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FARING NOTES.
FARING NOTES. SKASONABLH NOTES. The sun having pasted the equinox, we are now (observes Professor John Wrightson in the Aqri-ul- tural Gazette) in spring, and a busy season lies before lis. Work is, however, less forward than the season, wlflch in many respects is an early one. Judged by the appearance of growing crops and grass, there ia nothing to complain of, for they are green abore the average; and yet the state of arable fields is far from satisfactory, and both flocks and sheep-folds preEent a forlorn appearance. There are marks abroad of devastation from hurricanes and floods and wheat and vetches are suffering from excess of moisture, and want rolling. Thrashing has been impossible, and all outdoor work has been carried on under difficulties, and with constant interruption. The work of sowing remains much where it was at the end of February, and there is little to add to what lias already been said. It is therefore well to pause a little, for until barley-sowing ia finished we Cnn scarcely pay attention to the cultivation of early root crops. English agriculture boasts comparatively few crops, and these as a rule are familiar to us all. It is our pleasant duty to discourse upon wheat, bai ley, and oats, turnips, clover, and vetches, each in due season. Beans and peas, potatoes and mangel, as well as other less generally cultivated crops, also engage attention; but we fall far short in England of the variety of cultivated crops which embellish Continental farming. From time to time efforts are made to enrich our culti- vation by introducing novelties, but mostly without marked success; and in a few years the pendulum swings back again into the old groove of turnips, barley, clover, wheat, and other similar well-wcrn paths. We have heard much in past years of reforma- tion, and new lines upon which to build up decaying agriculture, but as yet no scheme has been brought forward to oust older practices. Would it were other- wise 1 As to wheat we grow the heaviest crops in the world, and as to barley we excel in both quantity and quality. English oats, English beans, and English hay are the best in the world and, in fact, all our established crops are produced well and. abundantly when seasons allow. There seems, therefore, little desire or need to go beyond them, and success in farming seems to lie in their good cultivation and in the consumption of suitable crops by good live stock, The writer has looked the facts in the face, and appreciates the serious difficulties which beset us all. but cannot see how the general practice of the rotations in use are to be altered with advantage. Any variation is within small limits, for we cannot get away from wheat, nor yet can we relinquish our root crops. Observations, however, show that there it within these limits room for a great deal of skill and judgment, and that where rents have been lowered farmers can still live. Potatoes have been cultivated with success in many districts, but further extension would be followed with corresponding re- duction in price. The present price of mutton is encouraging to those who stick to turnips and barley, and bring out good wethers at üd. a pound. This is more than might be expected with the enormous increase in foreign mutton, and the extraordinary facilities for freezing and storing carcaaes but it is a fact which is en- couraging. Mutton in some country markets has been touching 10d., which is as high a price as we ever remember, and ought to encourage sheep- breeding, and with it ordinary farming upon the tried lines. Neither does it appear advisable to lower the corn area on arable land, as apart from the inevitable relinquishing of it when land is laid away to grass. This latter must diminish the total of corn area, but on fields still under the plough corn must keep its place. To greatly increase the area under roots at the expense of corn may suit a land- lord or a rich man but the pinch is found in winter, when there is no immediate means of raising ready money. A good of crop of mangel is worth more than a good crop of wheat, but is less easily realisable, and much more expensive to produce. Root crops fed on the land with cake keep up the condition of the land, but pull the pocket, and if a drought supervenes or follows there is much labour and capital lost both in the root and the corn crop. Root crops are not highly valued in Southern Eng- land, where in a season like this, unparalleled for scarcity, they can be hired for folding at 91 per acre. We can scarcely credit our home-grown root crops with a higher value for feeding purposes than any other person would give, and hence the standing feeding value must be much below the cost price of production. They leave a debt from this point of view scarcely defrayed by the sheep, and therefore to be carried on to the succeeding crop. Root Cultiva- tion as a part of the rotation must be persevered in, but not extended too far. In the light of prices accepted for folding off turnips and swedes, it almost seems as though they could be procured for less than they can be grown at. If the matiurial value of the sheep manure is left out of the reckon- ing this is no doubt true; but such is the com- plication of farming business that the problem still remains unsolved, for sheep are the salvation of the light-land farmer. It seems, then, that roots must be grown for fallowing purposes, and the crop be looked upon as a mere set-off against an inevitable outlay. The advantages of root cultivation are most evident when the land benefits from sheep-folding but when the puddling of the sutface either from sheep or carting injures the succeeding crop, they are doubtful blessings. In such cases ordinary root crops should give way to rape, kale, and early turnips, consumed upon the land during summer, and winter folding should be abjured. THE PRACTICE OF MANURING- It will scarcely be denied (writes Mr. James Long) that the use of artificial manure is extremely risky at the commencement of a season of drought; but as we are unable to prophesy what a season will be it is just as well to assume the worst, and so take precau- tions accordingly. Many of us occupy land in dis- tricts which suffer disastrously from the effects of drought, and although nothing can remove the difficulties and prevent the losses which severely dry weather occasions, yet something may be done to minimise them. There is the plan of carting the manure direct from the sheds right through the winter directly on to the land, spreading and ploughing it in as the weather permits. This practice is better adapted for the heavier class of dry soils, and it has the advan- tage that it prevents the accumulation of huge heaps of manure, and the mesa they entail near the build- ings, the loss of fertilising matter by drainage, and in many cases the—shall I say ?