Democratic Sentinel, Volume 3, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 December 1879 — HOME INTERESTS. [ARTICLE]

HOME INTERESTS.

Next Yeai’a Garden. A rather curious text to write upou when the ground is frozen several inches deep, all vegetation dormant, and the boisterous wintry winds are whistling aronnd our homes; when Jack Frost is ever on the alert to find some crevice or cranny where his icy breath can penetrate ,to ‘lie desb action of some of our floral pets. As we gather around the genial hearth-stone of this happy “ Home " let ns look back with pleasure on tbe beauties of oar gardens daring the summer now passed away, and then plan onr campaign for the coming season, resolving to sti 1 more beautify our homes by decking them with lovely flowers. Some nover had a garden; then by all meins get one tbe coming spring, even if it be no more than a box of annuals growing on your window sill. It always seems to me when’ I pass a house where tbe windows are filled with flowers that kind, intelligent people livo there, for some way or another the two always seem 'o go banc’ in hand together. Otherp, again, had the least litsle mite of a garden containing somo of the old-fasli-ioDod perennials, and those are better than none, but for brilliancy of color and darability of bloom the annuals deserve the first place. At some future time I propose to talk about a number of the choicest annuals with instructions how to grow them. Quite often inquiries come from beginners as to the best sorts for them to start with. They have seen something pretty somewhere or other and want it, but do not remember that the covetod flowers were brought to perfection by experienced growers. A novice is almost sure to fail with the small seeds such as the Petunia, because they bury them in tho a il, while these very fine seeds should not be covered at all. Asters, Balsam®, Pinks, Phlox and Zinnia are some of the moat desirable, easily-cultivated animals. To me, and no doubt to maDy of my readers, there is a peculiar charm in raising choice plants from seed. How eagerly wo watch for the first appearance of the tiay cotyledons or seed leaves, and as eagerly observe their growth from day to day until they still further excite onr admiration by producing lovely flowers! lam going to tell you of two kinds you can raise this winter, and have them bloom next summer. Get a shallow cigar box, fill it with sandy, porous soil, sow the seeds thinly, dust a little sand over the seeds, just enough to cover them. Now put on a piece of damp flaDneL Keep it there and moist until tho seeds germinate; then you may put on a pane of glass, and as the seedlings advance in strength remove the glass and let them take their course. . Geranium seed sprouts readily in the temperature of an ordinary sitting room, and if bloom is desired next summer, sow them at any time from now until February, and bed them out in May. Seedlings are always robust, and sometimes a really good variety is produced, to say nothing of the economical way our flower beds may be filled. A paper of seeds costing a dime will produce as many plants, in careful hands, as one could purchase for two dollars at somo greenhouses. Veroenas may be grown in the same way. Tho seeds look like little pieces of sticks, and one lady returned them to me last spring under the impression she had received sticks for seeds. Sow them as I have directed, and, if you have patience, in time you will be rewarded with very thrifty plants and large, fragrant flowers. To get good plants it is of the utmost importance to secure good seeds, and these can only be procured from those who understand what flowers to raise the seed from. Like produces like, hence the seeds should be sowed with an eye to producing plants which shall be the admiration of every beholder. Verbena seeds take much trouble to save, and are not included in the six varieties already spoken of. As I have had some experience in the vegetable garden as well as floral, I shall be glad to give my readers any instruction in my power. For any hints or helps you may desire, drop me a line and I will do my best to assist you.

MR. RENNIE.

Ainsworth, Washington Co., lowa.

Beggotty Gives Thanks.

Thanksgiving day and a steady down-pour of raiu. How many homes are happy to-day, welcoming the loved ones, caring for the children, and blessing Him whose loviDg kindness has brought together tho old and young ununited families, and given one and all in this broad land so much cause for a tjmuine Thanksgiving. If the weather is doleful, so much more cause to make the fireside bright and beaming; one more reason to remember tho poor and suffering, whose coffers are empty and larders bare of even necessary food. Yet, even to-day, the poor man may find many reasons for thankfulness; work is plenty, wages good, and to those who care to help themselves plenty is holding out her bands, piled with all good and useful. If hearts are aching for the lost ones, if the vacant chair, the empty crib, the loving caress we long for, the cheering word we miss, remind us that Ihe reaper has visited our homes since the church-oells rang out their last Thanksgiving chimes, let brave hearts and stroue will bring smiles for our families and friends, not tears, remembering this is the home day, when everything sad and sorrowful must be put away, and only joy-bells ring out their peaus, while frolic and fun hold carnival iu our homes and by all our firesides. May each and every member, reader and critic of our circle enjoy to-day tho fullest measure of happiness, aud peace and plenty reign supreme in heart and fireside. La Moillo has said just tho right thing of Burns. His very faults made him understand and appreciate human nature, and he wrote for the common people as well as those of intellect —above bis own, maybe—and touched a chord in every human heart when be sings of “ Auid Lang Syne,” “John Anderson,” and the “Cotter’s Saturday Night.” If any one does not at least respect the Bible their lives must bo wanting in something which time will only make more needful, and they will long for a peace which only its teachings and precepts give us, bo the intellect ever so brilliant, the mind overflowing with brilliant wit, and the heart full of good and noble aspirations. Peggotty. Milwaukee, Wis. How to Dress a Fowl. After the fowl has been well cleansed, fill with this dressing: Plenty of bread; better not have it too fresh; crumble, then add salt, popper and summer savory (we always use sage for pork dressing, but for nothing else), which can be procured at the groceries by the bunch; roll and rub through a sieve yourself. If your bread should be too stale, moisten with a little water. Sometimes mother puts oysters into the dressing, giving it a very pleasant flavor. Edna. Chicago, 111. Two Good Recipes. Here is one ,way to make good mince-meat pies. Take six pounds of currants, three pounds of raisins (stoned), three pounds of apples (chopped fine), four pounds of suet, two pounds of sugar, two pounds of Deef, half-ounce of mixed spice, one pint of brandy. Press the whole into a deep jar when well mixed. Also, to pack sausage in jars: Make your sausage-meat Into cakes, and put into the oven and let cook until they are almost done; then pack into a jar and run hot lard over them. Aunt Loring. Gridley, 111. Wedding Cake. I send recipe for wedding cake, which you will find very nice, I think: One pound of butter, one and one-fourth pounds of sugar, one pound of flour, thirteen eggs,three pounds of raisins stoned and chopped, mace, nutmegs, cloves, and cinnamon, also citron to taste, one wineglass brandy, one teaspoonful saleratus dissolved in water. Plainfield, lowa. Aunt Kate.