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THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE: WASHINGTON, D. 0., THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1882.
6
FARM AND FIRESIDE.
Some Practical Suggestions for Our
Agricultural Headers.
Tho botanical name of the common quinco is
Cydonia vulgaris. It is a nativo of Southern
Europe anrl parts of Asia. It lias long been
cultivated for its fruits, and is said to bo tbo
golden apple of the Hcspcridcs.
Tho quince forms a small, much-branched
tree, from ten to fifteen feet in height when in
a favorable situation for growth. There arc
several varieties in cultivation, such as the
Orange or Apple quince, tho Pear quince, the
Portugal, and the Angers quince. The last
named variety is esteemed as a- stock upon
which to graft strong-growing kinds of pears
for the purpose of checking their luxurianco
and hastening their periods of fruiting; these
are called dwarf pears.
The fruit of the quince is tough and austere,
and is unfit to cat in the raw state ; it is, there
fore, usually cooked and preserved with sugar,
or boiled into marmalade, an article which is
said to havo derived its name from Marmelo,
the Portugese name of the quince. The Portu
gal quince is still esteemed as the best variety
for the preparation of this confection, as it boils
to a soft pulp, and is less austere than the larger
varieties of the Apple quince, which, however,
are much more prolific than tho Portugal
quince. Medicinally, the fruit is considered as
tringent and stomachic.
The quince tree requires a rich soil that will
retain moisture without being wet. The roots
inclino to keep. near the surface, and for this
reason the tree succeeds best in sheltered places
where tho roots will be partially protected from
the drying winds of summer.
When cultivated in orchards, the trees arc set
about twelve feet apart. The surface soil
should be kept in a finely pulverized condition,
or a mulching of some kind maintained over
the roots during summer; the object in either
case being to retard rapid evaporation of moist
ure from the soil, as a parched, dry soil is par
ticularly unfavorable to the profitable fruit
bearing qualities of this tree. The quince re
quires but little pruning, and that should be
directed mainly to the removal of weak or su
perfluous branches, as also such slender shoots
' as may spring from the roots. Old or unhealthy
trees may be renewed by selecting a robust root
shoot, which is encouraged to grow by the re
moval of such branches as may interfere with
its upright growth, and the entire system of
the old tree is removed by cutting the older
stems off close to the surface of the ground.
RAISING rLAXTS FROM CUTTINGS.
All plants which can be propagated by cut
tings of the ripened shoots should be trimmed,
and the cuttings panted as soon as tho leaves
have dropped, Rather than delay the opera
tion, the leaves can be stripped oil, for the
sooner the cuttings are set out the sooner will
they root. Red, white, and black currants, grape
vines, figs, gooseberries, willows, poplars, Spireas,
Forsythias, Weigclias, privet, Deutzias, Hy
drangeas, honej'suckles and Hibiscus are some
of the plants which can be raised by cuttings of
the young growths of the present year.
Cuttings of these should be about eight inches
in length, and inserted to their full depth in
the ground, leaving the top of tho cutting level
with the surface of the soil, and covered over
with a sprinkling of leaves or strawy manure,
which need not be disturbed until the buds
push forth next spring.
But the precaution must be taken to plant in
a well drained or a sandy soil. When they arc
set in undraiued, heavy soil, the freezings and
thawings of winter will draw them to the sur
face. This, however, can be obviated by cov
ering with leaves, &c, sullicieut to exclude
frost.
UAKD-BUJINKD AND GLAZED POTS TOR PLANTS.
Hard pots are not generally esteemed by
florists, and some there arc who condemn theni
as unfit for the growth of plants. Others,
again, who have had long and successful exper
ience in growing pot plants, maintain that it
matters not whether the pot is soft and porous
or hard, or even glazed; they do not object to
slate pots or tubs, but rather consider them of
advantage under certain conditions. The only
difference seems to be that the porous pot will
require more frequent waterings than will be
found necessary in a hard, solid pot. The por
ous pot suffers more from evaporation than the
bard one, but if both are treated alike in regard
to the waterings, the plants in tho glazed pot
will soon become unhealthy from excess of
moisture, even though the ordinary drainage is
good ; the soil becomes saturated from the oft
repeated waterings, and is unfitted for exten
sion of root growth. In the dry atmosphere of
parlors theglazed pot is especially advantageous,
as the greatest bulk of the soil is protected from
rapid evaporation; a porous pot allows the
escape of moisture from every part of its surface
and is more sensitive to aridity, and requires
more constant attention to watering. In a
common greenhouse, where the atmosphere is
more humid, plants in the harder surfaced pots
require special care in regard to water; they
will soon show signs of bad treatment if sup
plied with water in the same degree as plants
in porous pots, so that, after all, plants may be
grown to equal perfection in hard-burned pots
or in those which are soft and porous, but the
details of management arc different, and re
quire intelligent administration.
HAY-LOFTS AKOVK STARLRS.