—introduction of grubs and other troublesome insects to young plants during the growing season. On the other hand there is the introduction of weed and grass seeds into the soil. Again, there is the plan of sowing larger breadths of forage crops in the autumn, and of laying down lucerne and sainfoin more generally. When on a visit to the Iale of Thanet a few months ago, I was not a little surprised at the extent to which lucerne and maize are grown by many of the large farmers, who are wise in their generation, suffering as they do so frequently from dry seasons. The maize crops, some 6ft. high, were enormously thick and heavy, and were in some cases the produce of common maize bought in the open market. It is no uncommon thing to find 60 or more acres of lucerne, which I was informed was in some instances sold at £ 10 an acre to suburban stock-keepers. In the past year, in spite of heavy manuring, many forage crops, including vetches and cabbage, were almost entire failures, whereas mnnge! crops were few and far between in the dry dis- tricts, and swedes, which were sown over and over again, later and smaller than they ought to be. These troubles are owing in a large measure to the condition of the land, to the absence of moisture, and that stimulant which is afforded by manure almost humus which is practically blended with the soil by the operation of time. It is no doubt true that com- pact soil loses the largest quantity of water by evaporation in the long run; but for a matter of weeks I believe that a soil manured and ploughed in winter, and ploughed again while it is still moist, may be kept fairly tight with great advantage, even after seeding with mangels and swedes and yet in prac- tice cn soils subject to drought the manuring ia tice cn soils subject to drought the manuring is generally deferred until sowing time, when the dung has lost bulk on the one band, and a smart proportion ) of its nitrogen on the other, producing, when the soil I is dry, a too hollow condition; and this risk is chiefly run for the sake of the admittedly stimulating in- fluence which ahort rotten dung possesses. There are ( no doubt objections to manuring in winter those soils whioh suffer in summer, but they can acarcely which suffer in summer, but they can scarcely outweigh the losaea which are occasioned by recourse to the opposite practice. We have also to consider the fact which has been taught us by science, that the nitrifying organisms of the soil may be killed by drought. It is possible that their j destruction may be more common than we suppose, and that many of the losses to which wo j are subjected may ia this way be occasioned. How important therefore provision for tkinten- ) "j Lion VI. lUl wuorcvor It IIVU IN KIUU lu uumus it is certain to become more or less moist. We can contribute to the supply of humns, both by the use of dung, and by ploughing in green crops. On dry heavy soils the arable proportion is usually small, and here, therefore, provision may be made for their enrichment in humus by the adoption of this practice, the dung being reserved for the grass, which, we may rest assured, will suffer only in comparison as it is deprived of dung, which acts as a mulch. Green manure will not provide all the fertilising matter which a soil requires in practice, but the balance can be supplied by the aid of artificials, and, as the heavy soils are extremely retentive, the quantity of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash lost in drainage being am ill, the oost of artificials chiefly resolves itself in tbJ purchase of mineral manures.
GARDENING GOSSIP.
GARDENING GOSSIP. (From Gardening Illustrated") PEGOED-DOWU ROSES IN GROUPS OR BEDS. There are a large number of varieties, from many classes, that are well suited for this form of culture. Such long and upright growers as Margaret Dickson, Gabriel Luizet, Gloire Lyonnaise, and others are never better seen than when pegged down. They need a special style of pruning in this form while even as bushes under ordinary culture it is better to follow out the same method as far as practicable. Similar to the extra vigorous climbers, we get the best quality and greatest number of blooms from long rods made the previous season. These are fastened horizontally about a foot from the ground, and as new growths break from almost every eye, the flowers are carried upon stems of uniform height or length, and have a really grand effect. If such rods were left unsupported they would inevitably break with the weight of foliage and blossom as the season ad- vanced, while if they were tied to upright stakes only a few of the eyes would produce a present- able blossom. To prune them back to the normal length adopted for ordinary growers, such as Baroness Rothschild and Fisher Holmes, would result in a few good blooms and several flower- lees shoots that would be scarcely strong enough for future pegging down, nor would they lend them- selves to this method so well as shoots taken direct from the base. Pegging down secures a quantity of very good blooms, produced more or less simul- taneously and making a grand show. Very few of the varieties most suited for pegging down would produce many more flowers upon the same shoots during the rest of the season, so that it is better to secure a good and heavy crop; then cut away the growths and leave the healthiest-looking breaks from or as near to the base as possible, these latter to form more growths for future pegging down. This is what ia meant by summer pruning" of Roses. In the spring the class now under notice only need their middle growths thinned and shortened and the un- ripened tips of long rods removed before pegging them down. SHORT-GROWING BEDDING ROSES. We have another class of Rose that is particularly useful for beds. These are the dwarf and compact growers. Most classes or sections provide more or less of these. We have the short-growing Chinas. Souvenir de la Malmaison from the .Bourbons, Gus- tave Piganeau and Baroness Rothschild from the Hybrid Perpetuals, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam and Mrs. W. J. Grant from the Hybrid Teas, and any others of similar habit. All of these should be planted thickly. In early spring they may have all thin and weakly growths cut out entirely and the stronger shoots shortened back a little more than two-thirds. STANDARDS AND WEEPING ROSES. When the normal growers are used as standards they need similar pruning to the same varieties under culture as dwarfs, excepting to cut them a trifle less hard. Dut our full-sized standards are of most use when supporting strong growers, and especially when they are allowed to droop or weep with the weight of blossom and foliage. The Austrian and Persian Briers, also any of rather long and slight growth, are very pretty in this form as specimens upon the lawn and centres of beds used for summer bedding plants. Thin out old and short wood as far as possible, leav- ing