Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 15, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 April 1891 — Page 5

CHUB.

k Romance of West Virginia.

BY DAVID LOWRY.

CHAPTER Vl—Continued. THE LAGGARD LOVER. The gossips did not get much satisfaction out of Dan Bash. They did find much to enjoy in talking about the preparations for Chub Dawson’s wedding. The preparations were on a scale never attempted in that part of the country. The invitations were so numerous that the people wondered where Hank Dawson would put them all —where they would find room to dance. Neither Mr. Dawson nor his daughter explained to the curious. As for Dan Bash, he had nothing whatever to say concerning the arrangements. “I leave all that to the Dawsons,” he said when questioned. But he had planned it all. It was the schoolmaster, not the blacksmith, who calculated the quantity of lumber it would be necessary to lay down for a dancing floor on the ground before Hank Dawson’s door. It was Dan Bash who suggested the purchase of canned fruits and meats. He knew everything—could sum up the cost—and it was his estimate that Hank Dawson copied when he wrote out, with Chub’s assistance, the order for the things that were to be sent by express from the great city. When the wedding day arrived the country side knew all about it. How Hank Dawson had been to the expense of putting down a dancing floor that a hundred poeple could occupy at once, or maybe more. Stories of the quantities of provisions Hank had brought from the town near at hand and the distant city were circulated the day before the wedding. “Wasn’t the names on the boxes—didn’t everybody see the dead loads of stuff?” And to crown all, there was to be real “band music. ” The band music referred to was a small but fairly balanced organization employed on extraordinary occasions in the town. The guests were invited to be present at 1 o’clock in the afternoon. The marriage ceremony would take place at 6, when supper would be served. Dancing and ail manner of diversions would precede and follow the marriage ceremony. The guests were promptly on hand. They cams from all quarters. Some were there who lived seventy miles distant. They came in wagons, in buggies, on horseback and afoot. It was the largest and merriest gathering ever witnessed in the county. Hajik Dawson was in his glory—laughed and talked with everybody. His hearty laugh rang over the farm as he moved among his guests. Along about 4 o’clock the preacher came. The preacher was a famous wag. He was as welcome as any story-teller that ever entertained an appreciative crowd. But one man was absent. That was Dan Bash, and he was due at 5 o’clock, when he would join the merrymakers. Five o’clock come, but the bridegroom did not appear. A quarter past five Dan Bash was considered a laggard in love by all the men there. At half-past five his groomsman agreed with the bridesmaid that it would be serving him just right if Chub read him a lecture when he did get there. The woman and girls began to speculate. They somehow managed to get into little groups and talked in low tones. Fifteen minutes to six, and no sign of Dan Bash. And yety-as everybody knew, he was only four miles away. A lover with any fire in him could walk the distance in three-quarters of an hour. At six the sports lagged nobody seemed to be interested in them. There was no bridegroom—no sign Of a bridegroom. Hank Dawson moved around cheerily among the hundreds there—he was as bright, seeiningly, as ever. At a quarter past six he stood at the side of the platform the dancers were lounging on, and said in loud, clear, level tones that all could hear: “My friends, there t seems to be some mistake somewhere. I don’t know what it is. D-an Bash ought to be here —he ain’t and that’s all I know. If he comes, why, he can marry after supper just as well as before, but I am not going to wait a minute longer. Supper will be served immediately. We will sit down.” There were whispers and wonderings, many winks and wise glances, but the guests promptly availed themselves of Hank Dawson's cordial invitation to “help themselves freely and make the most of everything.” To the surprise of the women folks, Chub Dawson flitted about, directing the assistants how to serve the guests. She was, to all seeming, as seif-pdssessed as was her wont. The supper was prolonged. The great crowd ate and drank heartily. If the absence of the bridegroom was unaccountable, unexpected, something that overwhelmed everybody with surprise, it did not interfere with the guests’ appetites. At the conclusion of the supper, Hank Dawson rose and asked his guests to give him their attention. Then he said, slowly and deliberately: “This is a strange thing, friends. I promised you a wedding. I've done my part The p/ople here have done theirs. The only cnje to blame is Dan Bash.” “Father, father,” said Chub softly, at his elbow But Hank Daw’son’s eyes kindled, and his voice rang out bold and clear: “I may as well say it as think it Dan Bash has failed to come to time. Why he ain’t here —what keeps him, —I haven’t any more idee than anyone here has. But I’ll try to find out—to-morrow. Now, then, you’ie argoin’ to proceed just the same as if it was all regular and they were married. I'm not goin’ to have fun spoiled or a good time cut short just because something’s happened or gone wrong I ain’t noways responsible for. You'll go right on dancin' till 12 o’clock—or as long as you’ve a mind to.” A few of the men clapped their hands, but the women whispered to each other. Suddenly Chub’s voice was heard: “Father’s right Enjoy yourselves, but I want to say one thing. It ain’t

