Rensselaer Republican, Volume 27, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 February 1895 — Page 6

TALE OF TWO VALENTINES

BY HENRY CLEVELAND WOOD.

rsi UTj - Tus C -' Es A * R r .Jggtall gLTodd was a clerk in Ssl’a retail dry go-gls 13 difficult to • imagine that an indi-

vidual bearing so historic a baptismal name should be decreed by fate to wear it in the commonplace atmos"phere of a ntercan til e life, bu tthus it was. To behold Mr. Podd on a Sunday afternoon, or some eveninn, after the multitudinous affairs of business had ceased until the morrow, one would almost have been led to b.elieve that the baptismal name was scarcely adequate to the man, for when Mr. Podd had cast, aside the enthralling shackles of dependent circumstahees and stood fortl> in the full freedom of a small salaried clerk _ off du t.v, lie might real ly have been mistaken for a railroad magnate, or a bank official with an evident Inclination toward; some ebun try. where extradition law is not. Al such periods it required an exceed in gly-i magina ti Ve bra in to & rasp the though Uthat the individual who who whirled past in the newest, and most stylish of rigs—to the utter annihi lai io nos his w e e k’s s■ al ary -“-or who occupied one of a reserved pair of orchestral chairs, front, was but tliersame:person who smilingly tore, down one sideof a dry goods establishment to enable some undecided female to Select a spool of thread, or who rewound yards upon yards of Ham burgs and other decorative goods which similar consistent creatures had examined with a thor - oughness known only to the feminine mind. Mr. Podd .cherished Insertions, which, if rightly matured, as they certainly would be in the course of human events, would give to his existence that couleur de rose which the poets affirm constitutes earthly felicity. Divested of these intentions, Mr. Podd would have been a very tame sort of individual. As it was, they urged him to an energetic tion of a ti in id and retiringmustache, to a lavish expenditure for pomades, gloves, cravats and'numerous other auxiliaries of the toilet; also to a general attempt at rendering himself as irresistiole as possible. Mr. Podd's intentions were of a mat ri mon ial nature.. ==^= f ™=,==— He loved. In this ease the sentiment was a species of mild insanity that often attacks young men of a marriageable

age and an umnarrisgeable salary, i and Mr. Pedd exhibited many of the i symptoms .in an aggravated form. lie took in two or three extra squares each day in walking to and from his place of business that he might pass the abode which'sheltered the idol of his soul, and, perchance, be rewarded by a small bow of recognition from the fair occupant. On one occasion Mr. Podd refrained from purchasing tickets to a popular perforinancc iu order to lay up something for the future, when be should come to unburden himself of the great devotion which weighed down liis soul and lightened his pocket. Bitterly did he denounce his frugality when the object of his adoration, and enforced economy, heartlessly accepted the escort of a certain Tom Jones, for whom Mr. Podd cherished a great aversion, but this was merely one of the customary ripples which ofttinies disturb the current of love’s young dream The fair being who thus agitated the placidity of Mr. Podd's existence. was a Miss Melinda Smythe—her father spelled it Smith in bygone days. *. This maiden dwelt with her m oher, whose small income was obtained by ' working early and late at dressmaking. M iss Melinda led-a lily-of-the-fieid-existence, and while her mother drudged, and cooked, and sewed-Jn the lit tie back room, her daughter received in the front apartment, or went out to the concerts and theaters, from which she-brought back lyrical souvenirs to be distributed, will) the aid of a cheap, rented piano,' to the neighborhood at frequent intervals. From the deportment of Miss Melinda in public, one was led to regret that a life of fashionable dissipation had brought ennui to so young a creature, and when she referred to “our residence” it was in a tone that at once suggested a brown stone front, plate glass and an extensive retinue. In Mr. Podd’s eyes, her bearing was simply regal, and he rejoigqd in the-distinguished atmosphere of her presence, unmindful of any doubts of its Miss Melinda had gained her knowledge of aristocratic deportment from theatrical boards and the pages of that romantic school of literature she delighted in devouring in prodigious quantities, but as Mr. Podd’s ideas had been generated by the same equivocal Source, he detected none of the flaws patent to a more acute or hss interested pbrson. Mr. Podd's lodgings comprised the most economical part of his existence. being in an . obscure street, in a building that wore the look of ab-ject-gen 1 cel poverty. Considering the dispiriting surroundings, it is little marvel that Mr. Podd frequent! v sought the companionship of Mbs Melinda Smythe, or entertained in secret visions of a vine-embowered

