1898 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER. 
679 
them herself. Friday evening' an hour 
is devoted to Bible reading, and an hour 
is spent, also, Sunday afternoon in study¬ 
ing together a chapter of the Bible, 
taken in consecutive order. Sabbath 
mornings a scripture text is given by 
each member of the home, and an offer¬ 
ing- is made unto the Lord, which is 
placed in a bank that is opened twice 
within the year, and the contents given, 
after a vote has been taken, to some 
worthy person or cause. Invitations to 
dinner are frequently extended to some 
gifted persons who serve as an inspira¬ 
tion to the household. 
Its Work Aitrkciatkd. —The home is 
usually crowded to its greatest capacity, 
and many an applicant denied for want 
of space. It is a good work that has ac¬ 
complished an inestimable amount of 
good, and one in which there is a broad 
field of opportunity to benefit both those 
young women who come here from the 
country seeking employment, and those 
who are already here in this cosmopolitan 
metropolis. c. m. c. 
AN ADJUSTABLE STOCKING FOOT. 
“ I dislike to mend stockings ; it is the 
hardest and most tedious part of the 
weekly mending”. I often hear this re¬ 
mark, or one similar. It is a pleasure to 
know that it is a woman's fertile brain 
that has come to our relief. Mrs. Lida 
Farley, of Denver, Col., has invented and 
patented a stocking having a detachable 
foot, whereby when this part becomes 
worn it may be quickly removed, and a 
corresponding part substituted. The 
plan consists of weaving the stocking in 
two parts, the leg and foot, to be finished 
at the joining with fine rib or pearl edge. 
The idea is to supply new for worn-out 
feet with slight labor and expense—one 
pair of stocking legs will outwear half a 
dozen pairs of the feet, as we all know. 
In silk and other expensive hosiery this 
is an important matter, and when pur¬ 
chasing them the extra pairs of feet can 
be obtained. The knitting mills in Colo¬ 
rado were taking up this plan a year ago. 
MRS. FREDERICK C. JOHNSON. 
On the Wing. 
CATS OF HIGH DEGREE. 
PERSIANS AND PUPPIES AT SPARROW’S 
ROOST. 
TEDITORIAL CORIIESPONDENOE.] 
Cats and Dogs in Harmony. —Cats and 
dogs are not usually supposed to dwell 
together in unity, but my first sight of 
Sparrow’s Roost showed, gathered upon 
the lawn, a group of riotously-genial Col¬ 
lie puppies, whose friskiness was viewed 
with entire indifference by a select 
coterie of Persian cats. Occasionally an 
emotional kitten, overwhelmed by a 
scampering avalanche of puppies, would 
retire to the porch, spitting angrily, and 
awakening recollections of Jerome K. 
Jerome’s cat, which was described as 
about the size of a penny roll, but cap¬ 
able of swearing like a medical student. 
Sparrow’s Roost, situated at Newburgh, 
N. Y., is well known to fanciers of pet 
stock, Mrs. Barker’s cat kennels having 
already attained celebrity, while Mr. 
Barker’s chief interest is devoted to Col¬ 
lies, French poodles, and Buff Frizzled 
fowls. The interest shown by readers 
of The R. N.-Y. in long-haired cats, 
since the publication of a previous arti¬ 
cle on the subject, calls for further 
detail. 
Persian and Angora Cats. —In this 
% 
country, people describe all long-haired 
cats as Angoras, and they are ordinarily 
sold as such. Mrs. Barker told me, how¬ 
ever, that her cats are Persians, and 
that there are so few Angora cats in this 
country that they can hardly be consid¬ 
ered. Both are long-haired breeds, but 
there are marked differences between 
them. The popular idea of a so-called 
Angora cat is a large, heavy animal, 
having long hair all over its body. The 
Persian cat, however, averages rather 
under the weight of the common cat, 
the body being rather slim in build. Its 
marked feature is the beautiful ruff of 
long, silky hair around the neck, much 
longer than the hair upon the body. The 
fur is very thick and fine about the head 
and face, while the tail suggests that of 
a squirrel, the hair parting down the 
center, and flowing out on either side. 
The feet are well furred, the hair pro¬ 
jecting in little tufts between the pads. 
The true Angora cat has hair with a 
tendency to fall into little tags or locks 
like a fleece, there being an almost im¬ 
perceptible crinkle near the end, which 
heightens this resemblance. The tail 
differs strikingly from that of the Per¬ 
sian, being full and bushy, but round, 
like a fox’s brush or the tail of a rac¬ 
coon. 
