Abergavenny Chronicle

At a dinner of liremcn recently, the fol- lowing sentiment was proposed: "The Ladies! Their eyes kindle the only flame which we cannot extinguish, and against which there is no insurance." Tutter: "Awfully pretty baby of yours, Bender, but—er—what is it, a boy or a girl?" Bender: "Can't you tell it's a girl?" ;o. How on earth do you tell! "Can't you Fee She's reaching up to put her mothers hat on straight." "All right, sir," said the lawyer to his "All right, "I'll take the case. I feel new client; "I'll take the ease < I feel assured that I can get you justice." "Hang it all!" replied the ligitant. "If that's the best you can do I'd better get another lawyer. Barber (beginning the liair-cut): "Have you heard the story about the man that"- (resuming business)—"want it short, sir?" Customer (a tired editor): "Yes; a mere synopsis will do!

MOTHER AND HOME. I A pretty nature will do more to make a girl popular than a pretty face. It is all very well to adopt a sweet manner and to try to do graceful thiup-s, but it is far better if the manners are the result of natural sweetness. Tbb Voman with a pretty nature is the one a hostess looks out for. She is never brusque cynical, nor does she rub strangers up the wrong way. Natural kind- ness and sympathy make her quick to per- ceive people's best side. and to draw it forth. MONEY THAT VANISHES. I If women would only realise it, there is far more saved by keeping strict accounts than one might imagine. "I put the items of my expenditure under various headings, 6uch -as: Necessities,' Luxuries Chari- ties. Saving/ and Pleasure,' said an economical manager lately, "and you have no idea what a. valuable cheok I found it. When I first came to overlook my accounts I discovered far too much went on trifling trash-you would be astonished to find how the pennies and sixpences you fritter away mount up by the end of a year. Now they go under the saving column—and prove the practical benefit of keeping accounts." HINT FOR DRESSMAKERS. 1 When sewing very thin material by ma- chine tack a piece of tissue paper under the seam and sew it in with the stuff. The paper can easily be torn away afterwards an&it will keep the material from dragging or wrinkling. 1 LOOK AFTER YOUR HAIR. I During the early days of spring and sum- mer the hair usually falls out. rather more than at other times, and a little extra care should therefore be given it. When, how, and with what the hair is washed is a mat- ter of far greater importance to its beauty and luxuriance than most people imagine. Many a woman has not only robbed her hair of all its bright lights and glossiness by washing it with soda and bad soap, but has induced premature greynese To PRESERVE PRINTED OILCLOTH. I If oilcloth or linoleum that is not inlaid is occasionally given a coating or oak varnish very much thinned with turpentine, it will last twice as long. And it will wear still better if rubbed over with extremely thin glue each time it is washed. THE EXPECTANT MOTHER. The expectant mother must avoid lifting or dragging, mUilt not jump up to the clothes line, or reach after top-shelf pots and pans. She must not stand for long periods or wear clothing that bears tightly on the abdomen. Indeed, she is apt to think in despair, that life, during the months of waiting, is one long list of negatives; for to add to the active refrainments, are those of a temperamental and mental order. She must abstain from undue excitement, must avoid tsudden passion in temper or irri- tability, must not indulge in reading sen- sational literature, and seek to refrain from all things which tend to lessen the dignity of life. BOYS' SUITS. I When cutting out little suits for boys, there are always small pieces left over. Place one such piece across each knee and elbow between the lining