Earlier text: Study the LessonDistributers.
By William Ings
It seemed necessary that something should be constructed to contain our publications for the benefit of people journeying on steamships. To supply this want, the distributers now in use were devised. This case would be an ornament to the cabin of the finest ship. It is made of walnut, and is eighteen inches in length, ten and a half in width, and four in thickness at the base. It contains eight pockets, five inches in length, four and a half in depth, and three-fourths of an inch in width. It has a baseboard four and one-fourth inches wide, which is painted black, and bears the following inscription:— This reading matter is furnished by the International Missionary Society, 1059 Castro Street, Oakland, Cal. Correspondence solicited. In this case are usually placed 6 SIGNS, 2 Reviews, 4 Instructors, 4 Sabbath Sentinels, and 104 pages of small tracts. The cases are filled as often as the ships come into port. For long voyages they should be more abundantly supplied than for shorter trips. There is also a distributer for loaning purposes, which is usually placed in the ladies' cabin. It is constructed like the other, but has the inscription, "Read and Return," instead of "Choice Reading Free." This case is usually filled with such pamphlets as "Ministration of Angels," "Our Faith and Hope," "Matthew Twenty-four," "Saints' Inheritance," "Sanctification," "Truth Found," and the seven pamphlets on the life of Christ, by Sister White. Thirty-one distributers are gracing the walls of sixteen steamers leaving the port of Portland, Oregon. Thirty-eight are used on steamships leaving San Francisco. By this means thousands of periodicals and pages of tracts are placed in the hands of the people. As the utility of the distributers was seen, it was deemed advisable to use them on land. In many towns and cities upon this coast they have been put up in public places, and have everywhere given great satisfaction. It has been less than a year since they were introduced on the Pacific Coast, yet two hundred and seventy-five have already been manufactured on this side of the Rocky Mountains, and some have been made in the East. Erelong thousands will be used in sending forth the precious truth. From its commencement this branch of the work has presented no discouraging features. All favors asked of railroad men and officers of steamships have been granted. The way has been opened in a remarkable manner for these silent messengers to be placed in positions accessible347to the traveling public, as well as to others who desire to read. Thousands of our publications have been taken by interested readers, and by this means they are scattered far and near on land as well as on the sea. God has gone before, and prepared the way, showing that it is in his order that this means should be used to spread the Third Angel's Message. Even men not of our faith have caught the spirit of the work. A porter on a Pullman sleeper was anxious to have a distributer at the terminus of his road, in New Mexico, and desired the privilege of supplying it each week, which he has done for several months. Omens of good are seen constantly. Many persons have become interested, and some are accepting the truth. On the Oakland Ferry a short time ago, an intelligent man was asked to subscribe for the SIGNS. He responded that he had been a constant reader of that paper for some time, and he took a copy from his pocket, remarking that he obtained them from the distributers. This man had become interested. There are hundreds of similar cases. At a leading hotel where a distributer had been placed, the landlord on hearing that the person who had been supplying it was about to leave the place, visited him and expressed his sorrow that the work was to stop, saying that he had become greatly interested in the SIGNS, and especially in Mrs. White's articles, remarking also that our position on prophecy met his mind. Many other incidents might be related, had we space. The cities must be warned, and this seems to be an instrumentality in the hands of God to assist in accomplishing the work. In this way thousands of the floating population can be reached, that could not be in any other. Hundreds of distributers might be used on this coast alone, if means could be obtained to meet the expense of supplying them. If those having a surplus of this world's goods could realize the importance of this branch of the work, means would be provided, and the good work would go forward. Are there not many that would like to furnish means to supply one or more of these cases, in harmony with the resolution passed at the late meeting at Oakland and published in the SIGNS of May 7? I believe that God would have us arouse to diligence in our duty. The end is near; probation will soon close; soon the last note of warning will have been sounded; and how will it be with us? Will it be said of us, "Well done," or shall we be among the slothful servants, those that have not used their means, their talents, their strength, and all the ability they possess, in assisting to forward the cause of God? May we realize the importance of the work, and especially of this branch missionary effort, and thus be instrumental in the hands of God in bringing souls to a knowledge of the truth. Geneva, Switzerland.
By D. T. Bourdeau
WE have commenced work here by visiting and colportage. Brother Ademar Vuilleumier is taking an active part in getting our papers and tracts before the people. Over eight hundred families have been visited; nearly twenty paying subscribers have been obtained, and more than that number of names of interested persons have been secured for the French and German papers. Another colporter will soon join us. We do not design to pass over the ground lightly, and only when the colporters have thoroughly prepared the way shall we invite the crowds. In the meanwhile, interested ones meet at my house. We knew of but one person here keeping the Sabbath when we came. A sister has moved in, making two; so last Sabbath we held a meeting composed of seven persons, including the workers here and my children. To-morrow (Sabbath) we expect to have two more persons in attendance, who have been keeping the Sabbath without knowing that we were here, and one of whom baptized the other last Sunday. There are also three small congregations of English-speaking people here, that, in due time, will have their share of attention. Geneva, May 8. D. T. BOURDEAU. Northern Minnesota Camp-Meeting.