It has been surmised that some diseases of
the horse which become epidemic in stables is
greatly aggravated when the hay for feeding
the animals is kept in a loft over their stables.
It is now well established that disease germs
float in the atmosphere and impregnate sub
stances with which they come in contact, and
when the food which the animals cat is placed
in a position where it cannot fail to be charged
with the contaminated breath and exhala
tions of sicl; animals, it follows that there is
great danger in having food placed in such a
situation. Even the unavoidable odors present
in stables where tho horses may bo healthy
cannot but impregnate the hay, oven though
great care may bo given to having the ceiling
plastered and frequently coated with lime-wash.
For the same reason hay should be fed from
a rack below the animals' head, and not above
it, thus preventing dust from injuring their
eyes as well as having the food away from tho
breath of the animal. All the food should bo
kept in a building by itself, and tho stable,
from floor to roof, kept clear, so that proper
ventilation can be secured without creating
chilling draughts.
PORK OF THR GUINEA PIG.
It is stated that the guinea pig is extensively
used in Peru as an article of food, not merely
as a delicacy by the higher classes, but mainly
by the poor, from its cheapness and abundance.
It is entirely an herbivorous animal and
a clean feeder, eating clover, turnips, let
tuces, cabbages and other green stuff in
short, the same food as tho rabbit, to which
it has many points of similarity. For cooking,
the guinea pig is not skinned, but tho hair is
scalded off. when it presents the appearance
which a rat might do if similarly treated
minus the tail. After being scalded it is split
open aud cleaned, and is generally fried entire
in a frying pan, or sometimes grilled over tbo
coals. Thus prepared it is savory and delicate,
tho flesh being white, succulent and nutri
tious, very superior to the rabbit, making a
most excellent dish. An animal so cleanly and
fastidious as to its food, and which might be fed
on much that is little better than waste, may
bc considered as worthy of moro attention as a
food for man than it is at present.
MARTIN'S AMBER WHEAT.
Every person knows that the wheat crop is
one of tho leading crops of this country. Tho
crop for the present year is estimated at G50,
000,000 bushels, grown on 35,000,000 acres, giv
ing an average yield of 1S.G bushels per acre.
At no time and in no country has so much
attention been given to tho selection of im
proved varieties of wheat as is now being done
in this country, and one of tho more recently
introduced is that known as above. This
variety has been cultivated for several years,
and its superiority is stated to be well estab
lished. The yield, with ordinary cultivation,
is from thirty to lbrty-fivo bushels per acre,
and generally weighs from sixty pounds up
wards per bushel. The grains are of an amber
color, good size, full and plump, with very thin
hull. Expert millers pronounce it A No. 1
wheat for flouring, aud yields a large return of
Hour of tho very best quality.
VALUE OF ENSILAGE.
Those who have tried ensilago believe that
the quantity of stock raised on a farm may be
doubled by it. If this be so it is easy to see
that it is destined to play an important part in
stock-raising and improvement of lands. It
is not to be limited to grass regions, but will
succeed wherever corn will grow. Tho use of
ensilage is not confined to cattle. Sheep and
hogs thrive on it and horses become fond of it
and do well on it with grain or bran or meal.
WHY FLOWERS OPEN AT DIFFERENT TIMES.
Sir John Lubbock alludes to the fact that at
certain particular hours llowcrs close. This
habit of going to sleep is very curious, and
different flowers keep different hours. The
reason for it, however, is obvious, for flowers
which arc fertilized by moths and other night
flying insects would derive no advantage by
being open by day, and, on tho other hand,
those fertilized by bees would gain nothing by
being open at night. The closing of llowcrs,
he believes, has reference to tho habits of in
sects, and it must be confessed that the opening
and closing of flowers is gradual, and that the
hours vary greatly according to circumstauces.
SCALE INSECTS ON TREES.
At tho recent meeting of professors of agri
culture at Montreal the subject of scalo in
sects was discussed. These insects are suctorial
in their habits, so that poisons like Paris green
arc of no avail, which must be eaten to bo
effective. The oft-recommended plan of boring
into the tree and filling the hole with sulphur
was considered as perfectly useless. Soap solu
tions and lye are tho two substances that aro
cheap and efficient. Common soap, three
fourths pound to a gallon of water, kills the
bark lice every time. Concentrated lye, one
half-pound to a gallon of water kills the scale
insects without injuring tho trees. Kerosene
has also been used, but frequently injures the
trees unless carefully applied; the best method
is to use it as an emulsion with milk, when it
is both safe aud effective.
We here repeat that for all practical purposes
there is no better or more effective method of
getting rid of sale insects than that of coating
the bark with common lime-wash usually
called whitewash, and if the white color is
objectionable darken it with coal soot or lamp
black. A tree which is attacked by scalo lice
is unhealthy to begin with, and to restore vigor
it requires to be severely pruned back, thus
getting rid of all the small twigs, so that the
main branches arc easily covered with the
whitewash brush.