cottage, with th is.diy in tty as .its_pre-. sidinggleity, for if there' be any excuse for.a rash plunge into the tuj multuous sea of matrimony, it is that I the unfortunate victim -leaps fronp '.the positive infelicity of the tvpical obsFu’ e' A o~rding house intothe blissful unkm wi), “Mr. Podd's sojourn aYthese lodgings, however, was a matter of pol,icy, both on account of the cheapness of bed and board, and also on the score that, owing- to the undisguised partiality of the landlady’s daughter for this particular boarder the mother was more lenient in coi~Tecl.ihg~his and more indul- ■’ geh t in. many us the minor work ings* of the establishment,including choice morsels at table and a thoughtful supervision of his wardrobe and room. I Owing to these several advanI tages be lingered on, yet refused to I a!iow his perverted imart to be soft• ! ened by the blandishments of the _i daughter more than was essential ' Io his own comfort and convenience ; as a privileged boarder. i When he wished an extension of TcredityurryTto secure ecial ' favor, 51 r. Podd was wont to escort his landlady’s daughter, in whose fashioning nature had neglected to include any comeliness, to some place i of worship or to an entertainment i where the priceof admission was most ■ moderate, suffering untold anxiety 1 the-while lest, the odious Tom Jones | should be basking in the sunlight of I Miss Melinda’s presence during this voluntary eN-ije on hjs part.. i Mr. Podd's finances were slowly 1 from the severe drain to w hich they . had - been sub: ; jeeted during the Christmas season. February he was walking : leisurely from business toward his lodging, calculating a method by whirl: lie might be able to pay some bills long since due, yet .. surplus to treat j ! tire fair Melinda to a"sleigh ride, j recklessly promised at a time when I the weather gave strong and almost certain indications, of verging into balmy spring, while, with a per-ver.-ily known in no other thing save Women, it now gave as positive evidence of a speedy fall of snow. I As he passed down the street his attention was drawn to a crowd gathered before a stationer’s window and prominent among them was the ever obnoxious Tom Jones, who, with the others, was absorbed in the contemplation of a display of valentines. At once the green eyed monster ' i suggested the idea that this exa-s- 1 j pera'ing rival was-even then engaged 1 ! in selecting one of those dainty mis- | sives bv means of which he might convey to the object of their common admiration an accurate state of; his feelings, and Mr. Podd at once | decided :on ..ado pting sihii 1 ar.meas- { j ures in an avowal of a passion that 1 ■ alike-consumed his soul and salary. I Nbw,”"iVwould seem” that fronr~a •* I well stocked assortment of valentines 1 one might readily make a selection, but Mr. Podd found it a difficult task. Many of these dainty messengers ' appeared too cold-and indifferent! to suit the critical taste of this eus ■

tonjet; others were of too absence a nature to portray the proper intensity of emotion that stirred the profound depths of Mr. Podd’s soul. Finally he chose one, in which ar-row-pierced hearts and very fat cupids —who were evidently in the i same plight as Flora McFlimsey—together with congenial doves, clasped hands, mottoes of truth, fidelity, constancy and devotion, with other symbols representing a harmonious state of affairs generally, were scattered prodigally over gilded paner in filigree design. Added to this was an amatory sonnet, wherein dove, love, bliss, kiss, ete., were worked up in several lines of choicest machine poetry, while the finale was a suggestive sketch of a devoted couple before an altar, and I officiating clergyman, with another; fat cupid in the background, wearing a highly contented expression and—nothing else. As Mr. Pedd turned to go his eyes fell, on a pile of comic ’ valentines which lay near. Some one has said that the destiny of a nation turns frequently upon a small pivot. That of an individual is often as delicately poised. This careless glance proved the turning point which overthrew fortune, and enthroned her unwelcome kinswoman in the near future of Mr. Podd’s existence. The topmost valent he portrayed a spinist r y-looking female seated at an antiquated piano, which she was belaboring in a blood-curdling way in accompaniment to some operatic gem. supposed to be issuing from her very extensive mouth. An unhappv feline with an arcl e 1 back, distended eyes and enlarged caudal appendage lifted up her agonized wail from an adjacent fence. Below this sketch was a verse, in which comparison between the two singers was much in favor of the cat. An evil thought, perhaps born of a recent request for arrears of board, entered the mind of Mr. Podd to bestow this souvenir of St. Valentine bn the landlady’s daughter, who also thrummed the piano, and acting.on' the sudden impulse he bought the missive. When at his lodgings he directed both valentines, feeling secure on the one hand that his landlady’s daughter was not familiar with his penmanship, and writing on the sentimental one the initials J. C. P., that Miss Melinda might not mistake the sender. On St. Valentine’s Day Mr. Podd arose somewhat later than usual, and went down to breakfast, forgetting the two missives lying upon the table in his room.

