Chapter 9

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We shall promptly answer the receipt of every such Valentine.

We cannot help it.—If our friends will send us such letters, we must publish them. Mrs. J. D. M., of New Jersey, writes: "Allow me to thank you for the pleasure your 'Lady's Book' has afforded me for the lastTWELVE YEARS. As for the first sweet flowers of spring, so do we each month watch for and welcome thy agreeable messenger."

Mrs. M. F. W., of Mauch Chunk, writes: "Permit an old subscriber and admirer to congratulate you upon the great success and unusual esteem with which your efforts have been met. I am sure you deserve and get the thanks of all the ladies for your untiring zeal in their behalf, and the gentlemen also owe you many thanks for the patterns to which they are indebted for many a pretty keepsake."

How Sad!—An editor writes us, and even in writing his sad condition is shown; not that the writing is bad, that is very good; but the words convey his desolation. "As yet I am a single man." What a world of expression there is in that "yet!" "Your 'Book' accompanies me occasionally on a visit to my female friends." Take it along with you, and, if that does not get you a wife, you may as well give it up.

The"Danbury Times" says: "While speaking of the 'Lady's Book' to a friend the other day, she remarked that she had taken it from the first number issued in July, 1830, and that there was nothing like it." We know two others who have taken it from January, 1831, within six months from the commencement. It is needless to add that such subscribers always pay regularly.

Since writing the above, we have received a letter from a lady in Virginia, inclosing her twenty-second year's subscription.

Weclip the following from the "Philadelphia Inquirer," of this city:—

"American Stories.—American stories are becoming quite popular with the conductors of some of the foreign periodicals. We observe that two, viz., 'My Brother Tom,' and 'Marrying through Prudential Motives,' which appeared in 'Godey's Lady's Book' some time since, were soon after republished in England, without credit, and have more recently been republished in some of the New York papers as of foreign origin. Quite a compliment this to Godey and his contributors."

"My Grandmother's Bracelet," by Mrs. Hentz, a story that we published in 1844, is now revived, and is going the rounds of the press as a new story. No credit is given the "Lady's Book"—of courseNOT.

Christ Healing the Sick.—We have a few copies of this splendid plate, printed on paper of a good size for framing, still for sale at 50 cents each.

Wenow print precisely 9800 copies more than we did this time last year, and we are anxious to make it up even 10,000. If all our subscribers would follow the suggestion made by the "Huntingdon Democrat," and many, we are proud to say, have already done what that paper suggests, we would soon have that other 200: "We are compelled to consider Mr. Godey the most successful intellectual caterer for the ladies in all magazine-dom, and all who agree with us (and all who take the 'Book' must), should each one get another subscriber to it, as a compliment to its enterprising publisher for his untiring efforts to please."

Covers by Mail.—We cannot send covers for binding by mail, as the Postmaster-General has decided that they must pay letter postage. Rather queer! when you can send the whole Book, cover and all, and only pay book or pamphlet postage. We can supply agents, and will send any ordered in their packages.

A ladywrites us to know how she can receive her "Lady's Book" without being folded. She is the only subscriber in the place. Our answer is: Get another subscriber, and the "Book" will then be done up without being folded.

A lady, who sent us a club, writes as follows: "I extolled your inestimable 'Book'—and why should I not?—showed them the benefit to be derived from it, in order to induce them to subscribe, knowing, if they could be persuaded to do so for one year, that they could not be prevailed upon in future to be without so interesting and useful a book, especially a lady."

Editors turning Lecturers.—Graham and Fitzgerald. The former delivered a lecture before the Excelsior Temperance Circle of Honor, some days since, which did honor to his head and heart. The Circle have had the lecture printed, and we have read it with great satisfaction. Fitzgerald's lecture was upon music, and well he handled the subject. The audience were much pleased, and so much so that Mr. Fitzgerald has been solicited to repeat the lecture. He would be a card for the lyceums in want of a good lecturer.

La Pierre House.—We advise all our subscribers who visit this city to stop at the La Pierre House. It is situated on the widest street and highest part of the city. Messrs. Taber & Son are indefatigable in their efforts to please. Their table is admirable, and their "grand hops" are the most neatly managed affairs we have ever seen.

R. H. See & Co.'sNew Book-Store, No. 106 Chestnut Street, is one of the neatest establishments in the city, with the most gentlemanly attendants. All the new publications will be found there; and great inducements are held out to subscribe for "Godey's Lady's Book" and "Graham's Magazine," in the shape of splendid premium plates of a large size, and most beautifully engraved. This is a great opportunity. Mr. See has also become one of the publishers of that old and favorite monthly, "Graham's Magazine."