NOTES AND EXTRACTS.
A Digest of Information Collected From Various
.Sources.
'BUCKWHEAT AS FOOD.
A French scientist, who has investigate'd
buckwheat, gives the following as the results
of his researches: Buckwheat cakes are equal
to pure white bread as regards tho phosphates
or bone-making material and nitrogenous prin
ciples which they contain, and aro superior to
bread in fatty matters. The general yield of
buckwheat when cooked is about three times
the weight of flour used, showing that such
flour will retain from forty to forty-one per
cent, of water. Between different batches of
ground buckwheat there is a great dissimilarity
of composition, one batch containing nearly
seven times as much nitrogen, twenty-five
times the amount of phosphates, and a hundred
and fifteen times as much fatty matter as an
other. The bran is the richest portion of the
buckwheat, but cannot bo digested by weak
stomachs. The finest qualities of buckwheat
flour, and the white mill-dust especially, are
very suitable for children and persons in poor
health, while the stronger varieties require a
strong stomach and much exercise for their
proper digestion.
HOME-MADE MANURE.
The Maine Farmer says: "Mr. A. C. Emery
purchased one hundred pounds of ground bone,
placed it in a half-hogshead tub, and applied
forty pounds of Gtilphuric acid, adding water as
desired. In five days' time the whole mass
was reduced to a consistency of thick jelly.
Water was then added and three hundred
pounds of plaster used as a dryer, the whole
being worked and shoveled over until it could
be readily handled. The phosphate so made
was applied to one acre of corn and one of po
tatoes, both being manured sufficientlyand a
small quantity was left, which was applied to
his wheat-field and to a plat of grass ground,
just to seo what it would do. Tho result of
this manure in tho two latter instances was
most marked, while the corn was heavy, the
growth being dark-colored and stout, the pota
toes were good. The entire cost of the phos
phate was .iT.O, and Mr. Emery thinks it the
best expenditure in the way of purchased
manures he ever made."
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
Onr Agricultural Editor's Weekly Chnt With His
Jlcutlen.
" I have a Marshal Nicl rose that is full of
young, green shoots, which will be destroyed
by tho first frost, and I wish to know what I
can do to hasten the hardening of these
shoots." Mrs. C. II., Dover, Del. Ans. : The
main trouble in this case is that of late growths,
which will not mature before freezing weather,
and consequently they will be destroyed.
This rose is tender in Delaware, as it also is in
States oven furthcrsouth. There is no remedy
for this, at least of easy application. It would
be a good experiment to prune tho roots in
August, and so prevent further growths after
that time ; the shoots would then become hard,
and thus they would be better fitted to endure
cold.
"A correspondent" asks what ho is to do
about the worms which destroy his peaches,
and desires to know if tho borers at tho roots
have auy thing to do with it. Anx. : Tho worms
in the fruit are those of the curculio, or plum
weevil, which is becoming alarmingly preva
lent in the peach. The borers at tho roots have
nothing to do with these worms in tho fruit,
although these, if not removed, will eventually
kill the tree. The curculios may be greatly
lessened by jarring the trees and collecting tho
insects on sheets spread under them, or by tho
many other methods which were noted, some
time ago in The Tribune.
HOME, SWEET HOME.
Something About Woman's Work Above
and Below Stairs.
The approach of November brings out many
novelties suited to late fall and winter, and
among them no single design has sprung into
more sudden popularity than the long, useful
outside garment known as the " Russian Redin
gote." It is a garment which nearly envelopes
tho figure, covering the dress to the edge of tho
skirt, and almost taking the place of the bodice,
if one were not needed for warmth. It is
usually made in cloth or fine wool; if in the
former, it is only lined to the skirt below the
waist-line; if of the latter, it is, or should be,
lined throughoutwith twilled French liningsilk,
and the niching, which in tho former case is of
the cloth, will be made of dull satin or Surah
silk, of the same shade as the wool. The nich
ing is laid in triple plaits, and crimped upon the
edge; it is put on very full, and derives all its
distinction from this fact. Made scant, it would
possess no "character," and bo incapable of im
parting any to tho garment. Tho "Russian
Rcdingotc" maybe made in velvet and trim
med, with fur, but it is not often used for mate
rial so expensive, because its fit, the closeness
of tho sleeves, and its evident; utility, rather
unfit it for full dress, or for wear with a very
rich or ceremonious gown, which, of course,
would bo mainly concealed. As a fall walking
garment, a successor to the ulster, and a protec
tion from wind and cold, the "Russian Rcdin
gotc" is a success, and is so easily reproduced
by the aid of the paper model, that every lady
will find it within her reach. Demoresfs.
The college for working women in London
has just begun its ninth session. Resides the
usual instruction, lessons are given on first aid
to the injured and sick nursing; there aro
classes in plain and elaborate cookery at small
rates; and there is also a class for blind women.
