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 pMW â€"â€"" ^^'" .,^^^- ^.^.-^.iws^- -^'SK^^^.;fc^ It M .?â-  â- I" • j^" i I'^ll •^i HOUSEHOLD. Setting TaV.e for a Plain Oimiar. A neat, vell-eet table, with ito mowy Unen, glittering silver and china, is one of the best appetizers one can have. When to this is added some tonch of bflavty in the shape oflovely color, let ua say a vase of fioAers, a freshly growing foliaire plant, or the rainbow tintinga of modem glass, the efiFect ii magical, and the roirits rise under the inftaenoe of anticipated good cheer in a most marvelous manner. By this I do not mean that costly furnishing is necessary to promote smticipations and feelings of good cheer, but that neatness, and order, and the brightness of good color are requisites, and these may be had for a triSe more than the reverse costs, and in the ind at a lower cost, taking all the good results into considera- tion. First and foremost is needed a nice thick, double-faced canton fl:innel over which to spread the damask table cloth, which should be of the pui-est white for dinner. A cloth of small pattern will take a stood gloss in the ironing, and wear better than one of large pattern. The napkins should match the cloth, and be daintily washed and ironed, wirh a trifle of starching only. If there is to be any decoration a low bowl of flowers, or a potted plant of fresh clean foliage, will be pretty standing in the middle of the table, and where there is no waiter, it will be con- venient and tasteful to arrange a fruit de- sert on little fancy plates, one for each member of the family and tha ^est or guests around the flowers, thus making a pretty center piece. The knives, forks, and spoons to be used should be laid at each place, the forks at the left, the spoons at the right, the knives across the top and the folded napkin with a square of bread enclosed be- tween them. There will be the desert knife, fork and spoon, the dinner knife and fork, and the tablespoon, and at the comers of the table the necessary vegetable spoons also, at each plate a goblet and individual salts, or else small salt and pepper cruets, say three of eaoh on the table in convenient places. The soup and the roast may be on the table at once, and the vegetables in cov- ered dishes on a two shelved side table con- venient to the mistress's hand, to avoid an appearance of crowding. After the soup is ser^'ed it will not be very troublesome for a servant or some member of the family, a daughter or wife's sister, to remove the tureen and soup plates to the lower shelf of the side table, and to place the vegetables on the dinner table, and presently for the servant to remove these, and bring in the coffee or tea and the dessert, and to stand them on the side table. If there is no servant sufficiently trained, this service can be quietly performed by one of the family without disturbing the comfort of the guests or the rest of the fam ily, if some method is observed and affairs have been regulated for a quiet change. In such a case that member, whether daughter or sister-in law, but not the lady of the house, will remove the vegetables, and the plates and dinner knives and forks to the side table, serve the dessert of puddinp, or pie, or what not, and place the after dinner coffee cups, cream, sugar, and coffee on a tray before the mistress of the house, and the dessert will proceed and the dinner end pleasantly. Meanwhile, from beginning to end, provided everything necessary has been placed on the two tables, there have been only two occasions for rising from the table and no apparent disturbance of the order of the dinner. Practical Eecipes. Pressed Eggs. â€" Eight eggs, boiled hard, and while hot chopped with salt and a lump of butter the size of a walnut. Press into a deep dish and serve cold. Nice Break FAST Dish. â€" To chopped, cold, boiled potatoes add a generous lump of but ter, and for a small family half a cup of thick cream put over the fire and mix and stir until very hot then serve. GiNOEK Cakes.â€" One cup each of sugar, molasses, sour cream and butter, two esfgs, rive cups flour, one tablespoonful of ginger, one teaspoonf ul each of cloves and cinna- mon, one half teaspoonf ul of nutmeg; many add raisins, one and one-half cups, seeded. White Cake.