JAN. 24 
MOOSE’S SURAL NEW-YORKER. 
Dear Rural :— I think we should all 
thank Aunt Lou, for her excellent practical 
article on the question of Uower decoration, 
in hist week’s Rural. Her experience is 
quite conclusive, and worth more than all the 
rest of us have written ou the subject. 1 
think it ought to satisfy the most incredulous 
of the value OUd practicability of such efforts. 
Friend Mat speaks to the point too, with 
the enthusiasm mid confidence of a young 
lady ; but 1 think she is hardly just to Esther 
Allies, who certainly shows too much cul¬ 
ture and refinement, to indicate that “ site is 
one of those farmer’s wives who never st irs 
from lier own door step.” I hope she is a. 
farmer's wife ; for I am pretty sure her 
home will be a tasteful and intelligent one, 
and T should dearly love to go and see it, and 
Esther too 1 
Iuolia asks about fern pressing. I tried a 
new method this year, that works beautiful¬ 
ly. Press your ferns, as autumn leaves, 
when fresh gathered, with a warm (not hot) 
iron, previously rubbing it over with wax. 
Your ferns will lie dry in about one minute, 
and will be bright and glossy, and will not 
fade When exposed to light and air, ua they 
do when dined by the old method. 
Fltfpout, Ohio. Mrtfl. K. A.D, 
- ♦♦♦ -- 
I GARMENTS MADE WATER-PROOF. 
>-*» L* /4t. ^ them into a kettle containing about a gallon 
ilOmCStUi (KdCntOttT)}* of boiling water, previously salted a little, 
C l l ^ and on the bottom an old plate, to prevent 
r:_- -■ ^ their burning. Keep them boiling briskly 
TIME WASTED IN THE HOUSE. for three-fourths of an hour and covered 
. - closely, when they will be done, which may 
It seems to me, Mr. Editor, that there is be determined by trying with a fork. Serve 
no feature of Domestic Economy so much j 10 t with cream and sugar flavored with 
neglected by house wives as the economy of lemon or nutmeg. Pie plant is very nice 
time. My own experience has taught, and served in this way, as well as strawberries, 
teaches mo, that it is too apt t o he one of the raspberries and other fruits, and they always 
last of the economies thought of by the find a ready market at the dinner table, 
housewife. I know, from experience, that Hope Evermore. 
time is the one item of which the most is --— 
wasted, and which, if economized as it jxowER DECORATION—FERN PRESSING. 
should be, would and does afford the hard- - 
worked, careful housewife the most direct Dear Rural I think we should all 
relief of any measure yet invented. So thank Aunt Lou, for her excellent practical 
thoroughly do 1 know this, that one of my article on the question of flower decoration, 
first efforts, when I get “ a new girl ” to j u last week’s Rural. Her experience is 
help me, is to teach her the order in which quite conclusive, and worth more, than all t he 
I want my work done, and to sec that she rest of us have written ou die subject, i 
does nothing out of that order ! think it ought to satisfy the most incredulous 
Some of my good Rural sisters will ask. of the value and practicability of such efforts. 
“How do you do it f” T do it by overseeing Friend Mat speaks to the point too, with 
the work myself, by directing and aiding the enthusiasm mid confidence of a young 
in its performance, and by practicing what. I lady ; but 1 think she is hardly just to Esther 
preach. Only one thing is attempted or Allen, who certainly shows too much cul- 
done at a time. As soon as the bedrooms ture and refinement, to indicate that “ she is 
are emptied of their occupants, myself or one of those farmer's wives who never stirs 
my servant oyens the windows and toss up from licr own door step.” I hope she is a. 
t he beds to be aired. Meantime one of us farmer's wife ; for I am pretty sure, her 
attends to the breakfast and does nothing else, home will be a tasteful and Intelligent one. 
The preparations for breakfast, so far as and T should dearly love t,o go and see it, and 
practicable, arc made the night before. The Esther too ! 
table is laid in the dining room, and the veg- Idolia asks about fern pressing. I tried a. 
etables and meats prepared. Breakfast over new method this year, that works beautiful- 
the first thing is to wash the dishes and lay ly. Press your ferns, as autumn leaves, 
the table for dinner, preparing such food jus when fresh gathered, with a warm (not hot) 
requires a long time to cook for that meal, iron, previously rubbing it over with wax. 