Many pleasant dramatic and musical entertain
ments aro provided by ladies and gentlemen
interested in its work ; and there is a good lend
ing and reference library at hand. The collego
has a large number of pupils; and on tho list
of lecturers and examiners aro several of tho
names best known in literature, science, and
art in England.
All departments of tho University of Penn
sylvania, except that of the collegiate course,
are now open to women, and this concession will
probably not long be delayed. Women students
in tho college building are there to-day under
the protection of the trustees and the faculty,
not unrecognized, disclaimed, and repudiated,
as the authorities of corporate Harvard dis
claim any lot, part, or title in tho so-called
Harvard Annex.
Spun-glass napkins are a recent addition to
the supply of luxuries which people who in
dulge a taste for oddities will probably not con
sider too high-priced at $100 a dozen. One on
exhibition in St. Louis is pearl shade, the size
of an ordinary breakfast napkin, and almost as
pliable as silk. The felling consists of minute
glass threads crossed by a silk chain, and tho
fringe of glass fibre is about two inches long.
A woman's club has been formed at Okyama,
Japan, whoso object is "the development of
their ideas, that they may give effectual assist
ance in the carrying out of liberal principles."
Anna K. Ilawlcy, of Delhi, La., has patented
a button that can bo readily attached to gar
ments without sewing and removed easily
without injury.
Mrs. Lippiucott (Grace Greenwood) has re
turned to Paris for the winter. Her daughter
is studying leading high soprano roles.
All tho New York papers aro enthusiastic
over Mrs. Langtry's beauty.
FASHION NOTES.
Linen collars and cutis are again fashionable.
The winter cloak will bo a magnificent gar
ment. The "mousquetairo" glovo is still the pre
vailing style.
Dark-colored stockings aro worn by small
boys on all occasions.
Large linen collars and cuffs aro embroidered
in open-worked patterns on cashmere dresses.
No young lady's wardrobe is complete without
a braided jacket, cither in gray, brown, navy
blue, or black.
New and stylish wraps arc made of rough
ruby or brown cloth, bordered with fur and
faced with satin.
The silk stockings of to-day havo the fronts
covered with embroidery, which becomes more
and more elaborate.
Ruffs and ruches do not encircle tho neck, but
aro brought down low on the bosom in front,
but the throat is not left bare.
Tho combination of embossed velvets and
plushes with plain fabrics of tho samo kind,
make very fashionable costumes.
Spanish lace overdresses are remarkably ef
fective in a brilliantly-lighted ball-room : a
dainty stylo always becoming to slender
figures.
A lovely design for a lace pin is formed of a
tiny gold hat with feather in solid silver set
with minute pearls, with a minute enameled
parasol on tho opposite end.
Velours ottoman is tho novelty for brides'
dresses, its repped texture forming either tho
entire dress, or else the train and side robes or
paniers, looped back from a satin bcad-embroid-ercd
or brocaded front breadth.
A favorito trimming for black velvet bonnets
consists of a black laco scarf, which does double
duty as crown drapery and strings, and also
affords a setting for the tuft of ostrich. tips
which adorns one sido of the bonnet.
i Tho proper colors for elegant wrappers are
cream white, pale blue, pale rose, shrimp pink,
mauve, terra cotta, hussar blue, dark reds, dark
blues, gray and black. Tho trimmings should
bo embroidery, ribbons, velvet and lace.
Tho tulip and sunflower mania has had quite
a romantic run, and this fancy in tho esthetic
lino is still countenanced and holds a certain
power in the beau monde of rich dressing. Tho
prominence given to waist bouquets this sum
mer is carried into this season and especially in
tho make-up of full-dress toilets.
A new Lyons velvet is called mcrveilleux,
which will bo used for drapery because it falls
in graceful folds and is so remarkably soft. It
is in splendid black and resembles a velvet-faced
silk. Another velvety silk, called velours do
Russe,isin black and nearly all the fashionable
shades, and is equally soft in texture and rich
in appearance This is intended to be made up
with plain velvot, matching in color.
THE KITCHEN.
"Zelbec" asks through The Nationai.
TnmuNE for a rccipo to can corn. Here is a
good one: To every six quarts of corn take ono
ounce of tartaric acid, dissolved in a half pint
of boiling water; cut tho corn from the cob,
put in sufficient water to cook it; when boil
ing put in the acid, cook a few minutes, seal
in air-tight glass jars; be euro to have water
cover tho corn in can, or it will not keep well.
To prepare for tablo: Pour off tho sour water
and save it; to every quart of corn add ono
teaspoonful of soda; put in sufficient water to
cook, and let stand a few minutes before cook
ing; while cooking put in a teaspoonful of
white sugar. If the corn turns yellow, there is
I too much soda in it; pour back somo of tho 1
sour wator until it turns whito again ; season
with salt, popper, cream and butter, samo as
fresh corn. Lou Livingston.
