THE 
RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
his opinion that, he was a very agreeable man, and 
as they drove hack to town on the top of Lord 
Beecher’s drag, he gave him a very cordial Invita¬ 
tion to join the party of friends who were to as¬ 
semble at Sholto Hall for the shooting season, an 
Invitation which Mr, Blair accepted with an eager¬ 
ness and enipressempnl he could not quite conceal, 
and which raised In Lord sholto's mind a douht as 
to Its wisdom, as he remembered the admiration 
Mr. Blair had shown for Jean McLeod, and the 
apparent charm he possessed for his brother-in- 
law’s jut nee. 
“I hope Flo won’t mind,” he said to himself, 
rather ruefully. “Oue must be neighborly, and 
Blair Oates Is not more than ten or fifteen miles 
from Sholto Hall.” 
Lady Sholto, however, did not mind, for the 
reconciliation between her brother and Jean had 
been so complete, and Jean’s pretty tenderness to 
her fiance so charming that lier fears had been 
allayed, and she said that Mr. Blair would make 
a very agreeable addition to their party, as well as 
Captain Murray, who had promised to get six 
weelcs leave and spend It with them, and Lord 
Sholto, as he kissed his wife, wished heartily that 
this stupid Lonuon season were well over, and 
that It was the 10th of August, that they might all 
take wlug for the Highlands and make havoc 
among the grouse on the moors .—[To Be Continued. 
-- 
SCRAPING COTTON. 
Oh ! de noon-time,ehillen, is creepin, dis way, 
We’ll soon hear de dinner horn blow. 
Oh : take dein tie-vines—take ’em, I say. 
An’ pull for de end ob de row. 
Oh ! times a rollin’ on ! 
Oh ! times a rollin’ on! 
Slay de gra«s-croB6-way*, clip de weeds clean, 
Kase time’s a rollin’ on! 
The cloud6 am a risin’ way off in the sky, 
I spec’ it’sgwine to rain pretty soon; 
Hit’s a mighty good sign when the fish-hawk cry 
About dis quarter ob de moon. 
Oh! time’s a rollin’ on ! 
Oh! time’s a rollin' on ! 
Keep yo’ hoes a dancin’, handle dem blades, 
Kase time’s a roilin' on! 
Oh 1 bend to yo’ task and wrastle wid de sun. 
Don’t you mind de sweat a droppin' down; 
Des pear tin * 1 up quick, ’till de work’s well done, 
De eatin’ time’ll soon be around ! 
Oh! time’s a rollin' on ! 
Oh! time’s a rollin’ on ! 
Yonder comes de boss down de little turn row. 
An’ time’s a rollin' on. 
Oh ! de lightnin' flash an’ de thunder speak low, 
De black crow's a sailin’ wid de win’ ; 
Dah ain’t a single sign of de crooked rainbow 
At de place whar it ought to hab bin. 
Oh ! time's a rollin’ on ! 
Oh ! time's a rollin' on ! 
Let yo’ muscles slip an' de goose-grease fly, 
Kase time’s a roilin’ on ! 
An’ now we ’lustrate to de po’ sinner man, 
By singin’ him dis little song. 
To take mighty care dat he aint behind ban’ 
When de las’ thunder clap come a long ! 
Oh ! time's a rollin' on ! 
Oh ’. time’s a rollin’ ou ! 
Kiok de debbil end ways, don't forget to pray. 
While time’s a rollin' on ! 
[ Vicksbura Herald. 
— -»■■*■•»- 
BOOKS RECEIVED. 
A Manual of International Daw. By Edwabd 
M. Gallaudet, hii. D., EL. I). New York . A, a. 
Barnes A Co. 
The stud)^of International law, though of 
the highest importance to a correct under¬ 
standing of modern history and politics, Is 
almost entirely neglected except by specialists, 
and Is nearly as unfamiliar to the average reader 
as Sanscrit literature or the antiquities of Cambo¬ 
dia. The cause of this Is obvious. The text-books 
on the subject are usually voluminous, expensive 
and dull. The volume before us has been prepared 
with the design of furnishing a cheap and con¬ 
venient manual for educatloual purposes, and on 
this accouut aloue would deserve attention, we 
may also commend It for the interesting manner 
in which the subject is presented, l’rof. Gallaudet 
begins with a brief account of the progress of In¬ 
ternational law from the llrst traces found in Gre¬ 
cian history to the present time. We should have 
been pleased If that part of the Introduction relat¬ 
ing to times anterior to the discovery of America 
had been more complete, and think that a few 
pages devoted to the general practice of the 
nations of Western Europe during the middle 
ages, as to privileges of heralds and those of the 
clergy, might have been made Interesting. This 
code, a compound of Ideas derived from feudalism, 
chivalry and Christlaulty, though frequently dis¬ 
regarded, was sometimes appealed to successfully 
by the vanquished; hut, like all other codes sup¬ 
ported only by public opinion, it was but a feeble 
protection where great Interests were involved. 