While he was eating, the maid-of-.aTF-woVk started on her cleaning tour,' ~a»d~w 1 th-Mfe proverbial acutenesi that enables members of her ilk tc • detect any thingsave dirt or disorder! J the two forgotten valentines, in their whiteTvrappers, w ere the liest thing, to attract her attention. s they 11ad riot becn sQalcd, i< - was but a few seconds until she was -mirtlffuUy regarding the rival must cians of the one, and feasting hei eyes upon the prodigal collection 0) love tokens contained in the other -. -Shehad,scarcely time, on hearing approaching foots.tep.s, to return the valentines to the wrappers, uncon- • sciously changing them in her haste, i and take up her broom with ! cent an expression as the-eceasion ■demanded, when Mr. Podd hurriedly entered, picked jup the envelopes, sealed them, and thrust them inti his pocket, totally ignorant of the exchange which had been made. That evening after business Mr. -Poddsought the-tonsorialartist, under whose especial care he placed himself for the next half hour, then he wended, his happy way to -the. abode of his soul’s ideal. Imagine the consternation of the hapless Podd," who, on presentJmg himseLfto the fair Miss Melinda, secure in the expectation of a cordial greeting—nay, perhaps a tender one—found-himself met wi th chilling, scorn, while that young lady drain atiea Uy waved him hence. “Begone! you villain,” she wrathfully exclaimed in true stage parlance and with another tragic wave of her hand. “Why, Miss Melinda,” began the astonished Mr. Podd. “Don t ‘Miss Melinda’ me you base hypocrite,, you,” screamed the young lady, allowing her temper tc overcome her ' predilection for he- ' . . ' “Great Jupiter! My dear Miss ; Melinda.” stammered the unhappy Mr. I‘oikl. • ' “Go!” cried Miss Melinda in still' shriller tones. “Must I have you ejected ftom this apartment? Mar!” she added, opening tlie door leading into the back room, “here is this contemptible puppy, Podd.” 1 ‘‘Has he come back here agin?”ancl the irate mother appeared upon the scene. “Maybe he come to see il ..your cat still out squalled you,” she said in harsh and sarcastic tones, as she confronted the bewildered victim of their joint accusations. . “Oi\to have my voice remind him of a file on a cross-cut saw,” rejoined the daughter with a little hysterical ■sob. “O, Mar! drive him away. I ean't bear the sight of him.” “My child, don’t let such a miserable creature disturb you,” said the mother, soothingly; then pointing to the outer door, she said: “Jet right out o’ here, and don'i put your foot nigh this house agin. If I was a man I’d learh you v how tv insult unprotected ladies,’’’ she ad- • d ed, -asr-ar partin g ifrjanctiem v-w hen 51 r, Podd, with his hand pressed to his head in a dazed sort of way, turned and fled into the darkness. An hour or two afterward, as hq stole dejeeteely into his lodgings, h < met, at the door, his landlady's daughter, who held his sen timental valentine in her hand, and beamed upon him a happy smile. “Oh, Mr. Podd!” she tenderly ex < ela+med, “how can l-ever thank vo j for this too awfully lovely valentine.' I’ve been watchin’ for you ever sine | supper. Do come into the parlor, where there is a nice, warm fire au‘ things look cosv.” Poor Mr. Podd. He muttered something about being consumed by a raging headache and, declining all proffered remedies he went hastily to his room, where, locking himsel! securely within;=he gave himself up fully to the anguish of the hour. It is a cause for little wonder, therefore, that any allusion to St. Valentine’s Day now causes a deej; depression to settle on his once susceptible heart and a chill to pervade his sensitive being.

A Local Boomer.

