JUNE IS 
409 
THE RURAL 
NEW-YORKER. 
Jfor Mamin. 
CONDUCTED BY MISS HAY CLARK. 
A DIME’S WORTH OF SPRING POETRY. 
In the Spring 1 the merry house-wife ties a rug around 
her head, 
In the Spring she breaks the furniture and dislocates 
the bed; 
In the Spring she has the carpet beaten till the welkin 
rings, 
In the Spring she swaps her husband’s clothes for 
china dogs and things. 
In the Spring what's called “ house-cleaning" occupies 
the female mind, 
In the Spring your wife Borne “ bargains” gayly starts 
her out to find, 
In the Spring she pays two dollars for a tub that has 
bo hoops, 
In the Spring she buys flat-irons, and arranges them 
in groups. 
In the Spring the prudent husband buys himself a 
book of prayer, 
In the Spring he soon discovers that he’s better off 
elsewhere, 
In the Spring he lets the women turn things over till 
they’re tired, 
In the Spring he finds it healthy to be more or less 
retired. 
- *-*-* - 
DECRIPTION OF GOT. 
KHBROIDRRKD DRAPE FOR BRACKET. 
Fig. 312.—The drape 18 of maroon velvet; the 
centre flower la of pale blue velvet, with calyx of 
moss-green velvet appllqued to the foundation 
with gold-colored silk. For the stalks and leaves, 
which branch out to the sides, and which are 
worked In chain-stitch, shades of bronze-green 
silk are used. The flower in herringbone is worked 
with rose-colored silk; the other flowers are 
g worked with blue silk In long stitch The knot- 
stitches are worked with gold-colored silk It 
^ should be lined with maroon silk, and be finished 
■ with gold and maroon fringe. 
THIMBLE-CASK AND EMERY-CUSHION. 
Fig. 314 — A small pill-box Is used for the foun¬ 
dation of the case; It la padded Inside and covered 
FIG. 310. 
with velvet, leaving Just sufficient space In the 
center to admit the thimble; the bottom of the 
box must be sewn to a larger circle of cardboard 
covered with velvet; a round cushion filled with 
emery powder and covered with velvet is placed 
on the top of the ltd, the sides of which are orna¬ 
mented with a band of embroidered perforated 
card. 
FIG. 311—EDGING, CROCHET AND POINT BRAID. 
1st Row of heading : Fold the braid as shown In 
the design, work six singles Into the folded part, 
six chain, fold the braid again, and repeat. 
2nd Row : One treble Into a stitch of last row 
two chain, pass over two si Itches, and repeat. 
1st Row of edge: one single Into the corner or 
a fold of braid, six chain, one single Into the next 
corner, ten chain. Repeat from the beginning or 
the row. 
and Row: One treble into the second of ten 
chain, one chain, pass over one stitch, one treble 
Into the next, one chain, pass over one siltch, one 
treble Into the next, three chain, one treble into 
tbesame stitch, one chain, pass over one stitch, 
one treble into the next, one chain, pass over 
one stitch, one treble into the next, pass over two 
stitches, one double Into each of five next succes¬ 
sive stitches. Repeat from the beginning or the 
row. 
3rd Row: One double Into one chain of last row, 
three chain, pass over one stitch, repeat aa for 3d 
row, five times more, one double Into each of five 
next successive stitches, three again. Repeat. 
FIG. 813— STRAWBERRY PANEL. 
This design tor decorative work can be utilized 
to advantage at this particular time when the 
natural subjects for reproduction are to be ob¬ 
tained. 
Fig. 318—Design for border embroidery. 
Fig. 310— Design for crochet trimming. 
-♦-*-*- 
A GERMAN MAY-DAY. 
BERTHA A. WINKLER. 
Quite a merry bustle prevailed in the village on 
the eve before the first of May. 
The young folks especially seemed in their most 
frolicsome mood. Those black, and blue, and 
fig. 311. 
