tales, that bear a moral on every page. We are at issue with those who
are opposed to this class of reading. Whenever scenes are portrayed that
resemble such as are of frequent occurrence in the world, even should the
narrative be drawn entirely from the fertile imagination of its author,
we approve of its perusal. The reader gleans a knowledge of events from
it, that might otherwise remain a sealed book. Who, for instance, would
ever dream (had they never witnessed them) of the sufferings of widows and
orphans in cities, so graphically and pathetically depicted by that prince
of writers, T. S. Arthur, in his 'Trials of a Needlewoman'?
"'Letters left at the Pastry-Cook's' are written with great _naïveté_, and
display considerable familiarity with human nature."
* * * * *
NEWS FOR THE LADIES.--An extraordinary custom prevails among the Vizres,
a tribe occupying an extensive district in Cabul, among the mountains
between Persia and India. The women choose their husbands, not the
husbands their wives. If a woman be pleased with a man, she sends the
drummer of the camp to pin a handkerchief to his cap, with the pin she
uses to fasten her hair. The drummer watches his opportunity and does this
in public, naming the woman; and the man is obliged to marry if he can pay
her price to her father.
* * * * *
THE "Covington Kentuckian" is responsible for the following:--
"Somebody says 'there ought to be in every well-regulated family at least
one baby, just for the fun of the thing;' so we say of the 'Lady's Book;'
every family ought to have at least one copy, 'just for the fun of the
thing.'"
* * * * *
TO writers in general, and for those of the "Lady's Book" in particular.
We regret that we cannot reply to all the kind letters sending us articles
for insertion, as our time will not permit.
* * * * *
MARRY.--Jeremy Taylor says: "If you are for pleasure, marry; if you prize
rosy health, marry. A good wife is Heaven's last best gift to man; his
angel and minister of graces innumerable; his gem of many virtues; his
casket of jewels; her voice is sweet music; her smiles, his brightest
day; her kiss, the guardian of his innocence; her arms, the pale of his
safety, the balm of his health, the balsam of his life; her industry, his
surest wealth; her economy, his safest steward; her lips, his faithful
counsellors; her bosom, the softest pillow of his cares; and her prayers,
the ablest of Heaven's blessings on his head."
* * * * *
TWO charming women were discussing one day what it is which constitutes
beauty in the hand. They differed in opinion as much as in the shape of
the beautiful member whose merits they were discussing. A gentleman friend
presented himself, and by common consent the questions were referred
to him. It was a delicate matter. He thought of Paris and the three
goddesses. Glancing from one to the other of the beautiful white hands
presented to him, which, by the way, he had the cunning to hold for some
time in his own, for purposes of examination, he replied, at last: "I
give it up; the question is too hard for me; but ask the poor, and they
will tell you that the most beautiful hand in the world is the hand that
_gives_."
* * * * *
CURIOUS EFFECT OF THE CENSUS.--_Punch_, most ungallantly, makes the
following remarks: "One of the most remarkable of the _Results of the
Census_ was its effect on the age of that beautiful production of nature,
familiarly known as the British female. The census had, in fact, the same
sort of operation on the ages of women as a declaration of war would have
on the public funds. Our own cook, who had been familiarly quoted in the
house as upwards of fifty, fell suddenly to thirty-eight, at which she
has nominally remained; but no settling day has been appointed, nor is it
likely that there will be any settling at such a clearly ideal figure."
* * * * *
WE published some time since a statement that cranberries were an
excellent remedy for erysipelas. The "New Haven Palladium" says:--
"We are able to record another case of the complete cure of erysipelas by
the simple application of the raw cranberries pounded fine. The patient
was a young lady, one side of whose face had become so much swollen and
inflamed that the eye had become closed and the pain excessive. A poultice
of cranberries was applied, and after several changes, the pain ceased,
the inflammation subsided, and in the course of a couple of days every
vestige of the disease had disappeared. The case occurred in the family of
one of the editors of the 'Palladium,' and we can therefore vouch for its
truth."
* * * * *
MISS LESLIE'S NEW RECEIPTS FOR COOKING.--T. B. Peterson of this city
is about to bring out a new edition of "Miss Leslie's New Receipts for
Cooking." A very excellent work.
* * * * *
PEACH-STONES.--We acknowledge the receipt of several peach-stones from
that celebrated tree, the fruit of which we chronicled some time since.
They were sent us by our ever-attentive friend, Mr. Andrews, editor of
that popular paper, the "Macon Citizen."
* * * * *
THE following remarks were endorsed on an Augusta, Ga., bank note received
a few days since, in payment for a subscription to the "Lady's Book":--
"I give you very freely, although it is in payment of an unjust debt. The
cheerfulness with which I part with you results from the fact that it will
save me from innumerable duns.
H. I. P."
"I part with this bill as cheerfully as did Mr. H. I. P. I spend it for
supper, lodgings, and breakfast, at the poorest tavern on earth. I spend
it cheerfully, because it enables me to get away.
L. C. K."
"And I for hitching my horse to a fence in Pulaski, Tenn.
W. O. W."
"And I part with you for the best magazine in the world, 'Godey's Lady's
Book.'
A. D. S."
The following was on a note, Bank of South Carolina, received from the
same person:--
"I part with you freely, as you go to pay for the best magazine in
America, 'Godey's Lady's Book.'
A. D. S."
* * * * *
YOUNG ladies had better try the following before they say "Yes!"--
If a man waits patiently while a woman is "putting her things on," or
"shopping," he will make a good husband.
* * * * *
WE shall begin to make a stir by and by, about not crediting articles
taken from the "Lady's Book." We can't prevent the English Magazines
from copying without crediting, but we shall certainly take the liberty
of cutting from our exchange any paper that we find doing it in this
country. A Boston paper recently published a story without credit, and
when informed that it was our article, they made the _amende_; but in the
same paper that contained the apology was one of the very best articles we
ever published, "The Fountain very far Down," with the name of the author,
Mrs. Virginia F. Townsend, omitted, and no credit given to the "Book."
Look out, gentlemen, if ---- pay for stories and give you the privilege of
copying them, the least you can do is to give us credit for them.
* * * * *
BIZARRE.--A new volume of this interesting work is now being published.
We do not know who is the editor, but he makes an excellent work. The
publisher is G. A. Correa, No. 232 Chestnut St. The price per annum is $2.
* * * * *
ORDERS for the new fashions continue to pour in upon us. Every one is
attended to and forwarded within two days after its receipt. We have
lately had three orders for lady's wearing apparel, amounting to $275, and
have sent any number of White's bonnets and Mrs. Suplee's patterns.
* * * * *
SCIENTIFIC AGREEMENT.--A California paper tells the story of a showman who
delighted an "appreciating public" with a view of the Mammoth Cave. It was
his custom, as each scene was exhibited, to explain it. When the great
cave came to view, he stepped forward and said: "Ladies and gentlemen,
this is a great phenomenon, indeed the greatest in the world. The learned
of all nations have visited it; but none could agree as to the cause which
had produced it; they all came to this grand conclusion, that it was one
of the most tremendous holes in the ground they had ever seen."
GERANIUMS.
(_From Mrs. Hale's New Household Receipt-Book._)
THE shrubby kinds are commonly increased by cuttings, which, if planted in
June or July, and placed in the shade, will take root in five weeks. They
are the most tender, and when placed out of doors, should be defended from
strong winds, and be so placed as to enjoy the sun until eleven o'clock in
the morning. As the shrubby kinds grow fast, so as to fill the pots with
their roots, and push them through the opening at the bottom, they should
be moved every two or three weeks in summer, and the fresh roots cut off.
They should also be newly potted twice in the summer: once about a month
after they are placed abroad, and again towards the end of August. When
this is done, all the roots outside the earth should be pared off, and as
much of the old earth removed as can be done without injuring the plants.
They should then be planted in a larger pot; some fresh earth should first
be laid at the bottom, and on that the plant should be placed, so that the
old earth adhering to it may be about an inch below the rim of the pot; it
should next be filled up, and the pot slightly shaken; the earth must then
be gently pressed down at the top, leaving a little space for water to be
given without running over the rim; finally, the plant should be liberally
watered, and the stem fastened to a stake, to prevent the wind displacing
the roots before they are newly fixed.
As the branches grow, and new leaves are formed at the top of them, the
lower ones may die, and should be plucked off every week.
Geranium slips should be planted in May, June, or July, taking only the
last year's shoots, from which the leaves must be stripped. When planted,
give them water, and place them in the shade: when they have taken root,
let them have the sun in the morning. The slips chosen for cutting should
not be such as bear flowers; and they should be inserted about half their
length in the earth.
Geraniums, except the shrubby kinds, require shelter from frost only,
and should have free air admitted to them, when the weather is not very
severe. In sultry weather, they should all be watered liberally every
morning, except some few of a succulent nature, which must be watered
sparingly; the latter may be known by plucking a leaf from them. Geraniums
may be watered three times a week, when not frosty, in winter.
* * * * *
DR. R. MONTGOMERY BIRD.--We have been favored with a lithographic portrait
of our lamented friend, and it is the best likeness, we can safely say,
that we ever saw of any person. "It is his image as he lived." The drawing
is by Alfred Newsam; the printing by Duval.
* * * * *
WE found the following beautiful article in the "Rochester Daily
Democrat":--
A GRAVE IN THE DESERT.--The grave of JAMES F. DEWEY, a brother of D. M.
D., of this city, was recently visited by a friend, who found it upon a
knoll, on the bank of a stream, near the village of Rag Town, the first
station west of the Great Desert. The resting-place of our young townsman
was inclosed with a novel description of paling. At this point--the desert
having been crossed, and El Dorado in full prospect--the emigrants abandon
and break up their wagons, and throw aside all heavy lumber, going through
the remainder of the journey light. The wagon-tires that are found there
cast away were set up around the grave, interlocked so as to form a fence,
and about them were twined trace chains, to render it more substantial and
slightly ornamental. In the silence of the plain, by the side of running
waters--the first that gladdens the eyes and soothes the lips of the
emigrant on the other side of the Great American Desert--he sleeps well.
His death was caused by the bite of a scorpion.
PHILADELPHIA AGENCY.
A WORD FROM THE FASHION EDITOR.--We are desired by this lady to mention
one or two things to her patrons; the first is, that sufficient time
must be given her when orders are received to have dresses made. A case
in point has just occurred. A gentleman brought an order to have several
dresses made up. He arrived on Wednesday; they must _positively_ be done
on Saturday following, to be packed with his goods here. Knowing the
impossibility of having the material and trimming purchased, and the
dresses made in that time, the articles and trimmings only were purchased,
and the patterns to make them by were sent. Besides, there were books,
mantle ornaments, &c., to procure. They were all ready and packed on the
day. The gentleman did not call until thirteen days had elapsed, and then
we were desired to send them by express. The dresses could have been made,
if our Fashion Editor had been allowed the thirteen days from the time the
order was received. There is one other matter she wishes us to express:
cheap as articles are in this city, she cannot procure ten dollars' worth
of any articles for five dollars.
Since writing the above, another case has occurred. A lady sent on for
materials for a dress, and the same to be made up. The order and money
were received on Monday. On Wednesday, early in the morning, an order was
received to deliver the dress to the bearer. The people of Philadelphia
are pretty smart; but dressmakers--good ones--are perfect autocrats. They
are like what the lover said of fathers: "they have flinty hearts; no
tears can move them." From one to two weeks is necessary to have a dress
made.
* * * * *
LADIES all, do put the _State_ your town is in when you write.
* * * * *
"Mrs. M. E. C."--Sent apron pattern and music on 21st.
"Miss M. S. G."--Sent all your goods in one large box by Adams's Express
on 22d, and sent you receipt by mail.
"Mrs. J. H."--Sent patterns on 22d.
"Mrs. A. P."--Sent patterns on 22d.
"Mrs. B."--Sent patterns on 22d.
"Mrs. E. C."--Sent patterns on 23d.
"S. E. A."--Sent shawl by Adams's Express 24th.
"Eustatia A."--We have more of your No. 1 inquiry than we can use in three
years. In answer to question 2, our own cotton has entirely superseded
Evans's. Can furnish you at 8 cents a spool. Remittance received and
"Book" sent.
"C. F. B."--Sent materials for dress by Adams & Co. on 25th.
"Mrs. S. J. F."--Sent patterns by mail on 25th.
"A. L. M."--Pronounced _Gódey_; accent on first syllable.
"N. W."--Sent bracelets by mail on 27th.
When information is asked, a stamp must be inclosed to pay return postage.
"A Subscriber," at Fredericksburg, O.--Answer by Fashion Editor: Only
plain colors. Send $1.50, and I will send you a pattern of a dress. The
watch-pocket should be on the left side; they are made plain, as they are
on the inside of the dress, and not seen.
"Miss R. W. T."--Sent patterns on the 27th.
"Miss A. L. O."--Sent brushes by Kinsley & Co. on the 28th.
"Miss A. P."--"Spectator," one volume $2.50, in six volumes $9. Have
nothing to do with eye-cups.
"Miss A. B. H."--Sent two parasols by Kinsley's Express on 28th.
"Mrs. M."--Black velvet.
"Mrs. N. M. T."--Sent jewelry by mail 29th.
"Miss A. H."--Can get at White & Co. any kind of bonnet you may want.
"J. W. L."--Sent patterns and Condor Pen by mail 28th.
"Mrs. J. C. T."--Sent patterns on the 28th.
"M. T."--Sent patterns on the 28th.
"S. E. D."--Sent patterns on the 28th.
"S. F."--Sent gold pen on the 28th.
"S. H. D."--Sent articles by mail on 30th.
"Mrs. J. B. B."--Sent patterns on the 1st.
"Miss S. F. L."--Sent patterns on the 1st.
"Mrs. L. L. G."--Sent box by Adams's Express on 1st.
"H. C. P."--Sent chart by mail on 4th.
"W. L. A."--The two bonnets delivered to Dr. A., April 4, '54.
"Mrs. S. H. A."--Sent bonnet by Adams & Co., April 4, '54.
"J. C. W."--Sent box by Adams & Co. on 5th.
"Miss C. V. J."--Sent box by Adams & Co. on 5th.
"Miss J. H."--Sent needles on the 7th.
"H. E. G."--Sent pattern on the 7th.
"New Bedford."--We were obliged to paste your name on the back of letter;
could not make it out. It is not pleasant, we know; but every lady should
write her name plain, and put before it Miss or Mrs., as the case may be.
"Mrs. C. B."--Sent patterns by Adams's Express on 8th.
"Mrs. T. S. S."--Sent patterns by mail on 11th.
"Mrs. J. C. C."--Sent patterns by mail on 11th.
"Mrs. S. W. B."--Sent patterns by mail on 12th.
"Mrs. D. E. H."--Sent blonde by mail on 12th.
"Mrs. M. T."--Sent patterns and cotton by mail on 13th.
"A. M. M."--Sent patterns by mail on 13th.
"Mrs. M. L. C."--Sent patterns by Adams & Co. on 13th.
"Mrs. J. B. H.," California.--Sent jewelry and patterns by mail on 15th.
"An Old Subscriber," Detroit.--Can you inform us in or about what number
the crochet alphabet was published? Perhaps we can supply you the numbers.
Many thanks for your good wishes.
"Ella H."--We will publish it in our July number.
"A. H. O."--Gold spectacles sent by mail 17th.
"Miss C. L. B."--To engrave and publish the diagram you request will cost
us $50, and we can send you a pattern that will only cost you $1.25.
"Mrs. General P."--Sent patterns by mail on 17th.
No orders attended to unless the cash accompanies them.
All persons requiring answers by mail must send a post-office stamp.
The Borrower's Department.
"_The wicked borroweth and payeth not again._"
THE "Southern Sentinel" says: "We do not see how the ladies can do without
this admirable work." They don't; those who are not subscribers borrow.
It is a fair calculation to suppose that there are at least five persons
who read each number of the "Lady's Book." Now, as we have only 80,000
subscribers, this would make 400,000 readers, 320,000 of whom borrow the
"Book."
* * * * *
"GODEY AGAIN.--'Have you received the Lady's Book for April?' says a lady
friend to us. 'Really,' she continued. 'I _do_ think that GODEY is the
most enterprising and shrewd publisher in the Union. He is always "ahead
of time," and I can hardly wait even then! Will you _lend it to me as
soon as it comes_?' Of course, we wanted to accommodate a friend--and
especially awkward was it to say _no_ to a lady; but we told her that we
wanted to keep them neat and clean for binding, and gently hinted that for
$3 she could get it without being dependent upon the printer! After second
thought, however, we have concluded to lend _this_ incomparable number,
making the borrower promise to immediately subscribe."--_Palmyra Sentinel._
* * * * *
THE "Lawrence Journal" says:--
"We want to raise a club of about one hundred in Newcastle; so please hand
in your names, with the cash, and hereafter don't ask us, or our better
half, to lend it when you can get it for two dollars per annum."
* * * * *
THE "Manheim Sentinel" vows that he will not lend his number. "We have
been already asked by several to lend ours, but our answer is, 'Ladies, we
don't lend Godey.'"
* * * * *
THE "Newark Democrat" is positive. It says:--
"Remember, we can't lend our 'Book.' Godey has interdicted it expressly."
* * * * *
"GODEY FOR MARCH.--We came very near forgetting our old friend and
always welcome visitor, 'Godey's Lady's Book.' Our apology is that the
ladies--bless their precious souls!--took possession of it instanter,
and we have not seen it since. But in subsequent discussions of
matters of feminine delicacy and taste, we have been reminded that
GODEY is the _primum mobile_ of fashion, and the oracle of parlor
conversations. According to the ladies, he is a 'jewel'--with us, he is a
'trump.'"--_Geo. Am. Union._
Chemistry for Youth.
DECOMPOSITION OF WATER.--Take a grain of potassium, wrap it up in a small
piece of thin paper, and introduce it into a test tube, or small phial,
inverted under water, and full of the same fluid. It immediately rises to
the top, and, combining with the oxygen of the water, an equivalent of
hydrogen gas is given off, which expels the water from the tube or phial,
and occupies its place. A lighted match brought to the mouth of the tube
will prove the presence of the hydrogen.
* * * * *
THE ILLUMINATOR AND EXTINGUISHER.--Take three glass jars, of equal
heights, the first containing common air, the second carbonic acid gas,
and the third oxygen gas; plunge, successively, a lighted candle into
these jars, first into that holding common air, then into the carbonic
acid, and, lastly, into the oxygen gas. In the jar containing atmospheric
air, the candle will burn with ordinary brightness; in that filled with
carbonic acid gas, the flame will be instantly extinguished, but the
glowing wick will be relighted in the oxygen, and burn with increased
brilliancy.
* * * * *
MINERAL CHAMELEON.--If one part of the oxide of manganese, and three
parts of the nitrate of potass, be heated to redness in a crucible till
no more oxygen gas be given off (the heat must be very considerable), a
friable green powder is obtained, generally known by the name of mineral
chameleon, from its property of changing color during its solution in
water. If a small quantity of the powder be put into a glass of water,
it soon forms a green solution, when it passes into a violet hue; and
lastly it becomes of a beautiful red color. If put into warm water, the
changes take place more rapidly, and are much more diversified. Mineral
chameleon is a manganate of potass, and it rapidly absorbs oxygen from the
atmosphere. The changes of color that occur are owing to the different
degrees of oxidizement of the metal.
Enigmas.
ANSWERS TO ENIGMAS IN MAY NUMBER.
16. Eternity. 17. Flea. 18. Prayer-book. 19. A bullet.
* * * * *
ENIGMAS.
20.
I COME from Nova Zembla's coast,
Greenland's realms of ice and frost,
Where the Arctic's waters white
Glisten in the moon's chill light;
Where the sunbeam's ardent ray
Burns but for a single day.
O'er the "living and the dead"
I my restless course have sped,
And many a work of woe, I ween,
Showeth where my flight hath been.
At a noble's dwelling, rich and high,
A beggar waited, with downcast eye;
His timeworn locks were silvery white,
And he prayed for shelter a single night;
But the haughty menials within the wall
Heeded not his weary call.
I breathed on him with my icy breath,
And lo! his limbs were stiff in death!
A pale young mother by want opprest
Clasped her babe to her aching breast;
I listened as in accents wild,
She prayed that God would save her child.
Then I swept along in the hurricane's play,
While skylit torches illumed my way.
With the shade of my measureless wing I embraced
That mother and child, and they both are at rest.
I hurried me on in the tempest's black car,
With the thunder to herald my coming afar;
I stayed not, nor stopped till I reached the broad main,
Where I lashed the bright waves till they maddened with pain.
I call to the clouds; at my voice they arise,
And ope, at my bidding, the gates of the skies.
No law have I but to work my will;
And where is the power that can bid me "Be still?"
LUCIA C. PENDLETON.
21.
OF brethren seven
The youngest by birth,
But, favored by heaven,
I'm chiefest on earth.
I'm regarded with love
By my friends good and wise,
And am honored above
Every crown 'neath the skies
There's a charm in my name,
All so radiant and pure,
That my canonized fame
With the world must endure.
Such a glory I shed
Upon each mundane scene--
On the dungeon of dread,
Or the court of the queen.
The fair landscape I gild
For contemplative eyes,
As all nature seems filled
With a radiance they prize.
My six brothers, in twin,
May bring riches and pleasure,
But in me you'll discern
That unparalleled treasure--
That alleviates care,
That reanimates labor,
And man's peace should repair
With his God and his neighbor.
22.
A WARRIOR and a man I am,
And gallant fame have I;
Yet my humanity's a sham,
For I neither live nor die.
Receipts, &c.
DOMESTIC RECEIPTS.
EGGS AND OMELETTES.
TO CHOOSE EGGS.--In choosing eggs, hold them to the light; if they are
clear, they are fresh; if they are thick, they are stale; if they have
a black spot attached to the shell, they are worthless. Eggs should be
new, or not more than twenty-four hours old, when they are stored, else
their flavor cannot be relied on. The safest mode of choosing them is by
holding them to the light of a candle. Unless an egg is perfectly fresh,
it is unfit for any purpose. Bought eggs ought always to be suspected;
therefore, let an earthen pan be kept with charcoal or lime-water to put
them in. The longer they are kept in it the better they will be, as these
waters destroy must, and even corruption. You may try the freshness of
eggs by putting them in a pan of cold water. Those that sink the soonest
are the freshest. Eggs may be preserved a short time by putting them in a
jar of salt or lime-water, with the small ends downwards. The salt should
not afterwards be used. They may be preserved several months by greasing
them all over with melted mutton suet, and wedging them close together in
a box of bran. The small ends always downwards.
* * * * *