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FARMING NOTES.,
FARMING NOTES., (From the "Farmer and Stock-Breeder") THE WHEAT CROP. We have again arrived at that. interesting point when the popularity of the chief cereal must be voted upon. And farmers are greatly exercised as to what extent they may advisedly entrust the candi- date with their favours. Though reluctant to forsake an old and good friend they cannot lightly overlook the curious and inexplicable behaviour of king wheat in recent years. The decline haa been sustained, and goes on even now at an accelerated rate. Recent prices have touched an unprecedently low level, and the prospects of an early or tangible improvement are nowhere visible. In the midst of gloom of unparalleled density the British wheat grower may be forgiven—nay, he may lay himself open to reproach by acting contrarily-if he largely with- draws his patronage from a crop at once so extra- vagant in its demands, and so immoderately limited in its returns. f Sentiment, however plausible and persuasive, can- not be allowed to sway the affairs of the farm nowa- days. The wheat break has ever been a prime favourite with the English farmer, and in years gone by, though all else on a cultivated farm dwarfed and failed, if the wheat remained and prospered the toiler felt tolerably secure. Now, however, all this ihas sadly changed. Indeed, the position is as nearly ireversed as may be. Whatever the condition of other crops, in the case of wheat the matter simply resolves itself into a struggle to restrict the loss accruing from Its production to the narrowest limits possible. It jCalls for no elaborated statement to show that wheat 'cannot possibly be grown profitably at a market price of 20s. per quarter. When some years ago its value touched the modest figure of 30s. several enterprising economists strove with commendable pluck and per- severance to prove that that price was capable of leaving the grower a surplus. But almost before the debate had reached a decisive stage it was robbed of its chiefest interest and value by a further recedence in the realising value of the product. Since the standard price has fallen below 30s. the wheat crop from a profit yielding standpoint has had no defenders. It is now universally branded a losing Speculation, and those who sorrowed heavily when the critical and argumentative point referred to was «ached, would now rejoice exultantly if they could but receive the despised 30s. per quarter. What iq to become of the accustomed wheat grower is a problem of the most interesting and prplexing sort. That he can continue to sow wheat on the former extensive scale is utterly impossible, unlæs, of course, he is careless regarding the "financial result. Substitutes have been suggested in abundance, but this is precisely one of the numerous instances in which it is easier to advise than to Ctirry into effect. For ov part we confess we cannot plainly perceive how tue farmer can wholly dispense with the wheat crop. Substitutory crops in the form of what have become known under the Comprehensive but appropriate term of "small Culture," might have been employed were our railway Companies more considerate—or may we say more Just ?-in formulating and administrating their tran- sit tariff. But under existing conditions these crops can only render inconsiderable relief. Other grain and green crops could be produced on an extended scale, or mope land might be laid out in permanent pasture but there is no geat encouragement to stimulate development in either direction. We fear farmers can only afford to minimise their dependence on wheat. They cannot very wisely relinquish the business altogether. WHEAT SOWING. AH hands will now be closely occupied in com- mitting the seed wheat to the seed-bed. The opera- tion is now very seasonable, and should be prosecuted with all speed. Little worth as the matured crops may be if wheat is to be grown at all, it must bo selected and cultivated on the most approved prin- ciples. For instance, the land should be prepared with scrupulous care as to seasonable work- ing and adequate manuring. Assuming that the ploughing and the application of farmyard manure, so far as the wheat break is concerned, are tflready finished, attention will have to be directed to the securing of a properly-made seed bed. Pre- paratory harrowing and sowing can be prosecuted to most advantage when the soil is dry on the surface and in a friable state. A wet seed-bed is not at all relished by the grain, and if planted under adverse Circumstances a partial or total failure of the crop may be expected. The bitter experiences of 1892-3 supplied a striking example of the truth of this remark. It will be remembered that the fall of 1892 was excep- tionly wet, and seasonable sowing was next to impos- sible. The result was thatawide extent of theseededarea proved barren, and had to be ploughed up in spring and resown with some other crop. It may be remarked here that this undesirable but necessary Operation largely accounted for the unexpected dis- parity between the wheat areas of 1893 and 1894. The best method of depositing seed is by the aid of the drill sower. The seed is more evenly dis- tributed, as well as better protected from the ravages of winged enemies and frost, when this useful imple- ment is employed. It also effects a considerable saving in seed, and altogether is greatly preferable to hand distribution. The selection of seed is another matter that de- mands careful investigation. This year particularly the seeding quantities must be chosen with strict regard as to the wholesomeness and maturity of the grain. Discolouration will probably not affect* the germinating power of the sample, but it is highly essential to ensure that it has suffered no other and more vital harm. Whatever artificial manures are considered needful are not applied until spring. The best dressing under average conditions is about lcwt. of nitrate of soda per acre, either alone or in conjunction with 2cwt. of slag or superphosphate. HARVEST WAGES. In an article on the cost of the harvest labour the Labour Gazette says In the Eastern Countie^f Lincolnshire, Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk, labourers have had full employment, and generally the rates of wages have been higher than last year. In Norfolk the contract price for the harvest has been from £6 to E7, lads and youths getting from 13 10s. to £ 3 15s., according to age. But most farmers appear to be paying at least EG 10s. In Essex one farmer is paying between 15s. to 18s. an acre for harvesting, as compared .with 12s. for last year. Another farmer (2000 acres) has paid up to 2Os., and for a few acres, 22s. for cutting wheat, as compared with 10s. in 1893, and has also paid 4s. to 5s. for carting. A gang of seven men on this farm has earned JE70 18s. between them by piece work in five weeks, or about £2 a week each. In Suffolk, harvest wages usually vary from £ 6 10s. to £ 8, some- times with malt and hops extra; on piece work rather more can be earned. Harvest wages in Cam- bridgeshire, particularly in the north, are higher than usual, especially for piece work. 17s. to 20s. an acre for mowing has been paid in many cases. A farmer near Peterborough states that some of the best men have earned 50s. a week, working from four a.m. to seven p.m. CANADIAN CROPS. The Canadian Gazette assures us that there can be n. doubt of the excellent harvest which has been gathered in the North-West generally, and there is also, happily, no doubt that this excellent harvest Is not the result of mere haphazard cultivation, as have been so many harvests in the past. During the first year or two the prairie-farmer's one thought is to obtain an immediate cash return from the soil, and he is often such a noviee in farm- ing that it is only by the hard teaching of ex- perience that he is brought to pay close attention to the methods he employs. A correspondent of the Canadian Farmers' Advocate has been driving through some of the best sections of Manitoba, and he reports a striking contrast between old and new modes of farming. On one aide of the road you might see a fine clean piece of wheat promising 25, 30, or even in some cases 40 bushels to the acre; while on the other a crop, grown under pre- cisely similar conditions of location, soil, and climate, would be found to be thin, poor, and dirty. A few years ago the fine clean piece of wheat was hard to find in very many districts. On the whole the correspondent reports the prospects on the prairie to be improving, and he looks forward now to a period of home making." "Everywhere," he says, even in the least favoured districts, where men have settled down with the intention of making homes and not fortunes, and where the careful economic, intelligent methods pursued in other agri- cultural countries have been adopted, success is written in plain letters across the gateway of such farms." As yet these are not, it must be confessed, in the majority; but each year sees the area of better farming extending, and the genuine home-making must extend too.
