 7the armholes in the sack must be fastened up on the inside7 by fastening them gracefully over one shoulder4 ,then put on a large old-fashioned lace collar1 ruffles around the hand1 a ,kossuth hat1 looped up on one side with a paste pin or buckle1 fastening a white or black plume 7taken from some lady's bonnet71 stockings drawn over the pantaloons and fastened at the knees with bows and buckles2 and1 lo6 with but little trouble1 you have a fine cavalier of the olden times4 ,with old finery and little ingenuity1 a theatrical wardrobe can be quickly made1 if all are willing to do their part1 but the larger share of the work is generally done by a few4 ,rocks can be made by throwing plain gray blanket shawls over ottomans1 tables1 c4 ,rain may be imitated by dropping peas in a tin pan2 thunder1 by rattling sheet iron2 lightning by means of a tin tube1 larger at one end than the other1 and filled with powdered resin4 ,the smaller end of the tube should be open1 the other end so managed that the resin may sift through4 ,shake the tube over a lamp1 or blow the resin through a plain tube into the flame of a lamp1 and you will have a good imitation of lightning4 ,dissolve crystals of nitrate of copper in spirits of wine1 light the solution and it will burn with a beautiful emerald green flame4 ,pieces of sponge1 soaked in this spirit1 lighted and suspended by fine wires over the stage of theatres1 produce the lambent green flames now so common in incantation scenes4 ,strips of flannel saturated with it1 and wrapped around pieces of copper1 will form the swords and fire-forks brandished by the demons in such scenes4 ,devices like the above are very simple1 and add much to the general effect4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the publishers of this book have printed a large number of small plays1 adapted for private theatricals1 called 8,the ,amateur ,drama40 ,we will mention a few of them that are good2 the old comedies and farces are well known to all4 ,,dramas ,,in ,,two ,,acts4 ,sylvia's ,soldier1 #c male1 #b female characters4 ,once on a ,time1 #d #b ,down by the ,sea1 #f #c ,bread on the ,waters1 #e #c ,the ,last ,loaf1 #e #c ,,dramas ,,in ,,one ,,act4 ,stand by the ,flag1 #e male characters4 ,the ,tempter1 #c #a female character4 ,,farces4--,,male ,,and ,,female ,,characters4 ,we're all ,teetotallers1 #d male1 #b female characters4 ,a ,drop too ,much1 #d #b ,thirty ,minutes for ,refreshments1 #d #c ,a ,little more ,cider1 #e #c ,,farces4--,,female ,,characters ,,only4 ,the greatest ,plague in ,life1 #h characters4 ,no ,cure no ,pay1 #g ,the ,grecian ,bend1 #g ,,allegories4--,,arranged ,,for ,,music ,,and ,,tableaux4 ,lightheart's ,pilgrimage1 #h female characters4 ,the ,war of the ,roses1 #h ,the ,sculptor's ,triumph1 #a male1 #d female characters4 #c4--;,,charades4 ,there is no game that can afford so much amusement to a circle of friends as that of acting charades4 ,it affords a scope for the exercise of both wit and ingenuity4 ,a word must be chosen1 in which the syllables may be rendered into some kind of a lively performance1 and the whole word must be capable of similar representation4 ,then the plan of action must be agreed upon4 ,old-fashioned garments1 gay shawls1 scarfs1 old coats1 hats1 aprons1 gowns1 c41 must be looked up for the occasion1 and speedily converted into various and grotesque costumes1 suited to the representation to be made4 ,by exercising a little ingenuity1 very fine charades can be acted 8impromptu40 ,speed1 in all preparations1 is quite necessary to success1 as an audience is always impatient4 ,if it is determined to have charades at a party1 the lady of the house should arrange dresses1 plan of action1 and subjects1 beforehand4 ,she can generally tell who can assist her best4 ,if all the arrangements can be made without the knowledge of her guests1 the effect will be greatly increased4 ,this is also an improving game for a family of children4 ,write the plot and a simple dialogue1 and let them learn it2 it will be a good exercise for the memory1 and teach them ease of manner2 but let them only act before a home circle4 ,a talented friend of ours has a very pleasant way of acting charades in her own family circle1 which is well adapted for large family circles1 such as assemble together on ,thanksgiving1 and during ,christmas holidays4 ,this lady unites her family with a few other pleasant friends4 ,for a good charade party1 twelve or more persons are desirable1 and two rooms1 connecting by sliding or folding doors1 are the most convenient1 though two connecting by only a single door will do1 if the party is not a large one4 ,first1 two persons should be chosen managers2 then the managers must choose sides1 so that the company will be about equally divided4 ,the sides then take separate rooms1 to become1 alternately1 actors and audience2 the managers draw lots to see which side shall act first4 ,those that are to begin1 first choose a word1 then proceed to represent it4 ,a common way is to divide the word into syllables1 and present one at each scene1 then1 after having gone through the word1 if the other side cannot guess it1 a scene is given to represent the whole word4 ,when all is ready for a scene1 the door is thrown open for the others to look in and guess it4 ,frequently a whole word is given at once in one scene4 ,the manager must always announce whether one syllable or more is given4 ,after giving the audience time to guess it or give it up1 the parties change rooms1 and the other side must act2 they will1 of course1 have their word selected and all arrangements made1 as they had sufficient time while waiting for the others4 ,in acting the word1 each party must try to mystify the other1 yet the syllable must be well represented2 but there can be by-play to divert the audience from the real word4 ,the party that guesses the whole word the soonest1 are considered the conquering party4 ,care must be taken not to let the actors know if the audience guess the word before it is fully acted4 ,sometimes in the place of words1 proverbs are acted4 ,each word is acted in turn1 or two words are acted in one scene2 if the latter1 before the scene is acted1 some one of the actors can inform the audience that they will act two words of the proverb4 ,a few directions for acting certain words and proverbs1 and a short list of words and proverbs easy to be acted1 may be an assistance to our youthful readers4 ,if a word or syllable can be represented by action1 it should be seldom spoken2 but in some cases syllables must be spoken to give an idea of the word4 ,some prefer acting charades entirely in pantomime4 #d4--;,,con-,,ju-,,gate4 ,con4 ,arrange a school1 one of the actors dressing as a country schoolmaster2 let the scholars all have books in their hands1 conning their lessons in loud whispers4 ,ju4 ,the same school can be retained4 ,one of the actors1 dressed as a ,german ,jew pedler1 can come to the school to sell pens1 pencils1 paper1 chalk1 c4 ,he can talk in a broken ,jewish manner4 ,the ,jew should be prominent in this scene4 ,gate4 ,this syllable1 instead of the common representation of a gate1 made with a small clothes-frame1 c41 can be represented by having the whole company of actors dress in odd garments1 and walk about the room in couples1 each with a different gait1 hobbling1 striding1 pompous1 c4 ,conjugate4 ,let the same schoolmaster assemble his unruly school1 and give out verbs to be conjugated2 the scholars1 to make the scene ridiculous1 should mix up languages and conjugations in a medley4 #e4--;,,dumb-,,found4 ,dumb4 ,let a certain number of the actors be seated in a row1 when the door opens1 or the curtain is drawn aside2 let them remain perfectly silent for two moments1 then let them silently rise and walk out of the room4 ,or as they sit silent1 some actor can come in and ask questions to each1 receiving only a vacant stare in answer2 he then can rush out of the room1 calling them a stupid set2 it would be too plain to call them dumb4 ,found4 ,this can be made very amusing by arranging a court scene1 judge1 jury1 and lawyers1 and a prisoner's box1 in which an actor1 dressed as a servant-girl1 can be seated as the criminal accused of stealing a pocket-book4 ,witnesses can be examined4 ,after the court has gone over the case1 and the lawyers make as much sport as possible in their examination1 a boy1 dressed as a ragged ,irish boy1 should rush in1 pocket-book in hand1 calling on the judge to hear him4 ,after ordering him to be turned out1 and much talk being made about turning him out1 at last1 in a broken ,irish voice1 he must scream out1 8,plaase yer honor1 it's me that found it10 holding aloft the pocket-book4 ,the judge must request to see the pocket-book4 7,a young boy once acting this part1 caused much laughter1 by exclaiming1 8,och1 and indade is the court honest807 ,the judge having examined the pocket-book1 declares the girl innocent1 and dismisses the court4 ,dumbfound4 ,the room should be partially darkened1 and some of the actors seated around the room talking as they please4 ,one of the actors can be dressed as a ghost4 ,a giant ghost acted by dressing up an umbrella1 or a broom1 arranging it with long white drapery of sheets1 and the person carrying it can raise the dressed-up umbrella or broom as they enter the room4 ,the ghost can glide slowly around the room2 its occupants should exhibit silent horror1 either by crouching down1 contortions of the face1 or in any way possible1 but not a sound should be uttered4 #f4--,,so-,,ro-,,sis4 ,so4 ,one of the actors should be dressed as a schoolmistress2 some children can be seated by her with patchwork in their hands4 ,the mistress can teach them sewing1 while in another part of the room an actor must hold some papers of seeds1 and pretend to be sewing the seeds in a box or pot of earth4 ,ro4 ,place the actors all in a row2 let them stand gazing at the audience a moment1 then all at the same time make a low bow to the audience1 and that scene is over4 ,sis4 ,have a school1 and the master should call 8sis0 to come and recite2 any little girl can take the part of 8sis10 or some boy can complain of his 8sis0 to the teacher4 ,sorosis4 ,can be made very amusing by representing an assembly of strong-minded women4 ,the gentlemen actors can dress in outlandish dresses1 and act the part of women4 ,they can choose a president1 and other officers1 c4 #g4--,,lamentable4 ,,french ,,charade4 8,l'amont0 can be acted well in pantomime by representing an old deaf man1 and his young wife2 the old man with spectacles on nose1 sitting in a large chair1 reading the newspaper1 his young wife standing behind the chair4 ,a low tap is heard at the door4 ,she starts and listens2 the door opens slyly and discovers a young man4 ,she starts with delight1 but points to the old man1 motioning the young man to go4 ,he makes gestures of despair2 then appears to have a sudden thought1 bows1 and retires4 ,soon a loud knock is heard2 she goes to the door1 and returns with a letter1 giving it to the old man2 he reads1 shakes his head1 and hands it to her2 she looks at it1 runs for his hat and coat1 and motions him to go4 ,he leaves at one door1 while ,l',aman enters at another4 ,then they act a lover-like scene1 and the curtain drops4 ,table4 ,she again appears with sleeves rolled up1 apron on1 rolling-pin in hand1 making cakes1 the young lover standing by1 and now and then eating one of the cakes4 ,they hear a heavy step1 and the lover runs for a hiding-place4 ,at last he springs under the table1 and she pulls a table cloth down around it1 and goes on rolling cakes4 ,in comes the old man1 hobbling along4 ,he looks around and suspects something1 and begins a strict search4 ,thus ends that scene4 ,lamentable4 ,the same actors appear1 but the table is turned over1 and1 behold6 the old man has seized the young lover1 and is brandishing aloft a heavy cane1 while the young wife appears1 weeping bitterly4 99 99 99 99 99 ,the following words are easy to be acted3-- ,back-bite4 ,com-fort4 ,in-fan-tile4 ,pa-pa-cy4 ,fare-well4 ,car-pet4 ,bond-age4 ,ann-ounce4 ,sin-cere4 ,no-bil-i-ty4 ,pen-i-tent4 ,bride-well4 ,brace-let4 ,in-firm4 ,spec-ta-cles4 ,per-mu-ta-tion4 ,rail-way4 ,trans-mute4 #h4--,,proverbs4 ,,safe ,,bind1 ,,safe ,,find4 ,safe4 ,an actor takes the part of a distracted mother1 rushes around the room exclaiming1 8,my child is lost60 8,he must be drowned60 c4 ,soon one of the actors can rush in with a child1 exclaiming1 8,madam1 your child is safe1 but ,i found him in a little boat1 floating out to sea20 other actors can rush in1 all talking at once1 some scolding the child1 others rejoicing he is safe4 ,bind4 ,the one acting the part of mother can be seated with her work in her hands1 and in her basket some rolls of old cotton4 ,three children can come in crying1 one with a cut head 7take some red paint1 and make a splash on the forehead to represent blood71 exclaiming1 8,o1 dear1 ,i'm killed1 ,i know40 ,the other1 limping and crying1 8,o1 my foot is broken6 ,o1 dear6 ,o1 dear60 ,the other complaining of her hand1 all talking at once4 ,the mother must order them to talk one at a time1 and she will bind up their wounds4 ,then she can take her rolls of cotton and bind up the injured parts4 ,safe4 ,the mother and children can be seated talking1 when a knock comes at the door4 ,one child opens the door and admits a pedler2 after showing some trifles1 he declares he has some wonderful money safes1 and exhibits some boxes1 and expatiates on the virtues of his safes4 ,the mother can purchase one for each child4 ,find4 ,the same mother can be seated as usual1 when the children must come running in1 telling that one of their number has lost his safe4 ,they all hunt for it1 and look everywhere to find it1 to no purpose4 ,safe bind1 safe find4 ,the scene opens with a little girl tied into a chair1 reading a book4 ,the mother must come in arrayed for the street4 ,on entering1 she must exclaim1 8,i am thankful ,i have at last found a way to keep my child from being lost40 ,then she must turn to the audience1 and ask them if they can tell her the proverb4 ,if they cannot guess1 she must ask if she shall tell them4 ,sometimes the audience require time to talk it over before they are willing to own they cannot guess it4 99 99 99 99 99 ,one example will sufficiently illustrate the manner proverbs are acted4 ,we will now give a list of some proverbs adapted for action4 ,ill weeds grow apace4 ,little pitchers have large ears4 ,fine feathers make fine birds4 ,union is strength4 ,time unveils truth4 ,black cats have black kittens4 ,necessity is the mother of invention4 ,all is not gold that glitters4 ,slow and sure4 #i4--,,tableaux ,,vivants4 ,tableaux vivants1 as commonly represented1 are so well understood that no directions are necessary2 but some of our readers may not have heard of the illustration of poems1 c41 by a series of living pictures4 ,this is far more interesting than simply to personify some one picture4 ,still another way is to represent the different verses and scenes in a song in pantomime1 while at the same time some one who is a good musician sings the verses of the song1 as they are represented4 ,for instance1 8,the ,mistletoe ,bough20 first represent a room decorated with green1 a company assembled1 gayly dressed and dancing1 while a lady or gentleman behind the scene sings the verse represented in distinct tones1 and so on through the whole song2 the last scene1 representing children in a lumber-room opening an old chest1 and exposing a skeleton1 old flowers1 c4 8,auld ,robin ,grey10 8,the ,three ,fishers10 8,o1 they marched through the ,town10 8,she wore a wreath of ,roses10 8,the ,minstrel's ,return from the ,war10 are all excellent ballads to represent4 #aj4--,,tableaux ,,of ,,statuary4 ,this is a new form of tableaux1 and if well done1 exceedingly beautiful4 ,to prepare and arrange groups of statuary requires artistic skill1 patience1 and steady nerves2 the two last qualities are necessary for those acting as statues4 ,a lady who excels in preparing groups of statues1 as we can testify1 has kindly permitted us to give to the public her manner of preparing them4 ,first1 some effective groups of statuary must be selected1 and carefully examined4 ,then those persons who are willing to gratify their friends by acting as statues1 can be arranged in the different groups according to their fitness2 those acting as statues1 require marked features1 and in most groups fine figures to build upon1 as drapery conceals minor faults4 ,all that can be prepared before the evening1 are the head gear and the articles for drapery4 ,a cap must be made of white linen or cotton1 closely fitting the head4 ,take candle-wicking1 and knit it on common sized ivory needles1 wet it in hot water1 and iron it dry4 ,then ravel it out1 and cut it into the desirable lengths1 and fasten it to the cap like a wig4 ,when placed on the head1 this candle-wicking can be arranged according to the statue to be represented1 and it will resemble the hair carved in marble4 ,if expense is not to be considered1 the drapery should be made of cotton flannel1 as it hangs heavier1 and is more easily arranged than sheets1 which are generally used to save expense4 ,from three to four sheets are often required for the drapery of one person1 as it is necessary to hang in such heavy folds to look like marble4 ,one is usually doubled up and tied around the waist1 the others folded1 tied1 and pinned1 to resemble the drapery of the statue represented2 rules are impossible to give1 as the arrangement can only be made by an ingenious as well as an artistic person4 ,now comes the most disagreeable part1 that of painting all exposed parts1 such as neck1 face1 hands or feet1 to resemble marble4 ,first1 common whiting must be mixed smoothly in water1 the consistency of milk4 ,this is put on with a shaving brush1 and every part wholly covered with this preparation2 let that nearly dry1 then rub it in with the hand1 then rub in lily white1 to give the flesh1 besides the whiteness of marble1 the soft look of polished marble4 ,the lips are finished at the last moment4 ,old white stocking legs drawn over the arms will save the trouble of painting them4 ,then the statues are ready to be grouped for exhibition4 ,any person who is nervous1 restless1 and easily inclined to laugh1 cannot act as a statue4 ,it is not possible to realize the beauty of such a group of living statuary1 when well done1 unless it has been once seen4 ,we advise those attempting to get up exhibitions for the benefit of some charitable object1 to try a few groups of living statuary2 it is very effective to an audience4 #aa4--,,lights ,,and ,,shades4 ,if you wish to throw the background of a tableau into shadow1 place screens between the lights at the sides of the stage and that part of the picture you wish to have dark2 vice versa with the foreground4 ,particular points or characters may be more brilliantly lighted than others1 by placing at the side of the stage a strong light within a large box1 open at one side1 and lined with bright tin reflectors4 ,lights of different colors can be thrown successively on a picture1 and made to blend one with another1 by placing the various colored fires in boxes three feet square1 one at one side1 and lined with reflectors4 ,those arranged at the sides of the stage on pivots1 can be turned on1 one after another1 so as to throw their light on the stage4 ,before one light has entirely vanished from the scene1 a different color should gradually take its place4 ,,ventriloquism ,,made ,,easy4 ,ventriloquism we always supposed1 like many other arts1 depended to a certain extent on natural talent1 or was a peculiar gift4 ,professional ventriloquists favor the idea that it is a natural gift1 in order to enhance their profits4 ,but boys of the present age are not so ready to believe in marvellous gifts1 and may have persevered in trying to imitate famous ventriloquists1 and to try was to succeed4 ,a friend of ours once met a boy only ten or eleven years old1 who was an excellent ventriloquist1 so far as the power of throwing the voice into a closet or adjoining room goes4 ,on being questioned if he could explain the power he had1 the boy said he had heard ,harrington the ventriloquist some time previous1 and having a desire to possess the same acquirement1 he passed in practice in a garret all the spare time he could get for many days1 and at the end of that time was fairly startled himself at hearing a voice come distinctly from an old chest of drawers4 ,the persevering little fellow had found out for himself the true theory4 ,we will give our young friends some plain and simple rules and directions how to acquire the power of ventriloquism1 which we have obtained from a reliable ,english work2 many persons following these rules have obtained proficiency in this art1 according as they devoted time and attention to the subject4 ,the word ventriloquism is derived from venter1 the belly1 and loquor1 ,i speak2 literally signifying1 belly-speaking4 #a4--,,what ,,is ,,ventriloquism4 ,ventriloquism may be divided into two sections1 or general heads1 the first of which may be appropriately designated as ,polyphonism1 consists of the simple imitation of the voices of human creatures1 of animals1 of musical instruments1 and sounds and noises of every description1 in which no illusion is intended1 but where1 on the contrary1 the imitation is avowedly executed by the mimic1 among which we may classify sawing1 planing1 door-creaking1 sounds of musical instruments1 and other similar imitations4 ,secondly1 we have ventriloquism proper1 which consists in the imitation of such voices1 sounds1 and noises1 not as originally in him1 but in some other appropriate source1 at a given or varying distance1 in any1 or even in several directions1 either singly or together1 a process exciting both wonder and amusement1 and which may be accomplished by thousands who have hitherto viewed the ventriloquist as invested with a power wholly denied by nature to themselves4 ,polyphony is very common1 for there is scarcely a public school which does not possess at least one boy capable of imitating the mewing of a cat1 the barking of a dog1 or the squeaking voice of an old woman4 ,it is very seldom that even a blundering attempt at ventriloquism is heard1 except from a public platform1 simply from the want of knowledge of how to proceed4 ,the art does not depend on a particular structure or organization of these parts1 but may be acquired by almost any one ardently desirous of attaining it1 and determined to persevere in repeated trials4 ,if a man1 though in the same room with another1 can1 by any peculiar modifications of the organs of speech1 produce a sound1 which1 in faintness1 tone1 body1 and every other sensible quality1 perfectly resembles a sound delivered from the roof of an opposite house1 the ear will naturally1 without examination1 refer it to that situation and distance2 the sound which he hears being only a sign1 which from infancy he has been accustomed by experience to associate with the idea of a person speaking from the house-top4 ,a deception of this kind is practised with success on the organ and other musical instruments4 ,the ,english ,cyclopdia says 8the essence of ventriloquy consists in creating illusions as to the distance and direction whence a sound has travelled40 ,how these sounds are produced1 we will now show4 #b4--,,the ,,theory ,,of ,,ventriloquism4 ,many physiologists aver that ventriloquism is produced by speaking during the inspiration of air4 ,it is quite possible to articulate under these circumstances1 and the plan may be occasionally adopted2 but the practical experience of many performers prove that the general current of utterance is1 as in ordinary speech1 during expiration of the breath4 ,some think ventriloquism comprises a management of the echoes2 but echo only repeats what has been already spoken4 ,baron ,mingon1 a famous ventriloquist1 had an automaton doll with which he could apparently converse4 ,he thus describes his modus operandi3 8,i press my tongue against the teeth1 and thus circumscribe a cavity between my left cheek and teeth1 in which the voice is produced by the air held in reserve in the pharynx4 ,the sounds thus receive a hollow and muffled tone1 which causes them to appear to come from a distance40 ,the ,baron says1 8,it is essential to have the breath well under control1 and not to respire more than can be avoided40 ,ventriloquists often experience fatigue in the chest1 and have attributed it to the slow expiration of the breath4 ,some are often compelled to cough during the progress of exercitation4 ,to attain an exact and positive knowledge of the modifications of voice specified as ventriloquism1 it is important to be familiar with the distinctions of the sounds uttered by the mouth2 and to ascertain how the organs act in producing those vocal modifications1 it is necessary to know how the breath is vocalized in all its distinctions of pitch1 loudness1 and quality1 by the ordinary actions of the vocal organs4 ,in ordinary language we speak of noise1 of common sound1 and of musical sounds4 ,a quill striking a piece of wood causes a noise1 but striking successively against the teeth of a wheel1 or of a comb1 a continued sound1 and if the teeth of the wheel are at equal distances1 and the velocity of the rotation is constant1 a musical sound4 ,phonation1 or the production of voice1 is a result of actions taking place under two distinct classes of laws1 namely3 the ordinary mechanical laws of acoustics1 and the physiological laws of muscular movement4 ,the adjustment of the vocal mechanism to be brought into operation by the current of air1 is made by actions1 under the latter laws2 and phonation is the result of the reaction of the mechanism on the current of air by mechanical movements under the former laws4 ,now the pitch of the voice essentially depends on the tension of the vocal ligaments2 the loudness on the extent of the excursion of these ligaments in their vibrations2 the duration on the continuance of the vocalizing causes2 the equality on the organization of the larynx1 and also on the form and size of the vocal tube4 ,the form and size of this tube can be altered in various ways4 ,for instance1 by dilating or contracting the mouth2 by contracting the communication between the pharynx and mouth1 so as to constitute them distinct chambers1 or by dilating the opening so as to throw them into one1 which is chiefly attained by movements of the soft palate1 and by altering the form of the mouth's cavity1 which is effected by varying the position of the tongue4 ,each of these modifications of the vocal tube conveys a peculiarity of quality to the voice1 all1 however1 being local or laryngeal sounds4 ,moreover1 sounds can be produced in the vocal tube1 apart from the larynx4 ,these1 strictly speaking1 are not vocal sounds1 though some of them may be of a definite and uniform pitch1 while others are mere noises1 as rattling1 whispering1 gurgling1 whistling1 snoring1 and the like4 ,now1 as everything audible comes under the classes of noise1 sound1 or musical sound1 and as each variety originates in the vocal apparatus of man1 it is obvious that an ordinary vocal apparatus is all that is required for the achievement of the feats of ventriloquy4 ,a person in a house cannot judge by the noise of an approaching carriage1 with any certainty1 whether it is coming from the right or left4 ,thus it is in many other sounds4 ,but we judge the direction sound has travelled from its source on reaching the ear4 ,the ventriloquist indicates1 either directly or indirectly1 the direction from which he wishes his audience to believe the sound is coming4 ,thus he directly indicates it by words1 such as1 8,are you up there80 8,he is up the chimney10 8,he is in the cellar10 8,are you down there80 c4 ,he indirectly indicates it by some suggestive circumstance1 as an action or gesture1 which is so skilfully unobtrusive and natural as to effect its object without being discovered4 ,thus1 when the ventriloquist looks or listens in any direction1 or even simply turns towards any point1 as if he expected sound to come thence1 the attention of an audience is by that means instantly directed to the same place4 ,thus1 before a sound is produced1 the audience expect it to come in the suggested direction1 and the ventriloquist has merely by his adjustment of vocal loudness1 to indicate the necessary distance1 when a misjudgment of the audience will complete the illusion which he has begun4 ,the effect which is produced on sound by its travelling from a distance1 is observed to be1-- #a4 ,that its loudness is reduced in proportion to its distance4 #b4 ,that its pitch remains unaltered4 #c4 ,that its quality or tone is somewhat altered4 #d4 ,that its duration remains unaltered4 #e4 ,that the human speech is somewhat obscured1 chiefly in the consonant sounds4 ,it must be remembered that the ventriloquist makes the sound1 not as it is heard at its source1 but as it is heard after travelling from a distance4 ,too much attention cannot be bestowed on the study of sound as it falls on the ear1 and an endeavor to imitate it as it is heard1 for the secret of the art is1 that as perspective is to the eye1 so is ventriloquism to the ear4 ,when we look at a painting of a landscape1 some of the objects appear at a distance1 but we know that it is only the skill of the artist which has made it appear as the eye has seen it in reality4 ,in exactly the same manner a ventriloquist acts upon and deceives the ear1 by producing sounds as they are heard from any known distances4 ,we have given the acoustical theory of the effect on the auric nerve1 and the means are the organs of respiration and sound with the adjoining muscles4 ,the organs and muscles used are the diaphragm1 the lungs1 the trachea1 the larynx1 the pharynx1 and the mouth4 #c4--,,practical ,,rules ,,and ,,illustrations4 ,the first voice a student of ventriloquism will strive to acquire is what is called 8,the voice in