Saturday Evening Mail, Volume 18, Number 28, Terre Haute, Vigo County, 31 December 1887 — Page 2

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THE ORPHAN'S NEW YEAR.

Gold fa tho night, and the wind blows wild And the clouds scud swiftly by. And tho beatinjj rain fulls pitiless

On a little orphan boy, Watering, friendless, alone in the dark, Alone in tbo crowded street— Lcn than naught to the banian throng,

That cnrcless pass and meet.

I wonder If ever a home he had.

This denote to

orphan, and where?

Tbo mother who bore bim, did ebe lore Thl* chiiu ::!i tb«* tnfj~!cd hair* I wonder.lf brother or sister be bad,

If ever a father bo knew? Or if bo ever eat of bread ia bin life. Or of meat, as the rest of us dot

•'TKJ.L RHUS TO PI.KA8E LET ME DTE."

Scarcely human he seems somehow, As he xteals along the street, like a faint shadow of bygone things.

With hi* listless, frozen feet And he nlmoat fnll tax he creeps to a gate And crouehus with desolate cry: ••Mother, oh, mother, make me get warm,

Or tell Jesus to pleoso let me die!"

I wondered, na I saw them rala Tho corpse of that friendless one Whether 'twas better to die as lie died

Than to live as bo bad done And I almost forgot hat he had starred. For that cold and sh-'lterless gate Had been the portal to paradise.

Where the welcoming augelx wait. But yet I wondered If those that saw That piteous, still young face Would, when they inct a starving child,

E'er think of the tiin aud place Where they hnlped to lift that little form, With Its frozen lx»k of pain. And, thinking of him so wan and white,

Pass a hungry face again. —O. H.

NEW YEAR'S GIFTS.

11Y K. LOtriSK WEST.

Airs. Dreswell called her husband into 1 back pnrlor after tea. "I want to .suit you seriously, my dear," she said, ••\v.t.h regard to our New Year's presents." "Ah, yes," agreed Mr. I)., ruttling his wntih chain with mdt-e energy than the ilon seemed to require. "Oh, cert.tinly!" ••. mi see," pursued Mrs. Dreswell, "there aro a great many people I ivn we ought to give, but" 1ml yes indeed, btit" #Mr. I .- '.I opened up tho* Interview with a 1 ioaranco of mirth. nir«o, wo cannot give to every-

There aro my family and your

-*Cr'% -K mmtf1 attirMnrDrrawelf, 1 confused, "your family, and— j. th our families. Our families and .ildren," continued the businessI ii lo woman, "and tho servants"

Dreswell *8 strong right hand, ed in brushing troublesome from his waistcoat, was now

1 impressively. "My love, I sacria largo portion of my income 1 deny myself many things for the purjk) of encouraging theservauts to remain iu iny house. Must I also present them wiih rich gifts? Gold from the mint* of tin- Indies? I tell you, Mary Ann, my store is no snch placet" "Ohl" said Mrs. Dreswell, hastily, "the servants are of small consequence, bnt what Hhall we do for Aunt Mary Ann?" "Aunt Mary Ann bo hanged!" said Mr. Dreswell. He had known his merriment ooulil not stood tho strain. "Hut 1 was named for her, and"-—— "Then, my preckms pet," he chimed in, cheerfully, "if any presents do result from thut interesting connection, they will certainly pour In from tho other side and— I hope they may, I hope they may." "Well," sho sighed, judiciously waiving tho point ngain, "there's Grandma Winer." "Yes," he responded suavely, "there's Grandma Miner—there she is." "A nice knitted shawl," she suggested. "Certainly, certainly. The very thing. I haven't much change to-night"—Mr. Dreswell searched his pockets—"would a quarter do?" "Why," said Mrs. D., surprised Into nulling, "you can't get a nice shawl for a quarter—the idea!" ••Not get a nice shawl for a quarter?" roaml Mr. Dreswell, indignantly. "Then you ought to, that's all. W hat are the r.tores good for? Go to Racy's, that's the place. Why the women are pouring In there all day long, getting lots of cheap things. I should think you'd know" "My dear, be still!" he was headed off at l»st "I have prired them there, and they are very high."

sist#®

a c.