Then the chamber work is done.—slops emp- Your ferns will be dry in about one minute, 
tied, and everything that pertains to chain- and will be bright and glossy, and will not 
her work completed. Other rooms arc then fade when exposed to light and air, as they 
put to rights. If there is washing to do, the do when dined by the old method, 
clothes are put in soak the night before, and Ptorpont. Ohio. Mns. K. A. D. 
with my washing machine (Dott’s) and-- - 
wringer, the work is quickly performed ; but GARMENTS MADE WATER-PROOF. 
it is never commenced until the breakfast - 
tilings are out of the way, and the chamber a writer in an English paper says :—By 
and room-work done. Specific hours are de- tbo way, speaking of waterproofs, I think I 
voted to sewing. They come in their order, ean give travelers a valuable hint or two. 
If not completed in the hours set aside for it p or many years I have worn India rabbet 
n gain on other work is made, lhe sewing water-proofs, but will buy no more, for 1 
is not allowed to infringe upon the necossa- have learned that gopd Scottish tweed can 
ry daily work which ministers to the comfort ho made entirely impervious to rain, and, 
and health of the family. moreover, I have learned how to make it so 
By such system I find I have time for all and) for the benefit of your readers I wll 
the work the housewife ought to bo expect- g j ve tbe recipe : 
ed to do. Tf more help is necessary to do In a bucket of soft water put half a poum 
any class of work, I insist, upon having it Q f sugar of lead, and half a pound of pow 
just a* my husband insists upon having help dered alum; stir this at intervals, until il 
in the harvest field when Ids ciops are ripe, becomes clear; pour it off into anothei 
It it seems to cost extra, there is extra gain, bucket, and put the garment therein, anf 
My work is never behind. It is not allowed j f q, be in for twenty-four hours, and ther 
to be so. It is economy not to hare it so. I hang it up to dry, without wringing it. Twc 
accomplish far more, and it costs far less for of my party _ a ua j gentleman-hav. 
help than it did when I followed the hap worn garments thus treated in tho wildesl 
buzzard way of working. Of course it te- storms G f w ind and rain, without gtetttttf 
quires the co-operation of the nwn )<>lk ; DOT weL The rain hangs upon the cloth ii 
1 have yet to learn that, n systematic wife globules In 8hort( they wvre reully watcJ . 
and mother cannot teach her husband, sons , procf The gentleman, a fortnight ago 
and daughters to bo systematic. T have no walked niQo mUea in tl Htorm G f rain one 
sympathy whatever, Mr. Editor, for over- such as you rarely see in the South 
worked farmers’ wives. It Softener their and( when ho glipped off his overcoat, Hi 
own fault than otherwise Such women are underwear waa aB dvy aa when ho put then 
always foolish and generally silly simpletons 0Q ThigifJ> j thin k, a secret worth knowing 
who deserve no oettyi fa -e, for cloth, if it can be made to keep out wet 
_ i f Esther Allen. ( n every way, better than what we knov 
_as most waterproofs. 
APPLE DUMPLINGS BOILED. , t ,_ 
I do not pretend to say that, apple dump- YOUNG HOUSEKEEPER’S RECIPES. 
lings boiled, are better than steamed ones ; - 
but if properly made they are quite as good. Cream Pic ,—Cover tlic pie-tiu with a goo 
A?, every kitchen does not contain a steamer crust, but not too rich ; then till with swee 
of sufficient capacity to supply a dozen him- cream ; sprinkle generously with flour am 
gry stomachs, it, is' sometimes necessary to sugar; cover with crust; bake quick, am 
have them boiled, if we have them at all I you have a pie fit for a king. To be eate 
had lost faith entirely in boiled dumplings, when cold. 
believing them only ’solid and indigestible— Ginger Snap*. — One cup each of lard 
»i kS— «° u -r' u,ci ‘ - -rr ress&satKfM 
kindly instructed me m the process. I make water; * viach o( Ba Jt ; mix stiff, roll thin, 
the crust or dough, as for nice short biscuit, Will some of the practical housewives wh 
und nothing is better for these than the top contribute so many good recipes to you 
of good rich buttermilk. Sift the flour in the columns, furnish one lor the old-fashione 
bread bov/1, making a hole in the center. Fat pork pie? A Young Housekeeper. 
into it one teaspoonfuLof pulverized salera- '*"*“*’ “ 
tus, and mix with it a handful of dry flour ; DOMESTIC BREVITIES. 