brown eyeB, how merrily they danced in the little 
heads, and how those little bare brown feet skip¬ 
ped over the dusty road In restless, Joyous antici¬ 
pation of the next day’s festival, though they were 
still put to work in the twilight, sweeping the road 
In front of their respective houses; others pound¬ 
ing sand between two great stones tor Btrewlng 
the floor, and still otheis busy in olea nl ng an array 
of boots and shoes. Within, tne busy housewives 
were taking the last cake out of the oven,or looking 
over the garments and linen of their household for 
missing buttons. The men-folks were in the sta¬ 
ble currying the cows and oxen and cutting an 
extra supply of fodder, all in preparation for “May 
Day.’» « 
With the first gray streaks of dawn the young 
folks Btartedln bands to the forest for 
the wild flowers which grow tn luxurious 
profusion on Its borders. Their gay voices 
and laughter, echoing through the forest, 
awoke the reathered songsters far and 
near. Then there was music—gay, tbrtll- 
lng, Joyous carols from lark and finch, 
with the deep notes or the cuckoo, and 
the cooing of the wild dove tn the back¬ 
ground, filling the air and welcoming the 
brightening dawn like the mlngllDg of 
praise and prayer; as though ’twas an In¬ 
visible communion of the Creator with 
creation, so thrllllngly Joyous and withal 
so solemnly gTand was this sudden awak¬ 
ening ot life In the forest. 
The young villagers did not seem so 
much Impressed by lt> for they continued 
theLr chattering with each other aa they 
crouched among the bushes for flow¬ 
ers. But then, It was nothing new to 
them, being treated to this early Spring 
chorus every morning on their way to the 
fields Well supplied with bouquets and 
wreaths, they at length started for the 
nearest town, about six miles distant, to 
celebrate the festival with all the neigh¬ 
boring villagers, who there congregated. 
The grounds on which this festival is 
held here Is a sort of park, several squares 
long and only one square wide, bounded 
on both sides by deep, rushing streams. 
The park is named “Malta,” from the 
romantic legend ot a beautiful frnitlein of 
that Dame, who is said to have leaped into 
the stream from the spot on which her 
lover expired In a duel he fought for her 
sake. And, indeed, when one sits there 
under those shady chestnuts and broad¬ 
leaved poplars, listening to the soft rust¬ 
ling ot tne young foliage overhead, the 
murmurs of the stream, the distant hum 
of waterwheels, then sees the numerous 
rustic bridges which span the stream, with here 
and there a solitary figure gracefully balancing 
primitive stone jugs on their heads, one feels at 
once transported to the Middle Ages, when lovely 
maidens and noble cavaliers were promenading 
In the moonlight on these banks—when the clink 
ot the cavalier’s sword was heard In the early 
morning wiping out Insults and defending honor- 
in blood. 
dens of the mighty few to the humble many. The 
actors have changed, but the stage, the scenery 
and the grand old drama “ Love,” still retain their 
wonted charm. Still the old sweet word Is whts- 
. FIG. 818. 
pered on May Day eve beside Its rlppllDg stream. 
" Shine out, stars ! let night assemble 
Round us every festal ray ; 
Lights that move not ; lights that tremble 
To adorn this eve of May." 
-♦- 
PLEASANT HOMES. 
From these dreams ot a. cblvalrlc warring past, 
one awakens to And the reality of the present no 
less interesting. Early in the morning the city 
regiments come here to drill and parade; the 
school-children, in a body, headed by their teach¬ 
er occasionally promenade on the broad avenue m 
the afternoon; and in the eveDlDg everybody 
comes to witness the gymnastic exercises of the 
Turners , whose wonderful feats of bodily strength 
and agility create Intense excitement and ad¬ 
miration. 
Now, In close proximity to this scaffolding of the 
Timers, were erected the swings, May-poles, fly. 
lDg coaches and booths for the restlval. The 
small bridges bent and creaked discontentedly 
under the weight of humanity that tramped 
over them filled with exuberant joy. Strains 
of music from the dancing grounds announced the 
fig. 312. 
opening of the festivities and the gay, mot ley crowd 
began to separate Into family groups and lover’s 
corners. The old folks drank beer and discussed 
business prospects; Juniors made their way to the 
girls and dancing-floors. Boys climbed their May- 
poles to be laughed at or applauded as they fall 
or succeed In securing the huge golden colored 
cake which is fastened In the top for the best 
climber who then presents It to some favorite girl. 
The young girls enjoyed the swinging; little ones 
were lifted tn flying-coaches by fond mothers; 
while the organ-grinder's tree concert and the 
juggler’s open exhibition attracted the strolling 
multitudes. 
Towards noon the booth-re3taurauts were 
crowded with buDgry, noisy customers. Sausa¬ 
ges, cheese, bretzels, heer, wine, cider, everything 
palatable was called for and the kellntr was flylDg 
to and fro most frantically. The quiet hard¬ 
working peasants had suddenly changed into jolly 
jokers, whose foaming glasses clinked together 
with a hearty “ prosit nuohbar,'’ and sentimental 
lovers wno quoted Schiller and ate cheese; while 
the boisterous little world was crowding as much 
pleasure as possible into the only too short 
day. 
