these days few young ladies take an interest in 
household duties. As I see it, the world has 
gone mad over painting, music, Kensington, 
aesthetics, etc. Every woman must do a little 
iu all of these to V>e in the fashion, %vhile she 
neglects the homely but more necessary duties 
of everyday life. M. a. H. 
and of great value to their employers. But 
take the average service that the American 
farmerine can command throughout these 
United States, and it is of itself alone enough to 
wear her life out. At all events I have the 
testimony of many women to that effect 
Aside from the wages paid to a house-maid 
and her board, the expense of having her 
about, is considerable iu other ways—in fuel, 
iu light, in soap and statvlt, in bed and bed¬ 
ding, towels, brooms, broken crockery, kitchen 
utensils ruined through carelessness, etc., etc 
So. if a woman can comfortably manage to do 
the work of her own family without a servant 
it is more econoni ieal so to do than to do the 
reverse in order to board the male help re¬ 
quired tor the farm. 
But, settiug aside economy and feasibility 
and practicability and all “ifs and anils,” there 
are circumstances w hen it is simply monstrous 
for a man to allow his wife to be taxed with 
extra work. One of these times is when she 
has a baby to take care of and the work of her 
household to do in addition. There i.% no 
work a man docs, or can do. that is so exhaust¬ 
ing as the continual care and responsibility of 
u child—particularly a cross or sickly infant. 
It exhausts a woman physically and nervously 
altogether beyond a man’s comprehension. 
He comes iu from his day's work with the 
iuboru and inherited feeling that, he is to find ' 
relief from care in the smiles of his wife, j 
when iu the majority of cases it is the wife 
who most needs the relief. 
While it is the easiest thing in the world for 
a man to get a “ new wife,” the most difficult 
thing is to get a woman to sore herself —to lead 
the average wife and mother to feel that her 
greatest value lies not so much in what she 
does as in what she is, and to never, under 
auy ordinary circumstances, allow herself to 
be continuously over-taxed. I know of but 
one circumstance tinder which it is her duty 
to do it, and that is in taking proper and 
necessary care of her children when such con¬ 
tinuous care is unavoidable from lack of 
assistance. I know that a great many women 
believe that they see no way to do but to sub¬ 
mit to be killed by over-work; they see no 
way of escaping it but by shirking what 
they feel to be their duty, in leaving certain 
things undone. If things cau’t be kept up 
“decently,” they feel so uncomfortable that 
they find no pleasure in life, aud if things go 
to "waste” because they are not attended to 
there’s a wrong feeling in the conscience. To 
all such I say—aud I speak from the expe¬ 
rience of more’ than one —hi the work go — 
save your health; you’ll be quite as well 
off financially at the end of the year ; and be 
anything—oh, anything—rather than a uer- 
vous, broken-down, middle-aged woman. 
There is no calamity which threatens the 
Americau race like that of nervously-broken 
women and tobacco-soaked men. It. means suc¬ 
ceeding generations of marked physical decline. 
rags, and so on from one color to another to 
suit your own taste. If you wish to shade the 
stripe you can do it by sewing bits of red and 
black together and making what carpet 
weavers call a “hit or miss” stripe. You can 
crochet around the nig till you get it the size 
you wish. It makes a thick cloth, full as 
heavy as a braided one, and I see no reason 
why it should not be very durable. If you 
wish it round you can start it just as you 
would a Tam o’ Bhanter cap, instead of mak¬ 
ing a chain first. It works up old garments 
quite economically, and turns them to a useful 
service, ami prevents their accumulating in 
the house, for east-off clothes hanging about 
are a perfect nuisance in any family, ns they 
gather dust and breed moths. Of Course, no 
one would cut up garments that arc of any 
account, to make either carpets or rugs, as it 
would he a waste; but those which are post 
redemption had bettor be manufactured into 
something that is useful and comfortable. 
Grandmother. 
