idea that when a tree gets mossy and barkbound-the latter but another term for want of growth, and weakness consequent upon neglected cultivation-it is only necessary to slit the bark up and down the stem with a jackknife, and it will at once spread out and grow. This is sheer nonsense. Dig about and cultivate the roots, and the bark will take care of itself; with a scraping off of the moss and a washing of the stem with ley or soapsuds, or chamber slops, which is quite as good. The increased flow of the sap, induced by a liberal feeding of the roots, will do its bursting of the "hidebound" bark, which is simply its enfeebled condition as a consequence of its poverty of root. 132-Wedding-Ring Finger. G.-The origin of wearing the wedding-ring upon the fourth finger of the left hand, has been much disputed. The most reasonable inference as to the origin of wearing the ring on the left hand, however, appears to be a matter of convenience. Macrobius, a Latin author of the fifth century, says: "At first it was both free and usual to wear rings on either hand; but after that luxury increased, when precious gems and rich insculptures were added, the custom of wearing them on the right hand was translated unto the left; for that hand being less employed, thereby they were best preserved. And for the same reason they placed them on this finger, for the thumb is too active a finger, and is too commonly employed with either of the rest. ye 133-Handwriting. T. In the several volumes of the Family Friend, you will find repeated injunctions with regard to writing for the press. "Of all things," humorously observes Hood, "be legible, and to that end practice in penmanship. Be sure to buy the best paper, the best ink, the best pens, and then sit down and do the best you can; as the schoolboys doput out your tongue and take pains. So shall haply escape the rash rejection of a jaded editor; so, having got in your hand, it is possible that your head may follow; and so, last not least, ye may fortunately avert those awful mistakes of the press, which sometimes ruin a poet's sublimest effusion, by pantomimically transforming his 'roses' into 'noses,' his angels' into 'angles,' and all his 'happiness' into 'pappiness.'" 134-Cage-Birás. T. C H.-Reared birds are exposed to several maladies, partly because their first nourishment consists of unnatural food, and partly also because pet birds have all kinds of delicacies given to them. They therefore rarely attain to the age of six years. They remain most healthy, and live longest, when they have neither sugar nor pastry, nor other delicacies given to them, but are fed constantly upon rape-seed, intermixed occasionally, by way of treat, with hemp, and occasionally a little green food, which cleanses their stomachs. They are more healthy also if they have some water and sand placed in the cage, that they may pick up grains to assist in the process of digestion. The remedy for moulting is a rusty nail placed in the drinking vessel, good food and ant's eggs, if accustomed to the latter when young. 135-Tooth-brushes. E. J.-There can be no difficulty in obtaining good tooth-brushes from any respectable dealer, provided judgment is used in the selection. There are several points to consider. The size should be proportioned to that of the mouth in which it is to be used: not so great, but that it may be passed with perfect facility between the cheek and the teeth; and not too broad, for then. it will act too much upon the gums. The bristles should be so cut that the face of the brush presents a surface somewhat rounded from side to side. This enables the rubbing ends to be brought in closer contact with the teeth, particularly at the sides of the jaw; and in cleansing their juner surface, which has to be done of course, with the end of the brush. They ought to be of a medium stiffness, hard enough to do their work, but not enough so to unpleasantly scratch the gums. 136-Contentment. C. F. H.-You are not at all likely to attain your object with the disappointed feelings you seem to entertain. While providing for the reverses which are the common lot of all in life, it is well to look on the bright side of every object, and not to view humanity with a one-sided glance. Keep your heart aright, and fulfil your duties to God and tc man, and you may then proceed calmly through life. The following lines convey the same truth: Some murmur when their sky is clear If one small speck of dark appear The darkness of their night. And all good things denied ; 137-Personal Defects. C. C. M.-All personal defects should be held sacred; and, so far from indulging in mockery or laughter, they should not even be commented upon, or referred to unnecessarily. No expression of disapprobation is too strong for you to use to your young companions, whenever they fall into this fault. It is not sufficient that you do not share in it, you should express your utter abhorrence of the practice. 