4000. For ladies going to sea these are excellent, as they may be worn in stormy weather, without giving appearance of alarm in danger. They may be fastened to the body by ribands or tapes, of the color of the fur. Gentlemen's waistcoats may be lined the same way.4001.Rules to Govern Persons who have Fallen into Deep Water.—1. As soon as you find yourself at the surface, whither you are raised by your buoyancy, let your body quickly take its level, when the water will reach a little above your chin.4002. 2. Place one leg a little forward, the other a little backward, and stretch out your arms on either side under the water. By a slight paddling motion you may regulate the position of your head, and keep the mouth and nose above the surface of the surrounding fluid. Make no efforts, but wait tranquilly until succor arrives. You cannot sink.4003. 3. Do not lay hold of your companion or assistant, or you will infallibly sink him without benefiting yourself. The best swimmer has no more natural buoyancy than you, and would be sunk by the exertion of very little force.4004. 4. Remain perfectly passive till your helper seizes you by the hair. Upon this endeavor to second his efforts by throwing yourself on your back. Hold your neck stiff, and let the back of your head sink into the water. Try to propel yourself at this stage by regularly and slowly kicking against the water.4005. 5. Be careful to keep every part of your body except your face under the water. 6. If two or more persons are immersed together, let them keep near to each other. By this means one boat may save the whole party at once; but if they are dispersed, one at a time only can be picked up.4006.Rules to Govern Persons who Attempt to Rescue the Drowning.—1. In removing a body from the water, whetherinto a boat or drawing it along by your own efforts, always keep the face upward.4007. 2. Recollect that you have no more buoyancy than the person you are attempting to rescue. Therefore do not attempt to raise him out of the water, or you will sink. By a gentle traction, you may draw him toward the boat or landing-place without fatigue or danger.4008. 3. Always aim at seizing the hind hair of the head, and keep the nape of the neck and your own arm under the water. Thus you will insure his face and your own being above the surface.4009. 4. Keep your most powerful arm disengaged for swimming, and maintain the other projected forward, having hold, as directed, by the hind hair of the head. In this way you may advance side by side, he floating on his back, and you on your breast.4010. 5. As you approach the person distressed, let him know by your voice; the prospect of his speedy succor will add to his confidence and strength.4011. 6. Let all your movements be deliberate, firm, and gentle.4012. 7. Hold the hat reversed in both hands, the arms and hands of course under water. If a person has presence of mind to accomplish this, the hat will by its buoyancy afford him great assistance, until it becomes saturated and admits the water.4013.Riding.—To ride well on horseback is a healthful and very graceful accomplishment for a lady or gentleman.4014.Dress.—The lady's riding dress should be of a material that rain will not spoil, made to fit easily, and by no means tight.4015.The lengthshould not exceed an ordinary dress more than fromfourteentoeighteen inches.4016.To keep the frontof the dress down, sew small quantities of shot in bits of muslin, tack these around the inside of the front breadth of the skirt, at equal distances.4017.The Hator cap should be as light as possible. Tie on securely.4018. Have no loose ribbons or strings flying about your cap or dress to frighten the horses.4019. Fasten your hair up securely, and do not blind your eyes with curls.4020.Glovesshould be of a kind that will permit you to handle the reins easily.4021.Ride slowly.—The true secret of learning to ride well is to ride slowly.4022.Always ride slowlywhen you start, and when returning, you are near home.4023.Ride slowlyup hill and down hill. Let the reins be slack when ascending; tighten them as you descend.4024.Speak gentlyto your horse; pat his neck, and show kindness to him; it is the surest and safest mode of management.4025.In crossinga river, if the horse should have to swim, be sure to let the rains fall loose. Do not attempt to hold up his head, he cannot swim if you do.4026.On which sideof a lady should a gentleman ride?—is often asked.4027.On the left.—He can then protect and assist the lady much more advantageously than he would if riding on the right side of her horse.4028.A lady's horseshould be fifteen or fifteen and a half hands high.A hand is four inches.4029.How to judge a Horse.—If the color be light sorrel, or chestnut, his feet, legs, and face white, these are marks of kindness.4030. If he is broad and full between the eyes, he may be depended on as a horse of good sense, and capable of being trained to any thing.4031. As respects such horses, the more kindly you treat them the better you will be treated in return. Nor will a horse of this description stand a whip, if well fed.4032. If you want a safe horse, avoid one that is dish-faced. He may be so far gentle as not to scare; but he will have too much go-ahead in him to be safe with everybody.4033. If you want one that will never give out, never buy a large, overgrown one.—(See pages198,199.)HOME COUNSELS.4034.Prudence.—The great end of prudence is to give cheerfulness to those hours which splendor cannot gild, and acclamation cannot exhilarate.4035.To be happy at homeis the ultimate result of all ambition; the end to which every enterprise and labor tends, and of which every desire prompts the prosecution.4036. It is indeed, at home that every man and woman must be known, by those who would make a just estimate of his virtue or felicity; for smiles and embroidery are alike, occasional, and the mind is often dressed for show in painted honor and fictitious benevolence.—Dr. Johnson.4037.Readingaloud, speaking, and particularly singing, affords a healthful exercise; while wind-instruments are injurious.4038. To young ladies the habit of reading aloud has much to recommend it.4039.As mere exercise, it is highly beneficial on account of the strength and vigor which it confers on the chest and lungs; while the mental pleasure derived therefrom is one of the most delightful that can adorn the family circle.4040. Gathered around the winter's fire, or evening lamp, what could be more cheerful for the aged and infirm, what more instructive to the younger branches, or more exemplary to the careless, than the reading aloud of some entertaining author.4041. Were females of all ranks to adopt the practice more than they do at present, they would bind to their homes many who are disposed to go in search of unworthy enjoyments, and would add another chain of delightful associations, wherewith to attach the young to the family hearth.4042. Fatuity from old age cannot be cured; but may be prevented by employing the mind constantly in reading and in conversation in the evening of life.4043.A Word to the Young.—-Never be cast down by trifles. If a spider breaks his thread twenty times, twenty times will he mend it again.4044. Make up your minds to do a thing and you will do it. Fear not if a trouble comes upon you; keep up your spirits, though the day be a dark one.4045. If the sun is going down, look up to the stars. If the earth is dark, keep your eye on Heaven! With God's promises, a man or child may be cheerful.4046. Mind what you run after! Never be content with a bubble that will burst, firewood that will end in smoke and darkness.4047. Get that which you can keep, and which is worth keeping. Fight hard against a hasty temper. Anger willcome, but resist it strongly. A fit of passion may give you cause to mourn all the days of your life.4048. Never revenge an injury. If you have an enemy, act kindly to him and make him your friend. You may not win him over at once, but try again. Let one kindness be followed by another, till you have compassed your end. By little and little, great things are completed; and repeated kindness will soften a heart of stone.4049. Whatever you do, do it willingly. A boy that is whipped to school never learns his lessons well. A man who is compelled to work cares not how badly it is performed.4050. He that pulls off his coat cheerfully, strips up his sleeves in earnest, and sings while he works, is the man of action.4051.The Voice.—In ordinary conversation, the modulation and proper management of the voice is a point worthy of the attention of young ladies; for a fine and melodious voice, "sweet as music on the waters," makes the heart-strings vibrate to the very core.4052. The thin, small voice is the most difficult to manage, as it is liable to degenerate into shrillness; and ladies who have this kind of voice must keep strict guard over their temper, when within hearing of any one on whom they may wish to make a favorable impression; for the very idea of a shrill-voiced scold makes us place our hands to our ears.4053. But with a sweet temper, a pretty little harmonious voice is pleasing enough. Always recollect, however, that affectation, constraint, or striving for effect, is the certain ruin of the prettiest voice in the world.4054.Utility of Singing.—It is asserted, and we believe with some truth, that singing is a corrective of the too common tendency to pulmonic complaints.4055. Dr. Rush, an eminent physician, observes on this subject:—The Germans are seldom afflicted with consumption;and this, I believe, is in part occasioned by the strength which their lungs acquire by exercising them in vocal music, for this constitutes an essential branch of their education.4056. The music master of an academy has furnished a remark still more in favor of this opinion. He had known several instances of persons who were strongly disposed to consumption, who were restored to health by the exercise of their lungs in singing.4057.Music.—Had I children, my utmost endeavor should be to teach them music. Considering I have no ear, nor ever thought of music, the preference seems odd, and yet it is embraced on frequent reflection. In short, my aim would be to make them happy. I think it the most probable method.4058.Musicis a resource which will last them their lives unless they grow deaf; it depends upon themselves, not on others; always amuses and soothes, if not consoles; and of all fashionable pleasures, it is the cheapest. It is capable of fame, without the danger of criticism; is susceptible of enthusiasm, and is sure of being gratified in Heaven.—Horace Walpole.4059.Spectacles—Use of.—The following rules will enable any one to judge whether his eye-sight may be assisted or preserved by the use of glasses.4060. When we are obliged to remove small objects to a distance from the eye to see them distinctly.4061. If we need more light than formerly, as, for instance, if we place the candle between the eye and the object.4062. If, on attentively considering a neat object, it fatigues the eye, and becomes confused, or has a kind of mist before it.4063. When small printed letters seem to run into each other, and, by looking steadfastly on them, appear double or treble.4064. If the eyes are so fatigued by a little exercise, that we are obliged to shut them from time to time.4065. When these circumstances occur, either separately or together, glasses should be immediately resorted to; otherwise the sight will be liable to be injured by the constant effort required.PARLOR AMUSEMENTS.4066.Riddles.—It may be asked, What is a riddle? Ah! what is it? That's just the rub! Well, then, it is a queer affair, without shape, size, humanity, compassion, breath, or sex. It is caressed, abused, courted, slighted, jostled, hustled, and, notwithstanding all that is said against it, universally looked upon as a welcome guest when it is not in a dull mood.4067. The oldest riddle on record is that put forth by Samson (Judges xiv.)—"Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness." His solution is well known, as it is explained in the same chapter.4068.M. Voltaire's Riddle.—What is the longest, and yet the shortest thing in the world; the swiftest and the most slow; the most divisible and the most extended; the least valued, and the most regretted; without which nothing can be done; which devours every thing, however small, and yet gives life and spirit to all things however great? Answer—Time.4069. Enigmas may be founded upon simple catches, like conundrums, in which form they are usually called Riddles, such as—"Though you set me on foot,I shall be on my head."4070. The answer is,A nail in a shoe.4071.Ancient Enigma.—The ancients fabled a monster whom they named theSphinx, and whom they described as having the head and breasts of a woman, the body of a dog, the tail of a serpent, the wings of a bird, the paws of a lion, and a human voice.4072. This monster, it was said, was sent into the neighborhood of Thebes by Juno, who wished to punish the family of Cadmus. It was further stated, that he laid this part of Bœotia under continual alarms,by proposing enigmas, and devouring the inhabitants if unable to explain them.4073. Also, that as the calamity of this monster was become an object of public concern, and as the successful explanation of an enigma would end in the death of the Sphinx, Creon promised his crown and Jocasta to him who succeeded in the attempt.4074. The enigma proposed was this:—"What animal in the morning walks on four feet, at noon on two, and in the evening on three?"4075. Œdipus solved the enigma—on which the monster dashed his head against a rock, and perished.4076. Answer—Man; in themorning, or days of infancy, he crawls, or walks on all-fours; atnoon, or in the days of youth and middle age, he usestwofeet only; in theevening, or in his old age, he requires the support of a staff, so that he may be said to walk uponthreefeet.4077.Puzzlesvary very much. One of the simplest that we know is this:—Take away half ofthirteen, and leteightremain.4078. Write XIII on a slate, or on a piece of paper—rub out the lower half of the figures, and VIII will remain.4079. What are termed "practical puzzles" are cut out of wood, cardboard, ivory, &c., and may be purchased at the toyshops.4080.The three Jealous Husbands.—This is a very ingenious puzzle, and should be performed with small counters of two different colors.4081. Three jealous husbands, with their wives, having tocross a small stream, find a boat without an owner, which is only sufficiently large to carry two persons at a time.4082. Wanted to know,—how the six persons can transport themselves over the river in pairs, so that no woman shall be left in company with any of the men unless her husband is present.4083.Answer.—At first two wives cross the river, then one returns and takes over the remaining wife; after which she recrosses, and stays with her husband, and the two husbands cross over. Then a husband and wife come back, and the two husbands cross. Then the wife returns and takes over one of the others, and lastly the husband of the remaining one comes back for his wife.4084.Arithmetical Puzzle.—Arrange the figures 1 to 9 in such order that, by adding them together, they amount to 100.153647It is done thus:— –—982–—1004085.The Charadeis a poetical or other composition founded upon a word, each syllable of which constitutes anoun, and the whole of which word constitutes another noun, of somewhat a different meaning from those supplied, by its separate syllables.4086. Words which fully answer these conditions are the best for the purposes of charades; though many other words are employed.4087. In writing, the first syllable is termed "My first," the second syllable, "My second," and the complete word, "My whole."4088.Charade.—My first a mineral, England can produce,Much prized for ornament as well as use;It adds new beauty to our "cottage homes,"And to the fireside of the wealthy comes.My second is a rough and boisterous thing,And much calamity and woe may bring;My whole is but a little fluttering bird,Which near to men's abode is often heard.4089.Answer.—Sparrow.4090.Ventriloquism.