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GARDENING "GOSSIP. (From Gardening Illustrated.") STOVE. Among the^pfd-fashioned flowering stove plants which have been rather neglected of late years are Centradenia rosea, a very pretty little bush, covered with small, pale-coloured flowers. This would make a neat table plant in winter, and cuttings struck in spring would have some decorative value the follow- ing winter. There is another variety, C. floribunda, but which is not so effective as rosea. Plumbago rosea is another useful plant for small pot work. Neat little plants in 5in. pots will be found useful. Impatiens Sultani (Sultan's Balsam) is valuable in winter for its brightness and dwarf bushy habit. Rivina humilfS, now laden with clusters of bright-red berries, is useful, and all the above are well adapted for the small stove, where very high temperatures are not kept up. Every week now decreases the sun's warmth and light, and reduces the demand, but as the stove now will contain many flowering plants the con- ditions, both as regards heat and moisture, must be suitable and regular. FORCING-HOUSE. Where many.flowers are required in pots for the rooms or for cutting, a low span-roofed house, in which a temperature of 65deg. at night can be kept, is a very great help to bring forward many things at this season. Besides flowers Cucumbers may be grown in pots or boxes over the hot-water pipes. Tomatoes also may be started, and if there is a close, warm corner, Lily of the Valley may be started shortly. By-and-bye a Grape-Vine or two may be introduced in pots. Where many thing are brought forward in the same house more care and judgment are required, but with ordinary intelligence and constant care very much in the forcing way may be done in a compara- tively small house. UNIIEATBD GREENHOUSE. Chrysanthemums may be kept in this house if a canvas-blind can be fixed to roll down on frosty nights. In the meantime give all the air possible without creating cold draughts, and water with care, by which is meant give only what is required, and do not spill water about the borders and floors unnecessarily. Such hardy things as Laurestines, Jasminum nudi- florurn, and Andromeda floribunda may remain out- side for the present. Indian Rhododendrons will be safe enough outside till sharp frost is expected. Tree Pneonies are useful plants for the unheated house, and both these and Tea and other Roses may remain outside for the present. WTNTBK CUCUMBERS. If there is a comfortable bottom-heat of 80deg. or so, 65deg. will be high enough in the atmosphere at night. Cucumbers will, of course, do with more heat where the object is to cut all the fruit possible but where only five or six Cucumbers are wanted each week it will be better not to push the plants too hard with fire-heat. Pinch one leaf beyond the fruit. It is better to do without the knife as much as possible, and Tubbing or pinching out the terminal buds is better than cutting off a snoot with the knife. Top- dress as often as is necessary to keep the young roots covered up. Light top-dressings frequently are better than heavier coverings of soil at longer intervals. Give water enough to keep the roots in an equable condition of moisture. If the bottom-heat pipes are laid in rubble, provide some means of pouring water among the same to keep the bottom generally moist. Atmospheric moisture may be supplied by damping floors, &c. Do not give Cucumbers cold water. Cucumbers in frames are pretty well over now better pull the plants up and use the frames for sheltering Lettuce and Endive, or some other useful purpose. If there is no Mush- room-house a bed may be made up now in a frame. PROPAGATING CALCEOLARIAS. Young shoots of bedding Caleolarias Sin. long will strike readily now in sandy loam in a cold frame. All the protection required during the- winter will be a mat on frosty nights. If a frost or several weeks' duration comes, keep the frame covered till after the weather changes. I have had frames of cuttings covered up several weeks without injury. The un- covering should be done gradually when the thaw comes. WINDOW GARDENING. Refill window-boxes with bulbs, dwarf shrubs, or Wallflowers; the cheapest things are Wallflowers, Forget-me-not, Tufted Pansies, with edgings of Ivies, Creeping Jenny, and Variegated Vincas. In the watering of room-plants judgment is now necessary, or the leaves of Palms may get rusty at the end. India-rubbers and aralias will suffer if over-wateied. All the family of succulents, such as Cactuses, Aloes, and Echeverias, may now be kept drier in fact, very little water will be required till the days begin to lengthen. OUTDOOR GARDEN. Everybody is engaged now in preparing for the winter. The beds of tender summer flowers may as well be cleared off; so far as regards effectiveness their time has gone by. Very cheering, even amid a downpour of rain, are the masses of White and Red Japanese Anemones, and the Gaillardias are none the worse for the two days' rain which has just passed over us. Sweet Peas are now over, and the seeds of the choice kinds should be looked after if not all secured, as there is sure to be an increased demand for the beautiful new varied ties next season. On warm, well-drained soil, sow during October, for an early spring bloom. Snails are fond of the plants when young, but a few sifted ashes sprinkled round the plants will keep off snails better than anything I know, and it is so easy and cleanly to apply a handful or two of ashes round a plant or a group of plants that the slugs or snails are partial to. It will soon be time-to think of plm&g Roses; but it is cruel—I was going to say wicked-to plant Roses where nothing has been done to fit the land specially for them. Nearly all the ills which the Rose is sometimes afflicted with is due to planting without thoroughly breaking and manuring the sila It will, of course, be understood that clay is manure on light land, and charred refuse and burnt earth are exceedingly beneficial