Rensselaer Republican, Volume 18, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 April 1886 — Page 7

HUSBANDRY AND HOUSEWIFERY.

Matters of 'lnterest Relating to Farm and Household Management. (nftrnfttioß for the Plowmen, Stock- ■»», Poulterer, Nnrserjman, and House wifo. THE FARMER Action of Insect Poirdcr. _L, The Persian insect powder is not poisonous, and is only destructive to insects by auffocat* ing them. Its fine partifcles enter the "briflces through which they breathe and thus speedily kills them. , _____ Willows in Ditches. The various kinds of willows, if not promptly grubbed out, soon become serious nuisances in ditches. With plenty of water they make rapid growth, and every twig broken off and imbedded in the mud makes a new tree. Boots and branches obstruct the current, and this causes a deposit of sediment which soon makes the ditches useless. .Wa»«re from the Pigpen. The excrement , from pigs is more apt to be the richest of fertilizers, because they generally roccive skim milk as a part of their feed. If given oom exclusively the manure is loss rich than that of a corn-red horse, because the pig has the best digestive apparatus. The ntnnuio from the pig-sty is oommonly drawn upon the garden because of its richness. But it is not good for cabbages, as it caqpes the disease known as club root We have- also thought, in our own experience, that soil made rich with pig manure is more apt to breed insect pests which trouble turnips and radishes. Remedy for the Stalk-Borer. , Prof. Webster, of the School of Agriculture, Purdue University, Indiana,' recommends liquid preparations for killing the larvae of the stalk-borer in young corn. Those consist of an ounce of powdered pyrethrum dissolved in two gallons of water, or, as a substitute, a mixture of one part crude carbolic acid to one hundred parts water. These solutions should be applied to the plauts in such a manner as to run down among the young, unfolding leaves. One fanner reports quite satisfactory results from dußting tne young corn with the powdered pyrethrum immediately after a shower, or during mornings after a heavy dew, when more or less water had collected among the central leaves. While the liquid remedy could hardly be applied economically to large fields, it may be so applied to the crop cultivated in the garden for the production of green corn. Special Garden Crops. Speaking of the great celery-raising industry of Kalamazoo, Mich., a contemporary says: “What was a dozen years a swamp is to-day a vast celery field, beside'which a hun-dred-acre lot is but a garden " It is not generally known that the average value of an acre of celery there is 5600, and that the annual crop reaches 5,000 tons. An acre contains from 25,000 to 30,01)0 plants. The shipping season begins in toly, increases until, the holidays, then gradiiMly decreases until the crop is disposed of in the spring. The industry is said to have been instituted by far-, mers who could not otherwise make their ends meet on these originally sandy marshes. Asparagus is another crop now largely engaging the attention of specialists. In the famous asparagus-growing district of Argenteuil in France cultivators understand that a requisite for the growth of fine plants is in giving the roots plenty of horizontal room, three feet apart each way, with no other plants between, being the nearest allowable distance, while some prefer four or five feet. Thus the most of tkie work may be done by horse cultivation, and excessive" manuring "is not necessary. At the rate of 350 pounds a day is cut per acre during the season, and an average of 5256 per acre is the result from land of moderate fertility,'but deeply plowed, well manured, with the addition of some special fertilizers. Three feet distance each way is allowed for the plants. Some Western cultivators have, had success by the same system of cultivation. Smaller Farms. It is evident that the prosperity of a nation depends largely upon an independent rural population. The tendency in this country, as shown by the United States census, is toward city life. The proportion of farmers to the whole population is decreasing at every census. The profits of farming, when wisely and economically managed, are such that every man is soon able to buy out his neighbor. The census shows that the richer the laud in a oounty the greater the decrease in population. This is especially the ease in the Middle States, where the land is good and prolific. The writer is so well acquainted with the soil in each county in Indiana, that when the census of 1880 was taken he could tell, without the aid bf the figures, in what cojinties tho rural population had decreased and in what ones it had increased, and it dgs6hded entirely on the qual"When the land in rbwa is once all occupied, the farming poptflatiiiii' will rapidly decrease, farms will be dJubMd aq.d the inhabitants will seek the towns and cities. And yet this is wrong. It militates against the morals, the stability and tho prosperity of the State. France is the most prosperous nation on the earth. It has more internal power to recover from any financial or material calamity of depression than any other country. We are proud of our ability to pay the immense debt incurred by the late civil war, but France was involved in as burdensome debt by its conflict with Prussia, but it was paid in half the time of ours. France is a nation of farmers. Its people subsist by agriculture. Half of their population live on farms of their own. , It is not a Bystem of largo farms occupied by tenants. Their farms ire small, and are cultivated for all they can produce, without deterioration. Their farms are from twenty to twenty-five acres, and are made to S reduce the "full extent of their capacity, which i almost incredible to mere land soratebera—lowa State Register.