add one pint of rich butternulk or sour stand f or $ cent Bottles—(See Papa GO).- 
cream and a pinch ol salt. Stu briskly until >j>he frame of the stand for scent bottles 
it foams, then stir in the flour until you have m ade of small canes, tied together with core 
a soft dough. Knead but little, and roll out [ and tassels. The embroidery is on scarh 
in round pieces as for pie crust, but rather cloth, the edges polutedmut 0Vel T *“} 
, , * ... .. 'u ..if simply tied to the frame at the coiner 
thicker. Put the iriut on one-half oi tho ^ft,er the cloth ia embroidered it should h 
crust, and dredge over it a little flour, wet- uea tiy lined with silk, 
ting the edges of the crust, as for pies, to Sauce.—Take nine large tomatoe 
make it stick. Lap the crust over the fruit! f our j a rge unions, four red peppers. Ch< 
fastening the edges securely. It now resem- them together, then add four cups of vinega 
bles the old-fashioned “ turnover ” and should three tablespoons of sugar; two tablespooi 
, - , i ... . . ... i„ u . ... of salt: two teaspoons of cloves; two te 
bepneked with a folk to expel the au an spoous cinnamon ground; two teaspoons i 
squeezed in the hands until it assumes a ginger; two teaspoons of allspice ; tv 
round form about the size of a large teacup, teaspoons of nutmeg. Boil all one hour ai 
When they are all made in this way drop bottle lor use. 
A writer in an English paper says By 
the way, speaking of waterproofs, I think 1 
can give travelers a valuable hint or two. 
For many years l have worn India rubber 
water-proofs, but will buy no more, for I 
have learned that gopd Scottish tweed can 
be made entirely impervious to rain, and, 
moreover, 1 have learned how to make it so ; 
and, for the benefit of your readers I will , 
give the recipe: 
In a bucket of soft water put half a pound 
of sugar of lead, and half a pound of pow- | 
dered alum; stir this r.t intervals, until it 
becomes clear; pour it. off Into another 
bucket, and put the garment therein, and 
lot it be in for twenty-four horn’s, ami t hen I 
hang it up to dry, without wringing it. Two j 
of my party—a lady and gentleman —have 
won) garments thus treated in the. wildest | 
storms of wind and rain, without getting 
wet. The rain hangs upon the cloth in 
globules. In short, they were really wutef- 
proef. Tho gentlemau, a fortnight ago, 
walked nine miles in a storm of rain and 
wind, such as you rarely see in the South ; 
and, when ho slipped off his overcoat, liis 
underwear was as dry as when lie put them 
on. This is, I think, a secret worth knowing ; 
for cloth, if it can be made to keep out wet, 
is, in every way, better than what we know 
as most waterproofs. 
-♦♦♦- 
YOUNG HOUSEKEEPER’S RECIPES. 
Cream Pic, —Cover the pie-tiu with a good 
crust, but not too rich ; then fill with sweet 
cream ; sprinkle generously with flour and 
I sugar; cover with crust; bake quick, and 
! you have a pie fit for a king. To be eaten 
I when cold. 
P f T GAY,. .. .. UH , never on the street by ladies of good taste. 
(XtlCSj UUll K is confined to formal calls and evening 
v —•• amusements. Its prestige has deservedly 
■ -- - passed away, for nothing is more trying to 
REMODELING OLD COSTUMES. the complexion than its dead white. Bands 
of white fox are used for trimming garments 
Notwithstanding the shops are full of for evening wear, 
tempting things, the chief object is, or should ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS, 
be, how to dress like a ‘inly on the least Kettle-Drum. —Agnes,—A kettle-drum is 
amount; and the best way to achieve that an informal reception beginning at S’,;. Tea 
?nd is to utilize, as far as possible, last year’s and cake are the only entertainment served, 
wardrobe. To do this tho present fashions which is done chiefly by the lady of the house, 
filer the widest possible scope. There is -with as an attractive tea equipage us she 
scarcely a costume proceeding from the most can find, and no more servants than absolute- 
rash Ionable and expensive establishments, ly necessary. 
both here and in Paris, that is not composed F itting. —Dressma ker, —The best French 
if two materials and very often of two col- droBHmakerg (lse uo model- They measure 
M-s. Following out tho idea of recognized around the waf9t> bust, length of the waist 
authorities, two of last year’s dresses wiU andarm Tho fitting is done when tho dress 
cosily furnish a fresh one for tho season. ia triod OIg and done but once. Theirdresses 
Most wa rdrobes contain an old block silk, qt always snugly around tile arm-hole, which 
The skirt may be freshened by sponging it. very high on the shoulder. 