and material. When the top material is worn, cut it away and dsrn neatly; also treat the trousers' seat the same wa y PERSPIRATION STAINS. I A silk blouse that has been stained by perspiration may be successfully cleaned in the following manner: Mix together two ounces of honey, two ounces of soft soap, half a wineglaasful of gin, and a gill of boiling water. When the ingredients have mixed thoroughly, allow to stand until cooled slightly, when the jnixture is ready for use. Spread the blouse on a clean table, with a clean cloth under the silk, getting it quite flat, with no creases. Dip a nail-brush into the mixture, and rub the stained part well. Rinse in cold, soft water, and hang up to drain. If the stains do not disappear on the first application, repeat a second time. BITING THE LIPS. I This is a bad habit which will ruin their snalw, and make them' cracked and sore. Touch your lips twice or thrice daily with rose lip-salve, and wipe this off after a minute or so, and they will always be beautifully red and smooth. FOB THE MIDDLE-AGED. I If you want to keep young the first thing you must study is your figure. Too often, as a woman leaves the thirties, she shows a ten- dency to stoutness. Now, obesity is simply fatal to the looks, so as soon as ever you notice a tendency to put on weight exces- sivelv, be warned, take it in time. Don't go in for any drastic weight-reducing treat- ment, for this would only do you consider- able harm, but so rule your daily life as to keep in check the threatened accumulation of fat. STOUTNESS. I An excellent treatment for stoutness is the following:—Avoid pastry, sweets, beer, spirits, sweet wines and cocoa, also new bread, buns, and an excess of butter, cream, and potatoes. Eat dry toast in preference to even stale bread, drink a tumblerful of filtered or boiled water half an hour before breakfast, and again last thing at night, but as little liquid as possible with your meals. Half a glass of water or home-made lemonade at dinner and supper, and one cup of Russian tea, with' a slice of lemon in it instead of milk, at breakfast and tea. Eat plenty of green vegeta b les, and such fruit as apples and oranges; avoid purple grapes and bananas, which are very fattening. Every morning before putting on your corsets, excr- cise briskly for ten minutes, by bending vour body and touching the floor with your finger-tips, keeping your knees stiff, "trot- ting on one spot, and light dumb-bell practice. A HIT FOR THE LARDER. I To keep meat fresh, wash with weak vine- gar and water, and spread over with small pieces of raw onion. This will keep meat fresh in the hottest weather. Before cook- ing, remove the onion aii4 wash in clear cold water. To CIÆAN WHITE SATIN SHOES. I To clean white satin shoes, moisten a piece of clean, white flannel with spirits of wine and rub the shoes gently, the way of the grain. As the flannel becomes dirty, change to a clean part, and renew the spirits of wine. Now sprinkle a little powdered mag- nesia en to a clean piece of flannel and rub lightly all over the shoes. When not in use, white satin shoes should be wrapped in blue, tissue paper; they are less likely, then, to turn yellow. BLISTERED FEET. I Excessive perspiration or careless drying may cause blisters or inflamed places be- tween the toes. In that case, saturate small squares of cheese-cloth with spirit of cam- phor, and adjust them in place. The cam- phor will make the sore place smart slightly at first, but repeated applications will effectually cure even obstinate cases. Genuine blisters should be washed gently and painted with collodion. That will pro- tect the inflamed spots from the air, and from the wear and soil of the stocking and the shoe, and will also act as a disinfectant. The process should be repeated daily until the blisters are healed.

