Chapter II (6)

"'THE OLD DOCTOR' is the _nom de plume_ of the author of a book bearing the same title, and filled with fragmentary sketches of various incidents that have actually occurred in the practice of the unknown physician who records them. The style is easy and pleasant, and the sketches--some twenty in number--possess a thrilling interest that will amply repay perusal. There are four superb illustrations, and the book will prove a valuable addition to the library or the centre-table. Since the publication of Dr. Warren's 'Diary of a Physician,' nothing of the kind has appeared that will vie, in point of interesting narrative, with these reminiscences of a retired physician. Physicians have opportunities for observation and for learning secret histories that never can be allowed to any one else, and the expositions of this book show how much stranger truth is than fiction. H. Long & Brother, 43 Ann St., are the publishers; and this volume is well entitled to take a front rank in the serial of family books which this house is engaged in publishing."

* * * * *

"WE see that several of our bachelor brothers of the 'press gang' have taken up with Godey's offer to choose a wife for each of them from among the 'Filadelfy Gals.' We hope they are not all spoken for, and will put in our order. Friend Godey, you will please look us up one with rosy cheeks, not over five feet high, nor more than nineteen years old; and of good 'mettle.' One who can set type, and act as _sub._ in our office, when we are out, preferred. Have her ready by the first of the coming year, and we will call for her in person."

Friend "Argus," we would like you to call at once, for we have here now some of the finest specimens of ladies ever presented to an admiring public. But we do not claim them as Philadelphians. There are three ladies _on exhibition_ here, the largest of which weighs 769 pounds, and the least, some 600. The youngest is about nineteen. Just the age you want, and if she can't set type now, she could soon learn. She is ready now for you.

* * * * *

THE "Iowa Sentinel" says: "We have but one objection to Godey, and that is the devoting entire of his magazine to the ladies. However, it is just what it purports to be--a Lady's Book."

Now, we do not consider this an objection, but a compliment. We endeavor to please the ladies, and how gloriously have they responded to the appeal we made to them some few months since, and how from our heart we thank them! Still, friend Sentinel, look over each number of the "Book" and see if you cannot find enough to interest a gentleman. Read the article upon Artesian Wells.

* * * * *

JOHN ROSS DIX, ESQ., has become one of the editors of the "Waverley Magazine," published in Boston. This gentleman and W. R. Lawrence, Esq., its old editor, between them are able to make the "Waverley Magazine" even better than it has been, if that were necessary.

* * * * *

"THE DESERTED BRIDE, AND OTHER POEMS." BY GEO. P. MORRIS.--A contemporary, in speaking of this work, says:

"Its splendid exterior, gay in gold and morocco, the finely executed portrait, by which the reader may see that the poet is no hard-featured wight, but has the impress of a noble soul upon his features, and the beautiful steel engravings, will attract the admirers of sumptuous books; but they will find their taste purified and elevated, and their hearts made better by the poems, which will cling to the memory as they are read like strains of bewitching music. Space does not permit us to point out our special favorites; but they may be found almost _passim_. We counsel all who have libraries or drawing-rooms to procure the volume as an ornament to be proud of; while those who have not, will find it a meet companion either in travel or seclusion."

It is a most beautiful work, and is a suitable volume either for a New Year or birthday present, and would be a beautiful Valentine to send to a lady.

* * * * *

FROM the "New York Spirit of the Times" we extract the following. It is an excellent book, that we can vouch for.

"The New Household Receipt Book; containing Maxims, Directions, and Specifics for Promoting Health, Comfort, and Improvement in the Homes of the People. Compiled from the best Authorities, with many Receipts never before collected." By Sarah Josepha Hale. This is a very useful book, and every housekeeper should have a copy. Young women just married, or about to be married, would do well to look into it, as much time may be saved and trouble avoided by attending to its instructions. Mrs. Hale must be exceedingly industrious, and if those masculine feminines who go prating about "Women's Rights" would employ themselves as usefully and virtuously, they would, like her, have the thanks of the women of the world, and be respected by the men of the world. Published by Long & Brother, 43 Ann St.

* * * * *

THE "Florist and Horticultural Journal" continues to come to us elegantly illustrated, and containing useful and well-written articles on all that relates to fruits, flowers, and vegetables. Each number contains a beautifully colored plate of some new or rare plant. Some of the engravings are executed in Europe. It is published by H. C. Hanson, at $2 per annum.

* * * * *

"THE SATURDAY EVENING MAIL." Geo. R. Graham, editor; R. H. See, publisher.--Graham in a new character--editor of a weekly newspaper. Won't he make the old fogies of the press mind their P's and Q's! Already has the "Mail" assumed its place among those of a "large circulation." It is a splendid quarto, beautifully illustrated, and most ably edited.

* * * * *

WE ask attention to our new work, "How to Make a Dress." It is by our Fashion Editor, and we think it will be useful to every one of our lady subscribers. Orders for materials of all kinds, jewelry, patterns, etc. etc., will be attended to, by inclosing a remittance to L. A. Godey, Philadelphia.

