Democratic Sentinel, Volume 10, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 February 1886 — How Henry VIII.’s Bed Was Made. [ARTICLE]

How Henry VIII.’s Bed Was Made.

This is the way his Majesty’s bed was to be made: “The curtains must be drawn and a gentleman usher must hold the curtains together; then must two squires of the body stand at the bed’s head, and two yeomen of the crown at the bed’s foot, and all the stuff laid safe at the bed’s foot, on a carpet, the contents of the palliasse (which was open in the middle) were remade. Then a yeoman to leap upon the bed and roll him up and down and array the litter; then to lay down the canvas again, then the feather bed, and beat it well and make it even and smooth. Then take the fustian (under blanket) and cast it upon the bed without any wrinkles, and the sheet in the same wise.” Then follow directions regarding the sheet, how it is to be stroked smooth, tucked under the feather bed, over it is to be laid “t’other stuff,” upper sheet, blankets and fustian, and over that a covering of martin’s fur and ermine. “A yeoman to beat the pillows and throw them up to the squires to lay them on the bed head, as pleaseth the King’s grace. A sheet of Bennes was passed under the pillows, falling over loose in front (no pillow case', over that a rug of ermine. The bedclothes were then to be brought well up to the pillows and turned down the space of an ell. It is added that when all was done these functionaries withdrew behind the curtain which divided the room and had a drink all round. —Old M&. in the Maqazine of Art .

Lizards are very nearly the shape of crocodiles, and are covered with a skin which has a semblance of scales, not like the scales of a fish. A specimen of the house lizard was shown. This lizard is found in Asia, Africa, South America and in other countries, but not in the United States. It is useful in destroying vermin, and can easi y climb walls. It lays its eggs under rafters, in the thatches, and under leaves. It is a mistake to think of scorpions as very poisonous; they area little venomous. Bird spiders are somewhat venomous. Largo toads which have been called poisonous have no venom. Among all the lizards there is only one, a Mexican, which is venomous, and there is some doubt of him. Most of these animals, when irritated, excrete a venomous saliva, and even frogs will attempt to bite when troubled. Toads can tell the weather better than the Weather Bureau. When it is dry they go down into the ground for moisture; in damp weather they come out of the ground. Lizards stow themselves away when the sun goes under a cloud, and at such a time turtles will hide.

It is pleasant to see a man who has a firm will, and who knows what he is about, Carry his point in spite of all obstacles. — Texas Siftings.