Professor Barry once amused Judge Ball by an application on behalf of a man who was a dealer in horses add sugar sticks. The incongruity of his avocations struck the judge, who remarked, "What a strange combination of trades." I see a close re- semblance between horses and sugar sticks," said the witty barrister. "In what way?" inquired his lordship. "The more you lick them the fastor they go," was the reply.

DRESS OF THE DAY. I —— A CHAR-MING LITTLE FROCK. I The children's frocks shown this spring I are absolutely fascinating both as regards [ style and simplicity, and are ideal garments I for war-time conditions, for they are as practical as they are smart. A great num- ber of the very best and most exclusive models are carried out either in washing fabrics or in dark serviceable materials such as navy serge, dark blue gabardine, mole coloured cashmere, etc. The particu- larly interesting model shown in our sketch is made of fine navy serge in a particularly t light weave. This dress is not only pre- eminently suitable for immediate wear, but is admirably adapted for use right through [Refer to X 874.] I the coming summer and autumn or the coo] yr dull day" s which SQ often fall to our lot in summer time. The wise mother will pro- vide her little daughter with a diess of this type if she can possibly manage to do so, for it is an excellent stand-by when cotton frocka are all in the wash or when the wind is colder than -usual. This little frock is made with a sort of loose-fitting, straight bodice which fastens down the back. The reck is cut out in a shallow round, and is bordered by a band of pale grey galon, on t which a simple design is woven in black. A row of black silk soutache outlines both cclgGs of this galon. The bottom of this absolutely plain bodice is cut out a little in front, to show a sash of soft black satin, and is edged by a band of galon like that round the neck. The shoulders of the dress are cut very long, and the fairly wide sleeves are set on to them without any full. ness whatever. These sleeves are at theii widest below the- elbow, where they are gathered and set into turn-back cuffs of the serge, edged by a band of the galon. The small skirt is full and perfectly plain, and is gathered all round the- waist. The sash of soft black satin is tied in a big and very smart bow at the back. REVERS IN VOGUE AGAIN. I A great many of the very newest and smartest blouses are made with revers of one sort or another. The severely plain, tailored shirt of morning wear has neat, small revers and collar very similar to those on a coat. The more elaborate shirt of a softer and looser type is very frequently made with those most charming and grace- ful revers known as handkerchief revers, so- called, in all probability, because, they look rather as if a handkerchief had been pleated in flat, well-dressed pleats and then ar. ranged as a rever. Quite a number of very smart afternoon blouses have soft, draped revers, into which lace is introduced, the latter being very frequently either Milanese or Mechlin lace. FOR THE SPORTS' GIRL. I For the girl in her teens who is of a sport- ing nature such a hat as that shown in oui illustration is the ideal thing. It fits lightly to the head, and when playing golf, hockey, [Refer to X 875.] or tennis, there is no danger of it jumping off the head. As will be seen, it is of the Tam-o'-Shanter style, and although it is the very limit in simplicity it at the same time bears the stamp of smartness. GORGEOUS BROCADES. I The Paris shops are showing the most wonderful and gorgeous brocades imagin- able. It is a long time, I think, sinco I remember seeing such perfectly beautiful silks, both as regards their fine texture and colour. The designs arc., exquisite, find so are the colours, whilst the silk is not only rich, but wonderfull y supple and soft. Many of the more expensive examples are interwoven with gold and silver, which gives them a most sumptuous effect. One rather wonders what use the dressmakers will make of these magnificent brocades for at present they are more in evidence in the sbops than they are anywhere else. Milli- ners, however, arc using them largely as trimmings for otherwise sombre hats. Paper patterns can be supplied, price GJd. When ordering, please quote number, en- close remittance, and address to Miss Iiisle, 8, La Belle Sauvag-e, London, E.C.

MUST READ THE BIBLE. New Americans must read the Bible before they enter the United States, according to the decision of the Department of Labour. Passages will be selected from more than one hundred languages and dialects. The department thus explains its choice for the literary test:—This is not because the Bible is considered a sacred book by many people, but because it is now the only book in virtually every tongue. Translations of the Bible were made by eminent scholars, and, what is more to the point, the trans- lating was done by men whose purpose it was to put the Bible in such simple and idiomatic expressions in the various foreign lenguages as would make it possible for the common people of foreign countries to grasp the meaning readily and thoroughly."

 is a more First Little Girl: "Our family ia a mor? aristocratic family than yours. Second Little Girl: "No, it isn't! My mother can boast of her forefathers for the past two centuries." First Little Girl: "Oh! thåt's nothing. My mother can boast of four hus- bands in the last four years."