By G. C. Tenney
A LOCAL camp-meeting was appointed for northern Minnesota, at Verndale, on the North Pacific Railroad, May 14-19; rather an early date for tenting, but it was necessary to hold it before the time for the more general meetings came on. As it proved, the time was well chosen, and the weather was almost unexceptionable. The meeting was small, only fifteen tents comprising the camp, which was pitched in the border of the pleasant village. The meeting tent was generally well filled by our own people and the interested citizens, who turned out well. At the very first a good interest was manifested, and as the word was preached and the blessing of God came near, the interest deepened until the tent became too small for our evening congregations. There was no excitement produced, and the strong contrast existing between the spirit of these meetings and that of a false revival held but a short time before, was remarked by many who had attended both. The burden of the meeting rested mostly upon Elder O. A. Olsen, though the other laborers who were present did a share of the preaching. Seeking God and a better knowledge of his work, and our duties, were the principal themes dwelt upon. On Sabbath and Monday, special efforts were made for sinners and backsliders. Several for the first time gave their hearts to God. Three of these were men whose earthly race is nearly run. Others of the citizens were deeply moved upon by the Spirit of God. We can hardly specify any part of the meeting as the best, as it was all characterized by God's blessing. Near its close we united in a praise-meeting, to recount the goodness of the Lord. It was a sweet season. Truly God is glorified by the language of fervent praise, and it is our privilege to even "glory in tribulation." Four were baptized and the cases of as many others deferred by their own request for a short time. Such an interest was manifested to hear the truth that it was thought best to continue meetings in the tent, which will be done by Brethren Collins and Schram. The meeting was evidently a success, both in the effect which it produced upon the community, and the blessings which it brought to our own people. The little church located there had for some time manifested the missionary spirit, and many earnest prayers were offered for the meeting and for the good it might do to the neighbors and friends. Our hearts were cheered by the evidences we saw of God's willingness to bless those who seek him. Thus it ever is. We need more faith and confidence in the Lord, and a better appreciation of his mercies.
G. C. TENNEY. North Dakota.
By George C. Tenney
FROM what we have seen it is evident that the time has fully come for the work of the Third Angel's Message to be established in this northern field, though there are some obstacles to be met here, as in every place. The principal ones seem to be the sparseness of inhabitants in the country—the farms are large and much of the country is unimproved, and the peculiarities of climate make the favorable time for holding meetings quite brief. Brother M. M. Olsen and I began labor here last September. He remained most of the winter, while I was absent in another field. We found on coming here about forty Sabbath-keepers, very widely scattered. There were no organizations, and no meetings held at any point. There are now nearly one hundred Sabbath-keepers. During the latter part of the winter, meetings have been regularly held at five different places, and the prospects for the organization of three or four churches in the near future, are very good. We are encouraged by a readiness manifested on the part of the people to hear and read, and, especially, by the blessing of God which attends our efforts. Without this we could not reasonably expect any success in such an unpopular work, involving so much sacrifice of self and the world. This field seems favorable for the canvassing work. Brother R. H. Peters canvassed Fargo and Moorehead and obtained about 130 subscriptions, mostly for the Signs, notwithstanding the very stringent times. I have just made a trip along the Northern Pacific Railroad to New Salem, twenty-five miles west of Bismarck. At six different places, I called and found Sabbath-keepers, some of whom had never seen a minister of our faith. Sabbath, May 9, we had an encouraging meeting with a few at Jamestown. There are many places where small congregations of interested hearers may be gathered, and we trust, by the help of God, that a good work may shortly be done for the truth. While we would acknowledge the goodness of God in the past, we earnestly crave a greater measure for future time and labor, that our work may be wrought in him. What the "Signs" Is Doing.