hi thft wrong side with lager beer and dry- ■■■■ ’ 
ing without ironing: tho overdress can be , * 
Bwm Jnfflnrraton. 
the bottom ; above a deep ruffle turned up --- - - ■ - ■ 
and stitched on the right side put. on in oe- QAT MEAL r0R B0N£ AND MUSCLEi 
cusional box plaits or gathered Knd headed _, 
with a bias band and standing ruffle. If the Liebig has shown that oatmeal is almost 
wardrobe contains a black cachcmire, it dan as nutritious as the very best English beef, 
be washed and made into a polonaise, cut tUl< { tliat it is richer than wheaten bread in 
very long in front and in the back, looped (be elements that go to form bone mid mus- 
Birnply and trimmed or not, as taste and c |,. Professor Forbes of Edinburgh, during 
purse muy dictate. The skirt of the polo- SO me twenty years, measured tho breadth 
liaise can be united to the waist which in tho and higlit, and also tested t he strength of 
back can form a basque, and a belt will con- the arms and loins of the -students in 
ceal the seams. It the caehemiro is colored, ^| ie u n i ver3 i ( /y — u very numerous class, and 
it may be dyed block, and will answer equal- nf various nationalities, drawn to Edhibugh 
ly well. by the fame of his teaching. He found that, 
The most fashionable combinat ions, this in bight, breadth of cheat and shoulders, and 
winter, are silk and cloth or velvet and.cloth, strength of arms and loins, the Belgians were 
In case new material must be bought for the ft6 th6 bottom of the list.; a little above them, 
polonaise, cloth is the most suitable-dark tht , pwii 5 very much higher, the English; 
green, dark blue, brown made very simp y a , )d highest, of all, the Scotch and Svotch- 
and finished with several rows ot stitching. Irish( from vu w ho, like the natives of 
Cuffs, faced with si k and silk rovers corded, are f „ d in th „ ir mr]y years with at 
add very much to the appearance of the pel- ^ onfJ d of )()d m j |k and d 
onaise. Large pockets are not so much worn oatmca j p OITidge> ‘ 
as lormcrly. . Spoaking of oatmeal, an exchange remarks 
It, for example, a silk dress is too much that a very good drink n made l,y putting 
wmrn for re-makmg, an all woo serge,or ab 0Uttwo spooufifis of the meal into a turn 
camels hair may serve as the foundation ^ fjf wu)p ,. Th( , w ^ rn l ulIltem and 
and be tnmmed with plaitmgs ol he mate, traRp(jra cong , der jL ^ be8fc of drink flS ifc 
rial and silk inifies, which are very handsome ig ftt onC0 nourJjjhina ,^ 3tilnu]ufcijlg) und 
^ For home dresses, overskirts are tiot imlis- Natv^Sd “fcJo JS?! 5 tb ° ' 
,, ’ , , , , navy Yura, two and a half pounds of oat 
pensable ; flounces are worn dptheb^k raeal being put into a pail of moderately cool 
whfle the iron.is a mixture of side plaitmgs , wat0r f( [8 much bcfcfcep tha) , ;u ^ tho 
and ruffles. The fronts of many dresses are ordlnai . y mixturM of vinegar and molasses 
in deep horizontal puffs, and «.n many he ^ water wMch farmeV3 use iQ the baying 
material is puffed on the Irout. breadth and or harvest field b 
marked by no divisions. Large revere are "_' ______ 
placed on each side, widening or nari’owlng 
toward the bottom of the skirt. The outer HYGI ENIC N OTES, 
edge ia trimmed w ith a ruffle or aide plaiting. n ., . ,. ^ 
The iMok of tho skirt may have jttdnat*! J‘ "2 Tho Popular 
ruffles or ruffles alternating with side plait- " ' IJ yi ' ‘ w Ma ' ri *d ) S on the 
important matter of using sedatives for 
, , . . , , , . the little onesOne of the great dangers 
Dinner dresses can be rejuvenated by cut- ... , . ® 
ting them heart-shaped in the waist and 1 - mployed in tl purecry is that they tend to 
i„g up the .pare wiH, full phut, .«< of tulle. the hab ^ T,“ s0 Xime^ 
In the same wav tho sleeves may be short- ; . \ ... , ijuiwiuiiim 
ene.l a little wiih full ruffle und tullo plait- 1““’J 8 T 
ings inside. These little alterations work ^ fcho “ ctlon of 18 hy 
great effect on old dresses. Many ladies dis- ^ F*?* *7 
like cutting into new silk, no have their dress- 1 mjVl’hr nidi cr1 '!^. '* HuJo °^. 