the longest growths to droop over and form small cascades of blossoms. WHEN TU rHUqE. The end of February or early in March is quitt soon enough for Hybrids and hardy Teas in warm localities; while the end of March is full early for the general collection of Teas and various elapses in the same favoured positions. In the Midlands, a fortnight later may be taken as the most suitable time a week later still being taken for North Britain and Scotland. This is speaking generally; but, of course, each one must use a little discretion accord- ing to their own surroundings. ROSES IN TUB UNHEATED GREENHOUSE, i Roses in conservatory or cool greenhouse arei com- mencing to grow freely, and require careful attention respecting pruning, feeding, and their general culture. There are no climbers more suited for these jStruc- tures than Roses, especially such as Marechal Niel, always a beautiful Rose where a little protection can be afforded, and seldom being satisfactory out- side. Now although our plants are showing new growths, we must not forget that for a little while yet we may be subject to a spell of cold, and if not so severe and extreme a change as that experienced a few weeks ago, it may still be sufficient to place an unheated structure dangerously, close to freezing-point so far as young Rose growth is concerned. Then, again, in so many cases our climbing Roses are turned into a side border, from whence their roots are certain to ramble outside. Here, of course, the temperature of the soil they occupy will not be in accordance with that inside, nor with the forward growth, therefore to hurry the plant is almost always courting disappointment. Give as much ventilation as possible, and do not water freely yet. In a lean-to conservatory attached to the dwelling we often wish to grow a Rose upon the house-wall. There is not often a border of soil suitable for them, or perhaps the whole floor of the conservatory is tiled. In the former case we can assist the Rose very much by planting it in a wooden box minu3 any bottom. This will afford more soil for roots to revel in, for the border proper is seldom an ideal root-run for Roses. A large box may also be stood upon four thin bricks, a few holes being bored in the bottom, and drained in the same way as if iu a pot. There need be no objection on the score of appearance, all the box can be so easily and prettily covered with Cork-bark, in the crevices of which greenhouse Mosses and small Ferns would be a delightful feature. Pruning is important. I am alluding (says P. U.") to Marshal Niel, William Allen Richard- son, and other climbers. 1 would add Climbing Nipbe- too and Reine Marie Henriette, and discard others under glass for walls and roofs. These four give variety of colour, and are always satisfactory when Roses can be grown at all. Retain all of the long rods made last season, and simply thin out laterals and weak growths. If you cut away the long rods you sacrifice the best, and oftentimes all but a stray flower or two. When these rods have flowered cut them down almost to the bottom, and encourage more that will then be breaking from or near that point. It is not absolutely necessary to have one par- ticular compost; anything of a rich and not too heavy nature will do. Water must be applied liberally while in growth, and especially so while the plants are just showing flower-buds, and again when the young rods from the base are about 2ft. long. Weak liquid-manure is a great help at these stages, particularly the last, when the compost will be partly exhausted. Give it weak, and you are safer against harm. To sum up, never hurry never prune away long growths until after they have flowered; use weak liquid-manure liberally, and watch carefully for and take early measures against insects. If you object to animal liquid-manure use a slight surface- dressing of some artificial fertiliser that has been long enough on the market to guarantee its qualities. It is also an excellent plan to leave a few inches of space between the top of the box and crown of your plant. This allows of valuable mulchings as time goes on, and all Roses enjoy a little fresh soil around their base.
[No title]
HORSH GYP Are you satisfied that the team 1 sold you is well matched ?" Victim: Yes, they're well matched. One is willing to work, and the other is satisfied to let him." AN illiterate young man once got a friend to write a letter for him to his sweetheart. The letter was rather prosaic for a love-letter, and be felt that an apology was due to his sweetheart for its lack of tender nothings. It was as follows: Please excuse the mildness of this here letter, as the ohm wot's 'ritin' it is a married man, and he says he canH 'bide any soft soaping-it alius gives him the spazzums."
THE SHAH AT HOME.
THE SHAH AT HOME. Mr. John Foster Eraser sends to the new number of the English Illustrated Magazine a gossipy article on the Shah of Persia, who, according to the writer is a bnsy man. He rises early, performs his devo- tions, has a piece of thin, pasty Persian bread and a glass of sweetened tea. Then at about eight o'clock, he receives his Ministers. He is slovenly in habit, and walks up and down the room with his slippers flip- flapping indeed the story goes that the reason he parted with his first wife was because she contantly complained he did not wash himself. He dictates dozens of letters, hears despatches read, consults authorities, attends minutely to every detail of busi- ness. This continues for six hours at a stretch. Then he has his breakfast. All the food is care- fully prepared, and a prince of the Royal blood is responsible that no tricks are played. Every dish, as it is sent from the kitchen, is sealed, and the seals are broken in the Shah's presence. The Shah, accord- to etiquette, eats alone. Formerly he squatted, and ate from a big tray placed on the floor. But since coming to Tbheran be has been persuaded to sit upon a mattress, and eat from a table about a foot high. At first a chintz cloth was on the table but he was told it would be much nicer if he had a white cloth, and so a white cloth is now used. Between 50 and 60 dishes are served, but his Majesty only touches two or three. First, he will eat greased rice, followed, possibly, by a chicken, or some grilled morsels of mutton, laid between two sheets of thin bread; and then, as dessert, maybe a citron in syrup —quite the ordinary Persian fare. Knives and forks are things unknown at Court, and the King eats everything with his fingers-greased rice, mutton, and fruit. His favourite delicacy is marrow, and he loves to stick his hand among the rice, searching out bones from which he can suck the marrow. A little while since some one deferentially re- monstrated with his Majesty about his barbarian methods of eating. You could never dine with the Prince of Wales," was said, if you use your hands in helping yourself to the entree." (< Ob," answered