the closet40 ,to acquire this voice1 which we so name for distinction's sake1 speak any word or sentence in your own natural tones2 then open the mouth1 and fix the jaws fast1 as though you were trying to hinder any one from opening them farther1 or shutting them2 draw the tongue back in a ball2 speak the same words1 and the sound1 instead of being formed in the mouth1 will be formed in the pharynx4 ,great attention must be paid to holding the jaws rigid4 ,the sound will then be found to imitate a voice heard from the other side of a door when it is closed1 or under a floor1 or through a wall4 ,to ventriloquize with this voice1 let the operator stand with his back to the audience1 against a door4 ,give a gentle tap at the door1 and call aloud in the natural voice1 inquiring1 8,who is there80 ,this will have the effect of drawing the attention of the audience to a person supposed to be outside4 ,then fix the jaw as described1 and utter in the 8closet voice0 any words you please1 such as1 8,i want to come in40 ,ask questions in the natural voice1 and answer in the other4 ,when you have done this1 open the door a little1 and hold a conversation with the imaginary person4 ,as the door is now open1 it is obvious that the voice must be altered1 for a voice will not sound to the ear when a door is open the same as when closed4 ,therefore the voice must be made to appear face to face1 or close to the ventriloquist4 ,to do this1 the voice must not be altered from the original note or pitch1 but be made in another part of the mouth4 ,this is done by closing the lips tight and drawing one corner of the mouth downwards1 or towards the ear4 ,then let the lips open at that corner only1 the other part to remain closed4 ,next1 breathe1 as it were1 the words out of the orifice formed4 ,do not speak distinctly1 but expel the breath in short puffs at each word1 and as loud as possible4 ,by so doing you will cause the illusion in the mind of the listeners that they hear the same voice which they heard when the door was closed1 but which is now heard more distinctly and nearer on account of the door being open4 ,this voice must always be used when the ventriloquist wishes it to appear that the sound comes through an obstacle1 but from some one close at hand4 ,the description of voice and dialogue may be varied1 as in the following example3-- 8,the ,suffocated ,victim40 ,this was a favorite illustration of ,mr4 ,love1 the ,polyphonist4 ,a large box or closed cupboard is used indiscriminately1 as it may be handy4 ,the student will rap or kick the box1 apparently by accident4 ,the voice will then utter a hoarse and subdued groan1 apparently from the box or closet4 ,student4 7,pointing to the box with an air of astonishment47 ,what was that8 ,voice4 ,o1 let me out6 ,student4 ,why6 there is some one in here1 ,i declare 7to box74 ,who is it8 ,voice4 ,i won't do so any more4 ,i am nearly dead4 ,student4 ,who are you8 ,how came you there8 ,voice4 ,you know very well who ,i am4 ,let me out6 ,let me out6 ,student4 ,i tell you ,i don't know you4 ,voice4 ,o1 yes1 you do4 ,student4 ,tell me quick4 ,who are you8 ,voice4 ,your old school-fellow1 ,tom ----2 you know me4 ,student4 ,why1 he's in ,canada4 ,voice4 7,sharply47 ,you know better2 he's here2 but be quick4 ,student4 7,opening the lid47 ,perhaps he's come by the underground railroad4 ,hallo6 ,voice4 7,not so muffled as described in direction47 ,now1 then1 give us a hand4 ,student4 7,closing the lid or door sharply47 ,no1 ,i won't4 ,voice4 7,as before47 ,have pity 7,dick1 or ,mr4 ----1 as the case may be71 or ,i shall be choked4 ,student4 ,i believe you are a humbug4 ,voice4 ,why don't you let me out and see1 before ,i am dead8 ,student4 7,opening and shutting the lid or door1 and saying1 the voice accordingly47 ,dead6 not you4 ,when did you leave ,canada8 ,voice4 ,last week4 ,o1 ,i am choking6 ,student4 ,shall ,i let him out8 7,opening the door47 ,there is no one here4 ,conversations can be held with pedlers at the door1 or with some one in the cellar or basement2 and as a rule the lower notes of the voice will be best for voices in the basement1 and formed as low in the chest as possible4 ,the second kind of voice1 or voice ,no4 #b1 we will call it1 is more easy to be acquired4 ,it is the voice by which all ventriloquists make a supposed person speak from a long distance1 or from or through the ceiling4 ,in the first place1 with your back to the audience1 direct their attention to the ceiling1 by pointing to it1 or by looking intently at it4 ,call loudly1 and ask some questions1 as though believed a person to be concealed there4 ,make your own voice very distinct1 and as near the lips as possible1 as that will help the illusion4 ,then1 in exactly the same tone and pitch1 answer2 but1 in order that the voice may seem to proceed from the point indicated1 the words must be formed at the back part of the roof of the mouth4 ,to do this1 the lower jaw must be drawn back and held there1 the mouth open1 which will cause the palate to be elevated and drawn nearer to the pharynx1 and the sound will be reflected in that cavity1 and appear to come from the roof4 ,too much attention cannot be paid to the manner in which the breath is used in this voice4 ,when speaking to the supposed person1 expel the words with a deep1 quick breath4 ,when answering in the imitative voice1 the breath must be held back1 and expelled very slowly1 and the voice will come in a subdued and muffled manner1 little above a whisper1 but so as to be well distinguished4 ,to cause the supposed voice to come nearer by degrees1 call loudly1 and say1 8,i want you down here60 or words to that effect2 at the same time make a motion downwards with your hands4 ,hold some conversation with the voice1 and cause it to say1 8,i am coming10 or 8,here ,i am10 each time indicating the descent with the hand4 ,let the voice1 at every supposed step1 roll1 as it were1 by degrees1 from the pharynx more into the cavity of the mouth1 and at each supposed step contracting the opening of the mouth1 until the lips are drawn up as if you were whistling4 ,by so doing1 the cavity of the mouth will be very much enlarged4 ,this will cause the voice to be obscured1 and so to appear to come nearer by degrees4 ,at the same time care must be taken not to articulate the consonant sounds plainly1 as that would cause the disarrangement of the lips and cavity of the mouth2 and in all imitation voices the consonants must scarcely be articulated at all1 especially if the ventriloquist faces the audience4 ,for example1 suppose the imitative voice is made to say1 8,mind what you are doing1 you bad boy10 it must be spoken as if it were written1 8ind ot you're doing1 you 'ad whoy40 7,it is rarely a ventriloquist shows a full face to his audience1 unless at a great distance from them4 ,it would help to destroy the illusion if the jaws were seen to move47 ,this kind of articulation is made by forming the words in the pharynx1 and then sending them out of the mouth by sudden expulsions of the breath clean from the lungs at every word4 ,this is often illustrated by a ventriloquist pretending to talk to a man on the roof4 #d4--,,polyphonic ,,imitations4 ,mr4 ,love1 the great polyphonist1 delighted in his youth to imitate the buzzing of insects and the cries of animals4 ,such accomplishments are easily acquired1 and we think if our young boy friends will follow our directions1 they will acquire at least polyphonic powers to amuse their friends at home and abroad4 ,to imitate a 8tormenting bee10 a boy must use considerable pressure on his chest1 as if he was about to groan suddenly1 but instead of which the sound must be confined and prolonged in the throat2 the greater the pressure1 the higher will be the faint note produced1 and which will perfectly resemble the buzzing of the bee or wasp4 ,in all imitations of insect noises1 the bee should be heard to hum gently at first1 so as in a private party not to attract attention till the right pitch is obtained4 ,the sound will penetrate every corner of a large room4 ,to assist the illusion1 the person imitating a bee should pretend to try to catch the insect4 ,to imitate the buzzing of a blue-bottle fly1 it will be necessary for the sound to be made with the lips instead of the throat3 this is done by closing the lips very tight1 except at one corner1 where a small aperture is left2 fill that cheek full of wind1 but not the other1 then slowly blow or force the wind contained in the cheek out of the aperture2 if this is done properly1 it will cause a sound exactly like the buzzing of a blue-bottle fly4 ,to make the above perfectly effective1 the person imitating a fly or bee1 should turn his face to the wall2 with a handkerchief strike at the pretended bee or fly1 at the same time pretend to follow his victim1 first this way and then that1 and finally to 8dab0 his pocket handkerchief on the wall1 as though he had killed it2 the sound should be at times suddenly louder and then softer1 which will make it appear as it is heard in different parts of the room4 8,the ,spectre ,carpenter40 ,the noise caused by planing and sawing wood we often hear imitated4 ,yet but few boys know how easily it is done4 ,much amusement is often caused by this imitation4 ,to imitate planing1 a boy must stand at a table a little distance from the audience1 and appear to take hold of a plane and push it forward2 the sound1 as of a plane1 is made as though you were dwelling on the last part of the word hash4 ,dwell upon the sh a little1 tsh1 and then clip it short by causing the tongue to close with the palate1 then over again4 ,letters will not carry the peculiar sound of sawing2 but any bright boy1 by carefully listening to the sound made by carpenters1 with these suggestions1 can1 with practice1 imitate the sound perfectly4 ,to make the deception more perfect1 put some shavings in your pocket to sprinkle as you pretend to saw1 also a piece of wood to fall when the sawing is ended4 ,a friend of ours told us of a negro1 well known as a famous whistler about the streets of ,boston years ago1 who would place both hands tightly over his ears1 incline his head downwards1 and imitate with great precision a music-box2 but he said it pained him to do this4 #e4--,,to ,,imitate ,,an ,,echo4 ,it is impossible for a ventriloquist to produce an echo in a room of ordinary size1 as the walls1 being so near1 would cause the sounds to be blended1 and would only produce one impression on the ear2 and yet a skilful ventriloquist can with ease imitate1 in a room1 a mountain echo4 ,we will give the instructions1 as it is very amusing4 ,turn your back to the listeners2 whistle loud several short1 quick notes1 just as if you were whistling to a dog2 then as quick as possible1 after the last note1 and as softly and subdued as possible to be heard1 whistle about a third the number of notes1 but it must be in the same note or pitch2 this will cause the last whistle to appear just like an echo at a great distance4 ,this imitation1 if well done1 causes much surprise to those listening4 ,the same thing can be done by shouting any sentence1 such as1 8,halloa1 you1 there60 or1 8,ship1 ahoy60 ,let your voice be formed close to the lips2 then quickly1 and in the same pitch or note1 speak the same words very subdued1 and formed at the back of the mouth4 ,this is very simple1 yet effective4 #f4--;,,concluding ,,remarks4 8,any person acquainted with the voices before described1 may imitate many others by contraction and expansion of the glottis1 and by modifications of the cavity of the pharynx and mouth4 ,the best way to practise is in a room alone1 to talk aloud1 and1 while so doing1 to make all sorts of contortions with the muscles of the mouth and jaws1 first fixing the jaws in the manner already described1 then drawing the lips inward1 next putting them forward1 at the same time placing the tongue in different shapes and positions in the mouth2 also by speaking in the natural voice1 and answering in the falsetto pitch1 which is the imitating voice for women and children40 ,the ordinary compass of a voice is about twelve notes1 and a very good practice to the attainment of the art is to call aloud in a certain note1 and then in the octave to that note2 do this several times a day1 changing the note or pitch1 loud at first1 and by degrees decrease the sounds2 this kind of practice will assist any one in learning to modulate the voice to appear to recede or come near by degrees4 ,we think enough has been said to enable any boy1 sufficiently persevering1 to become a good ventriloquist4 8,always remember1 that to render a voice perspective1 the most essential thing is to attend to the study of sound as it falls upon an ear2 then imitate that sound by the different contractions and expansions of the muscles of the throat1 mouth1 face1 and jaws4 ,during these various contractions and expansions1 draw in a long breath1 and talk1 first rapidly1 then slowly1 but always with a slow expiration of breath4 ,do this a dozen times consecutively for several days1 at the same time elevate and depress the roof of the mouth1 especially the back part1 as this movement causes the voice to appear near or at a distance40 ,we have now given our young friends the best practical directions we could obtain from the rules given by a skilful ventriloquist4 ,all boys who have faithfully followed our directions1 should try their powers before some friend4 ,we think they will be astonished at their success1 and will be pleased to become a source of great amusement to their friends as well as themselves4 ,but beware1 boys1 of misusing your power2 always remember the 8golden rule10 and never frighten any person seriously4 ,ventriloquism was well known1 even before ,christ2 but it was used only as a means to foster superstition1 and often took the form of divination4 ,the statue of ,memnon will instantly suggest itself as a familiar example4 ,the gigantic head was heard to speak the moment the sun's rays glanced on its features4 ,undoubtedly the magic words were pronounced by the attendant priest1 who must have been a ventriloquist4 ,we could give innumerable instances of its use among the ancients2 but we will close with an amusing anecdote we once heard of a famous ventriloquist4 ,he was passing through a street with a friend1 at the same time a load of hay was passing along4 ,the ventriloquist called the attention of his friend and others passing along to the suffocating cries of a man in the centre of the hay4 ,a crowd gathered round and stopped the astonished carter1 and demanded why he was carrying a fellow-creature in his hay4 ,the complaints and cries of the suffocated man now became fainter1 and he appeared to be dying4 ,the crowd1 instantly proceeded to unload the hay into the street1 the smothered voice urging them to make haste4 ,the feelings of the people may be imagined1 when the cart was found empty4 ,the ventriloquist and his friend walked off1 laughing at the unexpected result of their trick4 ,,natural ,,magic4 ,the olian ,harp consists of an oblong box of thin deal board1 about five or six inches deep1 with a circle drawn in the middle of the upper side1 an inch and a half in diameter1 around which are to be drilled small holes4 ,along the upper side of the box seven1 ten1 or more small strings1 of very fine gut1 are stretched over bridges near each end1 like the bridges of a violin1 and tightened or relaxed with screw pins4 ,the strings must be tuned to one and the same note1 and the instrument placed in some current of air where the wind can pass over its strings with freedom4 ,a window1 the width of which is exactly equal to the length of the harp1 with the sash just raised to give the air admission1 is a good situation4 ,when the wind blows upon the strings1 with various degrees of force1 different musical tones will be sounded2 sometimes the blast brings out all the tones in full concert1 and sometimes it sinks them to the softest murmur4 ,in many old castles these harps were fastened in the windows1 and their wild music caused the ignorant to think they were haunted4 ,a colossal imitation of the instrument just described was invented at ,milan1 in #aghf1 by ,abbate ,gattoni4 ,he stretched seven strong iron wires1 tuned to the notes of the gamut1 from the top of a tower sixty feet high1 to the house of a ,signor ,muscate1 who was interested in the success of the experiment and this apparatus1 called the giant's harp1 in blowing weather1 yielded lengthened peals of harmonious music4 ,in a storm this music was sometimes heard at the distance of several miles4 ,simply tying waxed saddler's silk to little sticks1 and pushing them into the crevices of windows1 so as to receive a draught of wind 7the silk being strained tight71 will produce very sweet sounds4 #a4--,,the ,,magic ,,of ,,acoustics4 ,the science of acoustics furnished the ancient sorcerers with some of their most complete deceptions4 ,the imitation of thunder in their subterranean temples did not fail to indicate the presence of a supernatural agent4 ,the golden virgins1 whose ravishing voices resounded through the temple of ,delphos2 the stone from the river ,pactolus1 where trumpet notes scared the robber from the treasure which it guarded2 the speaking head1 which uttered its oracular responses at ,lesbos2 and the vocal statue of ,memnon1 which began at the break of day to accost the rising sun1 were all deceptions derived from science1 and from a diligent observation of the phenomena of nature4 #b4--,,to ,,show ,,how ,,sound ,,travels ,,through ,a ,,solid4 ,take a long piece of wood1 such as the handle of a broom1 place a watch at one end1 apply your ear to the other1 and the ticking will be distinctly heard4 #c4--,,theory ,,of ,,the ,,voice4 ,provide a species of whistle common as a child's toy1 or a sportsman's call1 in the form of a hollow cylinder1 about three fourths of an inch in diameter1 closed at both ends by flat circular plates with holes in their centres4 ,hold this toy between the teeth and the lips2 blow through it1 and you can produce sounds1 varying in pitch with the force with which you blow4 ,if the air be cautiously graduated1 all the sounds within the compass of a double octave may be produced from it1 and if great precaution be taken in the management of the breath even deeper tones may be brought out4 ,this simple instrument or toy1 has indeed the greatest resemblance to the larynx1 which is the organ of the voice4 #d4--;,a ,,singular ,,example ,,of ,,superstition4 ,the following true story was related to me by one who was personally acquainted with the facts4 ,there was a certain bend in one of our western rivers which was avoided by every one1 as it was supposed to be haunted by the devil4 ,at a certain hour in the evening1 for many years1 terrible curses were distinctly heard4 ,suddenly they ceased4 ,a gentleman skilled in the science of acoustics1 hearing an account of the strange phenomena1 determined to ascertain the cause1 and carefully examined the river on each side for about a mile above and below the bend4 ,he ascertained that at about the time the sounds ceased1 an old fisherman1 who had lived on the opposite side of the river1 full a mile from the spot where the curses were heard1 had died4 ,he was told that the fisherman was in the habit of crossing the river to a village1 where he found a market for his fish1 and where he spent his money for liquor2 and that after drinking freely on his way home1 while rowing across the river at night1 he would swear terribly4 ,this gentleman then persuaded a friend to go down the river to the place where the curses were formerly heard1 while he remained in a boat on the river at the point at which the old man usually crossed4 ,he then played on a bugle and sang several songs4 ,his friend soon returned1 and with eager delight exclaimed1 8,o1 ----1 such glorious music fills the air1 just where the curses used to be heard60 ,the neighbors came rushing down to hear it1 and some fell on their knees1 praying4 ,they said1 8the angels have driven the devil away40 ,mr4 ---- then asked what were the songs they heard4 ,his friend described them correctly1 and said he understood even the words1 one of them being the famous ,marseillaise1 another a ,german song2 the foreign words made the ignorant more sure that the sounds were supernatural4 ,mr4 ---- then played on the bugle1 and sang again the same songs1 while his friend stood by2 but his friend said the music was not equal to that he had heard below1 where the sounds had really seemed heavenly4 ,the peculiar configuration of the river banks had concentrated the sounds1 and the distance and the water had softened them4 ,the person who related this anecdote to me said that he and his friend had often tried the experiment4 ,nothing would convince the more ignorant neighbors that the sounds were occasioned by merely natural causes4 ,a love of the supernatural is strong within us1 and sometimes leads us into grave mistakes4 ,,gardening1 ,,flowers4 ,we1 as a nation1 are not a happy1 home-loving people4 ,the 8spirit of unrest0 pervades all classes4 ,this enterprising1 uneasy spirit1 has been1 and is of benefit to us1 as a comparatively new country1 in settling and breaking our wild western lands4 ,but the time has come when it is well to curb that spirit1 and cultivate all quiet1 home-loving influences4 ,therefore we beseech you1 parents1 to begin in earliest infancy to cultivate a love of the beautiful in nature2 give your little ones flowers2 and as soon as they are able to play in the garden1 give them a little spot of their own to dig in2 and when they can understand the process1 give them seeds to plant1 and some few flowers to cultivate4 ,we can tell you of a happy cottage home1 where the children1 from earliest infancy1 have lived among flowers4 ,each had their tiny garden1 with spade1 hoe1 trowel1 and watering-pot4 ,the father and mother would also assist with their own hands in training vines1 roses1 and shrubs1 in artistic beauty4 ,the good father never went to his counting-room without some flowers in his hand1 or in the button-hole of his coat1 the valued gift from the tiny garden of one of his darlings4 ,years passed and fortune favored them1 but they never would exchange their cottage home1 with its vines1 trees1 and shrubs1 for all the stately mansions in the town4 ,and as the daughters married1 and the sons left to seek their fortunes1 they would look back with intense longing to their loved home2 and joyous were their meetings around the home ,christmas tree4 ,on ,sundays they always1 even in midwinter1 ornamented their social table with flowers1 for they are ,god's smiles4 ,therefore1 my friends1 we speak from observation1 and from seeing the effect of an opposite course4 ,if you wish to lessen your doctor's bill1 and give the beauty of robust health and happiness to your children1 girls or boys1 give them a garden1 and let them plant1 weed1 and water it4 ,if your children bring you even a simple field daisy1 express your pleasure to them1 and let them not see you cast it aside4 ,a well cared for garden displays--and displays to good advantage too--the love of home1 domestic taste1 a wish to please1 industry1 neatness1 taste1 and all the sweet household virtues that create a happy home4 ,horticulture confines itself to no rank1 and it may form the amusement or the pursuit alike of great and small1 rich and poor2 only the kind of garden we choose1 and what we do with it1 must depend on our circumstances4 ,teach your boys the use of a pruning-knife1 and how to graft2 then give them some trees to experiment upon4 ,you may save them from dissipation1 by giving them a taste for horticulture4 ,it is a happy1 health-giving employment4 ,decorate even your barn with graceful vines4 ,the poorest house can be made an agreeable place by transplanting a few of the many simple wild vines4 ,it is not natural to love intensely a stiff1 ungainly object4 ,we have often thought1 as we have roamed about the farming districts of ,new ,england1 and have seen the many great1 stiff1 square houses1 with not a graceful tree or flower to relieve their nakedness 7though now and then a syringa1 or lilac bush1 or cinnamon rose1 and perhaps a stately old butternut1 may be seen71 the sons and daughters of those households will surely emigrate4 ,utility is our hobby4 ,some farmers think it waste time to plant a flower1 as it yields no fruit4 ,remember the old saying1 8,all work and no play makes ,jack a dull boy40 ,you that dwell in a city1 strive to have a small spot in the country to which you may send your children in summer1 to roam at will4 ,we heard a little child1 in urging her mother to go into the country in vain1 cry out1 8,it is too1 too bad1 mamma4 ,we know ,god did not make the city for little children1 because he loves us40 ,do not waste your money at fashionable watering-places4 ,even in early years1 take your children to the woods and let them see nature in its wild state4 ,there is nothing like a day in the woods for refreshing us all1 in body and mind4 ,the wild music of running brooks is so lulling1 the birds carol their 8native wood-notes wild0 so sweetly1 the strange blended odor of the damp mould1 the leaves1 the wild flowers1 and the prospect of the distant meadow1 are so delightful2 the play of the sunlight through the dense foliage1 and on the sylvan walks1 is so beautiful1 and the quiet is so marked1 after the hum and roar of a city1 that the mind is tranquillized1 and both you and your children will be nearer to ,god1 and nearer to one another1 for every hour thus spent4 ,our whole country is full of wild beauty4 ,spend your spare money in decorating your homes with trees1 flowers1 and shrubs4 ,the influence upon your children will be far more beneficial4 ,if your children wish for money to purchase seeds and flowers for their gardens1 if possible1 give it cheerfully4 ,it is far better so spent1 than in dress and toys4 ,let them plan their own gardens1 and experiment as much as they please4 ,a very pretty fence can be made round such gardens by a number of stakes of equal lengths1 pointed at one end to drive into the ground1 square at the top1 and painted green4 ,then place them at equal distances around your garden1 and bore holes about six or seven inches apart for the twine1 which should be brown linen4 ,pass the twine through the holes1 in lines all around the garden4 ,plant vines which run rapidly1 such as ,cypress ,vine1 ,madeira ,vine1 ,nasturtium1 ,maurandya1 ,barclayanna1 ,dwarf ,convolvulus1 ,mountain ,fringe1 c4 ,by midsummer your simple fence will be very beautiful4 ,having spent many years in cultivating flowers1 perhaps a few practical directions from our own experience may be of service to our readers4 ,and we will give some excellent suggestions taken from a famous florist4 #a4--;,,how ,,to ,,plant ,,seeds4 ,we often think1 because the seed we plant does not germinate1 that we have purchased poor seed1 when the fault is in the manner of planting4 ,nearly all kinds of flower seeds require transplanting1 therefore it is best to plant in boxes1 pots1 or hot-beds4 ,old cigar boxes are convenient1 and are easily handled1 but first bore holes in the bottom of the boxes1 and in your pots or boxes place either broken clam or oyster shells1 or pieces of old flower pots1 as a drainage2 then take light1 rich earth and sift it or rub it carefully in your hands1 to be sure there are no lumps2 some bake the earth to destroy any insects which may be in it1 but it answers the same purpose to pour boiling water upon it4 ,after you have filled your boxes or pots with this prepared earth1 sprinkle your seed carefully over it1 and sift over them light soil sufficient to cover them1 moisten them with warm water1 and place the box where there is but little light1 and throw a piece of paper over the top4 ,some use a piece of thick flannel2 if you use flannel1 water your seeds without removing it1 until your seeds have sprouted4 ,a warm place will start them best4 ,let them remain thus several days1 till the seeds have a chance to swell1 before you give them much light1 and keep the earth moist 7a sponge is excellent to water them1 as it does not disturb the position of the seeds2 also use warm water72 as soon as you see they are sprouting1 give them light1 and air1 if not too cold1 or else the plant will not have strength to grow well4 ,hot-beds are the best1 and can be made with but little expense1 by taking some old box2 and if you do not possess an old window-sash1 you can purchase one of some builder for a trifling sum of money1 and fit it to your box by nailing strips at the sides2 dig a place the size of the box1 and two or three feet deep2 fill it with horse manure1 mixed with straw1 which is the most heating2 then sprinkle soil over the top about six inches deep2 place your box on the top1 carefully heaping the earth around the outside1 and your hot-bed is made1 in which you can start your seeds and slips by either placing your boxes or pots in the earth on top of the manure1 and plant your seeds and slips in them1 or as many prefer1 planting in the soil of your hot-bed4 ,after your seedling plants are of sufficient size to transplant1 if you first transplant them into small pots1 you can easily plant them in your flower beds without disturbing the roots1 and the plants will not require covering2 you must first dig a hole and pour water into it1 then carefully slip the plant1 dirt and all1 from the pots1 and place into the hole made for it1 and press the earth tight around it4 ,of course they must remain in the pot till they are well rooted4 ,in raising slips1 you need to mix in full half common scouring sand with the soil1 and they must be shaded from the light several days4 ,all who care for flowers will desire to raise verbenas1 as they blossom all summer4 ,if you wish to raise them from seed1 they should be sown in ,february or first of ,march4 ,one secret in raising fine verbenas is change of soil4 ,it would be better to plant them every year in a different location1 but if you renew