es made after plainer styles ; but in remodel- ^. 03 . should be prohibited as tending to 
J: *? 1 ’ . . . the physical and moral deterioration of the 
mg them they are oftcu eurpneed to (iud ^ , ndia ro „ tlwra ^ w ^ ““ 
how much more elegaut they appear. piUa eoutalnlcg opium, and the result 
ABOUT FURS. is a languid, sensual race of hopeless da- 
It no longer is found obligatory to wear bauehees. In the United States the poisonous 
expensive furs ; many beautiful and cheaper dose is administered under another name; 
varieties are coming into the market. Heal, but the consequences will probably be the 
as we have already said, in the sots which same. 
include the sacque, are very expensive; but Functions of the. Brain .—Recent researches 
tho boa and muff of most excellent quality m:W l tJ in England appear to establish the fact 
can be purchased for The most popular that each convolution of the brain is a sep- 
of cheaper furs is the lynx ; the long, soft, am t e organ, though several of them may 
glossy fur is in itself beautiful. The boas ■ W orlc together, and often do ; that the great 
are no longer made so large, and are much motion centers are collected in the front part 
more desirable in their present shape. Very c f ti 10 brain ; thatthe muscles of the jaw are 
nice sets can be found for $20. Alaska sables m0 ved by the convolution just above the ear, 
are now as low as $<> and £7. where phrenologists locate alimentivenesa; 
Mink in the cheaper grades is very cheap ; that the main, if not the solo use of the cere- 
but it is much better economy to buy a lynx beflunx Is to move the muscles of the eye, 
set than a poor mink. Hudson Bay and Rus- which is thus more amply supplied with brain 
sia sable are still very expensive, and should power than any other portion of the body of 
only be worn by those who have toilettes to fc qu a i hizc and that epilepsy is caused by a 
correspond. lesion between two convolutions of the brain. 
REMODELING OLD COSTUMES. 
Notwithstanding the shops are full of 
tempting things, the chief object is, or should 
be, how to dress like a lady on the least 
amount; and the best way t,o achieve that 
end is to utilize, as far us possible, last year’s 
wardrobe. To do this the present fashions 
offer (lie widest possible scope. There is 
scarcely a costume proceeding from the most 
fashionable and expensive establishments, 
both here and in Paris, that is not composed 
of two materials and very often of two col¬ 
ors. Following out. the idea of recognized 
authorities, two of last year’s dresses will 
1 easily furnish a fresh one for tho season. 
I Most wardrobes contain an old black silk. 
The skirt may be freshened by sponging it 
j on the wrong side with lager beer and dry- 
I ing without ironing; the overdress can be 
used for trimming the skirt. If it is ample 
enough, a small ruffle may bo placed wound 
j tho bottom ; above a deep ruffle turned up 
and stitched on tho right side, put. on in oc¬ 
casional box plaits oi* gathered and beaded 
with a bias band and standing ruffle. If the 
wardrobe contains a black cachcnnre, it can 
be washed and made into a polonaise, cut. 
very long in front and in the back, looped 
simply and trimmed or not, as taste and 
purse muy dictate. The skirt of the polo¬ 
naise can bo united to the waist which in tho 
back can form a basque, and a belt will con¬ 
ceal the seams. If the caehemiro is colored, 
it may lie dyed black, and will answer equal¬ 
ly well. 
The most fashionable combinations, this 
winter, are silk and doth or velvet, and cloth. 
In case new material must be bought l’or tho 
polonaise, cloth is tho most suitable—dark 
green, dark blue, brown—made very simply 
and finished with several rows of stitching. 
Cuffs, faced with silk and silk revere corded, 
add very much to tho appearance of the pol¬ 
onaise. Large pockets are not so much worn 
as formerly. 
If, for example, a silk dross is too much 
worn for re-making, an all wool sorgo or 
camel s hair may serve as the foundation 
and be. trimmed with plaitings of the mate¬ 
rial and silk ruffles, which are very handsome 
| together. 
For home dresses, overskirts are not indis¬ 
pensable ; flounces are worn up the back, 
[ while the front is a mixture of side plaitings 
anil ruffles. Tho fronts of many dresses arc 
in deep, horizontal puffs, and on many the 
material is puffed ou the front breadth and 
marked by no divisions. Large revere are 
1 placed on each side, widening pr narrowing 
j toward the bottom of t he skirt. The outer 
edge is trimmed with a ruffle or side plaiting. 