THE STOCK-BREEDER. The Difference in Pigs. In every litter of pigs there will be one or two decidedly inferior specimens, and perhaps as many more better than the average, though notin eo-marlted a degree. -These “titmen,” as farmers call them, should begot rid of as early as possible. The feed they eat does not make frame or fat, as in their more thrifty fellows, and at killing time there will often be a difference of fifty to seventy-five pounds in hogs having the samo advantages. It is usual with some farmers to kill ot sell these largest hogs first, and then keep the less thrifty a few weeks longer, until they come up to the standard weight But the better way is to reverse this, and feed those longest winch show greatest gain. ■■ , The Horatfa Foot. Bev. J. C. Woods, speaking of the horse’s fopt, says that the horse is not furnished with muscles fitted fpr lifting heavy weights at the end of itß lege, and thoroforo the foot is carefully made as light as possible. The hoof, therefore, must be light. It must be hard, so as to endure contact with sharp-edged rock, a sun-baked soil, or loose stones. It must be elastic, in order to obviate the jar which would be caused by the concussion of a hard and unyielding ground. It must be "Sharp-edged, to give the animal a footing, on rocks or uneven ground It must be clinging, so as to save die horse from falling on a wet, slippery, or frozen surface. Lastly, as the hoof must be perpetually worn away, it must be capable of self-repair in exact proportion to the loss of material —Country Gentleman. THE DAIRYMAN. Caring for Cows There is prevalent among the farmer dairymen of the country an idea that cows will thrive and give good milk on a scanty and foul supply of water. The writer, in his peregrinations through the country, has found many farms where the water for stock was derived solely from water-holes dug in a low, swampy place in the woods or field, nominally called a spring, but really only a gathering of snrfaoe water in a depression in the impervious clay beneath the soil At its beat the water-hole is a filthy place; at its worst a breeder of malaria, frogs, insects, and mosquitoes that pester tbs life oat oi steak. Warning thirst compels

the suffering uniuaLa to drink the filthy water, which passing by the eoonomy of nature into the milk-ducts of the cows, is expected to oome forth pure, sweet milk for the nourishment of in rant and adult in various produots. Considering the fact that a large part of even the best milk is water, and that drunk by the cow, the neosssity of giving oows in milk only the best water will be better understood,* Bo far from the cow absorbing any offensive BUbstanoe so as to leave the milk pore, the very reverse is the esse. The female giving milk is usually healthy, for the reason that whatever impurities exist in the system are carried off in this secretion. As soon as a cow is in any way out of condition her milk is unfit to bfl used. i Cows which drink poison will give poisonous milk Pure milk cannot. be had from cows which are compelled to drink of foul water. They should always have pure drink, as clear as crystal Sickness is doubtless often caused without suspicion from the impurities which cows partake of in drink, food, and bad air. '' v; -<r! — Let any farmer who depends upon surface water holes to satisfy the thirst of his stock try the experiment during the hot days of July and August, of pumping from tho well a few pailfuls of water and offer it to the cows: he will be surprised at the eagerness with which they will absorb large quantities of it Once experiencing tho benefits of cool, pure water, tho stock will return to the source of supply when thirst again overtakes them It willhc health in the family and money in the pocket of tho farmers who have no supply of living water for tho use of stock, to invest in some kind of invention that will bring from the depths of a well plenty of fresh and pure water.— St. Louis Globe-Democrat. Guernsey Vows. The Guernsey breed of cattle has been overshadowed by the greater popularity of Jerseys, but they aro well worthy of more attention. Giving as rich milk as the Jerseys, thoy yield a larger mess and are also considerably larger themselves. Size is an important point in most farmers’ eyes, though wide-awake farmer? begin'to understand increased size means greater cost of keeping, and from some breeds it is difficult to get a proportionably larger yield of milk. But advocates of the Guernsey believe it can be done with this breed, as also is the case with Holsteins.