* * * * *

T. S. ARTHUR'S HOME MAGAZINE.--This invaluable monthly comes to us, as usual, richly freighted with literary gems and treasures. In our estimation, it stands in the first rank of our periodical literature. It is conducted with ability and taste, and presents a well-selected variety of choice reading, in which are mingled the grave and the gay, the solid and the less weighty, with a felicity seldom obtained in works of this character. It requires a rare discrimination and a still more rare combination of the moral and literary element to make a magazine what it _ought to be_--what the high interests of society and the family demand it should be--what a Christian parent would feel a pleasure in putting into the hands of his children. But such, we are happy to say, in our opinion, is the "Home Magazine." The Little Colporteur story of Arthur in this number, is worth, for its touching Christian simplicity and its power to awaken and enliven the better feelings of the heart, the price of the work for a year many times told. May he write many such Christian parables! It is safe copying the GREAT MASTER here. We warmly commend the "Home Magazine" to all our friends as a cheap, but valuable magazine, and one every way worthy of their confidence and patronage.--_Central New Yorker._

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ARTHUR'S HOME GAZETTE.--We give to this journal our meed of praise, it being one of the best, if not the very best weekly paper published. It is a paper which no one, possessing even a spark of goodness, can attentively read without being benefited by it. The public should in all cases show a preference for such papers. Parents, especially, in addition to the best daily paper they can procure, should supply their families with two or three of the best weeklies; and we would most cordially recommend "Arthur's Home Gazette" as one of the number. Money thus spent would be very profitably invested.--_Christian Banner, Fredericksburg, Va._

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NO. 3 of our "Splendid Gallery of Engravings" is now ready. See advertisement on cover.

* * * * *

THE "Boston Post" says that "a young man, a member of an Evangelical church," advertises in a New York paper for board "in a pious family, where his Christian example would be considered a compensation."

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RAPP'S GOLD PENS.--We have received orders for more than one hundred of these pens. We repeat the terms, and also our hearty assurance that they are the best gold pens we have ever used. Price of pens, condor size, with a holder, $6; in a silver case, $7; swan-quill size, with double extension silver cases, $4; goose-quill size, suitable for ladies, with holders, as above, $3.

* * * * *

MOORE, the poet, always had an eye to, we were going to say, dollars and cents; but pounds, shilling, and pence would be more appropriate:--

"I have been passing three days with the Duchess of Kent and our little future Queen at Earl Stoke Park, and we had a great deal of music. The duchess sang some of my melodies with me better than I ever heard them performed. I promised to send her some of the songs of mine she most liked, and I should be glad if you would get them bound together (not _too_ expensively) for me to present to her. They are as follows: Meeting of Ships--Indian Boat--The Evening Gun--Say, what shall be our Sport, (can you detach this from the Nationals?)--Keep your tears for me--The Watchman--I love but thee (beginning 'If after all')--Reason and Folly and Beauty. She has promised me copies of some very pretty German things she sang."

THE SCOTCH PIPER.

Draw a design upon cardboard, similar to the annexed engraving. Then cut it out neatly with a pair of scissors, and gum a piece of black cloth or velvet over the part intended as the cap; attach two pieces of China ribbon to the side of the cap, and gild or paint the epaulettes. Sew a small band of tape or webbing to the back part of the kilt, large enough to allow the two forefingers to pass through it; and when this is done, gum a portion of tartan over the lower part of the design, so as to represent the kilt, and otherwise ornament the figure so that it may represent a Highland piper.

If the whole figure is only intended to be painted, the band at the back of the kilt must be glued on instead of sewing it. Thus far the figure is complete, and you must now make the boots, which may be easily done from a piece of plaid ribbon or stuff, and some black cloth, leather, or velvet. Take care that they are large enough to admit the tips of your fingers at the tops, which should be ornamented with some strips of China ribbon of various colors. The figure is now finished.

To make the piper dance, introduce the two forefingers of the right hand through the bands, at the back of the kilt, so that the knuckles only are seen; then place the boots upon the tips of the fingers, and as the back of the hand and other fingers are concealed, the Scotchman may be made to dance by moving the fingers in such a manner that the knuckles are bent during the performance.

This forms a very amusing trifle for children.

* * * * *

We will furnish any of the following from the establishment of Mrs. Suplee, the originator of this style of patterns. But few persons can imagine how complete they are in every respect, fit, trimming, &c. At a little distance, they look like the real garment. The stock and variety of patterns for ladies' dresses, cloaks, mantillas, sacks, sleeves, and every article of ladies' and children's wear, are unequalled in the United States. Every new design from Paris and London is regularly received, so that persons wishing something new can always be supplied. The patterns are cut in tissue paper, and trimmed as the article is made.

Cloaks, Mantillas, Dress Bodies, Sleeves, Basques, Full Dress, Children's Dresses, Basques, Sacks, and Aprons, Boys' Jackets and Pants.

In ordering patterns, please say if for ladies or children.

Address FASHION EDITOR,

_Care of "Godey's Lady's Book," Phila._

PHILADELPHIA AGENCY.

"Mary Vale."--It may be interesting to this lady to know that her story of "Marrying through Prudential Motives" has been copied from the "Lady's Book" for March, 1853, in two of the English magazines, recopied into the New York "Albion," that professes to give nothing but the cream of the English magazines, credited to an English magazine; and now, being an _English_ story, will no doubt be published by half the papers in the United States. So much for the British stamp.

"Nannie" is informed that MSS. for publishing must only be written on one side of the paper, as plainly as possible, done up neatly in an envelope, sealed, and postage paid. MSS. always come to hand. We have never lost one through the mails. To her other question, we have repeatedly asked of our book publishers to name their price, but they will not study their own interests enough to do it. We could sell thrice as many books for them if they would attend to it. In London, the price of the work is invariably mentioned in the advertisement.

"A. L. H."--Sent your box by Adams's Express. Wrote by mail and inclosed receipt.

"G. L. M."--Sent cloak pattern by mail on the 16th.

"H. S."--We furnish any of Mrs. Suplee's patterns.

"M. A. D."--Sent cloak pattern by mail on 25th.

"N. B. D."--Jefferson's, or Mathias's, or Sutherland's Manual.

"J. S."--Sent pattern by mail on 12th.