on heavy land that requires to be opened up. The planting of Evergreens should be got on with. There are only a few Conifers really suitable for small gardens or lawns; foremost among these few is the Cedar of Lebanon. Very pretty at all seasons is the glaucous variety of the Atlantic Cedar. Picea Nord- manniana (Nordmann's Silver Fir) and Picea Pinsapo (Spanish Silver Fir) are both hardy and interesting trees which are not likely to get too large for a small lawn. Among the deciduoua trees which may be planted to give tone and character are the Tulip-tree, the Weeping Cut-leaved Birch, the Purple Birch, Purple Beech, and the Golden Poplar. VEGETABLE GARDEN. Frfst may come at any moment of sufficient inten- sity to injure Cauliflowers turning in and Lettuces which are full grown. A very light covering will suffice to protect both of these crops if the frost is light, but the time is coming when suitable provi- sion should be made for the protection of a sufficient supply, and in this respect temporary ex- pedients will hardly do. There should be a supply of Lettuces coming on under glass, either in frames, or pits, or in orchard-houses; or cool-houses in which Tomatoes are grown in summer will do ad- mirably for filling with salad materials for winter. Broccoli may be laid down now with heads to the north. There is an abundant supply of all kinds of greens, including Winter Spinach. Transplant Winter Onions, have the ground in good heart, and make it fairly firm before planting. To obtain very large bulbs give plenty of room, 9in. to 12in. between the rows, and 6in. apart in the rows will produce Onions of large size if the land is in good condition. French Beans will now be forced under glass, preferably in pots, about five Beans being planted in each pot. A warm-house or pit will be necessary. If grown slowly the crops will not pay for the trouble. French Beans should have a night temperature of 60deg. to 6odeg., and a moist, genial atmosphere, and be placed as near the glass as possible. Make up Mushroom-beds where artificial heat can be given if necessary. Mushroom-beds may be made in large, deep boxes, and placed under the greenhouse stage if no other place is available but a properly con- structed Mushrooin-honse is so useful for many pur- poses every gardener should possess one. Take up the root crops before frost comes.
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TIlE tendency to organise strikes is greatly on the increase in France. During last year there were in all 634 strikes, affecting 4386 establishments, and 170,123 workmen, against 261 strikes the year before, affecting only 500 establishments and 50,000 work- men. UNLESS decisive steps are taken to stop the present indiscriminate slaughter there will soon be no fur- bearing animals in Alaska or seals in the adjacent seas. Gangs of adventurers who do not trouble to look further ahead than their own immediate profit are rapidly exterminating the animals.
GREATER BRITAIN.
GREATER BRITAIN. A GERMAN etnploy6 of the Indian Government haa made a communication to the Oestereichischen Monat- schrift fur den Orient, embodying researches into iron-working in India. The industry can be traced as far back as 1500 B.C. There are districts covered with debris, and the blocks of ancient forged iron are important in size. The Kutub column at Delhi bears an inscription which purports to be of the ninth cen- tury B.C. There are ancient cast-iron supports in the Temple of Karane, at Madras, and Puri, at Orissa. Cast steel was made 3000 years ago. Tools made of steel have been found in tombs dating from the 14th century B.C. The famous Damascus steel came from India, and an ancient document describes the process of its manufacture from the magnetic hon of Mir- tipalli and the brown mbnganesian iron of Konda- pore. THE reports of the Royal Observatory, Cape Town, one of the most valuable reports in the world, has just been brought up to date by the author, Dr. Gill. It shows that he has taken an average annual number of 5972 transits, and 5155 zenith distances. He com- pared/he northern and southern systems of declina- tion with the zenith telescope, and used the same instrument to determine the constant of aberration and to detect the change of latitude. The most important work carried out was in connection with his investigation of the value of the solar parallax. During the last five years 122 occultations of stars by the moon have been observed, and a total number of 77 comets examined. IN the museum at Cape Town is shown an old- fashioned, high-backed wooden chair, to which attaches a weird story. It is related that the chair is the one in which the Dutch governor was found sitting dead a few moments after the execution of a soldier whom he had sentenced to be hanged, and who on his doom being pronounced solemnly called upon his condemner to aocompany him to the throne of the Supreme Judge. IN some parts of Australia the tank trap is grow- ing greatly in favour for the extermination of rabbits. It consists of a tank containing water at the bottom, into which the rabbits jump, and from which they are unable afterwards to escape. It, however, is successful on a large scale only during the dry months of the year. A couple of stations using seven of them recently captured 23,000 rabbits in one week, and it is calculated that they can destroy 80.000 a month regularly. THE Victorian Government statist has just issued a table of statistics of the Australasian Colonies which throws considerable light on the causeeof the exist- ing depression. The total population of the seven colonies on December 31 last was 4,068,302, and the public debt of the colonies at the same date amounted to £ 204,432,270, or more than £50 for every man, woman, and child in Australasia. The public revenue of the seven colonies for the year was.,P-0-8,468,059, while the public expenditure amounted to £ 30,263,019. In only one of the colonies—New Zealand—did he revenue exceed the expenditure. The only