THE BEE-KEEPER. Bees and Horticulture. f Mrs. L. Harrison, in the Prairie Farmer, remarks thus on the bond of union that should exist between bee-keepers, fruit-growers, horticulturists, eta There appears to be a growing antagonism between bee-culturists, norticultursts, and stock-raisers. Why should this be? Are thoy not brethren? And does not the prosperity of one aid in the advancement of the others? The horticulturist may dig, graft, and bud, and what will the returns be without the labors of the bee? The Creator has provided no other means for the fertilization of flowers but the visits of insects, and there are no other insects at this time of year to flit from flower to flower. The body of the honey-bee is wisely adapted to this purpose, being covered with fine hairs, invisible to the naked eye which brush off and carry the fertilizing powder to the germ that requires it The fruit sets better, even when the tree has perfect flowers, containing both pistils and stamens, if pollen from another flower, or better still, from another tree, is brushed upon its germ. Who has not observed that a long-continued rainstorm, occurring during fruit bloom, in pre- . venting ‘these fittlo messengers from their rounds, is followed by a failure of fruit? Transferring Bees to Neto Hives. The task of changing a swarm of bees from one hive to another is not considered difficult by experienced apiculturists. The following me.thod, described by a New York correspondent of the American Bee Journal, will doubtless prove successful If the colony to be transferred is in a box-hive and boxes are put upon it, they will doubtless be filled with bees in two or three days. When this is found to be the case, take off tne boxes and set them aside, holos down, so the bees cannot get out; smoke the hive, turn it over, place the new -hive on the top of it, and drum out the bees; put the new hive in the place of the old one, ana move the old one away, putting back the boxes containing the bees. In doing it this way, the drumming must be thorough to make sure of the queen, and there will be enough bees in the boxes to take care of the brood, if they do not desert it It is an easy matter, with a little practice, to put a foundation in a box-hive. Cut it the Simplicity or Langstroth size, half or three-quarters'of an inch longer than the hive is wide, turn it up at both ends and one side, wax tho hive well, place the first piece one inch from the side of tho hive, pressing the turned part dow r u solid, and place the next sheet 1W or 1% inches from it A wide, thin board, held down straight and solid, will help get the foundation in straight, and a thin, narrow one, well wetted, will press the last pieces in. Driven swarms usually have a laying queen, and a colony prepared for in this way will do well if driven late in the season. Cut two sticks that will just reach across the hive, press them down until they just touch the foundation crosswise, stick them fast and nail them through the outside of the hive.

THE ORCHARDIST. Keeping Fruit. The best fruit preserves are made by boiling down the juice without any addition till it thickens. The natural gum and sugar present in most fruits only needs concentration to form either syrup or jelly, but the practice has been so long to use sugar for a inore rapid process at the expense of flavor, that the earlier and better method is all but forgotten. The first confeotions and conserves of fruit ever known were made in this manner in the rich valleys of Persia and Northern India, a process doubtless learned from dates, grapes, figs, and nectarines curing themselves on the bough in favorable seasons, drying in their own sugar crystallizing around the stem. The grape juice thickening on the sides of the wine press in the sun would teach some one more intelligent than his fellows to try evaporating the juice on slabs of stone, and the honey so made was delicious enough to fix the process in favor. For, the classic scripture of the Syriao land flowing with milk and honfey, meant not merely the giant combs of wild bees in the clefts of the rock, but that delicate nectar which distills from freo-liearted ripe fruits, as one may see it.in a hot summer, in the deadripe damsons and sweet grapes of ourhome fardens, whon ‘rthe plums are globes of oneyedwrae.” —Hut an Power, in Vick’s Magazine. - —- History of Huntsman’s Favorite. Mr. John Newton, Warrensburg, Mo.; makes the following statement concerning the origin of the famous apple above named. About fifty years ago a man coming to Lafayette <3onnty, Missouri, brought withJiim from North Carolina a quantity of apple seeds. Having no land of his own ready he arranged with Mr. John Ingraham, of the above county, to plant the seeds on land owned by Mr. Ingraham, on condition that each—the owner of the seed and the owner of the land—would have a share of the trees raised. After remaining in Missouri the North Carolinian returned to his Southern home ; first selling his interest in the apple seedlings to Mr. Ingraham. When the trees became of a size fit lor transplanting several men obtained numbers of them from Mr. Ingraham for orchards, among them Judge Trapp, Judge Graham, Kichard Huntsman, John Huntsman, Joseph Hobson, and others. In 1858 Mr. John Newton bought the farm of Mr. John Huntsman. There being at the timeafairerop of apples in tho orchard on the farm, Mr. Newton asked Blr. Huntsman for a part of the apples, i Mr. Huntsman replied that Mr. Newton conld have apples of any of the trees in the orchard except one. Mr. Newton aakedtohave the excepted tree pointed out This was*done. Mr. Newton asked Mr. Huntsman to tell him the namg of the apple with which he was refusing to part Mr. Huntsman replied that it had no name —that the tree was a seedling, bought by him with the other trees from Mr. John Ingraham In consequence of this partiality of Mr. Huntsman for this particular apple, Mr. Newton named it “Huntsman's Favorite,* The tree died in 1865, still in the possession of Mr. Newton. The farm on which it grew is about ten miles north of Warrensburg, and there can be no doubt as to the correctness of this history. THE FLORIST. Propagation of Geraniums. Geraniums can be propagated readily from seed, and if started early in a hot-bed