the Shah, I'll learn to use a knife and fork before I go to Europe." During breakfast, extracts from European papers, ohiefly French, are read to the Shah. He takes a keen interest in European politics, and frequently in conversation about his own Government he will ask: Now, what would the Queen of England do in such a case ?" When told that probably the Queen knows nothing about it-that everything is settled by the Ministers-he is filled with marvel. And yet, it is impossible for him to conceive there can be any body of men in the world who will devote their lives for the benefit of their country, actuated by pure disin- terestedness. You might as well try to explain the colour blue to a man born blind as explain to an Eastern that a man will do anything without pay- ment. Following breakfast, the Shah probably has an hour's sleep, and then, after some glasses of tea, he will amuse himself with working a little telegraph instrument, playing backgammon with his Ministers —who are careful not to win—setting and resetting plants in the gardens, or taking photographs. I have seen a number of photographs taken by his Majesty, and some are really excellent. Besides, he has a positive mania to be taken in every conceivable attitude and dress. He has even been photographed in bed. I have seen photographs of his Majesty in uncomfortable Prussian military attire, and even in the garb of an English curate I On one occasion, two ladies were presented to the Shah. One is inclined to stoutness, and stoutness is regarded by all Persians as a fine quality. The Shah was too polite to stare at the lady, although he was most anxious to have a good look. He got over the difficulty by desiring to take the photographs of the visitors. It was embarrassing to the ladies, though entertaining to the onlookers, to notice how long the Royal photographer kept his head under the black cloth, where he could make a good inspection without dis playing rudeness. His present Majesty has an exceedingly small harem for an Eastern monarch. There are not above 60 ladies, and at the time of my writing he has four sons and 23 daughters. Of course, the Royal anderum is shrouded in mystery, so far as a mere man like myself is concerned. But Englishwomen who have visited the anderum have told me there is little refinement among the occupants. Their con- versation is generally disgusting, and they are sur- prised when European ladies decline to join in scandalous chatter. The only time I have seetk any of the Shah's wives has been in the streets of Teheran, when they passed in carriages, When the ladies go out driving, they are preceded by a gang of farashes, who caper ahead On their horses, shout- ing, "Go and hide yourselves!" And all men have to scamper up side streets or be thrashed. If the carriages come along suddenly, men are obliged to turn their faces to the wall, for a shocking fate would await them were they seen glancing at the women.
EASTER IN PARIS.
EASTER IN PARIS. Mrs. Crawford, in The Temple Magazine for April, says that Easter in Paris is a time of general glad- ness. The trees in the parks and gardens are in full leafage, but the leaves are still of the most fresh and tender green. The sky is bright; a vitalising, genial force permeates things material and ethereal. The morning sun smiles in the rooms th it look south- ward, and its reflected beams flit over the ceilings like Ariels released from winter bondage. The freestone Parisian houses almost glare in the sun, which discover* all the hues and tints of blooming flower beds in the public gardens. Passion week is a period of coventional mourning, religious cere- monies, and flowers. Goods trains. laden with flowers and greenery for Palm Sunday began to pour in as that festival approached. The supply of flowers goes.on increasing until Easter Week, when the whole town seems a flower-show. The markets being glutted, the poor can gladden their abodes with fresh and fragrant bouquets. Spring is the time of all others for sweetly scented flowers. The air of the churches is redolent of their incense. Every one who has lived in Paris must associate Easter with flowers. The flower markets are then enchanting lounges. These markets seem to be suddenly extended into the streets. Costermongers have there become itinerant flower dealers. The women who deal are neither young nor pretty, neither coquettishly nor dirtily dressed. They are generally middle-aged, for licenses to drag costers' hand-carts are only granted to poor people of good character and well on in years of discretion. The coster-woman is hale, hearty, buxom. Hardship sours English- women. It acts as a fillip on Frenchwomen, and atimulates their pluck and spirit." Referring to Easter in the churches of Paris, Mrs. Crawford sayaJjuat the Armenians have the beautiful old church of St. Julien the Pauper. It if a small church that had long lain idle, and ia in a si-sm neighbourhood. Armenian Christianity is neither Catholic, Greek, nor Protestant. The Armenian Church is the oldest of the Christian Chnrohes--save the primitive Church of Jerusalem. In view of the atorm that has swept over Armenia and her children, their church in Paris is well-named. St. Julien was a patrician, who voluntarily rvewMBoed wealth and station to devote himself to tbe poor. 8t. Martin cut his mantle in twain to halve it with a beggar. St. Julien lay in the bed of a houseless and a loathsome leper in the dead of winter to keep him warm. He was counted the most charitable of all the saints in the Hagiology. The Armenian Easter is a joyful festival. But what jubilation can there be when Easter next comes round at the church of St. Julien the Pauper? The strains of Milton's sonnet on the Waldensian massacres would be more in tune with the feeling of worshippers there than the glad words of the Resurrection Hymn."
THE OLDEST MAN ON EARTH.
THE OLDEST MAN ON EARTH. A funeral is not a matter of rare occurrence in Guadalajara, Mexico, but one which took place on the 6th inst. is worthy of more than passing notice, in that it was that of a man who, if his story is true, was undoubtedly the oldest man on earth. Jesus Campeche died on Friday, and, according to his affirmation and other testimony, he was 154 yearsold, says the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. He said be was born in Spain in 1742, and came to this country when he was 24 years old. He was living with his great-great-grandson, and bad copies of the church register at Yalidolid, Spain, showing the date of his birth and baptism. The papers are genuine, and if they rightfully belonged to him be was born December 12, 1742. He related incidents which occurred in the last century, showing that he either told the truth or had stored his mind well with the happenings of that period. A priest in the ehurch which be attended, who is now 84 years old, aays he =.bsing an old am when he msftJittlabojL
í COURT PHYSICIANS.