"Mrs. S. J. F."--Sent your patterns by mail on 30th.

"Mrs. S. M. B."--Sent your articles by mail on 3d.

"W. G."--Sent your Rapp pencil on the 6th.

"M. N."--Sent patterns by mail on 7th.

"E. C. H."--Answered yours about the polish on 5th.

"F. M. B."--Sent the silk on the 6th.

"J. H.," New York.--Will please mention what particular one she wants explained. The different artists that compose the work use different terms, and what will explain one will not another.

"C. V. S."--Sent your order by Kinsley's Express on the 7th.

"Mrs. C. E. S."--Sent your patterns on the 9th.

"H. S."--Sent your patterns on the 7th.

"H. B. S."--Sent ear-rings on the 9th.

"F. L. K."--Will please accept our thanks for the pattern for "muslin flouncing." It is very pretty, and shall be engraved. We will be pleased to receive any original designs from our subscribers for any kind of fancy work.

"Miss L. J. T."--Sent your handkerchief by mail on 9th.

"Mrs. R. F. L."--Sent your pattern by mail on 10th.

"L. J."--Sent the Talma by Adams & Co.'s Express, and sent you their receipt.

"Mrs. A. E. S."--Sent pattern on the 13th.

No orders attended to unless the cash accompanies it.

All persons requiring answers by mail must send a post-office stamp.

The Borrower's Department.

"_The wicked borroweth and payeth not again._"

The "Wadesboro' Argus" says: "We have been lending the 'Book' for the last year or two; but Godey positively forbids it, and we will have to refuse it to borrowers. We are now making up a club for the work for next year, and ask those whom we have been supplying the present year to send us their names with two dollars, and we will see that they have the 'Book' supplied in their own names for the next twelve months."

Will one of these borrowers subscribe? Doubtful. But we shall see.

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LETTER FROM A LADY.--"I am trying to raise a large club here. Our only trouble is from borrowers. During my absence in the country this past summer, the whole of last year's numbers were taken out of the house, and two or three of them were never returned. I have come to the determination, as New Year is a time to make good resolutions, one of mine shall be not to lend 'Godey.'

H."

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"YOUR 'Book' is very popular; but many of your subscribers wish that it was more popular, at least enough so to cause those who borrow to subscribe for themselves. Our copy generally goes round to a dozen families, the rightful owner receiving little or no benefit from it; for, by the time it is returned, it is so defaced that we can scarcely recognize it.

J. D. M."

Chemistry for Youth.

HEAT, LIGHT, AND FLAME.

LOCO-FOCO MATCHES, ETC.--The oxygenated or _chlorate matches_ are first dipped in melted sulphur, and then tipped with a paste made of chlorate of potass, sulphur, and sugar, mixed with gum-water, and colored with vermilion; frankincense and camphor are sometimes mixed with the composition, and the wood of the match is pencil cedar, so that a fragrant odor is diffused from the matches in burning. To obtain light, a match is very lightly dipped in a bottle containing a little asbestos soaked in oil of vitriol.

_Lucifers_ consist of chips of wood tipped with a paste of chlorate of potass mixed with sulphuret of antimony, starch, and gum-water; when a match is pinched between the folds of glass-paper and suddenly drawn out, a light is instantly obtained.

_Prometheans_ consist of small rows of waxed paper, in one end of which is a minute quantity of vitriol, in a glass bulb, sealed up and surrounded with chlorate of potass; when the end thus prepared is pressed so as to break the bulb, the vitriol comes in contact with the composition, and produces light instantly.

_Loco-foco Matches_ are made of a compound of phosphorus, rice-flour, &c., colored with any suitable article.

* * * * *

PHOSPHORIC FIRE-BOTTLE.--Take a common brimstone match, introduce its point into a bottle containing oxide of phosphorus so as to cause a minute quantity of it to adhere to it; if the match be then rubbed on a common bottle cork, it instantly takes fire; care should be taken not to use the same match immediately, or while still hot, as it would inevitably set fire to the oxide of phosphorus in the bottle. The phosphoric fire-bottle may be prepared in the following manner: Take a small phial of very thin glass, heat it gradually in a ladleful of sand, and introduce into it a few grains of phosphorus; let the phial be then left undisturbed for a few minutes, and proceed in this manner until the phial is full; or, put a little phosphorus into a small phial; heat the phial in a ladleful of sand, and when the phosphorus is melted, turn it round, so that the phosphorus may adhere to the sides of the phial; and then cork the phial closely.

* * * * *

A COMBUSTIBLE BODY SET ON FIRE BY WATER.--Fill a saucer nearly full of water, and drop into it a small piece of potassium the size of a pepper-corn (about two grains); the potassium will instantly become red-hot and dart from one side of the saucer to the other, and burn vividly on the surface of the water.

* * * * *

CURIOUS EXPERIMENT.--Procure three basins, and put water of the temperature of thirty-three degrees into one basin, of fifty degrees into another, and of a hundred degrees into the third; then plunge one hand into the water of thirty-three degrees, and the other into that of a hundred degrees, and when they have both remained a few seconds, withdraw them, and plunge both hands into the water of fifty degrees: the one which was before in warm water will now feel cold, and the one that was in the cold water will feel warm.

* * * * *

VIVID PRODUCTION OF FIRE.--Take three parts by weight of flowers of sulphur, and eight parts of copper filings, mix them intimately together, and put the mixture into a large test-tube, or small glass matrass. If the tube be now placed upon red-hot coals, the mass begins to swell, and a small ignited spark becomes first visible at the bottom, which rapidly increases in size, and lastly, the whole mass glows and exhibits a brilliant combustion without the access of air or oxygen gas.

