Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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TRI-WEEKLY EDITION. WINNSBORO. S. 0.. MAY 17, 1883. ESTABLISHED 1848 Ml A PAY. fresh, and the daisies small, SilvV, -the lawn with their scarlets fair; But the mor*imis of noon shall be stately and talh^*-^^ ' Tropical, luscious, firnrA'il M rare: .. Ah well! Noon shall he gorgeous beyond compare. Noon, and the sky is a blinding glare; The flowers have fainted while we liave strayed; W T e wandered too far to tend them there, And they drooped for lack of the dew and shade; Ah well! Evening shall right the mistake we made. Evening; ’tis chilly in meadow and glade, The last pale rose has died in the west; The happy hour is long delayed; Our wandering is hut a long unrest; Ah well! W'e will home to the fireside. Home blest. is Nothing hut ashes gray? No blest, Faint glimmer of light on roof or wall? A weary search was this long-day quest, And on empty hands the shadows fall; % Ah well! Let ns creep to bed and forget it all. WHY HE MARRIED HER. any one not a clergyman would dare you have heard them—there, there, give, for their own neglect; indeed, the don’t break a soldier’s word for tin Bake good rector’s Indignation cost him two families who Inad always occupied very of being polite.” '•I have heard scarcely anything and iliHid anfi'rfflg. I will believe nothing Everybody at Muyport said that no body knew why Col. Reave married Eu nice Perrang. Everything but her looks seemed to be against the girl. Even her name was used to her detriment, for no one ever heard it anywhere else as that of any family, either good or bad, unless, perhaps, it was a corrup tion of the French Perrin, in which, case it implied that the young woman’s own branch of the family must have fallen very low to have accepted so vulgar a pronunciation. But the name was only the beginning of Miss Perrang’s drawback. Her father had nothing but money—gained by compounding liquors—to make him prominent at Mayport, and in spending this his taste was so bad that he seldom succeeded in not being offensive. His wife was a handsome woman who was not without dignity, but an unfortunate fondness for opium and other stimulants had occasionally caused her to act so strangely when in company that invita tions to her parties became more and more productive of regrets, and they were returned less and less. When, suddenly, Mis, Perrang realized her position she changed her set for the one of which her husband was most fond, and her habits also changed for the worse. People did not drop Eunice as thor- oughhly as they did her parents. W hile at school the girls s high spirits, good temper and generosity made her a favorite, and as she was handsome as well as lively the young men joined their sisters in defending her whenettfkl they heard her alluded to merely asr “as one of the Perrangs.” Beside, there were many mothers and fathers who pitied the girl and weie quite will ing that their own family circles should make some amends to her for what she lacked at home. But as she became a woman and found herself the favorite of most y oung u en jn the town, many maidens and their parents perceptibly cooled in their apparent regard for her. Regal ded only as a young woman, she was at least the equal of any of her old schoolmates, but as a girl who might marry and compel a blending of good family names with that of Perrang, she was too dreadful to be thought of tor an instant. The girl was wise enough to detect the general change of manner as soon' as it began and to know the reason. The effect was what it would have been on any other young woman of proper self-respect. People who tried to keep her at a distance or to let her alone were vigorously “cut” as soon as their pur pose became manifest; so she was soon compelled to choose between no society and that which her father’s ostentatious use of money attracted. She chose the former, or almost that, for of her old acquaintances about the only ones who remained laithful were Gol. Reave, who spent his occasional leaves of absenoe at Mayport, Hr. Morsely, who was rector of the church which she attend ed, and Mr. Bonnarton, a New York merchant, who had plenty of money, an inyalid wife and two disagreeable daughters. People then said if poor Eunice ever married, her husband would have to oome from her fathei’s detestable set, lor Dr. Morsley, although a widower, believed it a sin for a man to take a second wife, and he was a man of char acter so si rung that he never would abandon a principle. The Colonel was not to be tnought of as a possible hus band; many a mother had attempted to win him lor her daughter, but the Colonel came to Mayport only tc be near the grave in which, fifteen years before, had been placed the woman whom he had engaged to marry. Mr Bonnarton was far more likely to be come a husband, for had not his wife bean ill for years? But some people had heard stories about Bonnarton, A young lady who once dissappeared suddenly from society • in New York was never