By Editor
A PHYSICIAN of Georgia writes: "Please continue to send me the paper. I have read it with interest and profit. I think I have come to believe your teachings. The Scriptures have cleared up and look consistent. I believe your people have the truth. I am lost in wonder that the Bible has been in use so long and yet so much of false teaching abounds. I think I will become one with you. I should love to aid in extending the knowledge of the truth." A letter from Nebraska contains the following: "Your papers were received with thanks, and read through and through. As I am superintendent of a Sunday-school, I read some of the pieces every Sunday, then give the papers to others." A gentleman in Canada says in reference to the SIGNS: "I thank you very much for the papers; they are the best religious papers I have ever seen, and contain more religious reading than any other paper I ever read. I wish you Godspeed in your work, and hope you will be the means of showing many the way to eternal life." A gentleman, seventy-four years old, writes from Buford, Ga., as follows: "One of your papers, of last year, accidentally fell into my hands a few days ago. I was pleased with your exposition of Bible teaching. I have concluded I would spare money enough to take your paper for six months." A lady writes from Blue Creek, Utah, under date of May 3, 1885: "We have enjoyed the SIGNS OF THE TIMES very much indeed. I have been looking them over and cutting out articles for my scrap-book, and I find that when I've cut out all that I want to save, there is very little of the paper left." It is an easy matter to find fault with the sermon. Any one can do that. But were we to attempt to improve upon it, we might find it more difficult and might utterly fail.—Sel. "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God." Ps. 50: 23. A Little Coward.
By Minnie E. Kenney
ELSIE and Dick were on their way to meet some of their schoolmates, who were going to the woods to hunt for ferns. Elsie had started first, because it would take her longer to get there than it would Dick. It was quite a little walk to the place of meeting. It would not have been so far if Elsie had 'cut 'cross lots,' like most little country girls and boys; but there was a very large field in the way, which Elsie always went around. Now, if I tell you why Elsie did this, some of you will think that she was a very silly little girl, and perhaps some little boys and girls will call her a coward, as her brother Dick did. Elsie was very much afraid of cows. Even of gentle old Brindle, whom she had known all her life, she was somewhat afraid, and she would go a long way out of her path to avoid meeting a strange cow. You will not wonder, then, why Elsie would not go through the field when I tell you that there were always several cows in it, some of which had the reputation of being bad-tempered. One big black cow, with ugly-looking horns, Elsie was particularly afraid of, and a loud moo-oo would send her scampering past the field as fast as her feet could carry her. She had just passed this part of her walk when she heard Dick calling, 'Hello, Elsie! wait a minute,' and looking back she saw him running right through the field, among those dreadful cows, without the least sign of fear. 'O Dick! how can you come through that field?' exclaimed Elsie, with a sigh of relief as he jumped over the fence and stood safely beside her. 'I'm not a 'fraid cat like you,' answered Dick, scornfully. 'I'm not such a baby as to be afraid of a few cows.' Elsie did not resent being called a coward; she was quite used to it by this time. 'Let's stop and rest awhile under this big tree; it's so hot,' she said. 'All right,' answered Dick, throwing himself on the grass. 'We've lots of time. I say, Elsie,' he exclaimed, as he looked up into the green branches waving over his head, 'do you see that nest up there? Tom Reed said yesterday that he would bet any money that I didn't dare go up and get it. Now, I will just get it down and show it to him this morning,' and he sprung up and took off his coat. 'O Dick, please don't!' cried Elsie. 'Perhaps there are little birds in it.' 'No, there are not,' answered Dick, 'for it's an old nest, and has been there two or three years,' and in another moment he had reached one of the lower limbs and was making his way upward. The bird that had built the nest had evidently intended that it should be beyond the reach of any boy, for she had selected the end of a long and not very strong limb to build upon, and her home had hitherto been undisturbed, for no boy had cared enough about the nest to venture after it. Elsie stood looking up into the tree. She could hear Dick rustling among the leaves as he went up higher and higher, although she could only now and then catch a glimpse of him. 'Dick,' she cried, as she saw him venturing cautiously out on the limb, 'Dick, please don't go any further. I am sure that branch will break with you. Don't go out on it.' Dick paused, irresolute. He knew that he would be running a great risk if he ventured any farther out on that slender limb, and he half determined to please Elsie and come down again without making any further effort to get the nest. Then he thought of what the boys would say if they should hear that he had been up the tree and afraid to get the nest. Afraid! At the mere thought of such a taunt, Dick's face flashed, and he resolved to get the nest, even at the risk of breaking his neck. 'This branch is safe enough, Elsie,' he called down to her. 'Don't you wish you were up here, too?' and he rocked backward and forward on the swaying limb. 'I see Aunt May coming around the corner,' he said, presently. 'I must hurry and get the nest before she comes. Here's my hat,' and he threw his broad-brimmed straw hat down on the grass that it might not be in his way. 'Dick, Dick, don't,' pleaded Elsie, almost crying with terror, as she saw the branch bending beneath his weight. 