—The main secret of ventriloquism simply consists in first making a strong and deep inspiration, by which a considerable quantity of air is introduced into the lungs, to be afterward acted upon by the flexible powers of the larynx, or cavity situated behind the tongue and the windpipe; thus prepared, the expiration should be slow and gradual. Any person, by practice can, therefore, obtain more or less expertness in this exercise, in which, though not apparently, the voice is still modified by the mouth and tongue; and it is in the concealment of this aid that much of the perfection of ventriloquism lies.4091.Curious Facts.—If a tallow candle be placed in a gun and be shot at a door, it will go through without sustaining any injury; and if a musket-ball be fired into water, it will rebound and be flattened as if fired against any hard substance.4092. A musket-ball may be fired through a pane of glass, and if the glass be suspended by a thread it will make no difference, and the thread not even vibrate.4093.The Author.—If you would write to any purpose, you must be perfectly free from without, in the first place, and yet more free from within.4094. Give yourself the natural rein; think on no pattern, no patron, no paper, no press, no public; think on nothing, but follow your own impulses.4095. Give yourself as you are, what you are, and how you see it. Every man sees with his own eyes, or does not see at all. This is incontrovertibly true.4096. Bring out what you have. If you have nothing, be an honest beggar rather than a respectable thief.4097.Letter-writing.—Great care and attention should be devoted to epistolary correspondence, as nothing exhibits want of taste and judgment so much as a slovenly letter.4098.Postage.—Since the establishment of the cheap postage it is recognized as a rule that all letters should be prepaid; indeed, many persons make it a point of never taking in an unpaid letter.4099. Always put a stamp on your envelope at the top of the right-hand corner.4100. Let the direction be written very plain; this will save the postman trouble, and facilitate business by preventing mistakes.4101. At the head of your letter, in the right-hand corner, put your address in full, with the day of the month underneath; do not omit this, though you may be writing to your most intimate friend three or four times a day.4102. What you have to say in your letter, say as plainly as possible, as if you were speaking; this is the best rule; do not revert three or four times to one circumstance, but finish up as you go on.4103. Let your signature be written as plainly as possible (many mistakes will be avoided, especially in writing to strangers) and without any flourishes, as they tend not to add in any way to the harmony of your letter.4104. A letter of introduction is to be enclosed in anunsealedenvelope.4105. In writing notes of invitation, adhere to the old forms, never use any unusual phrase or flourish about it.4106. In letters of ceremony employ the third person, thus, "Mr. B. requests the honor of Mr. A.," &c.4107. Romantic ladies are sentimental in their letters; the warm-toned are passionate: both styles are bad; avoid them.4108. Never be guilty of falsehood by the pen; it is premeditated sin, and seems worse than falsehood of speech.4109. Use no preamble in your letters, come at once to the point, state what you have to state, and conclude.4110. Neither sex should enter into long details, or give vent to their feelings in letters. They are always a standing memorial for, or against—we must say generally against, for it requires a peculiar talent to write a good letter.4111. If you write to a stranger for information, or on your own business, fail not to send a stamped envelope with your address, plainly written; this will not fail to procure you an answer.4112. If you are not a good writer, it is advisable to use the best ink, the best paper, and the best pens, as, though they may not alter the character of your handwriting, yet they will assist to make your writing look better.4113. The paper on which you write should be clean, and neatly folded.4114. There should not be stains on the envelope; if otherwise, it is only an indication of your own slovenliness.4115. Care should be taken in giving titled persons to whom you write, their proper directions.4116. For a love letter, good paper is indispensable. When it can be procured, that of a costly quality, gold-edged, perfumed, or ornamented in the French style, may be properly used.4117. The letter should be carefully enveloped, and nicely sealed with a fancy wafer—not a common one, of course, where any other can be had; or, what is better, plain or fancy sealing-wax. As all persons are more or less governed byfirst impressions and externals, the whole affair should be as neat and elegant as possible.4118.Young ladiesshould never engage in correspondence with young gentlemen who are not near relations, unless with the knowledge and consent of parents and guardians.4119.A young ladyshould on no account correspond with amarried man.4120.Letters of businessor inquiry may be sometimes properly addressed by a young lady to amarried man—but when a correspondence becomes necessary, then write to thewife, not the husband.4121.Dress of Children, etc.—At home nothing can be more foolish or more hurtful than to load a child with finery which confines it, and which its every movement may destroy and spoil. When at home or in the play-ground, the simplest covering only is necessary, so that it be strong and warm.4122. It is a vulgar error to suppose that children should be left bare as to their legs, their chest, and arms, and that men and women, who are so much stronger, should be covered.4123. The truth is, that more children die through the stupidity of their parents in this respect, than from any single disease which can be mentioned.4124. "I am certain," says a great medical authority, "that half the deaths of children in the middle and upper classes of society is to be attributed to the vanity and ignorance of their parents.4125. "I never see a poor child dressed as a young Highlander, or in any fancy dress, with its uncomfortable look and naked appearance, its poor bare knees and open neck, but I prophecy for that child, whilst I pity, a future of colds, coughs, and throat disease, and a probable death of consumption."4126. Another important thing in the dress of children, besides keeping them warmly clad, is to keep them well,though loosely shod. The evils of a tight shoe or boot in a grown-up person is ten times multiplied in a child.4127. Splay-feet, knock-knees, or bandy-legs, are the consequence, all of which the ignorant would certainly lay to nature, though they are nothing but the production of an art as cruel as it is ignorant, and which is entirely contrary to beauty of Form, or toGood Taste.4128.High Shoulders.—A medical correspondent of an English paper attributes the high shoulder and the lateral curvature of the spine, which so frequently disfigures young girls, to the shoulder straps of their dresses resting below the shoulder and on the muscles of the arm, instead of being on the shoulder, which compels the wearer to be constantly hitching her shoulders to keep up her dress, an action that results in forcing up the shoulder, a distortion of the chest, and a lateral curvature of the spine.4129. He also states that from the dangerous practice, and the consequent exposure of the chest to the cold, that inward tubercles are formed, and not unfrequently consumption is engendered.4130. Sudden alterations of heat and cold are dangerous especially to the young and the aged.4131.Therefore, clothing, in quantity and quality, should be adapted to the alternations of night and day, and of the seasons.4132.And therefore,also, drinking cold water when the body is hot, and hot tea and soups when cold, are productive of many evils.4133. A bed-room, or nursery, ought to be spacious and lofty, dry, airy, and not inhabited during the day.4134. No servants, if possible, should be suffered to sleep in the same room; and no linen or washed clothes should ever be hung there to dry, as they contaminate the air in which so considerable a portion of infantine life must be spent.4135. The consequences attending a vitiated atmosphere in such rooms are various, and often fatal.4136. Change of apparel greatly promotes the secretion from the skin, so necessary to health.4137. But no damp clothing should be worn, nor damp linen put on the beds. Every thing should be well aired.4138. Feather-beds should be banished from nurseries, as they are an unnatural and debilitating contrivance.4139. The windows should seldom be opened at night, but left open the whole day, in fine, clear weather. A door into the sleeping room may be left open.4140. Lastly, the bedstead must not be placed too low on the floor; nor is it proper to let children sleep on a couch which is made without any elevation from the ground; because the most mephitic and pernicious stratum of air in an apartment, is that within one or two feet from the floor, while the most wholesome, or atmospheric air, is in the middle of the room, and the inflammable gas ascends to the top.4141.The power of Kindness.—Soft words soften the soul.—Angry words are fuel to the flame of wrath, and make it blaze more freely.4142. Kind words make other people good-natured—cold words freeze people, and hot words scorch them, and bitter words make them bitter, and wrathful words make them wrathful.4143. There is such a rush of all other kinds of words in our days, that it seems desirable to give kind words a chance among them.4144. There are vain words, and idle words, and hasty words, and spiteful words, and silly words, and empty words, and profane words, and boisterous words, and warlike words.4145. Kind words also produce their own image on men'ssouls, and a beautiful image it is. They sooth, and quiet, and comfort the hearer. They shame him out of his sour, and morose, and unkind feelings. We have not yet begun to use kind words in such abundance as they ought to be used.4146.Gossiping.—If you wish to cultivate a gossiping, meddling, censorious spirit in your children, be sure when they come home from church, a visit, or any other place where you do not accompany them, to ply them with questions concerning what everybody wore, how everybody looked, and what everybody said and did; and if you find any thing in this to censure, always do it in their hearing.4147.Amusements for Children.—These should be provided. Children must play; a large portion of their waking hours must be passed in action if we would make them healthy and happy.4148.Schooland study should not occupy more than three hours of the day, till the child is over ten years of age.4149.Out doorplay is best for children when the season and weather will permit.4150.In door, one of the best exercises for children and youth isdancing.4151.Let your children learn to dance.4152.The abuse of the artcan be avoided, and its benefits are great.4153.Terms used to describe the movements of dances—4154.Balancez—Set to partners.4155.Chaine Anglaise—The top and bottom couples right and left.4156.Chaine Anglaise double—The right and left double.4157.Chaine des dames—The ladies' chain.4158.Chaine des dames double—The ladies' chain double, which is performed by all the ladies commencing at the same time.4159.Chassez—Move to the right and left.4160.Chassez croisez—Gentlemen change places with partners, and back again.4161.Demie Chaine Anglaise—The four opposite persons half right and left.4162.Demie Promenade—All eight half promenade.4163.Dos-à-dos—The two opposite persons pass round each other.4164.Demie Moulinet—The ladies all advance to the centre, giving hands and return to places.4165.La grand chaine—All eight chassez quite round, giving alternately right and left hands to partners, beginning with the right.4166.Le grand rond—All join hands and advance and retire twice.4167.Pas d'Allemande—The gentlemen turn the partners under their arms.4168.Traversez—The two opposite persons change places.4169.Vis-à-vis—The opposite partner.4170.La Galopade—Is an extremely graceful and spirited dance in a continual chassez. An unlimited number may join; it is danced in couples as waltzing. This is a pretty dance for children.THE TRAINING OF DAUGHTERS, ETC.4171. Make them religious; the foundation of all excellence is in true piety of the heart.Mothers, who wish not only to discharge well their own duties in the domestic circle, but to train up their daughters at a later day to make happy and comfortable firesides for their families, should watch well, and guard well, the notions which they imbibe, and with which they grow up.4172. One main falsity abroad in this age is the notion, that women, unless compelled to it by absolute poverty, are out of place when engaged in domestic affairs.4173. Let mothers avoid such danger. If they would do so, they must bring up their daughters from the first with the idea that in this world it is required to give as well as to receive, to minister as well as to enjoy; that every person is bound to be useful, practically, literally useful, in his or her sphere.4174.Woman's sphereis the house—her home; its concerns and demands: these are her first duties.4175. Once really imbued with this belief, and taught to see how much the happiness of woman herself, as well as her family, depends on this part of her discharge of duty, a young girl will usually be anxious to learn all that her mother is disposed to teach.4176. She will be proud and happy to aid in any domestic occupations assigned to her, which need never be made so heavy as to interfere with the peculiar duties of her age, or its peculiar delights.4177. If a mother wishes to see her daughter become a good, happy, and rational woman, never let her admit of contempt for domestic occupations, or even suffer them to be deemed secondary. They may be varied in character by station, but they can never be secondary to a woman.4178. Therefore teach your daughters to keep accounts, so that they may learn the value of money.4179.Teach them to work, that they may not waste their time if rich, nor be helpless if poor.4180.Teach them cooking, that they may guard against the waste of servants, and be able to help themselves and others, if necessary.4181.Educate the mind, refine the taste, and exalt the character, by keeping the love of excellence, in all they do, before them.4182. Then they will be fitted to shine in domestic and social life, and to understand Literature, Art, and Science, as these conduce to goodness and happiness.4183.The Mother at Home.—By the quiet fireside at home, the true mother, in the midst of her children, is sowing as in the vases of the earth, the seeds of plants that shall some time give to Heaven the fragrance of their blossoms, and whose fruit shall be to us a rosary of angelic deeds, the noblest offering that she can make through the ever ascending and expanding souls of her children to her Maker.4184. Every word that she utters goes from heart to heart with a power of which she little dreams. Philosophers tell us in their speculations that we cannot lift a finger without moving distant spheres.4185. Solemn is the thought that every word that falls from a mother's lip, every expression of her countenance, may leave an indelible impress upon the young souls about her, and form the underlaying strain of that education which peoples Heaven with celestial beings, and gives to the white brow of the angel, next to the grace of God, its crown of glory.4186.Teach your Children Obedience.It is unspeakable what a blessing it is to a child, what a saving of unhappiness and wickedness in after life, tobe early taught absolute obedience; there must be no hesitating or asking why, but what a mother says must at once be done.4187. The young twig bends easily, but remember, that in after years it grows hard, and will break before you bend it. A little steadiness at first will save you many years' sorrow.4188. While you insist upon obedience, however, you must take care that you do not provoke a child, and tempt it to disobedience by unreasonable and foolish commands.4189. "Provoke not your children to wrath;" and when it is necessary to punish them, see that it never be done violently and in a passion, but as a duty.4190.Going in Debt.