When the merry multitudes had departed for 
their homes and th-j Ortght moonlight threw the 
shadows of some remaining couples upon the rip¬ 
pling waters, we again contrasted the past, with 
the present. Then, the splendid equipages, the 
dashing horsemen, the glittering swords, and the 
waving plumes. Now, the simple peasant, the 
plain artisan, the loud colors and the boisterous 
mirth. But, though wo sigh for the splendor, the 
romance, and the chivalries of the past, we rejoice 
In the sunken power of Feudalism, the broken 
fetters of vassalage and the progress of a humane 
clvllltzalon which has opened these pleasure-gar¬ 
A little time and labor, at this time of the 
year will make the groundB about the house look 
tidy, neat and Inviting. There la no use In hav¬ 
ing the yards all covered with sticks, chips and 
last year's burdock stocks, to stick their hateful 
burs Into clothes and Btocklngs. A garden rake, 
and a wheelbarrow; with a pair ot strong hands, 
will clean up all the refuse stuff, and It there are 
dry leaves drifting around so much the better, it 
will all maxe a good absorbent for the manure 
shed or piggery. No matter if the house la old, 
or brown, or moss grown with age, if it Is cleaned 
up neatly. It will look as If It were comfortable 
and give a favorable impression of the Inhabi¬ 
tants, and a tew flower roots set out. and trimmed 
up nicely, will moke the homllest place look 
pleasant. A tew vines, running up the sides of 
the house so os to shade the windows and doors 
are as much of aa ornament to an old nouse, aa 
Ihey are to a fine mansion. A pretty 
porch can be made over the door, by set¬ 
ting long poles each side of the steps and 
passing strings over the top backwards 
and forwards, ir hop vines can be ob¬ 
tained set out some roots close by the 
jJoles and train the vines up the poles 
and string across the top. If you cannot 
get hop vines, plant beans, morning glo¬ 
ries, or sweet peas; and tram them to 
run up, and you will nave something 
t hat will give pleasure all tbe long Sum¬ 
mer days, Boys will enjoy helping, if 
you only show them how to do It, and it 
will be ante-long pleasure to them to 
know how to make things look pretty. 
Do not think it will take too much 
time for what Is time for, only to make one happy 
and good, children can be taught early m life to 
make themselves useful, and there Is no child 
hut that likes to tee a pleasant home, and It they 
know how to do It- will take hold and help make 
it pleasant. 
We all of us form an idea of a person's charac¬ 
ter. when we pass his dwelling, if we see the 
yards all In a litter and pigs, calves and chickens, 
hopping over logs and chips; we are Immedi¬ 
ately impressed with the belief, that shiftless 
people live there. A row ot sunflowers, or a 
clump ot hollyhocks are an improvement to any 
place; and look far better, than rank pig weeds, 
or mayweed, growing everywhere. There is no 
excuse for the surroundings ot a farm house to 
be filthy and cluttered up, with every thing; only 
Just sheer laziness, and « ton’t-carpltloeness. I 
guess that. Is a new word, but it Is as expressive a 
one as l know. It 1 cannot And one to make my 
ideas plain I make one that will flt the case and 
express my thoughts. Grandmother. 
FASHIONS. 
It will perhaps be useful at this time of the year 
to give a few hints upon the various details of 
Summer fashions. To wear In fine weather, even 
out of doors, fashion favors seml-high shoes, laced 
or buttoued over the Instep. To be in good taste, 
however, such shoes should not exhibit the various 
fancies wnlch are adopted for those meant to wear 
at home; they should be of plain kid, at most 
st itoUed with white sflk, it is the same \vlt h hose. 
There are colors which one should never wear to 
walk on foot In the streets. Need we say that 
among these are red, pink, or elel-blue stockings? 
We think not. We will add only, that Iron-gray 
stockings, or those of any shade of gray or beige, 
can alone be used for walking about In the streets. 
On the other hand, colored under-skirts are com¬ 
pletely out. of fashion It may be black—cashmere 
or silk—to wear under a black or dark-colored 
dress; but. with all ILiht-colored dresses, such as 
are generally worn in Summer, it is required to be 
white, and white only. The under white petticoat 
is made quite plain, with perhaps a border of Bre- 
tonne or fine Torchon lace round the edge; the 
upper one, that whtch is worn next to the dress, 
has one flounce round the bottom, much fuller be¬ 
hind than in front, and trimmed with a deep bor¬ 
der of white embroidery, or else with some thread 
lace. Two gathered flounces are added at the back 
only, high enough to support the tournure ot the 
dress, and strings are added to tie hack the skirt. 