ao*L Th» plants produced ip this war are ▼ary seldom exactly like those from which the seed is obtained, as the ancestry of all onr well-known geraniums has been mixed in the' lapse and process of cultivation, so it is impossible to tell which progenitor a new plant will take afterl Sometimes the characteristics of several ancestors will be so blended in it as to render it essentially a new variety. The simple method of raising from seed is therefore sometimes taken by gardenors to secure new varieties, but not often, as it is not oertain that the variety scoured will be new, nor that, even if new, it will be desirable. The plan generally pursued is that of careful crossing of choice kinds, dusting the pollen of one variety upon the pistil of another. Desirable varieties, when obtained, are perpetuated by propagating from cuttings, which readily take root These should be out soon after the season of blooming is over, and may be planted either in the open ground in a shady place, Or in thd-cellar in a moist sand or loam. These cuttings should average four inches in length, and if tho stems from which they are cut are very succulent, tjiey should be cut half or two-thirds through, and when the wounded Bnrface has dried the cutting can be entirely removed. If put in a cool, moist place, anil well shaded from light, such cuttings will in about six weoks have taken good root, and will give excellent plants for winter blooming. —lnter Ocean. How to Preserve Cut Flowers. An important rule, though seldom regarded, says Popular Science News, is never to cram the vase with flowers; many will last if only they have a largo mass of water ip the vase, and not too many stalks to feed on the water and pollute it Vasos that can hold a large quantity of* water are much to be preferred to tne spindle-shaped trumpets that are often used. Flat dishes filled with wot sand are also useful for short-stalked or heavy-headed flowers; even partially withered blooms will revive when placed on this cool, moist substance. Mobs, though far prettier than sand, is to be avoided, as it so soon smells disagreeably, and always interferes with the scent of the flowers placed in it for preservation. In ,the case of flowors that grow only in a cool temperature, and suffer when they get into warm and dry air, all that we cau do is to lessen evaporation as much is possible, and, when suen flowers have hairy stems and leaves, to submerge them for a minute, so that by capillary attraction they may continue to keep themselves moist and cool; but this is dangerous to table-cloths or polished surfaces, unless care ho taken that the points of the leaves do not hang down, to prevent dripping. Another means of preventing delicate and sweet-scented flowers from flagging is to cut. them with several leaves on the stem, and, when the flower head is placed in water, to allow only this head to remain above the water, while the leaves A are entirely submerged; by this means the leaves seem to help support the flower, which will then last for three days in a fairly cool room. Frequent cutting of the stem is of great use; but with all flowers by far the best plan -is to put them outside, exposed to dew or rain, during the night, when they will regain strength enough to last on for days. All New Holland plants, particularly flowering acacias, are benefited wonderfully by this apparent cruelty, and will even stand-a slight frost far better" than a hot room at night indoors.

THE HOUSEKEEPER. The Sloven at Home. Poverty, ill-temper, and slovenliness, each in their own peculiar province, have done, and are continuing to do, much in the way of making unpleadhnt, uncomfortable and unhappy homes. The first is, generally speaking, unavoidable, the second often the outcome of illhealth, disappointment or misfortune, but the latter is without reason or excuse. More husbands are driven from their own firesides, more sons given cause to seek questionable associates and unworthy associations, and more daughters captivated by the fascinations of the street, from being reared in untidy homes, where slovenliness rules the hour and method, order and neatness rarely enter, than from any other cause known. The,public places of amusement, the saloons and the bagnios all understand. and act promptly upon the suggestions of their understandings, as to what attractions hold captive the eye and the ear, and through them the hearts of the young—and, as for that, for the old and middle-aged as well. These .are made bright and cheery, and as near as may be without any objectionable features to unpleasantly affect the outward or inward senses. Is it a marvgl, then, that so many are led astray by such pleasant and Attractive surroundings? When neatness, order, system, and pleasant belongings are introduced into the family circle with as much effect and persistence as they, are in public places, our homes will hold their own more closely than they now do, and with lasting benefit to every one into whose province these elements of progressive refinement may find their way. To emphasize more fully the Solemn fact, we say—and “more in sorrow than in anger”—that one of the most repulsive features in home life is slovenliness in dress. Where that is found, general untidiness is almost sure to rule the hour, and affection writs and goes limping out of the door while love flies out of tho window. The housewife and housemaid who go about in untidy array, with unkempt hair or in soiled garments, almost invariably bring desolation to the hearthstones where they hold sway. The home whose mistress “slicks up” when company comes, and only then, is an unfortunate, one. They who do this forget that the plea-sure--and happiness of their own family are of more vital importance than all thb 'world besides, and turn a deaf ear to one of the most instructive teachers that point to the higher life of the household. They forget that the unholy rivals for the affection and presence of their husbands and- sons—and daughters, even—know full well the value of tidiness of apparel, of neatness of person, of orderin surroundings, and they make these elements prominent and primary in all their carefully devised plans and purposes. Not that gaudiness and glare are necessary to win and keep the hearts and feet of men—- . and women—from going astray. By no means! But order, quietness, neatness, pleasant words and wavs will do more to keep the family circle full and the firelight of the hearthstone bright than all the treasures that riches alone can bring. On the other hand, the slovenly home and the slattern in that home can accomplish more in the way of producing blackened embers and darkening the ruddy light of home life than all other causes combined. • In short, the household sloven is more to be feared and shunned than any physical pestilence that walketh in darkness or spiritual de-, struction that wasteth at noon-day. No poison is more subtle or dangerous to the beauty and purity of home life, no element more fatal in effect upon both, the theory and practice of good housekeeping, than is “the Sloven at Home.” —Good Housekeeping. ‘ -A Fetv Piekings. Many ladles have odds and ends of oldailver lying around the house, and the following paragraph may give them a little idea of what to do with them: There is a growing passion for old silver,, and the last thing is to convert a wine-cooler into the bkfi'e of a velvet or satin pin cushion. It is used alike by both sexes on a well-appointed toilet table where all the appliances are silver, and it is also to be met with on the work table of the mistress of the house. Old clasps of books, waist buckles, and such-like pliable silver things are being joined together, and make up into the frameis of mirrors, and photographs, sometimes on a background of metal, and sometimes on dark blue or red velvet All sorts of little old stiver relics are laid out now on tables, aud anything list can be utilized fob toilet use is transformed or adapted with delight Bome of the beautiful miniature grandfathers' clocks that have formed such fashionable wedding gifts of late are ornamented with some of this rococo silver. These little clocks, which are perfect models of the large ones, are to be seen in rich houses now. as they are frequent y given as birthday as well as wedding gifts. Nothing comes amiss now, from an old carved wooden pedestal to a quaint-shaped saucepan, and as old treasures are unearthed from family boards and curiosity shops they are transported to whole assumes much the style of a museum. From the best hose retained to be repaired cqt out the’worn heel, and from the patches cut a new heel precisely like the old one. We are all averse to’d irmng stockings, and after the job is accomplished the wearer is compelled tuondure-wnutterable agony. Sappose instead of darning in the usual manner neat patches were put m, the operation would be easier and the wearing of them more pleasant The following suggestions may be of value to my lady fr<ends:

Select from them tba-two or three pairs most worn; cut awsy the heels and toes sad lay by the better parts for use in mending—well, yes, for patches. First sew the bottom of the heel, then sew it into the place made vacant. Use soft cotton, or else the fine, soft mending yarn which oome* of all oolors on spools. Hew the raw edge over and over, about ft close as a nice overcast, so that when this new heel is worn out you have only to pull the thread and insert another. The threads must not be so tight but that tho seam will be flattened and become imperceptible to the foot To sew in such a neel will require about one minute. If the too is worn so that the new dams seem to takq from the old, and the rent is made worse, cut it off as far toward the Instep as it is thin. *. From the top of one of the socks put aside, cut s new toe like the old. Bew across the end, and then around, the foot, observing to make tho seam, as before, flat and soft

THE NURSE. Abuse of the Muscle* of Baby Ryes. The two muscles—a set for each eye—act In perfect correlation, and enable the organ in an instant of time to oover an infinite range of vision. No fine adjustment of the telescope, no system of lenses and prisms, can accomplish this feat in an instant of time. The utmost caution is therefore imperatively demanded of every person to whom is consigned the care of tne young child from infancy to perhaps the third year of life. It is during this time that damage to the muscular apparatus of the eye maybe done. The mother or nurse is eager" to have baby see everything from tho nursery window, or from a carriage, or car. How many tired neads, languid eyes, and disordered tempers result from this mis • take!—Dr. E. S. Peck, In Baby land. Nursery Government. Frightoning children is a sin of life-long consequences. It is not now indulged in to the extent that once prevailed, but it is still altogether too common, and will bo reprehensible so long as one instance remains. The executive branch of nursery government must usually bear the responsibility for this great wrong. Mothers, the attendants of children and others who undertake to regulate thoir . conduct., ignorant of the true method of government. save labor and do the matter up quickly by terrifying the timid youngsters into obedience. In the vagaries of maternal government endless prohibitions are announced, and, in the case of many mothers, their enforcement is only a question either of bodily punishment or of playing npon the fear of the child; and while love commands the avoidance of the infliction of physical pain, even brief, it does not realize the Jong mental'pain that comes from terror. The monstrous, horrible lies that aro told children to make them obedient by working' upon their fears aro numbered by scored. Such children are easily identified, fortviey are filmost paralyzed when" they see the strangely crawling snake; a rat or mouse, of interesting habits, may set them into convulsions; that charming feature of the country, the woodland, where many a happy hour may be spent, is the home of bears that live on innocent little ehildred; that interesting object, the worm, about which Darwin wrote a whole volume, causes- a shudder of repulsion; and various other creations of nature that children love to be told about become sources of the keenest pain. We once knew a mother who tried to govern her children by telling them that “the old man will be after you ;” in consequence of this, in fear and trembling, they shunned all old men—those fellow-beings of ours who are particularly fond of childrea Young people grow out of these fears in time, but many of them haunt tliem through life. The most lasting of these are caused by peopling darkness with ghosts, hobgoblins and dangerous men, thereby filling with terror tho darkness of night, whether outdoors or m the unlighted room of a house. When the enormity of all this decsit is realized it seems horrible that innocent little children should be made to suffer so keenly for many years, and this, too, at the hands of loving mothers and friends. There is a mine of interesting knowledge in nature for the young folks, who have a thorough love for it, if unrepressod; but deceive them, lij to .them, fill them with the agonies of fear, and the works of God become failures, if not afflictions. Association with nature, which should be highly pleasurable, becomes repulsive, and the perpetrators of these'great wrongs must fail in honor and esteem of the victims whon they arrive at the age at which they shall pass jjlidgHSent, realiza the deceit* and discern the origin of tho still lingering fears.