Douglass, Kan., Oct. 21.
"Mrs. M. D. C." sends the following, which
she highly recommends to housekeepers as a
nice dish for dinner: Pare and slice nice tart
apples to fill a pie-tin two-thirds full, put in a
little water; beat one egg well, add to it ono
pint of sour cream, also one small teaspoonful
each of soda and salt ; add flour until it is as
stiff" as you can stir conveniently, spread tho
dough over tho apples and bake. When done,
turn the bottom side up on a plate, spread the
apples with butter and cover well with sugar,
return to the oven a few minutes. To bo eaten
with milk or cream.
To Make a Nice, Quick Cake Take one cup
of sour milk, ono cup of sugar, half a cup of
butter, ouo egg, one cup of raisins (stoned and
chopped), one teaspoonful of soda dissolved in
a little hot water, one teaspoonful of spices,
and two cups and a half of flour. This should
be eaten while fresh, but, if it is not, after two
or three days, beat the white of an egg to a
froth and add sugar enough to make a frosting
for tho top of tho cake.
To Mako Lemon Sponge Put ono ounce of
gelatine into one pint of cold water, let it stand
five minutes, then dissolve it over the fire, add
the rind of two lemons thinly pared, three
quarters of a pound of lump sugar, and the
juice of three lemons; boil all together two
minutes, strain it, and let it remain till nearly
cold, then add the whito of two eggs well beaten
and whisk it well ten minutes ; put it lightly
into a glass dish.
To Make Welsh Rarebit. Take half a pound
of cheese, three eggs, ono small cup of bread
crumbs, two tablespoonfuls of melted butter,
mustard and salt to taste. After beating the
eggs in an earthen dish add the other ingredi
ents, then spread on the top of slices of bread,
toasted or not, as you choose, and set in the
oven to melt.
To Make Reef Tea. The Boston Journal of
Chemistry gives the following directions: Ono
ounce of beef to six tablespoonfuls of water is
a fair proportion for a good article. Cut the
meat into dice, put it into astewpan and add
the water cold ; let it stand ten minutes, then
put it to heat very gradually.
To Mako a Serviceable Filling for Pin
Cushions Take coffee-grounds, which must be
dried perfectly before using. Put them in a bag
and hang behind the kitchen stove till you havo
enough that are dry to fill the cushion. They
do not gather moisture, and consequently do
not rust the needle.
To Make a Delicious Pear Pi o Take lato
pears; mako a thin, rich crust by rich I do
not mean greasy; slico tho pears, sprinkle
sugar over them, and put in a few small lumps
of butter; add, if you please, a very littlo cin
namon or mace. Bake with air upper crust.
To Fry Hominy Take boiled hominy; add
a piece of butter, a little pepper and salt, a cup
of cream, and Hour or white Indian meal
enough to stiffen it; stir this up; mako it up
into small cakes ; fry in butter on a griddle.
To Keep a Broom Dip your broom in clean,
hot suds once a week, then shake it till it is
almost dry, and then hang it up or stand it
with the haudlo down. It will last twice as
long as it will without this operation.
Cabbage. It should be boiled two hours. It
is very nice also, after it is boiled, chopped
very lino and fried in a littlo butter. When
done, add a little vinegar and stir it up.
FOR SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
A Little Soinctlifin; About What is Goinj; On in the
Koliions World.
The oldest Congregational minister in New
England is the Rev. Leonard Withington. He
is ninety-three years old.
In many of the Southern churches through
out the country the celebration of the anniver
sary of tho Reformation, which falls on October
31, took place on Sunday last.
The Bishops of tho Methodist Church held
their annual conference at Berwick, Pa., Octo
ber 2Gth and 27th. The episcopal visitations
for the coming year were decided upon, and the
condition of their sect reviewed.
Tho annual convention of tho Women's
National Christian Temperanco Association
was held at Louisville, commencing October
23th. Reports showing an encouraging condi
tion of affairs were made from all parts of the
Union. Miss Frances E. Willard was elected
president, by acclamation.
The Boston Globe reports that lightning
struck a contribution box as it was being passed
around in a western church, whereupon the
deacon musingly said : "This is the first time
anything has struck this plato for threo
months.
The eighth Episcopal Church Congress was
held in Richmond, Va., last week. Somo of tho
most noted divines of the Church attended and
took part in the discussion of tho topics brought
forward. Ono of the most interesting subjects
touched upon was "prison discipline."
Tho annual report of tho Sholtering Arms,
the institution for homeless children in New
York city, shows the receipts of over $20,000
for its support, and a large quantity of cloth
ing, books, and other articles for tho comfort
and entertainment of the little ones. Tho whole
number of beneficiaries during the past year
was 215.
Mr. and Mrs. Elliott F. Shcpard gave a recep
tion in honor of the American committee of tho
revisers of tho Bible at their residence in New
York, October 27th. Remarks were mado on
the character of the work of the committee by
Drs. Sharp and Day, Bishop Leo, of Delaware,
and President Dwight of Vale College.