138-Meat Biscuit. W. C.-This is an excellent invention, and could not be too widely diffused. It is a combination of the best wheat flour with the nutriment of the finest beef, and is used as food in the form of a dry, inodorous, flat brittle cake, which will keep, when dry, for an unlimited period. It only requires hot water and seasoning to the taste to produce a first-rate, agreeably flavoured, nutritious soup, somewhat of the consistence of sago. 139-Pansies. H.-The two wild species of pansy, are the little yellow common heart's-ease (viola tricolor), and the mountain pansy. The former is common in hedges, but especially frequent in cornfields. It is in bloom during the whole of the summer; and although varying considerably in size and colour it is easily distinguished from any other species of violet, and is always shaped like the garden heart's ease. Our garden pansies have been introduced from various parts of the continent. 140-Sisters. W.C.-Elder sisters exert a very great influence over the young children of a family, either for good or for evil. If you are impatient, unfair in your judgments, or assume too much authority, you injure the tempers of these little ones, make them jealous of their rights, and render your own position a very unpleasant one; whereas, if you are patient and kind, and found your pretensions to dictate, not on your age, but on truth and justice, the younger children will readily allow your claims. 141-Care of the Nails. G.-The care of the nails adds greatly to the beauty of the hand. The white spots you complain of are occasioned by injury, a blow, etc., and will gradually disappear at the end. The nails should be well brushed with soap and water, and, when quite dry, with lemon-juice, to be washed off again with clean water. Pare back the scarf skin at the root, but never cut it, or you will have nail springs, as they are called, an untidy, and sometimes very uncomfortable appendage to the root of the nail. 142-Pianos. M. J. J.-Very few pianos will remain three months in a state fit for daily use; all, more or less, are affected by atmospheric changes, and ought to be frequently drawn up. They should be kept at "concert pitch;” and a pupil could easily be instructed to discover when the instrument required tuning, by means of a C tuning fork; by striking which sharply (not violently) at the tip, and then sounding the C natural octave above middle C, while the vibration still continues from the fork, any discrepancy may be detected by listening to the two sounds. 143-Preparations for Planting. T. W. M.-In the preparation of ground for planting and for grass there is a difference of requirement. Plantations can hardly have too much good soil. A thorough provision of suitable and mellow earth will almost neutralize the disadvantages of climate or situation, and keep plants always flourishing and healthy. For lawns, on the other hand, a light, shallower, and poorer soil, if it be properly drained and worked previously to sowing, will be preferable, as tending to keep down undue luxuriance, and promote the growth of the finer grasses, and check the development of rank weeds. 144-Characters of Servants. W. T.-Giving a false character of a servant is punishable by law. On this subject, a writer justly says:-"It cannot be doubted that many of the evils of which mistresses complain would be remedied if they would invariably adhere to giving just and faithful characters. Every servant should be told, when hired, that the whole of her conduct will be communicated to her next mistress: it is a false and ill-judging lenity that dictates an opposite conduct, and is eventually injurious to both parties. Every one would wish to receive a faithful character when she applies for it herself, and should therefore be conscientious in giving it, nor conceal even little faults, of which there would be fewer, if this conduct were more generally adopted." 145-Manners of Children. C. E.-Nothing can justify the want of respect in the manners of children to parents, of pupils to teachers, of the young to the aged; not even faults of character in the individuals claiming such deference and regard. It is due to yourself to treat the relation with respect, and the more perfectly proper your manners are, the greater will be your influence. There is nothing in the whole circle of domestic relations so lovely, so pure, so honourable to both parties, as the respectful, affectionate, and confidential intercourse of some young women with their parents. So much of safety and happiness is gained by being open and confidential with the natural guardians of your youth, that it is worth while to make some sacrifices to it of momentary repugnance and fastidiousness of taste. is found drunk is fined, for the first offence, three dollars; and for the second, six dollars; for the third or fourth, imprisonment is added to the fine, and deprived of the right of voting at the elections, or holding office, and exposure to the church on Sunday. If the same individual is found committing the same offence a fifth time, he is imprisoned six months and condemned to hard labour. If a professor of religion, it is still more severe, and he is cut off from the church. Whoever is convicted of intoxication, is fined three dollars, which sum is doubled for every offence. An ecclesiastic who falls under the 146-Bores. L.