Dan Bash’s fault If he Isn’t here, it’s because something’s happened to prevent it I won’t say any more now —but if he is not here to-morrow, I will tell you what I think is the matter. Now, do as father says.” There was something in Chub’s simple speech and manner that impressed all there. What did she mean? But in the meantime they would dance, for the music had struck up; a lively air* caused the blood to circulate swifter in the young people's veins, and soon they were mingling in mazy figures, while the voice of the leader called them to their proper places in ringing tones. The merriment was at its height when a riderless horse came into view. * The moment , the horse galloped up to the fence. Chub Dawson screamed and ran toward it. .Hank Dawson followed her. “It’s Dan’s horse, dad! Something's happened to him!” The crowd heard Chub’s cry and her exclamations of grief as she sprang to the horse, which nelghea shrilly, and stood quite still as she stroked the horse’s neck. “See, dad, see! There’s a mark on the saddle.” Hank Dawson peered at the saddle, then said in a low tone: “It’s —it’s nothing much, I reckon.” But Chub was at his side now, and she, too, looked closer at the spot. “It’s blood! It’s Dan's blood!” Chub turned to the wondering crowd near her, and, pointing to the marks on the saddle, screamed, rather than said: .*1 can tell you what I kept back for to-inorrow—he’s been waylaid—they’ve waylaid him and killed him.” “Murdered!” said the preacher in awestruck tones. Then silence fell upon the merrymakers. When they separated later, to return to their homes, amazement found expression in threats of vengeance upon the murderers of Dan Bash on his wedding day. For all believed he had been murdered.