The history of the law of nations subsequent to 
the discovery of America is a very valuable feature 
of the book, but we notice one statement from 
which we must dissent. The author dates the 
military and naval decline of Spain from the Seven 
Years’ War. Most students of history will, we 
think, agree with us that the Spanish Empire had 
declined very decidedly beiore the commencement 
of the eighteenth century. Had it been otherwise, 
we could not account for the ^ase with which in¬ 
vading armies traversed Spain during the War of 
the Spanish Succession, and the eapture of Gibral¬ 
tar could never have been effected as it was. 
The first chapter Is on the general principles and 
sources of international law. This is essential to 
the completeness ol the book and seems to cover 
the ground pretty thorough!)'; but the second 
chapter which treats of the essential attributes of 
a state Is less abstruse and, to our mind, much 
more valuable. What gives this chapter peculiar 
Interest to the American reader, Is the hearing It 
has on the questions brought up by the recent 
Civil War and the relations of the States to the 
federal government of our country. We think a 
few Illustrations from the constitution of the Uni¬ 
ted States of Colombia, might have been Intro¬ 
duced with advantage, as this Is as near the Ideal 
of a federation as any state In existence. The 
“Monroe Doctrine” is frequently misconstrued, and 
Prof. Gallaudet’s remarks on this point, deserve 
attention. The third chapter which treats of the 
r ights, powers and duties of States in a. time of 
peace should be studied carefully on account of 
the important commercial interests involved. The 
general principles are staled with brevity and pre¬ 
cision, and the Ulusu’adons are well-chosen. The 
section relating to naturalization might have been 
enlarged considerably with advantage; but Is val¬ 
uable as It. stands; and that on extradition will be 
read with interest In the light of several Important 
cases which have occurred in recent years. The 
light; of exterritoriality and the privileges and 
duties of diplomatic agents and consuls are accom¬ 
panied by historical facts, which will be new to 
many readers. The next chapter treats of the 
rights, powers and duties of States in time of war. 
We almost uniformly agree with the views ex¬ 
pressed by the author, but will except the follow¬ 
ing points; During the Franco-German war, the 
German military authorities, finding that attempts 
to wreck trains were frequent, placed prominent 
French citizens on ibo locomotives as hostages. 
This Is condemned by Prof. Gallaudet. Mow, to 
our mind, the wrecking of trains or placing ob¬ 
structions on railroads tending to that result Is no 
legitimate military operation, and the measure 
adopted by the Germans was (as tending directly 
to prevent this, and as only exposing the hostage 
to a danger shared by his captors) justifiable. The 
condemnation expressed for the burning of the 
palace of the Emperor of China by English and 
French troops, Is not as severe as it might well 
have been. This act of vandalism is scarcely 
paralleled in this century. 
It was not necessary as a measure of warfare as 
the situation was not, under flie circumstances, 
of strategic importance; It was not on account of 
the value of the property as this was entirely de¬ 
stroyed; besides, the emperor was a fugitive and 
the war was practically at an cud Accounts 
from British sources including the report of the 
officer (Lord Elgin) responsible tor this action dis¬ 
close its motive; It was done In revenge and Horn 
a desire to Insult the misfortunes of Hien-fung, 
and by this humane process obtain satisfactory 
terms. Again, the Indemnities demanded by 
Prussia from France and other states seem to us 
the most rational means ot terminating a success¬ 
ful war. The filth chapter treats of neutrality and 
includes a. very Interesting history of the sub¬ 
ject, in which special prominence is deservedly 
given to the Alabama claims, and the Virginias 
affair. The last section of the volume Is devoted 
to maritime prizes, and presents the facts In relu- 
tiou to these as well as possible, considering the 
diversity ot legislation among nations In this 
respect. Taken as a whole we can commend 
the hook to all who wish to Include international 
law in their reading; even those who possess 
more comprehensive works on the subject, will find 
It convenient tor reference; and its conciseness, 
apt Illustrations and the agreeable style of the 
author will commend the book to the general 
reader. 
The Voice of" Worship: ByL. 0. Emerson. A col¬ 
lection of .Music for Choirs, Singing Schools, and 
Musical Conventions. 