“The Kemj) MANURE SPREADER udll do 
all that is claimed for it. I think manure spread 
with it will da one-quarter mare good than 
spread by hand. lean spread more manure 
with my spreader than a ay 15 men lean hirer 
Darius Lowell.) See page 267. 
BAKING POWDER. 
Iu “Questions Answered” of last week, the 
recipe for baking powder I think not so good 
as one that we have used in our family for 
more than a year. After having used nearly 
everything called baking powder, I tried the 
following, and it has ever proved satisfactory: 
One pound of pure eream-of-tartar, one-half 
pound of bicarbonate of soda and one teacup 
of corn-starch. Sift three or four times to¬ 
gether before putting away. The corn-starch 
keeps it from packing. Rural Reader. 
OUR CUTOFFENGINE 
t A FUEL 
SAW MILL GAUGE 
^R0Ll£R__. 
Address, TAYLOR MFG. CO. 
Chambersburg, Pa, 
l PUaxe Mention thin Payer.) 
Horsford’s Acid Phosphate. 
For Overwork. 
Dr. G. W. COLLINS, Tipton, Ind., says: 
"I used it in nervous debility brought on by 
overwork in warm weather, with good re¬ 
sults.”— A.dv. 
AND FODDER CUTTERS 
Ginuta and Little Giants, "Specials” 
Mother says, ask the ladies of the Rural 
what ails her spotted ealla, or rather, what 
ails it that it is not spotted ( She procured it. 
a thriving young plant lieautifully spotted, of 
a friend. As a matter of course it froze one 
night, but after a time started up again from 
the roots and is now a large, vigorous plant, 
but “ nary a spot was the re.” or has ever since 
put in an appearance. It has never blossomed, 
and what can we conclude but that the freeze 
froze the spots off and the blossoms out. Still 
the mystery remains. Who will solve it ? 
Eva Ames. 
[It is no uncommon occurrence for a sprout 
from a va negated leafed plant to be green- 
eafed, and in this case we would expect 
greater luxuriance than in spotted leaves. The 
Summer months are its natural blooming time. 
—Eds.] 
regular with Tropic-Fruit 
Laxative, and you will al¬ 
ways feel and look well, 
It is better than i>iUs and 
the usual purgatives. Un¬ 
like them, it docs not sick¬ 
en or weaken the stomach. 
The dose is small, the taste 
delicious. Ladies and chil¬ 
dren like it. Try a 23 cent 
box and you will be sure 
>-ariy -i.-iiv. rv. if >«r Uutters are not represented in 
your victnltv please write ns Cor prices, send for our 
Illustrated circular to E. W. UO*S dfc Co- 
Mention Rural New-Yorker. Fulton, N. If. 
to adopt it as a family necessity. 
Sold by all Druggists. 
COMPLETE MANURES 
For EACH CROP, containing in a concentrated form 
the necessary PLANT FOOD it requires. 
CHEAPER THAN STABLE MANURE. 
PRODUCES WONDERFUL CROPS. 
“AA" Ammonialed Super Phosphate 
“Pelican” Bone Fertilizer. 
We manufacture the above from Pure Done. 
Agricultural Chemicals. 
Ground Bone. 
STRICT PURITY GUARANTEED. 
Our pamphlet, containing facts interesting to far¬ 
mers. mailed on application. 
H. J. BAKER A liftO., 
Established 1830.) 215 PEARL STREET, N.Y. 
Domestic Qrconomi] 
PENCILS, HOLDERS, CASES, Etc. 
THE CALLIGRAPHIC PEN. 
A GOLD PEN and RURBEB HOLDER, containing 
ink for several days' writing. Can he carried in the 
pocket. Alwavs ready for use. A luxury for persons 
who care to preserve their Individuality in writing. 
MABIE, TODD & BARD. 
ISO Broadway, New-York. 
Seud for Price-list. 
OUR GOODS ARE SOLD BY FIRST-CLASS DEALERS. 
CONDUCTED BY EMIT-Y MAPLE. 
BOARDING HIRED MEN 
MARY WAGER-FISHER. 