Detroit Free Press. A well dressed man was walking along Jefferson avenue when a bool black tackled him. “Shine, sir?” asked the boy. “How much?” asked the gentleman, noticing that the youngster was a bright little fellow, who mighi prove interesting. “Ten cents.” “Isn’t that double price?* “You don’t live here do you? “No.” “That’s whqt I thought.” ’ “What difference does that make?’ “Five cents’ difference,” grinned the boy. “But you have no right to charge strangers more than olher people.” “That’s the rule of the business.’ ‘ What have you such a rule for?” “To incourage immergration.” The words came sq hard to the boy that the gentleman laughed al him. “How does it encourage immjgra tion?” he said. “Dead easy. You see, this is thi finest town on earth, and when a gent like you walks around with j ten-cent shine on his feet he feels sc good that he wants to buy the biggest horse and lot he can find ant settip down right away. See?" The gentleman saw—ten cents worth. A number of Paris policemen arc to visit London in order to studi the manner in which the street traf sic of the British metropoiiSTTs reg ulated. ~ ~ -q

One of thq absurdities of the timi is a dictionary of three or four hun dred pages, the size of a big thuml nail, inclosed in a case of aluminum silver or gold, and read by oceans o a magnifying lens let into the case

FARMS AND FARMERS.

TO MEASURE AN ACBET-/ j ~ Few farmers know the size of their fields or how many acres they contain. It is desirable—in fact, indispensable—for good' work that a Harmer sho u 1 d fenow -th is, otherwise he cannot apportion seed ovmensure for it; nor can he tell how much time it should take to plow, harrow or cultivate it. A good cotton cord, the size of a plow line, should be kept for this purpose. ’ To make one, buy sixty-seven feet of cotton, rope, one inch round, fasten a ring at eaclyendyaud make these rings precisely sixty-six feet apart. This is four rods. Tie a piece of red rag in the center. One acre of ground will be a piece four of these cot'ds long and two and one-half wide, equal to 16x10 rods, making IfiO square rods to an acre. . The advantage of the ringsis that by driving a stake in the ground to hold the rope while he stretches it out. The rope should be soaked in tar and then dried. This will prevent its shrinking. ——; —— Hast year a neighbor of the writer had*a heavy sod plowed by contract at $2.50 per acre. Three persons stepped it off. One said it was four 'achresj another made it a little over five, and the third said it was .31 acres. Tfie contractor sent over and got this rope, and all five men measured it, and it was found to be just 31 acres. He had paid to have the grass cut off it for three years at $1 per acre, or sseach season, counting it tq be five acres in extent, thus losing $4.50 through ignorance. Get a measuring line, and when not in use put it away, ’so that the •hands cannot get at it, dr they will be very apt togut a piece off to tie up thus makiiig-i-Fworthluss-for the purpose of measuring.

beef for the market. Western dressed beef could not compete with home raised beef if the Western beef was not’of good quality. Much as has been said in regard to the monopoly of the markets by this dressed beef, the fact is that it is of excellent quality compared with that which has been fur - nished to-the consumers by butchers who have accejited old cows, poor steers and other animals that liave been out of condition for the butcher in many ways. When the farmers begin to raise choice/beef by using beef-producing breeds, they will be able to compete with Western beef without difficulty. It is a sad truth, but lack of quality in home raised neat has given up«the markets to the Western ready dressed beef.

. WOUNDS OF FRUIT TREES. All wounds that are noticed on Tuit frees ought to be attended to promptly an.d carefully, just as is j|he case in the care of animals, and proper remedies shoujd be applied. Broken limbs must be removed by a sne, sharp saw, and the bared surface then quickly covered with a thick ochre paint; the wound thus treated will heal much more quickly and soundly than if left alone. Very ?arly in its existence a young tree may get what will prove to be its death wounds. It is not enough to paint trees—that is an operation which goes but a very little way in the establishment of an orchard to be depended upon for regular and reliable crops of good merchantable fruit. VALUE OF WINTER CROPS. Farmers have been accustomed to regard the winter season as an unprofitable portion of the year, as plant growth ceases and the earth.is Sealed by the frost until spring. Nevertheless, there is something occurring in the soil, even during the severest period of the year, and in a manner which may not be noticed. Changes are constantly occurring in the soil, and the roots of plants act mysteriously, performing duties that apparently Wave no connection with the plants, yet are within the lines of pertaining to their kind and according to circumstances and conditions. While, many of the processes which occur in the soil are not fully understood, yet there is always evidence that changes are taking place and that results are obtained from causes which do not manifest themselves- to the inexperienced, or until the solution of some problem connected therewith unfolds that which was unknown. Growth may occur in a plant by storage of food within the roots, and by enlargement of the roots, without the manifestation of increase on the surface of the ground. That is, the plants in winter may not increase the length of the stalks and leaves, but may be making preparation far down below the reach of the frost. The clover plant, and especially the scarlet (or crimson) clover, is an example of the capacity of some plants to utilize portions of the winter season. It makes wonderful growth in the fall, and does not cease growing until the ground is quite cold, and it also shoots off early in the spring before some othbr plants have shaken off the frost. Its ability to spring right off on the first approach of warmth shows that there has been a storage of plant food in the roots (though not in large quantity, and performed slowly), to give the plants an early start. This may be claimed in favor of some other plants which also utilize the growing season late and early. When plants grow ■ rapidly in the fall, and cover the ground, they do not so readily suffer from alternate freezing and thawing, as the roots secure a hold deep in tho earth, and