COURT PHYSICIANS. The pnysicians who attend upon the Sovereigns of Europe hold posts that are by no means sinecures. In addition to the burden of responsibility, with the certainty of professional and social rum in the event of any mistake entailing serious consequences to the patient, there are other drawbacks to the medical attendance upon Royal personages. The latter are proverbially self-willed and opinionated on the score of their health. Some like to be pampered, while others do not like to be told that they are ailing, and it is difficult to induce them to obey directions with regard to diet and similar precautions. Without doubt the Royal patient whose health excites the most universal alarm at the present moment is the Czar of Russia. At home we are more interested in the well-being of the Queen but, fortunately, there is no need for anxiety in this re- spect, though her Majesty, approaching as she w her 80th year, requires constant medical attendance. This is furnished by Sir James Reid, a Scotsman of about 48 years, who lives at Court. Sir James Reid is very popular, not alone with the Queen, but with all her relatives, as well as with the members of the Royal household. Her Majesty pro- vides apartments for him in whatever Royal palace she may happen to be staying at the time, he being regarded as the most indispensable member of her suite. The Czar of Russia has always been delicate in health, even from childhood, and his strength has been further impaired by the hard work and by the anxiety which he has undergone since he ascended the throne. The resident medical attendant of the Czar is, curiously enough, a Jew, Dr. Hirsch, who first attracted the notice of Nicholas by his devotion to his father during the closing days of the labter's ill- ness. Dr. Hirsch was at the time merely one of the assistant physicians brought in by Professor von Leyden to serve under his orders. But he managed affairs so well that he has now become the principal doctor of the Emperor and of the Empress, who both place the most implicit trust in his judgment. The Emperor, in particular, seems to have been drawn towards him by the obloquy and abuse which, through the jealousy of certain of his Russian colleagues, was heaped upon him at the time of the death of Alexander III. Rumours were actually circulated to the effect that the latter had succumbed, not to disease, but to a slow poison administered by Dr. Hirsch, who had been designated thus to avenge the sufferings and the persecutions to which the Hebrews had been subjected during the reign of his Majesty. The German Emperor's chief physician is a mili- tary surgeon, Dr. von Leuchtold, who holds the rank of general in the army, and who accompanies the Emperor wherever he goes. He has no easy task. The Emperor is afflicted with an aural complaint known in surgery as otitis madia," from which he suffers such agonies at times as almost fco rob him of the full consciousness of what he is doing or saying. It is an incurable disease, and one which brought about first the insanity, and then the death of his grand-uncle King Frederick William IV. of Prussia. Dr. von Leuchtold's efforts are devoted to the devis- ing of naehns of affording what is at the best but temporary relief to the sufferings of Germany's afflicted ruler. Dr. Sagoline has for many years devoted his entire attention to King Humbert and to Queen Margharita, neither of whom is an easy patient to handle, the Queen being possessed of high-Btrung nerves, while the King, whose lungs have never been strong, persist in exposing himself to rain and snow, especially.the former. In most countries you hear of sunshine spoken of as "the King's weather;" in Italy it is rainy and etormy weather that is so described. Dr. Bruzalius, the physician to the Court of Stock- holm, has little care to give to the King, who is a splendid example of health and strength, but be is obliged to devote all his attention to Queen Sophia, who suffers from persistent melancholia and physical lethargy, which require all hiiingenuity and skill to combat. They relate at Stockholm Court circlet that at one time he even insisted on her resorting to housework, such as that performed by a chamber- maid, as a remedy for this peculiar form of malady.
A TOMBSTONE WARNING.
A TOMBSTONE WARNING. Out in Oak Hill Cemetery, the fashionable burying ground of Atchison, a marb!e shaft towers far above its neighbours. It is colossal in size, white ns the driven snow, delicate in proportion, exquisite in design. The man had lived, and was dead and buried, and the great world, forgetting hia faults and frailties, remembered only his excellences. But the widow ? She remembered the- cursed cause of ruin. And one day, by her orders, the imposing monument above his grave was erected, and around it, from apex to granite base, the sculptor had chiselled from the inanimate marble a make of many coils, whose forked tongue, ever protruding, and stony eyes, never closing, are a constant warning to all who look upon it 'and read the etrange device upon the polished surface of the granite base, that at last it biteth like a serpent and stingeth like an adder."