-We agree with you that the most troublesome of this stamp is the inquisitive bore. It is no use to seem to be angry, for such individuals generally possess a surprising equanimity themselves. Some pointed retort will have more effect; at least, such was the case with Charles Lamb, who, travelling once in a stage-coach, had for a fellow traveller a simplelooking man, who must have been either a farmer, or in some way connected with agriculture. During the route he pestered Lamb with questions about the crops, to which the poet, who knew nothing of the matter, was in no condition to reply. "Pray, sir," said he, at,offence, loses his benefice. It is strictly forbidlength, "how do you think turnips will be this year?" "That, sir," replied Lamb, who stuttered and whom his questions had rendered almost petulant, and who as he spoke, gazed steadfastly at his tormentor, "that, sir, will entirely de-p-p-pend upon the b-b-b-boiled legs of mutton." The disconcerted farmer looked at him with astonishment and dismay, and did not utter another syllable during the remainder of the journey. 147-Sea-bathing. M.-To have the greatest benefit from sea-bathing, it is proper to remain but a very short time in the water-not exceeding two or three minutes. If longer, the body should be kept immersed under the surface the whole time, and in constant motion, in order to promote the circulation of the blood, from the centre to the extremities. It is much better to remain completely immersed in deep than to take repeated plunges in shallow water. On coming out, the body should be wiped dry with a rough cloth, and the ordinary dress resumed as quickly as possible. It is more necessary to replace the usual vestments quickly than to be extremely anxious that the surface of the skin is perfectly dry, as any wetness from salt water is not likely to be prejudicial. After bathing, use moderate exercise to promote the return of the heat of the body, taking care that it shall neither be violent nor too long continued. If chilliness occasionally ensues, breakfast soon after bathing in the morning; or in the forenoon, some warm soup or broth may be taken and remember, that if immersion, instead of being succeeded by a glow on the surface of the skin, is followed by chilliness, languor, or headache, bathing in the sea should by no means be persisted in. 148-Intemperance. H. M. J.-We quite agree with you that the legislature ought to provide more efficient means for the repression of intemperance and its concomitant evils. Other countries would afford some suggestive hints to our senators, in this respect. In Sweden, whoever den to give or sell spirituous liquors to students, servants, or apprentices. Whoever is found drunk in the streets, or making a disturbance in a public house, is imprisoned and fined; one half of the fine goes to the informer, and the other half to the poor. Twice in a year these ordinances are read aloud in the churches by the clergy, and every tavern-keeper is bound to keep a copy hung up in the principal room of his house, under heavy fines. Under these regulations, scarcely a drunkard is to be found. 149-Calisthenics for the Young. W. H. T.The calisthenic exercises explained in the pages of our present volume are applicable to the youth of both sexes. Leaping, under proper regulations, is a healthful exercise for boys, which may be agreeably varied by the use of poles, jumping to a distance, or springing over a bar. When poles are used, the muscles of the arm, as well as those of the leg, are exercised; care should, however, be taken that the poles are sufficiently strong to bear the weight of the leaper; and where a bar is used, it must not be fixed, but moveable. Two square posts are to be fixed upright in the earth about six feet apart, and pierced with holes, each one six inches above the other, to any required height. The bar is made to rest upon pegs inserted in these holes, and if the jumper run from the opposite side to that on which the pegs are placed, he avoids the risk of injury should his foot happen to strike the bar, as the latter immediately falls. The revolving cross or turnabout, also affords agreeable diversion, especially to the young; this is made in the form of a turn-stile, about 12 feet in height, the arms being proportionately long: from the end of each arm a strong rope hangs to within a convenient distance of the ground, having a loop or short piece of wood attached horizontally to the lower extremity. One or two players may cling to each of these cross-sticks, and running rapidly round take long flying leaps, and perform other evolutions at pleasure. To our Correspondents.