Rev. Henry Ward Bcccher, in a latter to the
Boston Traveller, says that ho has laid aside all
his old notions of belief and in getting his new
theological indentity together, he ironically
suggcsls that he will try to have it pass muster
at Bangor, Andover, Cambridge, New Haven,
Princeton, Oberlin, and Chicago, and then, ho
says, ho will willingly die.
During tho recent troubles in Egypt a most
ancient relic has been destroyed a tree which,
according to Christian tradition, was the iden
tical one under which the parents of Christ
sought rest and shelter on their flight to Egypt
It stood near the ruins of Heliopolis, north of
Caiiro, aud from time immemorial it was under
tho caro of the Franciscans in Cairo, and an ob
ject of great veneration. During his sojourn in
Egypt last year, tho Austrian Crown Princo
visited the sacred spot and tree, which latter
was cut down by tho Egyptian troops while
they were throwing up intrenchmeuts near
Heliopolis.
"Tho Devil a Personal Being" was tho sub
ject of a sermon delivered recently in Balti
more by the Rev. Dr. Loyburn. He told his
congregation that tho devil tempted Evo (J.000
years ago; that tho devil and his family of
angels had a well-ordered world of their own,
which they ruled over with absoluto sway,
and asserted his belief in demoniacal posses
sion. Ho had himself met men respectable
men who at times were evidently so possessed,
showing a preternatural intelligence and ac
tivity in tho pursuit of evil. "Tho devil,"
said tho doctor, "sometimes gets into tho
churches, producing disgraceful wrangling and
dissension."
Dr. Pierce's " Pleasant Purgative Pellets" arc
sugar-coated and inclosed in glass bottles, their
virtues being thereby preserved unimpaired for
any length of time, in any climate, so that they
am jiIwjivk frpsli Anil rrOiiililo. Nn fi)ifvnivnnrlrm
or pasteboard boxes. By Druggists.
OUR YOUNG FOLKS.
Bessie's Fairy Godmother, or the
. Three Wishes.
By Julia K. JTildreth.'
Littlo Bessy believed in faries, although her
mother smiled and shook her head when she
asked, "Did you. ever see a fairy?"
At tho time my story begins Bessy sat on the
window sill with a grcaS book open on her
knee, straining her eyes to catch the last words
of the most delightful story sho had ever read.
It was all about fairy godmothers, shoes filled
with gold, and other wonderful things to be
found in such books.
As the light died out of tho sky, and a soft
purple mist settled down upon tho hill-tops,
she sighed and closed her book, for the story
was finished.
Bessy's father and mother were away from
home, and sho was alone that evening. The
sound of voices and tho rattling of dishes came
from the kitchen. The crickets had begun
their evening song; the lanes were growing
dim and mysterious. Bessy could imagine a
fairy head peeping from every tall flower by
the garden gate, and the queen of them all
seened to how to her from the tall white lily
in tho pansy bed.
Bessy thought if ever fairy appeared to
mortal child, it would bo on such a night as
this. And now, to crown all, just at the end
of the lane appeared a light, moving backward
and forward. First it would bob down, and
then up quite high, among the bushes.
At last Bessy could bear it no longer, and
made up her mind to solve tho mystery. So
she stepped out of tho window on tho porch,
and then softly over tho grass, for she was
afraid Ann would hear her and call her back.
Sho said to herself, " If it should be a fairy
glow-worm lighting the fairies to their danc
ing 'ground, Ann would frighten them away,
she is so big and heavy."
So down the path she went on tiptoe. ITardly
daring to breathe, she pushed open the gate,
and looked down the lane.
Bessy thought tho light had disappeared.
But by and by it came again, moving in the
same strange manner. Although she trembled
a great deal, she went bravely on. It was
only a short lane leading to the main road, and
shut in on ono side by a large clump of trees.
It was at the foot of one of theso trees that the
light seemed to be standing now.
At first Bessy crept softly on, keeping it in
sight. How dark it had grown! The light
shone from the bushes like a fallen star.
"When Bessy was within a few feet of the light
she was astonished to sec a face peering out of
the darkness, its eyes fixed on her with any
thing but a pleasant expression. The light
went out, aud Bessy, wishing she was safe at
home, turned to scamper back, when a heavy
hand was laid on her shoulder, and the light
flashed in her face.
Sho now saw it was a lantern carried by a
very small and disagreeable old woman dressed
in black, and her head covered with a red
handkeschief. In one hand she held the lan
tern, and under her arm was a crooked stick.
Now, when Bessy saw the stick, she was sure
it was a fairy godmother, for tho old woman
was exactly like tho description of tho fairy in
her new book. Tho ugly black stick was her
wand. So sho whispered, timidly :
" Arc you a fairy godmother ? "
"A what?" growled tho old woman.
"A fairy godmother," repeated Bessy.
