Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 126, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 June 1917 — Page 3

The Wonderful Crimea

WHEN, after the war, passenger steamers ply between New York and the ports of the Black sea, it may well be hoped that Americans, for their own sake, will discover and appreciate the wonderful Crimea. Probably most Americans, having forgotten- the ancient history they once learned at school, have but few definite Ideas connected with the name Crimea. There once was a war in the Crimea, for instance, involving a town which English-printlng newspapers and others carefully misspell “Sebastopol.” Also, it is remembered, there was Balaklava, and the charge that was “magnificent, but not war.” And also, there was Florence Nightingale. All of these were, and some still are, notable. But there is much more than all these to the Crimea, says a writer in the magazine Russia, and indeed they suggest nothing whatever of the beautiful and extraordinary south coast stretch of' the peninsula; nothing of its luxuriant and semi-tropical vegetation rising upon the steep heights which fringe the shore; nothing of the summer pastures in the high valleys -—pastures as notable as the much better known almen of the Swiss Alps, which these grazing places for sheep Closely resemble. - Nor do our few American modern memories suggest the fact that the Crimea was one of the inelting-pots of classical antiquity —not In the center of the jincient foundry, it is true—but the scene of colonizations by Greeks, Venetians, Genoese, invading Goths, Turks, Tartars; until in 1783 Russia‘established peace and control. Americans by the thousand visit the Riviera; by the thousands they may well repay themselves, a little later, by visiting what is often called “the Russian Riviera”— the south coast of the Crimea. Why the “Black" Sea. From the moment his ship enters the Black sea, the American explorer will find himself in a region of waters of a kind new to him. The Black sea is not actually black; but it is of a much darker blue than the Mediterranean. It is practically without tides, also —a great deep bowl with steep sides, with water some 4,500 feet deep close to the sides, and over 7,000 in the middle. The black mud of its bottom contains no animal life; on warm summer evenings its waters show phosphorescence. Into the northern side of this*huge basin of the Black sea projects the peninsula of the Crimea, sloping upwards from the mainland towards the south until It reaches the summit of the Yaila range (Yaila is the Tartar word for “summer pasture”) just behind the southera shore line; from there it plunges abruptly into the Black sea. It is this strip of steep, verduresmothered coast land (five to eight miles wide) between the summits of the Yaila range and the sea that is the paradise of the Crimea. From the southernmost point of the peninsula, at Cape Saryteh r to Fayodosla (English, Theodosia) towards the northeast, the Yaila range bordering the coast is pierced by passes, through which carriage roads lead northward in general direction, across the high mountain pastures, and down the northward slope to the railroad lines from Sevastopol on the west shore, and Kertch and Fayodosla on the east, which join in the line to the mainland. This Yaila range (sometimes called the “Mountain Meadows mountains”) is a continuation of the Caucasus, and has Its western end at Cape Fiolente (the ancient Partbenium) which is the southwesternmost point of the Crimea. The ancient name of the cape is due to the legend that on that promontory stood the temple of Artemis (Diana) In which Iphigeneia served as a priestess. The general elevation of the Yaila is from 1,800 to 2.5QQ feet It is a creditable element in the Russian attitude towards the finer pleasure placesthat the generally übiquitous railroad—or lacking that, the trolley car—has found no place on the south shore strip of the Crimea. This is a region of roads, southward from Sevastopol on the west, to Fayodosia on-the eagt. One may reach the icoast places by boats plying between -the two cities named, and there are some advantages, always, in seeing a 'bold and picturesque shore from the water side. But finally, one must depend on roads. ‘ ■ Along the shore line is the main highway, extending from Cape Sarytch pn the west to Fayodosla on the east.