the soil it will do to plant them twice in the same bed1 but never three years in succession4 ,indeed1 flowers as well as vegetables need constant change of soil2 they soon exhaust the earth4 ,seeds are better that are raised in locations distant from the place where they are to be sown4 ,flowers soon deteriorate if you continue to plant over and over from seed raised in the same spot2 that is one of the reasons why seeds from ,europe are generally preferred by florists4 ,japan ,pink seed should be planted in ,march1 in order to have them flower the first year2 they are hardy and blossom also the second year4 ,pansy seed should be planted as early as ,verbenas4 ,ten ,weeks' ,stock1 ,phlox ,drummondi1 ,double ,zinnias1 ,lobelia1 ,petunias1 ,portulaca1 ,salpiglossis1 ,candytuft1 ,larkspur1 c41 should be planted in ,april4 ,if you desire to raise ,picotee or ,carnation ,pinks for the next year1 and ,canterbury ,bells and ,fox ,gloves1 sow in ,april4 ,sow ,asters of all kinds the last of ,april or first of ,may4 ,some of the climbers1 such as ,maurandya ,barclayanna1 ,tropolum1 commonly called ,nasturtium1 ,cypress ,vine1 ,thunbergia1 c41 need transplanting1 and better be sown early4 ,sweet ,peas should be sown in the open soil about three inches deep1 early in ,april4 ,it is better to soak the seed in warm water before sowing4 ,when they have germinated1 and as they begin to climb1 fill in earth around them1 and water now and then thoroughly with soap suds4 ,mignonnette should not be transplanted2 sow the seed in the open soil the first of ,may4 ,candytuft and ,sweet ,alyssum are hardy1 and the seed can be sown out of doors2 but if you have once had them1 they will come up self-sown4 ,look over your beds in spring1 and take up such plants1 when you have the soil prepared and beds made1 then you can plant them back again where you desire4 ,joseph's ,coat is a very brilliant plant2 its leaves are all shades of green1 red1 and yellow2 the seed can be sown either in or out of doors by the first of ,may1 also ,golden ,calliopsis4 ,balsams will grow better if the seeds are not planted till the second week in ,may1 out of doors4 ,all the flowers we have mentioned are desirable1 even in a small garden2 of course there are hundreds of varieties of even annuals1 but unless you have a gardener it is impossible to raise them all1 for it is desirable1 even in a small garden1 to have some flowers raised by slips1 or bought from some green-house1 such as ,fuchsias1 ,double ,feverfews1 ,scarlet ,geraniums1 ,bouvardias1 ,heliotropes1 ,rose ,geraniums1 ,lemon ,verbenas1 ,monthly ,roses1 ,hardy ,perpetuals1 c4 ,hardy ,perpetual ,roses are desirable in every garden1 they grow so thrifty and blossom all summer1 and with a little covering will live out all winter1 and if they are showered often1 early in the spring1 while the dew is on the roses1 with whale-oil soap suds1 using a syringe to shower them1 it will prevent the usual damage done by the slug4 ,if you have a shady1 moist place in your garden1 there you can plant your ,lily of the ,valley1 ,double ,blue ,english ,violet1 ,forget-me-not1 and ,pansy4 ,fuchsias also require some shade4 ,heliotropes and ,geraniums will bear enriching more than most plants2 frequent waterings with guano water are excellent4 ,a table-spoonful of guano to a gallon of water is sufficiently strong4 ,it also improves ,pansies1 ,fuchsias1 and nearly all plants except ,roses4 ,soap suds is better for ,roses and ,verbenas1 at least according to our experience4 ,nearly all plants make a finer show in a garden arranged either in beds1 each variety by itself1 or in clusters4 ,before planting your garden in spring1 it is well to carefully consider the nature of each flower1 and arrange your garden so that each flower can be displayed to advantage2 never plant promiscuously2 it is astonishing what a difference landscape gardening will make in the general aspect of even a small place4 ,it is quite as desirable as to arrange the colors in a picture to harmonize4 ,even an old stump of a tree can be made beautiful by planting vines around it1 or by scooping out the top and filling in soil1 and planting ,nierembergia1 ,lobelia1 ,double ,nasturtium1 ,variegated ,myrtle1 c41 in it4 ,those we have mentioned blossom all summer1 except the ,myrtle1 the leaves of which are as beautiful as many flowers4 ,if we ladies would spend less time on our dress and in arrangements for the table1 and take that time for working in our gardens with our children1 we should not only make our homes more attractive1 but we should gain in health and strength4 ,early every spring call a family council to decide the arrangement of your flower garden4 ,let your boys have a place to raise vegetables as a pastime4 ,encourage them to diligence by promising to purchase all they will raise2 in that way they can earn money to give to the poor1 or for their ,christmas presents2 even children will take far more pleasure in giving what they have really earned with their own hands4 #b4--,,the ,,queen ,,of ,,flowers1 ,,the ,,rose4 ,this beautiful flower deserves especial attention1 and is truly called the ,poet's flower4 ,a rose is the type of beauty in women4 ,a lovely maiden is called a rose-bud4 ,a beautiful matron compared to a rose in full bloom4 ,its delicate and refreshing perfume is always welcome to an invalid4 ,it adorns a bride1 and is a tribute of love in decorating the lifeless remains of our loved ones4 ,volumes could be written upon the beauties of the rose4 ,a child can cultivate this beautiful flower4 ,if you do not possess any ground1 there always will be room for at least one pot with a rose in your own room4 ,roses can be classified under three general heads4 ,no4 #a4 ,those that bloom only once in a season1 such as ,hybrid ,china1 ,provence1 ,sweet and ,austrian ,briars1 most of the mosses1 and all climbing varieties that are hardy in ,new ,england and the ,middle ,states4 ,we do not advise our young friends to cultivate this class1 unless they have large gardens4 ,madame ,plantier is the only variety which we retain in our garden4 ,this rose is a profuse bloomer1 and one of the most perfect white roses grown4 ,we will mention some of the desirable climbing varieties which can be used for 8,pillar ,roses40 ,queen of the ,prairies1 deep rose color4 ,baltimore ,belle1 blush white1 blooming in large clusters4 ,russeliana1 crimson shaded to pink4 ,madame d',arblay1 creamy white4 ,gem of the ,prairies1 carmine1 blotched white1 very full4 ,superba1 flesh color1 clusters immense4 ,no4 #b4 ,,the ,,hybrid ,,perpetuals1 ,,or ,,remontants4 ,this desirable class is of comparatively recent origin1 and obtained by hybridizing the ,provence and ,damask varieties with the ,ever-blooming1 or ,china4 ,they in a measure combine the qualities of the two classes1 but less of the ,china1 as the name ,perpetual is a misnomer1 for the chief blooming ones in regular season of rose flowering1 unless especial care is taken to cut off every flower as soon as they begin to wither1 and keep the plant growing freely1 then these plants will blossom twice or thrice in a season4 ,most of these ,remontants are full bloomers1 and the flowers very perfect4 ,we will give a list of a few varieties we can recommend4 ,auguste ,mie1 pale shade of rose1 very full4 ,baronne ,provost1 bright rose1 very double4 ,blanche ,vibert1 pure white1 delicate grower4 ,caroline de ,sensal1 blush1 pink centre1 free bloomer4 ,gant des ,batailles1 reddish crimson1 superb4 ,general ,jacqueminot1 bright crimson1 very brilliant4 ,jules ,margottin1 bright scarlet crimson4 ,le ,lion des ,combats1 very dark crimson purple4 ,no4 #c4 ,the monthly1 or ever-blooming class1 are distinguished by their delicate shining leaves and stems4 ,this class comprises four sub-classes1 namely1 the ,noisette1 ,tea1 ,bengal1 and ,bourbon4 ,the ,noisette are of rampant growth1 usually flowering in clusters4 ,in the ,southern ,states they need no covering during the winter months1 but in the ,north1 ,east1 and ,west1 if buried in winter1 and properly trained1 they are often used as ,pillar ,roses1 particularly the beautiful ,la ,marque1 whose pure white buds are so valuable to all florists4 ,if planted in the ground in a green-house1 it will climb all over the walls4 ,we will name some varieties which we have cultivated1 and know can be successfully raised1 even in ,new ,england4 ,,noisette4 ,aime ,vibert1 pure white1 very full bloomer4 ,america1 straw color4 ,gloire de ,dijon1 blush white1 buff centre4 ,lamarque1 large1 white1 shading to yellowish centre4 ,minette1 light crimson1 very double4 ,marshal ,niel1 very beautiful deep yellow4 ,souvenir d',anseleme1 deep carmine4 ,solfaterre1 deep straw color4 ,,tea4 ,adam1 rich rose1 salmon shaded4 ,white ,tea1 the freest bloomer of all roses4 ,camellia ,blanche1 pure white4 ,devoniensis1 blush1 ,magnolia fragrance4 ,isabella ,sprunt1 clear canary yellow4 ,la ,pactole1 canary color1 free bloomer4 ,safrona1 orange yellow4 ,,bengal4 ,agrippina1 bright crimson4 ,bousanquet1 blush white4 ,louis ,philippe1 light crimson4 ,madame ,rohan1 pure white4 ,napoleon1 blush1 extra large4 ,,bourbon4 ,marshal ,niel1 a deep buff2 the king of roses4 ,bousanquet1 rich blush1 free bloomer4 ,duc de ,chartres1 large1 very double1 crimson4 ,hermosa1 deep pink1 most desirable4 ,psyche1 light rose1 very double4 ,souvenir de ,malmaison1 flesh color1 very double1 superb4 ,sombriel1 blush white1 one of the best4 ,there are comparatively but few varieties of roses suitable for producing an abundance of flowers in winter1 and these would not be called the finest varieties for summer culture4 ,they are selected for their buds4 ,the ,safrona for instance1 is selected for its deep1 saffron colored buds2 the full flower is but semi-double4 ,we will give the names of a few of the roses best adapted for winter culture4 ,lamarque1 white1 tinged with straw color4 ,safrona1 saffron yellow1 free bloomer4 ,agrippina1 rich deep crimson1 free bloomer4 ,la ,pactole1 light canary-color1 abundant bloomer4 ,hermosa1 rosy pink1 most prolific variety4 ,gloire de ,dijon1 large1 full1 buff1 shaded to salmon4 ,,cultivation4 ,the best soil for the rose is a rather stiff loam1 although it is not particular about soil1 but grows luxuriantly1 flourishes well in a fresh loam with a plenty of pure air and sunlight4 ,a stiff1 clay loam will produce better flowers1 and of a deeper color1 than a soil of a light muddy character4 ,if you desire many blossoms1 be careful to cut off every rose when it fades away4 ,we gather our roses so freely1 we leave but few to wither4 ,in the spring roses should be pruned thoroughly4 ,many people have been discouraged in raising roses1 on account of the slug and other insects2 but nothing can flourish in this world1 that is desirable1 without care4 ,so with the rose4 ,early in spring1 just as the buds are starting1 wash your roses in a solution of tobacco or whale-oil soap4 ,if the insects appear on the leaf1 syringe the bush freely1 early in the morning or late at night1 with a solution of whale-oil soap4 ,sprinkle wood ashes or charcoal dust around the roots4 ,a gardener invariably recommends monthly roses1 rather than the so-called perpetuals4 ,those who purchase perpetuals1 without a previous knowledge of their habits1 are always disappointed in the few flowers they produce after the first blooming4 ,their great virtue is the hardy nature of the plant4 ,the monthly roses bloom at the ,south nearly the whole year4 ,but what shall we do with these delicate roses at the ,north during the winter8 ,the best way is to lay them down1 and cover with sods1 or earth and manure4 ,if the subsoil is gravelly or sandy1 they will surely keep1 as a good drainage is necessary1 without it they cannot live4 ,the way to lay down a rose-bush is to dig a trench four or five inches deep1 up to the root of the rose1 then bend your rose-bush carefully into the trench1 and peg it down4 ,cover entirely root and branches by sods1 placed grassy side upwards1 forming a hillock4 ,or cover it with earth or sand1 and straw or manure4 ,the next important consideration is the time at which it is done4 ,few amateurs have any idea of the amount of freezing which even the tender tea roses will sustain without injury4 ,it often proves fatal to roses to be covered too soon4 ,it is well to cover the ground around the roots of the roses with leaves or straw to prevent the earth from freezing4 ,in ,new ,england1 the early or middle part of ,november is generally the time to cover roses for the winter2 in the ,middle ,states1 in ,december4 ,the best rule is to let your roses remain uncovered1 until the ground can no longer be ploughed1 or dug with a spade4 ,this covering can be removed as soon as vegetation fairly starts in spring4 ,every plant thus saved possesses a four-fold value over those planted out in the spring1 as the roots have been so little disturbed4 ,another way is to dig a trench1 line it with straw1 and lay in your delicate roses1 then cover entirely with earth until spring4 ,roses that have bloomed all summer should not be potted for winter use4 ,they need rest1 and will not flourish in warm rooms4 ,,roses ,,for ,,winter ,,blooming4 ,roses for winter blooming require a different treatment1 as one essential condition of free winter flowering is1 that the plant has abundance of active1 or1 as gardeners term them1 8working roots40 ,plants are started for this purpose either by cuttings struck in ,march1 or else one year old plants are used4 ,these plants should be re-potted frequently to prevent their becoming pot-bound4 ,they must never be allowed to dry or wilt in the heat of summer1 else the white1 working roots will perish1 and before the plant can regain its vigor new ones must be formed4 ,you must not attempt to force your rose at first2 when you take it in for winter1 a cool temperature will be needful4 ,it depends upon when you desire rosebuds how you treat it4 ,it must be pruned previous to flowering4 ,if you desire roses the first of ,january1 prune or shorten the shoots the first of ,november 7earlier for ,christmas74 ,they then can be placed in temperature ranging fifty degrees to sixty degrees at night1 with only fifteen degrees higher during the day4 ,two year old plants are better for new beginners1 as they form working roots sooner1 having more fibres4 ,in the summer the plants should be exposed to the sun2 but to keep them from drying1 place the pots in beds of sawdust1 or refuse hops1 tan1 bark1 or sand1 whichever is most convenient to obtain4 ,,preparation4 ,our young friends may desire to raise their own roses1 so we will give them a few directions4 ,the best time to take cuttings is from ,october to ,january4 ,the wood must be ripened2 cuttings are usually made with three or four eyes4 ,these cuttings are best put into a cold frame1 or in a box prepared with equal parts of sand1 leaf mould1 and loam2 all they require is sufficient protection not to freeze4 ,cuttings placed in such frames about the last of ,october1 will be rooted sufficient to pot by ,march4 ,cuttings can be placed in rows quite near together1 say an inch apart1 and the rows three inches apart4 ,this space allows you to press the soil firmly about each stem4 ,one thorough watering1 when put in1 to settle the soil closely around them1 will usually be all that is necessary until they begin to root in the spring4 ,some varieties will root much easier than others4 ,as soon as they are well rooted1 they should be potted in two inch pots1 shaded and watered for a few days1 and gradually hardened off by exposing them to the air2 in this way they can be sufficiently rooted to plant in the open ground in ,april or ,may4 ,layering is more easily done from about the middle of ,june to the middle of ,september1 always using shoots of the young growth--that is1 a growth of three or four weeks old1 or such as are not so much ripened as to drop the leaves2 or in other words1 the cut should always be made at that part of the shoot where there are as green and healthy leaves below as above the cut4 ,this condition of the shoot is very important1 in order to produce a well-rooted layer4 ,another mode of layering1 not in general use1 is1 to place the layer where the incision is made1 in a three or four inch pot1 sinking the pot in the ground to the level of the rim2 all the roots being confined in the pot1 when the layer is lifted1 no check is given to them4 ,layers so made may be planted out in the fall1 and if a little mulching is given round the roots1 not one plant in a hundred will fail2 while if the layering is done in the usual way1 without pots1 a heavy percentage is almost certain to be lost during the winter4 ,to the florist1 without proper means of propagation1 this method of layering roses in pots will be found very advantageous1 as every layer so made will make an excellent flowering plant by spring1 if kept in a green-house or cold-pit1 during the winter1 and will prove nearly as valuable to the purchaser as large one year old plants4 ,,rose-,,beds4 ,before planting a rose1 be sure to find out its nature1 or you may have a tall bush where you would desire a low shrub-growing rose4 ,in arranging rose-beds1 plant the tall standards in the centre4 ,then a row of high bush growing roses1 then a row of half dwarfs1 then a row of dwarf-growing roses4 ,if this selection of the roses in such a bed is properly made1 it will be pleasant to the eye from ,june to ,october4 ,of course the roses should be chiefly monthlies1 or free-blowing perpetuals4 #c4--;,,flower ,,beds4 ,there are a great variety of opinions as regards the most effective way of planting flower beds4 ,some prefer to mix plants of different colors and varieties2 others prefer the ribbon style of planting1 now so generally seen in ,europe4 ,if the promiscuous style is adopted1 care should be taken to dispose the plants in the beds1 so that the tallest plants will be at the back of the bed2 if the leader is against a wall or background of shrubbery1 the others graduating to the front1 according to the height4 ,in open beds1 on the lawn1 the tallest should be in the centre1 the others grading down to the front1 on all sides1 interspersing the colors so as to form the most agreeable contrast in shades4 ,but for grand effect1 nothing1 in our estimation1 can ever be produced in promiscuous planting to equal that obtained by planting in masses or in ribbon lines4 ,in ,europe the lawns are cut so as to resemble rich green velvet2 on these the flower beds are laid out in every style one can conceive2 some are planted in masses of blue1 scarlet1 yellow1 crimson1 white1 c41 separate beds of each1 harmoniously blended on the carpeting of green4 ,then again the ribbon style is used in the large beds1 in forms so various that allusion can here be made to only a few of the most conspicuous4 ,in a circular bed1 say of twenty feet in diameter1 the bordering can be of blue4 ,lobelia1 attaining a height of six inches2 next plant ,mrs4 ,pollock ,geranium 7this does not grow very thrifty out of doors in ,new ,england71 or ,bijou ,zonale ,geranium1 growing about nine inches high4 ,if you plant ,mrs4 ,pollock1 on the next row to it plant ,mountain of ,snow ,geranium2 if the ,bijou plant1 a circle of the red-leaved ,achyranthus2 there are several varieties of this plant4 ,next the ,coleus ,verschaffeltii2 the centre being a mound of ,scarlet ,salvia4 ,another style is to edge the bed with ,alternanthera ,spothalata 7leaves pink and crimson71 which grows low and thick for a border4 ,then the fern-like1 white-leaved ,centaurea ,gymnocarpa2 next row1 the ,crystal ,palace ,scarlet ,geranium4 ,then ,phalaris ,arundinacea ,picta1 a new style of ribbon grass2 next ,coleus ,verschaffeltii2 in the centre a clump of ,coma or ,pampas ,grass4 ,there are a great many different ways of arranging these ribboned beds4 ,it is pleasant to exercise one's own taste1 therefore we only give examples to teach our readers how such beds can be prepared4 ,narrow beds along the margins of walks1 ribbon lines can be formed of low-growing plants1 such as the ,white ,lobelia ,snow-flake1 or ,gypsophilia1 or ,silver ,leaved ,alyssum for the front line1 followed next by ,tom ,thumb ,trapolum2 then1 as a centre1 or third line1 ,fuchsia1 golden fleeced2 as a second marginal line on the other side1 ,bijou ,zonale ,geranium1 white-leaved1 with scarlet flowers1 followed by a line of ,blue ,lobelia4 ,shaded stars have a fine effect on a lawn2 cut a star1 and plant it either with ,verbenas1 ,petunias1 ,phlox ,drummondii1 or ,portulaca4 ,the ends of the stars should be white1 and shaded to the centre1 which should be dark1 each point having different colors1 one shade of purple1 one shade of pink1 one shade of red1 then shades of lilac1 then shades of scarlet4 ,the centre the darkest shades4 ,there are many pretty ways of forming the beds of a small garden4 ,we append one diagram of a garden1 and the flowers to plant it with according to our taste4 ,,diagram4 ,h ,c ,b ,f ,a ,d ,i ,e ,g ,a4 ,plant in the centre ,scarlet ,salvia1 around that the white ,centaurea ,gymnocarpa1 bordered by ,blue ,lobelia4 7,all these beds should have either a low border of box or turf47 ,b4 ,heliotrope1 with ,sweet-scented ,geranium at each end4 ,c4 ,verbenas1 properly shaded4 ,d4 ,dwarf ,trapolum1 ,sweet ,geranium at the points4 ,e4 ,varieties of ,phlox ,drummondii4 ,h4 ,on the point of the shield ,lemon ,verbena1 the remainder1 ,monthly ,roses1 border of ,gypsophilia4 ,i4 ,on the point1 one ,lemon ,verbena1 the rest to be filled with ,monthly ,carnations1 bordered with ,alyssum ,variegatum4 ,f4 ,varieties of ,zonale ,geraniums4 ,g4 ,varieties of ,fuchsias 7if there is not too much sun74 ,if so1 plant ,japan ,lilies2 border both ,f and ,g beds with ,double ,feverfew4 ,perhaps a bed of roses1 arranged with standards in the centre1 as we have described1 might be prepared for the centre bed ,a1 and the ,salvia1 c41 planted in the bed ,h1 in place of the roses4 #d4--;,,carnations4 ,the cultivation of the ,carnation is very simple4 ,it is rooted from cuttings at any time from ,october to ,april1 and as the plant is almost hardy1 it may be planted in early spring with safety in the open ground4 ,it is safe to put them out as soon as cabbage plants are set out4 ,many from ignorance keep their ,carnations in a pot or green-house until the last of ,may1 thereby losing six weeks' growth4 ,the ,carnation cannot flourish in a wet soil1 and care should be taken to secure good drainage4 ,as the ,carnation grows1 if winter flowering is desired1 the young shoots that the plant throws out should be cut off2 this induces a steady growth4 ,there are many fine varieties for summer growth1 and but few suitable for winter flowering4 #e4--;,,fuchsias4 ,these flowers are very easily cultivated from slips2 any amateur florist can make these slips grow1 either by planting in wet sand1 or in a bottle of water4 ,their lovely and graceful flowers add to every bouquet4 ,they require rich light soil1 such as decayed leaves and peat1 moist atmosphere1 and shade4 ,like the ,lemon ,verbena1 the plants will keep all winter in a cellar4 ,there are but few varieties that bloom well in winter4 ,bianca ,marginata1 white1 with crimson corolla4 ,speciosa1 flesh-colored1 with scarlet corolla 7this variety will bloom the year round1 if well cared for74 ,serratifolia1 greenish sepals1 with orange scarlet corolla4 ,these are recommended for winter flowering by all florists4 ,we will mention a few varieties for summer culture4 ,elm ,city1 crimson1 very double4 ,venus de ,medicis1 white1 magenta corolla4 ,rose of ,castille1 sepals white1 corolla violet rose4 ,snowdrop1 sepals bright scarlet1 corolla white1 semi-double4 ,striata ,perfecta1 double striped blue and crimson4 ,queen of ,whites1 double white corolla4 ,charming1 violet corolla1 crimson sepals1 clusters immense4 ,lady of the ,sea1 corolla violet purple1 flowers two inches in diameter4 #f4--,,pansies4 ,who does not love a pansy8 ,they are easily raised by seed and layers4 ,the seeds should be planted in ,march for summer culture1 and in ,october for winter use4 ,the pansy requires a rich soil4 ,the finest bed of ,english pansies we ever saw were planted in the fall1 in a bed of rich soil4 ,before the winter snows the plants were covered lightly with manure and straw through the winter4 ,in the spring the manure was carefully raked off1 and the plants dug around with a garden fork4 ,they bloomed early in spring2 and1 as we looked upon them by the morning light1 their bright faces seemed to say 8,good morning60 ,these lovely flowers look like happy children4 ,many persons in our country call the pansy1 violet2 but the gardener only calls the sweet double blue and white violet by that name4 ,and this sweet violet hides its head modestly under its leaves1 and is the flower the poet speaks of1-- 8,meek and lowly1 hiding 'neath its leaves of green40 ,the bright-faced pansy does not hide its head2 it looks you in the face as fearless as a sinless child4 ,these violets are in great demand from their delicious perfume4 ,these plants require shade and moisture4 ,the best varieties are the 8double blue ,neapolitan0 ,setsenbran1 single blue1 very prolific4 ,king of ,violets1 very large blue4 ,double white ,neapolitan2 this does not bloom freely4 ,sweet-scented ,geraniums1 ,heliotrope1 ,lantanas1 ,lemon ,verbena1 c41 are all easily propagated from slips4 ,the three first require often watering with guano water1 and with this treatment will fully repay all care4 #g4--;,,how ,,to ,,plant ,,hardy ,,bulbs4 ,october1 or the early part of ,november1 is the time to plant bulbs for next year's flowering4 ,bulbs can be raised in any sunny place1 no matter how small the bed may be2 they require less care1 for the beauty of the flower1 than any other class of plants4 ,we will give some plain and simple directions1 hoping our young readers may be induced to plant at least a few bulbs this fall4 ,the soil for bulbs should be rich and well drained2 it should also be dug deep4 ,if water should lie on the surface long the bulbs would rot4 ,if the soil is poor1 enrich it with well-rotted stable manure1 or with surface earth from the woods1 or decayed leaves4 ,cow manure1 of course1 is the best4 ,if the ground is stiff1 and the manure fresh1 it is well to put a little sand around each bulb4 ,if the soil has too much clay1 mix sand with the manure4 ,it is well to have your beds made so narrow that the weeds can be destroyed1 and the ground kept mellow1 without walking among the plants4 ,before the heavy frosts of winter appear your bulb beds should be protected with leaves4 ,over these throw a little brush1 to prevent the wind from uncovering your bulbs4 ,if your bulbs have been planted a year or two1 cover them with manure in the fall2 the flowers in the spring will repay you for all expense and trouble4 ,hyacinths and tulips should be planted about six inches apart1 the hyacinth four inches deep1 and the tulip three inches4 ,the early varieties will often blossom the latter part of ,march4 ,crocuses blossom even earlier4 ,they should be planted about three inches apart1 and two inches deep4 ,snowdrops--the first flower of spring--should be planted in the same way as the crocus1 or a little nearer together4 ,narcissuses1 including the daffodil and jonquil1 should be planted in the same manner as the hyacinth4 ,all these bulbs can be planted in beds where you may desire to place either seedlings or any other annual1 which will blossom after these bulbs have done flowering4 ,it is best to take up all your bulbs every third year1 when they are done flowering1 and separate the newly-formed bulbs from the old4 ,keep them in a dry place till ,october1 then replant as we have directed4 #h4--;,,japan ,,lilies4 ,of all the valuable flowers that have been imported from ,japan or ,china1 during the past twenty years1 nothing equals the exquisitely beautiful ,japan ,lily--,lilium ,lancifolium4 ,no description can do anything like justice to these flowers1 or show the beautiful1 frost-like white of the surface1 glistening like dew-drops2 or the rubies that stand out on the surface of one of the varieties1 while the end of the leaf is shaded like the exquisite pink1 or the inside of some sea-shells from ,india4 ,there are nine varieties4 ,the pure white and crimson1 ,lancifolium ,monstrosum rubrum2 the pure white ,lancifolium ,monstrosum album1 and a delicate rose of the same variety2 then the dark crimson1 ,lilium ,melpomene2 white1 spotted with delicate salmon1 ,lilium ,punctatum2 the pure white1 with projecting glistening spots1 called ,lilium ,lancifolium album2 ,lilium ,lancifolium rubrum1 white ground1 spotted with crimson2 ,lilium ,lancifolium roseum1 shaded and spotted with rose2 and ,lilium auratum4 ,this is sometimes called ,golden-banded ,lily1 and is truly the king of the lilies4 ,the flower is ten to twelve inches across1 composed of six delicate white ivory parts1 each thickly studded with crimson spots1 with a golden band through its centre4 ,in addition to the beauty of these lilies1 they are fragrant1 and as hardy as any of our common varieties4 ,strong bulbs send up flowering stems from three to five feet in height1 and begin to bloom about the middle of ,august4 ,each flowering stem will have from two to a dozen flowers1 according to the strength of the bulb4 ,rich garden soil is all that is needed for these lilies4 ,plant them in ,october or early in ,november1 about a foot apart1 and five inches deep4 ,the bulbs should remain several years1 if possible1 without removal4 ,these must be the lilies that surpassed ,solomon in all his glory4 ,lilium ,longiflorum is called very beautiful4 ,the flowers are snow-white1 trumpet-shaped flowers4 ,lilium ,brownii1 new variety1 superb white4 #i4--;,,cape ,,bulbs4 ,these are so called from coming from the ,cape of ,good ,hope4 ,the ,gladiolus is the finest variety4 ,these bulbs are easily cultivated in ,new ,england and the ,middle ,states2 they can be planted out as soon as all fear of frost is passed4 ,they will