THE COOK. Beef Cakes. Chop some beof that is rare, with a little fat bacon or ham, season with pepper, salt, and a little onion, mix well and torn into small cakes. Fry them a light brown and serve with a- good gravy made of soup Stock, thickened with brown flour. Pot Pie. Sift into a quart of sifted flour two teaspoonfuls of baking powder. Add a large' lump of soft fresh butter, and tfro cups of sweet cream and a pinch of salt, working the dough into a soft mass as quickly and ligutly as possible. Do not cut-, but pinch off" with the fingers roll-shaped pieces of dough, put in a baking-pan in a rather quick oven and bake tear the rolls in two and place on a platter, pouring over your chicken stew. To make this, cut up your chicken and cook slowly, on the back of the stove with a little wator, a large Siece of butter, and pepper and salt. When one add to the gravy a cupful or two of cream, and when at theboiling point thicken with flour smoothed in a little cold milk or cream. It should be remembered in making the crust for this dish that the mixing of the dongh must be done with the utmost quickness, lightness, and delicacy of touch; beating and prodding it with a heavy hand seems to take die vitality ' out of it. Made proporly it is as light as. a feather, and is far more wholesome thus baked than when boiled in the old-fashioned way. Hominy for Breakfast. To cook so simple a dish as pearl hominy for breakfast would seem to need no particularity of instruction, but that this is not-tho case is proved by the half raw, watery and lumpy Btuff that is often brought to table under tne name of hominy. In tho first place, to cook hominy deliciously milk must be used; there is ne possibility of making it really good with; water only. Pat into a china bowl the night before an even teacupful of hominy, and pourupon it enough cold water just to caver it. Cover it up, and next morning pour into a farina kettlo a pint of rich milk and a salt-spoonful of sail Fifteen minutes’ boiling will cook it sufficiently, but half ftn hour will make it better. As it is in a double kettle there will be no danger of burning, and it needs only an occasional stirring with a silver Bjtooh. If you have plenty of cream a little will improve it, and a small bit of frosh butter does not come amiss. Eat with cream and sugar, or butter and sugar. It is very nice with a soft-boiled egg incorporated with its melting lnsciousness, and it is perfect sliced when cold and fried. Between hominy cooked thus and hominy boiled in water there is a great- difference. No breakfast cereal should over be cooked in anything bat a double farina kettle; small ones of block Rnare.nice for the purpose. These kettlc3 obviate constant tendance in stirring, and ‘so make a breakfast dish of this healthful kind one of the easiest to provide, and one of the hardest for a cook to spoil, as long as she follows those simple directions.’ ’ ■ ——- : --- THE FAMILY DOCTOR " 1 Don't Do It. A very common but reprehensible practice is that of holding a. burn as dose to the grate M possible to “draw the fire out”—not out of the fireplace, bat from the injured pari Sleepless People. Sleepless people, says Tlcallh and Home, should court the sun. The very worst soporific is laudanum, and the very best is sunshine. Therefore it is' plain that the poor sleepers should pass as many hoars of the day in the -Sunshine and as few in -the shade as posaible. The injurious effect of the shade is very noticeable in plants growing in seclqded places, and ladies who are accustomed to carry sunshades. The invigorating power of sunlight is infinite, and he whose skin is tawny seldom reqnireae h«B

MR. BONNEY’S MICE.