"OA! HA!—TK» IXMOCXX"

•WelL don't go there then! Pass the Ton shook! have tried Bootlyer's at first." ••I did. and they are just a* high. You Bfadn't' "Great stars! isn*t that like a woman! Now, are there no more than two stores •a town? Aren't they as plenty aahoeklefearriWhat

Is th« necessity of shop-

on the best streets, anyhow? I'U injar fifteen dollaqi yon never thought

of going half a dozen yards out of your way, over to Eighteenth avenue." "Yes, I did. John, and it was no use" "Now, Mary Ann, hash! hush! stop right there. What yon lack, what you've always wanted, so to speak, is a good, strong will. By Jovel a man ought to look oat for that in a wife. You shonld he determined to get a thing for a certain snm, and then get it. That's what I'd do. What yon need is will power. The city's big enough. In one place—yes, my dear, don't contradict, I've seen it with my own eyes in the paper— they offer to give a pot of flowers and something else, I forget what—a chromo, probably—to people for just walking throngh their store! Now, I don't care for chroinos myself, bnt if you hod simply passed through that store a few times you might havo had enongh to give a nice present to the servants if not to all ytrar friends, and never cost yon—I mean me— a single cent. Bnt, no! you're the last -woman in the world to surprise a man with a thing like that. Yon onght to have a stronger will, yon really ought."

Mr. Dreswell's voice grew milder nnd lower as he leaned back in his chair. Ho bad talked himself tired. "To return to the point," said Mrs. Dreswell, sarcastically, waiving the said point once more, "I wonld also like to get a dress for Sarah's little girl, something pretty and durable." "Well, I see no objection to that," said Mr. Dreswell, with a high, bright look of daring on his face, "none." "It will cost $10," she added, adopting' more direct tactics. "Ten dollars!" Mr. Dreswell was nearly speechless. "Is it possible that yon can't," he tapped his finger on the table at every word, "take a needle and thread nnd sew her np a dress for less hard earned money than that? You're crazy! Oh, you want will power! A good, strong will would make a woman of you. Mary Ann."

Mary Ann having been routed with great slaughter at every advance, Bilence now reigned for a while, until an idea struck Mr. Dreswell. He jumped upon his feet. "Now, my love," he said, with much dignity, "I wish to indulge and please you in every reasonable way, but I insist upon its being reasonable. I have offered you a great many plans and ideas, and also some money to-night, and now I have ono more proposition to make. Suppose we lump the whole abominable business." Mr. D. lost his temper a little here, but he paused, and regained it. "How much do you want? Speak out now, only be reasonable, Mary Ann. Bring your will to bear now, and make it low—as low as you can. What is it? Ah! you'll think about it. Well, don't be too late, I'll havo some expenses of my own to cash np shortly." Mr. Dreswell whistled cheerfully, glad to put off the evil day, and walked up stairs.

"COME ON!" HK 8HOUTKD.

Two weeks had slipped away, and New Year's was near at hand, when, one morning, Mr. Dreswell arrived at his place of business at the usual hour. It was early. Mr. Dreswell always had his family up betimes, impressing upon them that every minute represented just so many dollars to him, and then began the arduous labors of the day by reading his paper for an hour or so by the red hot office stove. Advertisements of holiday goods in large type filled his eyes, and these recalled to Mr. Dreswell his conversation with his wife, nnd the Impending doom of holiday giving which hung over his own head. It was not that he was unable, out of his plentiful means, to do this thing, nor that his wife was not economical and sensible, though her feelings on the matter never even occurred to him, but he hated, on principle, to give something fbr nothing, and

its

he bestowed on his paper an angry

fillip, he averred that it was all "nonsense." Then he took an easier position and continued his rending. Suddenly the door opened, nnd a lad put his head in. "A bill, snr." "Where from?" said Mr. Dreswell, shortly. "liacy's, sur." "What for?" "Want the money, sur—takinconto' stok, sur." "I'll come and Me them nbont it."