We hope this extravagance will not extend to this country:—

"European Fashions.—Letters from Paris state that the extravagance in dress for the last winter will be outdone by the magnificence of the toilettes in preparation for the approaching season. Enormously expensive toilettes are not confined to the older members of society; the juvenile part of thebeau-mondeis loaded with velvets, embroideries, flounces, and feathers. As an instance of the vanity and extravagance of private families in Paris, we may cite an instance in which a baptismal dress of an infant has been prepared, of exquisite embroidery and lace, at an expense of eighteen thousand dollars. The establishment where these tiny articles were produced has been thronged with lady visitors, to see the rich and costly dress in which the little creature is to renounce the pomps and vanities of the world."

Jullienthe celebrated, and his band, have been here, and we confess that we have never heard anything approaching them. Concert Hall was crowded every evening they played—and the repetition of the "Prima Donna Waltz," the "Katydid Polka," and the "American Quadrille," seemed more and more to please the delighted audience. Jullien himself is an admirable leader. He is devoid of affectation, although we were led to suppose he had a great deal of it. His leading is most judicious, using his baton no more than what seemed absolutely necessary, not thumping constantly, as we have seen other leaders do, seemingly with no other purpose than to call attention to themselves. He is ably represented in his out-door business by Dr. Joy and W. F. Brough, Esq.

Dempster, the delightful ballad-singer, has been with us once again. He always pleases. And, wherever he may go, we wish him great success, and commend him to the kind consideration of our friends of the press. They will find him a thorough, good-hearted gentleman.

Frankenstein's Panorama of Niagara.—This great exhibition of the most stupendous waterfall in the world, which has excited wonder and admiration for so many months in New York, is now at Concert hall, in this city. The brothers Frankenstein say, with a perfect enthusiasm, that the sight of it will remain like a vision of glory forever upon your memories—for,

"A thing of beauty is a joy forever."

This may by some be thought a high tone, but in these days of panoramas, it is necessary to speak emphatically, and they fear not the result, if you but see this work.

Weextract from the Philadelphia "Evening Argus" a notice of a very powerfully written book:—

"'The Old Doctor' is thenom de plumeof the author of a book bearing the same title, and filled with fragmentary sketches of various incidents that have actually occurred in the practice of the unknown physician who records them. The style is easy and pleasant, and the sketches—some twenty in number—possess a thrilling interest that will amply repay perusal. There are four superb illustrations, and the book will prove a valuable addition to the library or the centre-table. Since the publication of Dr. Warren's 'Diary of a Physician,' nothing of the kind has appeared that will vie, in point of interesting narrative, with these reminiscences of a retired physician. Physicians have opportunities for observation and for learning secret histories that never can be allowed to any one else, and the expositions of this book show how much stranger truth is than fiction. H. Long & Brother, 43 Ann St., are the publishers; and this volume is well entitled to take a front rank in the serial of family books which this house is engaged in publishing."

"Wesee that several of our bachelor brothers of the 'press gang' have taken up with Godey's offer to choose a wife for each of them from among the 'Filadelfy Gals.' We hope they are not all spoken for, and will put in our order. Friend Godey, you will please look us up one with rosy cheeks, not over five feet high, nor more than nineteen years old; and of good 'mettle.' One who can set type, and act assub.in our office, when we are out, preferred. Have her ready by the first of the coming year, and we will call for her in person."

Friend "Argus," we would like you to call at once, for we have here now some of the finest specimens of ladies ever presented to an admiring public. But we do not claim them as Philadelphians. There are three ladieson exhibitionhere, the largest of which weighs 769 pounds, and the least, some 600. The youngest is about nineteen. Just the age you want, and if she can't set type now, she could soon learn. She is ready now for you.

The"Iowa Sentinel" says: "We have but one objection to Godey, and that is the devoting entire of his magazine to the ladies. However, it is just what it purports to be—a Lady's Book."

Now, we do not consider this an objection, but a compliment. We endeavor to please the ladies, and how gloriously have they responded to the appeal we made to them some few months since, and how from our heart we thank them! Still, friend Sentinel, look over each number of the "Book"and see if you cannot find enough to interest a gentleman. Read the article upon Artesian Wells.

John Ross Dix, Esq., has become one of the editors of the "Waverley Magazine," published in Boston. This gentleman and W. R. Lawrence, Esq., its old editor, between them are able to make the "Waverley Magazine" even better than it has been, if that were necessary.