-We must claim the indulgence of our friends for such of their communications as have not yet, owing to a want of space, been answered. The numerous letters we receive, many of them requiring deliberate attention and research, render it impossible to satisfy inquiries so soon as we could wish. In our next volume, however, we shall make such arrangements as will facilitate the operations of this useful department of our miscellany. 150- British Museum Library. W. — ' This national library takes rank with those of Vienna, Berlin, and Dresden, and is inferior only to those of Munich and Paris. 151-Aspect of a House. G. M. H.-The prin. cipal aspect of a house, like that of the garden, snould be as nearly as possible south-east. This will allow of the entrance being on the northwest side, the breakfast-room or library having a south-east aspect, the drawing - room with a south-east and a south-west window, and the dining-room looking north-east or north-west, which is perhaps the best arrangement. kitchen and offices be on the ground-floor, they can be kept on the north-east side of the house, where the yard will also be situated. If the 152--Varnished Leather. T.-Though the difficulty of making a bright varnish adhere to leather, which is required to bend freely and retain an unbroken surface, is considerable, it has been successfully overcome by the use of boiled linseed oil, mixed with vegetable black and Prusian blue to deepen the colour. This composition, the consistence of a thick paste, is rubbed on to the surface of the leather by hand, and dried in a stove heated to 150 and 170 degrees, Fahr. The operation is repeated from three to seven times according to the nature of the leather, and when the varnish is thoroughly dry, it is found to adhere very firmly, and to bear considerable tension without fracture. bonate of soda will of course much improve its keeping qualities. It should also, after this, be kept as cool as possible. 154-Lace-Making. H. S. S.-The spinning of the fine thread used for lace-making in the Netherlands is an operation demanding so high a degree of minute care and vigilant attention, that it is impossible it can ever be taken from human hands by machinery. None but Belgian fingers are skilled in this art. The very finest sort of this thread is made in Brussels, in damp, under-ground cellars; for it is so extremely delicate, that it is liable to break by contact with the dry air above ground; and it is obtained in good condition only when made and kept in a humid subterraneous atmosphere. There are numbers of old Belgian thread-makers who, like spiders, have passed the best part of their lives spinning in cellars. This sort of occupation naturally has an injurious effect on the health, and therefore, to induce people to follow it, they are highly paid. 155-The King Charles Spaniel. M. E.-The breed of this interesting little dog has been carefully preserved by the Duke of Norfolk. The present duke is said to possess two varieties of the King Charles, of great beauty. They are on a familiar footing at Arundel Castle, and are admitted to the apartment in which the duke dines; and his grace has been known to select the first cuts for them off the joints of which he himself was partaking. They are introduced into nearly all the family pictures. The Queen and Prince Albert are said to be enthusiastic admirers of these beautiful little creatures, and a superb kennel has been erected for them at Windsor. King Charles and Blenheim spaniels have been bought in London at from 150 to 200 guineas. The former is distinguished by the shortness of the muzzle, the round and bulletlike shape of the head, the prominent eyes, length of ears, and colour black and tan. 156-Training of Birds to Fly. W. E.-The supposed instructions given by the parent birds to their young, in the art of flying, are parallel with those given by ducks in the art of swimming. According to Bounet's theory, the pro 153-Preservation of Milk. T. S. I.