afterward seen ; at the theatre, the seashore or in Eu [rope except with Bonnarton as her t escort. His manner was engaging, his | will persistent and his principles no jner than absolutely required by Dusiness. So when Eunice Perrang 5an to ride and dine with him, seem- to enjoy his attentions, a number of then and mothers who had oonsoieu- gan to repent of their course the girl and even to try to change when they attempted this they the girl’s own will in their way, people always do in such oases, ttriouted her maimer to the wont that suggested itself. They itly expected a scandal, for some tie speculations had recently Perrang of all his money, and rward liquor robbed him of his i could be expected of a girl ... when she had neither money, and was loved, after by a rich inan^whu already ’ people begged Hr. Morsley to i bis endeavors to exert a good over the girl; they got for i some lectures, severer than | he accepted scarcely any invitations; he seemed in bad spirits, ard were if not that he was seen oftener than usual at the grave of his lost sweetheart, his acquaintances might have believed that he was piqued at Eunice’s preference for Bonnarton. As lor the merchant, his personal ap pearance and spirits imuroved steadily, and those of his neighbors who were familiar enough with him to drink his wine said in confidence to other inti mates that when rallied about Miss Perrang, the merchant would smile as if ho bod every reason to be satisfied with his prospects, and when asked hypocritically, now the Colonel was getting along with Miss Perrang, the answer generally was that the Colonel had almost ceased calling, for whenever he came th^ you^g lady was almost sure to be entertaining better company. On one of tbe rare occasions when the Colonel allowed himself to accept an invitation, he and several other gentlemen were taking wine with the host, when one of the guests, who had taken something stronger than wine be fore arriving, said; *T heard to-day that Bonnarton had bought Martin's place at the Riage. It’s a charming little nest, but it’s two miles from anywhere. What do you suppose he wants with it?” “Noboby could guess; those who might have done so saw Col, Reave frown, so they thought it best to re- mam silent. Don’t you understand?” persisted the informant, with a half tipsy leer that was nevertheless significant. “No,” said the host hurriedly, tak ing the fellow’s arm, “nor you, Robin son. Gentlcmeu, suppose we join the ladies?'’ All acted on the suggestion but the Colonel, who begged to be excused for the remainder of the evening. An old wound was troubling him, he said, and he would rather be no company than bad company. But instead of going to the cottage of an old soldier servant, where he was the only boarder, the Colonel strode in the opposite direction. Dr. Morsely, who had been a fellow guest, and had heard of what had been said, begged his host to let him escape from the house unseen and follow the Colonel, for he feared something might happen should the soldier meet—well, he would mention no names. The host understood, and smnggidttgmc Doctor's hni and cane from fhd*aj0BBwg-room, and the rever end gentlemen escaped by a side door so speedily that he reached the sidewalk almost as soon as the Colonel. By walking on the sodded portion of the sidewalk, he followed readily without making an} noise. But the tnp did not progress exactly as the Doctor had expocted. Instead of going directly to Bonnarton’s house or to the Perrang place, the Colonel went to the village cemetery. The Doctor promptly became ashamed of himself; although be was glad to have the Colonel as regardful as himself cf Eunice Perrang’s reputation, and was rather sorry that the Colonel’s abrupt departure .had not been caused ay the insinuation he had heard, the errand upon which his military friend was now bent seemed of far higher na ture than chastising an old profligate. The old man was about to retrace his steps, when it occurred to him that the Colonel had been iu such bad health and spirits for a month or two that he might not be tale company for himself at a time when he preferred a lonely graveyard to a cheerful feast. He had leard of middle-aged lovers killing themselves at the graves of their dead sweethearts; so he felt it would not be indelicate if he were to watch the Colo nel for a few minntes.* The grave was near a hedge that separated the ceme tery grounds from the garden of the Doctor’s parishioners; so the old man tiptoed through the garden and close to the hedge just in time to hear the Colo nel say: “It is not for my sake, Agnes, bat for her’s." Then the Colonel arose from his knees, passed out of the cemetery and walked rapidly towards Miss Perrang’s house. The Doctor followed rapidly, his head in a whirl. The Colonel en tered the house, and a moment later the clergyman peering in the parlor window, saw that only Eunice and the Colonel were there, and whispered: “Thank Goal” The Colonel oomplimented the lady on her appearance and was told iu reply that Miss 0 errang had never seen him looking better. The assurance seemed to please the Colonel, for his eye bright- enened as if bis mind had been cleared in some way. He answered quickly that no man whose heart was so entirely and worthily filled could help looking his best.' “Oh, Colonel!” exclaimed Miss Per rang, playfully, ‘ that sounds very much as it you were in love. Do tell me wbo the happy woman is?” “May I, tell you in confidence?” asked the Colonel gravely; he extended his hand as he added, “we are old friends, you know. Yon won’t laugh at me if you don't approve my choice?” “Laugh at you, CoL Reave?' 