"The Deserted Bride, and other Poems."By Geo. P. Morris.—A contemporary, in speaking of this work, says:

"Its splendid exterior, gay in gold and morocco, the finely executed portrait, by which the reader may see that the poet is no hard-featured wight, but has the impress of a noble soul upon his features, and the beautiful steel engravings, will attract the admirers of sumptuous books; but they will find their taste purified and elevated, and their hearts made better by the poems, which will cling to the memory as they are read like strains of bewitching music. Space does not permit us to point out our special favorites; but they may be found almostpassim. We counsel all who have libraries or drawing-rooms to procure the volume as an ornament to be proud of; while those who have not, will find it a meet companion either in travel or seclusion."

It is a most beautiful work, and is a suitable volume either for a New Year or birthday present, and would be a beautiful Valentine to send to a lady.

Fromthe "New York Spirit of the Times" we extract the following. It is an excellent book, that we can vouch for.

"The New Household Receipt Book; containing Maxims, Directions, and Specifics for Promoting Health, Comfort, and Improvement in the Homes of the People. Compiled from the best Authorities, with many Receipts never before collected." By Sarah Josepha Hale. This is a very useful book, and every housekeeper should have a copy. Young women just married, or about to be married, would do well to look into it, as much time may be saved and trouble avoided by attending to its instructions. Mrs. Hale must be exceedingly industrious, and if those masculine feminines who go prating about "Women's Rights" would employ themselves as usefully and virtuously, they would, like her, have the thanks of the women of the world, and be respected by the men of the world. Published by Long & Brother, 43 Ann St.

The"Florist and Horticultural Journal" continues to come to us elegantly illustrated, and containing useful and well-written articles on all that relates to fruits, flowers, and vegetables. Each number contains a beautifully colored plate of some new or rare plant. Some of the engravings are executed in Europe. It is published by H. C. Hanson, at $2 per annum.

"The Saturday Evening Mail." Geo. R. Graham, editor; R. H. See, publisher.—Graham in a new character—editor of a weekly newspaper. Won't he make the old fogies of the press mind their P's and Q's! Already has the "Mail" assumed its place among those of a "large circulation." It is a splendid quarto, beautifully illustrated, and most ably edited.

Weask attention to our new work, "How to Make a Dress." It is by our Fashion Editor, and we think it will be useful to every one of our lady subscribers. Orders for materials of all kinds, jewelry, patterns, etc. etc., will be attended to, by inclosing a remittance to L. A. Godey, Philadelphia.

T. S. Arthur's Home Magazine.—This invaluable monthly comes to us, as usual, richly freighted with literary gems and treasures. In our estimation, it stands in the first rank of our periodical literature. It is conducted with ability and taste, and presents a well-selected variety of choice reading, in which are mingled the grave and the gay, the solid and the less weighty, with a felicity seldom obtained in works of this character. It requires a rare discrimination and a still more rare combination of the moral and literary element to make a magazine what itought to be—what the high interests of society and the family demand it should be—what a Christian parent would feel a pleasure in putting into the hands of his children. But such, we are happy to say, in our opinion, is the "Home Magazine." The Little Colporteur story of Arthur in this number, is worth, for its touching Christian simplicity and its power to awaken and enliven the better feelings of the heart, the price of the work for a year many times told. May he write many such Christian parables! It is safe copying theGreat Masterhere. We warmly commend the "Home Magazine" to all our friends as a cheap, but valuable magazine, and one every way worthy of their confidence and patronage.—Central New Yorker.

Arthur's Home Gazette.—We give to this journal our meed of praise, it being one of the best, if not the very best weekly paper published. It is a paper which no one, possessing even a spark of goodness, can attentively read without being benefited by it. The public should in all cases show a preference for such papers. Parents, especially, in addition to the best daily paper they can procure, should supply their families with two or three of the best weeklies; and we would most cordially recommend "Arthur's Home Gazette" as one of the number. Money thus spent would be very profitably invested.—Christian Banner, Fredericksburg, Va.

No. 3of our "Splendid Gallery of Engravings" is now ready. See advertisement on cover.

The"Boston Post" says that "a young man, a member of an Evangelical church," advertises in a New York paper for board "in a pious family, where his Christian example would be considered a compensation."

Rapp's Gold Pens.—We have received orders for more than one hundred of these pens. We repeat the terms, and also our hearty assurance that they are the best gold pens we have ever used. Price of pens, condor size, with a holder, $6; in a silver case, $7; swan-quill size, with double extension silver cases, $4; goose-quill size, suitable for ladies, with holders, as above, $3.