The gentleman spoke promptly, but he was greatly surprised. Mrs. Dreswell alwnys dealt for cash, and behold! here were several expensive articles charged against both his name and his express orders. Mr. Dreswell was still rapt in disgusted amazement when a bill from Bootl^er's arrived, and then one from Eighteenth avenue, and among the articles was a knitted shawl. Ten minutes later another man tramped in and found the head of the firm in a condition so nearly bordering on insanity that he was rejoiced to get away uninjured. As for Mr. Dreswell he tore the long towel off its roller and hound It tightly around his head to keep his great brain from bursting. Then throwing off his coat and cramming all his bills into the crown of his shining high hat, he dashed madly to the outer door, wad titting down in front of it, held the hat out in both hands, "Orate on," he shouted, in Utter fury, "I said she hadn't any wilL Bring 'em ioi I told hec she lacked will power. Pile 'em op. I told her she onght to bo determined. Here I ami I told her she dkln't know aoythfng. I'm the very foot they want, every timef*

A con pic of frightened boys hers slipped in and contributed a few hills from variant places, Mr. Dreswell mooning and groaning unceasingly. But be passed presently to read a note:

MY Ows PWLCF0C*L»VM—I thought ttoa easiest way in

ents

Si

to our holiday pre^

FERRE HAUTE SATURDAY VENIN MAH

SOLILOQUY OF TURKEY.

Cbttuxu, tDKliqnnrlhMiihM, Its greetings and goodly cheer. Has passed away, and no* today

We greet the glad New Tear. Yet still

r«n

sad, when I should be glad.

To think I am sitting hers.

My brother and sister and wife havo gone To tbo land where turkeys {jo In every bone I feel alone,

And my feathers are drooping low. to what is life without a wife In this queer land beknrf

Alackaday! and ob, dear mo! .« I don't know what I'll do My

familytle*

have

beca

cut short.

And I'm feeling very blue. I almost wish I bod made a dish At the family dinner, tsa

I feel, alas! I am growing old. And the thought of it m: ':es me sigh I am doomed to sit, while the shadows flit

Across the evening sky. Thro' many a night. Yet tbey say it's right,

For I am too tough to die!

To* K«w.

By Parcel Past.

BOW THE HKW TEA It CAME.

YEAR'S

NEW THE NORTHWEST.

Experience During Winter Holidays

Port Tottcn, Dakota. BY J. H. BEADLE.

It was my good fortune not many years ago to pass the winter holidays at Fort, Totten—better known as Devil's lake, D. T. Every day was full fit novelty, this is one of the most interesting If communities in the cold northwest. Four different interests center there the littlj population represents two great racdl and two divisions of each, and the plati has three names, according to the de ment of the one who names it. First, is "Devil's lake," being at the south end of that peculiar inland sea but as there is a railroad town of that name on the north side of the lake, designation is becoming obsolete. Tltel it is "Fort Totten," as the military post is called—one of the best built, handsomest and best managed of Uncle Sam's frontier posts. It is also the "Sisseton and Wahpeton Reservation of Sioux Indians," and last and beet it is known in the church record as the site of the m^Bion school and home kept by the Gray Suns of MontreaL And this was the part of it which made the holidays so interesting. .Christmas is a religious anniversary at*" the mission but New Year's is a time of« joyous cheer both there and at the milj«| tary post. Early on the first day of tl® year the officers come over to give us the compliments of the season at the agency hotel, and tt little

low zero there is not a cloud in the sky, and the parade ground is a dazzling white as we go the rounds. The soldiers are all in their best, with their guns and bayonets at the brightest for the new year, and the morning parade is a rare novelty white frosted mustaches, solid overcoats, bright weapons glittering in the morning sun attest a clean start for the year. After noon the officers' wives "receive," and they know how to make a more than "Knickerbocker New Yeai's then we have an evening of merriment^ during which the mercury outside fallB degrees, and going home I freeze the tip of one ear. Bnt it is a happy New Year's to all. The next night a dance at the fort closes the festivities for this time.