satisfac- tory part of the table. is that the exports for the year exceeded the importh by £12,000,000, every colony except Westefn Australia having exported goods of more value than it imported. EUETHER outrages are reported from Central Aus- tralia, where the shearers are apparently getting more desperate and reckless than ever. The most daring of the outrages yet committed was the burn- ing of the steamer Rodney at Pooncarie. The Rodney was conv^ttas 45 free laboorers to Tolarno Station, and the in, fearing molestation from the Unionists, tied the steamer up for the night at a spot surrounded by swamps and creeks, thus making it a difficult task for anyone to approach her. Extra precautions were taken and full steam kept on, four watchmen guarding the steamer and a barge which she had in tow all night. The night being cloudy, the watchmen kept a sharp look-out, and about four o'clock on Sunda'y -morning one of them Baw a crowd of men making Jtowards the steamer's head. The alarm was immediately given, and the captain, rush- ing to the wheel-house, turned on the steam full speed astern. One of the crew ra^ft> slip the line to free the steamer, but was immedjKely covered by an armed man, who threatened to blow his brains out if he moved. The steamer was then boarded by a mob of men, numbering about 150, who worked in gangs. While some held the captain and crew others ousted the free labourers forcibly, throw- ing their swags after them into the swamp. Another gang looted the boat of everything portable, whilst others poured kerosene over her from stem to stern. Everything being ready, the signal was given, All hands ashore," and the steamer was fired at both ends simultaneously. The captain was released, but had much difficulty in escaping. He found it impossible to scuttle the ship, and made for the dingey, which fortunately was at the stern. The captain rowed to the barge, where the crew, including the stevedores, had taken refuge. The rioters did not interfere with the barge, which drifted down to Moorara Station. When the mob of rioters left the Rodney they scattered in all direc- tions, leaving the free labourers on a small island until daylight, when the Rodney's crew rescued and took them to Moorara. The Rodney burned fiercely for several hours, drifting about the river from bank to bank, and finally sinking. CoLONEL RENNY TAILYOUR, R.E., has completed his term of service as commanding engineer of the New South Wales Military Forces, and haa started for England. THERE was a great fire in Sydney on September 2, when a large furniture and bedding warehouse at the corner of George-street was utterly destroyed. The premises and stock were valued at £ 40,000. A fire- man was killed while trying to suppress the flames. ANOTHER Seventh Day adventist has been sentenced to imprisonment in the stocks at Glebe Point, Sydney, for working on Sunday. He was fined half- a-crown, or two hours' public confinement in the stocks. He refused to pay the fine, but for some reason the imprisonment was not inflicted, and the Court ordered a distress warrant to be levied on his goods. A LITTLE girl, five years old, has had a remarkable experience in the bush, near Castlemaine, Victoria. The child strayed into the bush, and was not found till six days later. During all that time she was absolutely without food, and when found she was delirious, and was gnawing at one of her boots. THE Royal Geographical Society has eent a letter to the Victorian Premier proposing uniformity in the spelling of native names. An application of the system in vogue in India is recommended. SOUTH Australian cricketers seem to be in good form this year judging from a game played recently at Summertown. J. J. Lyons took an eleven there to play the local team, and they scored 523, of which Lyons himself was responsible for 188, while A. H. Jarvis made 93 and Walter Giffen 43. THE value of the gold obtained from the famous Londonderry mine at Coolgardie amounts to £ 27,000, The manager states that he can turn out two tons of gold in three months. A SENSATIONAL attempt at burglary is reported from Dane Virke, New Zealand. The teller of the branch of the Bank of New South Wales on entering his bed- room one night was confronted by a masked man, who rushed on him and attempted to smother him in a blanket. The teller escaped, ran into the street, and raised an alarm. The police arrived, and on entering the bank found that the burglar had decamped, leaving a dark lantern, a mask, and a heavy bludgeon. A LADY temperance advocate in New Zealand has got into trouble through her own want of temperance. She wrote a letter to a Gisborne paper making charges against the local hotelkeepers of gambling, robbing drunken men, adulteration of liquors, and employ- ment of women of the lowest reputation, and declar- ing that the publicans annually robbed the public of £ 30,000. The eight hotelkeepers in Gisborne sued her and her husband for £ 2500 damages for libel, and the jury returned a verdict for plaintiffs, with JE50 damages.
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PHELPS and Grimaldi, so long associated with Clerkenwell, are to have their memories perpetuated in the nomenclature of the local streets. The London County Council, anxious to do away with some of the duplicate names of streets in the various districts of the Metropolis, have sent out several suggestions but in regard to two streets in Clerkenwell the local Vestry has decided that they shall be named re- spectively Phelps and "Grimaldi" Street. It is pretty well known that the tomb of the famous Joey Grimaldi in to be seen at St. James's, on Pentonville- hill. A MAN named Crowder, of Grange-street, St. John's- road, Hoxton, was arrested on a charge of attempting to murder his wife. It seemed that he had suffered from delusions, and that he had attacked her with a carving knife and cut her severely about the head and neck. He was brought up at the Worship-street Police-court and remanded.
THE WOMAN'S WORLD. .