" Oh, yes, yes; to be sure I'm a fairy. If yon
tell any one you saw me I'll bring bad luck on
your house."
"Please, please don't," sobbed Bessy. "I'll
never, never tell any one."
" Well, shut up, then," said the fairy, "and
don't mako such a noise."
Bessy was not frightened now, for sho re
membered that fairy godmothers were always
cross and said hateful things just before they
granted three wishes. So she said, softly :
"Will you please give me threo wishes,
madam? "
"I'll givo yon threo slaps if you don't get
out right off," grumbled the old fairy.
"Please, please," prayed Bessy. "I'll do
anything you tell me if you will give mo threo
wishes."
" I don't believe you. You ain't got spunk
enough."
" Oh yes, I have," said Bessy. " Try mc."
"Where do you live?" asked tho fairy.
"Just down tho lane, close by."
" You do, do you ? I didn't seo no house,"
said the fairy, in a startled voice.
"That's because mother and father aro out,
and thero's no light in tho front room," replied
Bessy.
"Aro yon all nlono?" asked tho fairy.
"No," replied Bessy; "Ann and Lucy aro at
home."
"Who's them?"
" Mamma's two servants."
"Any men at tho house ?"
"Not now," answered Bessy. "Mother took
Peter to drive. They'll bo back soon, I think."
Tho old fairy turned out tho light and sat
down on the ground ; then she pulled Bessy
down by her, and put her hand on the littlo
girl's shoulder. " Now remember," she began,
" yon promise never to tell nobody."
"I promiso true and sure I never will, if
you'll givo me three wishes to-night."
But Bessy wondered if all fairies sinclled so
of tobacco.
"Will you do just what I tell you?" asked
the fairy.
"Yes," said Bessy, nodding her head very
hard, "I will."
" Let's hear your threo wishes, then," growl
ed the fairy.
"First, I want mj-shoes and papa's and
mamma's filled with gold. Then I want an in
visible cap for myself, and then "
"Now stop," interrupted tho old fairy"
"you've had four a'ready."
"No," answered Bessy, "that's only two.
Papa's and mamma's and my shoes filled with
gold is ono wish, you know."
" Well, go on."
"Let mo see," pondered Bessv. "I cucss
yon my give mo happiness for the rest of my
life, and that's all."
"All right," returned tho fairy godmother,
"you'll find thorn waiting for you at threo in
the morning, if you do what I tell you to."
" I'm ready," said Bessy.
"You just run home, and bring me the big
key of the front door."
" But papa said I must not touch that. Be
sides, he would miss it, for he always locks the
door himself, and hangs tho koy up by the hat
stand."
" I shan't keep it," said tho fairy. " I'll give
it right back. You see, if I didn't know tho
sizo of tho key-hole, I mightn't send a fairy
small enough to go through."
"Oh! "said Bessy.
" Is tho door fastened any other way ? " asked
the old fairy.
" Yes," said Bessy: " a big bolt at tho bottom,
but it's broken. Papa said ho must send a man
to fix it, but he didn't."
"All right. Yon run as fast as you can, and
don't let any ono see you, or the spell will bo
broken. Remember ! "
"I know," replied Bossy; and she sprang up
and flew down the lauo, through tho gate, and
up tho steps. Sho could hear Ann and Lucy
still talking and laughing in tho kitchen, but
no one seemed to be thinking of her; so sho
drew tho key out softly, and ran back, think
ing how delighted her father and mother would
be in the morning. Bessy found the old fairy
waiting in the same placo
She snatched the key, and said, "I'll be back
in a moment," and vanished into tho darkness.
Bessy was almost wild with excitement, but
she kept as quiet as sho could, aud presently
the fairy re-appeared.
Her first words astonished Bessy :
"Have you a dog?"
"Yes," answered Bessy, "but he's tho best
dog that ever lived. He never bites any but
bad people, and his name is "Watch."
" What do you do with him at night?"
" Why, we let him run around the garden to
keep away thieves."
" You do, do you ? That's right," said tho
old fairy. " You just give him this fairy meat ;
it will keep him from barking at the fairy I
send, and scaring her away."
"Yes, Madam Fairy," returned Bessy; "I'll
remember, aud I'll put my shoes and papa's and
mamma's all in a row by the door, and please
tell your fairy servant to fill them up to tho
brim with gold. Remember."
" Good-by," said the old fairy, and when Bessy
looked around she was alone. So she scampered
back, and meeting Watch by the gate, whis
pered in his car,
"Here is a piece of meat the fairy sent you.
Now, be a good dog, and don't bark when sho
comes to-night."
Watch took the meat, ate, and growled over
it.
Bessy put the ltcy back softly. Then feeling
very lonely and excited, she crept softly around
to the kitchen door for light and companion
ship. There stood Lucy kneading bread for
breakfast, while Ann sat by the door knitting
a long, cotton stocking.