- 1 I i I ■ ■ r- f— -■ Bow on Italian's Industry Was Rewarded. Upon the conclusion of a wearisome search after authorities a coterie ol lawyers gathered together in the Law Library and diseased old times. Several interesting stories -were related, and finally one ’remarked: f’. "I think the best joke ever played in this city on any attorney in a practical way was on €. C. Bopney. It was shortly after the fire. Before that event he had an office at No. 156 Washington street, and updin rebuilding secured liis old quarters, two fine rooms, with such improvements as he chose to suggest. He was very nicely situated, and then, as now, did an excellent business. The only drawback to his prosperity was the fact that his office became infested with mice. The- vermin whisked about in every and had an especial fondness for the binding of the new tomes in Mr. Bonneys library. It was not legal lore they were after, but paste and mucilage. When lie would appear in court with his authorities stacked up the backs of his volumes would look as though they had passed through a peg-ging-inaohiue withthe pegs left! out; His fellow-lawyers guyed him with questions as to whether liis lore was as dilapidated as his books until ho became discouraged. “At that time there was a young Italian known as ‘Tony’ acting as janitor ol tho building. One morning Mr. Bonney called his attention to tlie condition of affairs. ‘My books are being ruined by the,se infernal mice,’ lie snid, ‘and I’ll give you 10 cents a head for every one yon catch.’ “The son of Sunny Italy had not been long in this country, could hardly talk English, but seemed to understand the financial proposition. In less than an hour he had obtained a job lot of 100 mouse-traps at 5 cents each. In the afternoon he nipped two °r three pounds of stale cheese from a neighboring dago shop foi- bait and in the evening business was started. The traps were placed in every room in.the block. The morning when Mr. Bonney entered his office a peculiar spectacle .greeted his vision. On the mantel above the grate were two rows of the little traps. Out of each one protruded the tail of a mouse that would neither gnaw books nor nibble cheese any more. Carefully and even tenderly he took them out. and by the caudal appendage carried them to the sink. He made an even fifty trips. came in he handed him $5, congratulated him on his success, and thought he would have little more trouble. -He believed they must be nearly exterminated, but was apparently ihistaken. The succeeding morning forty-five occupied the same relative positions, and $4.50 was forthcoming. From that time on until the end of thirty days the number decreased gradually until twenty was reached, though in the meantime the traps had been set in all the blocks in the neighborhood, and even in tlie court-house yard. Upon footing up his books Mr. Bonney found that the mice account was almost heavy enough to balance the receipts, they being more prolific than clients. He, according!)* sent for ! Tony’ again, and told him that thereafter he would only pay for one mouse per day. This continued for a month more, the mouse and dime being mutually produced, and then, finding his hooks were no longer injured, the agreement was dissolved by common consent. “I don’t know what has become , of that Italian,” continued the narrator, “but he is probably a Count now and the husband of some rich .American girl. At least he had thrift enough. ” Chicago Tribune.

The Peppermint King.

This potentate was horn in Oneida County, New York, on June 10, 1810, and his name, which has for many years been kept standing in type in the chief market journals of the world, is Hiram G. Hotchkiss. Now 75 years old, he is robust and plump, bustling with activity among his peppermint bottles UHvt nx) IH- t wHtt in every way master of his specialty. When he was seven years old his parents removed from Oneida County to Ontario county, which adjoins Wayne, and settled in the town of Phelps. At the age of 18 he started a small country store, to which later he attached a flouring mill, thereby becoming a general furnisher of food material. About -1837, 10 or 12 years after Burnett had put a on the now famous Wayne County weed, Mr.. Hotchkiss began to buy peppermint oil of the farmers about Lyons, who took it to him as the most enterprising merchant they knew. He also got into the business of buying the raw -material, as it would be offered to him in connection with wheat taken to his mill, and distilling the oil lrimself. He presently saw a future for Wayne County pepper mint, and, disposing of his business in Bhelps, removed in 1841 to Lyons, here gradually to assert dominion over the peppermint oil business of tho world. There are two br three other dealers in the county, hut the bulk of the crop goes to market through the hands of Mr. Hotchkiss. The mint is raised chiefly in t the towns of Huron, Sodus, Galen, Marion, Arcadia, Williamson, Lyons and Rose. The loam soil of the flat lands of these towns is naturally adapted to it, hut the richness of the plant in oil varies so greatly that producers cannot mix their crops for distilling, taking a pro rata share of the oil, as dairymen mix their milk in a common pool at the cheese factory, and take a pro rata share of the cheese. The mint acreage of the country is estimated to be about 4,000 acres. Peppermint long ago ceased to be looked up as a weed in these parts. It is a legitimate agricultural product, planted and attended , as systematically as a crop of wheat or potatoes.. The oil is sent' to market from Lyons in wholesale quantities, but a small part of each year’s ' product is put up in phials “to give away to my colicky friends,” as Mr. Hotchkiss says. The bottles for commerce contain 20 ounces, and 18 bottles are packed in a case, the current worth of a case at first hand being $96. —New York Evening Post. Yosjb character cannot be essentially injured except by your own acts.

INDIANA STATE NEWS.