THE WOMAN'S WORLD. A FRENCII newspaper has recently given a de- tailed account of the wardrobes and taste in the matter of the toilette of the Queens and leading Princesses in Europe. The Princess of Wales in avoiding all brilliant colours has given a vogue to the costume Anglais—the tailor- made blue serge, with a high collar—invariably her day-dress. In the evening her Royal Highness makes up for the plainness and simplicity of the Jay by wearing the most superb gowns and jewels. The Queen dresses in the sombre mourning of an English widow, and since the tragic death of Crown Prince Rudolph, the Empress of Austria has worn tho deepest and heaviest black, occasionally appearing in gowns of black and white commingled, A QUEEN who is a devotee of white is Margherita of Italy. The Dowager-Queen of Portugal, Maria Pia, was always superbly dressed before her widowhood, but the present Queen, Amelie, the daughter of the late Comte de Paris, follows in her footsteps, the great French costumiers reaping a golden harvest at the Portuguese Court. The Empress of Russia dresses as simply as her sister, the Princess of Wales, during the day, wearing the rich national costume for evening receptions or official functions. The Grand Duchesses Vladimir and of Leuchtenberg are the rulers of fashion at the Imperial Court, the latter going to Paris almost every season to collaborate with men and women dressmakers in the designing and choosing of now gowns. Tirii Regent of Spain, accomplished in all things, is always dressed with the elegant simplicity of a woman of taste. The simplest of all European Sovereigns is the Queen of the Belgians, who prefers a quiet domestic life to the limited existence of Royalty, re- garding expensive dressing as an unpleasant but neces- sary adjunct to Court festivities. A LADY correspondent of the Morning writes: Coats and capes are occupying attention very much at the present moment, and there is very little doubt now that the three-quarter length will not be con- sidered nearly so smart as those out-of-door garments which are either very long or very short. At the moment we are not very deeply concerned with regard to winter clothing. What we particularly want is something warm and light, whicn can be easily thrown over one's shoulders and that does not by its fur lining or trimming make us feel, sartorially speaking, that winter is here. While nothing looks so tawdry as a summer gown that is worn too late, it is inadvisable to lengthen the days of winter by plunging into heavy- lookrng garments. A very smart cape may be made of bright corn-fiower blue cloth, edged with crossway pieces of black satin, the arrangements at the corners consisting of narrow rolls of black satin laid on in the pattern seen. In putting on these narrow borders of satin, the fact that they should be lightly padded with cotton wool must not be overlooked the wide collar is of the same cloth, and trimmed in the same manner. To look just a little further ahead, the newest fur oapes are likely to take the form of a. tight-fitting bodice, with full sleeves extending to just below the elbow, and huge lappels. Another kind is a front fitted closely to the figure, something in the form of a zouave, while a bell-like cape extends out over either arm. There is a positive craze for white felt at the present moment, and the little toque-like hat worn with the cape is of a soft shade of cream felt ornamented with narrow black and white striped ribbons, out of which rise the sharp-pointed black wings. -r- PAPBR stockings are said to be a new German in- vention. A Berlin shoe trade journal says that the stockings ate made of a specially prepared impreg- nated paper stock which, it is claimed, has an extra- ordinary effect on perspiring feet. The moisture is absorbed by the paper as rapidly as it is formed, and the feet remain dry and warm, while the constant temperature maintained in the shoes is said to be a great preventive of colds. A FINE head of hair is within the reach of almost any woman by the use of most ordinary ahd simple means. Here are some useful suggestions: When the hair has been neglected, cut it to even length and wash the scalp nightly with soft water into which ammonia has been poured. This may be strong as possible at first, so that it does not burn the skin. Afterwards the proportions may be three large spoon- fuls of ammonia to a basin of water. Apply with a brush, stirring the hair well, while the head is par- tially immersed. A healthy system will supply oil enough for the hair if the head is kept clean. If the scalp is unnaturally dry, a mixture of half an ounce of carbonate of ammonia in a pint of sweet oil makes the most nutritive hair invigorator, A GREAT improvement by means of moulds has recently been introduced in the making of the old- fashioned wool work, cut and combed in imitation of plush. These zinc moulds effectively replace the usual strips of cardboard, as they are removable, and thus available over and over again, besides adapting them- selves to every fanciful shape, such as stars, initials, lyres, anchors, fruit, flowers, birds, animals, key, and serpentine patterns. Being only intended as a guide, a tracing to the work, each detached pattern is tacked in its proper place on either cloth or furniture velvet, to be entirely hidden under an overcasting of wool. Taking a six-petal flower as an example, the ring standing for the heart is first filled in with six radiat- ing groups of four long stitches in yellow Berlin wool; then each petal, starting from the centre out- wards, is entirely covered with an overcasting of light-coloured wool, say white, used double with a sharp rug needle, followed by a second one in mauve, and a third one in deep violet. Through this treble padding the scissors are inserted length- wise, well catching the wool of the three rows, which are sharply cut into two ribs, subsequently clipped evenly and combed out in the semblance of a smooth shot pile, displaying the three dif- ferent shades employed. The heart is afterwards Eroceeded with in a similar way, the stitches, owever, being in this case cut across and divided into two parts, an upstanding one for the corolla and the button-like pollen. As soon as the wool has been cut, the mould is easily slipped off ready for another flower. It can be utilised for bands and powderings of curtains, hangings, table covers, cushions, stools, slippers, bags, and numberless trifles. HERE is what the Lady says of the proposal to abolish the corset as an article of feminine attire In our humble opinion, knitted and woven woollen corsets, constructed so that beauty is not sacrificed to comfort, and amply boned, are not only modish, but distinctly contributory under normal circumstances to the health of the wearers, the denunciation of the Anti-Corset Association notwithstanding. The desire of a woman to make herself beautiful is not the mere frivolity the hygienist deems it, and between the vanity-stricken tight-lacer and the sensible woman who reasonably restricts her waist and supports the upper portion of her body there is a great gulf fixed, and we fear- lessly repeat the declaration that the average corset is not a deadly thing." Ir ink or fruit stains on linen are wetted with milk immediately they are received they can easily be washed out subsequently. Old ink stains should be treated with oxalic acid. Iron-mould should be removed with spirit of salts. Fill a breakfast cup with boiling water, spread the stained part over the cup, moisten the stain with a feather dipped in the spirit of salts, when it will disappear in a few seconds then dip the spot into the water in the cup, remove immediately, and thoroughly wash out in water, as the acid tends to burn materials sub- jected to contact with it. Marking-ink can bo effaced by an application of cyanuret of potassium applied in the same way.
