Patriotism has its disadvantages. No thistles grew in Australia till a Scotsman planted some seed out oJ love for his old country. It was avers natural hut foolish deed, as now the thistle has multiplied into millions, ami gives a great deal of trouble. Official statistics of the 1897 wheal crop in Kansas place the total yield al 51,000,000 bushels, and its value al upward of $34,000,001). The entire product of the State in agriculture am. live stock is estimated at 5230,000,000' So it appears to the New York Mai and Express, that "it there is any thing at all the matter with Kansas it must be a burdensome excess o! j prosperity." American machines of many kinds are making their appearauce in Eng land. A London trade journal says they are found in the English factories | devoted to hoots and shoes, soap, rub- ; ber, bicycles and paper boxes. Ameri can printing presses, typesetters and typewriters are common in England, j und steel rails are going forward by j ship bads. Our agricultural nia- ' ehinery also is admitted to be superior I any other, though the decline ol j agriculture in Great Britain limits its j application iu that quarter. A unique utilization of railway car I is reported from a packing | house centre in Kansas. The roadbed j of the local trolley liue is not of the j best, and it occurred to a milkman i who had been pretty well banged j about by the lively oscillation of the j car on which lie was riding that there ! was enough power going to waste tc j work a set of capacious churns. He ! tried the experiment and found that il | worked to a charm. Now the owners ' of cows iu the vicinity of packing i houses iu the city set their churns on j the front end of a ear. One round j trip is almost more than enough to dr. ] the work, and the motorman takes but | termilk in payment for the mechanical | agitation imparted to the cream. This | is probably the lirst time that the j motions of railway cars have been ! 1 iirued to any useful purpose. Tlieii j ill effects are well known to physicians, i A serious case of paralysis of the : lower limbs was recently developed in I a brakeman as the result of the con | stant jolting and the incessant sway- : ing and jarring motion of the cars on ! which his duties lay. He had to go to ! a hospital, where he remained for some months. Finally his physician I resorted to electricity in sundry forms j —from a battery and induction coil and an electrostatic machine. The I electrical massage toned up the limbs , and proved an actual specific for the j ailment produced by the* mechanical j vibrations on the train, and the mau i has gone back to work. The Chicago Tribune calls attention j io the fact that "oneof the noteworthy ' conditions affecting industrial enter prises in the States of Pennsylvania, Indiana and Ohio is the alarming de. crease in the supply of natural gas in those States. For several years past ' the greater part of the natural gas used in this country lias come from the States above named, and at one time the supply was thought :.* be inex haustible. The error of this suj posi tion, however, may be clearly shown by comparing the total output of natural gas to these States for the past year with the total output for preceding years. In 181)0 the value of t.ll the natural gas produced in Pennsylvania aggregated only $5,528,010 against the enormous valuation of $10,282,375 put | upon the product of Ohio has never been such a prolific generator of natural gas as Pennsylvania, but the figures for llie Buckeye State show a corresponding diminution. In 188!) Ohio produced $5,215,600 worth of natural gas, whereas a*, the present time her total output is valued at only $1,172,400. Of the States producing Cultural gas Indiana is the youngest. Only a few years have elapsed since the resources of 1 ho State in this direc tion were first discovered, but the total valuation of Indiana's yearly supply of natural gas has gradually dimin ished from $5,718,000 in 1803 to only $5,043,635 in 1800. As the Indiana gas fields are much younger than those of Pennsylvania and Ohio, it is likely that they will continue to yield a lib eral supply of gas lor some time to oome. Of course it is difficult to judge of what is underneath the earth's crust, hut, from superficial indications, the natural gas industry in the United Btates is doomed to ultimate extinc tion. This is furthermore shown by the figures for llie entire country. In 1888 the value of all the natural gas in the United States aggregated $2*2,620,• 875, whereas in 1896 it aggregated only $13,002,512. Evidently, from these figures, the natural gas industry in the United States will soon be rele gated to the past, unless other sources i of supply are ' MEMORIES. Oh, for a stretch of con at ry. dear, A tree ami u brook uud a hill. With you sitting close beside me, dear, Slugiug sweet love songs still. Just as you did in the days gone by. The days of long ago. When love's young dream made everything A paradise here below. Oh. for a stretch of country, dear. With a meadow and winding lnnc, Where, strolling together.l told you, dear, Huceqnses I hoped to attain. Just ;i 4 did ' n the days gone by. The '.