^Two cups of sugar, one cup of butter, five eggs beaten very light, one cap sweet milk, three and one-half cups of iiour, two tablespoonful s of cream of tar- tar and one of soda. Flavor with bitter al- monds or vanilla. Beef Omelette. â€" Chop the raw beef fine and put into the frying pan with a lump of butter stir until very brown, but not too well done then add several well-beaten egg.-! stir well and serve at once. If pre- ferred, it can brown on one side and be lapped over like an ordinajry egp omelette. Ciioi\:LATE Cake (Weddixg).â€" One half cupful of butter, one cupful of sugar, one cupful of sweet milk, two and one-half cup- fuls of prepared flour, the yelks of five eggs, anil the whites of two. For icing between layers, whites of three eggs, thickened with powdered sugar and one-foiiith of a cake of grated chocolate. Flavor with vanilla. Calves' Liver Fried as Oysters. â€" Cut the liver moderately thin and abo'-t the size of large oysters. Wash, put it 'nto hot water slightly salted, and let it boil five or ten minutes. Then remove it from the ket- tle, let it drain and fry as oyste.'s. Beat as many eggs as the liver will require. Dip in the egg, roll in powdered cracker and fry in hot lard or butter. Potted Shad. â€" Cut the shad in small pieces, wash and wipe dry, season each piece with salt and pepper. Pat in a deep earthen dish with whole allspice and cloves on each layer, taking care to remove the blossoms from the cloves, as these darken the vinegar. Cover them with good cold cider vinegar. Cover tichtly and place in a moderate oven for three or four honrs. Dry Bread Fritters. â€" Two cups of dry, fine bread crumbs, two tablespoonf uls pre- pared flour, half a pint or rather less of nulk, four weU-beaten eggs, half a cupful of su- gar, a tablespoonful of butter and a few currants. Boil the milk and pour over the bread, dredge the curnoits with flonr and mix all into a stiff batter. Drop into hot lard as doughnuts and send to table .in powdered sugar. Flour Podding. â€" One quart of sweet milk wet and stir smoothly into a little of this cold milk six tablespoonfols of flour. When the remainder of the milk boils, stir in this wet floor, boil ten miimtes more and set away to cooL When oold, add the well- beaten yolks of six ^gs, then the whites, which have been beaten to a foam that will pile np now beat this into the cold pud- ding until it all lodEi em and light. Bake aoother half-honr and Mtre hot. CrtBOir Gak.â€" Three em ni aoglr, otte ei butter, one of eweet milk, bnr eopa of. floor, one^haU teaipoonM of soda ana one of cream of tartar. Cut np. oneJulf ^]po^d of citron fine and tUb and the wUHh ef ten egga. Cream the batter and sugar sift the flour and add gradnalW, then the citron. Beat the eggs until atiff and add last sift the cream of tartar in the flour and disaolve the soda in a little tepid water. Beat all thoroughly before stirring in the egga. Chickex Cboquettes.- â€" Parboil the chicken, skin it and take out all the bones, mince fine. T^ke one onion and boil it un- til thoroughly done and then minoe it fine. Two or three sprigs of paraely also minced. Season the mixture with a pinch of mace, a dash of red pepper and salt to your taste. Take a pint of milk, two tablespoonf uls of com starch and two tablespoonfuls of but- ter. Pat the milk on to boil stir the corn starch and butter together and then stir into the milk. Pour this over the mince, stirring it thoroughly, and when cool mold into shapes and roll in egg and pulverized cracker and fry in hot-lard. "Cream Puffs. â€" One cup of hot water, one-half cup of butter, boil together, stirring in a cupful of dry flour while boiling. When cold add three eggs not beaten. Drop by tablespoonfuls on a buttered tin and bake in a quick oven over twenty-five minutes, being careful not to open the oven door more, than is necessary. This makes fifteen puffs. Take care that they do not touch each other. For filling, take a pint of cream, a cup of powdered sugar and whites of two eggs with flavoring of any sort preferred. When the puffs are cold, cut a round piece out of the bottom of each, scrape out the in- side fill the civity witb whipped cream, fit back the piece taken from the bottom, set on a dish and ice. Things a Housekeeper Should Enow. That salt should be eaten with nuta to aid digestion. That milk which stands too long makes bitter