1 ex claimed Eunice. “No woman could do that. The woman whom the one great catch of Mayport is in love with is—" “You, Miss Perrang,” interrupted Ihe Colonel. “Forgive an old soldier’s biontness if 1 ask plainly will yon marry me?” The lady’s self-possession forsook b' r; so, apparently, did her tongue. All she could do was to stare blankly. “Have I offended you?” asked the Colonel gently. Miss Perrang regained her power of speech and replied. M “Yon haye honored me as no other man ever did. I can at least be frank in return,” She averted her eye and continued: “People have talked about me and speak to Col. Reave, but he had eud- but what you yourself tell me.” denly become almost unapproachable;’ “I can only say tbere is nothing to tell,” said the lady “Certainly not,” said the Colonel. “But,” coutiuned Miss Perrang, “people will eay cruel things about a friendless girl.” “Then people should be kept in order by a man who has the right to speak for her and whose word no one dare impugn.” “Your name and family is held in high honor—” “Care for them, for me,” interrupted the Colonel, “and let me guard you in return. ” Whetner Miss Perrang would have hesitated longer is known only to her self and the Colonel, for the latter hearing the gate close and steps ap proach the house, quickly threw his arms around the astonished girl and kissed her on both cheeks. A moment later Mr. Bonnarton entered the room and seemed displeased at what he taw, but tbe Colonel, who seemed to be in high glee said: “Good evening. Mr. Bonnarton, you have arrived just in time to be the first 10 congratulate us on our engage ment.” Mr. Bonnarton merely glared and exclaimed: “The Devil!” Miss Perrang without tbe slightest sign of fear returned his look, upon which Bomianon said: “Good night,” and abruptly quitted the room. As he did so Dr. Morsely sueaked away from the window where he bad been listen ing, dropped on his kmee behind a' neglected rose-clump and offered up a prayer that he had never seen in print. A few weeks later he joined the Colonel and Eunice in marriage, and e verybody who was anybody came to the wedding and visited the bride always thereafter. The Colonel, in spite of his long devo tion to his first love, became a very happy husband. As for Bonnarton, he was so unmercifully chaffed that ho speedily drank himself to death. Nature's Protective Colors. Nature, like a careful mother, equips her children as besl she can for the battle of life. She gives to animals co'ors that, by resembling their surroundings, protect them against their enemies. The brown or gray color of the wild rabbit blends with its surroundings and hides it from hostile eyes. The mottled feathers of the quail and partridge closely resemble the txlien leaves, among widen the young birds conceal themselves. Animals that roam at night, as do the rats and mice, bats and moles, are usually of a neutral tint, such as escapes notice in the dusk. Th« helpless tree-toad takes the color of the tree on which it lives, and his bitterest enemy has hard work to find him. The animals and birds of tbe hot desert are tawny and gaudy in hue. Bo the lion conceals himself by crouching in the sand, and thence springs upon his unsuspecting prey. The tiger stalks among tbe jungles of fnd'a. The vertical brown lines which adorn his tawny skin enable him to lurk unseen among the bamboo stems. The spotted skin of the jaguar imitates the changing spots of light and shade among tbe leaves, and thus conceals him in his lair. The puma has neither bars nor spots on its skin; it does not need them. It waits for iu prey by crouching along the limb of a tree, where its dull color escapes notice. White animals and white birds are, as* a rule, dwellers in Arctic regions. The white suit of the polar bear indicates at once its distant home amid the snows and snow-helds of the north.. Borne animals, like the Arctic foxes and Alpine hares, wear their white livery only in winter, and appear in summer clad m brown or gray. In the thick tropical forests, whose bright foliage is never touched by frost, live the bnluant green parrots and p&roqueU that seem so out of place here. Nature also seems to take pains in providing for her weak and helpless creatures. The upper surface of the wings of some of our com mon butterflies is of a bright color, but the lower surface is dusky. When they light on a tree or wall, and close their wings, the color of which closely