*ys of long ago. As beneath skies of blue, we pledged love Our future 111 aglow. Oh. for a stretch of country, dear. With its clover and Holds of rye. That 1 might retrace our footsteps, dear, With many a sorrowing sigh. And dream o'er again of the duvs goue by, For, oh! 1 loved you so. When down through the heather, we wan dered together. In days of long ago. —James T. Sullivan, in Boston Globe. ; DORA'S SACRIFICE. ; f 9 She bad whispered, "Yes, Jack, 1 love you!" in respouse to his ques tion, his kisses were still warm on her lips, their hearts were heating in unison.though not so tumultuously as before, and now that the first rapture and thrill were over they were asking questions, and making their little con fessions, alter the manner of lovers on the threshold of an engagement. "How many times have I been in love before? Now, Jack, do yon think that is a fair question?" she asked, meeting his look with a roguish glance. "Why, certainly it is, Dora," he re plied, earnestly. "You say you love me, so it doesn't really make any difference about the others; they're done for now; but I think I ought to know. Still, if there are so many of them " "Please stop, Jack! I won't have you saying such dreadful things, and with that look on your face!" she in terrupted, playfully placing her hand over his mouth,but quickly withdraw ing it when he attempted to kiss it. "How dare you!" she exclaimed, "after tlie way you've been talking!" "Well, if you don't want me to say things why don't you auswer my question?" "Must I, Jack?" "I am afraid you must, fity dear." "And you won't hatemeafter 1 tell, will you?" "Well " " 'That depends/ you are going to say. You needn't hesitate so long; I cun read your thoughts." "Can you? That's convenient for .you, I'm sure. I wish I could read yours, then I'd know the answer to my question." "Would you really like to know?" "Why, yes, or 1 shouldn't have asked it." "Well, Jack, if it will relieve your mind any to know it.you iiuve no pre decessors." "Are you sure. Dora?" "Yes, Jack. You are the first and only." "Thanks, awfully, Dora! I'm glad to hear it: and now that question is settled we will " "Oh, no, jny boy; you don't get oft* finite so easily as'that! I want your donfessioii now. About how many dozen times have you been iu love, pray tell?" Jack Vernon winced. He bad n't counted on this, exactly. "Come, young man, you are now on the witness stand, sworn to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!" she continued, banteringly. "Must 1?" said Jack, helplessly re peating her question ola low min utes before. "I am afraid you mnat, my dear," mimicked she. "But I am afraid you will hate me after I confess." "Is the reei#d, then so long?" "No; it is a very short one. 1 have never loved but once before." "And she—she refused you?" "No,I never asked her." "Why not? Vou see, 1 want the whole story now." "Because of She was a wealthy heiress, I a penniless lawyer, with my fame and fortune yet to make. I loved her: I am not ashamed to say it; she was a woman that one could not help loving; she was all to mo then that you are now, and- '' "And more. Go oil uud say it, Jack; I want the whole truth." "No, J won't say that, but she was the first, and love was a new sensa tion to me then,and if I ha I been her equal.in wealth and station I might but, pshaw! What is use of telling you all this? it is all over now. Her love was not for me. J have put it aside and, besides, I have you. But why are you looking so sober, Dora? Have I confessed too much? Aon wanted the whole truth, you know." "Yes,and f am glad you were brave enough to tell it. How long ago wa it that that this happened?" she faltered. "Three years." "And her name?" she asked, in low tones. "Need 1 tell that?" "Yes, please/' said Dora, faintly. "Edith Burton." Dora's face grew suddenly pale. "J thought, perhaps, she was the one," she said, in a voice that Jack scarcely recognized. "Why, do you know her?" he ex claimed, in surprise. "I used to room with her at board ing school," answered Dora. Hlie had regained control of her voice now. ".She is a good, noble woman, far bet ter than T am,ami I don't wonder that you love L^r." "You mean loved/' corrected Jack. "Mv love for lier is in the t tense, < not the present." i " 'True love can never die/ "quoted i Dora, gravely. "Wasn't it the divine William who said that? But there, .lack, we have talked enough of love for one evening. Don't you think so?" "But you haven't promised to marry 1 < me yet." "You didn't ask me that question, i < You simply asked me if I loved you, and vtn got your answer, I believe." "And lam to take the rest for granted, eh?" "Well, no; nothing should he taken for granted iu this world. I'll give you your answer, but not now. I think I'd better send it to you in writing." "My! Mv! How formal we are get ting all at once! But, after all, J think I prefer il that way; then 1 can carry your note next to my heart for a mascot until you are mine for good and all. Shan't I run over here for it tomorrow morning? I'm anxious to i get it as soon as possible." "No; I'll mail it to your office