butter. That rusty flat-irons ahould be rubbed over with 'lees wax and lard. That it rests you in sewing to change your position frequently. That a strong hot lemonade taken at bed time will break up a bad cold. That tough beef is made tender by laying a few. minutes in vinegar 'water. That a little soda will relieve sick head- ache caused by indigestion. That a strong cup of coffee will remove the odor of onions from the breath. That well ventilated bed -rooms will pre- vent morning headaches and lassitude. That a cup of hot water drunk before meals will prevent nausea and dyspepsia. That one in a faint should be laid on the flat of his back then loosen his clothes and let him alone. That consumptive night sweats may be ar- rested by sponging the body nightly in salt water. That a fever patient can be made cool and comfortable by frequently sponging off with soda water. That to beat eggs quickly, add a pinch of salt. Salt cools, and cold eggs froth rapidly. That the hair may be kept from falling out after sickness by a frequent application to the scalp of sage tea. That you can take out spots from wash goods by rubing them with the yolk of eggs before washing. That white spots upon varnished furniture will disappear if you hold a hot plate over them. Few Definitions. Music A polite art which serves its high- est usefulness as a stimulus to conversation. Duty An obligation that rests entirely upon one's neighbor. Advice A superfluous article which every- body is eager to give away, but no one ceiresto rceive. Consistency A jewel which frequently needs re -setting. News Old women's gossip salacious scandal and secrets of domestic and conjugal life anything in the way of rumor that does not relate to public affair.?. Civility An ancient form of behavior, popular in feudal times, but unsuited to the exigencies of modem civilization. Artist A man of subtle resthetic percep- tions who attains proficiency in some such useful art as hair- dressing, or negro min- strelsy. Poetry Any metrical. composition whose merit is unrecognized by the average mag- azine editor. Economy A habit of life which enables a woman to save money in her domestic ex- penditures in order that her husband may keep up his end at the club. Culture: The pursuit ofsocial folly having its origin in the love of singularity. Keen as a Bazor. Countrymanâ€"" That feller in the tele- graph oliioe up there, thought he was mighty smart, but I fooled him. " Policemanâ€"" You did How " Countryman â€" "Oh, easy enough. Yon see I went in here yesterday to send a message to Toronto and told him what I wanted. ' Vll right,' sez he. ' Seventy-five cents.' So I paid him the seventy-five cents, and I'll be hanged if he did a thing but rap that old brass clicker of his fifteen or twenty times and then hang the message on a hook." Policeman â€" " Well, do you call that fool- ing him " Countrymanâ€" "You just hold on, and I'll tell yon. To-day I wanted to send another message to Toronto, but I'll be hanged if 1 wanted to pay seventy-five cents. So I went up to theoffice, kinder perlite like an' sez I • Mister,' sez I, ' there's a young lidy outside as sez the wants to speak to J01. I'll tend office for you while you're gone.* Well, air, he bit ri^ht away. Off e went in a hurry, and before he got back I had plenty of tin-.e to clink his old brass machine all I wanted and hang toy meswee on the hook, just a) he did the day b^e. I knew they got it too, at the other end, fo^ the minute I got through the old ma- chine went to clicking I^e bine blues, ' much 's to say, 'All right, old man, we hear yon.' Oh, 1 fooled him good, I did. Your Uncle Peter Uves in Wayback, bat he ain't no fool, he ain't, by along chalk no lir-ee " "^^ flflAl^F^^ \JfitrnsbOB. of Malaria ia jnsttyconaideied a dreaded dis- ae. While it ia not geHftndly fatid, yet it has an injuriona effect on the conatitution, ao tiiat the childrwi of pneons who have auffared from it are leaa robnat than others. For many years the inhabttants of malarial regions have understood the value of certain precautions, and that it was possible to avoid, and of ten to greatly diminish the in- jury done by the poison. There are two classes of preventive meaaores, which have become traditional witii some races. The firat class includes all thoae methods which very materially reduce the quantity