bloom by the last of ,july1 and by making successive plantings every two weeks to the middle of ,july1 they can be had in perfection until the frost returns4 ,although they are not particular about soil1 yet if choice can be had1 a sandy loam1 peat1 or a soil of decomposed leaves1 is better than a stiff clay soil4 ,in any soil1 if it is well enriched1 the flowers will increase in size and beauty4 ,these bulbs should be taken up as soon as the stems begin to wither in the fall2 but should the stalk of the late plantings be yet green1 the bulbs should be left adhering to the stalk until dried1 which will ripen off the bulbs4 ,they can be kept in winter under the stage of a green-house1 or in a frost-proof cellar or closet1 or in any dry place where potatoes will keep4 ,it is impossible to mention varieties2 all are good1 and new varieties increase yearly4 #aj4--;,,how ,,to ,,grow ,,bulbs ,,in ,,winter4 ,bulbs can be grown in vases1 bowls1 dishes1 cornucopias1 c41 of whatsoever shape or form1 from the small ornament that will hold a crocus1 to the large family punch-bowl1 capable of growing a dozen hyacinths4 ,wire or rustic work of any kind1 lined or not with zinc1 and filled with moss1 will grow bulbs to perfection4 ,a zinc frame can be made to fill the whole front of any window2 and if filled with moss or sand1 and planted with hyacinths1 lily of the valley1 crocuses1 snow-drops1 tulips1 narcissus1 and polyanthus1 would in itself form a complete miniature winter flower-garden4 ,these1 with successive plantings1 may be made so many connecting links between our autumn flowers and the early spring blossoms4 ,take a common soup plate1 place in it as many strong bulbs as it will hold easily1 and fill in about half an inch of water4 ,in a few days the roots begin to spread1 and so clasp each other in the course of a few weeks1 that they form a natural support4 ,if the bulbs and plate are covered with moss1 it improves the appearance4 ,for winter bloom successive plantings can be made every two weeks1 from ,september till ,january4 ,after the early part of ,december1 hyacinths intended for glasses had better be half grown in pots1 then turned out and the roots carefully freed from the soil in tepid water1 then placed in glasses4 ,in this way they will blossom sooner4 ,the soil used to cultivate bulbs should be light and rich1 full half sand4 ,bulbs can be grown in moss by keeping it damp4 ,they can be raised even in clear sand4 ,take any ornamental dish capable of holding moisture1 and fill it with sand in a pyramidal form4 ,in the centre plant a hyacinth1 and at equal distances round it plant three or more1 according to the size of the dish2 fill up the space with crocuses1 snow-drops1 dwarf tulips1 c4 ,in planting1 the bulbs should be covered with sand1 all but the tops4 ,then place the dish of bulbs in water five minutes1 in order to fix the bulbs firmly in their position4 ,repeat this bath once a week1 never allowing the sand to become dry4 ,place it in the dark for two weeks1 then keep it in a cool1 light1 airy room4 ,there is no bulb so well adapted to house culture as the hyacinth4 ,they grow easily in pots or glasses4 ,they will grow in almost any light1 sandy soil2 but just in proportion as this is adapted to the plant1 will the perfection of their culture be attained4 ,for pot growing1 the hyacinth1 to attain its greatest beauty1 should be grown in pots seven inches in diameter1 and the same depth4 ,they will grow and blossom in pots of four or five inches in diameter4 ,only one bulb should be planted in a pot4 ,two or three can be grown in larger sized pots4 ,put over the hole in the bottom a good drainage1 half an inch or more in depth1 on this either a handful of leaf mould1 very old cow manure1 or the coarse part of the compost2 then add the prepared soil1 filling up the pot to within an inch of the top4 ,on this place the bulb1 covering it with soil all but the top2 press the earth gently around it1 and shake the pot slightly1 to settle the soil1 and finish with a good watering2 then either plunge the pots three or four inches in some old hot-bed1 and cover with leaves1 or place them in the dark1 covered carefully1 but in a dry place1 for several weeks1 to allow the roots to make a vigorous start4 ,water them very slightly at first1 then gradually inure them to the sunlight4 ,as the flowers expand1 place a saucer under each pot1 which must be kept filled with water till the flowers begin to decay2 then lessen the water till withheld entirely4 ,for planting in glasses1 the last of ,october or early in ,november will do4 ,use only rain or spring water4 ,fill the glasses with water1 and place the bulb so that the roots will just come in contact with it2 set them in a dark closet1 or on a shelf in a dry cellar1 and let them remain till the roots have started1 usually in three or four weeks2 then remove them to any place which is well lighted and warm1 keeping them from the sun till they look a deep green2 turn them around now and then1 and change the water once in three or four weeks4 ,if you perceive the roots look slimy1 and the water fetid1 carefully remove the bulb1 and place the roots in clear water of the same temperature2 wash the roots gently2 cleanse the glass before replacing the bulb4 #aa4--;,,garden ,,insects4 ,in presenting this subject to our readers1 it will be difficult to decide where to begin1 or where to leave off4 ,with the first warmth1 aphides1 or plant lice1 in shoals and nations1 show their unwelcome presence on our roses1 geraniums1 and almost all choice plants4 ,many of our choice fruit trees are infested with these pests of the garden4 ,they are exceedingly prolific4 ,raumur has proved that one of these insects1 in five generations1 may become the progenitor of nearly six thousand millions of descendants4 ,they fasten themselves in crowds on a plant1 and suck the life from it4 ,some live in the ground and infest the roots of plants1 such as verbenas and ,china asters4 ,we have often1 on seeing a plant drooping1 saved it by taking up the plant1 root and all1 and washing it in strong soap suds2 replant it1 after carefully scalding the earth1 and digging it in4 ,the plant should be protected from the sun for a few days1 until the roots start again4 ,the best remedy for these plant lice is to syringe them with a solution of whale-oil soap1 or a mixture of soap suds and tobacco water1 used warm4 ,still another remedy is a solution of half an ounce of strong carbonate of ammonia in a quart of water4 ,where it is possible1 dip the infected branches into either of the above solutions1 holding them carefully in the solution several minutes4 ,a drying east wind makes insects abound1 and rain clears them away4 ,the rose-chafers1 or rose-bugs appear about the second week in ,june1 and remain thirty or forty days4 ,they infest rose bushes and grape vines4 ,they must be carefully picked or brushed off into a basin of hot water1 or burned1 as they increase thirty fold1 and destroy both fruit and flower4 ,caterpillars of many butterflies and moths are destructive in a garden1 and1 when the perfect insects can be caught1 before they lay their eggs1 one death will save much killing4 ,whenever one is found resting quietly on a branch1 stem1 or leaf1 with the wings folded1 it is most likely a female about to lay her eggs1 and it had better be killed4 ,if a butterfly or moth is found so placed1 dead1 she will have laid her eggs2 be sure to find and destroy them4 ,as the season advances1 destroy every chrysalis you find4 ,possibly some of our young readers have never seen a chrysalis1 and may not know what it is4 ,we will try and explain this to you4 ,every species of the butterfly1 or moth1 is first a grub or caterpillar1 crawling upon1 or in the earth4 ,these caterpillars1 when they have completed the feeding stage1 retire to some place of concealment1 under a leaf1 beneath palings1 or in interstices of walls1 spin a tuft of silky fibre1 and entangle the hooks of their hindmost feet in it4 ,then they form a loop1 to sustain the fore part of the body in a horizontal or vertical position4 ,then they spin a band over the back2 and most caterpillars form a cocoon1 in the shape of the letter ,u1 around the body4 ,then they cast off the caterpillar skin1 and become a chrysalis4 ,in summer the chrysalis state lasts from eleven to fifteen days4 ,later it lasts all winter 7while in this state these insects remain dormant74 ,at the proper time the chrysalis bursts open1 and a butterfly issues from it4 ,we have often found these cocoons1 or chrysalides1 and taken them to our rooms to watch the coming forth of the butterfly4 ,rose slug 7,lelandin ,ros71 a light green1 translucent little fellow1 varying from one sixteenth of an inch to nearly an inch in length4 ,there are evidently two species or varieties1 one of which confines its ravages to the lower side of the leaf1 the other eats it entire4 ,the first is by far the most destructive here4 ,in a few days after the plants are attacked they appear as if they had been burned4 ,the only remedy we have found is a preventive one1 which1 in fact1 ought to be used against all insect life4 ,we have spoken of this 7and will not repeat7 in our rose chapter4 ,the only remedy1 whale-oil soap1 is prepared by florists by dissolving one pound to eight gallons of water4 ,they apply it ten days in succession1 with a garden engine or syringe4 ,this must be done very early in the morning1 or late at night1 as the slug shuns the light of day1 and hides under the leaf4 ,with very young1 delicate roses1 the solution is too powerful2 hand work will be necessary to pick them off4 ,english sparrows1 a comparatively late importation1 should be kindly treated by all1 as they are the best exterminators of injurious insects4 ,the ground1 or blue aphis1 and verbena mite1 are among our most subtle and dangerous of pests4 ,they work at the root1 and often before we can see the plant fading1 they have taken its life4 ,the florist's remedy is as soon as you see the least sign of drooping in your ,asters or ,verbenas1 the plants most afflicted by them1 water them copiously and persistently at the roots1 with tobacco water1 the color of strong tea1 and apply it daily for one week4 ,we often take up the plants and wash the roots1 but it is a harsh remedy3 it will kill or cure4 #ab4--,,some ,,useful ,,hints4 ,we have1 in studying different books on horticulture1 found many opposing sentiments4 ,some seemed like hearsay to all former experience1 yet we ought to be ready to receive all advice based upon positive experience4 ,we intend acting upon some new theories of ,peter ,henderson1 a famous gardener near ,new ,york4 ,we have always supposed it very injurious to take water directly from a cold spring to water plants1 and that rain water or soft water must be used1 at the same temperature as the air in which the plants are growing4 ,he says it is a foolish dogma1 as the water will take the same temperature before the plant can be injured4 ,of course if the plant was to stand in cold water it would injure it4 ,this will save much extra trouble2 we ourselves shall profit by his advice1 as he ought to know1 having faithfully tried the experiment4 ,we have always supposed it necessary for the health of a potted plant to have a sufficient amount of bits of oyster shell1 c41 at the bottom for drainage4 ,mr4 ,henderson says1 for fifteen years he has grown all his thrifty plants without the use of crock1 charcoal1 or any other substitute1 and he considers it useless trouble2 he thinks the moisture escapes freely from the sides of the pot4 ,he says when we wish to resuscitate an unhealthy plant1 we wash the soil from its roots1 and put in a new pot1 where the drainage is perfect from the sides4 ,he has grown millions of healthy plants without draining4 ,he thinks old pots1 whose pores are all filled1 often cause the death of a plant4 ,he approves of frequent change of pots1 as it injures a plant for the roots to become hard and woody4 ,in most cases the slightest tap on the edge of the pot is sufficient to turn out the ball of earth4 ,be careful and not take too large a pot2 the size must increase gradually4 ,mr4 ,henderson thinks it is not unhealthy to sleep with plants in the room1 as we have always been taught4 ,he says it is a common practice for gardeners to sleep in their green-house1 and to be with their plants often at night1 and yet1 as a class1 they are vigorous men4 ,he himself1 for three winters1 slept on the floor of the hot-house1 without any injury1 and that was more than a score of years ago4 ,plants can easily be sent by mail1 by first washing the roots in water1 then take them dripping and wrap them in dry moss1 then roll around them several thicknesses of thick brown paper2 the whole must be tightly rolled1 to prevent the dry air penetrating to shrivel the plant4 ,in this way plants can be sent even two thousand miles at a cheap rate1 as our postal laws only charge two cents for four ounces1 unless the package exceeds four pounds4 #ac4--,,moss ,,baskets4 ,take a piece of the spring used in hoop-skirts1 or a rattan1 and make a small hoop about eight inches in diameter4 ,collect from the woods a quantity of the long1 feathery moss1 and wind a heavy wreath of this moss on a hoop1 then cover a piece of the rattan or hoop-spring1 sufficiently long for the handle1 with moss1 and fasten it to the hoop4 ,then take a solid bunch of this moss1 the size of the centre of the hoop1 and push inside of this moss-covered hoop2 this forms a moss basket4 ,take a common plate1 and place this basket upon it1 and sprinkle it thoroughly with water4 ,this basket can be filled again and again with bright flowers1 casting away the flowers as they wither4 ,the wet moss will keep them fresh as long as if placed in a vase filled with water4 ,now and then place this basket in a dish of water1 and sprinkle it1 or let the rain fall upon it4 ,this will freshen the green tint of the moss4 ,baskets covered with the knitted moss1 which in our work department we have given the directions how to prepare1 are very pretty4 ,a tin dish should be made to fit it1 and painted green2 keep this filled with natural flowers1 or ,french artificial flowers1 which imitate nature perfectly1 can be arranged in them1 and if placed on a bracket1 or in some place where they will not be likely to be examined too closely1 they will easily pass for fresh flowers4 ,to form a pyramid of flowers1 take three1 four1 or five wooden bowls1 according to the size you wish for your pyramid2 let them be a regular gradation in size2 procure some round pieces of wood1 like ribbon blocks1 graded in size1 glue the tallest into the centre of the largest bowl so that it will stand upright1 and up on top of that glue the bowl next in size1 and so on to the smallest bowl4 ,varnish the inside several coats2 paint the outsides green1 and cover with moss2 some have a stand made1 and glued to the bottom of the largest bowl4 ,when filled with flowers it is a lovely sight4 ,baskets made of tin and painted green1 then covered with moss1 make the prettiest hanging baskets possible4 ,tin rings1 large enough to surround vases placed inside1 and made to hold water1 with little wires across the top and painted green1 when filled with flowers1 form the prettiest mats in the world2 the wires keep the flowers in place4 ,i saw one filled with only rosebuds1 blue forget-me-nots1 and geranium leaves4 ,it is an improvement to cover the outside with moss4 ,crosses made in the same way are very beautiful1 and are appropriate to place on the grave of any beloved friend4 ,in that way flowers can be preserved a long time1 if there is a sufficient supply of water to preserve them4 ,there are innumerable ways of arranging flowers4 ,the poorest person can afford to purchase a tin basin1 and with a little common paste and moss1 which can be found in all country places1 a pretty dish for flowers is soon made4 ,shells make lovely vases4 ,the large shells sailors polish so exquisitely to resemble mother of pearl1 make elegant hanging vases2 bore holes on each side and hang them with strong cords4 ,the month of ,september is not too late to make a fine collection of mosses from mountains and valleys4 ,mosses will have attained by this time a luxurious growth4 ,there are but few mosses that look well after being pressed4 ,the best way to preserve a collection of mosses is to arrange them in some suitable box1 as they grow1 and in the order you desire to keep them1 and let them dry slowly4 ,if you wish to cover any box1 basket1 or vase1 it is better to paste them on1 before they are entirely dry1 with common paste4 ,the dry white and gray mosses form very beautiful receptacles for flowers1 by covering the outside of any rustic basket with the moss4 ,thread wire will fasten it firmly to any basket1 or rustic work4 ,paste or wire can be used to fasten it on to boxes or bowls4 ,we have seen a lovely rustic stand for flowers1 formed from a common wooden box 7a large bowl is the more desirable74 ,the handle was formed from a barrel hoop4 ,the legs of the stand were made of gnarled branches of trees4 ,then fine annealed wire was wound over the whole4 ,this served to hold the moss firmly to the box4 ,the beautiful curled white1 gray1 and green dry mosses were then arranged all over the box1 legs1 and handle1 so as to give grace and beauty to this inexpensive stand4 ,this box was then filled with rich loam1 and planted with purple1 white1 and pink ,maurandia1 and variegated ,myrtle4 ,these vines twined over the handle1 and festooned the sides of the box4 ,lobelias1 ,fuchsias1 ,nierembergias1 white and scarlet monthly ,pinks1 silver-leaved ,geranium1 and ,king of the ,scarlets1 also one white monthly ,rose in the centre1 filled the box with bright flowers all summer4 ,this inexpensive flower-stand was constructed by a boy during his school vacation1 and it formed a beautiful centre ornament to his mother's front yard4 ,in the winter the good mother had her boy's work carefully removed and placed in her bay window4 ,there it blossomed1 and spoke cheering words to her of her absent darling1 as she sat day by day1 during the cold winter months1 sewing by its side4 #ad4--;,,hanging ,,baskets4 ,hanging baskets are now in such universal use1 that the taste for them has extended to every town or village in our land4 ,all florists keep a supply of baskets1 with flowers planted and growing1 ready for sale4 ,these baskets are quite expensive4 ,we will give directions for some equally pretty1 but inexpensive1 which any ingenious boy or girl can make4 ,take a small wooden bowl1 bore holes in the sides to fasten in a cord1 or screw in rings4 ,cover this with cones1 acorns1 black beans1 c41 in fact1 any pretty seed can be used to good effect2 arrange them in different forms1 like flowers4 ,varnish with asphaltum varnish4 ,a cocoanut shell makes a pretty small basket4 ,either of the above are pretty with the white and green dry moss glued over the outside4 ,baskets can be made of sticks of the oak or maple tree1 choosing those of the size of a man's thumb1 and cutting them of equal lengths1 eight1 ten1 or twelve inches1 according to the size of the basket desired4 ,then build your basket like a log hut2 interlace your fingers1 and you will see the design4 ,nail these sticks firmly in place1 fasten in a wooden bottom4 ,heat a wire and thrust it through the end of each stick1 and bend it into a loop2 suspend it by cords fastened to these loops4 ,this makes a durable basket to hang out of doors2 any boy of twelve could make it4 ,rustic baskets can be made with or without a wooden frame1 but a wooden bowl is a good foundation2 procure from the woods a quantity of blasted branches1 or other crooked1 rough1 or knotty twigs4 ,soak them in hot water or steam them1 so as to make them pliable4 ,stain the bowl with asphaltum or black varnish1 then screw in rings for the hanging cords to pass through4 ,when the varnish is dry1 bend around the outside of the bowl one of the twigs or blasted branches1 and nail it securely at the top edges on either side4 ,twine several pieces around in this way1 according to your taste1 until the whole surface is covered2 finish by nailing one around the rim of the basket for a border4 ,varnish the branches like the bowl4 ,the entire basket is then ready for use4 ,all kinds of shaped baskets can be made out of wire1 painting them green1 and filling in moss in all the crevices2 a painted tin dish1 placed in for the dirt1 will surely prevent any drip2 thick moss is ordinarily sufficient4 ,all kinds of these baskets should be filled up with light1 sandy loam2 a few bits of charcoal1 and a piece of sponge in the bottom1 assist in keeping the soil moist4 ,light1 trailing vines should be trained to fall over the sides1 and loop in and out of rustic work4 ,we will give a short list of vines suitable for baskets4 ,lobelia ,erinus ,paxtoni1 an exquisite blue4 ,white and pink ,gypsophila4 ,panicum ,variegatum4 ,tropolum1 ball of fire4 ,convolvulus ,mauritanicus4 ,variegated ,myrtle4 ,geranium ,peltatum ,elegans4 ,nierembergia4 ,linaria ,cymbalaria4 ,all varieties of ,maurandia ,barclayana4 ,german ,ivy4 ,alyssum ,variegatum4 ,vinea ,elegantissima ,aurea4 ,moneywort4 ,,plants ,,for ,,the ,,centre4 ,centaurea ,gymnocarpa4 ,alternanthera4 ,sedum ,sieboldii4 ,bijou ,zonale4 ,achyronthes ,gilsoni4 ,mrs4 ,pollock1 c4 ,these baskets should be exposed to the sun at least two or three hours daily1 and in dry weather watered freely4 ,if the surface of the basket between the plants is covered with moss1 it will prevent the earth from drying as soon1 and the basket will look neater4 ,baskets of moss and wire can be every week dipped into a pail of water4 #ae4--;,,artificial ,,rockeries4 ,a well-formed and flourishing rockery is an ornament to every lawn4 ,petrified wood forms very beautiful rockeries1 but as our purpose is to assist our young friends to make their own rockeries1 we will leave the more elaborate to the gardener4 ,save all the clinkers from your furnace coal1 dip them in a hot lime wash to color them pure white1 their fantastic shapes are thus more conspicuous2 arrange them in a mound according to your fancy2 leave at suitable distances cavities of six or eight inches deep1 to be filled with soil2 in this plant your creeping plants2 bright colors should be selected for a white rockery4 ,dwarf ,scarlet ,tropolum1 ,scarlet ,verbenas1 ,petunias1 ,golden ,moneywort1 ,lobelias1 ,scarlet ,geraniums1 ,myrtles1 ,coleus1 ,german ,ivy1 c41 are used to good effect on this rock work4 ,hydraulic cement instead of lime will make a pretty drab color4 ,if the rockery is protected by some shade1 it looks well to plant it with ,ferns and ,lycopodiums4 #af4--;,,ferneries4 ,is it not1 friends1 very pleasant to have a bit of the summer woods in our parlors in midwinter8 ,such a pleasure is within the reach of us all1 with but little trouble and expense4 ,those who live in cities1 and cannot go into the country1 surely must have some friend who can supply them1 or the materials can be obtained at any public green-house4 ,first you require a glass dome1 or what is still better1 take five panes of glass1 any size you please1 four to form the sides1 one for the top2 fasten the glass together with a light wooden frame1 then take any tin dish1 like a baking pan1 or if round1 a tin plate or jelly cake pan1 or a tin dish can be made to fit it for a trifling sum of money2 paint the tin green on the outside4 ,then collect some pieces of broken flower pots1 or still better1 bits of marble1 granite1 or any stone1 and scatter them around the tin dish1 placing in the centre some moss-grown stump or stick1 and pile the stones around it2 then collect from the woods ferns1 mosses1 partridge vines1 with its bright red berries 7indeed any plant will grow in these ferneries which can be found in moist places in the woods72 take up a little of the leaf mould in which they grow 7they need but little soil71 arrange your plants1 spreading the roots carefully over the stones1 scattering a little leaf mould on them1 and place your mosses around the whole4 ,the tallest plants should form the centre1 but in arranging even ferneries1 it is more agreeable to exercise your own taste4 ,before placing your globe or glass frame over your fernery1 sprinkle the plants thoroughly1 then cover with the glass1 and let it remain a few days in the shade4 ,you can keep them where you please1 but they grow better near a window2 be very careful not to water them too often2 once a month is generally sufficient2 if too wet1 they will mould and die2 when there is but little moisture on the glass1 it is well to raise the glass to ascertain if it is dry4 ,our fernery has been made four years2 it has required but little care2 now and then we add a new fern1 some moss1 or any suitable plant gathered from the woods1 and remove any dried ferns or leaves4 ,it often renews itself4 ,trailing ,arbutus and partridge vines will blossom in ferneries4 ,it is always pleasant to the eye1 and no care after the first expense and trouble4 ,ivy and ,lycopodium grow well in ferneries1 but the rare ferns1 c41 from green-houses do not flourish as well as those plants taken from our native woods4 #ag4--;,,ivies4 ,english ,ivies are a great ornament to our rooms1 and are hardy1 and require very little care4 ,after the first two years they grow quite rapidly1 therefore it is well to procure two-year old plants2 train them on your curtains1 over your windows and pictures4 ,many make a mistake by changing the pots very often1 thinking they require a very large pot1 which is not so1 for they do not require as much earth as many plants1 only keep them moist1 and have rich loam for the soil2 it is well to water them every month with guano water1 prepared according to the same rule given for flowers4 ,the ,poet's ,ivy is very pretty1 the leaf being quite small4 ,the most beautiful ivy we ever saw was one that never was removed from its place1 summer or winter2 it filled a large bay window1 encircled the whole room1 and wound around many pictures2 now and then a gardener came and changed the soil1 and the leaves were occasionally washed4 #ah4--,,pressed ,,flowers4 ,to press flowers1 to be arranged on paper like a painting1 you must take some plain white wrapping paper 7in ,paris you can obtain paper prepared by a chemical process to preserve the colors71 and place your flowers or leaves carefully between two sheets of the paper4 ,then press them by placing a heavy weight over them 7letter presses are excellent71 and leave them a day or two1 then change the paper2 thus the juices of the flowers are absorbed4 ,it takes a week or two to press perfectly1 and in summer often longer4 ,when dry1 place them in a book or some air-tight box1 ready for use4 ,a year is required to make a varied and handsome collection1 as each flower has its own season for blossoming4 ,wild flowers retain their colors better than cultivated2 but experience alone will teach you what flowers will retain their color best4 ,many pretend to be able to preserve all kinds of flowers1 but it is impossible4 ,i will give a list of flowers which are known to retain their color by this mode of pressing4 ,all ,geraniums 7except the horse-shoe and sweet-scented7 preserve their color4 ,they are very essential1 as their colors are brilliant and keep for years4 ,all yellow flowers1 both wild and cultivated1 retain their color4 ,the ,violet and ,pansy1 ,dwarf ,blue ,convolvulus1 ,blue ,larkspur1 ,blue ,myrtle1 ,blue ,lobelia1 ,heaths1 the small original ,red ,fuchsia1 ,wild ,housatonia1 and many tiny blue1 and even white flowers press perfectly4 ,for green1 ,ivy1 ,maiden ,hair1 ,ferns or ,brake1 ,mosses1 c41 retain their color best4 ,rarely a cultivated green leaf presses well4 ,autumn leaves1 if small1 and the youngest oak leaves1 mix in well4 ,certain kinds of stems1 such as ,pansy1 and others of similar character1 are best adapted for pressing4 ,after your collection is made1 take some card-board1 without a polish if possible1 and arrange your flowers as you design to have them4 ,gum them to the paper with tragacanth1 using a camel's hair brush1 then press on the paper and flower with a cloth1 carefully absorbing all moisture1 as well as firmly pressing the flower on the paper4 ,geraniums and some large flowers look better if each leaf is glued on separately4 ,in forming your bouquet1 it is better to arrange the stems first and work upwards4 ,baskets and vases of moss with flowers are pretty4 ,to form these you must trace out with a pencil your vase or basket1 and glue on the moss4 ,then arrange your flowers4 ,we have heard amusing criticisms on the coloring of such bouquets from persons who mistook them for paintings4 ,framed and covered with a glass1 they make ornamental pictures4 ,it is a pleasant way of preserving mementos of friends1 places1 or events4 ,flower albums or journals are very beautiful4 ,wreaths arranged of different varieties of ,pelargoniums1 mixed in with any pretty green1 and other little flowers1 such as ,lobelias1 are very handsome1 and the colors are durable4 ,pansies of different shades look well1 and brilliant wreaths may be made of all the varieties of flowers that hold their color4 ,the oval shape looks the best for wreaths4 ,there are innumerable varieties of ,ferns1 ,lycopodiums1 and ,maiden ,hair1 both native and foreign1 suitable for pressing4 ,by pasting each specimen on a separate sheet1 and interspersing specimens of our beautiful autumn leaves1 also on separate sheets1 and fastening them together1 either bound as a book1 or in a portfolio1 you will possess a beautiful and attractive book with but little expense4 ,crosses can be arranged with ,ferns1 and shaded to appear as if painted in perspective1 and look like a cross standing on a mossy bank1 with flowers1 c41 growing around and over it4 ,first draw and shade your cross1 as a guide1 then take the small leaflets of the darkest colored ferns you can procure1 and glue them on carefully where the cross should be in shadow darkest1 then