I IN THE POULTRY YARD. I I By COCKCROW. WHITE LEGHORNS. The Leghorn breed of fowl origin-ated from Italy, from which country its name is taken. Its introduction into this country came in a roundabout way, for it was first introduced into America and came from that country to this about 1870. The breed is divided into many varieties, for there are the White, Brown, Pile, Black, Buff, and Duckwing Leghorns. The first-named is the beat known and most popular in this country, and it is our intention this week to devote our notes chiefly to a description and account of them. Its popularity among poultry farmers and those who keep birds only on a small scale is unrivalled, since it is a prolific layer. When first introduced into England the White Leghorn was a small and sprightly THE OLD AND THE NEW. bird. In colour it was not exactly white, but m..Z of a cream. The lobes also were not pure white, and the legs were of a deep yellow colour. These cha- racteristics have since been changed, for the White Leghorn has been bred to a pure white plumage, the lobes also are white, and the legs of a much lighter yellow. At the same time the modern variety is by no means a massive bird, but rather it is an improvement on the old variety inasmuch as it has been smartened up. Its colour has been changed for the better, and altogether the White Leghorn is an immaculate mrd. The male bird has a beak which stands well clear of the comb. The colour is very fine in texture, is large, but THE MALE BIRD. by no means excessively so. J It is single, stands very 1 erect and straight. It is I deeply and evenly serrated, the spikes broadening at the base. It extends well beyond the back of the head, and following without touching the line of the hackle. It is perfectly free from indentation marks and side sprigs. The face of the White Leghorn bears no wrinkles, and the wattles are long, thin, and very fine in texture. The lobes aro well developed and equally matched in size and shape, smooth, open, and quite free from folds. The neck is well arched and full in hackle. The body is wedge shaped, wide at the shoulders, and narrow as it ap- proaches the root of the tail. The breast is round and prominent, and the breast 'bone straight. The back is rounded just a little, and sloping to the tail. The wings are large, and the birds carry them well clipped up. The tail is moderately full, at an angle of 40 to 45 degrees. The legs are long, the shanks free from feathers. The feet are well spread, the toes long and straight. There should be, of course, an upright carriage. So much for the male bird. I The beak, face, wattles, lobes, and neck of the hen are similar to the male bird. The comb is also very similar. I, THE HEN. At vthe shoulders the body I should be wide and I should narrow slightly to the tail. It is longer and not carried nearly so upright as in the male bird. The breast should be round, very full, and nicely curved from the neck, the back should be long, fairly broad, and but slightly rounded. As layers, the White Leghorns have an established reputation. Their eggs are LAYING QUALITIES. white shelled, and 111 pro- portion to the bird's size are large. The utility I man, if taking up Leghorns, 11 is strongly advised to take up the white variety, for the others are seldom equal in laying to these. There are many wrong notions about the management of ducks (says a writer in MANAGEMENT OF DUCKS. "Farm Life"). Although I they love the water, they dislike wet"or dirty bedding intensely, and soon suffer in jilt,ens?c? l y, a n d I health if such be provided for them. 1 eat moss is the best thing for a duck house, as it lasts so much longer than straw or other litter. Comfortable nests must be made for them to lay in, and they must not be let out of a morning until they have had a chance to do so; otherwise the eggs will .either be laid in the water and lost, or out in the open, where they may be stolen by the rooks. In the course of a reply to a petition with regard to poultry-keepings presented by Mr. E. Jardiue, M.P., Mr. R. E. BOARD OF AGRICULTURE AND POULTRY. Prothero, President of the I Board of Agriculture, says: At the beginning of the I yea-r a careful estimate was made of the amount of concentrated food for live stock of all kinds that we have or shall have in the country between now and the next harvest. This stock-taking in- cludes the oil cakes existing and likely to be made within the period, the oats, tail corn, and damaged grain in farmers' hands, the millers' offals that we may expect, the im- ported grain materials that will have to be rejected as unfit for human consumption—in fact, all the larger item* of food for live stock which can be brought under Govern- ment control. The account revealed an alarming deficiency. There is not enough food to carry on the business of poultry- keepers or any other class of live stock keepers in the ordinary way. Nothing tha'. the Board of Agriculture can do will remove the shortage or create food where it does not exist. The reason that even the alloca- tion of loz. a day per lien bird, together with the reservation of chick food for utility poultry birds, has been allowed to poultry is that poultry can to a large extent be fed upon waste materials from the household and the farm by people who are suitably circumstanced, if they are provided viith just the minimum of concentrated food which they need to carry poultry through the critical period when they are chicks, and to supplement the waste food at other periods. If poultry-keepers will lay them- selves out to produce eggs under these con- ditions, and exercise their ingenuity to make use of every sort of food they can get at, except those I have mentioned above, the Board of Agriculture wish to see every pos- sible fowl kept, but they are unable to accept the suggestion contained in the peti- tion, that poultry-keepers should be supplied with food in the usual way, for the simple reason that it is not there to give them. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. I A. C.—You are strongly urged to get cid of all birds that are more than two years 314d. for they are seldom good layers, and ?at more than they produce. You have also been doing wrong in keeping the old birds with the young ones, for the older ones cat more than their share of food. H. W.—During the breeding season a little flour of sulphur is a good thing in the soft food. May good fortune attend you.