resembles the surrounding surface, the insect collector needs sharp eyes to find them. Moths that fly by night are gray, or neutral, in tint. Some tropical butterflies resemble withered leaves, and even the marks on their wings appear like the veins of a leaf. Oar grasshoppers lake the color of the grass. Beetles frequenting mossy banks are green in color. Beetles that live on the bark of trees are rough like bark and frequently resemble lichens. Some de fenceless insects are protected by their resemblance to insccu able to defend themselves. Some flies, which possess no means of defense, resemble wasps and hornets. In t aese and in mafiy other ways nature watches over her children so that none, from the least to the greatest, shall lack protection. A f.ong Journey Old ’Squire Gnddte was one of the most peculiar men in Arkansaw. You could take his wagons and plows, his cows and steers, but you must net take one of his horses away from home. One day a young fellow who lived in the neighborhood, hav ing lately become a member of tbe commu nity, had occasion to make a horse-back Journey. He did not own a horse, and ac ting upon tbe suggestion of a fellow who understood Onddle, he went to the Squire’s house and meeting him, said : “ ’Squire, I have occasion to do some horse-back riding, and as l do not own an animal of the most noble species I have come to borrow one of your spirited horses.” The 'Squire looked at him for a mo ment, ana said: “All right, sir, you are perfectly welcome to ride one of my herses. John,” to a servent, “saddle up Napoleon for thisgenllem >n.” in a few minutes the animal was ready, and the young man, taking tbe bridle reins, was about to lead him through' the gate, when the 'Squire exclaimed: “Wbat are you going tc do with that horsei” “I’m going to nde him, as you said I might do.” “Yes, but you mustn't take him out of the lot. Ride him around tbe lot as much as you please, but you must not take him away. The young man, completely “sold,’’ turned away and suddenly encountered several of the neighbors, who had secreted themselves to witness the performance. “Oh, we've all been served that way,” one of them said, “and it is a neighborhood custom to give the victim the laugh.” The yonng man went home. He medi tated revenge. He couldn’t sleep. Next morning early, he went out and sat down in the forks of the road, and pondered. Finally he shook hie head with a satisfied air, and arose. He went straightway to the ’Squire, and said: “’Squire, I want to borrow your horse again, to-day.’’ “All right, sir. Like the one you had yesterday, I suppose. Yes, well, you shall have him again. John, saddle Napoleon ” In t, few moments the animal was in read menu lor the prospective journey. “I suppose,” said the yonng man, preparing to mount, “ihat you object to anyone tak ing your horses out of the lot.” “Kes, sir. If you want to ride you must ride inside the lot.” “All right,” said the young man,mount ing. “Good day, sir,” and he began to ride around the lot. The ’Squire looked at him for several minutes, shook his head, went into the house and urank a toddy. At noon the young man stopped and yell ed: “Hello?” “Hellol'’ replied the ’Squire, “won’t you lightll” “No, 1 haven’t got tiQo-. “Thought I’d stop and me if 1 omiM get sonMUaing to eat Houses are rather scarce along tbe road. Bring me out something please.” He was supplied with a dish of turnip greens and bacon, and his horse was given bundle *of fodder. After the hurried 1 * meal, he said: “Good day, sir, much obliged.” “Good day,” repeated the Squire. “Hope you’ll have a pleasant journey,” and the ’Squire shook his head, went into the house and drank a “snifter of apple jack.” Just about night-fall the young man stopped at the tence again. “Hello! •” “Hello,” repeated tb : ’Squire. “I’ve been riding ail day; have come a great distance, and my horse is tired. I’d like to stay over night with you?” “Get down. 4ohn take the gentleman s horse. Come into the house, sir. You say that you have come quite a distance, and you look tired. Won’t you have something to drink,’’ continued the ’Squire when they had entered the house. “Drink hearty.” ‘T’d like to get an early start in the morning,” said tbe young man. “My destination is yet a great way off, and I will be compelled to ride hard in order to reach it by to-morrow night.” Early next morning the traveler mount ed his horse and began his circuitous jour ney. Just about noon he stepped at the fence again. “iielic!” “Young man,” said the ’Squire, walk ing out addressing the traveler, “you are the boss. I have met a great many people—” “My fnend, I haven’t time to talk. I have a long journey before me, and unless 1 hurry on I cannot reach my destination in time to transact the business which awaits me.”' “Never mind the journey. I say that you are the captain, and to show how I appreciate your genius, I’ll present you with Napoleon. He’s the Quest horse in the State. Take him home with you. Good day, sir. Fertiliser*. A Courier from Napoleon. “I once enjoyed the