take the brighter green ,ferns 7such as are gathered in spring71 and end with the white ,ferns 7which can only be obtained in the fall71 using them for the lightest shade2 be careful to cover every part1 and shade it with ,nature's colors as you would with paint4 ,in a cross six inches high1 and suitably proportioned1 full two hundred of the tiny leaflets of the ,fern may be used to good advantage before it is completed4 ,then take wild ,lycopodium1 if you can obtain it1 if not1 the finest of the cultivated1 and arrange it on your cross to look like a vine growing over and hanging from it2 also paste on to it tiny little pressed ,lobelias1 and arrange small ,ferns1 mosses1 and any little flowers 7wild ones are preferable7 around the base of the cross1 to look like a mossy bank4 ,different designs can be arranged in the same way4 ,be very careful in pasting on flowers and leaves1 that every part1 however small1 is firmly fixed to the paper2 press them on after pasting with a dry cloth4 ,september is the time to collect the beautiful white ferns2 the first slight frost turns the green fern white4 ,they should then be gathered at once1 and carefully pressed2 when dry they resemble the skeleton leaves4 ,a vase of these forms a beautiful winter ornament4 ,if you defer gathering them till the heavy frosts come1 they turn brown4 #ai4--,,strawberries4 ,a few hints as regards the cultivation of strawberries may be useful to both boys and girls2 for fine berries can be raised even on a small plot of ground1 if the soil be rich4 ,plants for a new bed should be set out early in the spring2 the roots will then grow strong1 and the plants will be better able to bear the cold of winter4 ,some gardeners prefer to plant their strawberry roots in ,august1 or even late in the autumn1 and if the winter is mild1 or deep snows cover the ground1 the vines will live and bear fruit the next summer4 ,some prefer to raise strawberries in hills1 but the most prolific vines are those planted in beds about three feet wide1 with a path between1 filled with straw1 to keep the fruit from the ground2 it is well to cut off most of the runners4 ,of course the beds should be kept free from weeds4 ,there are many new varieties1 but the old ,hovey's ,seedling is as reliable as any1 and very prolific4 ,the ,russell is easily propagated2 vines planted in ,april will often yield fine strawberries in ,june4 ,the ,wilson is a profitable strawberry for the market because of its large yield1 but it is hardly equal in flavor to the ,hovey4 ,the ,hovey will soon run out if planted by itself2 it requires some other kind to be planted with it4 ,the ,pine is usually the variety selected for that purpose4 ,it is useless to enumerate the several varieties1 for nearly every locality has its favorite strawberry4 ,some kinds will scarcely bear a perfect berry in some locations1 while in a different locality the same plant will be loaded with perfect fruit4 ,sometimes a healthy and vigorous-looking bed of strawberry plants will produce but few berries2 then you must examine the blossoms1 those which bear fruit will have the berry formed in the flower1 while others will blossom freely1 but do not bear fruit2 these are the male plants1 and it is better to leave but few of them in your strawberry beds4 ,when you plant the new roots1 dig a hole with a trowel and fill it with water1 then spread out the roots and pack the earth close around them2 but when they are fully rooted1 and commence to grow1 the earth should be kept loose around them4 ,strawberry plants should be replanted every third year2 it is best to change the location of the bed if possible1 or at least to renew the soil4 ,boys or girls who raise and gather from their own little garden a dish of strawberries1 will find great pleasure in presenting it to their friends as fruits of their own labor4 #bj4--;,,grapes4 ,the care of the grape vine is a pleasant occupation4 ,to gather the rich1 ripe bunches of its delicious fruit is a grand enjoyment4 ,almost every one can command a spot of ground sufficient for the liberal support of a grape vine4 ,it may be planted in any unappropriated corner about the house--a sunny spot is to be preferred2 but a vine may do well with but little direct sunshine1 if it is well sheltered and properly cared for4 ,it may be planted at the foot of a tree1 the branches of which are not near the ground1 and it will find its way high up the tree1 and will yield large crops of fine fruit1 hidden among its own thick foliage and that of the tree1 provided the ground immediately about its roots can be reached and kept warm by the sun's rays4 ,as it grows1 it will endeavor to adapt itself to the circumstances that surround it1 and will take the direction your taste or convenience require it to follow4 ,its flexible branches are obedient to the gentle hand of the careful cultivator4 ,you may train it upon stakes six or eight feet high1 or upon a low trellis where the fruit will be within easy reach of your hand4 ,you may have the fruit within a few inches of the ground1 or by removing all the lower branches of the vine1 you can cause the ripe bunches to hang in graceful festoons around and over the window of your chamber1 high above the reach of accident and pilferers4 ,the grape vine will do as it is bid1 which is much more than can be said of some young people1 whose eyes sparkle at the sight of its fruit4 ,in preparing the ground in which to plant the vine1 reference must be had to the character of the soil4 ,if the soil is clayey and cold1 or if the neighboring surface is such as to turn an undue proportion of the rains upon the place where you propose to plant your vine1 care must be taken to secure for the roots of the vine a sufficient drainage4 ,if the roots of the vine are surrounded by wet and cold earth1 the fruit will mature slowly1 and will be endangered by the early frosts4 ,you will secure a sufficient drainage by digging a hole three feet deep and five or six feet in diameter1 and throwing into it small stones1 fragments of bricks1 or other like rubbish1 to the depth of about eighteen inches1 and filling to the surface with the soil4 ,if the soil in which you propose to plant your vine is light1 no artificial drainage will be necessary4 ,dig over the ground1 and mix with it some well-rotted manure or bone dust to the depth of your spade4 ,the plan of trenching and deep manuring is of questionable advantage4 ,the roots of the vine prefer to run near the surface1 but they will seek the rich soil wherever it may be2 and if they are drawn away from the surface of the ground and out of their natural direction to the colder soil below1 the effect upon the fruit may be unfavorable1 both as to quality and quantity4 ,in the ground thus prepared1 set your young vine from the nursery4 ,first1 drive down a stake to which you can tie the young vine1 then place the roots of the vine three inches below the surface of the ground1 carefully spreading the roots so that they will be as nearly as possible in the position in which they grew in the nursery4 ,the beautiful operations of nature will then commence4 ,the roots of the vine will at once begin to adapt themselves to their new home1 and their delicate fibres will firmly clasp the particles of the well-prepared soil2 the warm days of the early spring will draw the sap up through the whole length of the vine2 the buds will open and exhibit their delicate tints1 new shoots and broad green leaves will follow1 and you can soon eat the fruit of your own labor1 sitting beneath the shadow of your own vine4 #ba4--;,,how ,,to ,,arrange ,,sea-,,mosses4 ,while our young friends are enjoying the pleasures of the sea-shore1 there is no more delightful employment than gathering and preserving the beautiful flowers of the sea4 ,september is the time to collect the finest varieties of sea-mosses4 ,before you commence to arrange them1 procure two pieces of deal board1 about twenty inches long and twelve inches wide2 some light-brown paper1 and blotting paper1 and white drawing paper4 ,you will need camel's-hair pencils1 long1 slender darning-needles 7or common needles mounted on lucifer matches71 a small piece of alum1 and old cotton or linen cloth4 ,the best time for collecting the mosses is in the early morning1 when1 on your return1 there is leisure for immediately laying them out4 ,if you leave them until the next day1 the chances are that one half of them will be spoiled4 ,do not collect many mosses at one time2 for these flowers of the sea fade1 and even decompose very fast1 when roughly handled or carelessly gathered4 ,if you cannot arrange them at once1 put them either in an oil-skin bag1 or a tin can1 with sea-water4 ,when you are ready to arrange them1 take your drawing paper and cut it into large and small squares1 or any size you desire4 ,get some soup plates1 or any shallow dish2 fill with fresh water2 place a small piece of alum in each dish4 ,now have your camel's-hair pencils and darning-needles1 or needles mounted on matches1 by your side4 ,then float a piece of sea-moss in fresh water4 ,if very dirty or sandy1 wash it first in clear water4 ,float it on a piece of paper1 which must be placed under it with the left hand1 while with your right hand you arrange the plant in a natural manner1 using your camel's-hair pencils and needles4 ,superabundant branches can be thinned out with small1 sharp-pointed scissors4 ,when the specimen is placed as you like it1 cautiously raise the paper1 that the position of the plant be not altered1 and let it rest somewhere with sloping inclination1 that the moisture may run off1 while other specimens are treated in the same way4 ,do not leave them long thus1 for they must be pressed before the paper is dry4 ,in drying them1 you must lay either old soft linen1 or cotton over them1 to prevent its sticking to the upper paper when pressing2 as1 in order to press it1 you must first lay them in blotting paper1 and then in brown1 and place them1 thus prepared1 between your boards1 and strap the two boards tightly together4 ,the blotting paper and old cloth must be changed at least twice in drying large sea-weed4 ,the second day place a heavy pressure on the boards used in pressing4 ,sea-mosses are glutinous1 and must be dried1 and not pressed2 and1 when finished and dry1 then moisten the under side of the paper1 and press it gently4 ,others will not adhere to paper1 and therefore1 when dry1 should be brushed over with a little isinglass1 dissolved in gin1 laid on warm2 and they will then be fixed closely to the drawing paper4 ,another preparation is one ounce of oil of turpentine1 in which some gum mastic1 the size of a nutmeg1 has been dissolved4 ,this gives a gloss to the specimen1 and helps to preserve the color4 ,the finest and rarest specimens are found in the lowest tide pool1 or cast up after a storm4 ,we have seen these sea-mosses1 or sea-weeds1 exquisitely arranged1 representing flower painting4 ,take the pink and green sea-weed1 and with practice1 moss-rose buds can be perfectly represented1 also other flowers4 ,be careful and select fine-grained1 at the same time strong paper4 ,every lover of nature should always possess a microscope4 ,examine with it many tiny specimens1 condemned as too small to arrange in your album2 it will reveal to you such form and color1 provision and harmony1 as the ,almighty ,creator conceals from the unseeing eye1 and reveals to patient and intelligent search4 ,,house ,,and ,,home ,,arts4 #a4--,,knitting4 ,plain knitting is but little noticed since knitting machines were invented4 ,at present crochet work has taken its place1 and fancy tatting4 ,it will not be necessary for us to give any especial directions for these kinds of work1 as nearly all our magazines give new directions in every number4 ,but both crochet and tatting require eyesight4 ,if a child is taught in early youth to knit well1 all common knitting can be done without eyesight4 ,we can think better if our hands are employed on plain knitting4 ,if our eyes have been overtasked1 and cannot bear the light1 we can knit in the dark4 ,we always keep some common knitting1 such as strips for a blanket1 or stockings for the poor1 on hand2 and it is astonishing the amount of work accomplished in this way1 as we can knit1 if a neighbor calls1 for it does not prevent our conversing freely1 also we can knit and read4 ,we earnestly advise our young readers to learn to knit4 ,many persons in the present era are afflicted with weak eyes1 and dislike to be idle2 the knowledge of knitting would be a pleasure1 also of netting1 as that requires less eyesight than other branches of work4 ,we will give the directions for knitting a few fancy articles1 also the directions for knitting a common stocking1 so that our young girls can knit substantial stockings for the poor4 ,during the last war1 when our young ladies were called upon to knit stockings1 how few knew how6 ,so many1 who earnestly desiring to do their part1 were obliged to learn the rudiments of knitting6 #b4--;,,how ,,to ,,knit ,a ,,stocking4 ,first select four smooth steel needles of a size suitable for the woollen or cotton yarn you intend to use4 ,if you cannot tell yourself1 the person of whom you purchase your yarn can select suitable needles4 ,your stitches should be cast on with double yarn4 ,knitting them on is preferable2 first form a loop on one needle1 then by knitting that loop with another needle1 the required stitches can be formed4 ,some persons prefer a little elastic roll at the top2 this is formed by knitting eight or ten rows round plain1 then turn directly back and knit on the wrong side a few times4 ,but the most common mode is purl every two stitches4 ,this is done by knitting two stitches and purling two4 ,it is well to continue this for a gentleman's stocking or a boy's all the way to the heel1 as they cling better to the leg1 or purl two and knit two for a half a finger1 then knit a finger and a half plain1 and end the leg part by purling two and two again at the ankle for an inch4 ,if the stocking is for a lady1 after knitting four or five inches from the top 7the first inch being purled every two stitches71 the narrowing should be commenced4 ,in plain knitting1 one needle is called the seam needle1 for the centre stitch should be purled1 and one must be taken to purl that same stitch the whole length of the leg4 ,the narrowing of the leg should be done on each side of the seam stitch4 ,then knit five or six rows before narrowing again4 ,the leg should be narrowed thus seven or eight times to form a good shaped leg4 ,no rules for length1 or the number of stitches to be cast on a needle1 can be given1 as nearly every person differs in size4 ,the only sure way is to measure by some old stocking4 ,the heel must contain just half the stitches in the whole stocking4 ,take off the stitches1 for the heel1 on to one needle4 ,a long heel makes a better shaped stocking than a short one4 ,when nearly done1 narrow five or six times on each side of the purl2 for1 in taking off the stitches for the heel1 the purl stitch must be in the centre of the heel needle4 ,the heel is knit backwards and forwards like a garter1 only it is purled all across on the wrong side4 ,the narrowing must all be done on the plain knitting side4 ,some persons knit the heel with double yarn2 others1 on the purling side1 slip a stitch and knit a stitch all across1 and the next time the purling side is knit1 slip the stitch you knit before4 ,this makes a strong heel1 almost equal to running a heel after it is knit4 ,to bind off the heel1 you must place half the stitches on one needle and half on another1 then place them side by side1 and knit two stitches together with a third needle1 slip the first stitch knit with the third needle over the second stitch all across1 never leaving but one stitch on the needle4 ,some finish the heel differently2 they take just half the stitches of the heel in the middle of the needle1 leaving a quarter on one side and a quarter on the other1 and only knit the middle1 but each time take up one stitch from the side1 and narrow it with one on the middle1 until all the stitches on the side are gone4 ,the foot is formed by taking up the loops on each side of the heel 7these loops are formed in knitting the heel1 by always slipping the first stitch1 as in a garter74 ,in knitting round the first time1 it is necessary to widen on the heel every third stitch1 by taking up an additional loop4 ,it should then be narrowed on the corner of the side needles1 by narrowing two together of the four last stitches on the first needle1 then on the other side needle knit two plain1 slip a stitch and knit a stitch1 and put the slipped stitch over the knitted stitch1 until the foot is small enough4 ,after the first few times around1 it shapes the instep better to narrow1 then knit around without slipping and binding4 ,the next time knit past the narrowing side plain1 and slip and bind1 therefore the size is only lessened one stitch every row1 forming a long gore4 ,the toe is formed by narrowing at the beginning and end of each needle2 first knit two plain and narrow1 then leave four at the end of the needle1 narrow the first two1 and knit the other two plain2 before narrowing1 see that the stitches on each needle number the same4 ,knit around three times plain1 then narrow as directed4 ,knit three plain rounds between the narrowing three times4 ,then knit twice around plain1 three times between the narrowing2 then once1 then narrow every time till there are only four stitches2 break off your yarn1 leaving sufficient to draw through the four stitches1 and with a darning needle fasten it strong4 ,another way to narrow a toe off1 is to narrow every seven stitches when you begin the toe2 knit seven times around1 and narrow every six stitches2 knit six rows and narrow every five stitches2 knit five rows and narrow every four stitches1 so on to the end4 #c4--;,,baby',s ,,knitted ,,jacket4 ,cast on two hundred stitches on good sized steel needles1 knit quarter stitch eleven purls1 that is twenty-two times across2 then1 with colored split worsted1 knit three purls1 then narrow every time1 putting the worsted twice over the needle each time to make holes2 knit three purls1 then commence with the white worsted2 knit fourteen purls2 divide the stitches into three parts1 fifty on each side1 one hundred in the middle4 ,commence with the middle1 knit twenty-two purls1 then narrow each side of the needle every other time1 making twenty-two purls1 bind off4 ,knit the fronts the same way1 narrowing only on one side4 ,,sleeves4 ,cast on sixty-five stitches1 knit thirty-six purls1 narrowing each side of the needle every eighth purl2 knit three purls with color1 make holes1 then three more purls1 bind off fifty-four stitches1 then sew up the shoulders1 take up the stitches round the neck1 knit the same with the colored worsted1 as the border on the sleeves1 take up stitches down each side of the front1 knit the same border1 only have one purl before making the holes1 then knit two purls4 ,,border4 ,cast on eighteen stitches1 and knit the same as border for blanket1 making seven holes instead of four4 ,split worsted is preferable4 #d4--;,,baby',s ,,blanket4 ,commence with thirty stitches on a needle1 and knit ,brioche stitch4 ,knit till you can count twenty-four loops1 then change the color 7the stitch to be knit1 is slip a stitch1 put thread in front and narrow1 all across1 on both sides the same74 ,you must always join the color on the same side1 and have a colored square in each corner of your blanket4 ,knit seven squares in each strip1 and seven strips form the inside of the blanket4 #e4--;,,border ,,to ,,blanket4 ,cast on ten stitches1 knit two plain1 put your worsted in front and narrow all the rest1 but knit the last stitch plain2 that is1 put your thread in front and narrow two together1 till there are two left2 then put your thread in front and knit one stitch2 then the last one plain2 knit back plain2 then knit three stitches1 and the same as before1 only add a stitch every other time across1 till you have nineteen stitches2 then knit twice plain1 and knit eight1 and narrow2 then put your thread in front and narrow four times2 knit last stitch plain always1 knit back always plain2 decrease one every other time till you have ten1 then knit a plain row to join your other color4 ,all the scallops are knit the same1 and it needs thirty-two blocks of edging to go round the blanket4 ,the colored point of each corner must be gathered up to the point close1 thus making the white come on each side of the colored square4 ,it takes eight ounces of common zephyr worsted1 four ounces of each color4 ,this enlarged1 makes very handsome carriage blankets1 with a palm leaf worked in each square2 but instead of a knitted border1 it is better to tie in a heavy fringe of worsted4 #f4--,,knitted ,,bed-,,quilts4 ,this requires a whole box of the red and white ,saxony yarn4 ,this should be knit with the finest ivory needles4 ,cast on forty stitches4 ,knit the stripes garter stitch2 that is1 knit backwards and forwards plain knitting1 slipping always the first stitch on the needle4 ,knitting it thus1 it makes every other time across look like purling4 ,the stripes must be four hundred purls in length2 it needs eleven stripes1 red and white alternately4 ,these stripes must be sewed together1 and the ends finished off with a fringe1 or knit a border4 ,the directions given for the border to the first baby's blanket1 knit it broader by knitting six or seven stitches plain before you widen or narrow to make holes4 ,a 8couvre-pied0 can be knit in the same manner1 only knit the stripes three hundred and ten purls in length4 #g4--;,,baby',s ,,blanket4 ,a beautiful blanket can be knit with stripes1 alternating pink and white4 ,knit plain garter stitch1 each stripe a yard long2 the white stripes should be the narrowest1 eighteen stitches for the white and twenty-two for the pink4 ,when finished1 then work in the white stripes1 a pink rose-bud and a green leaf1 as small as possible1 then sew all together1 making the blanket a square yard4 ,,border4 ,cast on sixteen stitches4 ,first row4 ,knit three1 turn over twice1 purl two together1 knit two1 turn over twice1 knit two together1 turn over twice1 knit two together1 knit five4 ,second row4 ,knit seven1 purl one1 knit two1 purl one1 knit two1 turn over twice1 purl two together1 knit three4 ,third row4 ,knit three1 turn over twice1 purl two together1 knit thirteen4 ,fourth row4 ,knit thirteen1 turn over twice1 purl two together1 knit three4 ,fifth row4 ,knit three1 turn over twice1 purl two together1 knit two1 turn over twice1 knit two together1 turn over twice1 knit two together1 turn over twice1 knit two together1 knit five4 ,sixth row4 ,knit seven1 purl one1 knit two1 purl one1 knit three1 purl one1 knit two1 turn over twice1 purl two together1 knit three4 ,seventh row4 ,knit three1 turn over twice1 purl two together1 knit six1 turn4 ,eighth row4 ,cast off five1 knit ten1 turn over twice1 purl two together1 knit three4 #h4--,,sofa ,,cushion4 ,cast by knitting sixteen stitches1 knit plain four rows like a garter1 knit eight stitches1 turn and purl four1 knitting heel stitch 7that is1 plain in front1 and purl on the back side71 ten times on the four stitches4 ,then slip the four stitches from the needle while you take up the next four1 then return them again and knit the remaining four1 turn and knit twelve stitches1 then take up the last loop on the roll1 and narrow it off with the first stitch of the last four1 then knit the last three plain4 ,then knit four rows plain 7which makes three rows of purling on the right side between each roll74 ,now commence another roll1 same as before4 ,it takes seven ounces of tapestry worsted1 or double zephyr1 one ounce to a stripe4 ,be careful and select colors that will harmonize together4 #i4--,,table ,,mats4 ,table mats1 made of coarse white tidy yarn--with the plain crochet stitch and a scallop border--are easily worked1 and do not strain the eyes4 #aj4--;,,carriage ,,or ,,bed-,,room ,,mat4 ,a very pretty carriage or bed-room mat may be made in knitting4 ,collect as much flannel list1 or flannel and woollen cloth as you can2 cut it into short lengths1 and knit a few rows1 for a foundation1 in twine4 ,then take a piece of list1 put it across the string1 and knit it in tightly2 knit the pieces of list in this way all across2 then knit a row plain2 then knit in a row with the list4 ,if you knit an edge of scarlet flannel1 say six rows first1 and six stitches at the beginning and end of each row1 of pieces of the scarlet1 and six rows of scarlet at the ending1 your mat will be improved1 particularly if the centre is knit entirely of gray list1 as the gray and scarlet are very effective4 ,when completed1 line it with a nice coarse brown cloth4 ,pretty mats can be knit entirely of old pieces of cloth of any kind1 by cutting it in narrow strips and sewing each strip together2 knit it with large needles either in strips or squares1 and sew them firmly together2 take your pieces at odd times and strip them up1 and as you sew them together1 roll them into balls ready for knitting1 then arrange your colors to harmonize together4 #aa4--,,knitted ,,moss4 ,cast on about fifty stitches of light green ,berlin wool2 slip a stitch on your needle without knitting1 and knit the next row4 ,continue the same until you have finished two skeins of wool1 taking care never to knit the first stitch of each line4 ,then knit on it1 in the same manner1 two skeins of the next shade darker of color1 and continue in the same manner until you have knitted up five shades of green2 join on a rich brown1 and a faded moss-colored wool1 and then cast off4 ,wet your knitting through with clear water1 then dry it over a furnace register1 or cover it with a paper or cloth1 and press it with a hot iron4 ,let it remain for a few hours untouched1 then unfasten the last stitch1 and pull it out4 ,it will unravel easily1 from the first stitch of each row not having been knitted1 and you will have a good curling imitation of moss to sew on to baskets or for borders of mats4 #ab4--,,plain ,,needle-,,work1 ,,and ,,useful ,,hints ,,for ,,young ,,ladies4 ,our young ladies formerly were educated thoroughly in needle-work4 ,plain sewing was taught in the primary schools2 but1 alas6 these times seem past2 it is rare to find a little girl of even ten years old who can hem a pocket-handkerchief well4 ,the children of our mechanics grow up with but little knowledge of useful work4 ,their mothers1 with mistaken love1 mend1 dress1 and make their wearing apparel4 ,often they marry wholly ignorant of the accomplishments necessary for a true wife and helpmeet--that is1 the knowledge of housekeeping1 plain sewing1 and cutting out the simplest garment4 ,who is to blame for this8 ,the excuse of many a hard-working mother is1 8,i have not had time to teach my daughters20 and of our ladies of wealth1 8,i did not suppose my daughters would ever be poor1 or require such knowledge60 ,it is a very great pity sewing is not taught in our common schools4 ,it is quite as important to our girls as reading1 writing1 spelling1 c4 ,there is no country in the world where a practical education is so necessary as in ours1 the fluctuations of fortune are so great4 ,the rich man of to-day may be the poor man of to-morrow4 ,therefore every boy and girl in the land should have a useful and practical education4 ,our girls especially1 rich or poor1 need a knowledge of practical housekeeping2 it is not possible for any lady to be a good housekeeper unless she knows how things should be done herself1 as a trained servant in our free country is rarely found4 ,plain sewing is also very important to be learned in early youth4 ,in these days of machinery much of the old plain work is done by the swift needle of the sewing machine1 rather than by hand2 and it is expected1 by and by1 that hemming1 stitching1 over-hand work1 and gathering will be as much forgotten as the old tambour stitch and embroidery of our ancestors4 ,but we maintain that a person to work well on a machine should first be taught to sew well1 and it is quite possible work may be required when no machine is to be hired4 ,if young ladies are always able to hire their sewing1 it may be pleasant to work for the poor4 ,we hope our young readers may be induced1 of their own desire1 to become good sempstresses4 ,if any one reading this book is induced to obtain practical knowledge on the subject1 we shall feel repaid1 and we would gladly hear from them4 ,we will now give a few directions as an assistance1 at the same time begging our young readers to remember that one lesson from a good sempstress is worth a dozen pages of print4 ,a hem should be1 generally1 narrow and very even2 if it is to be wide1 cut a measure the desired width1 and be careful to have it exact2 the stitches should be taken through1 but so small as to be nearly invisible4 ,a hem on clear muslin will look neater if it is finely run like the seam of a dress4 ,in over-hand sewing the stitches should be taken on the edge of the two sides1 and should lay quite close to each other1 so as to look like purling4 ,in stitching you should only take up two threads1 both behind and before the needle4 ,gathering is done on the needle1 two threads taken up and four left1 and the line should be kept very straight by a thread1 if possible4 ,the gathers1 when finished1 are drawn very tightly together on the thread1 and stroked down smoothly with a strong needle or pin4 ,darning is done by taking every other thread 7in a stocking71 and leaving a long loop at the end of each line4 ,the darn is crossed by taking every other thread alternately1 each way4 ,it used to be called 8weaving40 ,if muslin is to be darned1 it is better to use ravellings of the same instead of thread4 ,should you have a rent in a dress to repair1 use ravellings of the same material2 they are easily to be obtained from the turning in of the top of the skirt1 if you have no pieces2 but generally some are left by the