CHAPTER VII. THE FRUITLESS SEARCH. “This thing’s got to be looked into at once,” said Hank Dawson. His face was stern. The men nearest him, and who lived near at hand, who were not compelled to accompany their lady friends or re'atives home, volunteered to assist him in clearing up what promised to be the greatest sensation in the county. They stood looking at the horse, which moved his head back and forward in a restless manner. “Dad, this horse has been abused ” It was Chub's voice. “See—here are marks. You can see them And you can feel the lumps on , him. Some brute has kicked or beat him. ’Tain’t likely as Dan Bash would ever do that.” “No. I never seen a man who was kinder with all animals,” said Hank, quickly. “You're right, Chub. Here, gentlemen, you can see and feel for yourselves. ” The crowd examined the horse carefully. There was just enough light left to see the marks. “It’s a dern shame,” said Eli Potts, the landlord of the tavern at the Corners, who was always on hand at a wedding or funeral, “cos they brought folks together. ” Eli's opinion was heartily indorsed by the crowd. The horse was quivering with excitement He put his nose in Chub's hand eagerly. A human being craving sympathy couldn’t have expressed himself plainer than Dan Bash’s horse. And yet Dan had only had the animal two weeks. To be sure, he had borrowed the loan of the beautiful gray; he knew its temper and disposition, but he had not invested I in the gray until he was sure of the I school. Then he purchased the horse as i an investment. He had said to the ; blacksmith and his affianced that he | would double his money on the young gray. “Don’t cry, Chub,” said her father, as she suddenly gave way to her tears when the women were all gone and she was hanging over Dan’s horse. “I was just thinking. He built so much on this horse, dad. ” “Yes. he did. And a mighty good judge of horses Dan was. ” “Don’t say was, father, don’t.” “I mean is. Who knows but he’s all right. ” “Well, we must go and see,” said Chub. “Who’ll go to where he put up? We’d best divide—there's no telling which way he come.” “That’s a fact. ” The men whispered. Half of the force that voluntered to search for the rider j of the horse were in their saddles now. A man with forethought rare brought Chub’s horse to her side, ready for her to mount Another brought Hank Dawson’s. “This is an ugly business, I'm afeared.” said Hank Dawson as he mounted his big roan, a good traveler. “Father, if the crowd will go to Dan’s house, and if they don't find any word of him, divide and go round by the bottom of the big road. I'll take a lot with me, and we’ll scatter among the big pines. That’s the way to cover the most ground i at once. And whoever finds him will take him to the nearest place—here, or back to his stopping place.” All agreed that Chub's suggestion was timely, the very best thing that could be done. The crowd separated immediately, as- j ter providing themselves with material j to strike lights, and prosecute the search I thoroughl in the forest. The search was conducted with vigor , and spirit. Four different parties pushed ’ in different directions toward the house I where Dan Bash had made his home. They cried aloud at intervals, listen- ' ing for the response that never came. They peered into undergrowth, fired pistols, crossed and recrossed rarely traveled paths, but no sign did they discover of the missing bridegroom. An hour later a gloomy crowd assembled at the house where Dan had made his home since he assumed charge of the school. The men talked in low tones; each had his own idea, but they did not speak out boldly. The first man to express himself clearly and boldly was Hank Dawson. “Gentlemen, it looks like wastin' time to look further. Of course, I'm goin’ to look on the road home again. Any one that wants to can go with me. I don’t expect any one, tho’. Seems lost time. ” Half a dozen volunteered on the instant. “Thanks, gentlemen. I’m obleeged t* ye. It’s a powerful sight o’ trouble — but one good turn deserves another. You all know you can count on me. Chub.” “Well, father?” In was a remarkable thing—every one remarked it—that Chub never said

“father” save when she was In a very sober vein. “Dad” was her favorite expression. “I guess we’d best go home again. ” “No, father; I’m hbt going home until I find Dan.” “Sho, Chub. ” “I can’t, father.” “Why?” “Well you I can't, father. He’s somewhere nigh.” “We don’t know nothin’ about that, Chub. ” “He has been followed or overpowered, and I think I know who did it. But I must find him. Dead or alive, I must find him.” “Well, well, well.” “You can go on round the cliffs,father; some of us will hunt through the big ’ woods, wherever we think he might be hid. ” “It’s all nonsense. Chub; but it’s just as you like. I’m going to do just as you like now, I’ll hunt till daylight—l'll hunt all week if you say so.” “I do, I do, father.” “Why, of course—why shouldn’t I do anything you ask me to? Besides, maybe he may be lying somewheres. Anyhow, here I am. ” And there were others, too, a dozen or more, wiio resolved to hunt the mountains until daylight They scoured the mountain fastnesses till daybreak. Then they breakfasted at Hank Dawson’s, and ten strong men said they would devote another day to the quest. “I’ll never forget you folks,” said Chub Dawson, smiling on them as they mounted their horses in front of her father’s house. Her own horse was champing his bit, eager to move. The party were well provided for. They had abundance for lunch, and every man had his flask of liquor. They set out resolved to solve the mystery, if it could be solved. They hunted all that day and until midnight, and then the volunteers sadly confessed their labors were fruitless, as they assembled once more, as by previous arrangement, at the house where Dan had boarded. The people who made him welcome in their family were almost distracted. They had grown to like Dan Bash very much. Two grown sons regarded him as a very superior being. They were among the most active searchers. These men shed bitter tears. Not so Chub. Chub had not shed a tear in the presence of any one since the horse came running up to her at her father’s fence, with flying mane. “It’s all no use, boys,” said Hank Dawson, sadly. “You may go home.” Chub was silent- She remained'silent until the crowd separated., When the two were alone with the people of the House, Chub said: “Father, you know who,has done this. ” “I suspect, Chub. I‘m not ready to swear it ”