* * * * *

THE FIERY FLASH.--Pour iron filings upon the flame of a candle, from a sheet of paper, about eight or ten inches above it; as they descend into the flame, they will enter into a very vivid scintillating combustion.

* * * * *

SPIRITS OF WINE.--Put a small quantity of spirits of wine into a glass, and put a halfpenny or shilling in with it; then direct the rays of the sun, by means of a burning glass, upon the coin, and in a short time it will become so hot as to inflame the spirits.

Enigmas.

ANSWERS TO ENIGMAS IN JANUARY NUMBER.

=1.= Inside. =2.= Air. =3.= Mal-ice.

ENIGMAS.

4.

A museum am I, and my pictures so true
That their merits are never disputed by you
Such graphic expression each sketch must reveal
Of all I present to engage the ideal:
My collection abounds in so varied a stock
(Some sure to enchant, while some others may shock)
Of portraits and landscapes, and scenes of the past--
Historic and classic; some others are cast
In chimerical moulds, and stand out to the sight
In colors of fancy illusively bright.
Some are visions of dreams that appeal to the sense
With a mystical fervor, so fair their pretence.
Now this Exhibition at will you may view,
For you'll aye find it open and gratis to _you_:
Though you'll enter it solus, your gaze none can share,
So it's not like the show in Trafalgar-square.

5.

My first "to know" might signify;
My second "melody" imply;
My third must "fashionable" mean;
And in my whole much fashion's seen.

6.

More truly valuable am I,
As visibly is shown,
Than California's gold could buy--
Which you at sight must own.

Of one alone, or else of three,
You'll fabricate my name;
Then, even backwards spelling me,
You'll find me still the same.

7.

As introductory, I'll state,
We are a family of eight,
Fluent of speech as e'en are you,
And quite as comprehensive, too.
Our character is somewhat strange--
One-half of us are apt to change
In constitution frequently,
As you continually may see:
Although the other four, 'tis plain,
Unalter'd always must remain;
And in their own primeval state,
Your constant exigence await.
Collectively, our family
With reasoning humanity
Must o'er retain the first degree.

8.

My first is what you all must share
So long as you respire the air;
And when deceased, survivors will
Your proper share attribute still.
My second's what I think you'd do
Whene'er my first might do so too.
Then let the two united be,
To form what you'd not wish to see.

Receipts, &c.

THE SICK ROOM AND NURSERY.

IMPROVED MODE OF ADMINISTERING SENNA.--Take of senna three drachms; lesser cardamom-seeds, husked and bruised, half a drachm; boiling water, as much as will yield a filtered infusion of six ounces. Digest for an hour, and filter when cold. This is a well-contrived purgative infusion, the aromatic correcting the drastic efforts of the senna. It is of advantage that it should be used freshly prepared, as it is apt to spoil very quickly.

WARM WATER.--Warm water is preferable to cold water, as a drink to persons who are subject to dyspeptic and bilious complaints, and it may be taken more freely than cold water, and consequently answers better as a diluent for carrying off bile, and removing obstructions in the urinary secretion in cases of stone and gravel. When water of a temperature equal to that of the human body is used for drink, it proves considerably stimulant, and is particularly suited to dyspeptic, bilious, gouty, and chlorotic subjects.

BARLEY-WATER.--To make good barley-water, choose the best pearl-barley, boil it for a few minutes, then throw away the water and add fresh, in the proportion of a pint to an ounce of barley. Boil quickly, and then let it simmer for an hour; strain and sweeten; flavor with lemon, or according to taste. It is a very mucilaginous drink, and beneficial to invalids.

ADVANTAGES OF CLEANLINESS.--Health and strength cannot be long continued unless the skin, _all_ the skin, is washed frequently with a sponge or other means. Every morning is best, after which the skin should be rubbed very well with a rough cloth. This is the most certain way of preventing cold, and a little substitute for exercise, as it brings blood to the surface, and causes it to circulate well through the fine capillary vessels. Labor produces this circulation naturally. The insensible perspiration cannot escape well if the skin is not clean, as the pores get choked up. It is said that in health about half the aliment we take passes out through the skin.

ANTIDOTE TO ARSENIC.--Magnesia is an antidote to arsenic, equally efficacious with peroxide of iron, and preferable to it, inasmuch as it is completely innocuous in almost any quantity, and can be procured in any form.

REMEDY FOR TOOTHACHE.--Take of alum, in powder, two drachms; spirit of nitre, seven drachms. Mix, and apply it to the teeth.

TO ASSIST THE HEARING OF ELDERLY PERSONS WHEN SUFFERING FROM DEAFNESS.--Deafness is usually accompanied with confused sounds, and noises of various kinds in the inside of the ear itself; in such cases, insert a piece of cotton wool, on which a very little oil of cloves or cinnamon has been dropped.

RHEUMATIC EMBROCATION.--Take of spirit of turpentine, spirit of hartshorn, liquid opodeldoc, of each one ounce.

DOMESTIC RECEIPTS.

CUSTARDS, CREAMS, JELLIES, AND BLANC MANGE.

[_Second article._]

COMMON BAKED CUSTARD.--Mix a quart of new milk with eight well-beaten eggs, strain the mixture through a fine sieve, and sweeten it with from five to eight ounces of sugar, according to the taste; add a small pinch of salt, and pour the custard into a deep dish, with or without a lining or rim of paste; grate nutmeg or lemon rind over the top, and bake it in a _very_ slow oven from twenty to thirty minutes, or longer, should it not be firm in the centre. A custard, if well made, and properly baked, will be quite smooth when cut, without the honey-combed appearance which a hot oven gives; and there will be no whey in the dish. New milk, one quart; eggs, eight; sugar, five to eight oz.; salt, one-quarter salt-spoonful; nutmeg or lemon-grate; baked, slow oven, twenty to thirty minutes, or more.