—Aladyshould never go in debt, unless she issureof having the means of payment.4191.Shopping.—Never go shopping for amusement—you rob the shopkeeper of his time and waste your own.4192.A young ladyat home can find or make pleasant amusements; one of the most healthful is the study of botany or flowers.4193.A garden, or rather the fields and woods, will be filled with new interest if you love the flowers, and can read their history.4194.The language of flowershas been studied and arranged by the people of the East. A few specimens of this may be admitted here, as an amusement for those who are idle or curious.SENTIMENTS OF FLOWERS.4195. What each flower enumerated signifies when sent to a friend or lover.4196.Almond, flowering—Concealed love.4197.Althea, Frutex—I am deeply in love.4198.Amaranth—Immortality, or piety.4199.Anemone—Fading hope.4200.Arbor-Vitæ—Unchanging friendship.4201.Auricula, Scarlet—Pride. You are proud.4202.Bachelor's Button—Hope in love.4203.Balm—I long for your society.4204.Balsamine—Impatience; or, pray come.4205.Bay Leaf—I change but in dying.4206.Box—I believe in your constancy.4207.Buttercup—Riches. You are rich.4208.Calla Ethiopica—Magnificent beauty.4209.Carnation—Pride and beauty.4210.Camelia Japonica—Surpassing excellence.4211.Cedar—Think of me.4212.China Astar—Caprice.4213.Cypress—Despair, and without hope.4214.Dahlia—Dignity—I will sustain it.4215.Daisy—Youthful beauty.4216.Dandelion—Coquetry, I accuse you of.4217.Eglantine—I wound to heal.4218.Forget-me-not—True love forever.4219.Fox-glove—Insincerity. You are false.4220.Geranium—Gentility and elegance.4221.Gilly-Flower—Thou art fair.4222.Golden Rod—Encouragement. You will succeed.4223.Grass—Submission.4224.Heart's Ease—Love in idleness.4225.Heliotrope—Devotion. Let us pray for each other.4226.Hellebore—Calumny. You have listened.4227.Hollyhock—Ambition. I seek glory.4228.Honeysuckle—Dost thou love me?4229.Houstonia—Content ever with thee.4230.Hyacinth, Purple—Sorrow. I am sad.4231.Hydrangea—Heartlessness.4232.Ivy—Wedded love. We are happy.4233.Jasmine, White—I desire a return of my affection.4234.Larkspur—Haughtiness.4235.Laurel—Ambition. I will win.4236.Laurustinus—A token. Pray remember.4237.Lavender—Acknowledgment.4238.Lilac—Fastidiousness.4239.Lily, White—Purity and beauty.4240.Magnolia—You are beautiful.4241.Marigold—Jealousy—I have cause.4242.Mignionette—I live for thee.4243.Moss—Patience, or pray wait.4244.Oak-Leaf—Courage. I will endure.4245.Passion-Flower—Piety. Trust in God.4246.Periwinkle—Memory. Never forget.4247.Pink—Household love. I am at home.4248.Poppy—Forgetfulness.4249.Primrose—Neglected merit.4250.Rose—Love, or I love you.4251.Rue—Disdain. Go: never return.4252.Saffron—Marriage—when?4253.Snow-Drop—Faithful in adversity.4254.Thyme—Thriftiness. I am diligent.4255.Tulip—Beautiful eyes. Look on me.4256.Violet—I dream of thee.4257.Willow—Forsaken—never more.4258.Wheat—Prosperity—I wish thee.4259.Yew—Penitence. I am sorry.4260.Poisonous Plants.—Plants with five stamens and one pistil, with a dull-colored lurid carolla, and a nauseous sickly smell, are always poisonous. Astobacco,henbane,nightshade,thorn-apple.Umbelliferous plants of the aquatic kind, and with a nauseous scent, are always poisonous. Aswater-hemlock,cow-parsley.4261. Plants withlabiatecorollas and seeds in capsules, are frequently poisonous. Assnap-dragon,fox-glove.4262. Plants from which issue a milky juice on being broken, are poisonous, unless they bear compound flowers. Asmilk-weed,dogbane.4263. Plants having any appendage to the calyx or corolla, and eight or more stamens, are generally poisonous. Ascolumbine,nasturtium.4264. Plants having twelve or more stamens, and a nauseous sickly smell, are generally poisonous.4265.To ascertain the Length of the Day and Night.—At any time of the years add twelve hours to the time of the sun's setting, and from the sum subtract the time of rising, for thelength of the day. Subtract the time of setting from twelve hours, and to the remainder add the time of rising next morning, for thelength of the night. These rules are equally true forapparenttime.4266.Leap Year.—Leap years are those that are exactly divisible by four, and also by 400, and not by 100. The year 1900, therefore, will not be a leap year.4267.True Time.—Two kinds of time are used in Almanacs;clockormean timein some, andapparentorsun timein others.Clocktime is alwaysright, whilesuntimevariesevery day. People generally suppose it is twelve o'clock when the sun is due south, or at a properly made noon-mark. But this is a mistake. The sun is seldom on the meridianat twelveo'clock; indeed this is the case only on four days of the year: namely, April 15, June 15, September 1, and December 24.4268. The time when the sun is on the meridian or at the noon-mark is also given to the nearest second, for every day in the year. This affords a ready means of obtaining correct time and for setting a clock by using a noon-mark, adding or subtracting as the sun is slow or fast.4269. Old-fashioned Almanacs, which useapparenttime, give the rising and setting of the sun'scentre, and make no allowance for the effect of refraction of the sun's rays by the atmosphere. The more modern and improved Almanacs, which useclocktime, give the rising and the setting of the sun'supper limb, and duly allow for refraction.4270.Velocity of Sound and Light.—Sound moves about thirteen miles in a minute. So that if we hear a clap of thunder half a minute after the flash, we may calculate that the discharge of electricity is six and a half miles off.4271. In one second of time—in one beat of the pendulum of a clock—light travels over 192,000 miles. Were a cannon ball shot toward the sun, and it were to maintain full speed, it would be twenty years in reaching it—and yet light travels through this space in seven or eight minutes.SIGNS OF THE WEATHER.4272.Dew.—If the dew lies plentifully on the grass after a fair day, it is a sign of another. If not, and there is no wind, rain must follow.4273. A red evening portends fine weather; but if it spreads too far upward from the horizon in the evening, and especially in the morning, it foretells wind or rain, or both.4274. When the sky, in rainy weather, is tinged with sea-green, the rain will increase; if with deep blue, it will be showery.4275.Clouds.—Against much rain, the clouds grow bigger, and increase very fast, especially before thunder.4276. When the clouds are formed like fleeces, but dense in the middle and bright toward the edges, with the sky bright, they are signs of a frost, with hail, snow, or rain.4277. If clouds form high in the air, in thin white trains like locks of wool, they portend wind, and probably rain.4278. When a general cloudiness covers the sky, and small black fragments of clouds fly underneath, they are a sure sign of rain, and probably it will be lasting. Two currents of clouds always portend rain, and, in summer, thunder.4279.Heavenly Bodies.—A haziness in the air, which fades the sun's light, and makes the orb appear whitish, or ill-defined—or at night, if the moon and stars grow dim, and a ring encircles the former, rain will follow.4280. If the sun's rays appear like Moses' horns—if white at setting, or shorn of his rays, or goes down into a bank of clouds in the horizon, bad weather is to be expected.4281. If the moon looks pale and dim we expect rain; if red, wind; and if of her natural color, with a clear sky, fair weather. If the moon is rainy throughout, it will be clear at the change, and perhaps the rain return a few days after. If fair throughout, and rain at the change, the fair weather will probably return on the fourth or fifth day.4282.The Weather and the Blood.—In dry, sultry weather the heat ought to be counteracted by means of a cooling diet. To this purpose, cucumbers, melons, and juicy fruit are subservient.4283. We ought to give the preference to such alimentary substances as lead to contract the juices which are too much expanded by the heat, and the property is possessed by all acid food and drink.4284. To this class belong all sorts of salad, lemons,oranges, pomegranates sliced and sprinkled with sugar, for the acid of this fruit is not so apt to derange the stomach as that of lemons; also cherries and strawberries, curds turned with lemon acid or cream of tartar; cream of tartar dissolved in water—lemonade and Rhenish or Moselle wine mixed with water.AIR—ITS EFFECTS ON LIFE.4285. What is carbonic acid gas?4286. A gas formed by the union of carbon and oxygen. It used to be called "fixed air."4287. Under what circumstances does carbon most readily unite with oxygen?4288. 1. When its temperature is raised: thus, if carbon be red-hot, oxygen will most readily unite with it; and 2. When it forms part of the fluid blood.4289. Why do oxygen and carbon so readily unite in the blood?4290. Because the atoms of carbon are so loosely attracted by the other materials of the blood, that they unite very readily with the oxygen of the air inhaled.4291. Is carbonic acid wholesome?4292. No: it is fatal to animal life: and (whenever it is inhaled) acts like a narcotic poison—producing drowsiness, which sometimes ends in death.4293. How can any one know if a place be infested with carbonic acid gas?4294. If a pit or well contain carbonic acid, a candle (let down into it) will be instantly extinguished. The rule, therefore, is this—Where a candle will burn, a man can live; but what will extinguish a candle, will also destroy life.4295. Why does a miner lower a candle into a mine before he descends?4296. Because the candle will be extinguished, if the mine contains carbonic acid gas; but if the candle is not extinguished, the mine is safe, and the man may fearlessly descend.4297. Why does a crowded room produce headache?4298. Because we breathe the air vitiated by the crowd.4299. Why is the air of a room vitiated by a crowd?
4000. For ladies going to sea these are excellent, as they may be worn in stormy weather, without giving appearance of alarm in danger. They may be fastened to the body by ribands or tapes, of the color of the fur. Gentlemen's waistcoats may be lined the same way.4001.Rules to Govern Persons who have Fallen into Deep Water.—1. As soon as you find yourself at the surface, whither you are raised by your buoyancy, let your body quickly take its level, when the water will reach a little above your chin.4002. 2. Place one leg a little forward, the other a little backward, and stretch out your arms on either side under the water. By a slight paddling motion you may regulate the position of your head, and keep the mouth and nose above the surface of the surrounding fluid. Make no efforts, but wait tranquilly until succor arrives. You cannot sink.4003. 3. Do not lay hold of your companion or assistant, or you will infallibly sink him without benefiting yourself. The best swimmer has no more natural buoyancy than you, and would be sunk by the exertion of very little force.4004. 4. Remain perfectly passive till your helper seizes you by the hair. Upon this endeavor to second his efforts by throwing yourself on your back. Hold your neck stiff, and let the back of your head sink into the water. Try to propel yourself at this stage by regularly and slowly kicking against the water.4005. 5. Be careful to keep every part of your body except your face under the water. 6. If two or more persons are immersed together, let them keep near to each other. By this means one boat may save the whole party at once; but if they are dispersed, one at a time only can be picked up.4006.Rules to Govern Persons who Attempt to Rescue the Drowning.—1. In removing a body from the water, whetherinto a boat or drawing it along by your own efforts, always keep the face upward.4007. 2. Recollect that you have no more buoyancy than the person you are attempting to rescue. Therefore do not attempt to raise him out of the water, or you will sink. By a gentle traction, you may draw him toward the boat or landing-place without fatigue or danger.4008. 3. Always aim at seizing the hind hair of the head, and keep the nape of the neck and your own arm under the water. Thus you will insure his face and your own being above the surface.4009. 4. Keep your most powerful arm disengaged for swimming, and maintain the other projected forward, having hold, as directed, by the hind hair of the head. In this way you may advance side by side, he floating on his back, and you on your breast.4010. 5. As you approach the person distressed, let him know by your voice; the prospect of his speedy succor will add to his confidence and strength.4011. 6. Let all your movements be deliberate, firm, and gentle.4012. 7. Hold the hat reversed in both hands, the arms and hands of course under water. If a person has presence of mind to accomplish this, the hat will by its buoyancy afford him great assistance, until it becomes saturated and admits the water.4013.Riding.—To ride well on horseback is a healthful and very graceful accomplishment for a lady or gentleman.4014.Dress.—The lady's riding dress should be of a material that rain will not spoil, made to fit easily, and by no means tight.4015.The lengthshould not exceed an ordinary dress more than fromfourteentoeighteen inches.4016.To keep the frontof the dress down, sew small quantities of shot in bits of muslin, tack these around the inside of the front breadth of the skirt, at equal distances.4017.The Hator cap should be as light as possible. Tie on securely.4018. Have no loose ribbons or strings flying about your cap or dress to frighten the horses.4019. Fasten your hair up securely, and do not blind your eyes with curls.4020.Glovesshould be of a kind that will permit you to handle the reins easily.4021.Ride slowly.—The true secret of learning to ride well is to ride slowly.4022.Always ride slowlywhen you start, and when returning, you are near home.4023.Ride slowlyup hill and down hill. Let the reins be slack when ascending; tighten them as you descend.4024.Speak gentlyto your horse; pat his neck, and show kindness to him; it is the surest and safest mode of management.4025.In crossinga river, if the horse should have to swim, be sure to let the rains fall loose. Do not attempt to hold up his head, he cannot swim if you do.4026.On which sideof a lady should a gentleman ride?—is often asked.4027.On the left.—He can then protect and assist the lady much more advantageously than he would if riding on the right side of her horse.4028.A lady's horseshould be fifteen or fifteen and a half hands high.A hand is four inches.4029.How to judge a Horse.—If the color be light sorrel, or chestnut, his feet, legs, and face white, these are marks of kindness.4030. If he is broad and full between the eyes, he may be depended on as a horse of good sense, and capable of being trained to any thing.4031. As respects such horses, the more kindly you treat them the better you will be treated in return. Nor will a horse of this description stand a whip, if well fed.4032. If you want a safe horse, avoid one that is dish-faced. He may be so far gentle as not to scare; but he will have too much go-ahead in him to be safe with everybody.4033. If you want one that will never give out, never buy a large, overgrown one.—(See pages198,199.)HOME COUNSELS.4034.Prudence.—The great end of prudence is to give cheerfulness to those hours which splendor cannot gild, and acclamation cannot exhilarate.4035.To be happy at homeis the ultimate result of all ambition; the end to which every enterprise and labor tends, and of which every desire prompts the prosecution.4036. It is indeed, at home that every man and woman must be known, by those who would make a just estimate of his virtue or felicity; for smiles and embroidery are alike, occasional, and the mind is often dressed for show in painted honor and fictitious benevolence.