iu New York." "All right. Dora: and now, just one before f go!" He bent down and ! planted a kiss on her unresisting lips. ! "Thanks, dear! Now, please forget ! that there ever was any other girl,and don't look quite so sober the next time 1 call. I'll he over again Wed nesday evening, if nothing happens, j Good-night, Dora!" "Good-night, Jack!" When Jack Vernon reached his I office in Temple court next morning he found Dora Stevens' note awaiting him. Tearing it open lie read: BROOKLYN, N. Y.. 9.30 p. m. March 15. Dear Jack: The love I expressed for vuii an hour ago I ilml has turned to pity, and 1 , am going to make you happy by sending to i you the only woman you have a right marry. After hearing your confession, and knowing what I do. 1 could never be happy with you. I know you think you are In love , with inc. but the teudrils of your heart are still entwined around that early love, and— and she needs you more thau 1 do. I told you she was my schoolmate years ago; I , still regard herns one of my dearest friends, i and, though we have never met since we ; graduated, we have always kept up corre spondence. I enclose my latest letter from j her. received two mouths ago. 1 did not i know until tonight who the man was that . she loves, i know now.aud 1 wish you both all the joy that life in each other's society *an bring you. Go to her. Jack, and make her happy -and my hlesMug and prayers' will go with you. Not good night this time, : but good-by! Ever your friend, DOHA. I The inelosure run as follows: Hoc HESTER. N. Y., Jan. 14. My Dear Dora: No. 1 am not engaged yet, and never expect to i-. 1 have hud plenty of chances t.> confer my hand and fortune especially the latter— upon aspiring appli- , cauts, but 1 have deeliued them all. I have nevet mot a man I really eared for, except one. and 1 believe he cared forme at a time. Perhaps lie does yet; but.alas! he discovered that J wns an heiress, uud then pride i he wa ; a young lawyer, with plenty of brains and ambition, but no money i held him back. He loved iae: mv heart told me that: but foitnno-hunters were fluttering around me. like moths around a caudle, and 1 suppose . lie was afraid if he spoke he would be classed with the rest just as though the alcliumv of a woman's low could not detect the golil among the dross! "Ah, well', lie i< gone, and there's no use mourning for the past. 1 cannot heip sigh ing, though, to think that the very money 1 which attracted so many society mollis should drive away the only man I over loved! There, bora, you have my sec re;, and know why 1 shall evermore a maiden bo— but please don't tell. Wishing you a lover true, some time, dear Dora mot being bur dened with wealth, you won't have so many i unworthy ones as 1) and hoping to hoar 1 from vou soon, I remain, with oenaus of love, yours slu *ely, EDITH BURTON. Late that afternoon Dora Stevens received the following brief message from Jack Vernon: My Hear Dora: Many thanks for your kind note and the inelosure. There are at least two aiig la left on earth. Vou are one ■•I them. Mas heaven ever guard and bless you! Yours gratefully, JACK. P. B.—l start for Rochester at once, and will mail this on my way to the train. And as Bora rend these words, she smiled one little, wee ghost of a smile, and whispered: "Better my heart than hers!"— Chicago Hccord. A GREEN CREENLAND. striking Evidences of a Former Luxuri ant Tropical <lro\vtli. Two eminent scientists connected with the Smithsonian institution here at Washington, who accompanied the Peary expedition to the Polar regions, but who were bent on business of their own, have just returned from the wilds of West Greenland, bringing with tliein very valuable specimens for the National Museum. In a region of everlasting ice and snow Professor David White and Professor Schuchert have been exploring luxuriant tropical forests, beautiful specimens of which make up the chief part of their collec tion. Possils of tin tulip tree, the poplar, the magnolia, the willow, the eucalyptus, the palm, and the carious tropical dwarf called "cycad" —all these and many more are among the remains of an ancient age -when Greenland was in truth "a green laud," that have now been discovered by these scientists and their party. Greenland was once upon a time a tropical country, That is proved ab solutely by the remains of an exten sive tropical flora. Where now a sheet of solid ice over a mile thick cov ers mountain and valley, and mighty frozen rivers called glaciers make t heir way to the sen, and hatch icebergs, there was in earlier days, a verdure clad wilderness of luxuriant vegeta tion. But all this disappeared from the face of the earth several millions of years ago, and only their fossil re mains are found buried in the strata of the rocks. The finding of the oldest liardw :>od plant in the world was perhaps the most interesting discovery of 'the ex pedition. It was a species of poplar,and the tree grew during the epoch already described—that is to say,in all probabil ity, not less than 5,00U,00() years ago. Apparently at that time the climate of Greenland was much like that of our Gulf states today. All