THE COLOUR OF EYES. In the light of science there are only tw* sorts of eyes—blue and not blue. It is a fact that all eyes are blue or blue-grey ir ground, but a great many have some othei pigment in front of the iris. Hence appears a strange law of heredity. In the village oi Buroagc, Leicestershire, an interestmg ex- periment was made. A group of member of the British Association was drawn up ir line along one side of a narrow lane. Or the other were marched by, and halted al intervals, one hundred or so school-children, distinguished with various badges. Ardent investigators would now and again advance from the line of scientists, halt a group 01 children, and inspect with magnifying- I glasses at close quarters their eyes. It li asserted that where both parents have blue eyes all the children have blue eyes, and where both parents have brown eyes all the children have brown eyes; but it is where the parents differ that this alleged law of heredity is most surprising. In this case brown eyes are said to be dominant and blue eyes recessive, so that of the. children of mixed parents three of every four will have brown eyes and one blue.

GENERAL FOCti IN COMMAND -—— 0- "TO CO-ORDINATE ALLIED ACTION ON WESTERN FRONT." The Prime Minister has made the- follow- ing statement:— For the first few days after the Germau army had launched upon our lines an attack unparalleled in its conce-ntration of troops and guns, -the situation was extremely criti- cal. Thanks to the indomitable bravery of our troops, who gradually stemmed the enemy advanoe until reinforcements could arrive and our faithful Ally could enter into the battle, the situation is now improved. The struggle, however, is still only in its opening stages, and no prediction of its future course can yet be made. From the first day the War Cabinet has been in constant session and in communica- tion with Headquarters and with the French and American Governments. A number of measures have been taken in concert be- tween the Governments to deal wjth the emergency. The enemy has had the in- calculable advantage of fighting as one army. To meet this, the Allies hav, since the battle began, taken a most important deci- sion. With the cordial co-operation of the British and French Commanders-in-Chief General Foch has been charged by the British, French, and American Governments to co-ordinate the action of the Allied armies on the Western front. In addition to the action taken to meet immediate needs of the moment, it will be necessary to bring into operation certain measures which have long been in contem- plation should a situation such as the pre- sent arrive. It is clear that whatever may happen in this battle, the country must be prepared for further sacrifices to ensure final victory. I am certain that the nation will shrink from no sacrifice which is required to 3ecure this result, and the necessary plana are being carefully prepared by the Govern- ment, and will be announced when Parlia- ment meets." I "THE LAST MAN MAY COUNT." The Prime Minister has also sent a mes- bage to the Prime Ministers of Canada, Aus- tralia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Newfoundland in which he says: — "As already announced, we propose to ask Parliament to authorise immediate measures for the raising of fresh forces here. I would also urge the Dominion Go- vernment to reinforce their heroic troop s in the fullest possible manner and with the smallest possible delay. "The strugge is only in its opening stages, and it is our business to see that our armies get the maximum measure of support that we can give them. 'Let no one think that what even the remotest of the Dominions can do now can be too late. Before this campaign is finished the last man- may count."

I TRAGEDY OF JEALOUSY. A sequel to a husband'a unfounded suspicions regarding a letter was told at the inquest on Thomas Piffen, of Rodney- street, Pentonville. The widow said that, a fortnight ago, she received a letter from a young man with reference to a money club at her factory. Her husband struck her, aud she summoned him, but forgave him. Later, he pointed a revolver at her and threatened her life. He was arrested, but was not charged, as the revolver could not be found. Next day he wronglv accused her of un- faithfulness. During the past fortnight he several times threatened suicide. On Satur- day he was found dying, with his throat cut and a bottle of spirits of salts beside him. The coroner said that the sending of a letter to the husband accusing the wife of infidelity was a most fiendish act, and it had had a very sad ending. | i

I KING TO HIS AIR FORCE. The King on Monday sent the following telegram to Lord Rothermere, Air Minister, to mark the inauguration of the Royal Air Force:— To-day the Royal Air Force, of which you are the Minister in charge, comes into exist- ence i as a third arm of the defences of the Empire. As General-in-Chief I congratulate you on its birth, and I trust. that it may enjoy a vigorous and successful life. I am confident that the union of the Royal Naval Air Service and the Royal Flying Corps will preserve and foster that esprit de corps which these two separate forces have create d by their splendid deeds.

I FAMILY'S DEATH ROLL. Mr. L. G. Sutton, Deputy Mayor of Read- ing, has received news of the death of his son, Lieutenant E. M. Sutton-killed in action on the Western Front. Lieutenant Sutton belonged to the first of ) two companies of Royal Engineers raised in Reading by his father in the early stages of the war.. m r. Sutton has lost four sons in the war, and has one other son still serving.