—Dr. Johnson.4037.Readingaloud, speaking, and particularly singing, affords a healthful exercise; while wind-instruments are injurious.4038. To young ladies the habit of reading aloud has much to recommend it.4039.As mere exercise, it is highly beneficial on account of the strength and vigor which it confers on the chest and lungs; while the mental pleasure derived therefrom is one of the most delightful that can adorn the family circle.4040. Gathered around the winter's fire, or evening lamp, what could be more cheerful for the aged and infirm, what more instructive to the younger branches, or more exemplary to the careless, than the reading aloud of some entertaining author.4041. Were females of all ranks to adopt the practice more than they do at present, they would bind to their homes many who are disposed to go in search of unworthy enjoyments, and would add another chain of delightful associations, wherewith to attach the young to the family hearth.4042. Fatuity from old age cannot be cured; but may be prevented by employing the mind constantly in reading and in conversation in the evening of life.4043.A Word to the Young.—-Never be cast down by trifles. If a spider breaks his thread twenty times, twenty times will he mend it again.4044. Make up your minds to do a thing and you will do it. Fear not if a trouble comes upon you; keep up your spirits, though the day be a dark one.4045. If the sun is going down, look up to the stars. If the earth is dark, keep your eye on Heaven! With God's promises, a man or child may be cheerful.4046. Mind what you run after! Never be content with a bubble that will burst, firewood that will end in smoke and darkness.4047. Get that which you can keep, and which is worth keeping. Fight hard against a hasty temper. Anger willcome, but resist it strongly. A fit of passion may give you cause to mourn all the days of your life.4048. Never revenge an injury. If you have an enemy, act kindly to him and make him your friend. You may not win him over at once, but try again. Let one kindness be followed by another, till you have compassed your end. By little and little, great things are completed; and repeated kindness will soften a heart of stone.4049. Whatever you do, do it willingly. A boy that is whipped to school never learns his lessons well. A man who is compelled to work cares not how badly it is performed.4050. He that pulls off his coat cheerfully, strips up his sleeves in earnest, and sings while he works, is the man of action.4051.The Voice.—In ordinary conversation, the modulation and proper management of the voice is a point worthy of the attention of young ladies; for a fine and melodious voice, "sweet as music on the waters," makes the heart-strings vibrate to the very core.4052. The thin, small voice is the most difficult to manage, as it is liable to degenerate into shrillness; and ladies who have this kind of voice must keep strict guard over their temper, when within hearing of any one on whom they may wish to make a favorable impression; for the very idea of a shrill-voiced scold makes us place our hands to our ears.4053. But with a sweet temper, a pretty little harmonious voice is pleasing enough. Always recollect, however, that affectation, constraint, or striving for effect, is the certain ruin of the prettiest voice in the world.4054.Utility of Singing.—It is asserted, and we believe with some truth, that singing is a corrective of the too common tendency to pulmonic complaints.4055. Dr. Rush, an eminent physician, observes on this subject:—The Germans are seldom afflicted with consumption;and this, I believe, is in part occasioned by the strength which their lungs acquire by exercising them in vocal music, for this constitutes an essential branch of their education.4056. The music master of an academy has furnished a remark still more in favor of this opinion. He had known several instances of persons who were strongly disposed to consumption, who were restored to health by the exercise of their lungs in singing.4057.Music.—Had I children, my utmost endeavor should be to teach them music. Considering I have no ear, nor ever thought of music, the preference seems odd, and yet it is embraced on frequent reflection. In short, my aim would be to make them happy. I think it the most probable method.4058.Musicis a resource which will last them their lives unless they grow deaf; it depends upon themselves, not on others; always amuses and soothes, if not consoles; and of all fashionable pleasures, it is the cheapest. It is capable of fame, without the danger of criticism; is susceptible of enthusiasm, and is sure of being gratified in Heaven.—Horace Walpole.4059.Spectacles—Use of.—The following rules will enable any one to judge whether his eye-sight may be assisted or preserved by the use of glasses.4060. When we are obliged to remove small objects to a distance from the eye to see them distinctly.4061. If we need more light than formerly, as, for instance, if we place the candle between the eye and the object.4062. If, on attentively considering a neat object, it fatigues the eye, and becomes confused, or has a kind of mist before it.4063. When small printed letters seem to run into each other, and, by looking steadfastly on them, appear double or treble.4064. If the eyes are so fatigued by a little exercise, that we are obliged to shut them from time to time.4065. When these circumstances occur, either separately or together, glasses should be immediately resorted to; otherwise the sight will be liable to be injured by the constant effort required.PARLOR AMUSEMENTS.4066.Riddles.—It may be asked, What is a riddle? Ah! what is it? That's just the rub! Well, then, it is a queer affair, without shape, size, humanity, compassion, breath, or sex. It is caressed, abused, courted, slighted, jostled, hustled, and, notwithstanding all that is said against it, universally looked upon as a welcome guest when it is not in a dull mood.4067. The oldest riddle on record is that put forth by Samson (Judges xiv.)—"Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness." His solution is well known, as it is explained in the same chapter.4068.M. Voltaire's Riddle.—What is the longest, and yet the shortest thing in the world; the swiftest and the most slow; the most divisible and the most extended; the least valued, and the most regretted; without which nothing can be done; which devours every thing, however small, and yet gives life and spirit to all things however great? Answer—Time.4069. Enigmas may be founded upon simple catches, like conundrums, in which form they are usually called Riddles, such as—"Though you set me on foot,I shall be on my head."4070. The answer is,A nail in a shoe.4071.Ancient Enigma.—The ancients fabled a monster whom they named theSphinx, and whom they described as having the head and breasts of a woman, the body of a dog, the tail of a serpent, the wings of a bird, the paws of a lion, and a human voice.4072. This monster, it was said, was sent into the neighborhood of Thebes by Juno, who wished to punish the family of Cadmus. It was further stated, that he laid this part of Bœotia under continual alarms,by proposing enigmas, and devouring the inhabitants if unable to explain them.4073. Also, that as the calamity of this monster was become an object of public concern, and as the successful explanation of an enigma would end in the death of the Sphinx, Creon promised his crown and Jocasta to him who succeeded in the attempt.4074. The enigma proposed was this:—"What animal in the morning walks on four feet, at noon on two, and in the evening on three?"4075. Œdipus solved the enigma—on which the monster dashed his head against a rock, and perished.4076. Answer—Man; in themorning, or days of infancy, he crawls, or walks on all-fours; atnoon, or in the days of youth and middle age, he usestwofeet only; in theevening, or in his old age, he requires the support of a staff, so that he may be said to walk uponthreefeet.4077.Puzzlesvary very much. One of the simplest that we know is this:—Take away half ofthirteen, and leteightremain.4078. Write XIII on a slate, or on a piece of paper—rub out the lower half of the figures, and VIII will remain.4079. What are termed "practical puzzles" are cut out of wood, cardboard, ivory, &c., and may be purchased at the toyshops.4080.The three Jealous Husbands.—This is a very ingenious puzzle, and should be performed with small counters of two different colors.4081. Three jealous husbands, with their wives, having tocross a small stream, find a boat without an owner, which is only sufficiently large to carry two persons at a time.4082. Wanted to know,—how the six persons can transport themselves over the river in pairs, so that no woman shall be left in company with any of the men unless her husband is present.4083.Answer.—At first two wives cross the river, then one returns and takes over the remaining wife; after which she recrosses, and stays with her husband, and the two husbands cross over. Then a husband and wife come back, and the two husbands cross. Then the wife returns and takes over one of the others, and lastly the husband of the remaining one comes back for his wife.4084.Arithmetical Puzzle.—Arrange the figures 1 to 9 in such order that, by adding them together, they amount to 100.153647It is done thus:— –—982–—1004085.The Charadeis a poetical or other composition founded upon a word, each syllable of which constitutes anoun, and the whole of which word constitutes another noun, of somewhat a different meaning from those supplied, by its separate syllables.4086. Words which fully answer these conditions are the best for the purposes of charades; though many other words are employed.4087. In writing, the first syllable is termed "My first," the second syllable, "My second," and the complete word, "My whole."4088.Charade.—My first a mineral, England can produce,Much prized for ornament as well as use;It adds new beauty to our "cottage homes,"And to the fireside of the wealthy comes.My second is a rough and boisterous thing,And much calamity and woe may bring;My whole is but a little fluttering bird,Which near to men's abode is often heard.4089.Answer.—Sparrow.4090.Ventriloquism.—The main secret of ventriloquism simply consists in first making a strong and deep inspiration, by which a considerable quantity of air is introduced into the lungs, to be afterward acted upon by the flexible powers of the larynx, or cavity situated behind the tongue and the windpipe; thus prepared, the expiration should be slow and gradual. Any person, by practice can, therefore, obtain more or less expertness in this exercise, in which, though not apparently, the voice is still modified by the mouth and tongue; and it is in the concealment of this aid that much of the perfection of ventriloquism lies.4091.Curious Facts.—If a tallow candle be placed in a gun and be shot at a door, it will go through without sustaining any injury; and if a musket-ball be fired into water, it will rebound and be flattened as if fired against any hard substance.4092. A musket-ball may be fired through a pane of glass, and if the glass be suspended by a thread it will make no difference, and the thread not even vibrate.4093.The Author.—If you would write to any purpose, you must be perfectly free from without, in the first place, and yet more free from within.4094. Give yourself the natural rein; think on no pattern, no patron, no paper, no press, no public; think on nothing, but follow your own impulses.4095. Give yourself as you are, what you are, and how you see it. Every man sees with his own eyes, or does not see at all. This is incontrovertibly true.4096. Bring out what you have. If you have nothing, be an honest beggar rather than a respectable thief.4097.Letter-writing.—Great care and attention should be devoted to epistolary correspondence, as nothing exhibits want of taste and judgment so much as a slovenly letter.4098.Postage.—Since the establishment of the cheap postage it is recognized as a rule that all letters should be prepaid; indeed, many persons make it a point of never taking in an unpaid letter.4099. Always put a stamp on your envelope at the top of the right-hand corner.
4000. For ladies going to sea these are excellent, as they may be worn in stormy weather, without giving appearance of alarm in danger. They may be fastened to the body by ribands or tapes, of the color of the fur. Gentlemen's waistcoats may be lined the same way.
4001.Rules to Govern Persons who have Fallen into Deep Water.—1. As soon as you find yourself at the surface, whither you are raised by your buoyancy, let your body quickly take its level, when the water will reach a little above your chin.
4002. 2. Place one leg a little forward, the other a little backward, and stretch out your arms on either side under the water. By a slight paddling motion you may regulate the position of your head, and keep the mouth and nose above the surface of the surrounding fluid. Make no efforts, but wait tranquilly until succor arrives. You cannot sink.
4003. 3. Do not lay hold of your companion or assistant, or you will infallibly sink him without benefiting yourself. The best swimmer has no more natural buoyancy than you, and would be sunk by the exertion of very little force.
4004. 4. Remain perfectly passive till your helper seizes you by the hair. Upon this endeavor to second his efforts by throwing yourself on your back. Hold your neck stiff, and let the back of your head sink into the water. Try to propel yourself at this stage by regularly and slowly kicking against the water.
4005. 5. Be careful to keep every part of your body except your face under the water. 6. If two or more persons are immersed together, let them keep near to each other. By this means one boat may save the whole party at once; but if they are dispersed, one at a time only can be picked up.
4006.Rules to Govern Persons who Attempt to Rescue the Drowning.—1. In removing a body from the water, whetherinto a boat or drawing it along by your own efforts, always keep the face upward.
4007. 2. Recollect that you have no more buoyancy than the person you are attempting to rescue. Therefore do not attempt to raise him out of the water, or you will sink. By a gentle traction, you may draw him toward the boat or landing-place without fatigue or danger.
4008. 3. Always aim at seizing the hind hair of the head, and keep the nape of the neck and your own arm under the water. Thus you will insure his face and your own being above the surface.
4009. 4. Keep your most powerful arm disengaged for swimming, and maintain the other projected forward, having hold, as directed, by the hind hair of the head. In this way you may advance side by side, he floating on his back, and you on your breast.
4010. 5. As you approach the person distressed, let him know by your voice; the prospect of his speedy succor will add to his confidence and strength.
4011. 6. Let all your movements be deliberate, firm, and gentle.
4012. 7. Hold the hat reversed in both hands, the arms and hands of course under water. If a person has presence of mind to accomplish this, the hat will by its buoyancy afford him great assistance, until it becomes saturated and admits the water.
4013.Riding.—To ride well on horseback is a healthful and very graceful accomplishment for a lady or gentleman.
4014.Dress.—The lady's riding dress should be of a material that rain will not spoil, made to fit easily, and by no means tight.
4015.The lengthshould not exceed an ordinary dress more than fromfourteentoeighteen inches.
4016.To keep the frontof the dress down, sew small quantities of shot in bits of muslin, tack these around the inside of the front breadth of the skirt, at equal distances.
4017.The Hator cap should be as light as possible. Tie on securely.
4018. Have no loose ribbons or strings flying about your cap or dress to frighten the horses.
4019. Fasten your hair up securely, and do not blind your eyes with curls.
4020.Glovesshould be of a kind that will permit you to handle the reins easily.
4021.Ride slowly.—The true secret of learning to ride well is to ride slowly.
4022.Always ride slowlywhen you start, and when returning, you are near home.
4023.Ride slowlyup hill and down hill. Let the reins be slack when ascending; tighten them as you descend.