Moore, the poet, always had an eye to, we were going to say, dollars and cents; but pounds, shilling, and pence would be more appropriate:—

"I have been passing three days with the Duchess of Kent and our little future Queen at Earl Stoke Park, and we had a great deal of music. The duchess sang some of my melodies with me better than I ever heard them performed. I promised to send her some of the songs of mine she most liked, and I should be glad if you would get them bound together (nottooexpensively) for me to present to her. They are as follows: Meeting of Ships—Indian Boat—The Evening Gun—Say, what shall be our Sport, (can you detach this from the Nationals?)—Keep your tears for me—The Watchman—I love but thee (beginning 'If after all')—Reason and Folly and Beauty. She has promised me copies of some very pretty German things she sang."

THE SCOTCH PIPER.

Draw a design upon cardboard, similar to the annexed engraving. Then cut it out neatly with a pair of scissors, and gum a piece of black cloth or velvet over the part intended as the cap; attach two pieces of China ribbon to the side of the cap, and gild or paint the epaulettes. Sew a small band of tape or webbing to the back part of the kilt, large enough to allow the two forefingers to pass through it; and when this is done, gum a portion of tartan over the lower part of the design, so as to represent the kilt, and otherwise ornament the figure so that it may represent a Highland piper.

If the whole figure is only intended to be painted, the band at the back of the kilt must be glued on instead of sewing it. Thus far the figure is complete, and you must now make the boots, which may be easily done from a piece of plaid ribbon or stuff, and some black cloth, leather, or velvet. Take care that they are large enough to admit the tips of your fingers at the tops, which should be ornamented with some strips of China ribbon of various colors. The figure is now finished.

To make the piper dance, introduce the two forefingers of the right hand through the bands, at the back of the kilt, so that the knuckles only are seen; then place the boots upon the tips of the fingers, and as the back of the hand and other fingers are concealed, the Scotchman may be made to dance by moving the fingers in such a manner that the knuckles are bent during the performance.

This forms a very amusing trifle for children.

We will furnish any of the following from the establishment of Mrs. Suplee, the originator of this style of patterns. But few persons can imagine how complete they are in every respect, fit, trimming, &c. At a little distance, they look like the real garment. The stock and variety of patterns for ladies' dresses, cloaks, mantillas, sacks, sleeves, and every article of ladies' and children's wear, are unequalled in the United States. Every new design from Paris and London is regularly received, so that persons wishing something new can always be supplied. The patterns are cut in tissue paper, and trimmed as the article is made.

Cloaks, Mantillas, Dress Bodies, Sleeves, Basques, Full Dress, Children's Dresses, Basques, Sacks, and Aprons, Boys' Jackets and Pants.

In ordering patterns, please say if for ladies or children.

AddressFASHION EDITOR,Care of "Godey's Lady's Book," Phila.

PHILADELPHIA AGENCY.

"Mary Vale."—It may be interesting to this lady to know that her story of "Marrying through Prudential Motives" has been copied from the "Lady's Book" for March, 1853, in two of the English magazines, recopied into the New York "Albion," that professes to give nothing but the cream of the English magazines, credited to an English magazine; and now, being anEnglishstory, will no doubt be published by half the papers in the United States. So much for the British stamp.

"Nannie" is informed that MSS. for publishing must only be written on one side of the paper, as plainly as possible, done up neatly in an envelope, sealed, and postage paid. MSS. always come to hand. We have never lost one through the mails. To her other question, we have repeatedly asked of our book publishers to name their price, but they will not study their own interests enough to do it. We could sell thrice as many books for them if they would attend to it. In London, the price of the work is invariably mentioned in the advertisement.

"A. L. H."—Sent your box by Adams's Express. Wrote by mail and inclosed receipt.

"G. L. M."—Sent cloak pattern by mail on the 16th.

"H. S."—We furnish any of Mrs. Suplee's patterns.

"M. A. D."—Sent cloak pattern by mail on 25th.

"N. B. D."—Jefferson's, or Mathias's, or Sutherland's Manual.

"J. S."—Sent pattern by mail on 12th.

"Mrs. S. J. F."—Sent your patterns by mail on 30th.

"Mrs. S. M. B."—Sent your articles by mail on 3d.

"W. G."—Sent your Rapp pencil on the 6th.

"M. N."—Sent patterns by mail on 7th.

"E. C. H."—Answered yours about the polish on 5th.

"F. M. B."—Sent the silk on the 6th.

"J. H.," New York.—Will please mention what particular one she wants explained. The different artists that compose the work use different terms, and what will explain one will not another.

"C. V. S."—Sent your order by Kinsley's Express on the 7th.