“I am. I feel it. I can’t tell you how, but, father, I know it” “You’re nervous—upset, Chub.” “I am—but it aint that.” “You can’t know it, Chub, ’less you see it, or hear something that you can prove. Have you?” “No, I haven’t. But I tell you I know it just as well as I know I’m'talking to you. Father—l’m just as sure Dan’s alive as I’m talking to you.” “If he’s alive —where is he? Don’t go too fast. How do we know what turn things may take. It's best not to say what you think.” “I know —I understand. You think some people may say that because we can’t find no sign of Dan Bash—he’s run away—gone and backed out of the marriage. ” “My God, Chub, I didn’t say that!” “But you can’t help thinking what people will think, father.” Hank Dawson was silent. He was so honest he would not lie to her even then. “I know it. I’ve had plenty of time to think. That’s why I’m not going to give up.” “That’s all right, Chub. Of course it is nat’ral you won't give uj/looking. ” “Dad.” There was her old brightness as she uttered the teriXof endearment. \ “Well, Chub —out withit.” \ “Suppose you give out that we’re goin* to stop here now till morning. It’s after 12. We can take a rest, and have a good talk with the Biggers, and then, along about half-past 2 or 3, you’ll start home with me.” “Just as you like, Chub. Anything you say.” So they talked to the Biggers as if they would remain-till the next day. “You’ve some little scheme, Chub,” said her father in a whisper. “I’ll tell you by and by, dad.” Then they sat down to a late supper—all the volunteer party had eaten heartily before bidding each other good night—and after they ate began to talk over the extraordinary disappearance of Dan Basil. [to be continued.]

A New Fire-Boat.

The new fire-boat in New York City, named the New-Yorker, cost SIOO,OOO. It easily throws a five-inch stream 250 feet. Its two boilers are built for a working pressure of 148 pounds, and they are 15 feet long and 12 feet in diameter, and each one has 204 three-and-a-quarter-inch tubes. The pumping machinery is, of course, of great power. It comprises two duplex vertical direct-acting pumps. Each has two steam and two water cylinders. The steam cylinders are 16 inches in diameter by 11 inches stroke; the water cylinders, of the same stroke, are 10 inches in diameter. The working pressure allowed for the water cylinders is 200 pounds to the square inch. The pumps draw water through two 16-inch suction openings in the bottom of the vessel, to which suction pipes are connected. The discharge is delivered into a 12-inch main that runs around the deck-house, and which is provided with numerous connections for hose-couplings. The hand-pipes are manipulated behind movable screens, 3,000 feet of hose are carried, and discharge pipes are provided for streams varying from two and a half to five and a half inches in diameter. The pumps will discharge 10,000 gallons a minute. A tender carries additional hose, and a fire half a mile inland from the boat can be furnished with abundant water. The proverb, "Blessings brighten as they take their flight,” refers to the servant girl who rubs up the parlor furniture. A toper gave “the absence of soft water” as an excuse for hard drinking.

DOMESTIC ECONOMY.

TOPICS OF INTEREST TO THE FARMER AND HOUSEWIFE. Some Valuable Information for the Plowman, Stockman, Poulterer, Nureeryand Everybody Connected with the Farm. _ THE FARM., Beautifying the Farm Homo.