dressmaker1 and should be kept for such accidents4 ,in mending by piecing1 be careful that you do it very neatly2 match stripes or patterns on the material artfully1 and you will have the triumph of preventing the defacement of your dress4 ,learn how to make and trim a bonnet1 or make a graceful bow of ribbon4 ,young ladies of small means1 who are ingenious and tasteful1 often present a better appearance by making things for themselves1 than those who1 without taste or neatness1 spend large sums at the milliners'4 ,we advise you to try and make your own dresses4 ,in order to do this1 rip up an old dress that fits you2 lay the several portions of the body on a large sheet of brown paper1 with the turnings turned in2 trace the pattern carefully with a black pencil2 then draw a line round the whole1 including the turnings-in1 and cut it out4 ,pin this pattern on your material1 and cut out the dress1 taking care that you do not get two fronts for the same side1 if there is a right and wrong surface to it4 ,to prevent the possibility of this mistake1 it is well to fold the material and cut both at once4 ,the same may be said with regard to the side bodies4 ,greater skill is required to put the skirt into a band1 than in making a body1 in order that it may hang gracefully2 but as fashions change continually1 we can only advise you to get a good pattern to copy from1 and care and patience will insure you success4 ,if your means render it unnecessary or not expedient for you to make your own dresses1 you will find it pleasant to be able to make up the cotton dress you destine for some poor neighbor1 whose want of time for needle-work will render her as much obliged for the labor bestowed1 as for the material itself4 ,making clothes for poor children is active charity4 ,we know of a young lady so naturally industrious1 that at the age of six years1 she made entirely every part of a day shirt for her father4 ,it is not as likely1 at the present day1 that your labors will be required for shirt-making for your male relatives2 they generally prefer buying their linen ready made4 ,every woman ought to know how to put one together4 ,any child or young lady who can make a shirt well1 can easily manufacture all female undergarments2 patterns for cutting out will be all that will be required4 ,both cotton and linen cloth should be scalded in soap-suds1 dried and pressed without rinsing1 before you work on them1 in order to render them soft enough for the needle to pass through easily4 ,but should you be unable to have this done1 rub the parts you are going to sew or hem with a cake of white soap1 or make a strong suds and brush the parts4 ,your needle will move easily1 and will run no risk of breaking4 ,we advise young ladies who have the care of their own linen1 and perhaps have their own allowance for dress1 to take a few hours on one fixed day1 weekly1 to look over their clothes1 and make any small repairs that may be wanted4 ,they will find the truth of the old adage1--8,a stitch in time saves nine10--and will make their linen last as long again as it would otherwise do4 ,gloves should be neatly mended1 and no rip suffered to remain a day4 ,white and light-colored gloves can be nicely cleaned by rubbing them with a flannel dipped in milk and white hard soap4 ,when dry they will need to be pulled till they are soft and in shape4 ,cultivate1 we beseech of you1 habits of neatness in early youth4 ,dresses should never be put away dirty1 or with spots that can be removed1 or thrown down in a heap4 ,benzine or chloroform will remove nearly all kinds of spots1 but it must be quickly rubbed dry1 or it will leave a spot4 ,wax spots from candles can be removed from any material by placing over the spot some brown or blotting paper1 and place over it an iron sufficiently hot to melt the grease2 change the paper until all the grease is thus absorbed4 ,our young readers may be assured that the little care bestowed on keeping their garments neat1 clean1 and whole1 will give to their appearance that air of freshness which in itself is a charm1 and will prove the truest economy4 ,moreover1 the power of using the needle skilfully will give good manipulation for other and more artistic employments1 and can never be aught but a blessing to the ,american girl4 #ac4--;,,embroidery ,,in ,,spangles ,,and ,,cannetille4 ,bullion1 which is a large gold wire1 of which officers' epaulets are made1 frisure1 a smaller bullion1 clanquant1 which is a flat gold ribbon1 are all classed under the denomination of cannetille4 ,leaf-shaped spangles are called laine4 ,stretch the velvet1 cloth1 or silk which you intend to embroider in a frame1 and tack over it your pattern1 which must be nicely drawn on silver paper4 ,suppose your pattern is a wreath of grape-vine leaves and grapes2 you must put bullion on for the centre stem4 ,this is done by running a needle and thread through the tube1 and fastening it with an occasional 7strongly sewn7 stitch or two4 ,take the smaller bullion1 or frisure1 for the outlines of the leaves and tendrils1 fastening it on in the same manner as the large bullion2 vein the leaves with fine gold thread4 ,make your grapes of large spangles1 and purple or green glass beads1 thus3 ,pass your needle through the velvet from underneath1 take a spangle on it1 then take a purple bead2 pass your needle again through the spangle and back through the velvet4 ,then begin another grape in the same way1 and fasten carefully off when your silk is used up4 ,a wreath of grapes and holly 7the holly berries red beads7 round the edge of a table cover would look very nice4 ,the cover should be of dark cloth1 and edged with gold cord all around4 #ad4--;,,embroidery ,,in ,,lam ,,of ,,velvet ,,and ,,gold4 ,fix your material in a frame4 ,tack over it your pattern drawn on silver paper1 or sketch it lightly on the surface of the cloth or silk4 ,work your stems and tendrils in frisure1 your berries or little flowers in spangles4 ,you can purchase stamped velvet leaves1 which you must fasten with strong gum to your velvet or silk1 and then keep them firm by veining them with gold thread4 ,petals of flowers may be cut out of colored velvet1 and arranged on the cloth or velvet1 if the young needlewoman has sufficient taste to form a flower4 ,the work may be done entirely of cachemire and gold on cloth1 if a more expensive material is beyond the worker's means4 #ae4--;,,embroidery ,,in ,,feathers4 ,stretch your material for the ground on a frame4 ,cover the back or under side of your feathers with thin gum1 to keep the tiny plumage together1 and let them dry4 ,take a sharp pair of scissors1 and cut the feathers into the shape of the petals you require2 lay them separately on your pattern1 and tack them firmly on the silk or cloth with sewing silk of the same color4 ,work stems1 tendrils1 and centres with silk of the color required4 ,of course you must arrange your petals or leaves according to your pattern4 ,any white feathers dyed are suitable for this work4 #af4--;,,cork ,,work4 ,very beautiful articles can be made by ingenious boys and girls1 from cork bark4 ,those of our readers who have only seen cork work in the shape of common bottle corks1 will not be attracted by the title of this chapter4 ,but all who have seen1 either at home or abroad1 the exquisite models of castles1 old ruins1 churches1 and many other picturesque objects1 made entirely from this material1 will welcome a few simple directions for this work4 ,we will first speak of the cork bark1 as it may not be generally known that cork is not indigenous1 but is the soft1 elastic bark of a species of oak tree1 that grows abundantly in the northern part of ,france1 ,spain1 and ,italy4 ,when the tree is fifteen years old the barking is commenced1 and is repeated at intervals of eight years1 the bark improving with every operation4 ,the cork is stripped from the tree in ,july and ,august2 it is then piled up in water under heavy stones1 to flatten it1 after which it is fire dried1 and packed in bales for exportation4 ,the cork cutters divide the sheets of cork in narrow strips1 and after cutting them the proper length1 round them with a thin1 sharp-bladed knife into a cylindrical form4 ,the cork tree and uses of its bark were known to the ,greeks and ,romans4 ,cork bark can be obtained at any of the numerous cork factories2 it is not expensive1 and the refuse bark can be used in making many pretty models4 ,the beginner should select the simplest subjects for his first work1 such as a rustic cottage1 bridge1 or simple ruins4 ,when a certain amount of proficiency has been attained1 it will be easy to advance to higher themes1 until the most elaborate designs may be attempted without fear of failure4 ,in this art1 models or pictures1 with some description of the proportions1 are sufficient guides4 ,in this work no tools are required except a sharp penknife and a glue-pot4 ,the walls of buildings must be cut from the cork block4 ,the proper thickness for the cork used in making walls is about one half1 or even one quarter of an inch1 and the smoothest cork should always be selected for this work4 ,when the required size has been obtained1 square it smoothly to the shape called for1 making the two side walls exactly alike4 ,next mark with a black lead pencil the shapes of the windows1 doors1 c4 ,then cut the windows with a penknife1 making the opening smaller on the inner side1 but slanting outwardly1 especially in the sill the slope is very considerable1 and in gothic windows should never be flat or square4 ,the waste and refuse pieces of common cork will all be of use in making the trimmings and ornamental work4 ,for the mouldings around the windows1 cut small rims of cork1 like your model1 and glue them on at proper distances from the outer edges4 ,thin sheets of mica glued on the inside of the windows1 are excellent substitutes for glass2 the appearance of stained glass can be given by gumming paper of the color you desire to represent1 on the inside1 over the mica4 ,all ornaments can be formed of tiny shavings of cork4 ,the gables1 doors1 c41 are prepared as the model may require4 ,the most suitable base1 on which to glue your building1 is a board covered with green cloth or baize4 ,the four walls can now be glued together and placed on the green cloth board4 ,if not firm1 small splints of wood1 shaved so as to fit into the inner corners1 will strengthen the edifice4 ,the roof comes next1 and can be made of smooth seasoned wood1 about a sixteenth of an inch thick4 ,cut the board large enough to extend well over the edges1 so as to form eaves2 glue one side firmly along the gable ends1 then fit the peak of the other side4 ,a roof with a high pitch adds much to the tasteful appearance of a rustic church4 ,if there is to be a steeple1 or spire1 the tower1 or base of the building should be formed of small pieces1 cut so as to fit the slopes of the roof1 and built as a mason joins bricks or square blocks in a wall4 ,when the base is formed square and flat on top1 the tapering spire should start from this foundation1 with a round1 or eight-sided piece of cork1 whose four opposite sides are exactly the size of the square base on which it is to be glued2 on this place another cork a trifle smaller2 this in turn will be covered with another still less2 so on until it tapers to a point4 ,common bottle corks1 of various sizes1 are best to use for spires and columns4 ,the best way to make spires or columns1 is to glue them in proper shape separately from the building2 when all are joined1 shave them carefully1 so as to form the proper slope for the spire1 and the columns can be cut with a knife to imitate fluted sides1 or in any desirable way4 ,when they are finished1 glue them in the proper place on your buildings4 ,the outside ornaments1 such as a cross or vane for the point of the spire1 the caps of the columns1 the buttresses1 eaves1 moulding around the doors1 porches over the entrance1 cornices1 c41 may now be added4 ,the roof may be colored with a little vandyke brown or burned umber1 mixed either in turpentine or oil2 a single coat will be sufficient1 and if a rough appearance is desired1 dust some fine sand over it before the paint is dry4 ,if you glue moss on to the base board1 it adds to the natural appearance of the building4 ,if you design to represent a ruin1 or ,gothic church1 a little green moss1 neatly gummed on to represent ivy and other creeping vines1 is an improvement4 ,time adds grace to all ruins1 by its moss and vines1 planted by divine ,providence4 ,landscapes1 in the picture style1 are often designed with cork2 the finest shavings of cork can be used to cut into shapes to represent a castle1 a light-house with rocks near by1 a bridge1 or whatever else may be selected to form the design4 ,some idea of perspective drawing will be necessary in this work2 the object should be arranged and fastened with gum arabic on to a piece of white card-board1 and the sky slightly tinted in water-colors for a back ground4 ,irregular edges increase the resemblance to distant hills1 and sharp edges of thicker cork represent the objects in the foreground4 ,there is no attempt to imitate nature in the variety of color1 for the picture wears the sombre shade of cork1 but the general effect is pleasing2 the light background1 seen through the thin shavings of cork1 give a good idea of brown autumnal forests4 ,crosses to train ivy on can be made of cork4 ,we trust our readers will be induced to try this cork work4 ,it is often difficult to know what to make for fairs or for ,christmas presents4 ,this work in our country is rarely seen1 and it would sell well1 or prove a pretty present1 if neatly done2 but1 like all things worth doing1 it requires time1 practice1 and patience to insure perfect success4 #ag4--;,,black ,,landscape4 ,pass a card1 or a piece of card-board1 through the smoke of a candle till it is quite black4 ,then take a penknife and scratch upon it any landscape or design you please4 ,moonlight scenery is very effective in this way4 ,in case of lack of pencils1 c41 this is not a bad way of sketching a scene one desires to remember4 #ah4--,,vegetable ,,flowers4 ,boys and girls who live in the country will find it a pleasant winter evening pastime to make a bouquet of vegetable flowers4 ,first gather from the woods laurel leaves and other evergreens4 ,then by the exercise of taste1 ingenuity1 and a skilful use of the penknife1 really beautiful bouquets can be compiled of these flowers1 with the addition of sprigs of evergreen4 ,white turnips1 yellow turnips1 beets1 carrots1 pumpkins1 and portions of cabbages1 can be used for the flowers4 ,take a white turnip1 neatly peeled1 notched exactly down in leaf shape all round4 ,then fasten to a stem whittled from wood4 ,surround it with green leaves1 and behold either an exquisite white camellia or a rose6 ,moss rose buds can be made by cutting turnips or beets into the proper shape1 and placing real moss around them4 ,red roses1 camellias1 or dahlias can be made in the same way from beets4 ,yellow flowers from carrots and pumpkins4 ,white or red flowers from white and red cabbages4 ,beautify your houses1 however poor or humble your lot2 a bare1 comfortless room does not excite home love4 #ai4--,,ornamental ,,seed ,,work4 ,we have seen exhibited at agricultural fairs some really beautiful frames and boxes ornamented with common garden seeds4 ,if our boys and girls will begin early in the summer1 and collect every variety of seed possible1 such as all kinds of beans1 corn1 melons1 c41 they will have abundant material for this kind of ornamental work in the winter4 ,every seed of size sufficient for handling should be saved2 even small polished black or yellow seeds1 like poppy seed1 can be preserved to scatter over the ground-work4 ,dry all the seeds carefully1 and place them in boxes ready for use4 ,this work can be applied with excellent effect in ornamenting boxes1 picture frames1 hanging baskets1 book racks1 flower stands1 small tables1 brackets1 c4 ,get the frame of wood1 of any article you intend to ornament with seed work2 stain the wood with walnut staining materials1 or varnish with asphaltum varnish4 ,it is not desirable to have a high polish on the surface intended to be ornamented1 as the glue will not adhere to a very smooth substance4 ,keep your woodwork in some dry place1 until you are ready to glue on the seeds4 ,when you have a leisure day or evening1 place your frame of wood before you1 and the boxes of seeds around it4 ,when your glue is hot1 spread a little over a small space with a brush1 and arrange your seeds in the form of some flower or other figure4 ,it is difficult to give explicit rules for the work4 ,it is best for each person to exercise his or her taste and ingenuity in arranging the designs4 ,as the work proceeds1 an endless variety of shapes and styles of designs will suggest themselves4 ,an accurate resemblance to nature is not easily attainable in this kind of work4 ,when all the ornamental work is arranged1 the small spaces left uncovered should be brushed over with a thin coat of varnish1 and sprinkled with any small seeds4 ,black seeds are very desirable1 as they form a good ground-work1 and afford a proper relief to the designs4 ,when the glue has become hard1 apply to the whole work an even coat of copal varnish4 ,if this is not sufficient1 apply another coat2 it is needed1 as some seeds absorb more than others4 #bj4--;,,how ,,to ,,impress ,,leaves ,,on ,,velvet4 ,this work is very easy and very pretty1 requiring only great nicety and care1 and some taste4 ,take a piece of white cotton velvet 7such as undertakers use as a lining to burial caskets71 white jean1 or white linen1 or fine1 thin muslin2 cut it out in the form of a tidy1 mat1 or whatever you wish to make4 ,then pin upon it carefully1 with very minute pins1 ,ferns1 ,maiden's ,hair1 or any graceful leaf1 in the form of a wreath or bouquet4 ,mix plenty of ,india ink the depth of color you require2 take a fine comb and brush2 dip the brush in the ink and pass it over the comb1 thus splashing the ink all over your material until it is quite black4 ,let it dry thoroughly1 and then unpin your flower2 you will find its form left in white on the velvet or linen4 ,mark1 with a fine brush1 the veins and stems in it1 and your work will be ready to make up as required4 ,all delicate leaves should be carefully pressed till dry before using them for this work4 #ba4--,,paper ,,pillow4 ,save all your scraps of writing paper1 old notes of no use1 old envelopes1 old backs of notes1 c4 ,take a bag or some box to throw them in1 instead of the fire or rag-bag1 where they are usually placed4 ,when a number has been collected1 cut them into strips about half an inch wide or narrower1 and two inches long2 curl them wet by drawing them over the blade of an old penknife4 ,make a pillow case of any material you have2 fill it with your curled paper2 mix with it a few shreds of old flannel4 ,stuff it quite full1 sew the end up1 and cover it as you please4 ,these pillows are invaluable in case of fevers1 as they keep cool1 and are cheap and good substitutes for feather pillows4 ,if these pillows are not required for home use1 our young ladies could make them for our hospitals1 or the poor4 #bb4--;,,imitation ,,carved ,,ivory4 ,take half an ounce of isinglass1 boiled gently in half a pint of water1 till dissolved2 then strain it1 and add flake white1 finely powdered1 till it is as white as cream4 ,take any article you desire to look like ivory1 such as a wooden box1 stand1 or card-case4 ,give the article three or four coats of this solution1 letting each dry before the other is laid on2 then smooth it carefully with a bit of damp rag4 ,when the composition is perfectly dry1 you can put on the imitation carved ivory figures1 which are made as follows3 ,boil half a pound of best rice in one quart of water1 till the grains are soft enough to bruise into a paste2 when cold mix it with starch powder till you make it as stiff as dough2 roll it out about as thick as a shilling4 ,cut it into pieces two inches square1 and let it dry before a moderate fire4 ,these cakes will keep many months1 and be fit for use1 if kept dry and free from dust4 ,when required for use1 get a coarse cloth1 make it thoroughly wet1 then squeeze out the water and put it on a large dish four times double2 place the rice cakes in rows between this damp cloth1 and when sufficiently soft to knead into the consistency of new bread1 make it into a small lump2 if too wet1 mix with it more starch powder1 but it must be sufficiently kneaded to lose all appearance of this powder before you take the impression2 to do which1 you must procure some gutta percha half an inch thick1 cut it into pieces about two inches square1 and soften it in hot water2 then get any real carved ivory you can1 and take off the impression on your pieces of gutta percha1 by pressing it carefully upon the carved ivory till a deep impression is taken4 ,when the moulds are quite dry and hard1 and your paste in a proper state1 with a camel's hair brush lightly touch with sweet oil the inside of the mould you are going to use1 and then press the rice paste into it2 if the impression is quite correct on removing it1 take a thin1 sharp1 small dinner knife and cut the paste smoothly1 just so as to leave all the impression perfect2 then with a sharp-pointed penknife smooth off all the rough edges1 and with white cement place your figures on the box in large or small figures1 just as your taste directs2 the figures adhere better if put on before they are quite dry4 ,sometimes1 from frequent kneading1 the paste gets discolored2 these pieces should be set aside and used separately1 as they can be painted in water colors to resemble tortoise shell or carved oak2 this should be done after being fastened to the box4 ,having completed your work1 finish by varnishing it very carefully with ivory varnish1 which should be almost colorless4 ,this design so nearly resembles carved ivory1 that it has been mistaken for it when nicely done1 and it is very strong if carefully cemented4 ,cover boxes simply with the flake white solution1 and then paint on them in water colors representations of flowers1 varnishing when dry with colorless varnish4 ,such boxes are very easily made4 ,from the readiness with which the material can be obtained1 this is an elegant amusement for all who are of an ingenious disposition4 #bc4--;,,diaphanie1 ,,or ,,stained ,,glass4 ,this simple1 but really beautiful invention1 can easily be acquired by carefully reading the following directions1 and by practice1 the effect of gorgeous stained glass can be given to common window glass1 with moderate expense4 ,the materials required are plates of clear glass1 free from specks or bubbles1 designs1 groundings1 and borderings which are printed expressly for the purpose1 and in transparent colors2 a roller which is employed to press the paper closely on the glass1 so as to remove the bubbles of air2 transfer varnish1 to fasten the prints upon the glass2 clearing liquid1 which is used after the paper has been removed1 to render the work transparent and brilliant2 the washable varnish1 which protects the designs from damps1 and renders them capable of being cleaned2 and three camel's hair brushes to apply the varnish1 c4 ,there are three hundred sheets of designs published for this work1 consisting of subjects1 borderings1 and groundings4 ,a window generally consists of parts of several sheets1 as it should contain a medallion or subject1 a border1 and the whole of the remaining space filled up with grounding paper4 ,among some of the best subjects1 we may mention 8,the ,virgin and ,child40 8,the four ,evangelists with architectural niches40 8,the ,adoration of the ,magi1 with architectural borders40 8,st4 ,peter and ,st4 ,paul40 8,the ,annunciation40 8,st4 ,john the ,baptist40 8,st4 ,joseph40 8,mater ,admirabilis40 8,adoration of the ,magi40 8,boar hunt40 8,deer reposing40 8,two marine views40 8,the ,laborer's ,return40 8,winter scenes10 c4 ,for these suitable groundings and borderings must be selected according to the taste of the worker1 who must1 however1 remember that the beauty of the work depends upon perfect harmony in coloring and design4 ,the materials being all collected1 thoroughly cleanse and dry your sheet of glass1 and lay it flat upon a folded cloth4 ,then cut out the medallion1 or subject 7unless the paper is to be applied in one piece71 and fasten it to the glass by thoroughly damping it on the wrong side with a wet sponge1 giving it a plentiful coating of transfer varnish on the printed side1 laying it face downwards upon the glass1 and firmly pressing it down with the roller1 commencing at the centre1 and gradually passing over the edges4 ,the border must be the next fixed4 ,then damp the printed side of the grounding paper1 and lay it over2 raise one end of the glass1 so that the light passing through will enable you to see the position of the subject and border4 ,trace round them carefully with a pencil1 remove the grounding paper1 and cut it out a little within the line1 so that the ground may slightly overlap the subject2 give the coating of varnish1 and apply it to the glass1 as before described1 pressing it down with the roller1 so that no blisters are to be seen4 ,take care to keep the back of the papers damp during this operation1 and when it is finished wash them over with the sponge and water4 ,it is well to interpose a piece of damp paper between the roller and the design1 as this prevents the varnish adhering to it4 ,the work now requires to be left for four-and-twenty hours1 so that the varnish may become dry and hard2 it is then ready for the next operation--rubbing off the paper4 ,this is done by wetting and rubbing in a circular direction1 with a sponge or the hand4 ,after this the work again must be allowed to dry2 after which rub it with the hand so as to remove all loose particles1 and give it a coating of the clearing liquid1 which should be laid on with a flat brush4 ,after again remaining for a day to harden1 the washable varnish is applied1 and the work is completed4 ,if these directions are carefully followed1 a perfect transparency will be produced1 which it will require an experienced eye to detect from real stained glass4 ,transparencies in thin silk or muslin can be made by tightly stretching the material on to a frame4 ,the designs are then subjected to two coatings of the clearing liquid applied on the wrong side1 and when dry1 one of the transfer varnish to the colored side4 ,this is then well pressed down by the roller4 ,when quite dry1 if the picture appear at all cloudy1 it will be necessary to apply the clearing liquid again1 then varnish1 and the transparency is finished4 ,be careful1 however1 not to remove the work from the frame until perfectly dry4 ,this work is especially adapted for hall windows1 by the side of the front door1 or in the door4 ,we have seen beautiful specimens of this work done by a twelve-year-old miss4 #bd4--,,painting ,,on ,,glass4 ,some of the works which profess to teach the art of painting on glass1 contain directions for staining large windows in churches and halls2 others merely give the process of producing the more common paintings1 such as are carried about the streets for sale4 ,these seem to have been much in vogue about a century since1 as all the 8,young ,artists' ,assistants0 of that day contain the mode of painting them4 ,they direct us to fix a mezzotinto print upon the back of a sheet of glass1 and to remove the paper by wetting and rubbing1 leaving the impression of the print1 which is afterwards to be painted in broadwashes1 the ink of the print giving the shadows4 ,the picture being then turned over1 the glazed side becomes the front1 and the colors first laid on1 are1 of course1 nearest the eye4 ,this mode of painting resembles the style of ,grecian painting1 that being painted from the back1 and the shading is the ink of the engraving4 ,the methods by which glass is stained are scientific2 they require some knowledge of chemistry1 and such apparatus as must preclude the practice of this branch of art as an amusement4 ,it may be interesting1 however1 to know something of the process4 ,the glass being at first colorless1 a drawing is made upon it1 and the painting is laid on with mineral substances1 the vehicle being a volatile oil1 which soon evaporates4 ,the sheets of glass are then exposed to a powerful heat1 until they are so far melted that they receive the colors into their own substances4 ,enamel painting is done on the same principle4 ,this is a time of great anxiety to the artist1 as with all possible care valuable paintings1 both in glass and enamel1 are frequently spoiled in the proving1 or vitrification4 ,the art seems to have been lost during several centuries2 but it has of late been successfully revived2 and large windows have been executed for churches and ,gothic halls1 which almost vie with the fine old specimens in the cathedrals in point of color1 while they far excel them in other respects4 ,the branch of the art which may be treated as an accomplishment1 is the decoration of glass1 flower-stands1 lamp-shades1 and similar articles1 with light and elegant designs4 ,flowers1 birds1 butterflies1 and pleasing landscapes afford an extensive range of subjects1 which are suitable to this style of ornamental painting4 ,the glasses may be procured ready ground4 ,the outline may be sketched in with a black lead pencil2 the lead can be washed off with a sponge when the colors are dry4 ,the whole of the colors employed must be transparent1 and ground in oil2 opaque1 or body colors1 will not answer the purpose4 ,they may be purchased in small bladders1 only requiring to be tempered with fine copal or mastic varnish1 and a very little nut oil1 to be ready for use4 ,blue is produced by ,prussian blue2 red1 by scarlet or crimson lake2 yellow1 by yellow lake or gamboge2 green1 by verdigris1 or mineral green1 or a mixture of ,prussian blue and gamboge2 purple1 by a mixture of lake and ,prussian