From Fort Totten to the mission buildings is little more than half a mile along a ridge over which the wind whistles merrily, havimg had all the broad plains thence to the Rocky mountains in which to gain momentum. Between fort and mission stand the cluster of buildings containing the agency store, United States signal service office, the residence and office of Maj. Cramsie, Indian agent, and others. To add to the interest, the snow is a foot deep and dry as flour almost, and during all the holiday week the thermometer does not even onoe rise to zero!

Thirty-four below" is the coldest, for, as the genial gentleman who runs the government weather assures us, "This is an uncommon mild winter last year it was 48 degs. below, and never got up within hailing distance of zero." Still the hardy Sioux keep up their fishing on the lake, cutting great holes in the ice, and the weather beaten mail carrier never

worth along trip to Bee the sleighs "discharge freight" at the door of the dancing ball There is no distinction of sex as they step out, for the ladies wear the universal buffalo overcoat—woolen goods will not turn snch winds as they have here—the flap tnrns up over the bead and the skirts brush the snow. Tbey have ridden fifteen miles in an atmosphere 52 degs. below the freezing point but when they get their wraps off and into the warm and brightly lighted hall, how clear skinned and rosy they do look! No ma laria here. To-morrow they will ride across the lake, though the mercury may have gone down 10 degs., laugh and chatter all the way, and think little of it. It's all in getting used to it and people ere quite as fond of social gayeties in the cold north as in the sunny south.

But my special business Is to investigate the Indians. Maj. Cramsie gives me all the aid be can, and Sisters Pago aisd Franklin, the principal leathers, put tin classes of little Indians throngh tbeSr excrete* for my bcneilt. The chapel can nected with the mission school is a beautiful building the assembly room will seat, I should judge, 600 worshipers and tt is a point of boner, ao to speak, with the Catholics to have all the sacrosancta of the altar aad pictures on the walls as

the wipes of the school, and ft to evident at a glance that tbey "take to" Christmas quite as joyfully as thefer little white ooa-

was the best. They are all sent aad tempocariss. Chilstmw morning off my mind, and I fed quite happy. Yo« high maes, ^theCArtoastoartsad, will surely approve of! the bills, for axe very reasons We Taw own de aad loving Worn.

the afternoon of tt remembered iat the United draws the lias oa ntigtoos

and while it pays too little for the school It pays nothing for the church so the ten sisters who run this mission have to make their limited allowance as teachers go a good ways, helped oat by whatever charitable people give. Tet they have done a wonderful work, and out of the 940 Indians on this reservation they have large a proportion in school as the avasage white community. And for all this, all tho agency work and all the employes' salaries the United States pays bat $6,000 a year. "The Gray Nuns of Montreal" moan order of sisters, nominally Sisters of Charity, but devoted to teaching Indians and devoted members of the order may be found through all this cold northwest from the Niobrara to the Athabasca basin. Maj. Cramsie is a warm advocate of the doctrine that the Sioux can be thoroughly civilized "if government will only give time enough and supply them with schools and good farming implements." Now that the military post is

^. no longer needed here, he urges the government to moke the fort buildings a great training school for tho children of oH the 20,000 Sioux in Dakota, and I heartily indorse his recommendation.

And while I hold a farewell talk with him, Jonathan Roberts, the fat and genial mail carrier, announces that the sleighing is good, the mercury only 8 degs. below zero, and consequently this "lovely January day" is my best day to go with him across the frozen water to Devil's Laka City, on tho St. Paul and Manitoba rait

EARLY CALENDARS.

The Clog AlmarfW—The Flrit Written ftand Printed Almanacs.

$fot every reader of these lines knows whv the calendar is so called, nor the reason for naming one of the most indispensable of modern handbooks the almanac.

It was customary in old Rome to proclaim the first of each month, that the people might know the dates for the constantly recurring religious festivals. A

~notice of the beginning of each neW

month was also affixed in a public place, and the 1st of the month took the name Kalendae or Kalends, from the Greek verb meaning to call, while to the ted notice was applied tho name Faste endares. Later a hook of accounts reirring to days was called Calendarium, lendar, and from this we have derived ur word, applied nowadays not only to a ondensed almanac, or exposition of time divisions generally, bat of late years to those dainty publications loved so well by young women wherein each day of tho year is provided with a passage from some favorite author. An old stone calendar found at Pompeii is in the form of a square block, upon each of the four sides of which are registered three months, in perpendicular columns, the proper sign of the Zodiac heading each. Agricultural and religious information is given as well as astronomical.