"Mrs. C. E. S."—Sent your patterns on the 9th.

"H. S."—Sent your patterns on the 7th.

"H. B. S."—Sent ear-rings on the 9th.

"F. L. K."—Will please accept our thanks for the pattern for "muslin flouncing." It is very pretty, and shall be engraved. We will be pleased to receive any original designs from our subscribers for any kind of fancy work.

"Miss L. J. T."—Sent your handkerchief by mail on 9th.

"Mrs. R. F. L."—Sent your pattern by mail on 10th.

"L. J."—Sent the Talma by Adams & Co.'s Express, and sent you their receipt.

"Mrs. A. E. S."—Sent pattern on the 13th.

No orders attended to unless the cash accompanies it.

All persons requiring answers by mail must send a post-office stamp.

"The wicked borroweth and payeth not again."

The "Wadesboro' Argus" says: "We have been lending the 'Book' for the last year or two; but Godey positively forbids it, and we will have to refuse it to borrowers. We are now making up a club for the work for next year, and ask those whom we have been supplying the present year to send us their names with two dollars, and we will see that they have the 'Book' supplied in their own names for the next twelve months."

Will one of these borrowers subscribe? Doubtful. But we shall see.

Letter from a Lady.—"I am trying to raise a large club here. Our only trouble is from borrowers. During my absence in the country this past summer, the whole of last year's numbers were taken out of the house, and two or three of them were never returned. I have come to the determination, as New Year is a time to make good resolutions, one of mine shall be not to lend 'Godey.'H."

"Your'Book' is very popular; but many of your subscribers wish that it was more popular, at least enough soto cause those who borrow to subscribe for themselves. Our copy generally goes round to a dozen families, the rightful owner receiving little or no benefit from it; for, by the time it is returned, it is so defaced that we can scarcely recognize it.J. D. M."

HEAT, LIGHT, AND FLAME.

Loco-foco Matches, etc.—The oxygenated orchlorate matchesare first dipped in melted sulphur, and then tipped with a paste made of chlorate of potass, sulphur, and sugar, mixed with gum-water, and colored with vermilion; frankincense and camphor are sometimes mixed with the composition, and the wood of the match is pencil cedar, so that a fragrant odor is diffused from the matches in burning. To obtain light, a match is very lightly dipped in a bottle containing a little asbestos soaked in oil of vitriol.

Lucifersconsist of chips of wood tipped with a paste of chlorate of potass mixed with sulphuret of antimony, starch, and gum-water; when a match is pinched between the folds of glass-paper and suddenly drawn out, a light is instantly obtained.

Prometheansconsist of small rows of waxed paper, in one end of which is a minute quantity of vitriol, in a glass bulb, sealed up and surrounded with chlorate of potass; when the end thus prepared is pressed so as to break the bulb, the vitriol comes in contact with the composition, and produces light instantly.

Loco-foco Matchesare made of a compound of phosphorus, rice-flour, &c., colored with any suitable article.

Phosphoric Fire-bottle.—Take a common brimstone match, introduce its point into a bottle containing oxide of phosphorus so as to cause a minute quantity of it to adhere to it; if the match be then rubbed on a common bottle cork, it instantly takes fire; care should be taken not to use the same match immediately, or while still hot, as it would inevitably set fire to the oxide of phosphorus in the bottle. The phosphoric fire-bottle may be prepared in the following manner: Take a small phial of very thin glass, heat it gradually in a ladleful of sand, and introduce into it a few grains of phosphorus; let the phial be then left undisturbed for a few minutes, and proceed in this manner until the phial is full; or, put a little phosphorus into a small phial; heat the phial in a ladleful of sand, and when the phosphorus is melted, turn it round, so that the phosphorus may adhere to the sides of the phial; and then cork the phial closely.

A Combustible Body set on Fire by Water.—Fill a saucer nearly full of water, and drop into it a small piece of potassium the size of a pepper-corn (about two grains); the potassium will instantly become red-hot and dart from one side of the saucer to the other, and burn vividly on the surface of the water.

Curious Experiment.—Procure three basins, and put water of the temperature of thirty-three degrees into one basin, of fifty degrees into another, and of a hundred degrees into the third; then plunge one hand into the water of thirty-three degrees, and the other into that of a hundred degrees, and when they have both remained a few seconds, withdraw them, and plunge both hands into the water of fifty degrees: the one which was before in warm water will now feel cold, and the one that was in the cold water will feel warm.