the evidences seem to point to the conclusion that , | cliinutes all over the world in that an cient period were pretty much the some. The same plants grew contem poraneously in Greenland and in Cal ifornia,in Spitzbergen and in Virginia. There was a uniformity of vegetation in all parts of the earth. Nobody can say just why this was, though several theories have been advanced to ac count for it. One theory is that the atmosphere in those days was heavily charged with watery vapor, so that warnith was readily distributed through it, and the sun's rays did not have a chance to strike the earth di rectly, making differences in climate by the degree of their slant. In the course of time the atmosphere thinned gradually, and then came climatic va riations marking a series of zones around the earth.-—Washington Path liuder. THE MOON TO BLAME. Tlicut-if* of Ocean Snn I.PM Power ful Tlmii tin? Kiirtli'a Katellte. Professor G. H. Darwin, in his lec ture in the Lowell Institute course, explained the causes of daily high anil low tides. "When the moon is over any spot 011 the earth the water is drawn up toward it by the force it ex erts, aud at the point directly oppo site, on the other side of the earth,the water is also raised in the form of a big wave," said Professor Darwin. 4 'Between these points, on either side of the earth's circumference,the ocean is depressed, the moon thus tending to form a spheroid of the waters, and giving rise to two high and two low tides in the course of one revolution of the earth. "To understand the bi-monthly spring and neap tides xve must take into account also the effect oi' the sun on the oceans. The force exerted by the sun is 2G-59ths as powerful as that of the moon, and when there is a full moon or a new moon the force of both bodies is acting together, and gives rise to the condition known as spring tides. But when the inoou is half way between new and full, waxing or waning, the force of the sun is acting at right angles to that of the moon. As the sun exerts about half the power of the moon over the tides, the differ ence between the effect of the two act ing together and in opposition is about us three to one, so that the tides aris ing from the conflict of the force of sun and moon are only one-third as gieat as the spring tideo. These minor tides are called neap t*Jes. "The observed fact that high tides do not occur when the moon is over head, but several hours later, was ex plained as due mainly to the compara tive shallowness of the oceans and to the different velocities of all poiuts on the earth's surface between the maxi mum of 25,000 luilqs a day at the equator and zero at the poles."—Bos ton Transcript. C'atH That Hunt Snukes. • A peculiar story of cats liuuting and capturing snakes alive comes from Norfolk. A businessman was at a bouse there recently, when he was surprised to see sleek cats come up to the door step, each having a live snake in its mouth. The snakes averaged about a foot and a half long, the largest one being in the possession of a tine yellow cat and over two feet in length. The cold weather had taken some of the life out of the reptiles, and to make them less vigorous, the cats seemed to have tilled their skins with a number of small punctures by biting them. The snakes were dropped upon the ground and toyed with by the cats, but not by throwing them about as thev do rats and mice. Instead they would stand staring at their prey, while the latter held up their heads and stuck out their tongues. Then the cats would jump upon their victims and again put their teeth through their skins. A fourth eat made its appearance while the other three were playing with the snakes, and tried hard to have some one of them allow him to take part in the fun, lmt it was angri ly repulsed every time it attempted to interfere. The four cuts belong to the same woman, and she said that hardly a Hay passes siuoo summer be gan that they have not brought snakes into the yard. The biggest catch which the foor-footed snake hunters have taken from the woods and swamps near the house was one ot' about a month ago, when the big yellow cat walked into the kitchen with a four toot snake wrapped about its body. The eats seem capable of rendering the Huukes almost powerless without killing them, and, after playing with them till they are satisfied, kill them. Hartford C'ouraut. Floating I'p a ltlver. It was a vexed question in 1800 whether the Pileomavo river, which Hows for hundreds of miles from the Bolivian Andes to the Paraguay,might he used as a commercial highway from Bolivia to the ocean. Our country- Oaptnin Page, settled this ques tion so conclusively that no further effort to utilize the Pileomavo is likely to be made ; and in this work, that cost him his life, for lie died of his privations after being hemmed in for months by hostile Indians, lie devised a phi i for steaming up river when the water was so low that his vessel was stuck in the mud- He was determined to go still fiirthe', though his little steamer, which drew only eighteen inches, rested on the river bottom, so behind the boat he threw up an embankment of earth