4024.Speak gentlyto your horse; pat his neck, and show kindness to him; it is the surest and safest mode of management.
4025.In crossinga river, if the horse should have to swim, be sure to let the rains fall loose. Do not attempt to hold up his head, he cannot swim if you do.
4026.On which sideof a lady should a gentleman ride?—is often asked.
4027.On the left.—He can then protect and assist the lady much more advantageously than he would if riding on the right side of her horse.
4028.A lady's horseshould be fifteen or fifteen and a half hands high.A hand is four inches.
4029.How to judge a Horse.—If the color be light sorrel, or chestnut, his feet, legs, and face white, these are marks of kindness.
4030. If he is broad and full between the eyes, he may be depended on as a horse of good sense, and capable of being trained to any thing.
4031. As respects such horses, the more kindly you treat them the better you will be treated in return. Nor will a horse of this description stand a whip, if well fed.
4032. If you want a safe horse, avoid one that is dish-faced. He may be so far gentle as not to scare; but he will have too much go-ahead in him to be safe with everybody.
4033. If you want one that will never give out, never buy a large, overgrown one.—(See pages198,199.)
4034.Prudence.—The great end of prudence is to give cheerfulness to those hours which splendor cannot gild, and acclamation cannot exhilarate.
4035.To be happy at homeis the ultimate result of all ambition; the end to which every enterprise and labor tends, and of which every desire prompts the prosecution.
4036. It is indeed, at home that every man and woman must be known, by those who would make a just estimate of his virtue or felicity; for smiles and embroidery are alike, occasional, and the mind is often dressed for show in painted honor and fictitious benevolence.—Dr. Johnson.
4037.Readingaloud, speaking, and particularly singing, affords a healthful exercise; while wind-instruments are injurious.
4038. To young ladies the habit of reading aloud has much to recommend it.
4039.As mere exercise, it is highly beneficial on account of the strength and vigor which it confers on the chest and lungs; while the mental pleasure derived therefrom is one of the most delightful that can adorn the family circle.
4040. Gathered around the winter's fire, or evening lamp, what could be more cheerful for the aged and infirm, what more instructive to the younger branches, or more exemplary to the careless, than the reading aloud of some entertaining author.
4041. Were females of all ranks to adopt the practice more than they do at present, they would bind to their homes many who are disposed to go in search of unworthy enjoyments, and would add another chain of delightful associations, wherewith to attach the young to the family hearth.
4042. Fatuity from old age cannot be cured; but may be prevented by employing the mind constantly in reading and in conversation in the evening of life.
4043.A Word to the Young.—-Never be cast down by trifles. If a spider breaks his thread twenty times, twenty times will he mend it again.
4044. Make up your minds to do a thing and you will do it. Fear not if a trouble comes upon you; keep up your spirits, though the day be a dark one.
4045. If the sun is going down, look up to the stars. If the earth is dark, keep your eye on Heaven! With God's promises, a man or child may be cheerful.
4046. Mind what you run after! Never be content with a bubble that will burst, firewood that will end in smoke and darkness.
4047. Get that which you can keep, and which is worth keeping. Fight hard against a hasty temper. Anger willcome, but resist it strongly. A fit of passion may give you cause to mourn all the days of your life.
4048. Never revenge an injury. If you have an enemy, act kindly to him and make him your friend. You may not win him over at once, but try again. Let one kindness be followed by another, till you have compassed your end. By little and little, great things are completed; and repeated kindness will soften a heart of stone.
4049. Whatever you do, do it willingly. A boy that is whipped to school never learns his lessons well. A man who is compelled to work cares not how badly it is performed.
4050. He that pulls off his coat cheerfully, strips up his sleeves in earnest, and sings while he works, is the man of action.
4051.The Voice.—In ordinary conversation, the modulation and proper management of the voice is a point worthy of the attention of young ladies; for a fine and melodious voice, "sweet as music on the waters," makes the heart-strings vibrate to the very core.
4052. The thin, small voice is the most difficult to manage, as it is liable to degenerate into shrillness; and ladies who have this kind of voice must keep strict guard over their temper, when within hearing of any one on whom they may wish to make a favorable impression; for the very idea of a shrill-voiced scold makes us place our hands to our ears.
4053. But with a sweet temper, a pretty little harmonious voice is pleasing enough. Always recollect, however, that affectation, constraint, or striving for effect, is the certain ruin of the prettiest voice in the world.
4054.Utility of Singing.—It is asserted, and we believe with some truth, that singing is a corrective of the too common tendency to pulmonic complaints.
4055. Dr. Rush, an eminent physician, observes on this subject:—The Germans are seldom afflicted with consumption;and this, I believe, is in part occasioned by the strength which their lungs acquire by exercising them in vocal music, for this constitutes an essential branch of their education.
4056. The music master of an academy has furnished a remark still more in favor of this opinion. He had known several instances of persons who were strongly disposed to consumption, who were restored to health by the exercise of their lungs in singing.
4057.Music.—Had I children, my utmost endeavor should be to teach them music. Considering I have no ear, nor ever thought of music, the preference seems odd, and yet it is embraced on frequent reflection. In short, my aim would be to make them happy. I think it the most probable method.
4058.Musicis a resource which will last them their lives unless they grow deaf; it depends upon themselves, not on others; always amuses and soothes, if not consoles; and of all fashionable pleasures, it is the cheapest. It is capable of fame, without the danger of criticism; is susceptible of enthusiasm, and is sure of being gratified in Heaven.—Horace Walpole.
4059.Spectacles—Use of.—The following rules will enable any one to judge whether his eye-sight may be assisted or preserved by the use of glasses.
4060. When we are obliged to remove small objects to a distance from the eye to see them distinctly.
4061. If we need more light than formerly, as, for instance, if we place the candle between the eye and the object.
4062. If, on attentively considering a neat object, it fatigues the eye, and becomes confused, or has a kind of mist before it.
4063. When small printed letters seem to run into each other, and, by looking steadfastly on them, appear double or treble.
4064. If the eyes are so fatigued by a little exercise, that we are obliged to shut them from time to time.
4065. When these circumstances occur, either separately or together, glasses should be immediately resorted to; otherwise the sight will be liable to be injured by the constant effort required.
4066.Riddles.—It may be asked, What is a riddle? Ah! what is it? That's just the rub! Well, then, it is a queer affair, without shape, size, humanity, compassion, breath, or sex. It is caressed, abused, courted, slighted, jostled, hustled, and, notwithstanding all that is said against it, universally looked upon as a welcome guest when it is not in a dull mood.
4067. The oldest riddle on record is that put forth by Samson (Judges xiv.)—"Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness." His solution is well known, as it is explained in the same chapter.
4068.M. Voltaire's Riddle.—What is the longest, and yet the shortest thing in the world; the swiftest and the most slow; the most divisible and the most extended; the least valued, and the most regretted; without which nothing can be done; which devours every thing, however small, and yet gives life and spirit to all things however great? Answer—Time.
4069. Enigmas may be founded upon simple catches, like conundrums, in which form they are usually called Riddles, such as—
"Though you set me on foot,I shall be on my head."
"Though you set me on foot,I shall be on my head."
4070. The answer is,A nail in a shoe.
4071.Ancient Enigma.—The ancients fabled a monster whom they named theSphinx, and whom they described as having the head and breasts of a woman, the body of a dog, the tail of a serpent, the wings of a bird, the paws of a lion, and a human voice.
4072. This monster, it was said, was sent into the neighborhood of Thebes by Juno, who wished to punish the family of Cadmus. It was further stated, that he laid this part of Bœotia under continual alarms,by proposing enigmas, and devouring the inhabitants if unable to explain them.
4073. Also, that as the calamity of this monster was become an object of public concern, and as the successful explanation of an enigma would end in the death of the Sphinx, Creon promised his crown and Jocasta to him who succeeded in the attempt.
4074. The enigma proposed was this:—"What animal in the morning walks on four feet, at noon on two, and in the evening on three?"
4075. Œdipus solved the enigma—on which the monster dashed his head against a rock, and perished.
4076. Answer—Man; in themorning, or days of infancy, he crawls, or walks on all-fours; atnoon, or in the days of youth and middle age, he usestwofeet only; in theevening, or in his old age, he requires the support of a staff, so that he may be said to walk uponthreefeet.
4077.Puzzlesvary very much. One of the simplest that we know is this:—Take away half ofthirteen, and leteightremain.
4078. Write XIII on a slate, or on a piece of paper—rub out the lower half of the figures, and VIII will remain.
4079. What are termed "practical puzzles" are cut out of wood, cardboard, ivory, &c., and may be purchased at the toyshops.
4080.The three Jealous Husbands.—This is a very ingenious puzzle, and should be performed with small counters of two different colors.
4081. Three jealous husbands, with their wives, having tocross a small stream, find a boat without an owner, which is only sufficiently large to carry two persons at a time.
4082. Wanted to know,—how the six persons can transport themselves over the river in pairs, so that no woman shall be left in company with any of the men unless her husband is present.
4083.Answer.—At first two wives cross the river, then one returns and takes over the remaining wife; after which she recrosses, and stays with her husband, and the two husbands cross over. Then a husband and wife come back, and the two husbands cross. Then the wife returns and takes over one of the others, and lastly the husband of the remaining one comes back for his wife.
4084.Arithmetical Puzzle.—Arrange the figures 1 to 9 in such order that, by adding them together, they amount to 100.153647It is done thus:— –—982–—100
4085.The Charadeis a poetical or other composition founded upon a word, each syllable of which constitutes anoun, and the whole of which word constitutes another noun, of somewhat a different meaning from those supplied, by its separate syllables.
4086. Words which fully answer these conditions are the best for the purposes of charades; though many other words are employed.
4087. In writing, the first syllable is termed "My first," the second syllable, "My second," and the complete word, "My whole."
4088.Charade.—
My first a mineral, England can produce,Much prized for ornament as well as use;It adds new beauty to our "cottage homes,"And to the fireside of the wealthy comes.My second is a rough and boisterous thing,And much calamity and woe may bring;My whole is but a little fluttering bird,Which near to men's abode is often heard.
My first a mineral, England can produce,Much prized for ornament as well as use;It adds new beauty to our "cottage homes,"And to the fireside of the wealthy comes.
My second is a rough and boisterous thing,And much calamity and woe may bring;My whole is but a little fluttering bird,Which near to men's abode is often heard.
4089.Answer.—Sparrow.
4090.Ventriloquism.—The main secret of ventriloquism simply consists in first making a strong and deep inspiration, by which a considerable quantity of air is introduced into the lungs, to be afterward acted upon by the flexible powers of the larynx, or cavity situated behind the tongue and the windpipe; thus prepared, the expiration should be slow and gradual. Any person, by practice can, therefore, obtain more or less expertness in this exercise, in which, though not apparently, the voice is still modified by the mouth and tongue; and it is in the concealment of this aid that much of the perfection of ventriloquism lies.
4091.Curious Facts.—If a tallow candle be placed in a gun and be shot at a door, it will go through without sustaining any injury; and if a musket-ball be fired into water, it will rebound and be flattened as if fired against any hard substance.
4092. A musket-ball may be fired through a pane of glass, and if the glass be suspended by a thread it will make no difference, and the thread not even vibrate.
4093.The Author.—If you would write to any purpose, you must be perfectly free from without, in the first place, and yet more free from within.
4094. Give yourself the natural rein; think on no pattern, no patron, no paper, no press, no public; think on nothing, but follow your own impulses.
4095. Give yourself as you are, what you are, and how you see it. Every man sees with his own eyes, or does not see at all. This is incontrovertibly true.
4096. Bring out what you have. If you have nothing, be an honest beggar rather than a respectable thief.
4097.Letter-writing.—Great care and attention should be devoted to epistolary correspondence, as nothing exhibits want of taste and judgment so much as a slovenly letter.
4098.Postage.—Since the establishment of the cheap postage it is recognized as a rule that all letters should be prepaid; indeed, many persons make it a point of never taking in an unpaid letter.