high honor ef carry ing letters from the Emperor Napoleon to Josephine,” remarked Mr. Charles Martel, a French wig-maker, at No. 802 Walnut street. Mr. Martel, a venerable looking gentleman, who is in his eighty-fourth year, feels very proud of the services ren dered his Commander-In-Chief on that oc casion. Whenever he can be persuaded to talk of the affair his wrinkled countenance lights up with emotion, and the oid man relates with evident pleasure tbe particu lars of how he came to be selected courier, and how well he discharged the task as signed him. Mr. Martel was rather disposed to evade the interrogatories of his visitor at first, but he was eventually prevailed upon to tell the story. “The Emperor was ad vancing upon Moscow at the time I speak of, which was in the early part of the yeir 1812,” Mr. Martel began. “The army had arrived at Warsaw when Napoleon issued an order for a courier to instantly set out lor France. I was but thirteen 3'ears of age at the time, and was a drum mer boy in the Fourtn Regiment of Hus sars. Our General came to me, knowing that I was a good horseman, and told me that the Emperor wanted to see me. Cpon being led into the presence of Napoleon, I found three ether soldiers there, who had also been recommended by their respective Generals to act as couriers. His Excel lency had summoned the four of us, iu order to see for himself and make bis own selection. When I entered the camp Na poleon smiled, and, turning to my General asked : “Do you think the boy will do ?” Though I was only a lad, and knew noth ing of the contemplated mission beyond the fact that there was a long distance to be covered on horseback, I was ambitious to be selected. You may imagine how my heart leaped when my superior vividly recommended to the Emperor the tricks he had seen me perform with several of the cavalrymen’s horses. 1 had learned to ride well, and even at the age of thirteen 1 could manage a horse as well as any body, Napoleon appeared somewhat pleased at the recommendation of my Gener al, and remarked: “He will do.” He then selected another man, mueh older than I was, because at the tune it was customary to send two couriers by different routes with the same messages, for fear that if only one were dispatched the letter would not reach Its destination. After dismissing the other two soldiers my comrade and I remained to receive our instructions. When all was ready and we were about to mount our horses, Napo'eoo said: “I think the boy will arrive first, though his route is nine miles longer. 8ueh encour aging words from the Emperor ot France fairly set me wild, and 1 resolved to hand my packet of letters to Josephine before my companion, though 1 should fall dead at the feet of the ;*dy the moment alter doing an “I securely placed my package in a belt around my waist. The only food 1 took was some crackers, a few slices of beef and a flask of brandy, which I slowed away in my saddle bags. Upon receiving the word ’go’ I sprang lightly into the saddle and dashed away, closely followed by the other courier. I determined to draw away from him before arriving at the forks of Die road. Digging my spurs into the horse 1 gave him the whip, and in a few moments 1 had the satisfaction of seeing him falling behind enveloped in a cloud of dust. 1 mounted a fresh horse every twelve miles along the road, which we o kept in the Government stables tor the especial use of the Government’s couriers. For sixty hours I rode along in this way. Though 1 was very much fa tigued I never gave up, for I was deter mined to prove the truth of the Emperor's prophecy that I would arrive first. Night and day I sped along through the snow and rain, with only one idea on my mind, and that was to win the race. The dis tance is over 500 miles, but I managed to get to Paris one full hour ahead ot every competitor. Arriving at Josephine’s man sion, which was seven miles outside of the city, I was immediately ushered lute her reception parlor, though 1 was covered with mud from bead to foot. Tbe ndble lady graciously took from my hand the letter, and, with a simple ‘thank you,’ turned away and departed. The Emperor caused a message to be conveyed to me tendering his sincere thanks for what 1 had done.” Helene Marcovlcli. Training Geranium*. There L uneasiness in the market for fertilizers on account of the uncertainty regarding future supplies of Peruvian gu ano. Tbe quantity lemaining in the nitrate lx ds is *1111 very large, hut tbe difficulty of removing and loading it on ship-board continually increases, tfhd al ready ir. some large deposits this cost ex ceeds tbe value of the material. Natur ally the deposits most easy of access are first worked and the claims are abandoned whenever the expense passes the profitable point. An Investigation was recently un dertaken by the Chilian minister ot finance, tbe representative of foreign holders of Peruvian bonds and the attorney of the symheat: which recently purchased one million -ons of Peruvian guano, with a view to ascertaining just how