Rensselaer Republican, Volume 12, Number 52, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 September 1880 — American Luxuries in England. [ARTICLE]

American Luxuries in England.

Six years ago ice was such a rarity in London that extra charges were made at the hotels if a glass of ice water was called for, and in most cases the guest had to wait until some could be sent for. An Englishman at that time considered ice water unhealthy, and looked with amazement at Americans who persisted in calling for it It was then not kept at the taverns, and it was seldom required. Now the waiters go around at the botels,with bowls of cracked ice and supply all the guests, without extra charge. That it is a recent innovation is evident from the fact that all the drinking houses in the city of any character, have cards extending across their windows, with the word “ICE” emblazoned in large black letters about fifteen inches long. It is evidently paraded as an attraction to customers. American whisky is also a new card in their windows. While dining in a restaurant the other day a young Englishman came in and called for “a go” of American whisky. They brought him about a half-tumblerful, which lie swallowed down raw. His led nose and watery eyes gave evidence that he was not a stranger to this kind of drink Turning to the bill of fare, we found the following rates : “A go” of brandy, one shilling; “a half-go” of brandy, sixpence ; “a go” of gin” four pence, and “a half-go” two pence. Gin ia the favorite drink of the topers, but whisky is commencing to rival it Ice wagons are also to be seen in the streets, labelled Newfoundland ice. It is of immense thickness, ranging from fifteen to twenty inches, and as clear as crystal.

The greatest eel-pond in America is on the farm of James N. Wells, in the town of Riverhead, Mass. It covers five acres, and is now so full of eels that they can be raked out with a garden rake. Two years ago Mr. Wells put 2,000 dozen of eels into the pond, intending to have them undisturbed for five years. These have increased to millions. They are fed regularly every third day on ‘'horse feet,” a peculiar shell-fish. The eels know when they are to be fed, and the stroke of Mr. Well’s whip against his wagon calls thousands of them up to dinner, altbopgh anyone else may pound away all day without any effect One of these shell-fish, fastened to a strong cord and thrown into the water, may be drawn out in a few minutes with hun-* dreds of eels clinging.to it

Thk K itch km Few things tend-so much to please and comfort, make all laboring for the family contented and comfortable, as a bright pleasant wellfurnished kitchen. In no other room in the house are sunlight and fresh, pure air so indispensable as in the room where some of the most important work must be done. A long, narrow, dark kitchen is an abomination. Ranges or cook stoves should not be placed opposite a door or window. A good ventilation is important over a range or cook stove, by which the steam and disagreeable odors from cooking can be carried off without pervading the house. Three large windows are always desirable, and for a very large kitchen four would be better.

A sour mind is a great evil. It is so to him who has it It embitters his life. It turns the light of life into darkness, its joys into sorrows. It is evil in its effects on the happiness of others. It breeds dissatisfaction and fault finding with every person and everything. It croaks of evil, not to remove or remedy it, but because it loves to croak. It pulls down, but never builds up. In the family, in the social circle, in the church, it is always complaining, detracting, destroying usefulness and happiness. It is difficult to conceive of a misery and worthlessness more pitiable than that of a man possessed of such a spirit.