The namo almanac was derived from the Saxons, who, according to a quaint chronicler named Verstegcn, "used to engrnve upon certaine squared sticks, about &foot in length, or shorter, or longer, as tro^leased, the courses of tho moones of the jyhole yere, whereby they could a# ertainly tell when the new moonedf nes and changcs should happen, heir festival! dniea, ai\d such a tick they callea nl-mon-aught, tthat is to say, al-mon-heed. to wit, tho %gard or"observation of all the moones."

carv

b'y^im^n^the^ northern^

countries of Europe In 168G 'was probably a modification of the al-inon-aught. It was a square stick of box or other hard wood, on which the days and pionths were designated by variously shaped notches. Properly, it was a perpetual almanac, designed to show the Sundays and other fixed holidays of tho year only.

The earliest written almanacs were those of Solomon Jarchus, published in the Twelfth century. Pebrus de Dacia published an almanac in the year 1800 and thereafter they became more common with every year. Astrology was always exhaustively treated of in these early almanacs, and the following is an extract from an almanac for 1886:

Kxposvciox or Tn* snfra.

Aquarius es a syne ia the whilk the son es In Jany, and in that moneth ore 7 plyos dayes, the 1,3,4,5.6, lfi, 19, and if thoner is heard in that moneth It betokens grete wynde, mykel fruite, and bateL Aquarius is bote, moyste, sanguyne, and of that ayre it es gode to byf casteliia, or hous, or to wed.

The first almanac printed in Europe was probably the Kolendarium Novum, by Regiomontanos, calculated for 1475, 1494 and 1518. It was published in Bnda, Hungary. Richard Pynson, in 1497, printed the first English almanac, translating it from the French, and calling it The Sheapheafd's Kalendar.

Almanacs were largely prophetic in those days, and most readers of this will remember the patent medicine almanacs of their younger days, in which would oc-. cur in italic type, stretching half way down the page and covering fally a fortnight's time, such predictions as these: "About this time we

misses his tri-weekly trip across the frozen may expect hail, snow or rain, awomlake to Devil's Lake station. Thence jpanied by variable winds," or "Look out also come a hilarious party of youths'tor clear calm weather, with rising temand maidens to the New Year dance .peraturo and possibly violent thunder given by the officers of the fortjptonns-" .. and to one from a southern clime it is! In an almanac published in 1664, railed

Poor Robin, occurs this remarkable humorous prognostication for January: "There will be much frost and cold weather in Greenland." Possibly Ben Franklin got a suggestion for the title of his famous "Poor Richard's Almanac" from Poor Robin.

A Little Diplomat.

A little gW shoot Toomss to her Isthsr, "*o reading. Pwtty and meAyfees.

**Papa, I want to

Mik

your advice."

"Well, my dear, what is itf" "What do jroa think ftwfll be best for

to give me New Year'sT

^%he wseeistraafctagee ttsShoe^-'

fslptosefttast

A ttwtllM Holldayw

The following correspondence between a father at home upon his farm and his son at a military academy, and It was started at thefnstigation of a school comrade, who dictated the son's letter: "DEAB FATHER—I write to you in great trouble, and as I know your kind heart I feel sure that yoa will not let your only son suffer for the want of a dollar which he has to pay or to'locked up in the guard house, which will delay his promotion, all on the account of $5, which is the fine in case you lose tffie password, which I Should not have dono had not the horse ran away with me and caused me to destroy $10 worth of chickens and ducks belonging to a farmer and so, my dear father, if I do not. have the $20 at once I shall not have a chance of promotion, and thus shall be deprived of tho pleasure of passing New Year's day with you and my dear mother. "Your obedient and dutiful son."