much can be shipped and what the prospect for the future is. Chili will strip the deposits as rapidly as possible end oo matter what the outcome of the protracted peace negotia tions will take care to absorb everything of value in the territory she now claims as the prize of her conquest. It is said that the Peruvian Guano company of London has disposed of Us entire stock in Europe at a round profit. There Is no other plant so easily grown or trained into good form, more pleasing for Its brilliant bloopa, or so tree from in sects as the scarlet geranium. When grown in the form of a tree and well pinched back to mass tbe bloom, and well cared for, this plant will easily bear a hundred clusters of its bright scarlet flow ere at one time, making a brilliant show that few other plants can rival. To pro cure such a plant we may proceed as fol lows: Take ~a cutting as straight and long as possible from another plant; one a toot long & best, and root it in a seven inch pot. When the buds begin u> start, rub off all but the top one, and let this grow a foot or so; then leave some side branches to grow to strengthen the main stem, but pinch off all the blossoms, and keep the main branches shortened in. Oontinue thus for a whole season. Then cut back the main stem to about fifteen or eighteen inches and remove the side branches. New side shoots will start and all these must be rubbed oft except the top ones; of which several may he left te grow in a proper di rection to make a well balanced little tree. It is now permitted to bloom and rest the next summer; after which it is again out back, and treated .gs before. Exoh year a little more old wood may be left, until in five or six years it may be as many feet high, and may need a fifteen inch pot, having a dozen main branches, and scores of blooming shoots. Tbe Scarlet King* is the best variety to be grown w this way; and while it is a thing of beauty each year it yearly grows better and better, and pays well for the waiting and working. Covering Boilers With Silk. Helene Marcovioh, widow of Colonel Maroovich, who attemoted on October 23 last to shoot King Milan, in prison, committed suicide on the 12th of April. Helen Knituanin, who was undergoing imprisonment m connection with the same offense, took her own life in prison some time ago. The attempt made upon the life of King Milan I, of Servia on the 23d of Octo ber last, created something of a sensa tion at the time. His cousin and imme diate predecessor, Prince Michael, fell by tbe ballet of an assassin while walk ing in his garden on the 2d of July, 1868. Milan was then a lad of fourteen at school in Paris, and the tragical cir cumstances under which he ascended the throne made snob a deep impression upon his youthful mind that he appears ill at ease to this day when in public. Helene Maroovich, who attempted to assassinate him last October, and who has now ended her life by suioide, was the widow of Colonel Jeirew Marocvioii, who was executed with several others by Milan’s order, in May, 1878. The charge against him, and for which he was executed, was that of comphcity in treasonable conduct of the Topola Brig ade of the National Militia, which upon one occasion refused, when ordered to march against the Turks. The preva lent feelisg in Bervia with reference to the tnal is that all the defendants, in cluding Colonel Marcovich were entirely innocent of the charg- brought against them, and public sympathy with the unfortunate men was greatly strength ened by the unseemly haste with which they were tried, oonyicted, and done to death. The widow continued to brood over the wrong which she had suffered by her husband’s execution, and at last worked herself up to such a pitch of frenzy that she fired two shots at the King while ne was at his devotions in the cathedral at Belgrade. Queen Na talie, who was with the King in the cathedral, fainted and was cartied in an unconscious condition to the palace. The King accompanied her thither and then returned to the church unattended and remained until the end of the ser vice. The crowd attempted to lynch the would-be assassin, and subsequently an effort was made to prove that she had been in communication with the revolutionary party in Belgrade, and that the latter had instigated her to commit the marderous attempt. She was the daughter of a Hungarian phy sician, a little over thirty years of age, of superior edneation, and great per sonal attractions. * Natural Duooruiite Art. NEWS L\ BRIEF It is well known that silk is an excellent nonconductor of heat, and some recent experiments in Germany would seem to indicate that it might pay to encase boilers in this costly material. In one trial three boilers of the same size and make were ranged m order, one cov ered with the ordinary felt, another with a ■ coating df silk only five-eighths the thick ness of the felt, while tne third was left altogether uncovered. They were all filled with water having a temperature of 100 degrees, Centigrade, and examined at in tervals. After the lapse