CHOCOLATE CUSTARDS.--Dissolve gently by the side of the fire an ounce and a half of the best chocolate in rather more than a wineglassful of water, and then boil it until it is perfectly smooth; mix with it a pint of milk well flavored with lemon-peel or vanilla, and two ounces of fine sugar, and when the whole boils, stir to it five well-beaten eggs that have been strained. Put the custard into a jar or jug, set it into a pan of boiling water, and stir it without ceasing until it is thick. Do not put it into glasses or a dish till nearly or quite cold. These, as well as all other custards, are infinitely finer when made with the yolks only of the eggs.

RICE CUSTARDS WITHOUT CREAM.--Take one teaspoonful of rice flour, a pint of new milk, the yolks of three eggs, sugar to your liking; mix the rice very smooth, and stir it, with the eggs, into the boiling milk. An excellent dish for children.

A FINER BAKED CUSTARD.--Boil together gently, for five minutes, a pint and a half of new milk, a few grains of salt, the very thin rind of a lemon, and six ounces of loaf sugar; stir these boiling, but very gradually, to the well-beaten yolks of ten fresh eggs, and the whites of four; strain the mixture, and add to it half a pint of good cream; let it cool, and then flavor it with a few spoonfuls of brandy or a little ratafia; finish and bake it by the directions given for the common custard above; or pour it into small well-buttered cups, and bake it very slowly from ten to twelve minutes.

APPLE OR GOOSEBERRY SOUFFLE.--Scald and sweeten the fruit, beat it through a sieve, and put it into a tart dish. When cold, pour a rich custard over it, about two inches deep; whip the whites of the eggs, of which the custard was made, to a snow, and lay it in small rough pieces on the custard; sift fine sugar over, and put it into a slack oven for a short time. It will make an exceedingly pretty dish.

GOOSEBERRY-FOOL.--Put the fruit into a stone jar, with some good Lisbon sugar; set the jar on a stove, or in a saucepan of water over the fire; if the former, a large spoonful of water should be added to the fruit. When it is done enough to pulp, press it through a cullender; have ready a teacupful of new milk and the same quantity of raw cream boiled together, and left to be cold; then sweeten pretty well with fine sugar, and mix the pulp by degrees with it. _Or_:--Mix equal proportion of gooseberry pulp and custard.

APPLE-FOOL may be made the same as gooseberry, except that when stewed the apples should be peeled and pulped.

FRENCH FLUMMERY.--Boil one ounce and a half of isinglass in a pint and a half of cream for ten minutes, stirring it well; sweeten it with loaf-sugar, flavor with two tablespoonfuls of orange-flower water, strain it into a deep dish.

FRUIT CREAMS.--Take half an ounce of isinglass, dissolved in a little water, then put one pint of good cream, sweetened to the taste; boil it; when nearly cold, lay some apricot or raspberry jam on the bottom of a glass dish, and pour it over. This is most excellent.

BURNT CREAM.--Set over the fire in a pan three ounces of sifted sugar, stir it, and when it browns, add a quart of cream, and two ounces of isinglass; boil and stir till the latter is dissolved, when sweeten it, and strain into moulds. Or, this cream may be made by boiling it without sugar, adding the yolks of four eggs, sweetening and sifting over it in a dish loaf-sugar, to be browned with a salamander.

LEMON CREAM.--Take a pint of cream, add the zest of a lemon rubbed on sugar; whip it well; add sugar and lemon-juice to palate. Have half an ounce of isinglass dissolved and cool; when the cream is thick, which it will be when the lemon-juice is added, pour in the isinglass, and immediately mould it. A smaller quantity of isinglass may suffice, but that depends on the thickness of the cream. Other flavors may be used, as orange, almond, maraschino. _Or_:--Take a pint of thick cream, and put to it the yolks of two eggs well beaten, 4 oz. of fine sugar, and the thin rind of a lemon; boil it up, then stir it till almost cold; put the juice of a lemon in a dish or bowl, and pour the cream upon it, stirring it till quite cold.

RASPBERRY CREAM.--Put six ounces of raspberry jam to a quart of cream, pulp it through a lawn sieve, add to it the juice of a lemon and a little sugar, and whisk it till thick. Serve it in a dish or glasses.

STRAWBERRY CREAM.--Put six ounces of strawberry jam with a pint of cream through a sieve, add to it the juice of a lemon, whisk it fast at the edge of a dish, lay the froth on a sieve, add a little more juice of lemon, and when no more froth will rise, put the cream into a dish, or into glasses, and place the froth upon it, well drained.

The Toilet.

CELEBRATED HONEY ALMOND PASTE.--Take honey, one pound; white bitter paste, one pound; expressed oil of bitter almonds, two pounds; yolks of eggs, five. Heat the honey, strain, then add the bitter paste, knead well together, and, lastly, add the eggs and oil in alternate portions.

INVALUABLE OINTMENT.--Obtain a pint of real cream, let it simmer over the fire, or on the side, till it resembles butter, and forms a thick oily substance, which may be used as ointment for fresh or old wounds, cracked lips or hands.

CHAPPED HANDS.--Mix a quarter of a pound of unsalted hog's-lard, which should be washed first in water and then in rose-water, with the yolk of a new-laid egg and a large spoonful of honey. Add to this as much fine oatmeal or almond paste as will make the whole into a paste, and apply this after washing the hands.