The members of Choirs and Singing classes, like 
other people, like what Is new and fresh, although 
tho new may not be better than the old. lienee 
Mr. Emerson’s books, which appea r with a certain 
regularity, and which are In every respect first- 
class, are always heartily welcomed. “The Voice 
of Worship” Is somewhat smaller than previous 
Church Music Books by the same author, but Is or 
lower price, its “ nine dollars per dozen” carrying 
us back to prices “ beiore the war.” it has about 
175 Psalm Tunes, 60 .anthems, and about as many 
Glees, with loo exercises, Solfeggios, and easy 
tunes for Slnglug School use. The Anthems will 
furnish opening pieces for a choir during the 
greater portion of a year. The new Psalm Times 
will, it Is to he hoped, enable us to hear some vari¬ 
ety of singing, which will partly relieve the mo¬ 
notony of the ten or twelve well-worn congrega¬ 
tional “ airs,” which are getting to he a little 
wearisome to musical ears, and the whole three 
or four hundred melodies in the book furnish 
abundant material, with which a wide-awake 
singing School Teacher may make his winter 
classes a constant delight to all comers. 
-- 
MAGAZINES. 
Good Company, Number One, Is a first and in¬ 
viting Issue of a new volume, with which sub¬ 
scriptions, which should be sent now, should com¬ 
mence. 
The cover Is new In color and design, both In 
excellent taste, and the latter sui generis among 
magazines. It Is the work of Mr. E. J. N, Stent of 
New York. 
After a charming bit of poetry by Lucrece, come 
some pleasant pages from Mr. Charles Dudley 
Warner, entitled, A Wilderness Romance. Next 
there Is an account of Hospital Work in New York, 
carefully done and readable, by Mr. William H. 
Rldelng. Following this are a sketch from life by 
Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, and some verses by 
Miss Lucy Larcom, characteristic and therefore 
good. Miss Larcom has a second poem of one 
verse near the end of the number. 
A gentleman who resided for several years in 
Japan gives a resume ot tho maxims ot their social 
code. It Is entitled The Politeness of Ogasawara. 
Several contributions relate to foreign lands: — 
In the Fatherland, by a lady several years resident 
in Germany; A German School; and All Day Long 
In Paris, a pen picture of such a day as thousands 
of Americana have spent this summer. ^ 
For stories, Airs. Kirk, who writes over her 
maiden name, Ellen W. ulney, has Mr. Scatter- 
good's First Parish; Mr. Horace E. Scudder has, 
Do Not even the Publicans the Same ?, and Eliza¬ 
beth A. S. Chester furnishes Along the Line; all 
good specimens of their respective authors’ work. 
In The Laborer and his Hire, anonymous, a 
sketch from life, an intelligent factory operative 
gives his ideas as to the condition oi his class, 
Something to Do, also anonymous, is by a well In¬ 
formed and competent person, who suggests a 
course at one of the training schools for nurses as 
well adapted to many young ladles who in these 
hard times want preparation for remunerative 
employment. 
The other contributions Include, A Committee 
of Five, a discussion of current fiction In the form 
of a sketch, by Air. E. C. Gardner; Is there Not a 
Lie In our Right Hand? by Mrs. Edward Ashley 
Walker; Nature and Revelation; and verses by 
Airs. Alargarct J. Preston, Airs. Julia C. R. Dorr, 
and Airs. Mary Bradley. 
The number concludes with The Editor’s Table 
and “ Talks." 
Japanese Politeness.— The Japanese are born 
polite. Their parents were, and these in turn, came 
from centuries of polite ancestors, as an infant, 
the natJve's soft bones and waxen mind look shape 
from the national mold. From Ids mother's apron- 
strings—no figure hero—he passed Imo the judi¬ 
cious care of elderly gentlewomen, learned in de¬ 
portment, who instructed bun. through years of 
pupilage, till proficient In all the niceties of an 
etiquette which, as we sluill see, approached to the 
character of an exact science. Arrived at years of 
discernment, he could not tall to perceive that he 
not. merely should be but must be a gentleman. 
Decorum was a part ol ills duty as a citizen, and 
rudeness a breach of the peace, if not indeed a 
capital offense. A duo observance of the ceremonies 
was statutory law, and violation of them a mis¬ 
demeanor which rendered the offender liable to the 
severest penalties which the linked tyrannies of 
law and fashion could devise. These regulations 
covered every relation of society and extended 
beyond to dictate the etiquette of devotion. Even 
the gods were to be worshipped in good taste. 
The operation ol this singular social code, result¬ 
ed In as beautiful a science of mariners as the world 
has ever seen. As nowhere have manners been 
held in higher esteem, or more studiously culti¬ 
vated, so never have they been brought to a nicer 
perfection in any age or country. 