of three hours it was found that the unprotected boiler had lost twelve degrees of heat, and the other two each two degrees. After a further lapse of thirty three hours, the felt-covered Doiler had lost thirteen and a half degrees, anil that covered with silk only fourteen, 30 that theie was no sppreclaOle d fference between the pr>. tective powers of the silk and those of a caring ot felt nearly twice its thickness. With regard to the cost of the material, it is said that in nil silk manufacturies there age waste scraps which it would be difficult or impossible to utilize in the trade. These can, it is asserted, be made up Into bands and rolls, costing compara tively little, and sold at a profit to the makers and users of boilers. As to the lasting and wearing potvers o' silk as compared with telt nothing is said, and there has not, perhaps, been time to apply an adequate test: but it is althe least possible that in this respect the finer sub stance may possess great advantages over the coarser and cheaper. —Austria supports 70 schools of agri culture with 2,200 students, and 174 agricultural evening schools with 5,500 students. France has 43 farm schools with 30 to 40 pupils at,each. The Uov- ernient pays the board of each pupil, and allows him 70 francs a year for clothing. Faria lias 3 department schools of agri culture and a National Agricultural In stitute. —Cabmeu receive only 15 cents an hour in Italy. In the wine-v&ulto of London, wine-vault fungus sways hither and thither in the most graceful profusion. It is lighter than cobwebs, and takes shapes like crystalization. It grows sometimes like coral, forming pendants which are swung by every zephyr, and are finally bronght in contact and cling together in great festoons. The ceiling or roof is covered with a field of the fnngus four or five inches in depth, and out of this grow or gather the most cur ious formations, the most interesting of which are the round balls like hornets’ nests, in color and shape, or great gray sponges. In the vaults where oil is used they soon get black and dirty, but when gas is burned they remain as white as snow for a long time, and are exquisitely beautiful. If the light is held up to them, as soon as they feel its heat, tney shrivel away with a sickening odor and disappear To tbe touch they are damp unpleasant and sticky. The vault men are very proud of them and they dis like to see them destroyed, although it sometimes becomes necessary to do so. Their presence is regarded as a proof of the adaptability of the vault. If they gather quickly over a lot of wine that has beeu recently laid down, tne wine and the cellar are both deemed to be good, Down in Lewes is what is said to be the best vault in the world. It was used in former times as a prison and torture chamber, and it reaches out un der the sea quite a distance. It is very lofty, and wine has been stowed there since 1814, over which the fungus haugs eight or nine feet long. When it gets filled with dust and becomes too heavy for the delicate fibre that supports it, it breaks away, and being too light to fall entirely down, it floats through the vault like an enormons balloon, with the most extraordinary ghost-like effect. Odr guide explains all this as we go from one lot to another, completing our tasting list, which ranges through all the still wines you can name, and he leads to one dark corner where the fun gus hangs in mushroom forms, and de clares with a proper pride that that particular comer has not been cleaned since the vaults were built in 1803. Iron Columns in Building. Iron columns in buildings might, it is suggested, be protected from the action ot fire in two simple and inexpensive ways. One, which has the advantage of making it possiDle to highly ornament the column with little trouble, is to enclose the columu in rings of terra cotta, put on tne top when it is set up; and tbe othei is te fill the column wifi water. To do this all the columns in the tier should be connected with short pipes through the bed plates, a small escape pipe should run from the up per column through the roof to the air, and at the base of each tier a pipe should connect with tne street mains, so that ah the columns may be filled with water either permanently or on emergency. With the escape pipe at the top for tne ex pansion of the water or steam the columns would stand until every floor was burned out, and if the girders were hollow and tilled with water in the same way, both girders and columns would doubtless stand intact and could be used in rebuilding. —According to the official stater ?nt of the United States Treasurer, the total debt of the United States on the first of the present month was $1,881,451,01)9, and tne totnl interest-bearing debt $1, 354,834,75t. Decrease since June 30, 1882, $102,038,346. Decrease during Fel'-mry, 1883,1^630,tfTtt. —It is expected that 600 miles of new railroad will lie built in Michigan this year. —The estate of the late Nathaniel Thayer, of Boston, is estimated at $17, 000,000. —At the last