of mal- aria penetrating the lungs, and of the water infused with germs of tiie diaeaae, which have been taken into the aystem through the stomach. The second class is composed of Huch remedies as cnab 3 the system to el- iminate the germs in the shortest possible time before they can do much harm. The number of malarial germs in the at- mosphere of the malarions country varies greatly in differemt honrs of the day, and in different seasons of the year. It is supposed that they are most extant at dawn of day and in the early part of the evening, and that the least number, are found at noon. Ii is generally understood that malaria does not rise many feet above the surface of the soil. The only exception is when prevailing winds and currents may carry it up mount- ain dopes or bills. Travelers who haye visited the Pontine marshes in the vicinity of Rome, one of tbe most dangerous malarial districts in the world, have been struck with the large number of platforms raised from twenty to thirty feet. These are places of safety where unfortunate people obliged to work on this poisonous soil may pass the night during the malarial season. The. natives of Central America when obliged to spend the night in a badly infect- ed locality, hang their hammocks high above the ground. More than probable it was this custom which suggested to the engi- neers, managing the building of the Panama Railroad, the idea of setting up little houses for the workmen in trees. House-plants cultivated in pots filled with malarious earth are a constant danger. Germs grow lux- uriously in the moisture and warm air of closed rooms, and may be a fruitful source of the malady. The second means of prevention, elimin- ating those germs which have gained admit- tance to the body, is also an important sub- ject to consider. One of the first things to act upon, is to maintain the highest con- ditions of bodily vigor and an active and equal circulation and exposure to cold, gives the poison time to develop in the blood and produces its worst effects. The food sh uld be nourishing and taken in such quantities as can be digested. The skin should be kept active by bathing and friction. Warm baths may be used to stimulate it to special activity and to restore warmth and cold baths to give tone when necessary. In some cases drinkine hot lemonade has proven very beneficial. The clothing should be woolen and sufficient to guard against chill, and the bowels should be regular. Malfuria weakens and demoralizes the nervous system and this should be guarded against by cul- tivating the will power. Turkish baths as a preventive measure may be favorably mentioned. The copious perspiration thus induced, brings the poison out of the body in a remarkable manner. Chronic cases are cured quicker by Turkish baths than by medicines. We may say finally, that the best Way to guard against malaria is to keep away from the regions thus infected. Serious Bums. When a serious burn occurs, the clothes must be removed as soon tus the fire is extin- guished. The first consideration should be to get the clothes off, without pulling, as the least dragging brines the skin too. The in- jured part should be thoroughly drenched with water, and the clothes cut away. If any part of the garment sticks, let it re- main. Dip cloths in a thick solution of common baking soda water, and place over the burnt surface, bandaging lightly so as to keep them in place. As soon as a dry spot appears on this dressing, wet it again by squeezing some scda and water over it. As the saturating will exclude the air there will be no smarting. A rubber heet, a piece of oil cloth, a gossamer 'cloak, or any water- proof article can be spread on the bed with a blanket over it to receive the sufferer. Should the feet be cold heat must be applied to them, and a little stimulant given if the pulse is weak. It is well to have the bed covering warm and light. A doctor should be called without much delay. A burn is serious in proportion to the amount of sur- face involved. A deep bum is not as dan- gerous as a superficial one twice the size. In severe bums, pain is an encouraging sign it shows there ia still vitality left. Scalds may be treated in much the same way. Sweet oil may be poured over the suiface and covered with notir. Anything that excludes air will relieve