I FINED A WEEK'S WAGES. John Hill, aged seventeen, pleaded guitty at Lambeth Poice-court to the charge of being drunk and disorderly. "how much are you earning?" asked the magistrate, and Hill replied: £ 2 a week." Magistrate: You have got more money than you know what to do with. That is what is the matter with you. A fine of 40s.—a week's wages—was im. imposed. ■■

I DEATH FROM ANTHRAX. I An inquest was held at Liverpool on Mon- day on William Hickman, an American soldier, who on landing was taken to the hospital. He was found to be suffering from anthrax and died. A verdict of "Death from anthrax" was given, there being no evidence to show how it was contracted.

BOARDING STEAMER SUNK. Admiralty, Monday. H.M. armed boarding steamer Tithonus (Commander F. H. Fitzroy, R.N.R.) was torpedoed and tiunk by a German submarine on March 28. One mercantile officer and three naval ratings were lost.

DAMAGES BY INSTALMENTS. 1 I) a mages of £ 1, payable at the rate of 3d. a week, were awarded in Shoreditch County- court to Mary Anson, of -the W.A.A.C., against her landlady, Mrs. Crown, alto of the W.A.A.C. Miss Anson said that after she had taken a room in Mrs. Crown's house she found that the chimney was blocked up by damage done in an air raid. She was smoked out, could not cook, and caught "an awful cold" by having the window open.

SOLDIERS ON THE LAND. t An Army Council Instruction states that it has been decided in all cases other than those covered by Para. 35 of A.C.I. 1155 of 1917. that farmers shall provide board and lodging for soldiers employed on agricul- ture, and to pay .for their service at the local "living in" rate, with a minimum of 10s. a week. It has also been decided that soldiers employed on agriculture shall have their net civil pay made up to their Army pay-

Hubby: "You may not believe it, but smoking is a remedy for my headaches," lie apologised. "Most pigs are cured that way," responded his wife, without emotion. Brown: "Stout people, they say, are rarely guilty of meanness or crime." Jones: "Well, you see, it's so difficult for them to stoop to anything low."