the plants afford a partial mulch. There is less loss of soluble material being carried away by the rains, and on warm, sandy soils the process of chemical action occurs, even if to on ly a si igh t ex ten t, but d urin/i the long period of venter a suflicienf change occurs to be of service to the plants- ‘ Hence, while, no upward growth is • apparent, there is a preparatory process jwhich -hastens the growth on the first approach o! spring. Ground that is occupied with winter crops, therefore, is utilized. to the best advantage, because the crops can be got but of the way during the growing season to per: mit of alate crop of some kind, and because the land would otherwise be idle. THE GARDEN. Working the garden with the spade and hoe on heavy soil is hard work in the spring, and it is not much relished by farmers, who prefer the horse hoe. The soil can be mellowed some if the plot is toe small to admit of plowing, it may be spaded. No raking is necessary, but a heavy application of lime should be given. All small fruits in the garden will be benefited by a heavy mulching ol manure, which protects the roots against frequent thawing.and freezing of the soil. Radishes for win ter may be stored in sand in the cellar. Root crops may also be kept in this manner. Cut the rose bushes back and cover them by wrapping straw around them, jjilling up well to turn the water off. If the climate is not too severe for some varieties simply hillaround them. Nasturtium cuttings, taken from plants in the open ground and rooted before cold weather sets in, make nicq plants for flowering indoors during the winter.

NOTES. 3: A poultry writer says that the dust bath’is not merely a mqtter ol fanciful benefit to the fowls. It is the same to them as a water bath to the human biped, and more, for if not only helps to free their plumage from dirt, but dislodges insect enemies from their skins. Their appreciation. of its value is sufficiently attested by the use they make of it when they have the chance. 'Chicks will not raise themselves. To be successful we must take the very best care of them, Watcjiing for and attending to their every want, There are so many details to be taken into consideration that it is impossible to record them here, but each one must attend to them as they present themselves. Experiments made, with eggs for hatching purposes demonstrate that those layed by pullets are unreliable, and fewer chicks are obtained than from eggs laid by old hens.

The Minorcas and Black Spanish’ lay larger eggs than do any other breed of fowls, but the Brahmas, Cochins and Plymouth Rocks are the best winter layers. SHEEP AND CATTLE. A good rule with sheep is to keep them under shelter in stormy weather, and let them run out when the weather is fine. When a calf is drinking milk it should be fed slowly and with intervals of rest, and cold milk should never be given, as this chills the stomach and provokes indigestion. If it becomes gorged, give a little soda, following with little raw linseed or castor oil. In breeding to improve sheep, two items must be kept in view; one is the carcass or form, and the other is the fleece or wool; and neither should be improved without carefully considering the other. Neither can receive too much attention, if in caring for it the other is not"neglected. Many farmers have yet to learn that the better grades of stock pay them better in the end. The same feed and care necessary to keep a scrub alive will often keep a good animal in a thrifty condition. The one will pay for its feed and something over, while the other will prove a loss.

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES.