BALAKLAVA

To reach the south shore with the most satisfactory scenic accompaniments, one may well travel south by carriage or motor from the western rail terminus at Sevastopol. The road leads up the Baidar valley into the western heights of Yaila range and comes out on the heights above the shore through the Baidar gate, a passageway at an elevation of 1,630 feet which was blasted through the solid limestone of the mountain in 1848. Scenery Is Beautiful. From the opening of the Baidar Gate the characteristic beauty and magnificence of the views from the mountains down across the shore strip and out over the Black sea meet the visitor in striking fashion. The higher slopes, of the mountains are thickly covered with forests of oak, beech, elm, pine, firs and other cone-bearing trees. Tatar villages, mosques, monasteries, the palaces of .many Russian nobles, picturesque ruins of Greek and medieval fortresses and other buildings are set on the steep slopes, in the undergrowth of hazel and other nuts, groves of bays, of cypresses, mulberries, figs, olives, and pomegranates, with great vineyards, tobacco plantations, and gay gardens. The vineyards of the shore strip, covering nearly twenty thousand acres, have a high reputation, and the “grape cure” is one of the Institutions of the Crimean summer resorts. Fruit of all kinds is abundant. Small wonder that th.e enthusiastic Russian considers his Crimea one of the loveliest and most desirable places in the world! To all this natural beauty are added the advantages of what is practically an island climate. In some winters the tops of the mountains are snowcovered, but snow and ice are rare on the south slope. The passage from the continental climate to the island type is shown by setting together the temperatures at Melitopol, on the mainland a little to the north of the Perekop Isthmus which is the neck of the Crimea, those at Simferopol in middle Crimea, and of Yalta, foremost of the coast resorts. At Melitopol, the annual mean temperature is 48 degrees; at Simferopol, which is just within the lower range of mountains, It is 50 degrees; while at Yalta it is 56.5 degrees.

CAT AS AN AID TO HUMANITY

Declaration of War on Feline Is Just a Fad and Is All “Tommyrot" Says Writer. Society Is very frequently a victim of fads. Many of these fads have been very harmful to the lower animals. Witness, for instance, the fashion of trimming ladies’ hats with the surviving remains of deceased birds, until an Easter procession has been wont to look like an aviary funeral cortege. Some time ago certain wiseacres connected with our national government pronounced the doom of the English sparrow, “W. O. S.” writes in National Humane Review. These wise scientists stated that they were driving away our native birds and that the sparrow was a public nuisance. Later developments have shown that the sparrow Is one of the most active destroyers of harmful Insects that we have and that he is living in peace with his feathered brethren. Now another fad has seized the extremists. The cat must go. It is a menace to birds. So are many other things which are not requested to. go. Wild animated nature is largely made up of beast and bird and fish, with the stronger preying upon the weaker. Shall we kill all those with predatory Instincts? The plans of nature have been maintained for thousands of years. The birds are increasing in number. The humane societies are killing tens of thousands of unwanted and tramp cats, and still the bloodyminded savants are announcing that the cat must go. We believe that this is tommyrot and that the cat is no more likely to go than did the sparrow. The sparrow Is still with us and he is a useful little bird. The cat is proving man’s protector from most undesirable vermin.

“Made any plans for this summgr?” “No. I can’t make up my mind whether to stay at home and keep the bugs off my own potato plants or go into the country pud help some patriotic farmer keep them off his.”

His Problem.

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IND.

IN NEW DISGUISE

Only a sharp eye would detect in the very dashing blue wool jersey of French blue, shown in the accompanying sketch, the lurking mother hubbard of two decades agone. But it is even more simple, for there is not a yoke. The jersey cloth, which is very

Mother Hubbard Up-to-Date.

wide, is plain press plaited from shoulder to ankle. The neck is cut squared across and a band of pearl gray wool chainstitch embroidery is laid across the shoulders behind to hold the plaits in place. In front is a very broad, straight band hemmed on each tjide and em-

BRIGHTENING UP THE FROCK

Any Girl With Clever Fingers Can Get Attractive Effects by Use of Stenciled Designs. The girl who is clever at stenciling can brighten up an afternoon frock or outing costume by having the cravat, the sash and the cuffs finished with stenciled ends. A more elaborate effect may be gained by using fringes In conjunction with the stenciling, the two matching in color. Also if one has the time and patience combined with the knowledge, the suit of oyster-colored shantung, or of satin georgette, may be overspread with, a deep border of some simple stenciled design. Usually it is correct to have the skirt plain and the decoration confined to the hem of the coat, the collar and the cuffs.

CASE FOR PAPER PATTERNS

Handy Receptacle for This Purpose Can Be Made From Remnant of Fairly Strong Material. Many women possess some favorite paper patterns that they frequently use, and if they are not taken great care of they are liable to become damaged and useless, or perhaps lost altogether, and they are sometimes rather difficult to obtain again. It is, therefore, well worth w’hile to make a case in which different kinds can be kept separate from each other, so that any particular pattern can be selected without trouble. The sketch shows a good type of case to prepare for this purpose. It can be carried out with a remnant of any fairly, strong material anji lined with thin silk or sateen. It is bound where indicated with narrow ribbon and the back and front are stiffened with pieces of card sewn in between

Handy Case for Patterns.

the cover and the lining. The! case inside is divided into three compartments, one for blouse patterns, one for skirt patterns and the Other for patterns of underwear. The case fastens with two push studs, and in the small sketch on the right it is shown closed, and the word “patterns” can be worked upon the front of the flap where indicated.