Vivid Production of Fire.—Take three parts by weight of flowers of sulphur, and eight parts of copper filings, mix them intimately together, and put the mixture into a large test-tube, or small glass matrass. If the tube be now placed upon red-hot coals, the mass begins to swell, and a small ignited spark becomes first visible at the bottom, which rapidly increases in size, and lastly, the whole mass glows and exhibits a brilliant combustion without the access of air or oxygen gas.

The Fiery Flash.—Pour iron filings upon the flame of a candle, from a sheet of paper, about eight or ten inches above it; as they descend into the flame, they will enter into a very vivid scintillating combustion.

Spirits of Wine.—Put a small quantity of spirits of wine into a glass, and put a halfpenny or shilling in with it; then direct the rays of the sun, by means of a burning glass, upon the coin, and in a short time it will become so hot as to inflame the spirits.

ANSWERS TO ENIGMAS IN JANUARY NUMBER.

1.Inside.2.Air.3.Mal-ice.

ENIGMAS.

A museum am I, and my pictures so trueThat their merits are never disputed by youSuch graphic expression each sketch must revealOf all I present to engage the ideal:My collection abounds in so varied a stock(Some sure to enchant, while some others may shock)Of portraits and landscapes, and scenes of the past—Historic and classic; some others are castIn chimerical moulds, and stand out to the sightIn colors of fancy illusively bright.Some are visions of dreams that appeal to the senseWith a mystical fervor, so fair their pretence.Now this Exhibition at will you may view,For you'll aye find it open and gratis toyou:Though you'll enter it solus, your gaze none can share,So it's not like the show in Trafalgar-square.

A museum am I, and my pictures so true

That their merits are never disputed by you

Such graphic expression each sketch must reveal

Of all I present to engage the ideal:

My collection abounds in so varied a stock

(Some sure to enchant, while some others may shock)

Of portraits and landscapes, and scenes of the past—

Historic and classic; some others are cast

In chimerical moulds, and stand out to the sight

In colors of fancy illusively bright.

Some are visions of dreams that appeal to the sense

With a mystical fervor, so fair their pretence.

Now this Exhibition at will you may view,

For you'll aye find it open and gratis toyou:

Though you'll enter it solus, your gaze none can share,

So it's not like the show in Trafalgar-square.

My first "to know" might signify;My second "melody" imply;My third must "fashionable" mean;And in my whole much fashion's seen.

My first "to know" might signify;

My second "melody" imply;

My third must "fashionable" mean;

And in my whole much fashion's seen.

More truly valuable am I,As visibly is shown,Than California's gold could buy—Which you at sight must own.Of one alone, or else of three,You'll fabricate my name;Then, even backwards spelling me,You'll find me still the same.

More truly valuable am I,As visibly is shown,Than California's gold could buy—Which you at sight must own.

More truly valuable am I,

As visibly is shown,

Than California's gold could buy—

Which you at sight must own.

Of one alone, or else of three,You'll fabricate my name;Then, even backwards spelling me,You'll find me still the same.

Of one alone, or else of three,

You'll fabricate my name;

Then, even backwards spelling me,

You'll find me still the same.

As introductory, I'll state,We are a family of eight,Fluent of speech as e'en are you,And quite as comprehensive, too.Our character is somewhat strange—One-half of us are apt to changeIn constitution frequently,As you continually may see:Although the other four, 'tis plain,Unalter'd always must remain;And in their own primeval state,Your constant exigence await.Collectively, our familyWith reasoning humanityMust o'er retain the first degree.

As introductory, I'll state,

We are a family of eight,

Fluent of speech as e'en are you,

And quite as comprehensive, too.

Our character is somewhat strange—

One-half of us are apt to change

In constitution frequently,

As you continually may see:

Although the other four, 'tis plain,

Unalter'd always must remain;

And in their own primeval state,

Your constant exigence await.

Collectively, our family

With reasoning humanity

Must o'er retain the first degree.

My first is what you all must shareSo long as you respire the air;And when deceased, survivors willYour proper share attribute still.My second's what I think you'd doWhene'er my first might do so too.Then let the two united be,To form what you'd not wish to see.

My first is what you all must share

So long as you respire the air;

And when deceased, survivors will

Your proper share attribute still.

My second's what I think you'd do

Whene'er my first might do so too.

Then let the two united be,

To form what you'd not wish to see.

THE SICK ROOM AND NURSERY.

Improved Mode of Administering Senna.—Take of senna three drachms; lesser cardamom-seeds, husked and bruised, half a drachm; boiling water, as much as will yield a filtered infusion of six ounces. Digest for an hour, and filter when cold. This is a well-contrived purgative infusion, the aromatic correcting the drastic efforts of the senna. It is of advantage that it should be used freshly prepared, as it is apt to spoil very quickly.