In the neighborhood of Philadelphia where 
I live, the custom (if it ever existed) of board, 
ing workmen hired by the day, has entirely 
passed away. If a carpenter, painter, fence 
builder, pump mender or a man for doing farm 
work of any description (except that of thrash¬ 
ing) comes to the farm for the day or for a sue 
cession of days, he has his breakfast aud Ids 
supper at his own home, and brings liis mid¬ 
day meal with him in a covered tin pail (called 
“kettle” by Pennsylvanians). Workers would 
probably do likewise, except that they are too 
far from their homes most of the time, to 
lodge there. How much more in wages they 
receive for their day’s work than if they were 
furnished board, and lodging possibly, 1 do 
not know, but that sueh an arrangement often 
saves over-worked housekeepers from the bur¬ 
then of that “last straw" which broke the cam¬ 
el’s back, is not to be gainsaid. I know that 
there are women who claim that the addition 
of one or two iu the family, adds almost nothing 
to the work—that the three meals a day have 
to lie provided at all events, and it. is not much 
work to provide enough more for the extra 
“hands.” This may be true with strong 
womeu, but for the majority of women, it 
makes a great difference in the work, when 
the number of mouths to be fed, aud the num¬ 
ber of feet to clean up after, are increased. 
My object in referring to this, is to note the 
fact that the hourding or non-boarding of 
workmen is the custom of a neighborhood, or 
section of country may-bo, and not a neces¬ 
sity; aud that in hiring men the stipulation 
should bo made, that they are to furnish their 
own board, when it is evident to the employer 
that his wife should not lx> further taxed with 
toil; and a good many times when it is not 
evident to him—for there are plenty of men 
who never realize that their wives are break 
ing iu health from over work and over-care, 
until they are beyond human help. But theu— 
theie’s nothing easier for n man to get ill this 
world than a new wife, so my point in this re¬ 
spect may be no “point” after all. still, for 
such husbands as cherish the mothers of their 
children, aud for such housekeejiei-s who are 
honestly seeking some escape from the hard 
work that is crushing them, the suggestion is 
made that uo hired men of whatever trade or 
guild shall bo boarded at the farmhouse. 
Between keeping a servant and boarding 
the men, and not keeping a servant and not 
lioarding the men, J ho comparison is altogether 
in favor of the latter method. I aui told that 
in Nesv Englan l the American girls that go 
out to service are intelligent, neat, careful 
HOTCHKIN Sc WILDER 
MANUFACTURERS OF FINE 
argest crop of potatoes from one-half acre manured 
vith SARDY’S FERTILIZERS. 
Sold on Guaranteed Analysis. Prices 
Reduced. 
Send for pamphlet. 
J. B. 8ARDY <k SON. 
141 Water Street, New York. 
OPEN AND TOP BUGGIES 
COMPANY TEA. 
Best work. Low prices. Send for Catalogue 
SYRACUSE, N. Y. 
I thank Mrs. Jack for “Company Tea.” 1 
never thought of individual bouquets for a 
private company, but think that they would 
add much to the looks of the table. With us 
fruit cake is only for looks ami compliments. 
It is all the same if made rich or plain, and 
you receive the same “no, thank you,” if you 
do tell of its simplicity. It is expensive for 
family use, and after the slices have been on 
the table for company twice it does not look 
inviting. It will crumble if used with the 
greatest care. Gentlemen always waut meat 
(or fish sometimes) for a relish. Cake, cus¬ 
tard aud canned fruits are all sweets. As for 
myself, bread and milk and cookies or ginger 
snaps always make a good supper for me. It 
is 17 years since we commenced usiug Graham, 
and living hygienieally. Our physician said 
it might do for a while, but you must eat beet 
if you want to be string.” We hail much dif¬ 
ficulty iu finding good wheat. Finally, we 
bought some that was quite old, had it picked 
aud ground whole for mush, using it unsifted, 
according to Dr. J. C. Jueksou’s Pftusville 
Home Method. A gem pau was a thing un 
heard of. The hardware dealer said that he 
would order a dozen, but grumbled; he sup¬ 
posed he would never sell them. He lid. how¬ 
ever, and many more. Almost every one here 
has one, and, strange to say, few have learned 
to make the simple gem. Some use them tor 
cakes becaiqte it is the fashion. Every store 
has a good supply of Graham anil oatmeal now. 