Tbe answer wastthis:

I

"MY DEAR Son—I received your letter and hasten to inalose you the money which you need, ami hope that it will secure your promotion. The $20 which you require to pay for the $10 worth of fowls would never stand in the way of my sending you $5 to pay for the lost password, and so I send*you the dollar which is to keep you out off the guard house and on the road to promotion, af tor which-you can come home New Year's. "Your affectionate father."

New Yeac'a Calfe In New York.

The custom of receiving colls on New year's Day, so long a distinctive New York Institution, has almost died out. A few old fashioned people nnd families still adhere to it, but some fall from the.ranks even of these with every now year, for the most loyal adherent of ancient forms and customs is not proof against the neglect of those whom they are endeavoring to serve, and it is not necessary to stay at home, dress, and provide a refreshment table for cards. The truth is, New York has become too large for the observance of such a custom, and social relations too complicated. Tho young people do not care about it, it savors tog much of old Knickerbocker habits.' They are more at leisure than, their'Dutch ancestors. They meet tbo dhy before New Year's and the day lifter. Why shonVl they make a spe-

AN OI.D FASniONED NEW YEAR'S.

cial thing of meeting on New Year's Dayf l'bo day is still kept, however, but in a different way. Dinners, entertainments, country parties and merry makings, rides, impromptu dances and the like have taken the place of making and receiving calls,,

Dinner of Fish, Jan. 1, 14S0.

Given by the Irish lords to the tnaire and his brethren aldermen of London. First course:

Brawne and tnnstardc, dod ellycs' ln bur&ctir, frumcut, with balein (whale) pykc In eriiapn, lamprey, powdered trought, codlyng, playes, fryed marling, fryed crabby*, lecbe lumbard, florysbed tartys.

The second course was: Oely, colered with columbine flowers: white potage, or ere me of aimandes bretne of tbo sea, oongour, solya, chcven, barbyll, with rache freshe aamon, haly-but, guraarde, rochet, broyled smelih, fryed crevjrs or lobster: lamprey, fresh boken fampeyne, flourished with a royal soochoo.

The third course waac Dates in compost, create moiic, carpe deore, lurbut, fencb, percbe with goion, freshe stargcon with welkes, porperous rosted, mecnes fryed, crevis de eawe donee, prattys, elys roasted with lamprey. Alecbe, called the wbyte lecbe, flourished with blackthorn leves and red hawes, and a great marebe pain (ginger cake), on which was wrought the names of all the fpiests.

The account tells how cach diner was furnished with a patty to take homo to his family, which contained a little of every dish served at the table, which ii appears was the custom those days.

Homes of the Month*.

The Roman names of the months, as settled by Augustus, have also been used in all Christian countries excepting Holland, where the following set of names prevails: January- .. ..LamcsMaiL-. Chilly month. February..... Sprokebnaand ..Vegetation month. Harcti. Leatmaaad .V tipring month. ApriL.........Grwmaaod.... Grasamonth. May..... ....Btowmaaad .... Flower month. Jane-....^.-Zomermaaad Ju3y„......... Ilooymaand. Augusts...... Ooetmaaad.. September.... ncra&tnaaad October....... WynmaawLKevenber... .SJogtmaaod DBOHttfaiW

To

.gammer month. Hay month. Harvest month.

Autumn mosth. .Wine month. .Slaughter month.

Winteraaaad ..Wtatrt- month,

These characteristic names

characteristic names of the

months are the remains of the ancient Gaulish titles, which were also used by our Anglo-Saxon ancestors.

Write

w* That How Ust

The who will not execute his resolutions when tbey are fresh upon him esn have no hope from them afterwards they will be dissipated, lost aad perish in the hurryof ths world arte the skmgh of t&-

NEW YEAR'S AMONG THE GRE£K8.

Interesting Ceremonies We Are Hot Ms erally Familiar Witt. BY OUYK BABPXB.

Christmas is a purely religious holiday among the Greeks, with none of that mirth and jollity observed among most Christians. There is no giving of presents and no toys or special pleasure for the children on that day. It is regarded with sentiments of solemn and holy awe, and is kept with fasting and church going, and there is no visiting or any other social meeting permitted, not only among the native born Greeks and those born In Constantinople, but also the Russians, and Bulgarians, who &re all Greek in religion.