pain. Patienta suffering from such accidents should have concentrated, nourishing food â€" and as much as they can take with ease. In order to do the necessary repairing, nature must have plenty of material with which to accomplish it. Only doctors should prescribe opiates. The Sepulohial Quest Chambtt. Even more dangerous to life and health than the unused parlor, is the guest cham- ber or " qpare room," which is occupied on rare occasions only. To go to bed in an un- warmed room, where the bed has been made up for days, weeks, of even months, is quite as dangerous to life as to stand in a draft when in a dripping persphration, or to take a sea bath alter a hearty dinner. So, good housekeeper, you can keep your spare bed in all ita oravery of silk quilt, knitted counterpane and pillow shams, but let the sheets lie folded with the rest of yonr bed clothing until your guest comes, then air them ThoronghTy, aa also the comfort- ables and blankets, and make the bed and if it be a cold winter night give him for a bedfellow a warm flatiron well wrapped, or a hot water bottle, and he will feel that his welcome is a genuine and a hearty one. And at the time for him to riae, 4 warning knock u^n his door, with the information that a pitcher of hot water atanda at his threaholi, will make him thrice glad, and he will give yon hia heartfelMhanka. TheUseofloduM. As a ample familv remedy, the tincture of iodine ahonld be always in the house, and a aaall camel's hair bruh, with which to mafy it To radlM ipflHnm«i»n all i^da where theildn isonhmken, nothing ,ia moca vainaowib nd: it may be awie to aeire the nupMe of wiona Kinds «f ponl- ticea or puatera. It ia of a vwj dark, purplish color, bat tile preptfadonknown aa colorleaa iodine may be pBrcbaaed and can be need with greater freedom tiian the darker liquid. For thenmatiam,- paint twice a day, as long as the akin does not blister. For aore throat, paint the external aorfaoe, and good results will quickly follow. The ad- vice of a physician upon its use for boils was as follows " Never let a boil come to a head if it can be prevented. • The system ia poisoned more than relieved by the eruption. When anythintc appeara at all resembling a boil, paint it with iodine and drive it away, if possible." The liquid is a poison, and should be handled with care, and placed where it could be mistaken by no possibility for any- thing else. Bemedy for Inntile Bronchitis. A correspondent tells us of a remedy for that dread disease which is a terror to so many mothers. We are informed that it has been used very successfully on children who are subject to croupy coughs, and it is so simple of manufacture and inexpensive, that it can be made without the least diffi- culty. The recipe is as follows Procure two ounces of spikenard root, two ounces of rock candy, one ounce of best brandy, and two teaspoonfnls of syrup â€" not molasses. Immerse the spikenard root in a quart of water and boil down to a pint. Strain, and then add the rock candy and syrup. Replace on the stove and heat slowly until rock candy is dissolved. Remove, and when cool add the brandy. Shake the mix- ture and it is ready for use. Dose a tea- spoonful whenever cough is troublesome. The total cost, excepting the syrup, should not exceed twenty-five cents â€" ten cente for the spikenard root, five for rock candy, and ten for brandy. To Bonnie Bosedale. TOROSTO'S SYLVAN SUBtTRB. Bonnie Rosedale 1 I must sing: Of thj' beauty rare, By the atream meanderini; Through the valleys fair Thou art truly Nature's book Bound in livings grreen, Hill and dale and quiet nook â€" Home of t^lora's queen 1 Here the swallows first appear Telling us of Sprinfr. Early 8nowirop8 seek to cheer- Birds to build and ain? I Here the youngf leaves first embower Thy fairy -like ravine. First to bud and last to flower Nature here is seen. Sweet to walk thy leafy glade 'Neath the silver moon, There the lover and the maid Find their hearts in tune To the music and the words Of a lover's dream To the singing of the birds And the whispering stream. Bonnie Kosedale t sweet retreat From the city's din From its toil and dust and heat. Let me enter in â€" There to revel in thy beauty. Wreaths of praise entwine Gather strength for toil and duty,. At thy sylvan shrine 1 John- Ihbie. The Old Church. BT MACDIL. RADFORD, AOP.D 14. Into