usefulness of a horse or ox to have him handsome and well eared for; neither will it detract from the yards about our houses to have them neat. Wonderful improvements have taken place in all parts of the United States in this respect during the last ten years, but there are many places still in need of ‘’toning up.” The first province of the art is to “remove nuisances,” and this should be tho keynote of our work. Better have the surroundings of our homes neat and fresh, by such common means as we have it in our power to use, than attempt an elaboration that must fall into neglect. The elaborate bedding arrangements, some of our wealthy people delight to spend their money on, should not be desired by farmers’ families, but better things are to be had. A good green turf and some good trees are better for everyday use than a map of the continent done in plants with colored foilage. Better a green piece of sward about our houses, even if we cannot keep it as short and thick as we wish. It is always ready to respond to our efforts when we have time to attend to it, and will not suffer from a little neglect as much as exotics do. It is easier to “clean up” and plant new things than to keep the place in order afterward. Therefore we should work to this end. Let us think out what we want the place to be, and have all our efforts directed to the end in view. We may not be able at once to get the things we want, but if we arrange what we have with reference to future improvement we will be much better satisfied with ourselves and the place when the time for further improvement comes. The best selection of trees and rhrubs that can be made is of those kinds that do well with us; better have some thrifty, fresh specimens of the commonest trees and shrubs than rare exotics that will not flourish in our soil and climate, but only struggle out a miserable existance without beauty or fruit. By no means give up trying new things if there is an opportunity, but let us experiment in the garden, or somewhere else, that indifferent success may not always be before us. Let us plant about the house, where we will see them every time we go out of doors, plants that we know how to grow, or those that do well in similar situations. In planning our ground, few designs are more generally satisfactory than an irregular border running around the yard with tall shrubs behind and low growing plants in front, with the middle left open for a good space of grass. Avoid dotting things about. They will not do as well and are more difficult to care for, and so is the grass. This principle holds good everywhere, but can be subjected to endless modifications in detail, and gives great scope for taste in arrangement and display of knowledge of plant growth and characteristics. The “best soil” is that which we have, for it is what we must use. Perhaps it is too poor to raise many things, and we must modify and improve it by the means in our power, but rarely can we change its permanent character. If our house is on a rocky hilltop let us chocwe shrubby evergreens and things that will live without constant care. However much we may desire plants from the lowlands, it is unwise to attempt their growth in unfavorable situations. If we live on sand or bottom land let us plant accordingly. We can drain and fertilize to a certain extent, and if there is a good supply of water can do wonders with its nse, but above all let us plan to suit our conditions, personal, financial, and those of soil and climate, and not lay out more than we can attend to in the Flap to keep the surroundings of the home neat even if there are no shrubs but an old lilac bush, or trees but a moss grown apple or pear tree. — Walter Dalton, In American Agriculturist. An Adjustable Eaddcr-Foot. Every one who has had to pick apples in a side-hill orchard will understand the value of the device illustrated herewith

LADDER FOR HILLY LAND. Consists Of a piece of wood about two feet long and the same width and thickness as the foot of the ladder. It is held in place by two iron straps which are firmly bolted or screwed to the ladder, but large enough, especially the upper one, to give the extension piece plenty of space. When the ladder is set in place, the loose piece drops of its own accord to the ground, as shown in the right hand side of the engraving. It is tirmlv fastened there by a wedge of hard wood or, still better, of iron. Winter is the most convenient season for making such contrivances. — American Affriculturixt. . .... Killing Hogs. A subscriber asks if there can be described apian by which it may be known how to properly stick a hog. It is not altogether easy to describe the operation, but with the help of the wood cut we have had made, it may be understood. To begin right, get the hog securely in a pen that will just hold him. Stun by a sharp blow in the forehead with a pole axe or some similar weapon, half way between the eyes and top of the head, or shoot him in the forehead with a revolver. Then before

IT is too often said farmers have no time for ornamental work. This is a mistake more of the understand- \ ing than of the \ judgment. Orna- \ mental work ® 1 should not be useI less, although so £ much useless work » is unornamental, gz The. true principle z is to have our use- > ful everyday g things beautiful, t Have them so good r that their use will k be a pleasure. It does not lessen the

after a sketch and description furnished by George E. Hull, Westchester County, N. Y. It is an adjustable extension for the foot of a ladder, and

the animat begins to struggle torn him square on his back, place a foot oh each side of the head, facing the animal, hold the head down to the ground by placing the left hand on the snout Now place the point of the knife—a seven-inch blade is long enough for any hog—on the animal’s throat at the same time looking over the carcass, and push the knife In a straight line in the direction of the root of the tail, as