Epiphany is also a solemn religious feast, or rather ceremony, which in that church represents the day of the baptism of Christ, and on this occasion a hogshead of the holy water is blessed and each family takes a can or bottle full home for future need. The service keeps up until midnight, when a powerful light is reflected in the church to represent the descent of tho Spirit Then the worshipers light their tapcr3 and put them into lanterns and hasten home, when they find their tables laden with dried fruits and nuts—nothing else. Before any one can eat a little holy water is put into cach mouth and a lamp is lighted and placed before the picture or statuette of the Blessed Virgin, which is found in every orthodox Greek house, and this is kept burning seven days and nights.

The morning alter Epiphany all the Greeks, Russians and Bulgarians who can get so far go to a part of the Bosphorus where the shores are the nearest together, at the entrance to the Black sea, to witness the blessing of the waters. Tho current here is very swift and strong, and is indeed called the Devil's current, and into the midst of this current full of floating ice the priest, after some ceremony, throws a silver crncifix. Instantly a dozen or moro strong swimmers plunge after it, for it is a great honor to recover it, and besides the iimler has a right to place it on a silver salver belonging to the church and go to every orthodox Greek and receive a present of money. No Russian or Greek captain will pat to sea on any account between Christmas and Epiphany but it is a beantiful sight to watch the sea of Marmora whiten with the sails of tho departing craft the day after Epiphany.

But New Year's day among them is observed as we do Christmas the children receive presents, toys, candles and fruit the wives receive Jewels from their husbands, and invariably a purse of money. The giving of money to his wife nnd each and every child nnd every servant in a houso is obligatory upon tho master, and he also is obliged to givo to the postman and every other person who serves him in any cauicity. Besides this, custom demands ®f him that he pay ceremonious visits to all his lady friends, and to none of these can he go empty handed. When he is ready to leave he finds tho servants all drawn up in line and to each of them he must give money. The only consolation he can find is in the fact that his friends have to visit his wife also and bear her presents.

At this all day reception t£e lady or ladies of a house are dressed in their best, und they offer coffee and sweetmeats to every guest. There is no wine of strong drink used.

At night the ceremonious vlsitint, ceases and families unite, and the young folks, nnd old ones, too, join in anil play games and have a royal good time. Then a great cake, caXed Vaeilopeta, is brought in and cut into as many pieces aB there ore guests. In this enke two pieces of money are baked, nnd tho young man and girl who get them are king and queen the year's feasts, and they receive artificial flower crowns.

Tho night before New Year's is kept as watch night, much after our fashion, and booths are erected in every direction for the eale of candies, figs, dates, raisins and cheap toys. Expensive mechanical toys, such as our children require, are unknown there, and parents give their children money according to their means, which is carefully kept until the child*is grown, so that there is usually quite a snug little sum.

The women make presents of articles of their own handiwork, such as sUk purses and tobacco pouches, but rarely anything expensive. New Year's takes the place of our Christmas, and is a dny for the women and children.

1%^

New Tear's Bells.

ITark I the merry bells are ringing, Yet another year has passed. What the baby year Is bringing

Mortal cannot well forecast. May its days bo sweeter, brighter, Than the year that now is past Hay its burdens all be lighter

And IU blessings longer last. King out, sweet bells'. The New Year comes Ring out, sweet bells.

To all our homes! A coming year

Of

Joy reveal

-Y.

As loud ye ring Exultant peals! —Edward Oxen ford.

Those who are renlly awake to the sights and sounds which the procession of the months offers them find endless entertainment and instruction. Yet there are great multitudes who are present at as many as threescore and ten performances, without ever observing the chief actors In the great drama.—LowelL

*.• True Philanthropy

"How I pity the poor snch a night this," said Blonde, as he sat in his comfortable apartment. "Then why," asked Bluff, "don't you put on your coat and go out and see if yon cannot render assist* ones to some of tbemf" "Ah," replied Blande, "then I should not be so comfortable as I am now, aad 1 might forget the poor and begin to ptty myself. Ttort would bo selfish, you know."

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