KING GEORGE AND HIS FAMILY,
KING GEORGE AND HIS FAMILY, Since Greece fills the eye of Europe just now, a few details of the Royal family may be of interest (says Woman). King George, as is well known, is brother of our own Princess of Wales, an sep,of, old King Christian of Denmark. Nearly af yealB ago there was trouble in Greece, as this nation had given tho Bavarian Prince previously invited to reign over them his conge. They offered the vacant throne to our own Dnke of Coburg, then Prince Alfred. It was refused, on which they proceeded to Copenhagen, where it was accepted for Brince George, a scion of the ruling House, then a boy of 17. Four years after King George's accession, the little Russian Grand Duchess Olga, then a child of 15, waa taken out of the schoolroom and placed on the throne at the side of the Danish Prince. The mar- riage proved most happy, and as time passed a nur- sery was gradually filled with charming children, who now, having for the most part come to years of discretion, are assisting their father to man's ge the affairs of State. The youngest, Prince Christopher, is, however, still only a small child, being, in fact, but two years older than his eldest brother's little son, Prince George. The King and Queen have five sons, but only one surviving daughter, their eldest Princess Alexandra, the Grand Duchess Paul of Russia, having most, un- happily died of injuries received in a carriage acci- dent a little more than a year after her marriage. The second, Princess Marie, is generally supposed to be engaged to her Cousin, the Grand Duke George Michaelovitch of Russia, but, though her betrothal has been authoritatively announced- nit the Greek Court, and one date after another fixed fer the mar- riage, the Prince has returned from each of his numerous vtsits to Athens without a bride. Another, and a very eager aspirant for the band of the Greek Princess, is the young King of Servia, but 'his suit has not met with much favour, either on the part of the young girl or of her parents. A very important personage at the Court of Athens is the Crown Princess Sophie, a sister of the German Emperor. She married the Duke of Sparta in 1888, and from the moment she set her foot in Greece she became a great favourite both with her husband's family and the people at large. She developed in all ways considerably after her marriage, and from being a somewhat uninteresting girl, with heavy features and a certain lack of animation, she grew bright and livelv, while her personal appearance altered greatly for the better. Indeed, she is now considered very good-looking, while her figure and the carriage of her head are both dignified and graceful. I, has been generally noticed that all the daughters of the Empress Frederick improved greatly after their early girlhood was left behind, but in none was the change more marked than in the Crown Princess of Greece. Queen Olga ia a true Muacovite, and takes life very aerioualy. She never shirks her duties at Court, but does not appear to feel much interest in State functions, and when alone she is usuallv buried in some deep acientific or historical work. She also Sives much time and thought to improving the con- ition of the lower claaaea, and there are few philan- thropic or charitable inatitutiona in Athens which have not either been inaugurated or directed by her, and no week ever passes without her paying a visit to the State prisons, her influence over the criminals being very great.
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RICH OLD MArs) Do you love. me, Alfred 7. Alfred (enthusiastically, but truthfully): Love you ? Why, my darling, love isn't- the name for it!" "WHAT became of that Samuel's girl that Pottersby was flirting with last aummer 1" You mean the girl: that Pottersby thought he was flirting with ? She mmww him."
i-THE PRINCESS LOUISE.)
i- THE PRINCESS LOUISE. ) According to a writer in The Woman at Home, Princes Louise and her niece and goddaughter, the Duches* of Fife, are the two Royal ladies who affect, as much as circumstances will permit, the role of private ladies, and follow their own pursuits in the freest nmnner possible. I heard a story the other day which is one of the many which are told in illustration of the predilections of Princess Louise. It is well known that she delights in the society of literary and artistic people, and one day her Royal Highness made arrangements to I take a country drive with a distinguished literary lady. When about to start Princess Louise said, I do not wish to be treated as a Princess pray let me drive with you just as any other of your lady friends would do." All ceremony was accordingly dropped, and the two ladies drove off tete-a-tete, stopped in a village through which they passed to make purchases and call upon some poor people, and her Royal High- ness confessed to having had an unusually delightful time in thus escaping from her rank. The Princess is an excellent housewife, and when she and the marquis have been spending the summer at one or another of the houses in the country which they have temporarily rented, she would bustle about all the morning, looking minutely after the house- hold affairs, discuss the dinner with her cook, and impart a few hints, which she is well qualified to do, and at dinner take the head of the table, and herself carve, in which domestic art, of late so much out of fashion for ladies, her Royal Highness is an adept. The Princess Louise is, as everyone knows, an accomplished artist and sculptor, and when at work she presents a most business-like appearance with her huge white apron and her dress sleeves protected by overalls, if not actually tucked up. This last winter she has been very busy with the marble figure which she has designed for the altar of the Battenberg Momorial Chapel, and during her stay at Osborno would be seen most fine mornings riding up to the church on her bicycle, for she is an accomplished wheel- woman, and spending some time ia studying the posi- tion and effects of the plaster cast, conversing with the workmen and the caretaker at the church in a delightfully pleasant and free manner. Animals have also been engaging her attention of late, and she has made some very successful studies from living models.
THE QUEEN OF SPAIN.
THE QUEEN OF SPAIN. The Queen-Regent of Spain is one of the most charming of women. She has a sweet voice, a pleasant smile, and a gracious manner. Her life is passed in almost as complete retirement as that of our own Queen. She never dines out. and rarely goes to the theatre or the opera. Yet her time ia fully occupied; she holds a council once a week, sees her Ministers, and gives audiences to various officials and others every day, and superintends her children's studies with the greatest care. She herself is most accomplished, speaks four languages, besides her own, quite per- fectly, and is passionately fond of music. In addi- tion, she is a fine rider, and has a splendid seat on horseback. In her stables are to be found English, Spanish, Irish, and Arab horses, to all of which she is devoted, her own personal favourites following her as aoon as they hear her voice, and eating sugar prettily from her hands. Both the Princesses, her daughters, and the little King ride and drive con- stantly, while the Infanta, Isabel, her sister-in-law, may be seen tooling her four-in-hand of mules in the private park with great dexterity, or following the hounds in the country.
GENERAL GORDON'S JACKETS.
GENERAL GORDON'S JACKETS. Referring to the exhibition of relics of General Gordon, Dagonet," who on this subject writes with authority, tells in the Rejeree how Gordon was very proud of his Yellow Jacket. He usually carried his Mandarin's costume with him when bent on dip- lomatic missions, and on one occasion the Yellow Jacket did him good service. He had gone to Abys- sinia to conclude peace with the King, and the King, who waa very angry with Egypt, would not listen to anything—until one day Gordon appeared before him in the famous Yellow Jacket. It was said that the King was so much impressed that Gordon was enabled to conclude an advantageous treaty. But those who knew Gordon best will doubt whether, after all, he was ever as proud of his Yellow Jacket as he was of his Engineer's scarlet waistcoat, which he wore on all possible occasions, with the fez and the frock coat, and sometimes even with his Turkish uniform. As a matter of fact, Goidon, who obtained many titles and distinctions, who was a Mandarin and a Mushir, was proudest after all of being a Colonel of English Engineers.
