PICTURES FROM DANTE.
FAME.
"NOW must thou shake off sloth," my guide began,
"For not beneath rich canopies of state,
On beds of down, must fame be sought by man."
FIRMNESS.
FOLLOW thou me, nor heed what others say;
Be like a tower that stoopeth not its head,
Bellow the tempests fiercely as they may.
He in whose breast springs thought to thought succeeding,
Of his intent is ever frustrated—
The force of one the other's force impeding.
WORLDLINESS.
OH, the insensate labor men bestow
On worldly things! How weak those reasonings are
Which make them stoop their wings to earth below!
One was pursuing medicine; one a course
Of law; the church employed another's care;
One strove to rule by sophistry or force;
One was on wicked gains by fraud intent;
By merchandise another; this one given
To sensual joys; on ease another bent—
While I, from all these earthly cares relieved,
With Beatrice ascending into heaven,
Was in that sphere so gloriously received.
FEMINOLOGY.
ON account of the few lucrative employments that are left to the female sex, and by consequence of the little opportunity they have of adding to their income, daughters ought to be the particular objects of a parent's care and foresight; and as an option of marriage, from which they can reasonably expect happiness, is not presented to every one who deserves it, especially in times when a licentious celibacy is in fashion with the men, a father should endeavor to enable his daughters to lead a single life with independency and decorum, even though he subtract more for that purpose from the portions of his sons than is agreeable to modern usage, or than they expect.—W. PALEY, Moral Philosophy.
LADIES have sometimes distinguished themselves as prodigies of learning. Many of the most eminent geniuses of the French nation have been of the female sex. Several of our own countrywomen have also made a respectable figure in the republic of letters.—C. BUCK, Miscellanies.
EMERA was much displeased with her maid-servants. The occasion of her displeasure was great and just, but she had not the spirit of reproof. Criton happening to be in his closet, she went up and made her complaint there. He entreated her to excuse him from the economy of the kitchen and parlor: It was entirely under her dominion, and if her maids were so culpable, she must reprove them sharply. "Alas!" said she, "I cannot chide."—ISAAC WATTS, Miscellanies.
THE obvious designation of woman to a different sphere of action and influence from that which is occupied by the stronger sex, suggests the contemplation of excellencies which, though not peculiar to herself, are delightfully appropriate to her character and condition. There is a feeling of heart, a consciousness of dependency, a natural and amiable timidity, a tenderness and kindness, which unfit a woman for the rude and tumultuous occupations, and which, while they assign to her a more retired sphere, as clearly disclose those qualifications which constitute her true dignity and glory.—GARDINER SPRING, Sermon.
THERE is not one sentiment I join you more cordially in, than an utter detestation of all the heartless splendor and ceremony of fashionable life; and I trust that my wife will never suffer herself to be so seduced by the example of female acquaintances, and advisers, and managers, as to step down from the dignified simplicity of a minister's fireside, and mingle in all the extravagances of parties, and second courses, and splendid drawing-rooms, and the whole tribe of similar abominations.—THOMAS CHALMERS.
DEACONESSES.
THAT the peculiar gifts of the female sex might be made available for the outward service of the Church, in rendering the assistance of various kinds for which women are peculiarly fitted; the office of Deaconess was established, in addition to that of Deacon, at first in the churches of the Gentile Christians.—NEANDER, History of the Church.
IT is well known that in the primitive Church there were women particularly appointed for this work. Indeed, there was one or more such in every Christian congregation under heaven. They were then termed Deaconesses, that is, servants—servants of the Church and of its Great Master. Such was Phœbe, mentioned by St. Paul, Rom. xvi. 1, "A Deaconess of the Church at Cenchrea." It is true most of these were women in years, and well experienced in the work of God. But were the young wholly excluded from that service? No! neither need they be, provided they know in whom they have believed, and show that they are holy of heart, by being holy in all manner of conversation.—JOHN WESLEY, Sermons, vol. ii. p. 335, N. Y. ed.