The Cedar Chest.

Procure a large pine packing box; hinge on the lid and carefully putty the cracks. With oil of cedar paint the inside of the box, applying it plentifully. When thoroughly dry, cover the outside of the box with any preferred material. The oil of cedar retains its odor for years and is much disliked by moths as the cedar wood Itself

broidered prettily in a scroll triangle, says the Kansas City Star. This band barely reaches to the arm pits, where it is attached to the dress with a stitching. At the waistline two long sashes are attached and these slip through triangles of embroidery fastened -to the dress behind, cross and are left to hang loosely in front. There is a border of chain stitching round the hem which does not appear in the picture.

HOST OF MILITARY FASHIONS

Where All the Patriotic Frocks and Capes Came From So Suddenly Is Interesting Question. The shops have blossomed forth with military fashions. Just where they got all the red, white and blue bedecked garments, nobody knows. Of course, it was a comparatively easy matter forsome energetic manufacturer to have strips of the three national colors stitched to a lot of silk gloves, or for another to have red, white and blue pipings added to an almost finished batch of organdie neckwear. But where did all the military frocks and capes come from? They are here, anyway, and they are very attractive. There are khaki skirts, that would be admirable for the woman who intends to do her part in the farming world this summer; they are decorated With shields and other insignia in the national colors on the pockets. There are all sorts of capes with a military look. Some of them are braided, some are trimmed generously with brass buttons. There are blue serge frocks that almost set one cheering, they so suggest a military parade. And so on It goes. When the European war began Paris launched a few military styles. They were accepted at first with enthmsiasm, but later on other styles superceded them.

FOR “OVER-SIZE” FIGURES

Large women who appreciate the svelt lines and excellent style of this newest of military fashions will be delighted to hear that this is just one pleasing example of what has been accomplished by designers and makers who specialize in svelt-iine styles for "over-size” figures.

FASHION’S FANCIES

A gold tissue dinner dress is completed by a black tulle and lace hat. The tailored hat answers for so many occasions that it is indispensable. Linen and serge in the new corn yellow shade is a fascinating arrangement. Attention to detail means a great deal to the smartly gowned woman of today. Exquisite bead pendants and neck ribbons are made by the French soldiers and worn with afternoon dresses. ' ’ A new idea in neckwear is to have the edges of the collars and cuffs bound with a bright-colored checked material. Collars are of rose color, ivory and blue, rather than white, and are frequently more becoming thgn lingerie collars. Colored beads of all sorts—wooden, porcelain and composition—are revived sor 4 the rosary-fashioned chains now worn with one-piece frocks.

Guest Towels Are Useful.

Guest towels never fail m catch the eye of those house managers who take pride in their linen closets. Some useful and distinctive ones show Porto Rican hand-loom borders; More elaborate ones have genuine filet or Irish lace insertions. Insignia embroidered on linen have superseded the one-time elegant monogranl. Plain sheer linen towels sometimes show queer cabalistic symbols which only their owners can decipher.

PREVENTING EROSION OF FARM LANDS.

STEEP SLOPE CLEARED, NOW ERODING BADLY.

(Prepared by the United States Depart- • ment of Agriculture.) ‘ The many disastrous attempts to cultivate the narrow-base, level-ridge terrace on all types of soil have led to the development of a terrace*with a broader base, known as the broad-base level-ridge terrace. The broad-base embankment of earth provides the strength necessary to withstand the weight of the Impounded water above, and the terrace is built sufficiently high to hold all run-off water from the drainage area above the terrace. Figure 1 represents a cross section of two adjoining broad-base, levelridge terraces, with the various dimensions designated by letter. The vertical height of the terrace above the point c is represented by h; w is the width of the base of the terrace, d the horizontal distance, and v the vertical distance between terraces. These dimensions were obtained from surveys of eight fields representing the best practice in the use of this form of terrace.