Bessy came close up to her and stood still,
looking into the kitchen. "With everything
shining and clean, so cozy and comfortable, it
was quite delightful after the mysterious lane,
and the old fairy who smelled of tobacco.
"Why, you darling." said Ann, "I was just
coming to look for you. Where have you been?
Y'ou look as scared as a cat, and as wild as a
witch. What's the matter?
" Nothing," answered Bessy. " I wish mother
would come. What time is it?"
"Half past eight," said Lucy, looking at tho
clock. "She'll be along soon now. Don't fret,
and I'll give you a big piece of cake."
Bessy was as fond of cake as other littlo
girls; so she sat down on the door-step to eat
the cake, and listened for tho wheels of tho
carriage.
At last they came, and Bessy flew down to
meet her parents with delight, for she felt lone
some and queer.
Mamma called Ann to light the big lamp on
the round table; then she looked at her littlo
girl, sat down, and took her on her lap, saying:
" Well, what have you been doing, little one?
Y'ou look tired and cold. Have you had your
tea?"
How Bessy longed to tell them of the won
derful good luck in .store for them! But sho
remembered her promise, aud only answered:
" Yes, mamma. I am sleepy."
So mamma took a candle from the mantel
piece, and led Bessy to bed, undressed her, and
listened to her little prayer, and tucked in tho
quilt; then she said:
"I'll bo back for the light after I have had
my supper. Shut your eyes, like a good girl,
and go to sleep."
As soon as her mother left tho room Bessy
slid off of the bed and into the next room,
which was her mother's, to hunt for two pairs
of shoes. After some fumblingshe found a pair
of slippers of her mother's, aud a large pair of
boots of her father's. She put them in a row by
the door, and then jumped into bed again.
It was not until after what seemed to Bessy
a long, long time that she heard her father and
mother come out of the dining-room. Then
she heard papa say :
"Why, what's tho matter with the key? I
can't turn it." She heard the key taken out,
and papa say again : "What is this in the key?
It looks like wax."
After a little she heard her father turn tho
key and hang it up on the hook. Pretty soon
mamma camo into Bessy's room. Bessy closed
her eyes and pretended to be asleep. She felt
mamma kiss her, aud heard her close the door.
How long she slept sho never knew; bub
suddenly she started up wideawake to find tho
stars shining down on her through the window.
Everything was as still as it could be. Bessy
wondered if the fairies had come yet.
She stepped out of bed and across the room,
and put her hand into the big boots. They
were empty; so were her own little shoes aud
mamma's slippers.
"Well, they haven't come yet," she whis
pered. She was about to return when her attention
was attracted by a flash of light in the hall.
Bessy peeped out, thinking it might be tho
fairy ; but what was her surprise at seeing two
large men, in stocking feet, coming up tho
lower stairs on tiptoe. The ono behind carried
a lantern, and was making ic flash backward
and forward, up and down, jis tho old fairy did
in the lane.
What could they want? she wondered.
Tho first man carried a sack over his shonl
der, and pointed toward the closet where Bessy
knew all tho silver-ware was kept. Then tho
man with tho lantern began pushing what
looked like an enormous nail between the lock
aud the door, stopping every now and then to
listen.
In a few moments tho door flew open, and
both went in together. Then Bessy saw them
take down the beautiful silver pitchers, tea-pots,
trays, ami forks and spoons, and put them into
the bag. They did it so softly that there was
not even tho least little chink from them.
Though Bessy wjis a very little girl, and be
lieved in fairies, sho knew these men had no
right to take papa's silver. So sho thought sho
must tell him. She ran to tho door between
their rooms, aud pushed it open a little way.
"Papa! papa!" she cried, "two big men aro
in tho house. They have taken everything in
tho silver closet. Take a stick and drive them
away."
Up jumped papa, seizing a pair of great pis
tols, and made a rush for the stairs, with Bessy
behind him.
They had not reached the first step when tho
two men darted out of the room below.
But on seeing papa with a pistol in each
hand, they dropped the bag and ran toward tho
open hall door, and wero out of sight in a mo
ment. Mamma, awakened by the noise, camo hurry
ing out to seo what was tho matter, and found
Bessy crying in the corner, and papa rushing
through tho house with a pair of pistols.
Bessy's mother clasped her very closely in her
arms.
In a little while papa camo back, looking
very serious. Tho men had disappeared, and
"Watch lay dead on the mat outside of the door.
By the timo they had emptied the bag, and
put everything in its place, it was quite day
light, and Bessy knew tho fairy had been
frightened away. So sho climbed up in her
mother's lap and began sobbing softly. Then,
when her mother coaxed her to toll what ailed
her, sho pointed to the shoes, and told her about
the old fairy in the lane and the key.
Bessy had to tell that story over so many
times that day. And for a long time her
mamma did not leave her alono in tho even
ings; so that Bessy never saw tho lairy god
mother again. Harper's Young Feojile.

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