IGNATIUS, in writing to the Church at Antioch—of which he himself was pastor—says: "Salute the Deaconesses in Christ Jesus." Tertullian speaks particularly of a Deaconess who was of a very tender age.[2] Their office was so respected, that a bishop was deposed for having received into it a woman who had been excommunicated;[3] and it often fell to their lot to share the glories of martyrdom with the most holy confessors of the faith.[4]
How long this order continued in the Christian Church is not absolutely certain. Up to the commencement of the fourth century it, however, preserved itself free from abuses, but became corrupted in the fifth and sixth, and ended by disappearing in the Latin Church in the eighth, when the Papacy became finally constituted. In the Greek Church this office continued several hundred years, and Deaconesses pursued their self-denying service in the Christian Churches of Constantinople to the close of the twelfth century.[5]—WM. A. PASSAVANT, Institution of Deaconesses.
[2] Tertull. vel. de virg.
[3] Sozam, lib. iv. c. 14.
[4] Plin. Ep. ad. Traj.
[5] Suicer, Thesaur, tom. i. p. 896.
Literary Notices.
LIBERIA; or, Mr. Peyton's Experiments. Edited by Mrs. Sarah J. Hale, author of "Woman's Record." etc. etc. The author has furnished us with a copy of this work, which at once addresses itself to the good sense and the good feelings of all persons who are sincerely interested in Christian practical efforts to ameliorate and to elevate the condition of the African race. We think it has been fully demonstrated in this volume that the only sure plan for the attainment of those desirable ends is that proposed, and, it may now be said, successfully carried out by the American Colonization Society. In order to establish this important truth, the author has been at great pains to present us with the real character and condition of the negro while in a state of slavery, and his improvidence and want of energy, as generally exhibited, when set free and furnished with land in the midst of a white population. The prejudices against which he has to contend in our large cities, their paralyzing effects, and the wretchedness to which he is often reduced in consequence, are also fully contrasted with the independent and prosperous condition of those who have been settled in Liberia, and who have raised themselves to a standard of Christianity, civilization, statesmanship, and orderly government, which might, indeed, be questioned, did not indisputable evidences of their astonishing and successful progress accompany all the statements of the author. This work, therefore, commends itself not only to the attention of those who are anxious to benefit an unhappy race, but also to the serious consideration of such of that race as have sufficient intelligence to comprehend their true interests, and sufficient energy to follow their dictates.
From J. S. REDFIELD, 110 and 112 Nassau Street, New York, through W. B. ZIEBER, Philadelphia:—
ART AND INDUSTRY, as Represented in the Exhibition of the Crystal Palace, New York, 1853-4. Showing the progress and state of various useful and æsthetic pursuits. From the "New York Tribune." Revised and corrected by Horace Greeley. This volume will very justly command the attention of all who are interested in the progress of the arts, and in the dissemination of useful knowledge among the people, objects which, it is admitted, form the basis of all nationality and true civilization.
From THOMAS, COWPERTHWAIT, & CO., Philadelphia:—
A NEW HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. For the use of schools. By John Lord, A. M., author of a "Modern History from the Times of Luther to the Fall of Napoleon." This work is intended to meet the necessity, which it is thought has long existed, for a new history of the United States for the use of schools. The author has long been known to the literary public as a close investigator of historical subjects, and as a candid and impartial writer. In the volume before us, as far as we have been able to judge, he has carefully adhered to the truths of history, and has, at the same time, presented a clear and forcible narrative of all the important events on record, from the discovery of America down to the present times. As an elementary work, we think it is calculated deeply to control the minds of youthful readers, and to impress upon their memories the important incidents connected with the progress of their country in the establishment of freedom, and in the diffusion of knowledge, wealth, and independence among the people.
NOVELS, SERIALS, PAMPHLETS, &c.
From S. Hueston, New York: "January and June: being Outdoor Thinkings and Fireside Musings." By Benj. F. Taylor. Though not very striking or original, these "thinkings" and "musings" will probably interest the reader.
From Phillips, Sampson, & Co., Boston, through W. P. Hazard, Philadelphia: "Bureliff; its Sunshine and its Clouds." By Paul Creyton, author of "Father Brightness," "Hearts and Faces," etc. This is a very interesting story by a favorite author.
From Ticknor, Reed, & Fields, Boston, through W. P. Hazard, Philadelphia: "My two Sisters: a Sketch from Memory." By Emily Judson. This is a most affecting family memorial, evincing the purity and intensity of that love which submits to the influences of religion.