clear across the channel, backed it with palm trunks and brushwood, and before long the water had risen a couple of feet, and the little Bolivia was able to go on her way four miles before she stuck again. Then another dam was built, and this process was repeated seven times, aud with the aid of the daius the vessel advanced about thirty-live miles above the highest point she could reach at the natural low water stage. Harper's Bound Table. (iowns For Nlfflttwear on Trains. Pretty gowns for nightwear on steamers and trains in cool weather are of twilled flannel. They are in striped pink, blue and in darker and less attractive colors. They are pret tily made with feather-stitched tucks down the front and collar and ruffles at the wrists embroidered in simple designs. They are sai.l to wash ad mirably.—New York Times. The CnlrasH l'.oilire. The cuirass bodice of shimmering jet spangles and line beads, embroid ered in a spreading design or sewn in close bands 011 net and chiffon, was a very conspicuous feature of the variety in dress at the Horse Show. This glittering armor was not always of jet, however, for both gray and white chiffon, heavily embroidered with steel or silver, were prime favorites. En tire bodices of iridescent spangles on black net were also to be seen. Wlien- There Are No Olil Maids. In Greece it is considered an ever lasting disgrace to remain an old maid. Girls are betrothed very often when still tiny babies. Marriages of love are absolutely un known—even more so than in France. And the father is most particular that the intended husband must have an ample provision to support a wife and family. For the girl a dowry is not so important as in France, but a cer taiu amount of linen and household furniture is required. The whole training and education of a Greek girl is simply a preparation to render her brilliant in the society of the great world. Her toilet is a subject of con stant anxiety. Although most Greek girls are natu rally very pretty, they begin to paint and powder from a very early age— cheeks bright red, eyebrows and lashes deepest black and veins delicately blue. The result is that she is a withered old woman at forty, and nowhere are uglier women to be found than be neath the blue skies of lovely Greece. Next in importauce to beauty comes lauguage. Every Greek family who can afford it keeps a French nurse or maid, and French is universally spoken in society. Fainting aud music are quite unnecessary, but girls are care fully trained in dancing and drilled to enter u room and sit down with ele gance. Successful Womun Farmer. Miss Mary E. Cutler, of Holliston, Mass., is one of the most successful agriculturists in that State. It is now almost thirteen years since she under took to manage AVinthrop Gardens, as her place is called, and, while she still retains active supervision of it, her hardest work has been doue. She had been her father's right hand for some years in his struggles against rocks and weeds, which were the prin cipal product of the laud when he bought it, paying $250 for the whole sixty-eight acres. When ho died sud denly she left the little sehoolhouso | where she was teaching and assumed the entire management of the place. Her brothers had left, one to become n lawyer and the other a physician in distant cities, Slia bought out their interest, and, contrary to the advice of ilier friends and relatives, undertook ik> he a practical farmer. Miss Outlet* was not afraid of fail ing, but she took no risks. At first 3he raised only those things that had already been grown with success upon the farm, and she retained as her Superintendent a man who had been employed by her father for a number of years. Affairs turned out well. The woman farmer familiarized herself with every bit of the laud she pos sessed and studied its possibilities. She practically directed the men and worked with them when necessary and she was equally active and alert 021 the road aud in the markets disposing of her crops.—Chicago Chronicle. AH Ilarn Now tin the Doilo. What lias become of tlie woman who used to feast on chocolate eclairs at noon and drinlc ice-cream soda at i o'clook in the afternoon? She is as rare as the dodo. Vanity, undoubtedly, is partially responsible for the diets and regimes adopted by the modern girl. She is a logieal, thinking creature with more tliau a superficial understanding of the laws of cause aud effect, aud kuow ing that a beautiful complexion, line figure aud repose of manner are synonyms of good blood, perfect di gestion and calm nerves, she acts ac cordingly. This tendency to be "strong-mind ed" in the choice of her food is dis played conspicuously at the hotels and restaurants which the modern woman makes her own at luncheon hour. These "tuck shops," as Little Billee would enll them, are all iu tho shop ping district. The hotels in Fifth avenue aud iu Broadway below Thirty fifth street, the famous pink ana purple Tea Room, a certain English bun-shop and a Viennese cafe are the principal haunts of the hungry shopper. Sev eral of tho big shops have a restaurant ill the same building, but the average woman likes a brief