4099. Always put a stamp on your envelope at the top of the right-hand corner.
4100. Let the direction be written very plain; this will save the postman trouble, and facilitate business by preventing mistakes.4101. At the head of your letter, in the right-hand corner, put your address in full, with the day of the month underneath; do not omit this, though you may be writing to your most intimate friend three or four times a day.4102. What you have to say in your letter, say as plainly as possible, as if you were speaking; this is the best rule; do not revert three or four times to one circumstance, but finish up as you go on.4103. Let your signature be written as plainly as possible (many mistakes will be avoided, especially in writing to strangers) and without any flourishes, as they tend not to add in any way to the harmony of your letter.4104. A letter of introduction is to be enclosed in anunsealedenvelope.4105. In writing notes of invitation, adhere to the old forms, never use any unusual phrase or flourish about it.4106. In letters of ceremony employ the third person, thus, "Mr. B. requests the honor of Mr. A.," &c.4107. Romantic ladies are sentimental in their letters; the warm-toned are passionate: both styles are bad; avoid them.4108. Never be guilty of falsehood by the pen; it is premeditated sin, and seems worse than falsehood of speech.4109. Use no preamble in your letters, come at once to the point, state what you have to state, and conclude.4110. Neither sex should enter into long details, or give vent to their feelings in letters. They are always a standing memorial for, or against—we must say generally against, for it requires a peculiar talent to write a good letter.4111. If you write to a stranger for information, or on your own business, fail not to send a stamped envelope with your address, plainly written; this will not fail to procure you an answer.4112. If you are not a good writer, it is advisable to use the best ink, the best paper, and the best pens, as, though they may not alter the character of your handwriting, yet they will assist to make your writing look better.4113. The paper on which you write should be clean, and neatly folded.4114. There should not be stains on the envelope; if otherwise, it is only an indication of your own slovenliness.4115. Care should be taken in giving titled persons to whom you write, their proper directions.4116. For a love letter, good paper is indispensable. When it can be procured, that of a costly quality, gold-edged, perfumed, or ornamented in the French style, may be properly used.4117. The letter should be carefully enveloped, and nicely sealed with a fancy wafer—not a common one, of course, where any other can be had; or, what is better, plain or fancy sealing-wax. As all persons are more or less governed byfirst impressions and externals, the whole affair should be as neat and elegant as possible.4118.Young ladiesshould never engage in correspondence with young gentlemen who are not near relations, unless with the knowledge and consent of parents and guardians.4119.A young ladyshould on no account correspond with amarried man.4120.Letters of businessor inquiry may be sometimes properly addressed by a young lady to amarried man—but when a correspondence becomes necessary, then write to thewife, not the husband.4121.Dress of Children, etc.—At home nothing can be more foolish or more hurtful than to load a child with finery which confines it, and which its every movement may destroy and spoil. When at home or in the play-ground, the simplest covering only is necessary, so that it be strong and warm.4122. It is a vulgar error to suppose that children should be left bare as to their legs, their chest, and arms, and that men and women, who are so much stronger, should be covered.4123. The truth is, that more children die through the stupidity of their parents in this respect, than from any single disease which can be mentioned.4124. "I am certain," says a great medical authority, "that half the deaths of children in the middle and upper classes of society is to be attributed to the vanity and ignorance of their parents.4125. "I never see a poor child dressed as a young Highlander, or in any fancy dress, with its uncomfortable look and naked appearance, its poor bare knees and open neck, but I prophecy for that child, whilst I pity, a future of colds, coughs, and throat disease, and a probable death of consumption."4126. Another important thing in the dress of children, besides keeping them warmly clad, is to keep them well,though loosely shod. The evils of a tight shoe or boot in a grown-up person is ten times multiplied in a child.4127. Splay-feet, knock-knees, or bandy-legs, are the consequence, all of which the ignorant would certainly lay to nature, though they are nothing but the production of an art as cruel as it is ignorant, and which is entirely contrary to beauty of Form, or toGood Taste.4128.High Shoulders.—A medical correspondent of an English paper attributes the high shoulder and the lateral curvature of the spine, which so frequently disfigures young girls, to the shoulder straps of their dresses resting below the shoulder and on the muscles of the arm, instead of being on the shoulder, which compels the wearer to be constantly hitching her shoulders to keep up her dress, an action that results in forcing up the shoulder, a distortion of the chest, and a lateral curvature of the spine.4129. He also states that from the dangerous practice, and the consequent exposure of the chest to the cold, that inward tubercles are formed, and not unfrequently consumption is engendered.4130. Sudden alterations of heat and cold are dangerous especially to the young and the aged.4131.Therefore, clothing, in quantity and quality, should be adapted to the alternations of night and day, and of the seasons.4132.And therefore,also, drinking cold water when the body is hot, and hot tea and soups when cold, are productive of many evils.4133. A bed-room, or nursery, ought to be spacious and lofty, dry, airy, and not inhabited during the day.4134. No servants, if possible, should be suffered to sleep in the same room; and no linen or washed clothes should ever be hung there to dry, as they contaminate the air in which so considerable a portion of infantine life must be spent.4135. The consequences attending a vitiated atmosphere in such rooms are various, and often fatal.4136. Change of apparel greatly promotes the secretion from the skin, so necessary to health.4137. But no damp clothing should be worn, nor damp linen put on the beds. Every thing should be well aired.4138. Feather-beds should be banished from nurseries, as they are an unnatural and debilitating contrivance.4139. The windows should seldom be opened at night, but left open the whole day, in fine, clear weather. A door into the sleeping room may be left open.4140. Lastly, the bedstead must not be placed too low on the floor; nor is it proper to let children sleep on a couch which is made without any elevation from the ground; because the most mephitic and pernicious stratum of air in an apartment, is that within one or two feet from the floor, while the most wholesome, or atmospheric air, is in the middle of the room, and the inflammable gas ascends to the top.4141.The power of Kindness.—Soft words soften the soul.—Angry words are fuel to the flame of wrath, and make it blaze more freely.4142. Kind words make other people good-natured—cold words freeze people, and hot words scorch them, and bitter words make them bitter, and wrathful words make them wrathful.4143. There is such a rush of all other kinds of words in our days, that it seems desirable to give kind words a chance among them.4144. There are vain words, and idle words, and hasty words, and spiteful words, and silly words, and empty words, and profane words, and boisterous words, and warlike words.4145. Kind words also produce their own image on men'ssouls, and a beautiful image it is. They sooth, and quiet, and comfort the hearer. They shame him out of his sour, and morose, and unkind feelings. We have not yet begun to use kind words in such abundance as they ought to be used.4146.Gossiping.—If you wish to cultivate a gossiping, meddling, censorious spirit in your children, be sure when they come home from church, a visit, or any other place where you do not accompany them, to ply them with questions concerning what everybody wore, how everybody looked, and what everybody said and did; and if you find any thing in this to censure, always do it in their hearing.4147.Amusements for Children.—These should be provided. Children must play; a large portion of their waking hours must be passed in action if we would make them healthy and happy.4148.Schooland study should not occupy more than three hours of the day, till the child is over ten years of age.4149.Out doorplay is best for children when the season and weather will permit.4150.In door, one of the best exercises for children and youth isdancing.4151.Let your children learn to dance.4152.The abuse of the artcan be avoided, and its benefits are great.4153.Terms used to describe the movements of dances—4154.Balancez—Set to partners.4155.Chaine Anglaise—The top and bottom couples right and left.4156.Chaine Anglaise double—The right and left double.4157.Chaine des dames—The ladies' chain.4158.Chaine des dames double—The ladies' chain double, which is performed by all the ladies commencing at the same time.4159.Chassez—Move to the right and left.4160.Chassez croisez—Gentlemen change places with partners, and back again.4161.Demie Chaine Anglaise—The four opposite persons half right and left.4162.Demie Promenade—All eight half promenade.4163.Dos-à-dos—The two opposite persons pass round each other.4164.Demie Moulinet—The ladies all advance to the centre, giving hands and return to places.4165.La grand chaine—All eight chassez quite round, giving alternately right and left hands to partners, beginning with the right.4166.Le grand rond—All join hands and advance and retire twice.4167.Pas d'Allemande—The gentlemen turn the partners under their arms.4168.Traversez—The two opposite persons change places.4169.Vis-à-vis—The opposite partner.4170.La Galopade—Is an extremely graceful and spirited dance in a continual chassez. An unlimited number may join; it is danced in couples as waltzing. This is a pretty dance for children.THE TRAINING OF DAUGHTERS, ETC.4171. Make them religious; the foundation of all excellence is in true piety of the heart.Mothers, who wish not only to discharge well their own duties in the domestic circle, but to train up their daughters at a later day to make happy and comfortable firesides for their families, should watch well, and guard well, the notions which they imbibe, and with which they grow up.4172. One main falsity abroad in this age is the notion, that women, unless compelled to it by absolute poverty, are out of place when engaged in domestic affairs.4173. Let mothers avoid such danger. If they would do so, they must bring up their daughters from the first with the idea that in this world it is required to give as well as to receive, to minister as well as to enjoy; that every person is bound to be useful, practically, literally useful, in his or her sphere.4174.Woman's sphereis the house—her home; its concerns and demands: these are her first duties.4175. Once really imbued with this belief, and taught to see how much the happiness of woman herself, as well as her family, depends on this part of her discharge of duty, a young girl will usually be anxious to learn all that her mother is disposed to teach.4176. She will be proud and happy to aid in any domestic occupations assigned to her, which need never be made so heavy as to interfere with the peculiar duties of her age, or its peculiar delights.4177. If a mother wishes to see her daughter become a good, happy, and rational woman, never let her admit of contempt for domestic occupations, or even suffer them to be deemed secondary. They may be varied in character by station, but they can never be secondary to a woman.4178. Therefore teach your daughters to keep accounts, so that they may learn the value of money.4179.Teach them to work, that they may not waste their time if rich, nor be helpless if poor.4180.Teach them cooking, that they may guard against the waste of servants, and be able to help themselves and others, if necessary.4181.Educate the mind, refine the taste, and exalt the character, by keeping the love of excellence, in all they do, before them.4182. Then they will be fitted to shine in domestic and social life, and to understand Literature, Art, and Science, as these conduce to goodness and happiness.4183.The Mother at Home.—By the quiet fireside at home, the true mother, in the midst of her children, is sowing as in the vases of the earth, the seeds of plants that shall some time give to Heaven the fragrance of their blossoms, and whose fruit shall be to us a rosary of angelic deeds, the noblest offering that she can make through the ever ascending and expanding souls of her children to her Maker.4184. Every word that she utters goes from heart to heart with a power of which she little dreams. Philosophers tell us in their speculations that we cannot lift a finger without moving distant spheres.4185. Solemn is the thought that every word that falls from a mother's lip, every expression of her countenance, may leave an indelible impress upon the young souls about her, and form the underlaying strain of that education which peoples Heaven with celestial beings, and gives to the white brow of the angel, next to the grace of God, its crown of glory.4186.Teach your Children Obedience.It is unspeakable what a blessing it is to a child, what a saving of unhappiness and wickedness in after life, tobe early taught absolute obedience; there must be no hesitating or asking why, but what a mother says must at once be done.4187. The young twig bends easily, but remember, that in after years it grows hard, and will break before you bend it. A little steadiness at first will save you many years' sorrow.4188. While you insist upon obedience, however, you must take care that you do not provoke a child, and tempt it to disobedience by unreasonable and foolish commands.4189. "Provoke not your children to wrath;" and when it is necessary to punish them, see that it never be done violently and in a passion, but as a duty.4190.Going in Debt.—Aladyshould never go in debt, unless she issureof having the means of payment.4191.Shopping.—Never go shopping for amusement—you rob the shopkeeper of his time and waste your own.4192.A young ladyat home can find or make pleasant amusements; one of the most healthful is the study of botany or flowers.4193.A garden, or rather the fields and woods, will be filled with new interest if you love the flowers, and can read their history.4194.The language of flowershas been studied and arranged by the people of the East. A few specimens of this may be admitted here, as an amusement for those who are idle or curious.SENTIMENTS OF FLOWERS.4195. What each flower enumerated signifies when sent to a friend or lover.4196.Almond, flowering—Concealed love.4197.Althea, Frutex—I am deeply in love.4198.Amaranth—Immortality, or piety.4199.Anemone—Fading hope.
4100. Let the direction be written very plain; this will save the postman trouble, and facilitate business by preventing mistakes.
4101. At the head of your letter, in the right-hand corner, put your address in full, with the day of the month underneath; do not omit this, though you may be writing to your most intimate friend three or four times a day.
4102. What you have to say in your letter, say as plainly as possible, as if you were speaking; this is the best rule; do not revert three or four times to one circumstance, but finish up as you go on.
4103. Let your signature be written as plainly as possible (many mistakes will be avoided, especially in writing to strangers) and without any flourishes, as they tend not to add in any way to the harmony of your letter.
4104. A letter of introduction is to be enclosed in anunsealedenvelope.
4105. In writing notes of invitation, adhere to the old forms, never use any unusual phrase or flourish about it.
4106. In letters of ceremony employ the third person, thus, "Mr. B. requests the honor of Mr. A.," &c.
4107. Romantic ladies are sentimental in their letters; the warm-toned are passionate: both styles are bad; avoid them.
4108. Never be guilty of falsehood by the pen; it is premeditated sin, and seems worse than falsehood of speech.
4109. Use no preamble in your letters, come at once to the point, state what you have to state, and conclude.
4110. Neither sex should enter into long details, or give vent to their feelings in letters. They are always a standing memorial for, or against—we must say generally against, for it requires a peculiar talent to write a good letter.
4111. If you write to a stranger for information, or on your own business, fail not to send a stamped envelope with your address, plainly written; this will not fail to procure you an answer.
4112. If you are not a good writer, it is advisable to use the best ink, the best paper, and the best pens, as, though they may not alter the character of your handwriting, yet they will assist to make your writing look better.
4113. The paper on which you write should be clean, and neatly folded.
4114. There should not be stains on the envelope; if otherwise, it is only an indication of your own slovenliness.
4115. Care should be taken in giving titled persons to whom you write, their proper directions.
4116. For a love letter, good paper is indispensable. When it can be procured, that of a costly quality, gold-edged, perfumed, or ornamented in the French style, may be properly used.
4117. The letter should be carefully enveloped, and nicely sealed with a fancy wafer—not a common one, of course, where any other can be had; or, what is better, plain or fancy sealing-wax. As all persons are more or less governed byfirst impressions and externals, the whole affair should be as neat and elegant as possible.
4118.Young ladiesshould never engage in correspondence with young gentlemen who are not near relations, unless with the knowledge and consent of parents and guardians.
4119.A young ladyshould on no account correspond with amarried man.
4120.Letters of businessor inquiry may be sometimes properly addressed by a young lady to amarried man—but when a correspondence becomes necessary, then write to thewife, not the husband.
4121.Dress of Children, etc.—At home nothing can be more foolish or more hurtful than to load a child with finery which confines it, and which its every movement may destroy and spoil. When at home or in the play-ground, the simplest covering only is necessary, so that it be strong and warm.
4122. It is a vulgar error to suppose that children should be left bare as to their legs, their chest, and arms, and that men and women, who are so much stronger, should be covered.