the ivy-ooveted church â-  I wandered one bright day, The birds sang sweetly, fiowers smfled. And all around was gay. But my henrt was sad and weary. And filled with bitter pain, For the sunshine had lefi my life, "Ne'er to return again. So I restlessly wandered 'round, Trying in vain to still The bitter feelings which arose Within me 'gainst my will. When suddenly the old organ, With deep, mBsical roll. Gave forth, in pchest harmony, Grand toTinds which thrilled my s:ul It seemed that voices of angels Came to me from among Th-se sounds in heavenly tweetneas, and These were the words they suog :â€" " Earthly trials are stepping stones. Which lead us up above, Vhich show us in a clearer light Our heavenly Father's love. " Then to that Father turn your soul, And joy with your griefs blend, Fqr heav'n's the home of the true heart, And there all sorrows end." The music ceased. I knew tliat 'twas A message to me sent From Hea\"n, and turned from the church And went my wayâ€" content. Parted. The dream has passed, and we must live apart O God the thought, I and my lonely heart. Why did I love with sudh passion for me' all iovs arefled; " " Better not to existâ€" than to wish that I were dead. For what is lite worth living apart from the pleaaures of love, 1^ .«MM When I have lost my hope of Heaven and all the joys above My anguished heart cries out in paiD,0 God, if this be ao. Would I still find meroy if I should end my woe Yet the world is fuU of sadnessâ€" others have suffered as I, Have ttiey Riven np as easily? and said, "I wish to A better thought comes to me, I will raise mv eyes above ' And say. my God, have mercy and chasten my sinful love. " Until We Meet in Heaven." â€"Skakespeare. BT KORA LADSHBR. In the golden light ot antomn Oft we rambled, you and I, While sweet birds were swiftly wingimr To their hornet, 'neath the blue sky. Now, I wander, love, without you In the dreary winter night, AU is cold and sad withont you. All is mist and darkest blight. â-  b.t I wonder if ybnr spirit Can look itown fram Heaven above- P^rhap) yon star so brightly beaming ' ^. Ib your eye Of fondest love. Oh, eye! Oh.ctarI What e'er you ai« I 'haU soon your beaut see; Heart* a dearest, tho' thou art so far Death wiU bring me neir to thee. â€" F«r the Tear 18ST No better ruolntion can bs made than to reaut baying any of the mbstitntea offwed •â-  "joat aa good" aa the great oily sure- pop oom cnreâ€" Pntnam'a Pdaleaa Goti Ex m«tor. It never USSm to rave aatiafiwstion. oewm of pdflonons fle^ eatimr aobati* tntea. -»«•" A JfOUJ^AanCYST^^^fc^jJ^ Tke Sttn^iffe Hckt Scea by Himtcrs Partiea pfcturnuig from hunting t. I the mountains teU strange tales rfii^l perience when miles 'T^y from moantain liens, 4c, but by far I** weird story we have heard is told k." well-known young men of this "' ' were on a prospectmg tour ^a ' weeks since near Cobblestone moto " the northern boundary of this The story they tellâ€" and they are* take their oath on the truth of th"" ment â€" is about as follows One cold night they were simultiA awakened about 12 o'clock by tlie • i crackling brush that had been throwT"' fire. They arose in a sitting po3t„^\4 saw the figure of an Indian woman st» by the fire. She was dressed ina^vS gaily colored material that almost re, her feet. A glistening necklace evia oftrold and silver, enriched her 'neck hanging pendent from this were a nninv j bear's claws. Her black hair reached U her waist. In her ears were laroe U^ rinps of gold. Upon Beeii_ men instinctively reached for hisriiebvl! side, while the other stared in aa ment^ at seeing such a sight in the dead* the night and thirty miles from any hon! When the figure saw the motion madt i reach the rifle she motioned for them to fire and moved down the trail, beckom, to them, but they were too dumbfounded] follow. The next morning they followed the l and after much difficulty, traced the [m, prints to the base of a high cliff abooti mile from their camp. The rest of the sto told is to this efiect: " When I awoktl said one of the young men, " I was horrifiJ I couldn't move to save my life. I was fn with astonishment. The next morniDg discussed the matter and determined i investigate. So the next night we tookod blankets and went to the base of the cliff, j about midnight, thesame hour the finirea peared tous, we 3aw a bright