The relation of good breeding to goodness we 
may leave to the metaphysicians, We all feel the 
advantage which a polished address and culture 
give t he possessor of such accomplishments. At 
the same lime we can sec how possible it may be 
that the very “pxlj.ee of darkness is a gentleman.” 
There Is no scoundrel, after all, like the scoundrel 
lu broadcloth. That the Japanese themselves per¬ 
ceive there Is no necessary connection between 
formal and real courtesy may be seen from one of 
their popular maxims, which says that “Those 
skit ted lu speech aud manners have little kindness.” 
—[//. R. JSUlol in Good Company, fit umber om/.\ 
Dkmokest’s Magazine tor; October, contents: 
The Truants—Oil Picture; ’The Spirit of Faith; The 
Hustle Bridge; My Sister Bell, Chapter 11; Gone, 
Rose Geranium; Common Sea Weeds, Lizzie 1’. 
Lewis; Uncle Martin's Inheritance—concluded, 
Augusta de Bubua; Charles Kingsley, Airs. L. 1*. 
Lewis; Old Elsie, Mary Torrence; The Lust 
course, “Nuts;” Clocks, Past and Present, By 
Cadmus; Talks with Ghls, “Opportunities," 
Jennie June; Laurel Blossoms, By Estelle; ilall 
Hour Heroics, A Parlor Drama in One Aet, Augusta 
de Bubua; A Bummer Afternoon in Germany; 
In Jersey Saud, Charles 11, Wetmore; Three Links 
Out of a Life, Grace Baylor; correspondents’ 
Class; Editorlum. American Alanufactures; Sea 
Weeds; sketches In Algeria; Fifteen Years What ? 
Common School Education ; 'The Rustle Bridge; 
A shopping Arcade; The Spirit of Faith; After¬ 
noon Parties; The Truants; House and Home; 
The LawinN'ew York as it Relates to Family, 
Lillie D. Blake—No, 3 Alarrled Woman’s Rights; 
Pure Tin; Something About Geraniums; Where 
does the Day Begin; Women ox yesterday and 
To-day; The Maid of Orleans; What Women are 
Doing; Young America’s Corner. The Little 
oddity, chapter II. Elizabeth Bigelow; The Lit¬ 
tle Malden; A New Fairy Tale, Eliza P. Mathews; 
Jaekey Aleadowlark’s Adventure. Harry Allen; 
Written Numbers; New Use lor Grasshoppers; 
Why? Illustrated Rebus; Fancy Work, Illus¬ 
trated; Diamonds or Thought; Spice Box; 
Scientific Items; Domestic science. Kitchen; 
Fashions, FuUy Illustrated; Ladles Club; Answers 
to Correspondents; Literature; in the Alountalus; 
Richfield Springs. 
afternoon Parties.— One of the most sensible 
of the new departures In social life which have 
taken place ot late years consists ot the alternoon 
receptions which are so fashionable a substitute 
for the great evening parties which formerly ex¬ 
tended beyond midnight. 
It is well known that gentlemen always de¬ 
tested these parties, and avoided them whenever 
It was possible. Thus, many ladles were prohib¬ 
ited from accepting the invitation of their friends 
to the annual “crush,"andmany persons were de¬ 
barred from reciprocating the civilities they had 
received, by the modern growth in luxury and 
the necessity for supplying a gorgeous supper 
far beyond the capacity of their financial and 
household resources. 
Evening parties are now principally confined to 
Germans and sociables, given by young people to 
young people, or small musical.es and literary re¬ 
unions, which have a definite purpose, and for 
which guests are selected with special reference 
to their interest in these topics. 
The regular weekly or Rrriulghtly receptions of 
an Informal character serve to create a number 
of social center.-*, each ono of which is a rendez¬ 
vous for harmonious spirits, hut the afternoon 
“At Home” is the only successor and the most 
popular substitute for the social necessity which 
compels persons who go much Into society to, at 
least once during the year, bring their friends to¬ 
gether, and, by one effort, wipe oat many minor 
social obligations. 
No special entertainment is heeded fora "res* 
ular” afternoon reception beyond the refresh¬ 
ments, which are served from a table set either in 
the dining-room or an extension parlor. Some¬ 
times these consist of pickled oysters, salad, and 
small sandwiches, lu addition to ices, cakes, bis¬ 
cuits, tea, coffee, and the like. But quite often 
the first of these are omitted and the table sup¬ 
plied only with the lighter viands. 
Invitations during lire season arc always sent a 
week or more In advance—three weeks Is not 
too much of a margin where people are very 
fashionable and the society large—hut, of course, 
the more formal the invitations, the more fine and 
ceremonious the entertainment Is expected to be. 