Height of Terrace. From observation of field conditions, and a study of the data secured, It is believed that a broad-base, level-ridge terrace should be not less than 1% feet high and at least 10 feet broad at the base. Methods of plowing and cultivation should be adopted which will tend to Increase the base width from year to year and thus virtually transform the whole field into a series of terraces. Since the stability of a broad-base level-ridge terrace with closed ends depends upon its ability to retain the surface run-off water due to rainfall over the area between It and the next terrace above, it Is apparent that the reservoir capacity above the terrace must be sufficient to store this water. Upon' this principle is based the design of a system of broad-base, level-ridge terraces. From a general study of the rainfall records for the United States it is found that rainfalls exceeding 8 inches per 48 hours do not occur frequently in a given locality, and it is believed that provision for 8 inches of rainfall in the design of a system of terraces would give satisfactory results. To determine the proper vertical spacing for a system of terraces for any particular field it is necessary to know the average slope of the land surface and the approximate percentage of the rainfall that will percolate into the soil. The former can be measured readily by some forni of leveling instrument and the latter can be ascertained by a knowledge of the physical character, the humus content, and the tillage condition of the soil. The susceptibility of the subsoil to the percolation of water also is an Important factor to be considered in estimating the run-off. Rates of Percolation. It is by no means an easy matter to estimate the percentage of rainfall

CROSS SECTION OF LEVEL-RIDGE TERRACES.

THINGS TO DO NOW TO ASSIST WIN WAR

Every Man, Wonsan and Child, Should Help Meet Situation by Working in Garden. The world’s food supply Is short The outlook for this year’s crop is bad. To remedy these conditions in order to feed the armies and the peoples engaged in a war to win for the world a permanent peace and for all nations perfect freedom, everyone must do his part. 1 ' > The limiting factor in the production of foodstuffs right now is labor. Every man, woman, and child should help meet the situation by working in ■a garden or on a farm or by preserving the products of garden, orchard and farm. Every community should release from other forms of employment all

that will run off for the’ various types and conditions of soils. For instance, the difference in the rates of percolation for day and sandy soils is very marked, the latter permitting a much higher rate than the former. Thlsis due to the fineness of the particles and the compact structure of the clay soils as compared with the open, porous structure and coarse particles of the sandy soils. The open structure of a soil facilitates the entrance and rapid circulation of both air and water, Since resistance to flow varies inversely as the size of the individual pore spaces. After a long dry period the pores in the upper layers of a soil become filled with air which, until it is expelled, tends to retard the entrance of soil water. A deeply plowed soil will absorb a greater percentage of rainfall than one where shallow ploa’ing is practiced, and the greater We amount of humus in a soil the greater will be Its capacity to absorb water. The rate of absorption after the top soil is saturated with water depends upon the permeability of the subsoil. A close. Impervious subsoil checks the rate of percolation and thereby increases the run-off at the surface. The water capacity of the top foot of farm land in good tilth has been stated to be 4or 5 Inches; thus a soil 12 inches deep could absorb this amount of-rainfall provided the rain is supplied to the surface at the same rate at which the soil is capable of receiving it. If the former rate is greater than the latter, the excess water runs off over the land surface with a velocity depending upon the slope. The steeper the slope the more rapid the run-off, and correspondingly less would be the time allowed for the absorption of water by the soil. Hence, the steeper the slope the greater will be the percentage of tbrj^ainfall flowing off. Reduce Height of Terrace. Were it not for the fact that the terraces would need to be placed very close together on steep slopes, thus necessitating a greater nufllber of terraces, it would be well to reduce the height of the terrace as the slope of the land increases. This would obviate the difficulty encountered in the construction of large terrace embankments on steep slopes. In the field investigations many terraces with closed ends were foundSome followed contours completely around ar-knoll or hilltop, forming a closed circuit with no outlet. But most of the level terraces examined had outlets at either one or both ends. In the foregoing discussion the terrace was taken as 1% feet high; with closed ends it would overflow for a rainfall in excess of 8 inches in 48 hours. How’ever, if one or both ends of a terrace be left open a liberal factor of safety against overflowing is provided. To provide a factor of safety for terraces with closed ends it is recommended that they be made about 1% feet high.

farm-trained labor and send it out to - the aid of the farmer. Good prices for labor should be encouraged. —rChildren in schools, able to do outdoor work, should be freed for such work and given credit in their studies for the rest of the school year. The wheat acreage should be increased at the expense of oats, and the corn acreage should be increased. Tractors should be kept going 24 hours a day, plowing and disking. These are things to do now.

MINERAL ELEMENTS FOR COW

Most Dependable Source Is Legumk nous Roughage, Such as Clover and Alfalfa Hay. Probably the most dependable source of the mineral elements for cows is leguminous roughage, such as clover and alfalfa hay. By a liberal use of these feeds, the shortage of minerals which accompanies high milk production can be overcome, and mineral equilibrium within the body of the cow can be property maintained*