From Fetridge & Co., Boston, through T. B. Peterson, Philadelphia: "Home Scenes and Home Sounds; or, the World from my Window." By H. Marion Stephens. A very handsome and agreeable volume, containing numerous poetical and prose articles from the pen of a popular authoress.
From Phillips, Sampson, & Co., Boston, through T. B. Peterson, Philadelphia: "Estelle's Stories about Dogs, for Good Boys and Girls." "Little Mary; or, Talks and Tales for Children." By H. Trusta, author of "The Sunny Side," etc. "Christmas Holidays at Chestnut Hill." By Cousin Mary. Illustrated: "Little Blossom's Reward." A Christmas Book for Children. By Mrs. Emily Hare. Illustrated. These pretty volumes reached us too late for a seasonable notice. Such books, however, can never be out of season with those for whom the authors have carefully blended amusement with important lessons of morality.—"Viola; or, Adventures in the Far South-West." By Emerson Bennett, author of the "Forged Will," "Clara Moreland," etc. etc. Mr. Bennett is spirited, and therefore a popular writer. His works are sought after and read with the greatest avidity by the lovers of romance and wild and stirring adventure.—"Indiana." By George Sand, author of "Consuelo," etc. Translated by one of the best French scholars in this country, a member of the Philadelphia bar.
From J. S. Redfield, Clinton Hall, New York, through W. B. Zieber, Philadelphia: "Clovernook; or, Recollections of our Neighbors in the West." Second series. By Alice Carey. A collection of very pleasant stories from the pen of a lady whose talents have long since rendered her name familiar to the public.—"Vasconselos: a Romance of the New World." By Frank Cooper. This is a powerfully written romance, founded on the adventures of De Soto, which we think deserving of more than the usual attention paid to works of fiction. The style is energetic, and the incidents and the plot, though the latter is not altogether agreeable to our taste, are full of the spirit of the age and of the characters represented.
From De Witt & Davenport, New York: "Hot Corn: Life Scenes in New York." Illustrated. Including the "Story of Little Katy," "Madelina," "The Rag-Picker's Daughter," "Wild Maggie," &c. With original designs, engraved by N. Orr. By Solon Robinson. These stories originally appeared in the "New York Tribune," and attracted very general attention. They have been published in a handsome volume, which has generally received favorable notices from the press. Some, however, have considered the morality, as well as the purity of its literature, highly questionable.
From T. B. Peterson, 102 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia: "Henrietta Temple: a Love Story." By B. D'Israeli, M. P., P. C. With a portrait of the author. Price fifty cents.
Godey's Arm-Chair.
WE stated in our February number that we wanted just two hundred subscribers to make even 10,000 more than we printed last year. They have been received, and more than 3,000 in addition. We now go in for 20,000 additional, and we know that we shall get them.
MODEL COTTAGES.—We give a very beautiful cottage in this number, and shall continue to publish them almost monthly.
BREACH OF PROMISE CASE—NOT TO COME OFF.—The "Mauch Chunk Gazette" says: "Godey promises one hundred pages in each number, and he has never yet been indicted for 'breach of promise.'"
WE do not want the gentlemen to read this paragraph. But, ladies, did you ever see such superb fashion plates as we have been publishing? Look at the one in this number. Paris can't surpass that. They seem even to have excited to admiration our grave, but good friends of the press. The "Mercer Whig" says: "The fashion plates given in the 'Lady's Book' are worth the subscription price to any lady." The "Plainfield Gazette" adds a remark which our vanity also induces us to copy: "Godey is the greatest favorite with ladies amongst publishers, and his fashion plates lead all other magazines." The "Ebensburg Alleghanian" winds up with, "The fashion plates are graceful and colored, superior to any that we have yet seen." And they and our other embellishments shall surpass all others. By way of variety, we give in this number a mezzotint engraving, which the graceful pen of Mrs. Neal has illustrated—"Selling the Wedding Ring or Love Token."
THIRD EDITION.—We are now using our third edition, but, foreseeing the great demand, we have kept ourselves supplied. Every day's orders have been mailed within the twenty-four hours.