Ordinarily the waiter who opens the door directs 
the guests to tho dressing room, where they lay 
aside their wraps. The hostess stands inside tho 
drawing room door and receives each one as 
they enter. This is the only fonnallly. The 
guest is then at liberty to look about for friends, 
accept the Invitation of some gentleman to get 
an ice. or a cup ol tea, and lu half an hour make 
her way back to her carriage, or on foot to her 
home in time to superintend the wants of her 
own family, receive a party to dinner, or pre¬ 
pare for the opera, or spend her evening in mend¬ 
ing stockings, as circumstances may determine. 
The duties even of a woman In society are very 
multifarious, aud some ot those who are paraded 
as the most brilliant leaders are the most efficient 
in the performance of minute details which be¬ 
long to home and family life .—Demur esVs for 
October. 
LirriNcOTT’s Magazine for October opens with 
a very bright and amusing unlcle, by .Margaret 
BerUia Wright, depleting tbc rambles and experi¬ 
ences of a party of American artists in Italy. The 
illustrations are in keeping with tho text, being 
lull of vivacity and point. The fourth chapter of 
Dr. Oswald's “ Summerland sketches” treats of 
“ The Western sierras,' and is not inferior to the 
lormer installments either In the interests of the 
narrative or tfie beauty of the illustrations. A 
third Illustrated article, “Chamois-Shooting with 
the Emperor of Austria," Is by W. A. BalUle Groh- 
man, author of “Gaddiugs with a Primitive People.” 
•• Sunday lu England” Is the production of an Eng¬ 
lish writer, who trails his subject with that Inti¬ 
mate knowledge which none but a nullve could 
be expceWd to exhibit. William L. Stone, author 
of the well-known life of Sir William Johnson, re¬ 
lates the biography ot Lady Harriet Aeland, whoso 
heroic character and eventful career give her a 
prominent place In the annals of conjugal devo¬ 
tion. Edward G. Bruce write’s instructively on 
“American Landscape-Gardening.” H. Al. Ken¬ 
nedy gives an Interesting account of “ The Study 
of English in Germany,” and Mrs. E. B. Duffey 
describes •• The Buried Wealth of south Jersey.” 
“ Through winding Ways,” which has proved 
one of the most attractive serials ever published in 
the Magazine-, Is concluded In this number, and 
there me several short stories suited to different 
tastes. The “ Alonthly Gossip” is entertaining as 
usual, aud the number on tho whole Is as readable 
as any of Its predecessors. 
dor Moroni. 
THE CHEERFUL HEART. 
“ The world ib ever as we take it, 
And Life, dear child, its as we make it.” 
Thus spoke a gramldawe, bent with care, 
To little Alabol, Unshed aud fair. 
But Mabel took no heed that day 
Of whai she heard her grandma say. 
Years after, when no more a child, 
Ifer path in life seemed dark aud wild. 
Back to her heart the memory came 
Of the quaint utterance of the dame: 
“ The world, dear child, is as we take it, 
And Lite, be sure, is as we make it." 
She cleared her brow, and smiling' thought, 
“ ’Tis even as the good soul taught! 
And half.my woes thus quickly cured, 
The other half may he endured," 
No more her heart its shadow wore; 
She grew a little child once more. 
A little child in love and trubt, 
She took the world (as we, too must,) 
In happy mood •. and lo! it grew 
Brighter and brighter to her view. 
She made of life (as we too, should) 
A joy; and lo! all things were good. 
And fair to her. as in God’s sight, 
When first he said, ” Let there be light.” 
-- 
IN BEHALF OF MOTHERS-IN-LAW. 
Dear Miss Riplet I do not know whether this 
will meet with your approbation as a proper sub¬ 
ject for an agricultural paper; you are the best 
Judge of that. Pray grant me a little of your val¬ 
uable time—my motive is a good one. 
I have often wished to see something on the 
subject before I ventured, but having waited and 
failed to find any one courageous enough to speak 
her mind, I will wait no longer. 
When I was a little child It. was very fashionable 
to have tea partleB. A few congenial friends met 
at my mother's to chat and have a good time. The 
children of these ladles oarne after school and 
stopped until their mothers were ready to go 
home. A Iter the older ones had their tea, we little 
folks had ours, and wfiat a happy lime we had. 
Bread and butter never lias lasted as sweet since 
(hen. These gatherings are bright spots In my 
fife, that. 1 love to think of. I was not a very 
strong child, aud could uo( romp and play as hard 
as the others; and being very fond of listening to 
the conversation of my elders, I often heard re¬ 
marks that puzzled me, I was too young to un- 