This is an underskirt to wear with short costnmes; 
to suit trained shaped toilets a train Is added, 
completely flounced, from top to bqjrom, and trim¬ 
med at pleasure with embroidery or lace. For 
walking all dresses are made with short round 
skirts. In fashions for dresses the greatest variety 
continues to reign—separate bodices as well as 
princess robes, and pveu the polonaise, on condi¬ 
tion of submitting to certain rules and modifica¬ 
tions. Thus tbe polonaise. In order to be In ac¬ 
cordance with present fashions must be of the 
same color as the skirt, and (Imped at the back. 
The similarity of material is, however, far less In¬ 
dispensable than that ot color. 
Thus, one sees polonaises of a different, material 
from the skirt, but with their draped back widths 
of the same fabric as the skirt. This is, Indeed, 
the only case In which It Is admitted to use for 
the polonaise a different material. But, In such a 
case, the polonaise la reduced to a bodice and two 
lappets composing the fronts. All the rest of the 
toilette la of the same tissue as the skirt. In a 
word, tbe polonaise all ot a piece, all ot one ma¬ 
terial which could be worn with any skirt, no 
longer exists. 
The question how to trim Summer costumes of 
fancy woolen material la often asked. The fact is 
the style of trimming remains the same, being of 
silk ot some sort—surah, satin, or brocaded silk— 
but the arrangement is different. It depends so 
much. Indeed, upon personal taste and fancy that 
it is difficult to lay down strict rules on the sub¬ 
ject; and all we can do is to suggest a few hints. 
Indian cashmere. Indian veiling, and muslin-de¬ 
laine look pretty matohed with new surahs; and 
while many are best pleased with bright plaid 
and Bayadere striped snrahs, others prefer the 
more sober style of plain surah matched to the 
woolen fabric. 
The following Is a pretty way of making up a 
Summer costume of any light woolen tissue, and 
trimming it. with surah, which may he either 
plain, plalded, striped, or figured. 
FIG. 314. 
TUe skirt has two deep pleatInga in front, each 
edged with a band of surah; above rhl 3 a scarf dra¬ 
pery Is pleated upwards across tbe hips. At the 
back, the skirt falls from below the basque-edge 
in soft limp puffs down to a few inches from the 
bottom, where It Is trimmed with three ttny Out¬ 
ings of cashmere; a bow of the surah Is placed on 
the left side, at the junction of the front and back 
of the skirt, below the hip. The bodice is a basque- 
waist, vouud in front, the back pieces, with five 
seams, prolonged and gathered up into a small 
puff, with a bow ot surah ; the basque Is trimmed 
round with a band ot surah, the neck with a flue 
flutlntr and torsade of the sam 4 ., which both come 
down on each side of the no tice, the center being 
occupied by a row of olive-shaped satin buttons. 
The sleeves have plain revers and tine flutlngs of 
surah; they are, as well as the neck, fllled in 
with crepe llsae flutlngs. 
FIG. 315. 
As for Summer mantles, the vlslte shape, long 
or short, and more or less fitted to the waist, Is de¬ 
cidedly the favorite; it ha3 no rival but the small 
mantelet, which will come In for the very warm 
weather. 
CORRESPONDENT’S CORNER. 
Dear Miss Clark.— Please ask your readers, 
through the columns of the Rural. If any one will 
kindly send me specimens of Pixie (Pyxldamhera 
barbulata;) Mountain Pike (Phlox subulata;) 
Dutchman's Breeones i,r>iplyrracleullarta ;) Yellow 
Corydalus (Corydalun flavula ;) March Marigold 
(Caltha palustrla:! Ntagserbush, (Andromeda .V a- 
riaua.) I had all there, but unrortunarelv have 
lost them, so cannot complete my nerturum. it 
posstbte and desirable, I win exchange for them 
other, later specimens, (rom the neighborhood ot 
Philadelphia. Those who wish to favor me, please 
enclose the pressed flowers in envelopes, send to 
my address, (Ardmore. Pa.,) and receive my 
hearty thanks Let r.heni state also what flower 
they wish, If any. Margaret U. IIarves-. 
Ip answering “ M. E. H.,” In Issue of June 4, the 
recipe for making rosematy tea was omitted. We 
now give it . Take one ounce of rosemary and 
steep in one quart of boiling water. Let it cool 
before using. b h o. 