THE BRUSSELS EXHIBITION.
THE BRUSSELS EXHIBITION. The Brussels Exhibition will be opened on April 25. All the Great Powers have shown an active sympathy for the undertaking, and the British House of Commons (after agreeing to a grant in aid) has confided the task of representing the interests of the United Kingdom to the London Chamber of Commeree, with Sir Albert Rollit, M.P., as president of the Commission, Mr. James Dredge (who did such admirable work at Paris in 1889, at Chicago in 1893, and at Antwerp in 1894) as Commissioner- General, and Mr. Kenric Murray as secretary. From the very beginning the necessary works have been pushed forward with exemplary activity, and the general scheme adopted has been so modelled as to include all that is interesting in commerce, in- dustry, and art. Among the various depart- ments may be mentioned those of flne arts, social economy, hygiene, saving life, fine and indus- trial arts, lighting, diffusion of warmth, warfare, electricity, manufactures, sport, and horticulture. The Countess of Flanders is honorary president of the 13th section (practical education and manual labour of women); while her niece, the Princess Clementine, holds the same position as regards the section of decorative art. The Brussels Exhibition will be held in two magnificent buildings, surrounded by luxuriant gardens and united by an electric rail- way, which will maintain constant communication between the Park of Terviieren (one of the most delightful of the many historic domains in tba neigh- bourhood of Brussels? and the more modern Pare des Cinquarntenaire (opebed at the jubilee of Belgian Independence). Amongst the attractions which the Brussels Exhibition-<will present to its visitors may be mentioned "Old Brussels," an exact reproduction of the "gayest littfo eapital in lforope," as it was .;n the days when the Kings of Spain and Emperors of Austria ruled over ita destinies, and the Congolese Settlement which is to be located amidst the forest tteet and grassy slopes of Tervueren. A series of native villages will be peopled by some 250 inhabi- tants of Darkest Africa" carrying on their various callings. There will also be on view a complete col- lection of Congolese products, such as ivory, india- rut»%er, ita.' Tbe Fine Art Galleries will alone cover a space of 10,000 square metres, and all the best- known European painters have contributed importa works.
WOMEN BLACKSMITHS.
WOMEN BLACKSMITHS. In Boston, U.S.A., there is a blacksmith's shop entirely managed by three women. The shop origin- ally belonged to their father, who died 14 years ago. The mother then took charge of the business, and had her, daughters taught not only to shoe a horse but every branch of the trade as well. The mother died, and now for some years the three young women, one of whom is married, have employed five men, and carry on a very prosperous business. They personally superintend the shoeing of every horse.
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AN American lady and her daughter recently opened an hotel for cats, and it seems to have turned out a very paying concern, for they receive a large number cf both winter and summer boarders. The Cats' hotel is situated close to the Hudson River, and rejoices in the name of Naurashaun Farm. For 12s. a cat is boarded for one month, and there are no extras. Each cat has its own little home, and even its own yard, which ia turfed. Pussy is an exclusive creature, and often dislikes to be made to eat, or, indeed, to mix much, with her fellows. Curiously enough, the only other boarders taken are parrots and camrim A STROLLING player once took refuge for a night in a village hoatelery. His boots were in the last stage of decay, and the landlady—a kindly, old-fashioned soul—on viewing them, exclaimed to her guest, 4, Eb, but thae's an awfu' pair o' buits to gang wi! this w'ather. "Madam," responded the broken-down tragedian, drawing himself up to his full height, I have a soul above boots." I ken naetiuag aboot hoo mony soles ye hae abune yer buits: a' Item is, ye hae oane in below them," was the reply.
. A VERY PECULIAR MARRIAGE:
A VERY PECULIAR MARRIAGE: A STORY TOLD BT AN AXBRICAK PARSON. The other day I went to a dinner where three of four clergymen were present. I knew that on social occasions they could be as "jolly "as other people, but I found these a good deal more so. The talk at length became a little more serious and centered on peculiar marriages, a subject suggested by the fact that in the town a man of seventy had married a young girl of twenty. An old lady, very bright and lively, learning that the groom was wealthy and the bride poor, said she was reminded of a saying which her mother now and then repeated, and which applied to the case "'Tis tallow of the old ox that buys the young heifer." Said one of the clergymen: One day a little old man came to my house and wanted to see the parson." He was Haly Cunning- bam, a rich but penurious farmer of the neighbour- ing town. Learning that my study was in the second story, he climbed upstairs as fast as he could, and, without knocking, entered the apartment where I was at werk, and without any introduction ex- claimed I want you to marry Ann Little." I was a bachelor, but engaged to the lady now my wife, and answered that I must disregard his wish, as I had not the honour of a personal acquaintance with the lady named. Oh, I don't want you to marry her to make her your wife, but to marry her so as to make her my wife." "That's a different thing," I said, When do you wish the ceremony performed ?" Just as soon as you can get there." Where is there ?" Oh, away up the mountain where Ann lives. My waggon is down at the gate, and I'll take you up and bring yon back, and pay you handsomely for your trouble." Accordingly, I made ready, and availing myself of Haly's conveyance, we started for the house of the bride. Haly told me on the way that he had been sort of obliged to marry Ann, as his mother had died and his sister married, and he was left alone on the farm and needed some one to help him. He bad tried several housekeepers who wouldn't stay unloss he was willing to marry them and as he didn't want no one of them, to use his peculiar phrase, he thought that Ann Little would suit, as she was young, good- looking, and handy about the house. He went on to say that he had visited her yester- day and proposed, and that she wanted to be married to-day. Haly thought it was kind of sudden, but he wasn't willing to be bluffed