phosphoresctâ€" light on the brow of the cliff, and I amtnl we heard a voice calling 'MeeneeahlMettI eeah ' several times. This is the stranjsl experience I ever passed through. I nevgl have believed in ghosts, but I would hkea know what this was. If it was a vamM how did she come there at that time, " miles from civilization." An old Indian tradition is to the eSeg that many, many years ago an Indian maidi â€" Meeneeab, the only daughter of ac â€" was lost in this region and stirred i death near the place called squaw flstl It is said that different camping parties mi seen the phosphorescent light spoken of i the vicinity where these young men weR| camped. Can it be a parellel case with of the Indian woman abandoned on ijul Nicholas Island for eighteen years ' Charming Away a Toothache- W^e happened lately to meet a yoiqi well-to-do and well-educated farmer inil market town not on a market day, ai the course of conversation casually i what particular business he had on hasil "A very bad toothache," he replied. The| next and natural question was to inquire!! he had "been and had it out." Blushing tol his eyes he said: "I dare say you'll thiull me very foolish, sir, but I've been to a wisel man to have the pain charmed away. Folkil say he's wonderful at that sort of thing, »â-  I thought I might as well 0ve him a triaLT This announcement being received with si burst of laughter he evidently expected, hel hastily added, "Believe it or not as you like,! sir, as soon as he said something the pakl went away, and I've been easy ever since." It was worse than useless to explain the I well-known effect on the nerves, of a visit I to any sort of dental operator, and the agri cnlturist wended his way to spread abroad! the fame of his healer, and no doubt to suffer renewed agonies as soon as he got h It may be added that under no circumstances I will a countryman, if he can help it,.have8l tooth taken out by a regular practitioner- a baker, grocer, or blacksmith, with a local reputation of being "uncommon handy," is almost always resorted to for this extrem- measure. It is but another form of provieo I cial superstition. The Afghan Bonndarj Settled. The report that Russia was collecting I military stores on the Afghan border withal view of active operations has been quickly! followed by another, that the boundai7 dis pute with England has been peacefully settled. The frontier claimed by R:issiaon the north-west dnring the last dispute ran from Khoja Sale, on the Oxus, to and across the Murghab, above Penjdeh, and so on to the Persian frontier just north of Kusan. It would now appear that Russia makes con- cessions on that frontier, which is an import- ant one, being close upon Berat, and in ex- change gets possession of a -southerly branch of the Oxus on the nor *h -eastern frontier, hitherto held by the Afghans. AYhether the Ameer has been consultedj^in the raatta does not appear, but beyond doubt any agreement that the two European powers have come to must be accepted by Afghan- istan. To all appearance the quantity of territory thus said to be exchanged at the north-east and north-west cannot be very great and if it really results in a binding compact which will effectually define the limit of Russian advance, a great triumph of peaceful diplomacy will have been reach- ed. But scepticism as to the lasting qaali- ty of any such arrangements is pardon- able. ♦ Washed With Gold Cream- A peculiarity of Madame Patti's toilet haa been revealed. It appears that when she goes to her bath, which she takes at about five o'clock on the evenings when she sings, she never allows the water to touch her neck andface,'although thereat of her body is relig- iously immersed. She ha a singular theory that hot or cold water produces wrinkle*" and it is certainly some sort of proof that her theory is correct that, in spite of being con- siderably over forty years of age, there b not a wrinkle visible upon her neck, throati orface. Of course she inaiats that she k^eps eqaf*' ly clean by means of cold cream, which sW naea in^ofRou quantities, generally spre"' ing itm borfaeeandneck, and leaving it tnf« whUslier uaM goea through the hair-dretfi« Vtnc m m, often a period of an hour or so- Ren the cold craam ia taken off very osre- fnlly with a towel, and Madame Patti cob- aidera heraelf gashed. ii^li^ Ii