IS it economical for a family to take the "Lady's Book?" that is the question. The "Brandon Republican," says "It is decided economy in any family to take it. The useful information to be derived from it in a year is worth ten times the subscription."
PATTERNS, PATTERNS.—We shall have the most beautiful patterns for spring wear that have ever been offered from this establishment. Send on your orders soon, ladies.
BACHELORISM AGAIN.—One of them says: "Whatever amount of 'cooing' we may have in our honeymoon, we may be pretty sure of having a fearful amount of bill-ing."
MERCHANT PRINCES AND STREET OF PALACES.—The splendid stores of Morris, Hallowell, & Co., and Caleb Cope & Co., recently finished, are the most splendid specimens of store architecture to be found in the United States. They have recently been opened for public view, and crowds of ladies and gentlemen have visited both establishments, and been delighted with the varied and tasty arrangements so beautifully conceived and admirably executed.
ARTHUR'S "Home Gazette" says:—
"'The Book of the Toilet.' Philadelphia, Louis A. Godey The publisher of the 'Lady's Book' has here supplied a want long felt. In a neatly printed and bound miniature volume, readily transmissible by mail, we have, separately treated, the following subjects: 'The Beauty of the Skin,' 'The Care of the Skin,' 'The Toilet,' 'Recipes for Perfumes,' 'The Hair,' 'The Teeth,' 'Recipes for Soaps,' 'Pomatums,' 'Recipes for Improving the Breath,' and 'Miscellaneous Recipes.' A 'Book of the Toilet,' from one so experienced as the publisher of the 'Lady's Book,' will, of course, be eagerly sought for by those for whose special use it has been prepared."
A VERY DESPERATE JOKE.—Why should a gentleman, on paying a visit to a widow, take her a supply of tobacco? Because he finds her in weeds.
WE are happy to record the great success of Philadelphia periodicals and newspapers. This has been the greatest season ever known. "Godey's Lady's Book," "Arthur's Home Gazette," and "Arthur's Home Magazine," have nearly doubled their editions of last year, while "Graham's Saturday Mail," which was only started on the first of the year, has a circulation nearly equal to the largest.
HAWLEY & Co., Perfumers, whose advertisement will be found in our "Book," now take the lead in this city, and are the fashionable perfumers. We have examined and tested their perfumery and fancy soaps, both for ladies and gentlemen. Their shaving cream, gentlemen, what a luxury! and the shaving compound military soap, and the ambrosial tablet of concentrated cream, for shaving, neatly done up in little boxes that you might carry in your waistcoat pocket—but these luxuries for shaving are running away with us, and we are forgetting the ladies. Well, ladies, they have for you lip salve—think of that—liquid hair dye; but none of our subscribers will want that, they wear their hair the color that nature made it. And then they have colognes, pomades, bandolines, eau lustrale, oleate of roses for chapped hands, extracts for the handkerchief, etc. And, elderly ladies, a word with you; that is, if you have any vanity—we will whisper it—there is a certain tonic lotion for restoring gray hair to its original color, and lots of other articles, wholesale and retail, which we have not space to mention.
A REMARKABLE case of table-talking lately took place. A cabinet-maker was recommending a table to a lady as a very fine new mahogany table. At which the table lifted itself up and exclaimed, "Don't you believe him, ma'am; I'm veneered and second-hand."
"'ARTHUR'S HOME GAZETTE' FOR 1854.—We cheerfully recommend this weekly to the public readers. Its past conduct proved it to be one of the highest excellence, and we have good reasons to believe that it will be so for the future. During the coming year 1854, Mr. Arthur, the editor, will publish two original nouvellettes in the columns of the 'Gazette,' one of which is entitled 'The Angel of the Household.'"—Flo. Democrat, Pensacola, Flo.
GARRETT & Co., of New York, have sent us "Mrs. Partington's Carpet-bag of Fun." A funny book, from which we make the following extracts:—
MODERN SCIENCE.—"Do you think people are troubled as much with flea-bottomary now, doctor, as they used to be before they discovered the anti-bug bedstead?" asked Mrs. Partington of a doctor of the old school, who attended the family where she was staying. "Phlebotomy, madam," said the doctor, gravely, "is a remedy, not a disease." "Well, well," replied she; "no wonder one gets 'em mixed up, there is so many of 'em; we never heard in old times of trousers in the throat, or embargoes in the head, or neurology all over us, or consternation in the bowels, as we do nowadays. But it's an ill wind that don't blow nobody good, and the doctors flourish on it like a green baize-tree. But of course they don't have anything to do with it—they can't make 'em come or go."