Salt thrown on fallen soot prevents the carpet marking, and enables the soot to be swept up cleanly. Mustard, to obtain the full flavour, should be mixed with salad-oil and not water. When re-nailing blinds on tho rollers, if a length of tape is nailed with them the blinds will not tear away fzow the roller. Mustard-plasters will not blister if mixed with the white of an egg and hot water. Clean soiled light cloth garments by rub- bing them with hot salt. Afterwards well brush with a clean brush, and damp and press if necessary. Clean g lass bottles by tiering fine coal ashes with a little washing powder and warm water, shaking the bottles tho- roughly. A hand sewing-machine can be prevented from slipping about on the table by placing a «OBpie of gelatine lozenges, slightly moistened, under each corner of the base- board. When coloured clothing is stained with mud, let it dry, then brush out as much as possible, and apply a mixture of salt and flour. Leave for a day or two in a dry place, and then brush off. Gravy will be lumpy if the thickening is poured in while the pan L. over the fire. Take the pan off until the thickening is well stirred in, then set it on tho fire, and cook thoroughly while stirring. If you rub your flat irons ou ironing day over a fine piece of emery cloth they will always be smooth ard free from rust. Willow ware, such as clothes baskets, light chairs, etc., is successfully cleansed by washing with soapy water in which a hand- ful of salt has been dir*sobred. Use a brush in order that all the crevices may be reached. I W OODLESS FIRE. Place a few pieces of ccke in a tin and let them soak in paraffin. When loving the fire- place a piece of the coke in the grate, add the coal,- and paper and light up. The tin containing the coke should, of course, be kept away from heat. SALT FOR TABLE. Remove, by scraping, every particle of dirt from a lump of salt; dry it before the fire-do not put it very close. When tho- roughly dry, place it in a sheet of clean white paper, fold it in a cloth, and roll it to an impalpable powder with the rolling- pin or grate two pieces together, so as to produce fine salt. Having filled the salt cellars, a pattern is produced on the salt by pressing the bottom of the salt-cellars one upon the other. SALT AND COAL DUST. An excellent way to use up fine coal dust, pspecially where there is an open grate, is to mix the coal dust—say half-a-dozcn shovel- fuls-with water, then add as many hand- fuls of salt. Mix well together, then take a tin mould, similar to the buckets used by the children at the seaside for making sand pies; fill the mould in the same way, and then turn out the contents, with care not to disturb the shape. Set the bricks well apart to dry on a board. In a day or two they should be ready for use. I To SCARE AWAY MICE. Cayenne pepper sprinkled round their holes will soon drive mice away. A good method for catching rats is to soak some bread in linseed oil and place in a trap. Fasten the door of the trap for a few nights so as to give the rodents confidence. Then release the trap door and bait as before. Bats can- not resist linseed oil. To REMOVE MILDEW FROM LACE CURTAINS. Get a pennyworth of prepared chloride of lime from the chemist, add to it a gallon, of warm water, and allow to dissolve. Dip the articles to be treated in the solution, and if the spots are not all removed with the first dip, them another, but do Dot kllow them to stand in tho solution. When all the spots are removed rinse the articles tho- roughly in two or three baths of clean warm water. HIXTS OX BOILING FISH. Clean the fish and rub it with vinegar or lemon juice. This whitens it and makes it firm when cooked. Add salt and a little vinegar to the water in the pan or fish kettle. Put in sufficient water only to cover the fish, and allow it to boil before putting the fish in the pan. Allow the water to boil for three minutes after tht, fish has been put in, then draw the pan to the side of the fire so that it only simmers gently till the fish is cooked. v SOME USEFUL RECIPES. SAVOT--P,Y PORRIDGE.-For this use one part oatmeal to two and a quarter parts of boiling water sailed to taste. Bring the water to a boil; then throw in the meal and stir well for twenty minutes. Put a piece of butter the size of a large walnut in a frying pan. when ,melted add two large onions sliced. Fry them a golden brown colour. Put the porridge on a hot dish, and place it in the open to dry the porridge a little. Lay the onions on the top, and pour over all the fat that is in the pan. Servo at once. This porridge makes a very sustaining meal for school children. POTATO CAKYS.-Tike one pound of flour, one pound of mashed potatoes, two ounces of lard, two ounces of good dripping to be rubbed into the flour, one egg well beaten, one teas]>oonful of baking powder, two tab:poonfu,.¡ of sugar, or a p "uch of salt, whichever is liked. Mix all the ingredients well in a white basin, then add the eggs and a little milk. lukewarm, just enough to make a smooth paste. Roll out to about an inch thick, and cut into round cakes. Put on a greased tin and bake twenty minutes. W hen nice and brown on one side, turn over an<l brown the other side. To be cut open and buttered hot. IIOT-POT.-In a fireproof casserole put a. layer of potatoes cut in halves. Scatter over them two ounces of beef or mutton, and half an onion chopped small. Add salt and pepper. Repeat this, taking care to have the top layer composed of potato. Add water, sufficient to more than cover the con- tents. Let it bake two hours in a moderate oven, having laid a lightly greased paper over the top. Take this off ten minutes be- fore dishing, to let the top potatoes brown. POTATO SCONES.—Mash half a pound of cold potatoes, add a little sajt, then knead in as much flour as the potatoes will take up, being careful not to allow it to become lumpy. Dissolve a little butter in what you think will be sufficient milk to mix all into a stiff dough. Work all together, roll out very thin. cut into small rounds with a tumbler, and prick with a fork. Bake (11 a hot girdle or in the oven for about five minutes, turning so as to brown on hctli sides. Serve hot. POTATO PIE.—Peel three large potatoes and cut into slices, and chop two onions., Wash and steep a breakfastctipful of lentils and a tablespoonful of tapioca. Fill a dish with layers of potato and onions, sprinkling the tiploca and lentils in between. Put one ounce of margarine on the top, and pour in enough boiling water to come nearly to the top of the dish. Cover with crust, and bake for one hour.

"Supposing 1 decided to let you have the money, how do I know that I shall get it back at the time you mention?" s^id Spiff- kins. "I promise it, my bov, on the word of a gentleman," replied Biffkms. Ah. in that case I may think better of it. Come round this evening and bring him with yon.