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THE corruption of the Chinese officials, of which much is being heard just now, has been remarked by every recent traveller in the Far East. It is hinted; however, by Miss Bird, in her book on Japan (which, though written 15 years ago, is still he best account from the social standpoint that we have of the Mikado's Empire), that it is not in China onlv that the system prevails. Asiatic officialdom/' she declares, is essentially untrustworthy where money is concerned, and the idea of being content with a salary is a new one to the official mind." Indeed, the great obstacle to the progress of material civilisa- tion ir. Japan has been the enormous waste of public money, due to what are known as the squeezes of all State officials,
;HOME HINTS. ■ fir*
HOME HINTS. ■ fir* BAKED HIIRItINGS.-Choose herrings which are plump in shape and {y^rfectly fresh, the freshness being easily recognised by the clear brightness of the eyes, and the shining silvery appearance of the scales, which latter should be uninjured; then cook them directly they are sent home. Cut off the heads and toils, trim the fins, and empty the fish carefully; then wash them quickly in cold salted water, and dry them well with a clean, soft cloth, after which sprinkle the insides freely with salt, pepper, pow- dered mace, and finely-chopped parsley; then press the openings together firmly, rub the outsides over with finely-sifted flour, and arrange the herrings side by side in a well-greased baking-tin, pour a small quantity of boiling fat over them, and bake in a moderate oven for 10 or 12 minutes. When done enough take up the fish carefully with a slice, and drain them well on blotting or kitchen paper then sprinkle them with very fine brown raspings, and place them neatly, head to tail, on a nice hot dish- paper, garnish tastefully with sprigs of parsley and slices of fresh lemon, and serve very hot. BOILED HERRINGs.-For those who rather fear the richness of the fish when cooked in any other way this is a method to be highly recommended. Wash, scale, and empty the herrings, and secure each one in a ring by fastening its tail firmly in its mouth, then put them into boiling water, well seasoned with vinegar and salt, and, after boiling for one minute, draw the pan on one side, and simmer as gently as possible from eight to twelve minutes, according to the size and thickness of the fish. If cooked too quickly, by allowing the water to boil all the time instead of just simmering, the herrings will in all probability, break all to pieces, and thus the nice appearance of the dish would be spoiled entirely. When sufficientiy cooked, take them up and drain them well, then sprinkle their surface well with a mixture of finely-minced parsley, brown raspings, and sifted egg yolk. Arrange in neat order on a hot dish-paper, garnish with sprigs of parsley, and serve very hot, accompanied by some well-made shrimp, anchovy or parsley sauce in a hot tureen. FRIED HERRINGS.—Clean and scale the herrings, then cut off the heads, tails, and fins, remove the backbone, and divide each fish into two fillets or halves; do not wash these, but just simply lay them between the folds of a clean, soft cloth, and pat them gently so as to absorb all the moisture, then egg and breadcrumb them in the usual manner, press the coating in firmly, and fry in hot clarified fat for five or six minutes, by which time the fish will be suffi- ciently cooked and richly browned drain, well, so as to ensure crispness and dryness, arrange tastefully on a hot dish-paper, garnish with fried parsley, and serve immediately. Or, if preferred, cut each fillet in two, crosswise, previous to frying; then, when done enough and well drained, place each piece of fish on a small daintily-fried crouton, and dish up as already directed. GRILLED HEititiz;Gs.Scale, empty, and quickly wash the herrings, then cut off the heads, tails, and fins, and carefully flatten the fish whilst removing the backbone and as many of the smaller bones as possible, after which season the insides well with salt, pepper, lemon juice, and minced parsley, and place the herrings together in pairs, pressing tho insides together, pently but firmly, so as to make them adhere. When thus prepared, brush the outsides entirely over with beaten egg, and sprinkle them well with oatmeal; then, after pressing the coating quite firmly into the fish, brush them over entirely with liquid butter, and grill or broil over a clear hot fire from 12 to 15 minutes, turning them just once during the time. Serve neatly arranged on a hot dish-paper, with tiny pats of mustard-butter tastefully placed on the top of each. To prepare the mustard-butter take 2oz. of perfectly fresh butter, a large teaspoonful of made mustard, and a teaspoon- ful each of lemon juice and tarragon vinegar, and mix the whole well together with the point of a knife, then divide the preparation into pats and set. in A cool place until required. HERRING PIB.—-Cut off the heads and tails of four fresh herrings, wipe them with a clean cloth, line a pie-dish with a few very thinly-cut rashers of bacon, one onion chopped fine, a heaped teaspoonful of chopped parslev and sage and pepper. Lay the herrings on the herbs and bacon half fill tho dish with quite boiling water; cover the top of the pie- dish with some nicely mashed potato. Bake in a hot oven half an hour. EARTHENWARE IN COOKING.—The flavour of food baked or boiled in earthenware is said by those who have made the experiment to be far superior to that of vegetable or animal food cooked in tho same way in iron vessels, for the reason that iroa is a conductor of heat, while earthenware is a non-conductor con- sequently food cooked in the latter is rarely ever burned, the degree of heat not varying perceptibly during the process of cooking thus the flavour of what is cooked is preserved, as well as uniformity throughout the substance of the meat, vegetables, or grains, until the process of cooking is completed. So earthenware takes the premium, as it deserves to, and those who have found out how much better they can do their cooking in these vessels than in ironware often give pots and kettles a cold shoulder. DINGY HATS AND COATS.