MRS. PARTINGTON AT SEA.—"There's poor Hardy Lee called again!" says Mrs. Partington on a trip to Boston. The wind was ahead, and the vessel had to beat up, and the order to put the helm "hard a lee" had been heard through the night. "Hardy Lee again! I declare; I should think the poor creetur would be completely exaspirated with fatigue; and I'm certain he hasn't eat a blessed mouthful of anything all the while. Captain, do call the poor creetur down, or human natur can't stand it."
SOUND LOGIC.—Mrs. Partington, on reading an account of a schooner having her jib-boom carried away in Long Island Sound, one night last week, wondered "why people would leave such things out o' doors, nights, to be stolen, when they was so many buglers about, filtering everything they could lay their hands to."
POPPING THE QUESTION.—A young lawyer, who had long paid his addresses to a lady, without much advancing his suit, accused her one day of being "insensible to the power of love."
"It does not follow," she archly replied, "that I am so, because I am not to be won by the power of attorney."
"Forgive me," replied the suitor, "but you should remember that all the votaries of Cupid are solicitors."
A LADY A JUDGE—AND WHY NOT?—The "Johnston Echo" says: "Our wife—and our wife's a judge—says that Godey's fashion plate embellishments, designs for embroidery, &c., are the very things which ladies often need, and know not where to get." She judges correctly, too.
"'ARTHUR'S HOME MAGAZINE.'—This truly meritorious and deservedly popular monthly periodical commences the new year with decided claims to public favor, much improved in its embellishments and well stored with a choice moral miscellany, rendering it worthy of the home for which it is admirably adapted. In short, the name of its talented conductor alone is sufficient to secure for it a general welcome. T. S. Arthur, Philadelphia, $2 a year."
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.
WYMAN, the magician, has been here delighting the people as usual. He is also one of the best ventriloquists we have ever heard.
CHARLES OAKFORD'S FASHION PLATE FOR SPRING, 1854.—We present our numerous patrons this month with this plate. We are pleased to notice the originality of design which is here displayed. Oakford is now at the head of his profession. He has infused more life and spirit into his business than any other competitor in the United States. His store is pronounced the most beautiful in the world, his stock the most varied and extensive to be found anywhere. Oakford's success in his new establishment is unprecedented, and he deserves it, for his liberal spirit has spared no expense whatever to keep ahead in his branch of business. Philadelphia should be proud of this, and we feel assured they know how to appreciate him. We advise wholesale dealers to bear his store in mind when they wish to purchase, as they will find hats and caps of every grade as low as they can be purchased in any city in the Union. We would also remind the ladies that they can procure the finest quality of children's head gear of the most fashionable styles at this establishment. We therefore proclaim success to Oakford!
THE bonnets published on our first page are from the extensive establishment of Messrs. Thomas White & Co., who have the largest bonnet establishment in the United States. It is from their extensive manufactory in this city whence most of the fashions emanate. The establishment in the city is, besides the manufacturing department, also their sale-room, both wholesale and retail. Added to this, they have "the Industrial Straw-Works at Roxborough," where an immense number of bonnets are manufactured daily. They employ, in all, some four hundred females. Here is a concern that gives employment in the right kind of way. Think of four hundred females in one establishment! They certainly deserve not only the thanks, but the united patronage of all the subscribers to the "Book." Every description of silk, lace, crape, straw, blonde, and fancy bonnets, of the latest style, artificial flowers, French and American summer hats for gentlemen, in all their variety—and it is unsurpassed, as they are importers as well as manufacturers—can be found at this celebrated bonnet depot.
Their magnificent new store, erected on the site of their former stand, No. 41 South Second Street, and the extensive stock, is now open to the public, and it is a pleasure to visit it, to see how a business of such extent can be carried on without there appearing anything like hurry or confusion.