4123. The truth is, that more children die through the stupidity of their parents in this respect, than from any single disease which can be mentioned.
4124. "I am certain," says a great medical authority, "that half the deaths of children in the middle and upper classes of society is to be attributed to the vanity and ignorance of their parents.
4125. "I never see a poor child dressed as a young Highlander, or in any fancy dress, with its uncomfortable look and naked appearance, its poor bare knees and open neck, but I prophecy for that child, whilst I pity, a future of colds, coughs, and throat disease, and a probable death of consumption."
4126. Another important thing in the dress of children, besides keeping them warmly clad, is to keep them well,though loosely shod. The evils of a tight shoe or boot in a grown-up person is ten times multiplied in a child.
4127. Splay-feet, knock-knees, or bandy-legs, are the consequence, all of which the ignorant would certainly lay to nature, though they are nothing but the production of an art as cruel as it is ignorant, and which is entirely contrary to beauty of Form, or toGood Taste.
4128.High Shoulders.—A medical correspondent of an English paper attributes the high shoulder and the lateral curvature of the spine, which so frequently disfigures young girls, to the shoulder straps of their dresses resting below the shoulder and on the muscles of the arm, instead of being on the shoulder, which compels the wearer to be constantly hitching her shoulders to keep up her dress, an action that results in forcing up the shoulder, a distortion of the chest, and a lateral curvature of the spine.
4129. He also states that from the dangerous practice, and the consequent exposure of the chest to the cold, that inward tubercles are formed, and not unfrequently consumption is engendered.
4130. Sudden alterations of heat and cold are dangerous especially to the young and the aged.
4131.Therefore, clothing, in quantity and quality, should be adapted to the alternations of night and day, and of the seasons.
4132.And therefore,also, drinking cold water when the body is hot, and hot tea and soups when cold, are productive of many evils.
4133. A bed-room, or nursery, ought to be spacious and lofty, dry, airy, and not inhabited during the day.
4134. No servants, if possible, should be suffered to sleep in the same room; and no linen or washed clothes should ever be hung there to dry, as they contaminate the air in which so considerable a portion of infantine life must be spent.
4135. The consequences attending a vitiated atmosphere in such rooms are various, and often fatal.
4136. Change of apparel greatly promotes the secretion from the skin, so necessary to health.
4137. But no damp clothing should be worn, nor damp linen put on the beds. Every thing should be well aired.
4138. Feather-beds should be banished from nurseries, as they are an unnatural and debilitating contrivance.
4139. The windows should seldom be opened at night, but left open the whole day, in fine, clear weather. A door into the sleeping room may be left open.
4140. Lastly, the bedstead must not be placed too low on the floor; nor is it proper to let children sleep on a couch which is made without any elevation from the ground; because the most mephitic and pernicious stratum of air in an apartment, is that within one or two feet from the floor, while the most wholesome, or atmospheric air, is in the middle of the room, and the inflammable gas ascends to the top.
4141.The power of Kindness.—Soft words soften the soul.—Angry words are fuel to the flame of wrath, and make it blaze more freely.
4142. Kind words make other people good-natured—cold words freeze people, and hot words scorch them, and bitter words make them bitter, and wrathful words make them wrathful.
4143. There is such a rush of all other kinds of words in our days, that it seems desirable to give kind words a chance among them.
4144. There are vain words, and idle words, and hasty words, and spiteful words, and silly words, and empty words, and profane words, and boisterous words, and warlike words.
4145. Kind words also produce their own image on men'ssouls, and a beautiful image it is. They sooth, and quiet, and comfort the hearer. They shame him out of his sour, and morose, and unkind feelings. We have not yet begun to use kind words in such abundance as they ought to be used.
4146.Gossiping.—If you wish to cultivate a gossiping, meddling, censorious spirit in your children, be sure when they come home from church, a visit, or any other place where you do not accompany them, to ply them with questions concerning what everybody wore, how everybody looked, and what everybody said and did; and if you find any thing in this to censure, always do it in their hearing.
4147.Amusements for Children.—These should be provided. Children must play; a large portion of their waking hours must be passed in action if we would make them healthy and happy.
4148.Schooland study should not occupy more than three hours of the day, till the child is over ten years of age.
4149.Out doorplay is best for children when the season and weather will permit.
4150.In door, one of the best exercises for children and youth isdancing.
4151.Let your children learn to dance.
4152.The abuse of the artcan be avoided, and its benefits are great.
4153.Terms used to describe the movements of dances—
4154.Balancez—Set to partners.
4155.Chaine Anglaise—The top and bottom couples right and left.
4156.Chaine Anglaise double—The right and left double.
4157.Chaine des dames—The ladies' chain.
4158.Chaine des dames double—The ladies' chain double, which is performed by all the ladies commencing at the same time.
4159.Chassez—Move to the right and left.
4160.Chassez croisez—Gentlemen change places with partners, and back again.
4161.Demie Chaine Anglaise—The four opposite persons half right and left.
4162.Demie Promenade—All eight half promenade.
4163.Dos-à-dos—The two opposite persons pass round each other.
4164.Demie Moulinet—The ladies all advance to the centre, giving hands and return to places.
4165.La grand chaine—All eight chassez quite round, giving alternately right and left hands to partners, beginning with the right.
4166.Le grand rond—All join hands and advance and retire twice.
4167.Pas d'Allemande—The gentlemen turn the partners under their arms.
4168.Traversez—The two opposite persons change places.
4169.Vis-à-vis—The opposite partner.
4170.La Galopade—Is an extremely graceful and spirited dance in a continual chassez. An unlimited number may join; it is danced in couples as waltzing. This is a pretty dance for children.
4171. Make them religious; the foundation of all excellence is in true piety of the heart.
Mothers, who wish not only to discharge well their own duties in the domestic circle, but to train up their daughters at a later day to make happy and comfortable firesides for their families, should watch well, and guard well, the notions which they imbibe, and with which they grow up.
4172. One main falsity abroad in this age is the notion, that women, unless compelled to it by absolute poverty, are out of place when engaged in domestic affairs.
4173. Let mothers avoid such danger. If they would do so, they must bring up their daughters from the first with the idea that in this world it is required to give as well as to receive, to minister as well as to enjoy; that every person is bound to be useful, practically, literally useful, in his or her sphere.
4174.Woman's sphereis the house—her home; its concerns and demands: these are her first duties.
4175. Once really imbued with this belief, and taught to see how much the happiness of woman herself, as well as her family, depends on this part of her discharge of duty, a young girl will usually be anxious to learn all that her mother is disposed to teach.
4176. She will be proud and happy to aid in any domestic occupations assigned to her, which need never be made so heavy as to interfere with the peculiar duties of her age, or its peculiar delights.
4177. If a mother wishes to see her daughter become a good, happy, and rational woman, never let her admit of contempt for domestic occupations, or even suffer them to be deemed secondary. They may be varied in character by station, but they can never be secondary to a woman.
4178. Therefore teach your daughters to keep accounts, so that they may learn the value of money.
4179.Teach them to work, that they may not waste their time if rich, nor be helpless if poor.
4180.Teach them cooking, that they may guard against the waste of servants, and be able to help themselves and others, if necessary.
4181.Educate the mind, refine the taste, and exalt the character, by keeping the love of excellence, in all they do, before them.
4182. Then they will be fitted to shine in domestic and social life, and to understand Literature, Art, and Science, as these conduce to goodness and happiness.
4183.The Mother at Home.—By the quiet fireside at home, the true mother, in the midst of her children, is sowing as in the vases of the earth, the seeds of plants that shall some time give to Heaven the fragrance of their blossoms, and whose fruit shall be to us a rosary of angelic deeds, the noblest offering that she can make through the ever ascending and expanding souls of her children to her Maker.
4184. Every word that she utters goes from heart to heart with a power of which she little dreams. Philosophers tell us in their speculations that we cannot lift a finger without moving distant spheres.
4185. Solemn is the thought that every word that falls from a mother's lip, every expression of her countenance, may leave an indelible impress upon the young souls about her, and form the underlaying strain of that education which peoples Heaven with celestial beings, and gives to the white brow of the angel, next to the grace of God, its crown of glory.
4186.Teach your Children Obedience.
It is unspeakable what a blessing it is to a child, what a saving of unhappiness and wickedness in after life, tobe early taught absolute obedience; there must be no hesitating or asking why, but what a mother says must at once be done.
4187. The young twig bends easily, but remember, that in after years it grows hard, and will break before you bend it. A little steadiness at first will save you many years' sorrow.
4188. While you insist upon obedience, however, you must take care that you do not provoke a child, and tempt it to disobedience by unreasonable and foolish commands.
4189. "Provoke not your children to wrath;" and when it is necessary to punish them, see that it never be done violently and in a passion, but as a duty.
4190.Going in Debt.—Aladyshould never go in debt, unless she issureof having the means of payment.
4191.Shopping.—Never go shopping for amusement—you rob the shopkeeper of his time and waste your own.
4192.A young ladyat home can find or make pleasant amusements; one of the most healthful is the study of botany or flowers.
4193.A garden, or rather the fields and woods, will be filled with new interest if you love the flowers, and can read their history.
4194.The language of flowershas been studied and arranged by the people of the East. A few specimens of this may be admitted here, as an amusement for those who are idle or curious.
4195. What each flower enumerated signifies when sent to a friend or lover.
4196.Almond, flowering—Concealed love.
4197.Althea, Frutex—I am deeply in love.
4198.Amaranth—Immortality, or piety.
4199.Anemone—Fading hope.
4200.Arbor-Vitæ—Unchanging friendship.4201.Auricula, Scarlet—Pride. You are proud.4202.Bachelor's Button—Hope in love.4203.Balm—I long for your society.4204.Balsamine—Impatience; or, pray come.4205.Bay Leaf—I change but in dying.4206.Box—I believe in your constancy.4207.Buttercup—Riches. You are rich.4208.Calla Ethiopica—Magnificent beauty.4209.Carnation—Pride and beauty.4210.Camelia Japonica—Surpassing excellence.4211.Cedar—Think of me.4212.China Astar—Caprice.4213.Cypress—Despair, and without hope.4214.Dahlia—Dignity—I will sustain it.4215.Daisy—Youthful beauty.4216.Dandelion—Coquetry, I accuse you of.4217.Eglantine—I wound to heal.4218.Forget-me-not—True love forever.4219.Fox-glove—Insincerity. You are false.4220.Geranium—Gentility and elegance.4221.Gilly-Flower—Thou art fair.4222.Golden Rod—Encouragement. You will succeed.4223.Grass—Submission.4224.Heart's Ease—Love in idleness.4225.Heliotrope—Devotion. Let us pray for each other.4226.Hellebore—Calumny. You have listened.4227.Hollyhock—Ambition. I seek glory.4228.Honeysuckle—Dost thou love me?4229.Houstonia—Content ever with thee.4230.Hyacinth, Purple—Sorrow. I am sad.4231.Hydrangea—Heartlessness.4232.Ivy—Wedded love. We are happy.4233.Jasmine, White—I desire a return of my affection.4234.Larkspur—Haughtiness.4235.Laurel—Ambition. I will win.4236.Laurustinus—A token. Pray remember.4237.Lavender—Acknowledgment.4238.Lilac—Fastidiousness.4239.Lily, White—Purity and beauty.4240.Magnolia—You are beautiful.4241.Marigold—Jealousy—I have cause.4242.Mignionette—I live for thee.4243.Moss—Patience, or pray wait.4244.Oak-Leaf—Courage. I will endure.4245.Passion-Flower—Piety. Trust in God.4246.Periwinkle—Memory. Never forget.4247.Pink—Household love. I am at home.4248.Poppy—Forgetfulness.4249.Primrose—Neglected merit.4250.Rose—Love, or I love you.4251.Rue—Disdain. Go: never return.4252.Saffron—Marriage—when?4253.Snow-Drop—Faithful in adversity.4254.Thyme—Thriftiness. I am diligent.4255.Tulip—Beautiful eyes. Look on me.4256.Violet—I dream of thee.4257.Willow—Forsaken—never more.4258.Wheat—Prosperity—I wish thee.4259.Yew—Penitence. I am sorry.4260.Poisonous Plants.—Plants with five stamens and one pistil, with a dull-colored lurid carolla, and a nauseous sickly smell, are always poisonous. Astobacco,henbane,nightshade,thorn-apple.Umbelliferous plants of the aquatic kind, and with a nauseous scent, are always poisonous. Aswater-hemlock,cow-parsley.4261. Plants withlabiatecorollas and seeds in capsules, are frequently poisonous. Assnap-dragon,fox-glove.4262. Plants from which issue a milky juice on being broken, are poisonous, unless they bear compound flowers. Asmilk-weed,dogbane.4263. Plants having any appendage to the calyx or corolla, and eight or more stamens, are generally poisonous. Ascolumbine,nasturtium.4264. Plants having twelve or more stamens, and a nauseous sickly smell, are generally poisonous.4265.To ascertain the Length of the Day and Night.—At any time of the years add twelve hours to the time of the sun's setting, and from the sum subtract the time of rising, for thelength of the day. Subtract the time of setting from twelve hours, and to the remainder add the time of rising next morning, for thelength of the night. These rules are equally true forapparenttime.4266.Leap Year.