—Patents were recently issued to Indianiana ns follows; George W. Albaugh and W. H. Gibbs, South Bend, milk and cream car; Benj. F. Applegate and B. F. Lagel, New Albany, band catter and distributer; Charles F. Deeruell, assignor of one-half to G; H. Herpick, Indianapolis, carriage top joint; Stephen J. Fisher, Packerton, land-roller; Joseph Garrett Imler, assignor of three-fourths to L. A. Wright, AqnHa, F. Falker and M. C. Osborn, Fort Wayne, machine for driving well tabes; Michael Kelly, Burket, machine for making slat and wire fences# Robert H. Kersey, Lebanon, ditching machine; Solomon M. Haines, Logansport, baker’s oven; Andrew J. Ramsey, Liberty Center, churn; Alfred B. Reeves, assignor to Reeves k Co., Colnmbns, plow-gauge; Arthur Rice, New Albany, assignor to Peerless Manufacturing Company, Louisville, sandmolding machine; John A. Raster, Jr., and W. Van Ritter, West Bnden, harvester sickle; Dwight B. Smith, Vevay, pen and brush holder; Fred Uley, Peru, wagon- , brake: George C, Waterhouse, assignor to J. S. Fite and J. F. Herrin, Now Albany, shutter fastener. —Press Cochran and M. F. Anderson were playing pool in Hobb’s saloon at Fairlnnd. Link Endslav, son of resentative Henry M. Endsley, was handling a cue and phiying for Cochran. After the game had progressed some time, Cochran took advantage of Anderson’s face being turned to steal a billiard ball from the table and put it in the pocket. Anderson turned in time to see the act and reproached Cochran, telling him he would not nllow a repetition of the act. This made Cochran very angry, and he advanced on Anderson in a threatening manner. After a few hasty words, Anderson drew back a billiard cue and struck Cochran with . all power, under the ear and alongside his head. The blow was a terrific one, and felled him to the floor. His skull was crushed, and he hied in a few minutes. The body was removed to his home, and Squire Culbertson proceeded .to hold an inquest. Immediately after striking Cochran, Anderson fled from the town and escaped to the woods. The mnrdered man was a widower with one child. —Quite a sensation was produced at Greencastle recently by the mysterious disappearance of one Townsend Wilson, a tax collector of that place. Mr. Wilson left his home on Thursday morning, the 15th, and has not been seen or heard of since. He leaves a wife and five children in an almost helpless condition. Mr. Wilson married in 1872, and lived for a time in Sullivan County. In 1884 they moved to Greencastle, and since that time have remained there. , The husband was somewhat careless in his habits and was addicted to the use of liquor. For nearly a year past he has been discouraged over business troubles. His mind has been nnsoond at times, and it is quite probable that his disappearance may be attributed to this weakness, thoHgh some think his purpose was to commit suicide. ’ Dr. Wm. Cooper, a wealthy and very prominent physician of Kokomo, has been arrested upon a bench warrant issued by the Judge of the Carroll County Circuit Court of Delphi, and placed under SI,OOO bond upon a charge of forgery, ‘ Dr. Cooper is a well-known physician of this section of Indiana. He is the father-in-law of Hon. John McKern, the present Reporter of the Supreme Court of Indiana. He is estimated to be worth $30,000. Several years ago lie moved to Ihis city from Carroll County, settling up his business there by note. These notes have just been sued on by the doctor, and tbe charge against him is that he has raised the notes. For instance, a note that was given for $7, it is alleged now calls for S7O, and one calling for S2O now calls for $l2O, and so on. —Natural gas has been found on the farm of David Greeson, four miles southwest of Kokomo, at a depth of fifty-five feet from the surface, and sufficient gas accumulates during the day to give a good light in his residence during the night. There are also strong evidences of gas on the farm of Joseph Loop, near Greentown, and at G, W. Deffenbaugh’s stone quarry, two miles south of .Kokomo. —A swarm of bugs, having the appearance of “June bugs,” passed over Scott Township, Montgomery County, recently, going eastward. They made a noise as oi a roaring storm, and were over two hours in passing any one point. They were only a little higher than a man’s head, and the stream was over 200 rods in- width. —Thomas Heslin, an Irishman who has been renting a farm south of Logansport for several years, has received word from Dublin, Ireland, that his only brother has died and bequeathed to him his estate, valued at ten thousand pounds. Heslin ia a poor man, and has hithorto been singularly unfortunate. • —The street-car company at Logansport has petitioned the Council to pass an ordinance granting them— the, exclusive privilege of utilizing electricity or hot air in propelling their cars through the streets. The company proposes to do away with mules. —ln Rock Creek Township, Bartholo■mew County, to show their appreciation of F. J- Beck, the teacher, the patrons of the school on the last day of the term, got together, and visiting the school in a body, brought in an excellent dinner, to which scholars and everybody seated themselves. —Henry Angel and John Love, who operate coal mines at Newburg, are missing. Their coats were found on a drifting coal barge, and as they had money it is feared they were mnrdered, robbed and thrown overboard by river pirates.'' —Wm. F. Viehe, agrocer at Evnnsville, has made an assignment to C. J. Morris. His assets are estimated at s‘2,4Ob and his liabilities at s2,ftoo. His creditors are principally in Chicago, Cincinnati and - Evansville. ' • . • —Rev. Ira J. Chase, the popular preacher of Danville, an ex-Union soldier, is mentioned for tjhe Republican Congressional nomination from the Fifth District. * —<}. D. ; Late, of Kokomo, lit been appointed by Department Commander Gen. I*. W. Bennett to represent Howard County on the Stale Monmncut Commi tee.