Blonde and Brunette, Chicago—The phrase “Bread is the staff of life” is attributed to Dr. Jonathan Swift. It is in his “Tale of the Tub.” It is not a Bible phrase. The original of “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” is still alive. He has published an autobiography. He was in Chicago not many months ago. His name is Rev. Josiah Henson.
Non-voter, Rockford, Ill.—The fact that you are not a citizen and are, therefore, a non-voter does not exempt you from payment of poll-tax in case you do not wish to work out your assessment on the highways. The public roads are enjoyed by citizens and aliens alike, and—so are the taxes for keeping them in proper order.
C. T. Smith, Braddyville, Iowa—The United States Government has erected a line of towers in Illinois on about the meridian of Urbana, and similar towers in other places, including the one near South Bend, Ind., for the purpose of effecting a more accurate survey of the country, and for other scientific purposes.
D. W. Barlow, Nettleton, Mo.—Honey-dew is a sweet substance found on the leaves of certain trees and plants in small drops, like dew. There are two kinds of honey-dew, one which exudes from plants, and the other which is deposited on leaves by an insect called the aphis, or vine-fretter.
H. M. Eastman, Fourche, D. T.—The oldest form of religion now extant is the Hebrew religion. The next oldest, probably, are Parseeism, or the religion of Zoroaster, and Brahmanism. All of these have changed materially as regards ceremonial, but in doctrine they are essentially consistent with the faith of their founders.