"GODEY'S 'BOOK OF BEAUTY,' No. 2.—Through the ever attentive courtesy of Philadelphia's model magazineer, Louis A. Godey, Esq., we were several weeks since made the recipient of his 'Parlor Gem,' No. 2, consisting of some thirty exquisite engravings, all but two or three of which are on steel, and are pictures of rare excellence and beauty. We avail ourselves of the earliest opportunity to say to every one of our friends and readers to send on your fifty cents to L. A. Godey, and get a bijou that you would not sell again for $5."—Ellsworth Herald.
GENERAL AGENCY FOR PERIODICALS.—Many persons wishing to subscribe for different publications do not like the trouble of writing several letters. This may be obviated by sending the money to the subscriber, who will attend to all orders punctually, whether for publications monthly or weekly in this city or elsewhere.
Any information asked for by any of our subscribers we will cheerfully give, if it is in our power.
We will attend to purchasing any goods that may be desired, and will forward them at the lowest market price.
A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW OF BOARDMAN & GRAY'S MANUFACTORY, ALBANY, N. Y.
BOARDMAN & GRAY'S DOLCE CAMPANA ATTACHMENT PIANO-FORTES.
In our January and February numbers, we gave a detailed sketch of piano-forte making, and selected, as the subject of our illustration, the extensive establishment of Messrs. Boardman & Gray. We have therefore deemed it desirable to present our readers with an exterior view of this establishment. These buildings were completed about a year since; and, at that time, it was supposed they would be sufficiently large even for the extensive business designed to be carried on in them. But so rapidly has the demand increased for their instruments, that Messrs. Boardman & Gray will be obliged to add another wing to their main building, and will thus be able to supply their orders with additional promptness.
It is scarcely possible to overrate the excellence of their piano-forte, with its Dolce Campana Attachment. As a parlor instrument, it is, we believe, unrivalled. To those who appreciate rich, full, and sweet sounds, rather than mere noise; to those who love an instrument which seems, as it were, to respond to the feelings and passions of the player—which can at one time delight the ear with its organ-like tones, at another charm it with a melody so soft and tender as to start the tear of the listener—it will need no commendation. The touch and action of the instrument are faultless; the firmness, the lightness, and the elasticity of the touch have won the praise of every pianist who has used it. A marked feature in the instrument to which we are alluding is its durability of tone, a result which, as we have already shown, is due to its careful and methodical construction. In every respect, it embodies within itself the conditions of the finest and most reliable of instruments. We can therefore confidently commend it to the reader.
SOME wretched bachelor concocted the following:—
A JURY Of FEMALES.—In the year 1693, the body of a female was discovered in Newbury, under circumstances which rendered a coroner's inquest desirable. A jury of twelve women was called, and a copy of their verdict has been preserved. As it is about as lucid and satisfactory as most modern verdicts, we copy it entire in the quaint language of the period. It was as follows:—
"We judge according to our best light and contients, that the death of said Elizabeth was not by any violence or wrong dun to her by any person or thing, but by some soden stoping of her breath."
HOW true is the following. Read it, ye unhappy bachelor editors, and follow the example of our friend French, of the "Georgetown Herald," another convert to our doctrines. He has announced to us that he has taken to himself a "helpmeet."
THE FEMALE TEMPER.—No trait of character is more agreeable in a female than the possession of a sweet temper. Home can never be happy without it. It is like the flowers that spring up in our pathway, reviving and cheering us. Let a man go home at night, wearied and worn by the toils of the day, and how soothing is a word dictated by a good disposition! It is sunshine falling on his heart. He is happy, and the cares of life are forgotten. A sweet temper has a soothing influence over the minds of a whole family. Where it is found in the wife and mother, you observe a kindness and love predominating over the natural feelings of a bad heart. Smiles, kind words and looks, characterize the children, and peace and love have their dwelling there. Study, then, to acquire and retain a sweet temper.
THE cottage in this number is from Sloan's beautiful work on architecture.
FROM an editor in South Carolina: "On my return home, I found the pen you were so kind as to send me. I am very much pleased with it, and again tender my thanks. I will soon send for another. I need the best pens, or, as you see, my intentions or words could never be communicated, at least in an intelligible manner." We congratulate you, friend B., upon the marked improvement in your chirography.