blue2 reddish brown1 by burnt sienna2 and all the other tints may be obtained by combinations2 for white1 or such parts as are required to be transparent1 without color1 the varnish only should be employed4 ,a very chaste and pleasing effect may be produced by painting the whole design in varnish1 without color4 ,it is an advantage to this style of painting that but few colors are required2 as from the nature of the subjects1 and their purpose as ornaments1 brilliancy is more desirable than a nice gradation of tints4 ,the work must1 of course1 be carefully dried1 but may afterwards be cleaned with a sponge and cold water4 #be4--,,painting ,,on ,,velvet4 ,painting on velvet as well as on glass is an old art revived4 ,no art that is really beautiful in itself will pass away entirely4 ,as these paintings are very pleasing to the eye1 and easy of execution1 it is well to know how to paint them4 ,the following directions are taken from a reliable ,english work4 ,the colors for this style of painting are sold at the drawing material warehouses in a liquid state1 and prepared for use4 ,in addition to these1 a brilliant rose-color is obtained from the pink saucers1 by dropping a little weak gum water upon the color1 and rubbing it with a brush4 ,a deep yellow may also be produced by pouring a few drops of boiling water upon a small quantity of hay saffron4 ,it is necessary to mix gum water with all the colors made1 to prevent their spreading into each other2 gum dragon is the best for this purpose4 ,the brushes used are called scrubs2 they consist of a small stick1 with a camel's-hair brush cut off quite short at one end1 and at the other1 a brush of bristles of a much harder description4 ,a small box of black lead is necessary1 and a piece of list rolled tightly round1 to the diameter of about two inches1 to be used as a sort of brush with the black lead1 for making outlines in the manner we shall presently direct4 ,a piece of linen rag1 to wipe the brushes on1 should also be provided4 ,the most brilliant flowers1 fruits1 shells1 birds1 c41 are well adapted to this style of painting4 ,the outline of the subject may be sketched in pencil on the velvet1 which is of such a very delicate nature1 that the greatest nicety is necessary to keep it in a state of neatness4 ,care should also be taken that the sketch is correctly made1 as an error cannot be effaced by rubbing out1 as on paper4 ,it is a safer method1 however1 to make the sketch on drawing-paper1 and to prick the outline very closely with a fine needle2 then1 the velvet being previously nailed on a flat piece of wood of a proper size1 the pricked pattern may be laid over it1 the roll of list dipped into the black lead powder1 and rubbed regularly over the pattern from side to side2 be careful to touch every part1 and on removing the pattern1 a perfect outline in black dots will appear on the velvet4 ,where a set of articles of the same pattern is undertaken1 this is a very good plan1 as it insures accuracy1 and saves the trouble of making separate sketches4 ,even those who have no knowledge of drawing on paper1 may produce a design on velvet with ease and correctness1 by tracing off against a window1 or by means of tracing paper1 any drawing or print which they wish to copy1 and pricking the tracing on the velvet in the manner just described4 ,in order to keep the margin of the velvet from being soiled in the progress of painting1 a piece of thick paper should be laid over the whole1 and an aperture cut in the middle1 sufficiently large to expose the part to be worked on4 ,each brush should be kept for that color alone1 to which it has once been appropriated4 ,a small quantity of the color about to be used should be poured into a little cup1 and a drop of gum-water added1 and stirred with the stick of a pencil prior to its being taken on the brush4 ,the mode of its application is so simple1 that a short description of the execution of a single flower will suffice to give an idea of the process of painting almost any other subject on velvet4 ,a very small portion of color is to be taken upon the brush1 and the darkest part of the leaf touched with it2 the brush is then to be dipped in water1 and the color gradually softened to the edge2 each leaf ought to be colored separately1 and the darkest parts in the centre of the flowers may be finished with a small brush without softening4 ,india ink is used to make the dark shadows of crimson flowers4 ,the veins1 and all the petals of flowers1 and all the fine lines1 should be done with a pen4 ,each leaf1 as it is shadowed1 should be brushed with the hard end of a brush that way of the velvet in which the pile runs most easily1 and then in the contrary direction1 so as to set it up again to become dry4 ,a deeper shade should never be added to a leaf or flower until the color previously laid on is perfectly set1 or the two colors will spread1 and run into each other2 this will be prevented by the gum1 if sufficient time can be allowed for each shade to dry before a subsequent one is applied4 ,when the piece is finished1 and quite dry1 it should be brushed over with a small1 round brush1 about two inches in diameter1 with hard bristles of an equal length1 to raise up such parts of the pile as may have been flattened in the process of painting4 ,toilet sets1 sofa cushions1 fancy tables1 pincushions1 and a variety of articles may be ornamented in this way4 #bf4--;,,casting ,,in ,,plaster1 ,,sulphur1 c4 ,taking the impression of coins1 metals1 c41 is1 independently of its utility1 a most interesting amusement4 ,this art is of considerable importance to collectors of antique coins1 c4 ,it is often difficult and always expensive to purchase superior specimens1 of which1 however1 exact models may be obtained by casting1 without the slightest injury to the originals4 ,the mould is made in the following manner3-- ,take a strip of paper1 a quarter or third of an inch wide2 roll it twice tight around the rim of the coin or gem1 of which a cast is intended to be taken1 and fasten the end with very stiff gum-water1 which will hold it instantly4 ,rub a very little oil1 with a camel's-hair pencil1 over the coin1 in order to prevent the plaster from sticking2 then mix some fine plaster of ,paris1 with as much water as will make it almost as thick as treacle2 apply it quickly to the coin1 on which it will be held by the paper rim4 ,it sets almost instantly1 and may be taken off in a few hours2 but the longer it remains undisturbed the better4 ,the mould which is thus obtained is the reverse of the coin2 that is1 the impression is concave1 like a seal4 ,when the moulds are so dry that they will not wrinkle a piece of paper laid flat upon the surface1 let them be well saturated with the best boiled linseed oil1 placing the moulds with their surface upward1 that the whole of the oil may be absorbed4 ,they must be covered from dust1 and nothing should touch their surface1 lest they suffer injury4 ,moulds1 well prepared in this manner1 and dried about two days after being oiled1 will stand a long time for the casting of either plaster or sulphur4 ,when used1 either ,florence oil or a little hog's lard 7the latter to be preferred7 should be applied very tenderly over the mould with a little of the finest cotton wool1 and the cotton wool1 without lard1 afterwards passed lightly over the surface1 to leave as little as possible of the unctuous matter upon the mould1 that the casts may be the finer4 ,put paper around them1 as was before done to the coin2 pour on plaster in the same manner1 and a facsimile of the original will be produced4 ,good casts may be made of sulphur1 melted in an iron ladle1 either pure1 or colored with a little red lead or vermilion1 powdered and stirred up with it4 ,the moulds and casts are made in the same manner as with plaster of ,paris1 only that the sulphur must be poured on the mould when hot1 and water1 instead of oil1 must be used1 to prevent adhesion4 ,sulphur makes the best moulds for plaster casts1 and vice versa--as similar substances can seldom be prevented1 by either water or oil1 from adhering1 in some degree1 to each other4 ,plaster cannot be used twice2 that is1 old or spoiled casts cannot be powdered and again employed2 for the moment the material is moistened1 being a species of lime1 it is no longer plaster without being reburnt4 ,another way of making casts of almost any color1 is with a strong solution of isinglass2 it must be used when quite hot2 and it is so thin that a box1 exactly fitting the rim of the coin1 is required1 otherwise it will escape4 ,it may be colored with saffron1 wood1 c4 ,very beautiful impressions may be taken by pouring melted wax upon the metal1 which comes off easily when the wax and metal are perfectly cold2 but any one attempting this had better try it first upon a penny1 or other coin of little value4 ,impressions may also be taken in wax1 which1 for this purpose1 should be rendered pliable by kneading it with the hand before the fire1 a little oil having been previously mixed with it4 ,when softened to about the consistency of putty1 lay it and press it close down on the coin1 the form of which will then be perfectly obtained4 ,the following is another mode of taking impressions3 ,procure tin or lead foil as thin as possible1 place it on the coin1 and with a pin's head1 or any small1 smooth instrument1 work it into every part2 then take it off1 revert it into a shallow box1 and pour plaster into its concave side2 a durable plaster cast is thus obtained1 covered with tin foil1 which will resemble silver4 #bg4--;,,engraved ,,boxes4 ,the box should be white or light straw-color1 in order to show the faint impression to advantage4 ,it should be varnished five or six times in succession1 and suffered to dry thoroughly each time4 ,while the last coat of varnish is yet so fresh that your finger will adhere to it1 the engraving must be put on1 the picture side next to the varnish4 ,the engraving must be prepared in the following manner3-- ,all the white paper must be cut off close to the edges of the engraving1 which must be laid on a clean table1 with the picture downward1 and moistened all over with a clean sponge4 ,it must then be placed between two leaves of blotting paper1 to dry it a little4 ,before putting it on the box1 take great care to have it even1 and determine exactly where you wish it to be4 ,lay one edge of the print1 picture downward1 upon the varnish1 and gradually drop it to its place1 passing the hand successively over the back of the print in such a manner as to drive out all the air1 and prevent the formation of blisters4 ,then carefully touch it all over with a linen cloth1 so as to be sure every part adheres to the varnish4 ,leave it until it is thoroughly dry4 ,then moisten the back of the engraving with a clean sponge1 and rub it lightly backward and forward with the fingers1 so as to remove the moistened paper in small rolls4 ,when the picture begins to appear1 take great care lest you rub through1 and take off some of the impression4 ,as soon as you perceive there is danger of this1 leave it to dry4 ,in drying1 the engraving will disappear1 because it is still covered by a slight film of paper4 ,you might think it mere white paper2 but give it a coat of varnish1 and it will become quite transparent4 ,should you by accident have removed any part of the engraving1 touch it with ,india ink and gum-water1 in order that no white spots may appear2 but when you put on your second coat of varnish1 you must take care to pass very lightly over the spots you have retouched4 ,the box should be varnished as many as three times after the engraving has been placed on it1 and suffered to dry thoroughly each time4 ,the white alcoholic varnish is the best4 ,it should be put on in the sunshine1 or near a warm stove4 ,after the last coat is well dried1 sift a little pulverized rotten stone through coarse muslin1 and rub it on with linseed oil and a soft rag2 after being well rubbed1 cleanse the box thoroughly with an old silk handkerchief or soft linen rag4 ,some persons say that a very thin sizing of nice glue should be put on the box before it is varnished at all2 others say it is not necessary4 ,this work requires great patience and care2 but the effect is very beautiful1 and pays for the trouble4 ,,solitaire ,,games ,,of ,,cards4 ,there are very few games one person alone can play4 ,mrs4 ,cheney has compiled a collection of these games1 under the name of 8,patience10 which are very desirable4 ,these games are an acquisition to any home4 ,they amuse an invalid1 and often act as a sedative to men wearied of business cares1 who desire some simple amusement before sleeping4 ,they do not produce the feverish excitement of games of chance and skill played against an opponent4 ,yet they can become a social pleasure1 by others looking on and sharing in the interest of the game1 and the pleasure of success4 ,boys and girls would do well to learn them1 as they will not divert the mind from study1 yet may help to pass pleasantly an idle hour1 besides exercising the patience4 ,the publishers have allowed us to give the directions of some of the games2 we also will add 8,the ,army ,solitaire10 and when you play it1 think of the pleasure it has given to many a weary soldier1 in diverting his mind from the hardships of war4 ,our famous generals often played it the night before a battle1 and if successful1 looked upon it as a good omen4 ,we will add a few simple social games4 #a4--,,the ,,legitimist4 ,,two ,,packs4 ,this name is of ,french origin1 but it seems to have no special adaptation to the game4 ,it may have been applied to it from some old royalist1 who solaced his years of exile with the company of mimic kings and queens4 ,it requires close attention1 but is not otherwise difficult4 ,take a king and place it at the left4 ,then1 having shuffled your cards well together1 begin to lay them off4 ,you place in succession1 in a horizontal row1 next the king1 the queen1 the knave1 ten1 nine1 eight1 seven1 and six1 as they appear from the pack4 ,on these you form the families of thirteen cards each1 piling downwards1 not following suit1 and ending each family with the number next to the bottom card1 so that you will finish1 if successful1 with a row of piles1 whose top cards number from the ace to the seven1 inclusive4 ,put the cards that you cannot immediately use in stock4 ,you can take up this stock1 re-shuffle it1 and re-lay it twice4 ,you must be very careful to observe when your families are complete1 for as each one ends with a different number1 you will be likely to put on too many cards if you are inattentive4 #b4--,,the ,,sultan4 ,,two ,,packs4 ,illustration ,this is1 perhaps1 the most curious and interesting of all the games of ,solitaire1 and1 if successful1 it forms a pretty picture of the sultan or king of hearts1 surrounded by his eight queens4 ,as it is rather difficult to understand the arrangement1 we have prepared a little diagram to illustrate it4 ,take out the ace of hearts and all the kings4 ,place one king of hearts in the centre4 ,just above him place the ace of hearts1 and below him the other king of hearts4 ,on each side of the ace place the kings of clubs1 who represent war4 ,on each side of the first king of hearts are the kings of diamonds1 representing the treasury2 and on the lower line1 each side of the second king of hearts1 are the kings of spades1 representing the industrial forces4 ,then shuffle the remaining cards1 and lay off from the pack4 ,put the first four cards on one side off the square formed by the kings1 placing the ends of the cards towards the square4 ,put the next four cards on the other side in a similar manner2 these eight cards form the divan4 ,leaving the sultan untouched1 form the other families by placing the aces on the kings1 and so piling in regular succession1 according to suits1 ending with the queens4 ,place all cards which you cannot immediately use1 in a pile on the table1 which is called the stock4 ,you can use the cards you are laying off from the packs1 or the top card of the stock1 or any card in the divan1 in forming your families4 ,when a card is taken from the divan1 you may fill its place1 either by the top card from the stock1 or by the next card from the pack1 as you think most likely to be favorable to your purpose4 ,when you have exhausted the pack1 you can take up the stock and use it as a pack1 always keeping your divan full4 ,this you can do twice4 ,some skill is required in placing the cards in the divan1 and in selecting them for use1 and constant care is needed that no opportunity in placing a card in the families escape you4 ,you will1 after a little experience1 generally be rewarded with success4 #c4--;,,french ,,solitaire4 ,,one ,,pack4 ,this game is very simple1 and well adapted to invalids who cannot make much effort4 ,shuffle the cards well4 ,lay the four aces as they come in a row4 ,place the other cards as they appear from the pack1 on the aces in order1 without following suit2 as1 ace1 deuce1 three1 four1 c42 this is called putting the cards in families4 ,place the cards which do not fit on these1 in due order in four piles below1 and whenever the top card will go on the upper line1 in regular sequence1 you can use it1 which will thus free the card beneath it4 ,the skill consists in deciding on which of these four piles to place the cards from the pack1 and which card to use1 if you have two top cards of the same number4 ,of course you must not1 if you can help it1 place a higher card on a lower2 but if you have already four piles1 this will often be unavoidable4 ,you must then endeavor to get off the higher cards1 to free those beneath4 ,according to the old1 strict rule1 of not looking to see what cards are beneath the top card1 it becomes an excellent exercise of memory to recall in which pile are the cards you want at the moment4 ,it is not well to place many cards of the same number in one pile4 ,if you can complete the families in the upper row to the kings1 you have succeeded in this game2 if not1 you have failed4 ,you may make this game still easier by taking out the aces1 and placing them in the upper row1 before beginning the game2 or you may make it more difficult by following suit in the families1 in which case you are entitled to take up the lower piles1 re-shuffle them1 and re-lay them twice4 #d4--,,the ,,army ,,solitaire4 ,,one ,,pack4 ,the army game is a decided favorite with all who like solitaire games2 we have never seen any printed directions1 yet there may be in some book we have not had access to4 ,we prefer it to any other game of solitaire1 and we hope these directions will be sufficiently plain to interest our readers to try it4 ,shuffle the cards thoroughly4 ,then deal off the first card1 whatever it may be1 and place it on the upper corner of the left hand side of an imaginary square4 ,this is called the foundation card1 on which to form a family4 ,for instance1 if it were the six of diamonds1 the next card to place upon it would be the seven of diamonds1 as the family must be formed in regular succession1 according to suit4 ,whenever you come across1 in playing the cards1 the six of spades1 hearts1 or clubs1 these are the foundation cards 7as the first card dealt gives the requisite value of the other three foundation cards1 or as some call them1 the four towers of the fortress71 and can be placed in the other three corners1 to form a square4 ,on these build your towers1 as we directed in diamonds4 ,if you succeed in forming the four towers or families in suit1 and in succession1 you have conquered4 ,when you deal a card that cannot be placed on the corner families in succession1 place it on the sides of the square1 between the foundation cards1 as three of clubs1 and nine of spades1 eight of diamonds1 king of hearts1 and one can be placed in the centre of the square1 as the ace of diamonds2 these five cards are called the reserve forces1 and on these you can place any card in downward succession 7suits need not be followed71 which cannot be used on the towers4 ,for instance1 if you deal off the deuce of hearts1 or any other deuce1 place it on to the three of clubs2 or any eight1 place it on to the nine of spades2 or king1 place it on to the ace1 so on2 but with every card turned1 first look at your foundation cards1 or towers2 never lose an opportunity to build up these4 ,all cards that cannot be played on to the four towers or the five reserve cards1 may be placed on one side as stock4 ,whenever any one of the five reserve corps cards are vacant from being used to build up the towers1 or a vacancy made by being able to place reserve cards on the other reserve corps1 replace from the stock1 and by taking a card from the stock1 a desirable card to use on the towers may be freed4 ,the great skill of this game consists in the judicious arrangement of the reserve corps2 if you have two top cards on different piles1 of the same value1 you should carefully consider on which pile it is best to place the card dealt of proper value1 for future use4 ,if you can complete your towers in the first play1 without shuffling your stock1 you have gained a great victory2 the stock can only be shuffled and played over once4 ,if the towers cannot then be built1 the game can be commenced anew4 ,sometimes the cards deal out so perversely that even skilful play and patience cannot build the towers4 ,,the ,,toilet4 ,there are many boys and girls who pride themselves on their utter disregard of their personal appearance1 most fully comprehending the old phrase 8that beauty unadorned is adorned the most10 or perhaps think it a mark of genius to appear so occupied with study as to neglect their person4 ,such boys and girls are repulsive to both ,god and man4 ,one of the first laws ,nature teaches us1 is perfect cleanliness4 ,look at the birds and squirrels2 indeed1 all wild animals are taught by instinct to take a daily bath1 if possible4 ,tame animals are less cleanly than wild ones in their habits1 as far as our observation goes4 ,they look to man to cleanse them4 ,but ,god teaches the untamed beast and bird laws of cleanliness4 ,look at the woods6 ,god sends the rain to wash them1 and the winds to sweep them1 and the sun to brighten them4 ,the ,creator of all gives to every boy and girl the mind to know how to take good care of their own persons1 and if they neglect the laws of health1 just so sure will come bodily suffering4 ,besides1 it is a ,christian duty1 as well as a social duty1 of every boy and girl1 to make the most of all their personal attractions1 and to preserve every agreeable quality they may have been endowed with1 to the latest period of their lives4 ,it is not vanity4 ,it is a duty we all owe to ourselves1 and we owe it to others4 ,habits rightly formed in youth will often prolong life1 and add tenfold to any personal attraction4 ,we trust all boys and girls who read this book1 will not pass over this chapter on the toilet4 ,we will try and give them some useful hints and recipes4 ,in the first place1 every boy and girl1 no matter how young1 should strive to make their sleeping and dressing apartment attractive4 ,perfect neatness is an essential quality in every room4 ,never leave any article of clothing on a chair1 table1 or floor1 which can be either neatly folded and placed in a drawer1 trunk1 or closet shelf1 or hung on some nail placed for that purpose4 ,never leave a draw partly open4 ,we once knew a young girl who was always leaving her drawers open1 and articles of dress hanging from them4 ,one ,christmas1 before a room full of friends1 she received from the ,christmas tree a little bureau1 with every drawer partly open1 and things hanging out of each drawer4 ,of course it was soon known to all why she received such a gift4 ,that lesson she never forgot4 ,we must confess it also cured us of the careless habit of leaving drawers partly open4 ,we hope our young friends will take this lesson to heart1 and profit by it4 ,when you rise in the morning1 always 7even if you can afford plenty of servants71 throw the clothes of your bed carefully over the foot-board1 or some chair1 to give your bed a sufficient chance to be well aired--a most necessary requisite for health4 ,before leaving your room1 even in midwinter1 open your window4 ,never allow your bed to be made till thoroughly aired4 ,though you are not blessed with even a competency1 you can make a plain room attractive4 ,a few pictures on the walls1 and by covering a plain pine toilet table with pretty1 cheap chintz1 and exercising a little ingenuity in making pretty articles of furniture out of old boxes4 ,but always be a foe to all dust2 keep a dusting cloth at hand4 ,after washing1 if you cannot have a chambermaid1 arrange your washing apparatus neatly1 and carefully spread your towels to dry1 if clean4 ,there are so few1 comparatively1 in ,america1 who can afford the constant attendance of servants1 we desire all boys and girls to learn how to care for themselves4 #a4--,,the ,,bath4 ,in olden times1 in this country1 baths were but little used4 ,it was considered a luxury but few could possess4 ,now there is scarcely a decent house built without a bathroom4 ,in ,england and ,france1 8there was a time when many ladies had a most hydrophobiacal dread of water2 they thought it injured the delicacy of the complexion4 ,their ablutions often consisted in wiping the cheeks with a cambric handkerchief1 dipped in elder flower or rose water40 ,a daily bath is now the rule rather than the exception1 and its effect is admirable4 ,a cold bath1 from sixty to seventy degrees1 is1 to most persons1 the most health-giving and invigorating process one can undergo2 but beyond its invigoration1 it is of no essential service in cleansing the skin4 ,no one can preserve a purely clean skin by the use of cold baths only1 though the purifying effect is increased by the use of rough towels1 which help to remove the impurities from the surface of the skin4 ,the skin is constantly throwing off fine dust like scales1 and these1 blending with other foreign matter1 stop up the pores1 and prevent the skin from performing its natural functions4 ,therefore soap should be used1 because the alkali in it assimilates with the oily exudations of the skin1 and removes impurities4 ,it has been said that soap is calculated to irritate the skin1 and injure the complexion4 ,it is not true1 according to our knowledge4 ,some of the most beautiful complexions we ever saw were washed with soap daily4 ,great care should be taken that the soap is of a good quality4 ,if any unpleasant sensations are experienced after its use1 it is easily removed by rinsing the skin with water slightly acidulated with lemon-juice4 ,once a week a warm bath1 at about one hundred degrees1 should be used1 with plenty of soap1 to be sure and cleanse the skin from all impurities4 ,sea-water baths are invigorating1 but not cleansing--a warm bath is required after a short course of them4 ,the same remark applies to sea-salt baths1 now much used4 ,the friction of coarse towels is very beneficial4 ,shower baths are not generally desirable1 as but few constitutions can bear them4 ,milk baths and perfumed baths are absurdities1 which a very few silly women indulge in2 but nothing equals pure salt water4 ,of late years the practice of taking ,turkish baths has been introduced4 ,doubtless these baths are the best in existence for a thorough cleansing of the pores of the skin4 ,but no one should venture to take them1 except after having first had medical advice1 or those who possess strong constitutions2 for there are states of health to which they would be injurious in the highest degree4 ,we consider them a great luxury4 ,we also recommend1 most heartily1 the sponge bath for daily use4 ,use a large circular sponge4 ,it is always best1 before taking any bath1 to wet the top of the head2 boys and men can wet the sponge1 and1 holding their heads over the bath-tub1 thoroughly souse their heads and necks4 ,it prevents the blood rushing to the head suddenly4 ,a hair glove is excellent to rub the body4 ,boys and men should exercise with the dumb-bells after their morning bath2 it increases their muscular strength4 ,in all our directions with regard to the bath1 it must be borne in mind that we only refer to those who are in a moderately sound state of health2 otherwise their medical attendant should be consulted4 ,sea-bathing is admirable to all those who can bear it2 but persons of a bilious temperament1 or with heart disease1 and even some with apparent health1 may suffer serious ill consequences from a single bath4 ,some constitutions cannot bear the plunge into any cold water4 ,all who have a quick reaction from a sea-bath and cold water bathing are benefited4 ,the delicious glow it gives is most charming4 ,we have known many young1 vigorous persons suffer from sea-bathing2 but it was their own fault1 from remaining in the water too long2 ten minutes is sufficient4 #b4--;,,complexion4 ,we will only give a few words of advice1 as an assistance in the preservation of the complexion4 ,rise early1 and go to bed early4 ,take a plenty of exercise4 ,keep the pores of the skin open by perfect cleanliness4 ,be moderate in eating and drinking4 ,do not often frequent crowded assemblies1 and shun cosmetics1 and washes for the skin4 ,we will give a few harmless recipes4 ,but most of the powders and washes used dry up the skin1 and in the end make it rough4 ,be careful always in washing to wipe your skin dry1 particularly your hands2 rub them briskly for some time4 ,if hands are left moist after washing1 they will chap1 crack1 and become red4 ,honey is excellent to rub over chapped hands1 or anoint them with cold cream or glycerine before retiring to rest4 ,if you desire to make your hands delicate1 wash them in hot milk and water for a day or two2 on retiring to rest rub them with palm oil1 and put on gloves2 wash them well in the morning4 ,lime water1 lemon-juice1 or sour milk will remove the sunburn from hands4 ,above all1 keep the nails scrupulously clean4 ,it is repulsive