TO MAKE WASH-BALLS.--Take two pounds of new white soap, and shave thin into a teacupful of rose-water, pouring in as much boiling water as will soften it. Put into a pipkin a pint of sweet oil, fourpennyworth of oil of almonds, half a pound of spermaceti, and set all over the fire till dissolved; then add the soap, and half a pound of camphor that has been first reduced to powder by rubbing it in a mortar with a few drops of spirit of wine or lavender-water. Boil ten minutes; then pour it into a basin, and stir till it is quite thick enough to roll up into hard balls.

TO CLEAN WHITE VEILS.--Put the veil in a solution of white soap, and let it simmer a quarter of an hour; squeeze it in some warm water and soap till quite clean. Rinse it from soap, and then in clean cold water, in which is a drop of liquid blue; then pour boiling water on a teaspoonful of starch, run the veil through this, and clear it well by clapping it. Afterwards pin it out, keeping the edges straight and even.

Centre-Table Gossip.

A WARNING TO LOVERS.

The following delicate translation from the German we commend to all just betrothed lovers, or those who are enduring the anxieties and suspense of a long engagement. It has the burden of more than one life in which pride has made a wreck of happiness.

HOW IT HAPPENS.

FROM THE GERMAN OF EMANUEL GEIBEL.

They said to her. "He loves thee not, he speaks
False vows, he plays but with thee." Then she grieved
And bowed her head, and tears pearled from her cheeks,
Like dew from roses. Oh, that she believed!
For when he came, and saw her doubting mood,
His heart grew wayward: not to show his sorrow,
He sang, and played, and drank, and laughed aloud--
Then wept in secret till the morrow.

"He is not false, give him thy hand again!"
Thus a good angel still her heart doth move.
He, too, yet feels, 'mid bitterness and pain:
"She loves you still! oh, she is still your love!
Speak one kind word, let her speak one to you,
And then the spell that parts you will be broken."
They went--they met--but what will pride not do?
That single word remained unspoken!

They parted, and as in the minster's choir
Doth die away the altar lamp's red glow--
At first grows dimmer, then the sacred fire
Burns bright once more, at length expires--'twas so;
Lamented first, then longed for bitterly,
And then--forgotten, love within them perished;
Till an illusion vain it seemed to be
That each the other e'er had cherished.

'Twas only sometimes, in the moon's pale gleam,
They'd from their pillow start: 'twas wet with tears,
And wet with tears their face. They'd had a dream,
I hardly know of what. And then the years
Of bliss, long past, came to their memory;
And how they'd vainly doubted, how they'd parted,
And now were sundered so eternally--
O God! forgive these stubborn-hearted! M. A. R.

AN ANTIDOTE.

Mr. Brown says Mrs. Green--Miss White that was--doesn't live happily with her husband. The poison works and comes to Mrs. Green's ears. But stop, dear madam, before you have exhausted your week's supply of fresh pocket-handkerchiefs by tears--didn't you refuse Mr. Brown's brother? There's the antidote.

Mrs. Knight tells all her acquaintances that Mrs. Day is abominably extravagant, and caused her husband's failure. Mrs. Starr is sorry to hear it, but recollects in time that Mrs. Day once declined making Mrs. Knight's acquaintance, because there were already more names on her visiting list than she could do justice to. Mrs. Knight feels injured, and sets it down to her living in a two story house in a cross street. Hence her remarks.

And if our lady readers, young and old, would but notice it, a similar antidote might be found for almost all the troublesome reports that come to their ears. It is not in _human_ nature to give a kiss for a blow; and fancied or real injuries are often visited upon one's character or standing. The next best thing to being "let alone," is not to mind what is said, so one is conscious of the right, and never willingly to listen to what people say of you. If disagreeable, you will be sorry you heard it; if the reverse, the best of us are sensibly inclined to vanity.

TRANSPLANTING ROSES.

THE season for transplanting roses "is from the end of October to the middle of March. The autumn is generally preferred; although, I think, it matters but little, provided they are not removed during frosty weather. If standards are chosen, each plant should be tied to a stake to preserve it from the action of the wind; and, whether standards or dwarfs, it is an excellent plan to cover the soil with old hotbed manure, describing a circle round the plant about eighteen inches in diameter. This done, pruning is the next operation, and this should be performed in February or March. As the roots of the plants will have been curtailed by the act of removal, more pruning is necessary the first year than at any subsequent period. It is scarcely possible to acquire a correct knowledge of pruning otherwise than by watching a proficient in the art. Nevertheless, a few hints may prove serviceable. A young plant should have from three to seven shoots; if more are present, those best situated for the formation of a well-balanced plant should be singled out, and the others cut away. This is called thinning. It is now necessary to shorten the shoots that are left. It is an axiom in rose-pruning--the more rigorous the growth, the less should the shoots be shortened. The kinds of weak growth may be shortened to two, or at most three eyes (buds), the moderate growers ranging from three to five eyes, and the strong growers from five to seven. In the early growth of spring, it is necessary to look through the plants occasionally, to remove the caterpillars which infest them at that season, and which travel from bud to bud, eating out the core, and destroying the future flowers. The autumnal blooming kinds require higher cultivation than the summer ones. The latter flower in summer only; the former give a succession of flowers during the autumn months. By strict attention to these directions, a beautiful collection of roses may be formed."

PARLOR WORK.

Collars and undersleeves being so expensive once more, many ladies prefer to embroider for themselves, as the style is by no means difficult. The pattern, principally of eyelets, and with deep points of button-hole stitch (such as we have given, from time to time, in the "Lady's Book" Work-Table), is traced on the muslin or cambric. Instead of the old-fashioned hoops, or tambour-frames, a piece of dark morocco or kid is basted beneath, to keep the strip quite straight and even, then worked over the finger. The same is used for scalloping or pointing skirts, or, in fact, for any style of cambric or muslin embroidery.