I The back of the skirt may have graduated 
ruffles or ruffles alternating with side plait¬ 
ing them only solid and indigestible-^ Ginger Snaps. — One cup each of lard, of cheaper furs is the lynx; the long, soft, 
had seen no othere-until a neighbor sugar and molasse*, atablespoonfulof ginger, lossy fur is iri itself beautiful. The boas 
, , ... „ r I a teaspoon of soda dissolved rn a very little L,, ln i nnOT .» mwlponkrim and are much 
7 instructed me in the process. I make wate r; pinch of salt; mix stiff, roll thin. ftt 0 110 lo “S c , r t ’V., large ’ , a * ft ™ Ul U 
•ust or dough, as for nice short biscuit, Will ftOm0 of the pmct ical housewives who ,noro d , esirab ! e the } r . pr ^ t ‘ff P *' 
lOthing is belter for these than the top contribute so many good recipes to your nice sets can be found for $^'1. Alaska sables 
)d rich buttermilk. Sift the flour in the columns, furnish one for the old-fashioned are now as low as $l> and $.7. 
i howl, rnakimr a hole in thecenter. Put l’ ork P ie ? A Young Housekeeper. Mink in the cheaper grades is very cheap ; 
DOMESTIC BREVITIES. 
Stand for Scent Bottles—(See Papa GO).— 
Tho frame of the stand for scent bottles is 
made of small canes, tied together with cords 
and tassels. The embroidery is on scarlet 
cloth, the edges pointed out over white and 
simply tied to the frame at the corners. 
After the cloth ia embroidered it should be 
neatly lined with silk. 
Chili Sauce.—Take nine large tomatoes, 
four large unions, four red peppers. Chop 
them together, then add four cups of vinegar; 
three tablespoons of sugar; two tablespoons 
of salt; two teaspoons of cloves ; two tea¬ 
spoons cinnamon ground ; two teaspoons of 
ginger; two teaspoons of allspice ; two 
teaspoons of nutmeg. Boil all one hour and 
bottle for use. 
Dinner dresses can be rejuvenated by cut¬ 
ting them heart-shaped in the waist and fill¬ 
ing up the space with full plait ings of tulle, 
in the same way tho sleeves may be short¬ 
ened a little with a full ruffle and tullo plait¬ 
like cutting into new silk, so have their dress¬ 
es made after plainer styles ; but in remodel¬ 
ing them, they are often surprised to find 
how much more elegaut they appear. 
ABOUT FURS. 
It no longer is found obligatory to wear 
expensive furs ; many beautiful and cheaper 
varieties are coming into the market. Heal, 
as we have already said, in the sots which 
include the sacque, are very expensive ; but 
the boa and muff of most excellent quality 
can be purchased for $25. The most popular 
of cheaper furs is the lynx ; the long, soft, 
more desirable in their present shape. Very 
nice sets can be found for $20. Alaska sables 
are now as low as $fi and $7. 
Mink in the cheaper grades is very cheap ; 
but it is much better economy to buy a lynx 
set than a poor mink. Hudson Bay and Rus¬ 
sia sable are still very expensive, and should 
only be worn by those who have toilettes to 
correspond. 
Old furs may be freshened at little ex¬ 
pense. Every lady of ingenuity can easily 
reline her muff. If the edges are worn she 
can buy seal, otter, beaver, gray squirrel, or 
silver fox bands and cord them. A brown 
or black gros grain ribbon placed round the 
middle and tied in a smart bow, is exceed¬ 
ingly pretty. The cords and tassels used to 
ornament muffs have given way to brown 
gros grain ribbon ends, trimmed with fringe 
and medallions of passementerie. 
Ermine is worn comparatively little and 
Tlic Physiological Benefit of Laughter is 
explained by Dr, E. Meeker in the Archiv 
fur Psychiatric :—The comic-like tickling 
causes a reflex action of the sympathetic 
nerve, by which the caliber of the vascular 
portions of tho system is diminished, and 
their nervous p>ower increased. The average 
pressure of the cerebral vessels ou the brain 
substance is thus decreased, and this is com¬ 
pensated for by the forced expiration of 
laughter, and the larger amount of blood 
thus called to the lungs. We always feel 
E nd when we laugh, but until now we never 
ew tho scientific reason why. 