-Get 2 lb. of logwood chips, and boil them down for about two hours, adding boiling water when required to keep from boiling dry, about 1 quart of water to 1 lb. of chips will do. When boiled down, take a soft, clean brush, such as is nsed for blacking shoes; dip it in the infusion, and brush the article with it. When the first coat is dry, give another, and a third if you like. This will restore :the colour, which will hold good for months. The infusion may be put by and kept for years if prevented from evaporating. It is well, how- ever, to leave it in the saucepan in which it was made for two or three days, as it will grow strongor in time. WRINGERS.—It is a mistake to put clothes through the wringer when very wet; wring out as much of the water as possible by hand or the rollers get damaged by constant soaking, especially so when woollen or flannel material has been wrung. A dry cloth run between the rollers after wringing flannel takes off any fluff" that might be left on, and there will be no fear of its getting on clothes that are to be mangled. Besides being a great aid to drying, the wringer is helpful where much ironing has to be done. Pass the clothes through the rollers once folded so as to take the creases out which leaves a smooth surface for the iron, a brighter gloss thereby being obtained with much less labour. WHITEWASH.—The following is a recipe for white- wash that will not be washed off by rain. One peck of lime should be slaked in five gallons of water in which one pound of rice has been boiled until it is dissolved. The rice water should be used hot, and the mixture covered over closely until the lime is slaked. Then add a pound of salt. The whitewash must be heated to boiling point when used. TOMATO SALAD.—Scald four large tomatoes, peel them and cut in four or five pieces, not in slices. Chop a small onion fine, with a little tarragon and chervil, throw this on the tomato, put a tablespoonfnl of salad oil and two tahlespoonfuls of vinegar, or the juice of half a lemon, over, with a seasoning of pepper and salt. To be eaten with either hot or cold meats. POTATOES FRIED WITII ONIONS. Peel the potatoes, and boil them for five minutes in quite boiling water with a little salt. Drain them well, and cut them in pieces an inch thick. Peel four large onions, cut them in slices an inch thick, melt a piece of dripping as large as a walnut, in a frying pan, fry the pieces of onion, and lay them on a plate to keep hot while you fry the potatoes. Let them brown nicely on both sides, dish them on a hot vegetable dish, with the onions in the centre, and serve as hot as possible. I CAULIFLOWER WITII CHEESE.—Cut off the outer stalk of the cauliflower, leaving the rim of young green leaves near the Gower. Let the water from the tap run well through it, but do not let it soak in water. Have ready a saucepan of quite boiling water, with a tablespoonful of salt. If fresh from the garden, it should be tender in 10 minutes. Try it. When easily pierced with a fork, take it up carefully with a spoon. Well butter a pudding-basin, sprinkle it freely with bread-crumbs, grate any dry pieces of cheese, and put cn the bread-crumbs then put in the cauli- flower, stalk uppermost, and fill up the basin with cheese and bread-crumbs, and a generous lump of butter. Put the basin in a hot oven to bake for half- an-hour turn it carefully out on a hot dish, and serve. STUFFED TOMATOES.—Take out the stalks and seeds from four or five large ripe tomatoes, being careful not to break the outer skin. Chop a thick rasher of bacon in small pieces, with an onion, a teaspoonful of finely-chopped parsley and sage, a little bread-crumb, and one whole egg. Mix well, and fill the tomatoes with tho mixture. Set the tomatoes in tho ovon in a baking tin to bake for 10 minutes serve on a mound of nicely-mashed potatoes as hot as possible.
:-: ART AND LITERATURE. r
ART AND LITERATURE. r A CONSIDERABLE addition has been made to th, already excellent collection of wrought iron in the South Kensington Museum. Several hundred pieces of early German work have been acquired by the directors of th:t. institution from various private collections. The authorities of the" Louvre have bought, among other pictures and drawings by French and Flemish artists, a portrait by Hoppner. THE Lindley Library, the only purely horticul- tural society in thiJ country, is suffering from insuffi- ciency of funds, to swik a degree as to be unable to pay a librarian or to print its manuscript catalogue. This library was purchased from the late Dr. Lindley with the funds derived from the International Ex- hibition of 1;66. The trustees of the Lindley Society are now making an appeal on its behalf, and urging its claims on the ground of the valuable assistance it has rendered to botanists. A LARGE quantity of pottery, both of Mycenaian and of native Siculan art, has been found in the necropolis of Thapsos, in the peninsula of Magnisi. The most remarkable feature of this cemetery is the architec- tural decorations on ffie entrances to the tombs, such as are not fo'md in any necropolis of this period. THE third annual issue of European Pictures oiL the' Year" is just published, containing pictures by the artists of France Germany, Holland, Italy, Austria, Rusisia, Belgium, Norway, Swedon, and Denmark, exhibited in the various salons during 1894. It gives a thorough representation of the various "schools "on the Continent, amongst which the Munich Secession School, which has recently been creating so much interest in artistic circles, will be dealt with. THE forthcoming pubiismng season promises to be notable for a fine yield of illustrated books. Mr. Hugh Thomson, for instance, will be represented by two volumes filled with examples of his delicately grace- ful and humorous art: "Cori don's Song and Other Verses," to which Mr. Austin Bobson is puttmg a preilnr face, one of the Cranford Series; and Jane Aueten'iS^^ Pride and Prejudice," for Mr. George Allen. by the war, is one of three new editions of the nov^efe in a very short space, Messrs. Dent having issued one, and Messrs. Methuen being about to bring out another in their English Classics' Series, with an introduction by Mrs. Mevnell. Among other illustrative books will bo an edition of Gulliver's Travels," to which Mr. C. E. Brock is fitting pictures. Mr. Brock, it will be remembered, illustrated a selection of Hood's poems very attrac- tively last year, Mr. Richard Heighway, whose name is new to us, has been making drawings for a new version of Xsop's Fablea" which Messrs. Mac- millan will also publish. Mr. Walter