respite from babies and bundles and flees to Broadway for her noon-tide bite. Her luncheon is usually out of all proportion to her size, which shows tliat healthy ideals have not been able to eliminate feminine perversity from the logical woman's character. A big, broad shouldered girl will cat a slice of rare roast beef and driuk a cttpful of hot water with the same cheerful heroism as would her brother, when in training for a football game. The fragile little person with the aureole of curls, whom one would expect to dine oil" a hntterlly's wing, thinks nothing of demolishing a big English chop, a baked potato and a salad. Hemps and oysters, patties of all kinds and rich salads are indulged in by the less Spartanesque women, but the old-time least of meringues and cream-puffs, ices and ice water has gone the way of fainting-lits, hysterics and other uncomfortable things.—New York Commercial Advertiser. Women n Success In the Postal Service. First Assistant Postmaster-General Heath lias transmitted to the Postal I Administration of the German Gov ernment through Second Assistant Sliallenberger a comprehensive report on the employment of women in the Government service. He states that there are 71,022 post offieos in the United States, at each of which there are several employes, who lawfully may he either men or women. Postmasters at third and fourth CIBBS offices selcet their own omploves without consulting the De partment, and it is accordingly impos sible to give tho exact number of women employed iu the postal service. 'lhre are, however, 7070 women Postmasters, and perhaps 80,000 women to whom the oath of office has been administered to qualify them to assist in conducting the business of the Postoffice. There arc 107 women employed in the Postoffice Department proper. Women, the report says, are employed in all branches of the postal service, except as letter carriers, clerks in the railway mail service and post office inspectors. They are not de barred by any rule or regulation from entering any liraueli of the service. In fact, there are postofiiees in the United Htates at which there are only wonMn employed. The same salary is paid them as to men for the same character of work. In the Postoffice Department the salaries now paid to women vary from 8240 to 81800 per annum, according to service per formed, though there is no rule pre venting them from receiving more than that, and as postmasters or as sistants they sometimes receive much larger salaries. Some of the most faithful and effi cient employes iu the postal service are women.^ Continuing, the report says it has been a mooted question for mtiuy years with the heads of llui executive de partments, whether women can ren der as good general service r.s men, because the latter may he transfera ble at all times to any positions, whereas women may be confronted with duties in a sense indelicate or which require too much mnur.nl labor, but Pi Is seldom that duties devolve oil any clerk or officer which cuunot he performed by women. The conclusion of the Department is that altogether the services of wom en have proven almost if not equally satisfactory with those of men. The report is based on a request of tho German Government as to what lias been the general experience of the Government with women employe.,, Faaliion Fancies. Bright flannel shirt waists. Iridescent crystal shades for lamps. Various jilnitiugs of chiffon and lace. Immense circular buckles of steel for hats. Velveteen waists, plain, dotted, plnided and checked. Black embroidery or passenieuterie combined with silver. Beady-made scrolls of colored braid edged with gold cord. Handsome gold and llhinestone buttons for fancy silk waists. Black net blouse fronts patterned with jet and red or green spangles. Black and white neck ruffs edged with a cluster of vnri-eolored stripes. Braid blouse fronts with tiny but tons over alternate rows of the braid. Medium length black cloth and velvet capes, covered with silk applications and edged around the high collar and down the front with fur, are one of the many styles in wraps. Chiffon merveilleux is the name of a lovely fabric that makes up into ideal gowns, neckwear anil light capes. It may be had in both single and double widths, and is not expensive. Belts are growing in popularity. Those of wide leather are especially stylish. Velvet belts are also in high favor, and buckles are really works of art. They are made of gold, silver, enamel, cut steel, Bhinestones and jet. Some novelties iu' evening wraps are reversible capes of black fur, which are made for both day and evoniug wear. The fur Bide is worn out during the day, and in the evening the lining of brocaded velvet is seen. The collar is of fur both sides and is high. AGRICULTURAL TOPICS, Slnrkotlna Bay la llales. "Wherever good roads aro the rule it '.s possible „to market bay from the farm moro economically than it can be oiled loose on the wagon. It is diffi. .mlt to carry more than a ton of loose Uay on a wagon, but put up in bales as much as three or moro tons may be drawn on a good road. The hay in bales can also be sold much more readily.as