Warm Water.—Warm water is preferable to cold water, as a drink to persons who are subject to dyspeptic and bilious complaints, and it may be taken more freely than cold water, and consequently answers better as a diluent for carrying off bile, and removing obstructions in the urinary secretion in cases of stone and gravel. When water of a temperature equal to that of the human body is used for drink, it proves considerably stimulant, and is particularly suited to dyspeptic, bilious, gouty, and chlorotic subjects.

Barley-water.—To make good barley-water, choose the best pearl-barley, boil it for a few minutes, then throw away the water and add fresh, in the proportion of a pint to an ounce of barley. Boil quickly, and then let it simmer for an hour; strain and sweeten; flavor with lemon, or according to taste. It is a very mucilaginous drink, and beneficial to invalids.

Advantages of Cleanliness.—Health and strength cannot be long continued unless the skin,allthe skin, is washed frequently with a sponge or other means. Every morning is best, after which the skin should be rubbed very well with a rough cloth. This is the most certain way of preventing cold, and a little substitute for exercise, as it brings blood to the surface, and causes it to circulate well through the fine capillary vessels. Labor produces this circulation naturally. The insensible perspiration cannot escape well if the skin is not clean, as the pores get choked up. It is said that in health about half the aliment we take passes out through the skin.

Antidote to Arsenic.—Magnesia is an antidote to arsenic, equally efficacious with peroxide of iron, and preferable to it, inasmuch as it is completely innocuous in almost any quantity, and can be procured in any form.

Remedy for Toothache.—Take of alum, in powder, two drachms; spirit of nitre, seven drachms. Mix, and apply it to the teeth.

To Assist the Hearing of Elderly Persons when Suffering from Deafness.—Deafness is usually accompanied with confused sounds, and noises of various kinds in the inside of the ear itself; in such cases, insert a piece of cotton wool, on which a very little oil of cloves or cinnamon has been dropped.

Rheumatic Embrocation.—Take of spirit of turpentine, spirit of hartshorn, liquid opodeldoc, of each one ounce.

DOMESTIC RECEIPTS.

CUSTARDS, CREAMS, JELLIES, AND BLANC MANGE.

[Second article.]

Common Baked Custard.—Mix a quart of new milk with eight well-beaten eggs, strain the mixture through a fine sieve, and sweeten it with from five to eight ounces of sugar, according to the taste; add a small pinch of salt, and pour the custard into a deep dish, with or without a lining or rim of paste; grate nutmeg or lemon rind over the top, and bake it in averyslow oven from twenty to thirty minutes, or longer, should it not be firm in the centre. A custard, if well made, and properly baked, will be quite smooth when cut, without the honey-combed appearance which a hot oven gives; and there will be no whey in the dish. New milk, one quart; eggs, eight; sugar, five to eight oz.; salt, one-quarter salt-spoonful; nutmeg or lemon-grate; baked, slow oven, twenty to thirty minutes, or more.

Chocolate Custards.—Dissolve gently by the side of the fire an ounce and a half of the best chocolate in rather more than a wineglassful of water, and then boil it until it is perfectly smooth; mix with it a pint of milk well flavored with lemon-peel or vanilla, and two ounces of fine sugar, and when the whole boils, stir to it five well-beaten eggs that have been strained. Put the custard into a jar or jug, set it into a pan of boiling water, and stir it without ceasing until it is thick. Do not put it into glasses or a dish till nearly or quite cold. These, as well as all other custards, are infinitely finer when made with the yolks only of the eggs.

Rice Custards without Cream.—Take one teaspoonful of rice flour, a pint of new milk, the yolks of three eggs, sugar to your liking; mix the rice very smooth, and stir it, with the eggs, into the boiling milk. An excellent dish for children.

A finer Baked Custard.—Boil together gently, for five minutes, a pint and a half of new milk, a few grains of salt, the very thin rind of a lemon, and six ounces of loaf sugar; stir these boiling, but very gradually, to the well-beaten yolks of ten fresh eggs, and the whites of four; strain the mixture, and add to it half a pint of good cream; let it cool, and then flavor it with a few spoonfuls of brandy or a little ratafia; finish and bake it by the directions given for the common custard above; or pour it into small well-buttered cups, and bake it very slowly from ten to twelve minutes.