WE copy the following from the "Evening Argus," fully indorsing every particular of it, and especially that part speaking of Mr. Purdy, whom we have, for the last thirty years, been pleased to call our friend:—
"THE HOUSE PRINTING TELEGRAPH.—We observe, with real satisfaction, the rapid extension of the House Printing Telegraph Lines throughout the North and West; and in every instance where this means of telegraphic communication is adopted it is pronounced the very perfection of telegraphic inventions. The line recently established between this city and New York, has now extended its branches through all the Northern, Middle, and Western States, while many of these lines, in the extent of their business, are among the most prosperous in the country. The main line, from Washington to Boston, has recently undergone many improvements, and the office in this city has been removed to Harnden's Express Building, N. E. corner of Third and Chestnut Streets, where quarters unsurpassed in accommodation and comfort have been fitted up, new instruments introduced, &c., for the purpose of more expeditiously accommodating the increasing patronage which the knowledge of the advantages of this means of communication is bringing upon the line.
"The lines between this city and New York, Baltimore, and Washington, are now prepared to dispatch almost any amount of business; and their active management being in the hands of gentlemen fully conversant with the wants of the business community, we can commend the line to the public with every confidence. The lines centering in this city are under the immediate superintendence of J. H. Purdy, and every attention which experience and sagacity can suggest is devoted to keeping them in order for the dispatch of business. Mr. W. J. Phillips, the principal in charge of the office, is a skilful and experienced operator, and obliging gentleman, while all his assistants are capable, experienced, and efficient, thus making the office—as indeed are all the offices—a model in the prompt and accurate dispatch of business.
"The House instrument is unsurpassed in speed and accuracy of communication, and its merits and advantages once understood, it must come into general use with the telegraphing public."
WE thank the editor of the "Litchfield Republic" for the following:—
"This is the 'Lady's Book' par excellence. We admire this work, for the plain and simple reason that, like refined, polished, and virtuous female society, it powerfully tends to improve the manners and mend the heart."
THE "FLORIST'S AND HORTICULTURIST'S JOURNAL." Vol. 3, No. 1. H. C. Hanson, 63 Walnut Street, Philadelphia.—We have here the best work upon floriculture and horticulture published in the United States. Each number contains a beautifully colored engraving. In some instances, these engravings are got up and colored in Paris. Price of the work only $2 a year.
KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN.—Every one, however busy, however poor, however humble, can greatly elevate and enrich himself by looking around and suffering naught to escape his notice; and he will not only enrich himself, but the whole world may be indebted to him for digging from the rubbish of obscurity a gem to enrich mankind.
WE do not deem it improper to publish the following feeling extract from a letter just received, as we give no names or date. It is a credit to the heart of the writer: "Inclosed you will find twenty dollars for the following club. The gentlemen say it is of no use refusing to subscribe, as their wives consider it a 'woman's right' to have the 'Book.' My own past year's experience has left me a deserted home; yet I still wish it for myself, recollecting how well she liked it who is now an angel in heaven."
CARD WRITING.—We beg leave to call the attention of our lady friends to the fact that written cards are now more fashionable than engraved; and, if they want a handsome pack written, or linen marked in the most beautifully florid, or in a plain style, let them apply to Martha A. Torrey, S. W. corner of Filbert and Eighteenth Streets.
THE "GERMANTOWN TELEGRAPH" has been enlarged and improved, but only in its typographical appearance, the matter being already perfect. We consider Major Freas a model editor, bold and fearless in what is right, never lending his columns to anything of which he does not approve. He ought to be in the city, where his power could be felt. As an agricultural paper, the "Telegraph" stands first in the State, the major himself being a practical farmer. He has taken premiums upon several occasions, the last for some particular kind of roosters—crowing ones, we believe; but the major is used to crowing, the whole press having crowed upon the occasion of his enlargements and improvements. Success to him! and may he always entertain a just sense of his high position as the editor of one of the most popular papers in the State, and not descend to become a candidate for governor. By the way, major, we should like to see the first number of your paper, and, until we do, we shall consider ourself as the oldest publisher.
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.
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.