Slippers are principally in _applique_. That is, a pattern of velvet, be it a scroll, leaves, or flowers, is applied to black broadcloth by braiding or chain-stitching. It takes much less time than canvas-work, and, though it will not last so long, has a much richer effect. This style of work is much used in smoking-caps, also in silk and velvet for mantillas, short Talmas, etc. For canvas patterns, some of the latest styles introduce the heads of animals, as the fox, or the whole figure, a tiny kitten--on the toe, looking out from a wreath of leaves or flowers, with a groundwork of some plain color. Scrolls, octagons, diamonds, etc., shaded from black to the palest colors, are also much used.

JUVENILE BOOKS.--FROM EVANS & BRITTAN.

A celebrated publisher in our own country has come to the conclusion that there are but three classes of readers it is a bookseller's pleasure or interest to cater for--young ladies, college students, and _children_. Medical works, law books, or, indeed, those pertaining to any of the professions, are to be considered as the tools of trade; but we refer to those who read for pleasure simply, and enjoy what they read without carping or cavil. Yet children are critics, often admirable, though always genial, nevertheless very observant of good morals and truthfulness to nature; and, this most favorite class of readers constantly increasing, it has become a distinct branch of business at the present time--the selection and publication of juvenile books.

Of the firms especially devoted to it, we have before noticed Evans & Brittan, of New York, now the publishers of our old and well-beloved friend, "The Schoolfellow." They are issuing many attractive volumes for the little people, even though the holidays are over, and among those destined to a permanent place in juvenile literature, we notice "_At Home and Abroad; or, How to Behave_." By Mrs. Manners. "Pleasure and Profit," an admirable series of stories on the Lord's Prayer, was the first claim put forth by this pleasant friend and instructress upon the attention of the little people and their elders. The praise which it won will be still farther secured to the authoress by her second book, which is _exactly what was needed in_ _every nursery and school-room in the country_, and we predict that it will become a text-book speedily. There is running through every chapter the kindliest Christian politeness, the truest of all, as well as many judicious hints on the customs of good society; and yet, with all its valuable instruction, it is neither dull nor prosy, but a series of interesting stories, conversations, or rather "talks," in the most good-natured and cheerful vein. We fancy this will be the most popular of the series, in which the "Pet Bird," by Cousin Alice, "Pleasure and Profit," and many others are numbered. It is published in a uniform style with these.

Then, again, for still younger people, is the capital "_Laughter-Book_," and "_Naughty Boys and Girls_," with their broad German mirth and brilliant pictures; the wonderful "_Adventures of a Dog_," with text and illustration to make any boy's holiday feast: "_Pretty Poll_," also illustrated; and, above all, that perfect gem for the nursery, "_The Book of Songs_," with its quaint nursery tales and quiet hymns, illustrated by no less a pencil than Birket Foster, of English celebrity. We particularly commend the editorial taste and style in the letter-press and illustrations of all these volumes.

TO CORRESPONDENTS.

"HELEN" desires to know if it is proper to allow the salesman at a shoe-store to fit on boots and slippers. If by proper she means customary, we reply in the affirmative; and, indeed, if the attendant is respectful, there can be nothing more to say. If in the least rude, his employer should at once be spoken to; a few such lessons would teach civility. In Philadelphia, and sometimes in New York, ladies are the attendants, which is much more agreeable, and should be made a general custom. Whenever the reverse is the case, the motto of the "garter" should be taken for the shoe--"_Honi soit qui mal y pense._"

"MISS L. S. D." will find a reply to her queries in our "Centre-Table Gossip." We prefer the old style of canvas-work, which should never be done in the evening hour, as the threads of the canvas, counting stitches, or sorting the wools strains the strongest eyes. Filling up the groundwork is not so objectionable.

"LA TABLIER"--Aprons are _not_ worn in the street, but are very fashionable for morning or home-dress. They are two breadths wide, and reach a little below the knee, and can be made of plain black or fancy silk, with outside pockets or not, at pleasure. Velvet ribbon and galloon are sometimes used in trimming them. Others are flounced across the bottom by graduated ruffles, or ornamented by knots of ribbon in the old style.

"E. JANE B." need not fear that we will betray her inquiries to any of her acquaintances. We cannot recommend any perfectly safe cosmetic but soap and water, disapproving of the whole plan. Elder-flower water is said to be efficacious, and is certainly simple. Powder of any kind will _eventually_ dry up the skin, and produce wrinkles and discoloration, however much it may seem to improve the complexion at first.

"A SOUTHERN SUBSCRIBER" must remember that we have no claims to medical skill as a journal. The word dyspepsia explains the nature of the ailment. It came from the Greek, and signifies, "I digest with difficulty." For the oppression he speaks of after meals, we have always found a cup of water taken clear, and as hot as it is possible to drink it, the best remedy. Ginger, or any other stimulant, has its mischievous reaction or consequent.

"MRS. C." can have the curtains cleaned at any dyers; they are the persons to apply to, and will often restore them wonderfully. The shawl will probably look almost as well as new, though crapes have invariably a stiff, _washed_ look that betrays them.

"ROSA" will find that we continue our gardening hints, finding them very popular. As regards the other matter, she will find all necessary information in "Godey's Hand-Book of Dress-making," just published.

"A SCHOOL-GIRL" should never use common brown soap if she is liable to chapped hands, as it contains turpentine, which roughens the skin. Oatmeal will answer instead of any soap; also, honey softens the skin.