-Fifteen grains of the carbonate of magnesia in a quart of milk will not give it any very unpleasant taste, and will certainly prevent its acidulation and curdling. Carbonate of soda will have a simi-gressive method by which the young swallows lar effect; and it is thought by some to improve the tendency of the cream to separate from the milk. Another plan is to place the new milk in bottles, and insert them in a pan on the fire, immersed in cold water, until the water boils. The air in the bottles thus becomes rarified, and if corked up hot, will be kept for a considerable time in a state of comparative freshness, to be used immediately the bottles are opened. The addition of a few grains of car are introduced to their proper habits is very curious. They first, but not without some difficulty, emerge from the shaft; for a day or two they are fed on the chimney top, and then are conducted to the dead leafless bough of some neighbouring tree, where, sitting in a row, they are attended by the parents with great assiduity. In a day or two after this, they are strong enough to fly; but they continue still unable to take their own food. They, there fore, play about near the place where the dams are watching for flies; and when a mouthful is collected, at a certain signal, the dam and the nestling advance, rising towards each other and meeting at an angle, the young one all the while uttering such a short, quick note of gratitude and complacency, that a person must have paid very little regard to the wonders of nature who has not remarked this scene. 157-Sun-Dials. E. H. P.-Sun-dials of iron or brass may be purchased at very reasonable prices, or may be made of marble, slate, or freestone; and when set in an unshaded part of the garden, and mounted on a column, somewhat similar to our illustration, and around which some flowering plant has been trained to climb, it will form a very pleasing object. It is worth mentioning, that in England, the sun-dial does not give the exact time of our reckoning, which is artificial, except at the equinoxes, being one portion of the year too fast, and another too slow, for our clocks. The French always regulate by the sun, and have, therefore, to be con. tinually changing their time-pieces. 158-Treatment of Children. W. J. M.-Many of the questions you have proposed should be submitted to a medical practitioner, who alone can guide you in such matters. The physical and mental treatment of children is a subject too comprehensive. for our pages. Volumes have been written upon the subject; in fact, the theme is exhaustless. The ancient physicians by no means omitted to lay down rules for the guidance of their disciples on such matters. Paulus Egineta, a Greek, supposed to bave lived during the latter portion of the sixth, or commencement of the seventh century, and who records not only the opinions of his predecessors, from Hippocrates downward, but of his Arabian contemporaries, has expressed himself to the following effect: "Infants and children, when weaned, are to be allowed to live merrily and without restraint; their food ought to be light, and their exercise gentle; after six or seven years of age, both boys and girls ought to be consigned over to teachers of a mild and benevolent disposition, as such per sons will impart instruction to them in a cheer ful manner, and without constraint; for relax tion of the mind contributes much to the growth of the body. Boys twelve years of ag should go to teachers of grammar and geometry, and get their bodies hardened by gymnastic exercises. From fourteen to twenty-one their employment will be the study of mathematics, and first principles of philosophy. At the same time, however, it will be proper to use more exercise for strengthening the body; so that, exercising both mind and body, they may be kept more effectually from yielding to impulse. 159-Fumigating Bee-Hives. S. G.-"Fumigation" is a word employed by bee-keepers to express the process in which, by the aid of certain intoxicating smoke, the insects become temporarily stupified, in which state they are perfectly harmless, and inay be deprived of their honey without any risk or trouble. They subsequently soon recover from their stupification, and are none the worse for it. Rags steeped in a solution of saltpetre, or a few tobacco leaves wrapped in brown paper, will do. If, however, tobacco is used, care is necessary, lest the fumigation be carried to too great an extent, so as to cause the death of some of your stock. Persons not accustomed to deal with bees should wear an overall of thin gauze over the head and breast, and gloves on their hands. With this, and a little bottle of aqua- ammonia, or aqua-potassa, to be used in case of their being stung, they have no cause for trepidation. For the process of fumigation, you should have a small tin box, with a tube extending from each of the two opposite ends; one end of this tube being so fashioned that it can readily be inserted into the hive, and the other so formed that it can readily be attached to the tube of an ordinary bellows, as in the annexed engraving. You will find ample details on this, and, in fact, on all that concerns the apiary, in a shilling book, entitled, "The Hive and the Honey Bee," by H. D. Richardson. We refer you to this work for a solution of the other questions on the same subject. |