Crane's con- tribution is to be Spenser's Fairy Queen," which Mr. George Allen will issue in parts. Mr. Gaskin, who made the pictures for the same publishers* edition of Hans Andersen last year, has done a similar service for Mr. Baring Gould's Book of Fairy Tales," which is being prepared for the nurseries of England by Messrs. Methuen. Another Christmas volume, by Mr. Baring Gould, is A Book of Nursery Songs and Rhymes," and this the students of the Birmingham Art School are illustrating under Mr. Gaskin's supervision. THE Christmas season promises to te rich in poetical anthologies. Mr. Baring Gould and Mr. Fleetwood Sheppard have woven a "Garland of Country Song"; the Rev. H. C. Beeching, who was one of the authors of Love in Idleness," has made a aew collection of sacred verse, and surely no one is better qualified to do so; Mr. Alfred Percival Graves and Mr. W. B. Yeats have each compiled indepen- dent anthologies of Irish poetry; and Mr. Quiller Couch, who is Q on less serious title-pages, has brought together what he considers the best lyrics composed by poets between the days of the Earl of Surrey and of Shirley. The title he gives the book is not altogether admirable—"The Golden Pomp." Pomp" is dangerously like "pump." Indeed, why not" pump," the water being that of the Pierian spring? MESSES. CASSELL AND COMPANY have had in prepara- tion during the past two years a very complete and exhaustive work on cookery, which has been pre- pared under the direction of Miss Heritage, holder of First Class Diplomas in Cookery and Domestic Economy. The work will contain a preface by Leonard Griinenfelder, Chef Grand Hotel, London, formerly Chef of the Reform Club, and will be llustrated with coloured plates and wood engravings. (INBAT regret has been occasioned at the British Museum and elsewhere by the death of Dr. George Bullen, C.B., F.8.A. Dr Bullen was a native of Clonakiltv, county Cork, where he was born about the year 1817. In January, 1838, he was appointed to a supernumerary assistantship-a grade now obso- lets--in the British Museum, where, by successive promotions in his Department of Printed Books, he reached, in 1866, the status of assistant-keeper and superintendent of the Reading-room. In this delicate position he spent nine years of direction and useful- ness, and upon his promotion in 1875 to the keeper- ship of the Printed Book Department, and his con- sequent retirement frem the Reading-room, received a handsome testimonial from readers who had bene- fited by his services as a tangible expression of the esteem which he had won for the fulness of know- ledge and courtesy so long exhibited by him in the discharge of his duties as superintendent of the Reading-room." Dr. Bullen was one of the earliest members and promoters of the Library Association of the United Kingdom. Dr. Bullen, although a trusted and habitual critic of literature, produced very little outside of his own special sphere of bibliography. The catalogues which he compiled, superintended, or authorised, are admirable; and he conributed a valuable bibliography of Uncle Tom's Cabin for an American edition, published by Messrs. Houghton and Co., of Boston, in 1878. He arranged the Luther Exhibition in the Gren- ville Library, in 1883, having previous edited an elabo- rate Catalogue of the Loan Collection of Antiqui- ties, Curiosities, and Appliances Connected with the Art of Printing," which were brought together on the occasion of the Caxton celebration at South Kensing- ton, in 1877. Dr. Bullen's single acknowledged con- tribution to literature proper is to be found in a small volume entitled "The Story of Count Bismarck's Life," 1871, the facts of which had been culled from various published works and documents, and from private information." WE learn that the first edition of Miss Banks' c. Campaigns of Curiosity "has already been exhausted, and that a second edition is now in active prepara- tion. THE Art World of Paris has lost a distinguished member in Norbert Gceunette, painter and engraver, who has just died. His pictures deal mainlv with Paris, indoors and outdoors. He has made the Parisian landscape a subject peculiarly his own. As an engraver he leaves behind more than 200 plates, full of light and life, and in a manner mi generis, which stops just within the limits of audacity, but is full of charm. THE fetes to celebrato the 400th anniversary of the birth of Hans Sachs, the famous cobbler poet of Nuremberg, will commence on November 4, and bid fair to be of exceptional interest, Most of the learned bodies of Germany will be represented at the festival, which will conclude with a performance of Wagner's Meistersinger," in which Nuremberg and Hans Sachs have been immortalised as the scene and hero respectively of the great composer's only musical comedy. Miss LIZZIE HERITAGE, who is now hard at work upon a New Universal Cookery Book for Cassell's, first became associated with the periodical publica- tions of that firm about a dozen years ago. From her bright, practical home at Coventry she sends out recipes for cooking and household management to various journals, including Health and CasgelTs Saturday Journal. Miss Heritage believes in the virtue of the rule flat experimentum, and before turning a recipe into copy dishes it up for her own table. Although she is recognised in the educational world as a high authority on the teaching of cookery, she does not neglect the graces of a cultured conver- sation, and is the life and soul of many a coterie of writing women. To the permanent collection in the Walker Art Gallery at Liverpool, fr. Temple, of Aigburth, has just presented the picture by Mr. R. W. Macbeth, entitled In Clover and for the same gallery Mr. Haroo Thornyeroft's admirable bronze statue, "The Mower," has been purchnsod. A portrait of the late ex-Provost Watt, painted by Mr. Marshall Wane, of Edinburgh, haa been hung in the Council-chamber at Iyeith. IT is announced by the Christian Commonwealth that Mr. Gladstone has consented to write the general introduction to a great work to be issued next spring in America. The book, which is entitled "The People's Pictorial Bible History," wiil embrace a new and complete treatment of Bible history in the light of recent investigations, and will be copiously illus- ( tmted from the masterpieces of the most famous artists. The general editor is the Rev. G. C. Lorimer. D.D., of Boston.