Maine or “ Coon ” Cats. —There is still 
another breed of long-haired cats, which 
appears to be peculiar to the United 
States, and distinct from either Persians 
or Angoras, though sold under the last 
name. These are known as Maine or 
“Coon” cats. They come from islands 
on the Maine coast, and are large ani¬ 
mals, with long hair, large tails like 
those of the Angora, and large round 
eyes with a wild expression. They are 
not usually very good-tempered, differ¬ 
ing in this respect from the placid Per¬ 
sians. The origin of the Maine cat is 
unknown. Popular superstition calls it 
a hybrid between cat and raccoon, but 
this is manifestly absurd. Authorities 
on the subject suggest, as most probable, 
that long-haired cats were brought from 
abroad by the seafaring men of these 
islands, where there were but few com¬ 
mon cats, and where the animals could 
not wander to the mainland. At some 
time, they received an admixture of 
wildcat blood, which would account for 
some peculiarities in appearance and dis¬ 
position. The popular name of “ Coon ” 
cat is derived from the long hair, bushy 
tail, and strongly barred markings, as 
well as from the imaginary origin. 
Cat Fa rming.— “ One of the mistaken 
ideas about cat-breeding, fostered by 
sensational newspapers, is that of cat 
farming,” said Mrs. Barker. “ One can’t 
‘ farm ’ cats ; to begin with, they are not 
gregarious animals.” 
“ Where did you obtain your original 
stock ? ” 
“ We imported animals from England, 
where cat-breeding is carefully studied 
by many amateurs, their work being 
supplemented by a society devoted to 
the subject. Cat-breeding is in its in¬ 
fancy in this country, though interest in 
these animals is growing. The beauty 
and amiability of the Persian eats make 
them very desirable as pets, while their 
intelligence, like that of all other pet 
animals, is developed by human associa¬ 
tion.” 
“ Yet many people declare that the 
long-haired cats are both lazy and ill- 
tempered.” 
“ If pampered and overfed, any cat 
loses its ability as a mouser, whether 
short-coated or long. They are good' 
tempered pets, too ; it is quite possible 
that the idea of their surly temper has 
been developed by association with the 
Maine cats, which are not so good-tem¬ 
pered as the Persians. Male Persian 
cats, however, always show a strong 
animosity toward short-haired males, 
and will speedily drive them away from 
the vicinity.” 
Types and Colors. — Among Mrs. 
Barker’s cats was a beautiful white, 
Banshee, whose type represents the high¬ 
est form of cat beauty, according to 
popular ideal. Banshee’s silky fur and 
plumy tail, all of spotless white, make 
her the picture idea of a Persian cat and, 
at the present time, American buyers 
usually ask for white animals. To the 
MOTHERS.—Be sure to use “Mrs. Wins¬ 
low's Soothing Syrup ” for your children 
while Teething. It is the Best.— Adv. 
connoisseur, however, a higher beauty 
is found in other colorings. King Hum¬ 
bert, the head of M rs. Barker’s cat family, 
is a brown tabby, who has distanced his 
rivals at many exhibitions. In many 
parts of the United States the term 
“ tabby ” is applied to a female cat of 
any color, but in the language of cat 
fanciers, it means a brindled animal, 
barred with a more defined color. Hum¬ 
bert is an imported animal with an Eng¬ 
lish pedigree, and his value would buy a 
townshipful of ordinary cats. King 
Humbert shows a mingling of gray- 
brown, barred with velvety black ; he is 
noted for the beauty of his ruff and tail, 
and is quite as affable in manner as any 
plain barnyard tabby without a pedigree. 
Silver tabbies, in which pale grays shade 
to silvery white, are also greatly ad¬ 
mired ; the tabbies really give greater 
distinction in character than the solid 
colors. The blue cats, so-called, present 
the color variations seen in the Maltese. 
Solid black cats are among the rarer 
types, and are very handsome. I did not 
see any blotched or piebald markings 
among Mrs. Barker's cats ; only tabbies 
and solid colors. 
Feeding the Cats. —I asked whether 
the Persians were fed differently from 
everyday eats. I found that their first 
meal was fresh milk, warm from the 
cow ; after this, later in the day, they 
receive one meal of table scraps, meat or 
fish, their tastes being like those of or¬ 
dinary pussies. The meat or fish should 
be Hesli and wholesome. Among vege¬ 
tables, these cats have a perfect passion 
for asparagus, which, when boiled, they 
devour greedily, to the last shred. Some 
green feed is needed, and this is a fact 
often overlooked by city cat-fanciers. 
Mrs. Barker pointed sadly to a little 
Cocos palm, which had been sheared of 
all its feathery leaves by a misguided 
city cat, whese botanical knowledge 
failed to distinguish it from grass. Mrs. 
Barker advised that, when cats are kept 
in the city, a few oats be sown in a pot 
or box for pussy’s delectation ; the young 
sprouts would be eaten off eagerly and 
do much in keeping the cat in health. 
E. T. R. 
(Concluded next week.) 
B.*B. 
prices that win 
—selling choice goods at less prices, and 
offering large assortments, are what’s 
making, and to keep on making, this 
five-acre store, possibly the busiest Dry 
Goods store in America. 
New goods ready—most extensive col¬ 
lections we’ve ever shown. 
Send for samples—let goods and prices 
prove that when and every time you 
send here, you’ll save money. 
41-inch, all-wool cloth Chcviottes. 
40c. yard—see if you can match these 
—width, quality and color range—under 
half a dollar—variety of stylish plain 
colors. 
50-inch all-wool Black Chcviottes anti 
Diagonals, 5Gc. yard—extra wide, but 
it’s the extra choiceness you'll be im¬ 
pressed with. 
Send for samples 32-inch all-wool 
Dress goods, 20e. yard — they’d be 
counted great value at 25c. 
Large lines choice dressy Dress goods, 
35c., 50c., 75c., SI, to the finest. 
Rich new Silks, 50c., 75c. to S3. 
Samples cost you nothing. 
BOCCS & BUHL, 
Department C, 
ALLEGHENY, PA. 
Ipneiiite 
is perfectly ODORLESS, 
and that is another reason 
why it is the Modern Stove 
Polish. You will not have 
to move out of the house 
until it “ burns off,” if you 
use Enameline. “My stove 
shines in the night,” a lady 
writes. Put up in paste, 
cake or liquid form. No 
other has so large a sale. 
J. L. PRESCOTT & CO., New York 
WOOD OVAL AIR-TIGHT HEATING STOVE 
Spun Brass I 'm. 
Nickel. 
Swing 
Tap. 
for burning wood, corn cobs, roots, 
.chips, shavings,etc. The most per¬ 
iled stove of its class, absolutely 
o-alr-llght; tire can be retained for 
*■ many hours. Every farmer has 
^.enough fuel going to waste tosup- 
r^ply one or more of these stoves 
• an entire season. Rods protected, 
■ they cannot burn out; joints con¬ 
structed so as to avoid creosote 
£.deposit.s. Stove very handsomely 
Lnickeled—suited lor use in sitting 
~rooms, parlors and libraries. Ask 
iyour nearest dealer for this stovo. 
■ If he does not have It, write us 
for circulars. 
The March-Brownback Stove Co.,Pottstown,Pa. 
SAVE^YOUR FUEL 
By using our (stovepipe) RADIATOR 
With its 120 Cross Tubes, 
3NE stove or furnace does the work of 
TWO. Drop postal for proofs from 
prominent mon. 
TO INTRODUCE OUR RADIATOR, 
where wo have no active agent wo 
will sell at wholesale price. Write at 
once. 
ROCHESTER RADIATOR COMPANY, 
ijs?| ® 
qiammei IMPROVED knitter 
WITH RIBBING ATTACHMENT. 
Knits everything required 
in the household from 
homespun or factory yarns. 
Knits seamless hosiery equal 
hand knitting. CHEAP, 
PRACTICAL, SIMPLE. A 
child can operate it. Excels 
all competitors and imitators. 
Only machine made with 
R1HIUNG ATTACHMENT. 
Satisfaction guaranteed. Par¬ 
ticulars and sample work 
(plain and ribbed) free. A 
machine FREE to working agents. Address, 
J. E. GEARHART, K»x AST, CLEARFIELD, PA. 
A FAMILY KNITTER for $5. 
6,000 stitches per minute. Knits hosiery com¬ 
plete from homespun or factory woolen or 
cotton yarns. Our Free Circular with 
samples of work explains everything. This 
machine sold direct. Address, 
Perfection Knitting machine t’o., Clearfield, Pa. 
SOLD! ^ 
UNDER A 
POSITIVE GUARANTEE 
to wash ns clenn as can bo done on the washboard and 
with much more ease. This applies to Terri IT s Perfect 
Washing machine which will be sent on trial at wholesale 
price: if not satisfactory money refunded. Agents 
Wanted. For exclusive territory .terms and prices write 
PORTLAND MKG. CO. ltox 14 Portland. Mich. 
MACKINTOSHES. 
Men’s all wool Tricot, $5.00 
Ladies’ cashmere two-cape, $4.00 
These waterproof garments would cost you $10.00 
each in any retail store. Send money order for 
sample, stating bust measure and length. Agents 
wanted everywhere. Address, 
M. F. REF.SE SUPPLY CO., Setauket, N. Y. 
WANTI* n—Ladies and gentlemen to pro- 
cure subscriptions for the best 
Hfty-cent woman's monthly magazine in the United 
States. The most beautiful and popular woman’s mag¬ 
azine on very liberal commissions. Terms, sample 
copies, special helps and premiums furnished free. 
Address The American Queen, 78-80 Walker St.. N.Y. 
Anyone Interested 
in AGRICULTURAL. PURSUITS can’t 
afford to be without the 
AGRICULTURAL EPITOMIST. 
' Sample Copy FREE to ANY ADDRESS 
v upon receipt of name and address 
plainly written on postal card naming 
paper in which you saw this ad. Address 
AGRICULTURAL EPITOMIST, Indianapolis, Indiana. 
FRUIT 
EVAPORATOR “The Granger.” 
I For Family 
Use. 
Strong—Durable. Can be applied to any stove or range. 
Cheapest In the market—83, 85 and 88. 
_ _ Send for free circular, 
EASTERN MANUFACTURING CO., 257 S. Fifth St., Philadelphia, Pa. 