shown. Withdraw the knife quickly, and a gushing stream will follow it out The idea is to cut the aorta, the great artery rising from the left vertiele of the heart If you do not stick just right the first one, you will see why when the hog is opened. A little observation, however, will soon enable you to become expert.—. Exchange. A Late Farm Gate. Here is a sketch of a farm gate which I have used for several years and have never seen in use anywhere beyond my farm, writes John P. Tripp in Fann and Home, although I have been in many places where snow is a trouble. Its chief virtue lies in the fact that it can be raised to any height, and will maintain this altitude and swing as well as when close to the ground. There is no special plan for the gate. It only differs from other gates in being hung in a distinct

fashion. A back piece Is made of scantling three inches square. This is as high as the high post of' the gate. The top hinge must be put as high as the gate will allow, as shown. The bottom hinge must be placed as high as it will be necessary to raise the gate. The hinge is let into the back side of the back piece and one bolt passes through the hinge flush with the front side of this same piece. As will be seen In cut No. 3, the parts of the iron which are held together by a bolt in front of the back piece (just mentioned) hook

over, leaving a space, between which the slats of the gate can pass as the gate is lifted up or is let down. The high gate post and back piece next to the post set in the ground are so near together as to almost rub. To keep the gate In place on raising it up, a small iron pin is put through the gate over the lower hinge. This prevents the gate from slipping down. A bolt should be put through the corner of the gate to prevent its being lifted entirely out of the hinges In a hurry sometimes. A Cheap Clod Crusher. Funny, isn’t it? that an implement costing so little and so easily made and effective should be neglected by ninetenths of farmers. It it nothing but three poles from the woods, each six to eight feet long and four to six Inches in diameter at the butt, with bits of the tops placed between to hold them apart as the long bolts, running through the whole, are screwed tight These bolts

are the only part of the implement that costs. The chain? Any log chain will answer. It is best to draw ft a little “catering,” so it will have a slightly shaving action on the sods. For leveling knolls and filling hollows it has no equal. Is there a piece of land that is too wet to plant and so, although uneven, has never been plowed? Make one of these home clod-crushers and levelers, and during the next drouth just plow that ground, level it and seed it and see if you are not proud of the job ever after. On such wet, natural meadow manure applications pay well. The crop can be gathered enough quicker on one sipooth acre to leave time for the making of half a dozen such contrivances.— Hollister Sage, in Farm and Home.

THE HOUSEHOLD.

Convenient Table for the Kitchen. Nowhere do conveniences for doing work pay better than in the kitchen, on the smooth running of which department the greater part of domestic comforts depend. Where space is not abundant, a combination of table and drawers, illustrated and described as follows, will often prove very desirable, and will save many steps in a large kitchen.

The top has a leaf behind it that can be raised by drawing out the table, when more room is desired for ironing or other