Looking back, we can see w hat a little leaven 
can do. My object iu asking for the article 
from A. L. J. was not alone for myself, but 
it is a question that is asked in every house 
hold. 1 should like others to give their 
ideas aud opinions the same as the promologistA 
have done of the Kieffer pear. For one, 1 had 
rather read than make cake, any day. What 
we waut is a new order of things that will 
allow time to be sociable, hospitable and give 
us more time for reading. 1 cannot say too 
much iu favor of Hannah Jane’s reform. In 
FERTILIZERS 
PAYNE’S FARM ENGINES 
In the Report of the Agricultural Department of 
North Carolina for the years 1877, 1878, 1ST!) and 1S80, 
the average commercial value of fertilizers was 
S&t.fi) per ton: the price paid by the consumer w as 
$40.91. We are prepared to furnish the pure Men¬ 
haden Guano, treated with sulphuric wld, which 
renders it a soluble fertiliser, f. o. b. on cars or ves 
set. In bulk for S2S per ton, or in bags for $2S per ton. 
G. A. Llebcg, of Baltimore, the recognized authority 
In valuation of fertilizers in the United States, puts 
their value at $4S.i« per ten. being a SAjibg fgihe 
consumer by the use of our fer t lifte r of orer $20 per 
ton. For particulars and samples address 
JOSEPH CHURCH & CO., 
Tiverton, R. I. 
Our 10-Horse Spark Arresting Threshing 
Engine has cut 1<V*W feet Pine Lumber in 10 hours. 
Will burn wood 8 feet long, coal, straw and corn 
stalks. Send for Price List aud Catalogue “A.” 
B. W. PAYNE ft SONS, 
Box 841. Corning, g. Y. 
OVER 100,000 SOLD 
HILL 'DRILL 
PHOSPHATE 
Lawn MowefTnSf 
FOURTEEN SIXES FOR HAND I'SH 
Weighing from 21 lo 51 lbs. 
TilRKG SIXES for HORSE-POWER. 
WITH POTASH. 
A general Kertiilxer for all crops, aud 
low iu price, prepared from the bone, 
blood, aud meat waste Of the Brighton 
Abattoir, Boston, where about 10O.000 
cattle ami 600.000 sheep are slaughtered 
annually. It la used lathe blit or drill or 
I broadcast, cither alone or with manure. 
f living a \ Igoroim start, a larger yield, amt 
nipmving the quality. As we have sold 
the past year about 23,000 tons against 
1 1,000 tons la 1870, It must be giving good 
, satisfaction. Before buy lug, see our local 
, agent, or write to us far pamphlet. 
U HAM, EMLEN & PASSMORE, 
Patentee* and \lanufacturer*, 
ti.11 MARKET J»T.. PHILADELPHIA. PA 
We are General Agents, aud sell the above at 
Manufacturer's Prices at Rochester, N. Y., or 
Chicago, Ill: Send for Catalogue ami prices. 
HIRAM SIBLEY ,Y CO.. 
Chicago. 111. Rochester. N. \ . 
0WKER FERTILIZER C 
, BOSTON & NEW YORK 
FARM IMPLEMENTS & SEEPS 
Call on or write to R. 11. ALI.RN ,V CO„ Nev 
York, for whatever you want of the above. 
ADDRESS 189 AND 191 WATER STREET, N. Y. 
LONDON PURPLE p « 
TRADE MARK. 
lif~ If nearest dealer has not got tt, write to HEMINGWAY'S LONDON PURPLE CO.; Limited), r 
Box 990, No. 90 Water Stkekt. Nrw York, who will send prices an t testimonials. 