to see a lady or gentleman1 however well-dressed they may be1 with nails in any degree shady4 ,we were once1 in travelling1 impressed with the beauty of a young lady sitting near us4 ,we spoke of her to a young gentleman sitting by us4 ,he exclaimed1 8,look at her hand6 did you ever behold such a little black row80 ,she had just drawn off her glove1 and diamonds glistened on her taper fingers2 yet 8that little black row0 cast a shade over her beauty4 ,the nails should be pared only once a week1 after washing1 as the nail is then soft4 ,round them nicely at the corners1 and press the cuticle at the bottom of the nail carefully down with the towel after washing4 ,never bite your nails4 ,it gives a stumpy appearance to the nail4 ,also1 never scrape the nail2 it makes them wrinkle4 ,warts young people are sometimes troubled with2 the best cure is to purchase a stick of lunar caustic1--which is sold in a case or holder1--dip the end in water1 and touch the wart twice a day2 cut away the withered part before applying the caustic a second time4 ,there are two kinds of freckles4 8,cold freckles0 are constitutional1 and we do not know of any remedy4 8,summer freckles0 are caused by the winds and the sunshine4 ,the cause assigned for this is1 that the iron in the blood1 forming a junction with the oxygen1 leaves a rusty mark where the junction takes place4 ,the obvious cure is to dissolve the combination4 ,we have had given to us several recipes which are said to be excellent4 ,we will give the best of them4 #c4--,,recipe ,,to ,,cure ,,freckles4 ,into half a pint of milk squeeze the juice of a lemon1 with a spoonful of brandy1 and boil1 skimming well2 add a dram of rock alum4 #d4--;,a ,,cure ,,for ,,freckles4 ,scrape horse-radish into a cup of cold sour milk2 let it stand twelve hours1 strain1 and apply two or three times a day4 #e4--;,a ,,cure ,,for ,,freckles4 ,mix lemon juice1 one ounce2 powdered borax one quarter dram2 sugar1 half a dram2 keep a few days in a glass bottle1 then apply occasionally4 #f4--;,a ,,cure ,,for ,,pimples4 ,many of our young people are much troubled with an eruption upon the face4 ,it often proves a great annoyance to them2 but there is a simple remedy1 which1 if it does not effect a complete cure1 will obviate the trouble in a great degree1 without the least injury to the health or skin4 ,to one grain of corrosive sublimate add one ounce of rose water2 filter1 and apply twice a day4 #g4--;,,hair4 ,it is impossible for a lady to possess anything that so adds to her charms as a good head of hair4 8,it is a crown of beauty40 ,this accounts for the enormous amount of advertisements of infallible hair tonics and restorers4 ,beware of such advertisements4 ,we will give you some few simple and most essential rules to preserve the hair4 ,also some recipes 7easily and cheaply made7 of the most excellent pomatums4 ,the skin of the head is delicate1 therefore especial care should be taken in brushing the hair1 and in keeping the scalp as clean as possible4 ,the brush should be of moderate hardness4 ,the hair should be separated1 in order that the head itself may be well brushed1 as by so doing the scurf or loose skin will be removed2 if suffered to remain it becomes saturated with perspiration1 and weakens the roots of the hair1 causing it to fall off4 ,to retain a beautiful head of hair1 it ought to be brushed twenty minutes in the morning1 and ten minutes when dressed in the middle of the day1 and a like period at night4 ,in brushing or combing it1 begin at the extreme points2 and in combing1 hold the portion of hair just above that through which the comb is passing firmly1 so that if it is entangled1 it may drag from that point1 and not from the roots4 ,we have known the finest heads of hair ruined by careless combing and breaking the hair4 ,it depends upon the nature of the hair whether pomatum is required4 ,those whose hair is naturally oily and glossy need nothing to make it so2 but dry hair requires it4 ,pure salad oil1 scented1 is excellent1 and bear's grease4 ,an excellent pomade is made of beef's marrow1 after it is clarified2 take six tablespoons of the marrow1 heated1 and six tablespoons of scented castor oil1 to one tablespoonful of brandy or rum4 ,stir these ingredients half an hour1 until it is beaten to a cream2 then place it in your jars4 #h4--;,,carrot ,,pomade4 ,this is another excellent recipe4 ,two thirds beef's marrow1 one third leaf lard unsalted1 one carrot grated fine1 simmered together for two or three hours4 ,these pomades should be applied with the hand or a soft brush1 and rubbed into the hair thoroughly4 ,be careful and not oil the hair often1 for an over oiled head is offensive4 ,it is well to rub the hair at night with a piece of flannel1 so that the oil used in the day may be removed4 ,every month the hair should be shampooed4 ,a few drops of ammonia in rain water will cleanse it well2 put the whole hair into the solution1 and wash it2 then cleanse it with clear milk-warm water1 and clip all the ends of the hair without fail4 ,every split end will1 if not cut off1 deaden the hair4 ,another good cleansing recipe is1 one ounce of powdered borax1 a small bit of camphor1 dissolved in a quart of boiling water4 ,with any recipe for cleansing1 the hair must be rinsed thoroughly with clear spring water4 ,all boys and gentlemen should wash their heads all over1 hair and all1 every morning1 and wear ventilated hats4 ,gentlemen become bald sooner than ladies from wearing close hats so much4 #i4--;,,bandoline4 ,a ,french recipe1 is excellent--because it is harmless--to use in dressing hair to keep back any refractory locks4 ,recipe4 ,simmer one ounce of quince seed in a quart of water1 forty minutes2 strain cool1 add a few drops of scent1 and bottle1 corking tightly4 ,another way of making 8,bandoline0 is with ,iceland moss4 ,take a quarter of an ounce1 boiled in a quart of water1 and a little rectified spirits added1 so that it may keep4 ,a weak solution of isinglass is the only curling fluid that is harmless4 #aj4--;,,cold ,,cream4 ,is excellent for a lip salve4 ,the recipe is a pint of sweet oil1 half an ounce of spermaceti1 and two ounces of white wax1 melted together over the fire and scented2 or take a pint of oil of sweet almonds1 one ounce of white wax1 half an ounce of spermaceti1 and half a pint of rose water1 beat to a paste4 #aa4--,,recipe ,,for ,,camphor ,,ice4 ,half a cake of white wax1 a good inch of a pure spermaceti candle1 a piece of camphor as large as an ,english walnut1 a tablespoonful of sweet oil1 mix and simmer all together2 if too soft1 add more wax1 if too hard1 add more oil4 ,this is excellent to use in cold weather for lips and hands4 ,this being prepared for a home book1 we give a few recipes for the use of the toilet1 which we know are good4 ,we will give one more most excellent recipe for a cooling and healing salve4 #ab4--;,,cucumber ,,salve4 ,half a pound of pure lard unsalted1 a heaping quart cup of cucumbers sliced as for eating2 let them simmer an hour1 so as not to boil1 then strain into cups4 #ac4--,,to ,,loosen ,,stoppers ,,of ,,toilet ,,bottles4 ,let a drop of pure oil flow round the stopper1 and stand the bottle near the fire4 ,after a time tap the stopper with the handle of a hair brush2 if this is not effectual1 use a fresh drop of oil1 and repeat the process4 #ad4--,,to ,,remove ,a ,,tight ,,ring4 ,when a ring happens to get tightly fixed on a finger1 take a piece of common twine1 soap it thoroughly1 and then wind it round the finger as tightly as possible4 ,the twine should commence at the point of the finger1 and be continued till the ring is reached2 the end of the twine must then be forced through the ring4 ,if the string is then unwound1 the ring is almost sure to come off the finger with it4 #ae4--;,,hair ,,wash4 ,as much borax as a pint of hot water will absorb1 three tablespoonfuls of best olive oil1 twenty drops of almond essential oil4 ,this recipe we recommend most heartily4 ,it must be well shaken before using4 #af4--;,a ,,cure ,,for ,,poison4 ,sweet oil is a cure for the poisonous bite of serpents1 spiders1 c42 also for being poisoned by ivy and dogwood4 ,bathe the part bitten or affected1 and take a teaspoonful internally4 ,if a horse is affected1 it will require eight times as much to affect him4 ,all persons sensitive to poison whenever they visit the woods1 on their return should wash hands and face in vinegar and salt1 and take camphor inwardly4 ,,home ,,reading4 ,the subject of reading cannot be omitted in a work devoted to the interests of the home4 ,books have such a large share in developing and sustaining the home life1 that their influence can hardly be exaggerated4 ,at the same time it is not possible1 in a comprehensive work like this1 to treat of the subject as its importance demands4 ,we can only throw out a few general hints1 which may be suggestive to some4 ,in the first place1 we would say to all young persons into whose hands this book may come1 read something daily4 ,and by this we mean1 not the careless looking through a novel for the amusement of a leisure hour1 but the faithful1 thorough mastery of another's thought4 ,it is of less consequence that that thought should be new1 or specially valuable1 than that the habit should be formed of intelligent reading4 ,a poor book well read will usually teach a young person more than a good one read carelessly4 ,we are not saying1 let it be understood1 that a book should always be read from beginning to end2 there is a habit of quick perception of the general tone and value of a book1 which1 to a student in search of facts for special use1 is of the greatest assistance2 but this comes later4 ,the power of attention and concentration should first be gained4 ,and for this purpose1 secondly1 it is important that you should form an opinion of what you have read4 ,never lay aside a book until you can state intelligibly the author's purpose and meaning in it1 and how far1 as it appears to you1 that purpose has been attained4 ,it is an excellent plan to write a short abstract of the plot of a story1 or the facts of a biography2 but whether this is done or not1 do not be contented to let what you have read pass through the mind like water through a sieve4 ,compel everything to yield you some tribute of suggestion1 if not of direct instruction4 ,do not be satisfied with anything less than a definite opinion2 if you are in the wrong1 the correction of a maturer mind will help you to judge more truly the next time4 ,do not confine yourself to one kind of reading4 ,if you are fond of novels1 that is no reason why you should read them exclusively4 ,perhaps acquaintance with a different class of books may develop a taste for them2 at anyrate you cannot afford to read entirely for amusement4 ,it is neither our province nor our wish to condemn novel-reading2 the excessive practice of it will1 we believe1 be best checked by acquaintance with books of greater value4 ,there are histories as varied in incident as any novel4 ,there are books of travel which combine the romance of adventure with the instruction of facts4 ,there is poetry in all its forms1 without some knowledge of whose best examples your education cannot be considered even passable4 ,the fact is rather that there is so much of each class1 which a cultivated person is expected to be familiar with1 that the great difficulty is in selection4 ,in order that you may divide your time profitably among these different studies1 it is well to take the advice of some competent person as to what is the best book for your purpose on a given subject4 ,in this manner you will save much time and patience1 while if you take up the first book on the topic in question which comes to hand1 you may1 by an injudicious choice1 lose your interest in the whole matter4 ,on any historical question1 for instance1 it is better to read at first an author who gives a concise and general view of the events of the period1 and afterwards those entering more minutely into details4 ,it is well1 too1 before intrusting yourself to the guidance of any historian1 to ascertain the estimation in which he is held by competent critics1 that you may thus understand how to separate the truth from exaggeration and special pleading4 ,have several kinds of reading for every day4 ,do not give yourself up entirely to one class of books at a time1 or you will either tire of them1 or your judgment will become confused in regard to them4 ,it is well to have some book of history1 or travels1 or metaphysics1 another on religious subjects1 and a third for entertainment simply--a good novel1 if possible4 ,in this way much more knowledge is gained without fatigue1 than when the mind is kept exclusively to one theme4 ,committing to memory a few lines every day1 is a habit which cannot be too strongly urged4 ,it need not be made a tedious matter1 by giving up one's whole time and attention to it as a study2 it can best be done when walking1 or sewing1 or engaged in household work1 and will become1 after a little1 a pleasure instead of a task4 ,besides the daily acquisition of something worth remembering1 there will be gained also a power quite as valuable1 of observing the characteristics and style of various authors1 the delicate differences of words1 and the construction of sentences4 ,it may safely be said that those writers who have been most celebrated for beauty and perspicuity of style1 have owed this1 in no small degree1 to the early habit of committing to memory the works of the best authors4 ,in conclusion1 we would beg our young readers to make friends of books4 ,they will cheer many an hour that would otherwise be lonely2 they are kind1 ever ready1 yet unobtrusive comforters in perplexity or sorrow2 they represent that which is best and truest in all ages1 and are the highest expression of itself1 of which humanity is capable4 ,,the ,,sick ,,room4 ,we cannot leave this book without giving a few simple rules for nursing the sick4 ,most of our young people1 and many old1 are ignorant of the commonest principles4 ,never wear a rustling dress or creaking shoes in waiting on the sick4 ,be careful not to shake the bed1 or fidget near it1 so as to touch1 disturb1 and needlessly fatigue the invalid4 ,few noises are more irritating in sickness than noise from the grate4 ,the startling effect of putting on coals may destroy the effect of an opiate4 ,it is better to put them on one by one4 ,in voice and manner be gentle1 and in spirit cheerful and hopeful4 ,do not depress by tears1 but control looks1 words1 and actions4 ,say nothing in the room1 or even outside the door1 which you would not wish the sick to hear4 ,ask questions but rarely1 and never occasion a needless effort to gratify your own curiosity4 ,in giving nourishment with a spoon1 be careful to raise the bowl of the spoon so as not to drop anything1 or annoy the sick person by untidy feeding4 ,be sure to have cups1 spoons1 and glasses clean4 ,make everything as attractive as you can from the nicety and freshness of the dish4 ,do not allow jellies or rejected dainties to remain in the room4 ,the time may come to any boy or girl when they may desire to watch by a sick bed of a parent or friend1 and the above rules may assist them4 ,if the sick person should take a dislike to you1 be not disheartened at it2 but if possible resign your place by the bedside4 ,it may be that you were clumsy1 and awkward1 or over-anxious4 ,it may be only one of those unaccountable fancies which sometimes takes possession of the sufferer1 and which it is our duty to treat with care and consideration4 #a4--;,,cooking ,,for ,,the ,,sick4 ,beef tea4 ,take one pound of beef1 without any fat1 cut it in very small pieces1 and put it in a bottle2 cork it and put it into a kettle of water1 and boil it until the juice is exhausted2 this will do for very sick people who can only take a teaspoonful of nourishment at one time4 ,take a pound of lean beef1 cut it up fine in a quart of cold water1 let it boil an hour1 then salt it1 and put in a pinch of cayenne pepper1 strain it1 and it is ready for use4 ,this given to a person troubled with sleeplessness 7from general debility71 about a half cup full just before retiring1 will generally enable the patient to sleep4 #b4--,,port ,,wine ,,jelly4 ,take a half pint of port wine1 one ounce of isinglass1 one ounce of gum arabic1 one ounce of loaf sugar2 let it simmer for a quarter of an hour1 stirring it till the gum and isinglass are dissolved1 then pour it into a mould4 ,when cold it will be quite stiff4 #c4--,,toast ,,water4 ,brown thoroughly1 but not burn to a cinder1 a small slice of bread2 put it into a pitcher1 and pour over it a quart of water which has been boiled and cooled2 after two hours pour off the water2 a small piece of orange or lemon peel put into the pitcher with the bread improves it4 #d4--,,to ,,prepare ,,rennet ,,whey4 ,get a rennet1 such as is used for cheeses4 ,then take a piece two inches square1 or a little larger1 rinse it first in cold water1 then pour on to it two table-spoonfuls of hot water1 and let it stand a half hour in a warm place4 ,take three pints of milk1 and heat it blood warm4 ,then pour in both the rennet and water1 and stir it in well4 ,cover and let it stand in a warm place1 to keep the milk of an even temperature2 it must not be moved until it turns to a curd2 then cut up the curd with a spoon and strain it1 and boil up the whey once4 ,it is then ready for use4 ,if in an hour it does not turn to a curd1 take out the rennet1 and put in some more freshly prepared4 ,it will then surely curd4 #e4--;,,flax-,,seed ,,sirup4 ,this we know to be an excellent remedy for a cough4 ,boil one ounce of flax-seed in a quart of water for half an hour2 strain1 and add to the liquid the juice of two lemons and half a pound of rock candy4 ,if there is a soreness and general weakness from the cough1 add half an ounce of powdered gum arabic4 #f4--,,mucilage ,,of ,,sago4 ,take an ounce or a table-spoonful of sago1 steep in a pint of water1 in a pan placed on the back of the stove for two hours1 then boil for fifteen minutes1 stirring it all the time4 ,this mucilage can be sweetened with sugar and flavored with lemon juice1 or milk can be added4 #g4--;,,applications ,,for ,,the ,,sick4--,,refreshing ,,lotion4 ,mix one table-spoonful of vinegar1 one of eau de cologne1 and one of water4 ,dip a linen rag or a handkerchief into this preparation and lay upon the head4 ,it refreshes a patient4 #h4--,,receipt ,,for ,,croup4 ,one tea-spoonful of powdered alum mixed with molasses or lard1 and sometimes water2 make a child with croup swallow it2 it is a quick emetic4 #i4--,,remedy ,,for ,,sore ,,throat4 ,take a tea-spoonful of chlorate of potassium and dissolve in a tumbler of hot water1 and gargle the throat every two hours4 #aj4--;,,burns4 ,dissolve alum in water1 and bottle ready for use2 or common lime-water2 either remedy applied at once will relieve a burn and draw out the fire4 ,pour the solution into a bowl1 and hold the burnt place1 if possible1 into it1 or wet cloths with it4 ,sweet oil and laudanum can be added to the lime-water4 ,we simply give a few remarks for ordinary troubles1 which may be useful2 but we cannot leave this article without giving some useful rules for making good bread1 which few make1 and every young girl should learn how to do1 as good bread is essential to the health of every household4 ,an experienced housekeeper has kindly prepared for us the following article4 ,,directions ,,for ,,making ,,bread1 ,,yeast ,c4 ,holy ,writ assures us that bread is the staff of life1 and experience fully proves the assertion4 ,yet many of us know not how to make this needed support4 ,every girl1 no matter what her station in life may be1 should learn how to prepare it in its highest excellence4 ,the word bread is derived from brayed grain1 from the verb to bray1 or pound2 indicative of the method of preparing the flour4 ,dough comes from the ,anglo-,saxon word deawian1 to wet or moisten4 ,loaf is from the ,anglo-,saxon lif-ian1 to raise or lift up1 as raised bread4 ,leaven is derived from the ,french verb lever1 to raise4 ,dwellers in country towns and villages are forced to prepare the leaven1 or yeast2 so we append a receipt which never fails to make good bread4 ,wash and pare six good-sized1 white-fleshed potatoes1 grate them raw1 on a lemon grater4 ,pour over them three quarts of boiling water2 it will thicken up like starch4 ,add one table-spoonful of salt and half a cup of sugar4 ,when the mixture is lukewarm1 pour in one cupful of yeast4 ,set the pan beside the stove1 and in six hours it will be light enough to use4 ,let it stand over night in a cool place2 next morning cork it tightly in a jug4 ,keep it in the cellar or ice-house2 but be sure that it does not freeze--that kills the life of it4 ,home-made yeast requires double the quantity of baker's yeast4 ,one teacupful of this yeast will make three loaves of bread and a pan of biscuit4 ,potatoes added to the bread increases its bulk and quality4 ,boil six common-sized potatoes in two quarts of water1 with one table-spoon of salt4 ,when perfectly salt1 mash fine on a plate1 leaving no little particles4 ,they can be rubbed through a colander and reduced to a pulp2 turn it into the bread-pan1 and pour over the water in which they were boiled4 ,sift eight quarts of flour1 and when the potato-water is cooled1 so as to be a little warm to the touch1 stir in half the flour2 then add one teacupful of the yeast4 ,when that is thoroughly mixed up1 put in the rest of the flour1 making it thick enough to knead stiffly4 ,do this in the evening1 and place the pan in a warm room in winter1 a cool one in summer4 ,early next morning it will be risen finely4 ,another pan should have been tightly covered over it1 and it will rise up into the pan4 ,knead it thoroughly on the moulding board1 chopping it with a chopping-knife1 or pounding with a pestle4 ,bread must be kneaded for an hour at least1 if one desires the best quality4 ,holes in the slices of bread show that it was not well made4 ,the superiority of the ,french bread-makers is owing to this cause4 ,in many bakeries the dough is prepared by machinery4 ,after the process of kneading is finished1 rolls can be made1 and baked for breakfast4 ,they are prepared by rolling the dough in the shape of a rolling-pin1 then cutting off a small portion1 and rolling that in the same shape4 ,dip the sides and tops in melted butter1 place in a pan1 and put them in a warm place for twenty minutes2 then bake in a hot oven twenty minutes4 ,the melted butter causes them to break apart perfectly1 and to brown handsomely4 ,the remainder of the dough is placed near the stove to rise a second time4 ,it must be closely watched--ten minutes' neglect will sour it4 ,to be sure a teaspoonful of saleratus will sweeten it2 dissolve it in warm water1 and mix it in so there will be no yellow spots2 but1 if used1 it takes away the fresh sweetness of the bread4 ,making bread is not like cake or pie-making--it demands close attention2 will not be neglected without injury4 ,it requires some brains to make good bread1 and that is one reason why so many families rarely know what the best quality of bread is4 ,if it sours1 turn in the saleratus2 if it is half-kneaded1 and half-risen1 and the oven is ready1 why1 bake it1 and thus very poor bread is the result6 ,bread cannot be set aside for dish-washing or sweeping4 ,it must be of the first consequence4 ,when it is risen for a second time1 and blubbers appear1 flour your moulding-board1 turn out the dough1 cut it into as many parts as you desire loaves of bread1 and knead1 pound1 or cut each loaf well2 then have your bread-pans buttered1 and put in the dough1 kneading it into the corners of the pan4 ,prick it all over with a fork1 place near the stove for fifteen or twenty minutes1 or until it has filled the pans to the brim4 ,have your oven so hot1 that if a sprinkling of flour is thrown in1 it will brown quickly1 but not burn2 then set in the pans4 ,three quarters of an hour1 in a properly heated oven1 will bake bread4 ,don't burn your crusts1 but watch the oven1 and in twenty minutes after putting them in1 look at them and turn the pans round1 for usually one side of an oven bakes the fastest4 ,when it is baked1 take it from the pans directly1 else the sides will become moistened and clammy4 ,spread a clean towel on the table or shelves1 and stand the bread on it4 ,if the crust is too thick and brown1 wrap the loaves in a clean towel wet with cold water2 this softens it4 ,if these directions are closely followed1 and a good brand of flour is used1 no girl can fail to make ,a ,no4 #a bread4 ,no lady can teach her servants unless she has learned the alphabet of cookery herself1 and bread may be called the ,a ,b ,c's of the kitchen4 #a4--,,waffles4 ,take one quart of milk2 melt in the milk a large spoonful of butter2 beat up four eggs1 and add to this mixture a little salt2 add to the slightly warm milk a small gill of yeast1 flour sufficient to make a batter just right for a waffle iron1 or a little thinner to bake on a griddle iron4 ,the batter for waffles is also nice baked in tins as muffins4 ,some elder person can direct1 the first time you make this recipe1 the proper thickness of the batter4 #b4--;,a ,,cream ,,tomato ,,soup4 ,twelve tomatoes1 skinned and cut up1 cook thirty minutes 7or a quart of canned tomatoes1 ten minutes will cook it74 ,when cooked1 stir in quarter of a teaspoonful of soda2 when done foaming put in two large crackers1 rolled fine2 one quart of milk1 salt and pepper to taste2 stir in a piece of butter nearly the size of an egg2 let it all boil up once1 then serve for dinner4 #c4--;,,breakfast ,,cake4 ,three table-spoonsful of sugar1 two of butter1 two eggs1 one teaspoon of soda dissolved in a cup of milk1 two teaspoons of cream of tartar mixed into a pint of wheat flour1 beat well and bake quickly4 #d4--,,molasses ,,gingerbread4 ,three cups of flour1 two of molasses1 one of boiling water2 dissolve in this1 butter the size of an egg1 half a teaspoonful of soda1 dissolved in a little hot water1 one large spoonful of ginger1 and one of cinnamon4 ,bake in bread tins until done1 which can be ascertained by pricking it with a broom corn2 if none of the gingerbread adheres to the stick1 it is done4 ,this is the way to ascertain if any kind of cake is done4 #e4--,,plain ,,cookies4 ,one cup of molasses1 one half a cup of milk 7sour if possible71 dissolve a teaspoonful of soda in the milk4 ,one table-spoonful of butter1 flour sufficient to make it stiff to roll out and cut in any shape desired4 #f4--,,moonshine ,,crackers4 ,one quart of flour1 one table-spoonful of butter1 a teaspoonful of salt1 rub these into the flour and turn it on to the moulding board2 turn into it a small tumbler of ice-water2 knead the water in little by little4 ,then pound it with the rolling pin fifteen minutes1 roll as thin as possible1 and cut out as you do cookies2 round cutters are the best for crackers2 mark with a jagging iron1 and bake ten minutes4 #g4--,,new ,,year',s ,,cookies4 ,rub three quarters of a pound of butter into a pound of flour4 ,take a half pint of boiling water and pour over a pound and a half of light brown sugar in a bowl2 dissolve a small teaspoonful of soda in two large spoons of hot water4 ,add flour only sufficient to roll out very thin2 cut it out in oblong shapes with a jagging iron2 bake quickly in a hot oven4 ,in ,new ,york they mark these cakes with mottos1--,christmas and ,new ,year's4 #h4--,,sponge ,,cake4 ,two cups of fine-powdered sugar1 two cups of flour1 six eggs1 one large lemon1 or one and a half of small size2 beat the yolks of the eggs and the sugar and grated peel of the lemon together2 beat the whites separately1 and stir into the sugar1 c41 with the flour2 this makes one good-sized loaf1 or two small ones2 be careful and not have too hot an oven4 #i4--,,loaf ,,cake4 ,two cups of light wheat dough1 one of sugar1 half a cup of butter1 two eggs1 half a teaspoonful of soda1 one grated nutmeg1 two teaspoonfuls of ground cloves1 two of cinnamon2 stoned raisins can be added1 half a cupful2 mix all together4 ,this makes one loaf4 ,neatness is essential in cooking4 ,wash your hands often4 ,baking badly spoils the best of cake and bread4 ,learn of an experienced person the proper degree of heat4 ,,politeness4 ,we will give a few simple rules1 which we hope all will read and remember4 #a4 ,talk but little in the presence of your elders1 unless spoken to4 ,learn to be a good listener4 #b4 ,never enter a room1 church1 or hall first1 with an elder person2 let them go first4 #c4 ,on entering a house or room1 always speak first to the lady of the house1 and always take leave of her first4 #d4 ,never take the most comfortable seat or position in a room1 if there are older persons present4 #e4 ,let the golden rule ,jesus ,christ gave us ever be your rule of action4 ,transcriber's ,notes ,in the text version and underscore has been used to denote ,italics1 and equals signs to denote an ,ornamental ,font4 ,the text contains inconsistent hyphenation which has been left as printed4 ,minor corrections to obviously incorrect punctuation have been made4 ,corrections3 p4 iv4 ,embroidery in ,lame of ,velvet and ,gold corrected to match ,,lam in chapter heading4 p4 #ag4 tumeric changed to turmeric4 p4 #be4 enterest is apparently an obsolete form of interest1 so left as printed4 p4 #dc4 presant changed to present4 p4 #df4 managment changed to management4 p4 #dh4 attentention changed to attention4 p4 #eb4 ,you're changed to ,your4 p4 #ee4 polyphnoist changed to polyphonist4 p4 #ee4 bee should he heard changed to bee should be heard4 p4 #fi4 ,maderia changed to ,madeira4 p4 #hc4 may he planted changed to may be planted4 p4 #ajj4 unles changed to unless4 p4 #abb4 stiches changed to stitches4 p4 #aeg4 ladel changed to ladle4 p4 #aeg4 must he used changed to must be used4 p4 #ahe4 difierences changed to differences4 p4 #ahg4 sugur changed to sugar4 p4 #aie4 teasponful changed to teaspoonful4 p4 #aie wheat flower changed to wheat flour4