"A HOUSEKEEPER."--French mustard differs materially from what is used in England, for vinegar, more or less, enters into the composition, and the grain itself is not the same; the finer sorts have always the addition of aromatic herbs, so that there are no less than twenty-four different sorts of French mustard. The common kind is made with the grain of the Lenvoyè, which is of a darker color than English mustard seed. It is ground up with vinegar on a stone slab, and then put into pots for use. Provide yourself with the senevè or senvy seed, and then reduce it to a fine powder, mixing it with the French vinegar sold by the grocers.

Fashions.

NOTICE TO LADY SUBSCRIBERS.

Having had frequent applications for the purchase of jewelry, millinery, etc., by ladies living at a distance, _the Editress of the Fashion Department_ will hereafter execute commissions for any who may desire it, with the charge of a small percentage for the time and research required. Bridal wardrobes, spring and autumn bonnets, dresses, jewelry, bridal cards, cake-boxes, envelopes, etc. etc., will be chosen with a view to economy, as well as taste; and boxes or packages forwarded by express to any part of the country. For the last, distinct directions must be given.

_Orders, accompanied by checks for the proposed expenditure, to be addressed to the care of L. A. Godey, Esq., who will be responsible for the amount, and the early execution of commissions._

_No order will be attended to unless the money is first received._

Instructions to be as minute as is possible, accompanied by a note of the height, complexion, and general style of the person, on which _much depends_ in choice. Dress goods from Levy's or Stewart's, bonnets from Miss Wharton's, jewelry from Bailey's, Warden's, Philadelphia, or Tiffany's, New York, if requested.

DESCRIPTION OF STEEL FASHION PLATE FOR FEBRUARY.

_Fig. 1st._--Morning or home-dress, of violet-colored cashmere, embroidered with black, in a new and very elegant style. The basque has deep points, and a trimming to correspond extends up the points and surrounds the sleeves. Chemisette in imitation of a vest pattern; sleeves and cap of Honiton lace.

_Fig. 2d._--Dinner or evening-dress of pale rose-colored watered silk, made perfectly plain, with a tunic skirt end _berthé_ cape of a white brocaded pattern. The hair is arranged in very rich puffs and bands, and dressed with rose-colored plumes falling to the throat.

EMBROIDERED DRESSING-GOWN.

(_See Plate._)

We give the pattern of a beautiful dressing-gown in needle-work embroidery. It may be done on plain cashmere or merino for winter, or muslin or cambric as a summer dress. It consists of a petticoat and sacque, the latter loose, with flowing sleeves.

CHITCHAT UPON NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA FASHIONS FOR FEBRUARY.

February, with its few mild days, is still to be reckoned as one of the winter months by dress as well as the calendar. The shop windows themselves present very few novelties, and the side-walk none at all. The endless varieties of cloaks and mantillas--the Hungarian, the Galeta, the Nabob, the Victoria, the Norma--are still in season, and the winter bonnets, with their profusion of trimming inside and out, will be worn until April. We particularly notice for the benefit of those having a large or expensive stock on hand, the edict of a late foreign fashion journal: _although large collars are the fashion_, it must not be _supposed_ that _small ones are altogether laid aside_. They are still worn with cloth and merino dresses, and for the street, as large ones do not set well over cloaks and mantillas. Plain linen collars and undersleeves are still worn for the street, and travelling, and for the morning.

For making dresses, there are every variety of sleeves. For morning-dresses, the fulness at the wrist is gathered into a wide cuff turned over. It is a mistake to copy the full-puffed or slashed sleeve of Charles V.'s costume with any other style of waist. Such fanciful costumes should not be copied piecemeal; they lose all their effect. Better be a little behind the fashion. Costumes invented for rich materials expressly cut a very shabby figure in mousselines or chintzes.

Basques are as much in fashion as ever, the favorite style being renamed "Odette Bodies." The basque, or lappets, being of the same piece as the body--not attached to it, but gored out, as it were, over the hips. For slender waists, the Parisian dress-makers have used gathered bodies, with the lappets sewed on, as the Odette body, being quite plain, is not considered becoming.

We conclude our chat by an article upon mourning, copied from a valuable little publication, to which we would call the attention of our lady readers. The title is significant--"HOW TO MAKE A DRESS: _a Help to those who wish to Help themselves_." The American edition is altered and enlarged by our own editress, from whom we quote the following chapter:--

"MOURNING.

"Some guiding hints as to the choice of mourning goods, and the general effect of close and half mourning, may not be amiss.

"Close mourning, more commonly called _deep_ mourning, is usually worn only for the nearest relations--a husband, parents, child, brother, or sister. A widow's mourning, called 'weeds' in England, is not so distinct in this country. There the close tarleton or muslin cap, with its crimped border, is its accompaniment for a year at least. The fashion has of late years been adopted in this country, particularly in New York, where it is so common as not longer to excite the curiosity it called out at first, when worn by young persons. Bombazine, trimmed with folds of crape (the dress, mantilla, and bonnet), with a veil of double Italian or heavy English crape, is considered the deepest mourning. Nothing white, as collar, cuffs, or undersleeves, is worn by those who thus follow the dictates of fashion, even in their sorrow, through the first six months or year.

"Another style--also considered deep, and usually worn for parents or children--allows of a variety of material, as black cashmere, mousseline, Tamese cloth, alpaca, etc. etc., trimmed with silk or ribbon, even plain braids and galloons. Undersleeves and collars of Swiss muslin, tarleton, or linen, relieve the sombre shade, and add a neatness to the dress which it can never have where black crape is used for the purpose. This is the most general style.

"A lighter mourning is black silk trimmed lightly with crape, mode bonnet, etc. etc.