Apple or Gooseberry Souffle.—Scald and sweeten the fruit, beat it through a sieve, and put it into a tart dish. When cold, pour a rich custard over it, about two inches deep; whip the whites of the eggs, of which the custard was made, to a snow, and lay it in small rough pieces on the custard; sift fine sugar over, and put it into a slack oven for a short time. It will make an exceedingly pretty dish.

Gooseberry-fool.—Put the fruit into a stone jar, with somegood Lisbon sugar; set the jar on a stove, or in a saucepan of water over the fire; if the former, a large spoonful of water should be added to the fruit. When it is done enough to pulp, press it through a cullender; have ready a teacupful of new milk and the same quantity of raw cream boiled together, and left to be cold; then sweeten pretty well with fine sugar, and mix the pulp by degrees with it.Or:—Mix equal proportion of gooseberry pulp and custard.

Apple-foolmay be made the same as gooseberry, except that when stewed the apples should be peeled and pulped.

French Flummery.—Boil one ounce and a half of isinglass in a pint and a half of cream for ten minutes, stirring it well; sweeten it with loaf-sugar, flavor with two tablespoonfuls of orange-flower water, strain it into a deep dish.

Fruit Creams.—Take half an ounce of isinglass, dissolved in a little water, then put one pint of good cream, sweetened to the taste; boil it; when nearly cold, lay some apricot or raspberry jam on the bottom of a glass dish, and pour it over. This is most excellent.

Burnt Cream.—Set over the fire in a pan three ounces of sifted sugar, stir it, and when it browns, add a quart of cream, and two ounces of isinglass; boil and stir till the latter is dissolved, when sweeten it, and strain into moulds. Or, this cream may be made by boiling it without sugar, adding the yolks of four eggs, sweetening and sifting over it in a dish loaf-sugar, to be browned with a salamander.

Lemon Cream.—Take a pint of cream, add the zest of a lemon rubbed on sugar; whip it well; add sugar and lemon-juice to palate. Have half an ounce of isinglass dissolved and cool; when the cream is thick, which it will be when the lemon-juice is added, pour in the isinglass, and immediately mould it. A smaller quantity of isinglass may suffice, but that depends on the thickness of the cream. Other flavors may be used, as orange, almond, maraschino.Or:—Take a pint of thick cream, and put to it the yolks of two eggs well beaten, 4 oz. of fine sugar, and the thin rind of a lemon; boil it up, then stir it till almost cold; put the juice of a lemon in a dish or bowl, and pour the cream upon it, stirring it till quite cold.

Raspberry Cream.—Put six ounces of raspberry jam to a quart of cream, pulp it through a lawn sieve, add to it the juice of a lemon and a little sugar, and whisk it till thick. Serve it in a dish or glasses.

Strawberry Cream.—Put six ounces of strawberry jam with a pint of cream through a sieve, add to it the juice of a lemon, whisk it fast at the edge of a dish, lay the froth on a sieve, add a little more juice of lemon, and when no more froth will rise, put the cream into a dish, or into glasses, and place the froth upon it, well drained.

Celebrated Honey Almond Paste.—Take honey, one pound; white bitter paste, one pound; expressed oil of bitter almonds, two pounds; yolks of eggs, five. Heat the honey, strain, then add the bitter paste, knead well together, and, lastly, add the eggs and oil in alternate portions.

Invaluable Ointment.—Obtain a pint of real cream, let it simmer over the fire, or on the side, till it resembles butter, and forms a thick oily substance, which may be used as ointment for fresh or old wounds, cracked lips or hands.

Chapped Hands.—Mix a quarter of a pound of unsalted hog's-lard, which should be washed first in water and then in rose-water, with the yolk of a new-laid egg and a large spoonful of honey. Add to this as much fine oatmeal or almond paste as will make the whole into a paste, and apply this after washing the hands.

To make Wash-balls.—Take two pounds of new white soap, and shave thin into a teacupful of rose-water, pouring in as much boiling water as will soften it. Put into a pipkin a pint of sweet oil, fourpennyworth of oil of almonds, half a pound of spermaceti, and set all over the fire till dissolved; then add the soap, and half a pound of camphor that has been first reduced to powder by rubbing it in a mortar with a few drops of spirit of wine or lavender-water. Boil ten minutes; then pour it into a basin, and stir till it is quite thick enough to roll up into hard balls.

To Clean White Veils.—Put the veil in a solution of white soap, and let it simmer a quarter of an hour; squeeze it in some warm water and soap till quite clean. Rinse it from soap, and then in clean cold water, in which is a drop of liquid blue; then pour boiling water on a teaspoonful of starch, run the veil through this, and clear it well by clapping it. Afterwards pin it out, keeping the edges straight and even.

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