work. A portion of the top lifts np, disclosing a place for flat irons, Ironing cloths or other articles. At the right and below are drawers for articles used in cooking. A closet or other drawers can be constructed in the same position at the other end. A shelf for water palls is placed by iron brackets on the right hand side. If a closet be placed at the other end of the table a similar shelf could also be attached to them, on which to place some of the more bulky articles used in cooking. These conveniences may servo as suggestions, for one should be continually on the lookout for means by which housework can be made lighter, and there are usually many ways if sumo thought and study be given to the matter. Hint* to Hoiutekeepori. Beef marrow is excellent for frying purposes. Use turpentine and machine oil to polish your sewing-machine, and rub briskly. Never hang a mirror where the sun’s rays will strike upon it. It acts on the mercury and clouds the glass. For small holes in plastering take one part plaster of parts, three parts of fine sand, and mix with cold water. Yellow soap and whiting inixedjto a thick paste with a little water will stop a leak as effectually as will solder. Bent whalebones can be restored and used again by soaking them for a few hours in water and then drying them. It is never safe to remove wool stockings from an infant till it has passed its “second summer,” or cuts its canine teeth. A short nap after meals Is strongly to be advised; bodily or mental exertion, at least, should never be attempted at this time. It is not generally known that chamois money bolts are worn by a great many New York women of means. The girdle is close-iittlng, and provided with pockets for carrying money, jewelry", and keys. * Hollow teeth, and the bad odor caused by them, could easily be avoided by proper cleansing of the mouth. The teeth should bo protected from vegetable parasites as well as from the accumulation of tartar; these should be removed as quickly as possible, or their bad effect counteracted. After each meal the teeth should be brushed with alcohol or water, to prevent the particles of food remaining in the mouth from decomposing. After this some innocuous powder, such as chalk, egg shells, bicarbonate of soda or other alkali, may be used with the brush, in order to prevent the formation in the mouth of acids which will attack the teeth. The simplest means of purifying water Is by filtering it. For this purpose the best substances are charcoal, or a combination of clay and charcoal, because this material has the property of separating from the water all impurities, especially those decomposed materials which give It a bud smell and taste. An Inexpensive but thoroughly effectual filter may be constructed in a flower-pot, by lining it with a layer of flannel, and then filling in successively three Inches of gravel, three inches of white sand washed perfectly clean, and four Inches of anima) charcoal. A clean sponge may be placed across the top.

THE POULTRY YARD

Lice In Winter. The large gray louse preys on the skin of the heads and necks, and the long louse works on the feathers. A few drops of sweet oil, or lard oil, on the skin of the heads and necksis the remedy used. Provide a dust bath for the hens in winter, as they will then keep tho fearers clean by frequent dusting. The Uraln* to V**. As is well known, fowls will eat all kinds of grain. Do not confine them to one kind. Corn, wheat, oats, barley, rye, and sunflower seed, given at different times,i make better food than to feed them on any one kind alone. Tho hens will always appreciate achange of grain, and will thrive better and bo more prolific, when given a variety. The Feed and Warmth. The warmer the poultry-house the less food required. It does not pay to feed hens simply to keep them warm. It] is cheaper to warm them by keeping pur cold away. Warmth is a luxury; addsnothing to tho fowl that tends toaprpflt,. and is given off as fast as it Is cretfted. Food should be given with a view tp securing some return tor It. It is not. economical to stop up a crack in the wall. of a poultry-house by mitigating its effects through an extra allo.wance of food,, but the crack should be closed in someother way, and the food lessened. Food is money expended and should bring back something for the outlay. i Turnip* a* Poultry Food. The-turnipHs not rich in the dementi necessary tot the purpose of tho nen, but. it promotes health and egg production, by affording a change from the dry food In winter. A mass of cooked turnips, towhich ground grain is added, will prove more beneficial than either turnips or grain alone. For this reason turnips can be used profitably for all classes of poultry, and the crop will save graip and increase the profits. All who make a specialty of keeping a large number of fowls should grow turnips. Qeese and ducks will eat them raw If they are chopped fine. ,

THE VINEYARD.

Winter-Pruning lhe Grape. Tills may be done any time after the leaves have dropped, and the buds are in a dormant state, without Injury to the vine or materially affecting the growth of wood or fruit the following season. While a majority of experienced grapegrowers think that no one particular time has any advantage over another, so far as the next season’s crop is concerned, there is quite a diversity of opinion on this subject among a few of the knowing ones, who make it a rule to carry out their particular notions. Some prune in the fall, others in the winter, and others in the srring, and all with about the same results; which goes to prove, to my own satisfaction at least, that it is immaterial when it is done, so far as affecting the following season’s growth of wood or fruit There is an old adage, however, that reads thus: “Prune early for wood, and late for fruit” There are some who profess to, believe in this, and only carry it out in part, as their desire for fruit is so strong they are very sure to prune late every time, and still they have plenty of wood. With my own experience for n any years, with both early and late pruning side by side, I have not been able to see any difference in favor of either. I would, therefore recommend pruning at any time that best suits convenience, while: the vine is at rest, the weather pleasant,, and the shears sharp