by any woman, so he fell in with the arrangement. During the night, however, he bad been thinking the matter over, and wondered whether Ann wanted him or his money. As there wasn't much of him, judging from appear- ances, and learning from report that there was con- siderable money, I thought it highly probable that Ann was attracted more by the large farm and big bank account than by Haly himself. He bad a somewhat exalted opinion of his own importance, as in his own town he was consulted oftentimes in refe- rence to business matters, though regarded only as a rich man bordering on a fool. He was very shrewd in a bargain, but very easily fooled by any woman, especially if she chanced to have beauty. I knew that his intended bride, Ann Little, was re- garded in her neighbourhood as very saucy and pert, and also ambitious to m^rry a rich man, and when she finally succeeded in getting Haly into her net, she and her family were glad. By great self-coiu- mand, I learned afterward, she bridled her tongue, the terror of her home and acquaintances, and employed her most dulcet tones in the presence of Haly, who, bereft of his mother .and separated from his sister, was left to the assumed tender mercies of Ann. Haly was often entertained by the Littles; and as Ann claimed all the credit for the cooking, he thought that if he could secure her he would find a prize, and probably get a premium at the town fair for his wife's bread to accompany the one now usually obtained for his pigs. Ann's charms finally so fascinated him that in spite of his economy and shrewdness he consented to make an ante-nuptial contract, giving Ann a large sloare of his worldly goods. Since this transaction Haly bad been somewhat disturbed in mind, and began to meditate, as best his limited brain enabled him, on the question which he was not quite able to articulate, but which was, "Did Mammon or love sway Anne to give an alfirinative reply to my marriage proposal?" Like many men greedy for filthy lucre but of narrow minds, Haly never asked himself whether he loved Ann, or merely wanted her as a housekeeper without wages. He waa past sixty, very short of stature, displaying no taste in dress, rough in speech often to the degree of coarseness, ignorant of every- thing intellectual, and profoundly prosaic. He had never thought he was unworthy of any girl; still now, on the border of marriage, strange doubts began to disturb him so seriously that he broke out, juat as we were driving up to Ann's house I'm goin' to find jist now if that gal loves me or my cash. You see if I don't. You bet I'll smash this thing up if I find that her and her folks is puttin* up a job on me!" I had no time to answer him, for Ann and her folks" were at the door, and as Haly met her she gave him a fond kiss, and then she led him into the house, while I followed, the old horse and waggon having been put in charge of the small brother. Ann was so profuse in hor attentions to Haly that be either bad no time, or forgot, to make the test of his intended's heart. To tell the truth, the girl wal quite handsome, vivacious, and smart as a fox," as one of the guests said. Her smile was just a little mixed with scorn, but it was sweet enough to draw a kiss from Haly, who embraced her in an awkward fashion. As Haly and Ann stood up, the former finally blurted out: Now, Ann, if you don't love me, this is the time to say so, for the parson, here, will say something which it will cost a good deal to undo, if we find out by-and-bye that this was a made-up job." 1, Haly. you know I love you," said Ann, kindly, though 1 thought I perceived a little mental reserva- tion in her tone. Well, go on, parson," said Haly and I went on, and united them aa strongly as I could. Ann was the personification of grace and loveliness during the collation, after which Haly showed great anxiety to get home to attend to his stock. The "demo- cratic waggon," with the old horse attached, appeared at the door. Haly and Ann occupied the front seat, and I, with a small trunk, the back seat. Haly, busy with his description of his new furniture, and especially of the carpet in the chamber for Ann's little tender feet, mornings," did not notice the stones on the road, or the jolting of the vehicle, or his bride's rising anger at his careless driving. Being nearly upset in turning a corner, Ann seized the reina, saying, "YOU old fool, let me drire "and drive she did. Her pent-up wrath began to burst, and now, secure of her husband and some wealth, she poured forth language that would have made any fish-woman in Billingsgate blush. She did not stop, in spite of my protestations, but went on with her tirades, making the air in our vicinity not only blue but black. Notwithstanding the distance from the town, I insisted upon stopping at the house of one of my parishioners on the way. Ann wanted to drive me in good style home, but Haly said never a word. I learned that she not only seized the horse's reins, but all the reins of the house- hold, and drove the farm and the business, doing her work fairly well, though a terror to her household and neighbourhood. I met Haly once after the wedding. I chanced to see him as I was driving past the field in which ha was working. He recognised me, and running to the road aa fast an hia age and abort legs permitted, IM whispered to me, after looking all around to be sure that no one was near: That woman ia the worst talker I ever see; she don't care nothing for me, but she likes money better than eatin'. She runs everything, me and the farm, and I'm a heap richer than I was; but I tell you, parson, I d rather be back where I was without Ann than be as rich as I be with her. But mind, don't you tell my wife you seed me; for if she, knew I'd apoke with you she'd make it hot for me the rest of tbe year. And then Haly went back tohia work, glad that he had expressed his mind to one who would not report hIs words to his wife, whom he feared, if he did not love.
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"NOTHING new under the sun." The principle ot the tubular boiler has been diacovered in the ruins <A Pompeii, where a number of bronze domeetic boilers have been found with tubes inside, as in our meat elaborate marine boilers. The tubes are made of bronze foil, bent and brazed or soldered. Some of them are elegant in form, and may have been the' Somovais," or kettles of a Pompeian five o'clock.' They are illustrated in the Proceedings of the Ameri- canSociety of Mechanical Engineers.