Queen’s drawing-room the Princess of Wales wore two shades of green. —It is estimated that 2000 persons a year, mostly prisoners, take their own lives in Russia. —Seven Chinamen have beeh killed in .Grant county, N. M., during the last year by “ rustlers.” —The British Misister, the Hon. Lio nel Sackville West, has engaged rooms at Saratoga for the season. —The light-house at Sydney, New South Wales, has an electric light of over 12,000,000 candle power. —New Zealand has introduced tbe 4 merican common Gchoul system, and lias 836 schools and 64,406 scholars. —Some of the European steamers Jaflf year cleared from $40,000 to $.50,000 oi each round trip of four or five w —A member of the Penud^lvauh legislature lias introduced a biw forbid ding the running of Sunday trains. " —Mr. Gladstone would u lands by growing water cresu prove railway embankments b fruit trees. —Columbia college, which w; in 1759 on the proceeils of a lot. has an endowment of $5,000 1857 students. —The Delaware Lackawan Western company is reported large amounts of coal lands Wyoming region. —The two court theatres at Vienna paid $22,500 during 1882 to authors and composers, and thetwocourttheatresof Berlin paid $14,000. —Of the old five cent pieces there are nearly 128,000,000 in circulation, of three cent pieces 28,000,000, and of one cent pieces 500,000,000. —It is estimated that 2,500,000 tons of clear solid ice have been stored along the Hudson between Troy and New York during the winter. —The new depot to be built by the Pennsylvania railroad comjiauy at Har risburg, and for which ground has been broken, is to cost $300,000. —Queen Victoria has signified her in tention of opening the International Fisheries Exhibition at South Kensing ton on Saturday, May 12. —A brilliant Anglo-American ball " ^Geneva, on the 12th of the honors were earned icuicu muy. Secretary Teller has appointed Mrs. Helen Hunt Jackson a special inspector of matters relating to land titles among the California Indians. —A single book in the Earl of Ash- burnhum's library, known as the “ Al- bani Missal,” an illuminated ancient MS., has been valued at $50,000. —Fifty thousand pairs of shoes daily are made iu the prisons of New York. The outside manufacturers claim to be unable to compete with the contractors. —During the past year there'were carried over the Pemtsylvania railroad and its branches, 8,263,350 tons of coal, and 2,888,787 tons of coke, a total of 11, 157,147 tons. —For brutally whipping one of his small pupils a school teacher in Ackley, Hardin county, Iowa, was compelled te resign, and was fined $25 and costs in the Police Court. —Colorado mined and shipped during the year 1882,2,000,006 tons bituminous coal, 2,000 tons of anthracite and 100, 000 tons of coke, producing a revenue of about $4,460,000. —The projected Scottish Temperance Life Assurance Company of Edinburgh, which is to have a capital of £100,000, will insure the lives of total abstainers “at greatly reduced premiums.” —There are now doing business in this country and Canada 415 street rail ways, employing about 35,000 men. They run 18,000 cars ami more than 100, 000 horses are in daily use. —Senator Edmunds, who has been in South Carolina, has gone to Florida, where he will remain with his family until very warm weather. His journey will then be across the continent. —The death is announced, at the age of 90, of Mme. Hummel, the widow of the composer. Her maiden name was liockel, and, before her marriage, she was a prima donna at the Vienna Opera. —The United States leads the world in its number of cattle, having 38,000 000, to Russia’s 27,000,000 and India’s 30,000,000. But Russia has 20,000,000 horses, and the United States comes sec ond with 10,500,000. —According to a recent speech in the Cortes, the Spanish Army is surprisingly “over-^eueralled,” having 1 general to every olb men. In France the propor tion is 1 to 1,566; in England, 1 to 1,759, and in Germany 1 to 1,514. —The Spaniard drinks less wine than his neighbors—1-4 gallons a year only, as compared with 16 in Portugal and 26 in France. He sends abroad yearly about 176,000,000 gallons, which may be valued at Jt‘9,000,000 sterling. —New York annually imports from the Mediterranean about 110,000,000 oranges and nearly an equal quantity of lemons, of an invoice value of over half a million sterling, besides a considerable quantity frojn the West Indies. —An Indian woman, said to be 120 years of age, lives near Fitzpatrick, in Bullock county, Ala. She was on Gen eral Andrew Jackson’s staff as a cook when that worthy cut a road through the country to Florida and has seme pots and kettles in which she used to cook the hero’s frugal food. —Of the million and a quarter of peo ple living in New York City in 1882 about one-fialf had their homes in tene ment houses. There were 37,951 deaths during the year, and about 40,000 births. The number of prisoners arraigned in the police courts was 66,867, of whom 44,578 were held, and 22,289 oischaiged. Of these 4,903 were charged with crimes , of violence.