—Leap years are those that are exactly divisible by four, and also by 400, and not by 100. The year 1900, therefore, will not be a leap year.4267.True Time.—Two kinds of time are used in Almanacs;clockormean timein some, andapparentorsun timein others.Clocktime is alwaysright, whilesuntimevariesevery day. People generally suppose it is twelve o'clock when the sun is due south, or at a properly made noon-mark. But this is a mistake. The sun is seldom on the meridianat twelveo'clock; indeed this is the case only on four days of the year: namely, April 15, June 15, September 1, and December 24.4268. The time when the sun is on the meridian or at the noon-mark is also given to the nearest second, for every day in the year. This affords a ready means of obtaining correct time and for setting a clock by using a noon-mark, adding or subtracting as the sun is slow or fast.4269. Old-fashioned Almanacs, which useapparenttime, give the rising and setting of the sun'scentre, and make no allowance for the effect of refraction of the sun's rays by the atmosphere. The more modern and improved Almanacs, which useclocktime, give the rising and the setting of the sun'supper limb, and duly allow for refraction.4270.Velocity of Sound and Light.—Sound moves about thirteen miles in a minute. So that if we hear a clap of thunder half a minute after the flash, we may calculate that the discharge of electricity is six and a half miles off.4271. In one second of time—in one beat of the pendulum of a clock—light travels over 192,000 miles. Were a cannon ball shot toward the sun, and it were to maintain full speed, it would be twenty years in reaching it—and yet light travels through this space in seven or eight minutes.SIGNS OF THE WEATHER.4272.Dew.—If the dew lies plentifully on the grass after a fair day, it is a sign of another. If not, and there is no wind, rain must follow.4273. A red evening portends fine weather; but if it spreads too far upward from the horizon in the evening, and especially in the morning, it foretells wind or rain, or both.4274. When the sky, in rainy weather, is tinged with sea-green, the rain will increase; if with deep blue, it will be showery.4275.Clouds.—Against much rain, the clouds grow bigger, and increase very fast, especially before thunder.4276. When the clouds are formed like fleeces, but dense in the middle and bright toward the edges, with the sky bright, they are signs of a frost, with hail, snow, or rain.4277. If clouds form high in the air, in thin white trains like locks of wool, they portend wind, and probably rain.4278. When a general cloudiness covers the sky, and small black fragments of clouds fly underneath, they are a sure sign of rain, and probably it will be lasting. Two currents of clouds always portend rain, and, in summer, thunder.4279.Heavenly Bodies.—A haziness in the air, which fades the sun's light, and makes the orb appear whitish, or ill-defined—or at night, if the moon and stars grow dim, and a ring encircles the former, rain will follow.4280. If the sun's rays appear like Moses' horns—if white at setting, or shorn of his rays, or goes down into a bank of clouds in the horizon, bad weather is to be expected.4281. If the moon looks pale and dim we expect rain; if red, wind; and if of her natural color, with a clear sky, fair weather. If the moon is rainy throughout, it will be clear at the change, and perhaps the rain return a few days after. If fair throughout, and rain at the change, the fair weather will probably return on the fourth or fifth day.4282.The Weather and the Blood.—In dry, sultry weather the heat ought to be counteracted by means of a cooling diet. To this purpose, cucumbers, melons, and juicy fruit are subservient.4283. We ought to give the preference to such alimentary substances as lead to contract the juices which are too much expanded by the heat, and the property is possessed by all acid food and drink.4284. To this class belong all sorts of salad, lemons,oranges, pomegranates sliced and sprinkled with sugar, for the acid of this fruit is not so apt to derange the stomach as that of lemons; also cherries and strawberries, curds turned with lemon acid or cream of tartar; cream of tartar dissolved in water—lemonade and Rhenish or Moselle wine mixed with water.AIR—ITS EFFECTS ON LIFE.4285. What is carbonic acid gas?4286. A gas formed by the union of carbon and oxygen. It used to be called "fixed air."4287. Under what circumstances does carbon most readily unite with oxygen?4288. 1. When its temperature is raised: thus, if carbon be red-hot, oxygen will most readily unite with it; and 2. When it forms part of the fluid blood.4289. Why do oxygen and carbon so readily unite in the blood?4290. Because the atoms of carbon are so loosely attracted by the other materials of the blood, that they unite very readily with the oxygen of the air inhaled.4291. Is carbonic acid wholesome?4292. No: it is fatal to animal life: and (whenever it is inhaled) acts like a narcotic poison—producing drowsiness, which sometimes ends in death.4293. How can any one know if a place be infested with carbonic acid gas?4294. If a pit or well contain carbonic acid, a candle (let down into it) will be instantly extinguished. The rule, therefore, is this—Where a candle will burn, a man can live; but what will extinguish a candle, will also destroy life.4295. Why does a miner lower a candle into a mine before he descends?4296. Because the candle will be extinguished, if the mine contains carbonic acid gas; but if the candle is not extinguished, the mine is safe, and the man may fearlessly descend.4297. Why does a crowded room produce headache?4298. Because we breathe the air vitiated by the crowd.4299. Why is the air of a room vitiated by a crowd?
4200.Arbor-Vitæ—Unchanging friendship.
4201.Auricula, Scarlet—Pride. You are proud.
4202.Bachelor's Button—Hope in love.
4203.Balm—I long for your society.
4204.Balsamine—Impatience; or, pray come.
4205.Bay Leaf—I change but in dying.
4206.Box—I believe in your constancy.
4207.Buttercup—Riches. You are rich.
4208.Calla Ethiopica—Magnificent beauty.
4209.Carnation—Pride and beauty.
4210.Camelia Japonica—Surpassing excellence.
4211.Cedar—Think of me.
4212.China Astar—Caprice.
4213.Cypress—Despair, and without hope.
4214.Dahlia—Dignity—I will sustain it.
4215.Daisy—Youthful beauty.
4216.Dandelion—Coquetry, I accuse you of.
4217.Eglantine—I wound to heal.
4218.Forget-me-not—True love forever.
4219.Fox-glove—Insincerity. You are false.
4220.Geranium—Gentility and elegance.
4221.Gilly-Flower—Thou art fair.
4222.Golden Rod—Encouragement. You will succeed.
4223.Grass—Submission.
4224.Heart's Ease—Love in idleness.
4225.Heliotrope—Devotion. Let us pray for each other.
4226.Hellebore—Calumny. You have listened.
4227.Hollyhock—Ambition. I seek glory.
4228.Honeysuckle—Dost thou love me?
4229.Houstonia—Content ever with thee.
4230.Hyacinth, Purple—Sorrow. I am sad.
4231.Hydrangea—Heartlessness.
4232.Ivy—Wedded love. We are happy.
4233.Jasmine, White—I desire a return of my affection.
4234.Larkspur—Haughtiness.
4235.Laurel—Ambition. I will win.
4236.Laurustinus—A token. Pray remember.
4237.Lavender—Acknowledgment.
4238.Lilac—Fastidiousness.
4239.Lily, White—Purity and beauty.
4240.Magnolia—You are beautiful.
4241.Marigold—Jealousy—I have cause.
4242.Mignionette—I live for thee.
4243.Moss—Patience, or pray wait.
4244.Oak-Leaf—Courage. I will endure.
4245.Passion-Flower—Piety. Trust in God.
4246.Periwinkle—Memory. Never forget.
4247.Pink—Household love. I am at home.
4248.Poppy—Forgetfulness.
4249.Primrose—Neglected merit.
4250.Rose—Love, or I love you.
4251.Rue—Disdain. Go: never return.
4252.Saffron—Marriage—when?
4253.Snow-Drop—Faithful in adversity.
4254.Thyme—Thriftiness. I am diligent.
4255.Tulip—Beautiful eyes. Look on me.
4256.Violet—I dream of thee.
4257.Willow—Forsaken—never more.
4258.Wheat—Prosperity—I wish thee.
4259.Yew—Penitence. I am sorry.
4260.Poisonous Plants.—Plants with five stamens and one pistil, with a dull-colored lurid carolla, and a nauseous sickly smell, are always poisonous. Astobacco,henbane,nightshade,thorn-apple.
Umbelliferous plants of the aquatic kind, and with a nauseous scent, are always poisonous. Aswater-hemlock,cow-parsley.
4261. Plants withlabiatecorollas and seeds in capsules, are frequently poisonous. Assnap-dragon,fox-glove.
4262. Plants from which issue a milky juice on being broken, are poisonous, unless they bear compound flowers. Asmilk-weed,dogbane.
4263. Plants having any appendage to the calyx or corolla, and eight or more stamens, are generally poisonous. Ascolumbine,nasturtium.
4264. Plants having twelve or more stamens, and a nauseous sickly smell, are generally poisonous.
4265.To ascertain the Length of the Day and Night.—At any time of the years add twelve hours to the time of the sun's setting, and from the sum subtract the time of rising, for thelength of the day. Subtract the time of setting from twelve hours, and to the remainder add the time of rising next morning, for thelength of the night. These rules are equally true forapparenttime.
4266.Leap Year.—Leap years are those that are exactly divisible by four, and also by 400, and not by 100. The year 1900, therefore, will not be a leap year.
4267.True Time.—Two kinds of time are used in Almanacs;clockormean timein some, andapparentorsun timein others.Clocktime is alwaysright, whilesuntimevariesevery day. People generally suppose it is twelve o'clock when the sun is due south, or at a properly made noon-mark. But this is a mistake. The sun is seldom on the meridianat twelveo'clock; indeed this is the case only on four days of the year: namely, April 15, June 15, September 1, and December 24.
4268. The time when the sun is on the meridian or at the noon-mark is also given to the nearest second, for every day in the year. This affords a ready means of obtaining correct time and for setting a clock by using a noon-mark, adding or subtracting as the sun is slow or fast.
4269. Old-fashioned Almanacs, which useapparenttime, give the rising and setting of the sun'scentre, and make no allowance for the effect of refraction of the sun's rays by the atmosphere. The more modern and improved Almanacs, which useclocktime, give the rising and the setting of the sun'supper limb, and duly allow for refraction.
4270.Velocity of Sound and Light.—Sound moves about thirteen miles in a minute. So that if we hear a clap of thunder half a minute after the flash, we may calculate that the discharge of electricity is six and a half miles off.
4271. In one second of time—in one beat of the pendulum of a clock—light travels over 192,000 miles. Were a cannon ball shot toward the sun, and it were to maintain full speed, it would be twenty years in reaching it—and yet light travels through this space in seven or eight minutes.
4272.Dew.—If the dew lies plentifully on the grass after a fair day, it is a sign of another. If not, and there is no wind, rain must follow.
4273. A red evening portends fine weather; but if it spreads too far upward from the horizon in the evening, and especially in the morning, it foretells wind or rain, or both.
4274. When the sky, in rainy weather, is tinged with sea-green, the rain will increase; if with deep blue, it will be showery.
4275.Clouds.—Against much rain, the clouds grow bigger, and increase very fast, especially before thunder.
4276. When the clouds are formed like fleeces, but dense in the middle and bright toward the edges, with the sky bright, they are signs of a frost, with hail, snow, or rain.
4277. If clouds form high in the air, in thin white trains like locks of wool, they portend wind, and probably rain.
4278. When a general cloudiness covers the sky, and small black fragments of clouds fly underneath, they are a sure sign of rain, and probably it will be lasting. Two currents of clouds always portend rain, and, in summer, thunder.
4279.Heavenly Bodies.—A haziness in the air, which fades the sun's light, and makes the orb appear whitish, or ill-defined—or at night, if the moon and stars grow dim, and a ring encircles the former, rain will follow.
4280. If the sun's rays appear like Moses' horns—if white at setting, or shorn of his rays, or goes down into a bank of clouds in the horizon, bad weather is to be expected.
4281. If the moon looks pale and dim we expect rain; if red, wind; and if of her natural color, with a clear sky, fair weather. If the moon is rainy throughout, it will be clear at the change, and perhaps the rain return a few days after. If fair throughout, and rain at the change, the fair weather will probably return on the fourth or fifth day.
4282.The Weather and the Blood.—In dry, sultry weather the heat ought to be counteracted by means of a cooling diet. To this purpose, cucumbers, melons, and juicy fruit are subservient.
4283. We ought to give the preference to such alimentary substances as lead to contract the juices which are too much expanded by the heat, and the property is possessed by all acid food and drink.
4284. To this class belong all sorts of salad, lemons,oranges, pomegranates sliced and sprinkled with sugar, for the acid of this fruit is not so apt to derange the stomach as that of lemons; also cherries and strawberries, curds turned with lemon acid or cream of tartar; cream of tartar dissolved in water—lemonade and Rhenish or Moselle wine mixed with water.
4285. What is carbonic acid gas?
4286. A gas formed by the union of carbon and oxygen. It used to be called "fixed air."
4287. Under what circumstances does carbon most readily unite with oxygen?
4288. 1. When its temperature is raised: thus, if carbon be red-hot, oxygen will most readily unite with it; and 2. When it forms part of the fluid blood.
4289. Why do oxygen and carbon so readily unite in the blood?
4290. Because the atoms of carbon are so loosely attracted by the other materials of the blood, that they unite very readily with the oxygen of the air inhaled.
4291. Is carbonic acid wholesome?
4292. No: it is fatal to animal life: and (whenever it is inhaled) acts like a narcotic poison—producing drowsiness, which sometimes ends in death.
4293. How can any one know if a place be infested with carbonic acid gas?
4294. If a pit or well contain carbonic acid, a candle (let down into it) will be instantly extinguished. The rule, therefore, is this—Where a candle will burn, a man can live; but what will extinguish a candle, will also destroy life.
4295. Why does a miner lower a candle into a mine before he descends?
4296. Because the candle will be extinguished, if the mine contains carbonic acid gas; but if the candle is not extinguished, the mine is safe, and the man may fearlessly descend.
4297. Why does a crowded room produce headache?
4298. Because we breathe the air vitiated by the crowd.
4299. Why is the air of a room vitiated by a crowd?