In India the cultivation of rice antedates history. There are 20,000 trained nurses in England, Ireland and Scotland. The total strength of the London police force now stands at. 15,126. The mayor of Newcastle-on-Tynq has declared that city to be the most dnunken in the United Kingdom. Safety matches that can be usec| without a box are to be placed on thq market by a German inventor. MA white panther, an animal neveq before seen in a menagerie, has just arrived at the |Jardin des Plantes, Paris. Celluloid that is perfectly fireproof is now manufactured in England by a new process from ‘the spent fibers from paper mills. A cod caught off Flambeaugh Head not long back, was found, it is said, to have fifty nine fishhooks, all baited, in his stomach. Rubber heels are to be attached to the shoes worn by French soldiers. It is claimed that they decrease the fatigue of marching. , A Roman milestone was recently found near Carlisle, on the Roman road leading to York, on which is cut the name of Carausius, the commander of the Channel fleet, who, in Diocletian’s time, proclaimed himself Emperor in Britain, and hold out for eight years against both Romans and Picts. This is the first inscription of Carausius ever found, thaagh his coins are not uncommon.

OUR PLEASURE CLUB.

The Tammany tiger seems to be in no danger of gettmg the gripiagaanv "“The¥ceheryforThe"tbrture chamber is not ready. What will we do?” Manager—That's all right; just have a little girl recite “Curfew Must Not Ring To-night.” “Are you going to try for the prize in history?” y , Teddy—Yes’m; I can guess lots better than I. used to, ; Caller—ls your mamma well today? , Robbie —I guess not, ’cause when she saw you cornin’ she didn’t say, “There’s that old guy,” like she generally does. “Miss Robbins sings like a bird, doesn’t she?” slr. Blank —No; they stop singing sometimes. The Vicar —And how do you like the new chimes, Mrs. Weaver? You must he glad to hear those beautiful hymn tunes at night. .They must remind you of — Mrs. Weaver—Yes; - I’ve took my medicine quiie’ regular ever since they were begun.

Parvenu Hostess (to stable boy, attired as a waiter for the occasion of a dinner pdrty)—James, why do you not filF Mr. DeGluttonne's glass? James—Lor, ma’am, what’s the use? He empties it as fast as I fill it. ~ ■ “ He —Kissing under the mistletoe is an English custom, I think. CShe —I believe to, but if I were a man I wouldn’t wait till a girl gok under the mistletoe. A philosopher who , writes for the New York 51ercury sententiously remarks: “A woman’s brain jlousn’t empty in to her lieai't.” No, indeed. It generally empties into her husband’sjbraih and greatly improves it.

Call the Police.

Indianapolis News. Superintendent Powell in his mail received this picture. There was nothing about it to suggest thu sender, but on it was written: “This needs closing.” Mr. Powell said that he thought it a take off on the en-

“OPEN ALL NIGHT.”

,’orcement of the law, but that twenty police forces could not close the mouth of a healthy babe like the one represented in the picture.

Profit on Anti-Toxin.

London Letter in Philadelphia Telegraph. Dr. Roux is a poor man. He does not receive $2,000 a year. He works for humanity and for the honor of French science. If he scorns to speculate with his discoveries surely outsiders should not be allowed to derive profit from them. Dr. Roux night be a millionaire but that his nigh sense of honor will not allow aim to degrade science to the level as a trade. But in contrast to this noble attitude Dr. Jules Felix, of Brussels, writes me. pointing out that the anti-toxin serum of the horse, manufactured wholesale at Berlin, is now on sale in BeligtUm. The charge is no Jess than $4 for ten grammes, at least for quality No. 3, which is the strongest. As twenty grammes should be employed by day, this would mean $8 a day. Now, in Belgium a good, sound, but old, cavalry horse can be bought for S4O. Keeping and feeding the horse for three months, so as to render the animal immune, would cost $36. A. horse, even if bled only three times, would yield-each time three litres,in all nine litres, or 9,000 grammes of anti-toxin. Now, if 9,000 grammei are sold at the price charged by the German firm —namely, $4 for ten granules —this would represent a nice little sum of $3,100 for what would cost from $76 to, let us say, SIOO to produce, and there would still remain the horse in probably a healthier condition than when purchased.

Wild Flowers in the City.

New York Sun. Onb man with a small city yard and a small income to match has had some pleasure in raising wild flowers during the summer. He gathered them in fields arid about the edge of town and tried to give, soil to them like that of their habitat. A moth mullein was kept in bloom for six week by clipping the blossoms as they faded. A small daisy quadrupled in size and was full of flowers. The tritium bore a royal blossom. Several varieties of fern drooped os transplanting, but after a week of watering braced up and pushed ouli a host of fronds. White and blue violets increased and multiplied, and star grass, blue-eyed grass, hawki weeding so on produced blossoms of marked beauty. He believes thaf fine I ©use plants could be made from i many despised weeds.