the baled bay requires muob loss room. City stables on dear land are built small, and room needs to be economized as much as possible. Pl-nno Grapevines. There is positive advantage in prun ing the grapevines early. Any time will do before the sap begins to start in the spring, which causes loss ot 3ap or •'bleeding.'" But if viues are left uutrimmed ou the trellises all win ter, more or less uuripened wood is killed,and as some sap courses through this, tho vino is weakened. With early pruning and the vine laid on the ground, there is no danger of any in jury by The buds are kept Hormaut in this position, and will grow with greater vigor when the vine is put up again on its trellis. Fare Water For Milch Coin, 3 Experience has shown that water vhicli looks pure and clear may have In it ftiu germs of the worst diseases, ind if so, there is possibility that these tuny go into tho milk. Ou the other !iand, water that looks muddy from sontact with soil, may be entirely free from any germs that are injurious. The danger from germs in milk, we believe, has been much exaggerated. The sale way is to keep cows from drinking any water where there is a possibility that it has been infected with germs of typhoid fever or diph theria. It is the milk producer's in terest to strictly guard against any chance of infection, as wherever such i ease occurs, it is sure to spread un reasonable l'oars and injure his busi uess. Cauliflower AM a Farm Crop. Ia our experience cauliflower is very rarely attempted by farmers who begin market gardening. Yet it is juito as easily grown as cabbage, pro vided it lias a soil rich enough to grow it to perfection. Late cubbage 3an be grown on laud that will not produce cauliflower. It is probable that the unsuccessful attempts to grow cauliflower are responsible for the fact that it is much less planted (ban the homely cabbage, which as a late crop does not require very rich land, provided it is well cultivated. Farmers need to diversify their crops more than they do. It is this that makes the business of the gardener a safe one. If one crop fails to make a profit ho has enough others that nre profitable to make his business as a whole a success.—Boston Cultivator, Granulated Honey. Almost all extracted honey will gran ulate and become like sugar during -old weather. Heretofore this has been considered rather a detriment to the sale and use of extracted lioncy. But when brought moro prominently before tho public, aud consumers have beoomo hotter acquainted with it, it may now almost be called the leader. We have always taken the ground that honey after granulation is in its most perfect form iu which it can he used. Granulation improves tho appearance of any quality of lioney and never fails to givo it n lighter shade. It also has a tendency to drive from if any wild taste and make it a purer sweet. In this condition it is in the host possible shape for keeping any length of time. By being free of wax, and if taken from the comb just as the bees placed it there, without any inciting of the comb or mixing of any kind, by tho latest improved machinery, it is with out doubt the purest of all sweets. It is easily returned to its original form by simply boating it, and if sealed up air-tight while hot it will remain iu liquid form for a long time. Pnstnrina in Orchards. Wo doubt whether it ever pays to pasture orchards except with liogs, and then rather to feed them extra and thus manure the trees than .for what the hogs will get from the grass. Wherever grass ia shaded it is muoh less nutritious than what grows in the sunlight. Hogs do not do well on pasture anyway. But if fed liberally their droppings will manure the trees, aud give them all the wood growth that is required. If the hogs are left without rings iu their noses they will root up the soil and destroy many kinds of pests which hibernate in the soil under trees. It is not best to lot old hogs run in orchards unless the trunks of apjile trees are protected. There is a sweetish taste to apple tree bark which both hogs and sheep are vary fond of. An orchard may easily be ruined if there is nay neglect iu feeding. When hogs once get a taste of apple tree bark they will girdle it as far up as they can reach. Tbcy are muoh more apt to attack young trees than those that are older, as in the latter much of the bark on tho outside is tough and dead so that they are not likely to attempt to eat it.—American Cultivator. Fox Terrier With a Glnse Kye. Mr. Henry Smith, a well-known veterinary surgeon practicing at Worthing, has just performed a pro fessional operation which is believed to be unique. A fox terrier belonging to Mr. Wells, of Warwick road, Worth ing, had the misfortune to have one of its eyes so shockingly injured that the removal of the organ was the only al ternative to the destruction of the ter rier. Mr. Smith was consulted and the dog left under his charge. Chloro form was administered and Mr. Smith successfully removed the injured eye ball, replacing it witfj a glass eye. The terrier is now running about a usual,—London Telegraph.
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers