executing variations on certain favorite airs; that is, in disjointing
their different portions, and filling up the intervals with divers
fantastical and eccentric movements of their own--runs, shakes, and
so forth; thus interspersing the original music, which was expressive
of some sentiment, feeling, or state of mind, with passages which,
having no meaning at all, formed an agreeable contrast to the melodies
wherewith they were blended.
Now, the idea that occurred to me was that the principle (so greatly
to the gratification of the public) acted upon by the musicians
might be advantageously applied to the sister art of poetry. I think
that Shakspeare with variations would very probably be received with
great applause. The variations, of course, should correspond in
expressiveness and intellectuality to those above alluded to. For
instance, let the line to be varied be--
"To be, or not to be; that is the question."
The theme might first be recited entire, and then treated as follows:--
To be or not, fiddle; to be, diddle; that, tooral; is, rooral;
the question, lay.
Fiddle, fiddle, iddle, iddle, tooral, looral, lay.
Tooral, to be: looral, or not; lay, to be; that is, fiddle;
the question, iddle de dee.
To, yoddle; be, doodle; or, fol; not, dol; to, de; be, rol; that,
ri; is, tol; the, lol; question, de rido.
Yoddle, doddle, fol de rol, to be; hey down derry diddle dum,
or not; whack rum ti oodity, to be; ho down, that; chip chow
cherry chow, is; tra la la la, the question.
Dong, dong, harum, scarum, divo, question
Right fol de riddy, oody, bow, wow, wow!
Drowning men will catch at a straw; and, considering the present
declining state of the drama, I seriously recommend the suggestion to
the notice of the managers. Its adoption will doubtless astonish the
weak minds of many, to whom Shakspeare's sense, at present too strong
for them, will be rendered more palatable by dilution.
* * * * *
A WOMAN was walking, and a man looked at her and followed her. The woman
said, "Why do you follow me?" He answered, "Because I have fallen in
love with you." The woman said, "Why are you in love with me? My sister
is much handsomer than I! She is coming after me; go and make love to
her." The man turned back and saw a woman with an ugly face. Being
greatly displeased, he went again to the other woman, and said, "Why did
you tell a story?" The woman answered, "Neither did you speak truth;
for if you are in love with me, why did you go after another woman?" The
man was confounded. We should rather think he was.
* * * * *
GODEY'S GALLERY OF SPLENDID ENGRAVINGS.--We have received the first
number of this collection of over twenty-five of the finest of those
beautiful engravings that have appeared in the Lady's Book in former
days. Those who are wishing to procure books of engravings for the
centre-table cannot better consult their own interest than by sending
fifty cents to Godey for his beautiful "Gallery."
* * * * *
BOOK OF THE TOILET.--This neat little publication contains a large
number of recipes for the preservation of health, and beauty, and for
the preparation of the various kinds of cosmetics in general use.
Personal beauty is a gift to be prized, and the preservation of a
youthful appearance is by no means to be condemned. The "Book of the
Toilet" will enable ladies to prepare their own cologne, toilet soap, et
cetera, at a much less cost, and less adulterated, than when purchased,
ready for use, at the druggists. Price of the Book, fifty cents. Address
Louis A. Godey, Philadelphia.--_Western Literary Cabinet._
* * * * *
THE "Sandy Hill Herald" says: "How any lady can manage to get along
without Godey, is more than we can imagine. Why, if we were a woman, we
would not do without it any more than we would do without a husband, and
we would be sure to have both."
Friend "Herald," there is one woman we wot of that can't get along
"without Godey;" and she thinks that a certain ceremony that was
performed some twenty years since gives her a pretty good right to him.
* * * * *
WE give the following as we find it--without vouching for its
correctness, although the paper was read before the Royal Asiatic
Society in England:--
HOW TO MAKE ARTIFICIAL PEARLS.--It was stated, in a paper read a short
time since before the members of the Royal Asiatic Society in England,
"that the artificial production of pearls from the mussel-fish is
carried on to a great extent at Hoochow, in China. The fish are
collected in April and May, and are opened by children, who place a
small bit of bamboo in the orifice to keep the shells apart. A piece of
brass or bone, a small pebble, or a pellet of mud, is then introduced, a
dose of three to five spoonfuls of fish-scales, pounded and mixed with
water, is poured on, and the stick removed. The fish are then placed a
few inches apart in ponds, the water of which is from three to five feet
deep, and which are well manured with night soil four or five times
every year. In these ponds, the fish are allowed to remain from ten
months to three years. Upon taking them out, the shell is cut through
with a fine saw, the pearl is separated from the shell and the pellet,
or other substance within it extracted. It is then filled with white
wax, and a piece of the shell carefully attached, to conceal the
aperture. Several millions of pearls are thus produced annually, worth
from about a penny to eight pence a pair."
* * * * *
GENERAL AGENCY FOR PERIODICALS.--Many persons wishing to subscribe for
different publications do not like the trouble of writing several
letters. This may be obviated by sending the money to the subscriber,
who will attend to all orders punctually, whether for publications
monthly or weekly in this city or elsewhere.
Any information asked for by any of our subscribers we will cheerfully
give, if it is in our power.
We will attend to purchasing any goods that may be desired, and will
forward them at the lowest market price.
Enigmas.
ANSWERS TO ENIGMAS IN APRIL NUMBER.
13. A well. 14. Able, table, cable, fable. 15. A secret.
* * * * *
ENIGMAS.
16.
PRAY, what is that we enter, but ne'er see?
And yet familiarized with it are we;
Though ne'er created, yet existing 'tis,
And with ourselves concurrent always is.
Its property throughout our lives we share,
And draw on its resources everywhere.
Itself indefinite, yet marks the sum
Of our career--past, present, and to come.
Its current value, too (to this attend),
Must on our working of that sum depend.
In fact, its origin, its age, its death,
May be explained away in one word's breath;
Though of enigmas it must ever be
To human minds the greatest mystery?
17.
MY name's a paradox to you,
Expressing what I'd fain not do,
For constancy's my aim;
I'm really such a loving elf,
To you I would attach myself
With ardor aye the same.
18.
SOMETIMES, a minister of state,
Scarlet and gold I wear;
Faith o'er the world I circulate
In many a form that's fair.
No mediator ever aids
The mortal in distress,
Howe'er the tyrants of the earth
His spirit may oppress,
As I successfully can do.
Whene'er he's destitute,
Then finds he me a comforter,
Where worldly friends are mute.
For I can raise his mind above
The vanities of life;
Can banish all its jealousies,
Extinguish all its strife;
Can mitigate the miseries
Attendant on the poor;
And wretches, all disconsolate,
With radiant hope allure.
19.
MY character consider well,
The deadliest quarrel I can quell,
When folks by me are led;
For satisfaction I can give
To all who'd not dishonored live,
And e'en avenge the dead.
I'm dull and heavy, yet at need
You may accelerate my speed,
Upon a hostile course;
Destruction's ever my good aim,
Yet I've an honorable fame
For equalizing force.
The Borrower's Department.
"_The wicked borroweth and payeth not again._"
"_Md._, 1854.
"DEAR SIR: I present myself before you this morning another evidence of
the great inconveniences sometimes attending the borrowing system. My
books have suffered in various ways; some have had _rhubarb_ (!) spilt
on them, others ink, besides being otherwise maltreated and maimed. And
now I find the May number for 1853 has disappeared, and no trace of it
can be discovered. Can't you aid me in this emergency, and oblige me by
supplying the missing copy? Inclosed are postage stamps to the amount.
"Respectfully yours, M. A. T.
"MR. LOUIS A. GODEY."
* * * * *
FROM the "Ohio Clinton Republican:"--
"'LADY'S BOOK.'--The February number of 'Godey's Lady's Book'
has just been received. We fear there are not enough copies of this
excellent and popular periodical taken in this place, else there would
not be so many applications to borrow ours by our fair friends."
* * * * *
FROM the "Schuylkill Banner:" "Although this magazine is entitled
'Lady's Book,' it is a book sought after by not only females, but males
of all grades that can read; and we are sorry to say that so many of our
readers would rather borrow than subscribe to it."
* * * * *
"_N. C._, Feb. 22, 1854.
"MR. GODEY: I shall be compelled, in _self-defence_, to get you a lot of
subscribers at this place. The copy you are kind enough to send the
'News' is literally worn out in the service of the ladies, bless them!
They will have it, and I cannot refuse to loan. I expect to be able to
send you some more shortly.
"Yours truly, T. W. A."
PHILADELPHIA AGENCY.
"Mrs. H. L."--Buff-colored note-paper and cards are now fashionable.
Can send you both.
"Miss J. E. P."--Black velvet headdress sent on the 12th.
"M. S."--Sent your sewing-machine by Adams's Express on the 13th.
"Miss C. H."--Sent your bonnet by Adams's on the 14th.
"Mrs. O. H. F."--Sent your bonnet by express on 16th.
"Miss E. O. P."--Sent bonnet by the person who brought the order on the
16th.
"J. B. G."--Paper hangings were sent _via_ Camden and Amboy Railroad on
the 11th.
"Emily L. M."--Don't know any more than what the acknowledgment
referred to conveys. Shall be happy to hear from you at all times.
"Miss B."--Sent port-monnaie by mail on 15th.
"Anna E. W."--Please see March, April, and this number for full
directions for crochet and knitting. Other portions of your letter will
be answered. Much obliged to you for your commendations. We will send
pamphlets postage free about the sewing-machine to all who may wish
them.
"Mrs. A. M. L."--Sent bonnet by Kinsley's Express on the 14th.
"H. E. G."--Sent apron pattern on 22d.
"S. E. W."--Sent apron pattern on 24th.
"Old Subscriber," at Godfrey, Ill.--Cannot publish the patterns, as
they are too large; but will furnish them at $1 25, and will get them
to match as near as possible. They do not come in sets. Patterns can be
stamped on the material, which is much better, as they can be stamped
ready for working.
"L. B."--Sent patterns by mail on 28th.
"Mrs. M. A. W."--Sent your order by mail on 4th.
"Miss H. A. J."--Sent duplicate on the 4th.
"Mrs. M. A. W."--Sent garment on the 4th.
"Mrs. A. V. Du B."--Sent patterns on the 9th.
"Mrs. M. A. L."--Sent "colors" by Adams & Co. on 10th.
"Mrs. S. H. D."--Books and patterns sent by mail on the 11th.
"Mrs. D. C. H."--Sent box by Adams's Express on 11th.
"Mrs. M. S. L."--Sent box by mail on the 11th.
"M. C. L."--Sent book by mail on 16th.
"Miss C. V. S."--Sent silk on 17th.
"Miss E. C. H."--Sent pattern on 17th.
In answer to several correspondents, we give the following directions
for
* * * * *
STARCHING LINEN.--To those who desire to impart to shirt bosoms,
collars, and other fabrics that fine and beautiful gloss observable on
new linens, the following recipe for making gum arabic starch will be
most acceptable, and should have a place in the domestic scrap-book of
every woman who prides herself upon her capacity as a house-wife and the
neatness of her own, her husband's, and family's dress; and, if she does
not take pride in these things, her husband is an unfortunate man:--
"Take two ounces of fine white gum arabic powder, put it into a
pitcher, and pour on it a pint or more of boiling water, according to
the degree of strength you desire, and then, having covered it, let
it set all night. In the morning, pour it carefully from the dregs
into a clean bottle, cork it, and keep it for use. A tablespoonful of
gum-water stirred into a pint of starch that has been made in the usual
manner will give the lawns (either white, black, or printed) a look of
newness, when nothing else can restore them after washing. It is also
good, much diluted, for thin white muslin and bobbinet."--_Augusta
Chronicle._
No orders attended to unless the cash accompanies them.
All persons requiring answers by mail must send a post-office stamp.
Receipts, &c.
TO REMOVE GREASE FROM PAPER.--Scrape finely some pipe clay or French
chalk, and on this lay the sheet or leaf to be cleansed, covering the
spot in like manner with clay or chalk. Cover the whole with a sheet of
paper, and apply, for a few seconds, a heated iron. On using India
rubber to remove the dust, the paper will be found to be free of the
grease.
* * * * *
STRAW may be bleached by putting it in a cask into which a few
brimstone matches are placed lighted. The same effect may be produced
by dipping the straw into chloride of lime dissolved in water.
* * * * *
VARNISH FOR COLORED DRAWINGS.--Canada balsam, one ounce; oil of
turpentine, two ounces; dissolve. Size the drawings first with a jelly
of isinglass, and when dry apply the varnish, which will make them
appear like oil paintings.
* * * * *
MOCK CREAM FOR COFFEE.--Mix half a tablespoonful of flour with a pint of
new milk; let it simmer for five minutes, then beat up the yolk of an
egg, stir it into the milk while boiling, and run it through a lawn
sieve.
* * * * *
TO USE JEWELLER'S ROUGE IN CLEANING ORNAMENTS.--Mix it with a little
salad oil, and with a small tooth-brush rub the ornament till perfectly
clean; then wash in hot soap and water with a clean brush, and wipe dry
with wash-leather.
* * * * *
A VERY pretty and economical finish for sheets, pillow-cases, &c., may
be made from the cuttings of bleached muslin: Cut one and a half inch
squares, and fold them bias, from corner to corner, then fold again, so
as to form a point, seam on to the straight side on raw edge and face on
a strip to cover the seam.
* * * * *
TO GIVE A FINE COLOR TO MAHOGANY.--Let the tables be washed perfectly
clean with vinegar, having first taken out any ink-stains there may be
with spirit of salt, but it must be used with the greatest care, only
touching the part affected, and instantly washing it off. Use the
following liquid: Into a pint of cold drawn linseed oil, put four
pennyworth of alkanet root, and two pennyworth of rose pink in an
earthen vessel, let it remain all night, then, stirring well, rub some
of it all over the table with a linen rag; when it has lain some time,
rub it bright with linen cloths.
* * * * *
FINE BLACKING FOR SHOES.--Take four ounces of ivory black, three ounces
of the coarsest sugar, a tablespoonful of sweet oil, and a pint of small
beer; mix them gradually cold.
* * * * *
TO TAKE INK OUT OF MAHOGANY.--Mix, in a teaspoonful of cold water, a few
drops of oil of vitriol; touch the spot with a feather dipped in the
liquid.
* * * * *
TO CLEAN PICTURES.--Dust them lightly with cotton wool, or with a
feather brush.
* * * * *
TO CLEAN MIRRORS.--Wipe them lightly with a clean bit of sponge or fine
linen that has been wet in spirits of wine, or in soft water; then dust
the glass with fine whiting powder; rub this off with a soft cloth, then
rub with another clean cloth, and finish it with a silk handkerchief.
Dust the frames with cotton wool.
* * * * *
MILDEW STAINS are very difficult to remove from linen. The most
effectual way is to rub soap on the spots, then chalk, and bleach the
garment in the hot sun.
* * * * *
INK AND IRON MOULD may be taken out by wetting the spots in milk, then
covering them with common salt. It should be done before the garments
have been washed. Another way to take out ink is to dip it in melted
tallow. For fine, delicate articles, this is the best way.
* * * * *
FRUIT AND WINE STAINS.--Mix two teaspoonfuls of water and one of spirit
of salt, and let the stained part lie in this for two minutes; then
rinse in cold water. Or wet the stain with hartshorn.
* * * * *
DOMESTIC RECEIPTS.
CUSTARDS, CREAMS, JELLIES, AND BLANC MANGE.
[_Fifth article._]
DEVONSHIRE JUNKET.--Put warm milk into a bowl; turn it with rennet; then
put some scalded cream, sugar, and nutmeg on the top without breaking
the curd.
* * * * *
KERRY BUTTERMILK.--Put six quarts of buttermilk into a cheese-cloth,
hang it in a cool place, and let the whey drip from it for two or three
days; when it is rather thick, put it into a basin, sweeten it with
pounded loaf-sugar, and add a glass of brandy, or of sweet wine, and as
much raspberry jam, or syrup, as will color and give it an agreeable
flavor. Whisk it well together, and serve it in a glass dish.
* * * * *
WHIP SYLLABUB.--Whip cream, as directed above; mix a glass of brandy and
half a pint of white wine with a pint of the cream, which sweeten with
sifted loaf-sugar, and grate in lemon-peel and nutmeg; serve in glasses,
and set some of the whip on each.
* * * * *
SNOWBALLS.--Beat the whites of six eggs to a froth, sweeten them to your
taste, and flavor them with rose-water. Drop them into a pot of boiling
water, in tablespoonfuls, for a minute or two, to harden them. Make a
cream of milk, eggs, and sugar to float them in.
* * * * *
A FLOATING ISLAND.--Take a pint of thick cream, sweeten with _fine_
sugar, grate in the peel of one lemon, and add a gill of sweet white
wine; whisk it well till you have raised a good froth; then pour a pint
of thick cream into a china dish, take one French roll, slice it thin,
and lay it over the cream as lightly as possible; then a layer of clear
calves' feet jelly, or currant jelly; then whip up your cream and lay on
the froth as high as you can, and what remains pour into the bottom of
the dish. Garnish the rim with sweetmeats.
* * * * *
FLOATING ISLAND--_another way_.--Beat together the whites of three eggs
and as many tablespoonfuls of raspberry jam or red currant jelly; when
the whole will stand in rocky forms, pile it upon apple jelly, or cream,
beaten up with wine, sugar, and a little grated lemon-peel.
* * * * *
TO WHIP CREAM.--Sweeten a bowl of cream with loaf-sugar, and flavor it
with orange-flower water, any juicy fruit, or lemon or orange, by
rubbing sugar on the peel; set another bowl near the above, with a sieve
over it; then whip the cream with a whisk, and, as it rises in a froth,
take it off with a skimmer, and put it into the sieve to drain; whip
also the cream which drains off, and, when done, ornament with
lemon-raspings. This cream may be used before it is set upon custard,
trifle, or syllabub.
* * * * *
A TRIFLE.--Whip cream, as directed above, adding a little brandy and
sweet wine; then lay in a glass dish sponge cakes, ratafia cakes, and
macaroons, and pour upon them as much brandy and sweet wine as they will
soak up; next, a rich custard about two inches deep, with a little
grated nutmeg and lemon-peel; then a layer of red currant jelly or
raspberry jam, and upon the whole a very high whip. A trifle is best
made the day before it is wanted.
* * * * *
CAKE TRIFLE.--Cut out a rice or diet-bread cake about two inches from
the edge; fill it with a rich custard, with a few blanched and split
almonds, and pieces of raspberry jam, and put on the whole a high whip.
* * * * *
GOOSEBERRY OR APPLE TRIFLE.--Scald a sufficient quantity of fruit, and
pulp it through a sieve; add sugar agreeable to your taste, make a thick
layer of this at the bottom of your dish; mix a pint of milk, a pint of
cream, and the yolks of two eggs, scald it over the fire, observing to
stir it; add a small quantity of sugar, and let it get cold. Then lay it
over the apples or gooseberries with a spoon, and put on the whole a
whip made the day before.
* * * * *
THE SICK ROOM AND NURSERY.
COLD OR INFLAMMATION IN THE EYES.--A correspondent has met with the
greatest relief from the following application: Soak in cold spring
water, for half an hour, a piece of bread toasted brown, and then place
it on soft linen rag, one thickness, next the eye, and apply at bedtime
every night, until the inflammation is removed.
* * * * *
FUMIGATING SICK ROOMS.--The chlorine fumigation is generally considered
the best for fumigating the apartments of the sick. To prepare it, mix
together equal parts of powdered oxide of manganese and common salt; put
one ounce of this powder into a basin, and pour on it a large
teaspoonful of water; then drop into the vessel about thirty or forty
drops of oil of vitriol, which may be repeated at intervals for about
three or four times. This will be sufficient for the perfect exhaustion
of the powder.
* * * * *
TO MAKE ARROW-ROOT.--To a dessert-spoonful of powder, add as much cold
water as will make it into a paste, then pour on half a pint of boiling
water, stir it briskly and boil a few seconds, when it will become a
clear smooth jelly. It may be sweetened with sugar, and flavored with
lemon-peel, &c., to the palate, or a little sherry or other white wine
may be added; fresh milk, either alone or diluted with water, may be
substituted for the water.
* * * * *
ANTIDOTE FOR LAUDANUM.--Give immediately twenty grains of white vitriol
dissolved in water, and assist vomiting by irritating the fauces with a
feather; after the stomach is emptied, give large draughts of vinegar
and water, and other vegetable acids, with coffee, brandy, &c.,
constantly rousing the attention of the sufferer, until the effects of
the poison subside. Recourse may be had to this until such time as the
attendance of a medical man can be procured.
* * * * *
OPODELDOC.--This lotion being a valuable application for sprains,
lumbago, weakness of joints, &c., and it being difficult to procure
either pure or freshly made, we give a receipt for its preparation:
Dissolve an ounce of camphor in a pint of rectified spirits of wine,
then dissolve four ounces of hard white Spanish soap, scraped thin, in
four ounces of oil of rosemary, and mix them together.
* * * * *
SUBSTANCES IN THE EYE.--To remove fine particles of gravel, lime, &c.,
the eye should be syringed with lukewarm water till free from them. Be
particular not to worry the eye under the impression that the substance
is still there, which the enlargement of some of the minute vessels
makes the patient believe is actually the case.
The Toilet.
GOWLAND'S LOTION.--Take one and a quarter grains of bichloride of
mercury, and one ounce of emulsion of bitter almonds; mix well. Be
careful of the bichloride of mercury, because it is a poison. This is
one of the best cosmetics we possess for imparting a delicate appearance
and softness to the skin, and is a useful lotion in ringworm, hard and
dry skin, and sun-blisterings.
* * * * *
TO CLEAN KID GLOVES.--Draw the gloves on the hands, and then freely wash
them in turpentine until perfectly clean. Then blow into them and pin
them on a line to dry. The air will dissipate any smell the turpentine
may leave. Should this, however, not prove to be the case, a drop or two
of oil of lemon in a little water, rubbed lightly over the gloves, will
effectually destroy it.
* * * * *
TO REMOVE FRECKLES.--Take of Venice soap an ounce, dissolve it in half
an ounce of lemon-juice, to which add of oil of bitter almonds and
deliquated oil of tartar, each a quarter of an ounce. Let the mixture be
placed in the sun till it acquires the consistence of ointment. When in
this state, add three drops of the oil of rhodium, and keep it for use.
Apply it in the following manner: Wash the face at night with
elder-flower water, then anoint it with the above unction. In the
morning, cleanse the skin from its oily adhesion by washing it copiously
in rose-water.
* * * * *
TO PREVENT HAIR FROM FALLING OUT.--Make a strong decoction of white-oak
bark in water, and use it freely. Make but little at a time, and have it
fresh at least once a fortnight.
Centre-Table Gossip.
MAY FIRST
is signalized, in the annals of New York housekeepers, as a time of
change.