'Stop your noise, Elsie,' commanded Dick, a little roughly, it must be confessed. He was nervous himself, although he wouldn't have owned up to it for anything in the world. Elsie stood still, her hands clasped together, scarcely breathing in her anxiety. Dick was crawling cautiously along, and he had almost reached the nest, and with his hand outstretched to grasp it, had 'Hurrah!' on the tip of his tongue, when there was a crackling noise, and Elsie uttered a scream of terror as the limb broke off and Dick came crashing through the branches. One of the lower limbs broke his fall, and he hung on it for a moment and then fell to the ground. 'Dick, Dick, are you dead?' cried Elsie, as he lay white and unconscious. 'O Aunt May, Dick is killed!' Aunt May bent over him with face as white as Elsie's own. 'No, he isn't dead, Elsie,' she said, as she could hear a faint breathing. 'Run home as fast as you can for your father, Elsie. I will stay here with him.' Elsie hardly waited for her auntie's words to start off. Her little, feet fairly flew over the ground. When she reached the field where the cows were, she paused just a moment. Could she go through it? Could she pass those terrible cows? She was only a little girl, you know, and it required almost as much courage to think of going among them as it would if they had been bears. Only a moment she paused; then one thought of Dick lying white and motionless under the trees, decided her. With a very earnest little prayer in her heart, Elsie climbed over the fence. Every moment was so precious. Perhaps Dick might die before her father could get to him. She ran bravely on, trembling as the cows raised their heads and looked at her in mild-eyed wonder, and as the black cow uttered a loud 'moo-oo-oo,' it seemed as if her feet would refuse to carry her another step. At last she reached the fence and clambered over it, scarcely believing that she had really crossed the field unhurt.349It took only a few moments for her father to harness up the horse and drive back with her to where she had left Dick. He was sitting up now, leaning against Aunt May, a little color returning to his white cheeks, the nest closely held in his right hand, while his left arm hung helplessly at his side. He had really escaped with only a broken arm and a slight bruise, wonderful as it seemed, considering the height of his fall. The hardest thing would be to keep him quiet while his arm was getting well again. For a few days the pain made him so weak that he was glad enough to stay in bed and have the window darkened so that the light would not make his head ache. When he was able to sit up, then indeed it was a hard matter to keep him quiet. He was restless and irritable, and it took everybody's best efforts to keep him in a good humor. 'O Dick, I wish you had not climbed up after that nest and hurt yourself,' said Elsie one morning, when it seemed impossible to please him. 'I don't then,' said Dick. 'I am not a coward. I would rather get hurt than be afraid to do a thing because there is a little danger in it. You're only a girl, and girls are always afraid to do anything except walk around and play croquet. Bah! 'Fore I'd be a girl!' 'Do you really think you are braver than Elsie?' she asked, quietly. 'Of course I am,' answered Dick, in surprise. 'Do you think Elsie would have dared to climb the tree after that nest?' 'Do you know, Dick, it seemed to me that day as if Elsie was the brave one and you were the coward,' said Aunt May. 'Why, auntie!' exclaimed both the children, in surprise. 'I mean just what I say,' said Aunt May, smiling at their surprise. 'Tell me, Dick, why did you want to get that particular nest so much?' 'Tom Reed dared me to get it,' answered Dick, promptly. 'I didn't want the nest itself; but I wanted to get it because it was so far out that no other fellow would dare to go after it.' 'Oh!' said Aunt May, 'then you went because you were afraid not to go,—afraid to be thought a coward; and that fear made you hazard your life. I should call that being very much of a coward indeed. Now, I will tell you how my little Elsie proved her bravery,' she added, putting her arms around the little girl and drawing her to her side. 'Dick, you know how afraid Elsie is of cows?' 'Yes, she's more afraid of a cow than I am of a bear,' said Dick, wondering how Aunt May was going to prove Elsie's bravery. 'Don't you think it would take a good deal of courage for her to go through a field full of them? I don't say that it would have been brave for either you or me, but don't you think it would be a pretty hard thing for Elsie to do?' 'That's just what she never will do,' exclaimed Dick, triumphantly. 'I've seen Elsie walk all the way around that field a hundred times.' 'Yes, I know you have,' answered Aunt May, 'but the other day, when you were lying under the tree, and Elsie thought you were dying, she went right through the field, because she wanted to bring your father to you as soon as possible. She was afraid to go, but her love for you led her to conquer her fears and go bravely through among the cows. Wasn't that true bravery, Dick?' 'You're a brick, Elsie,' said Dick, warmly. 'I didn't think anything in the world would make you go past black Daisy.' 'There is a difference, you see, Dick,' said Aunt May, 'between daring and courage. It was a daring thing in you to go out on that branch, when you knew yourself that it was dangerous, but your daring came from a sort of cowardice after all, while Elsie didn't put herself in the way of danger from a desire to prove that she was brave, but her courage came to her when she needed it to do what she thought was right for her to do. Boys don't often stop to think about this in the right way. I know, Dick, but don't you think it is better sometimes to be thought a coward than really to be one? I am going to fasten this nest up in the corner of your room so it will remind you sometimes of my little lecture. Shall I?' 'Yes, if you like,' said Dick, rather doubtfully. I think it was a reminder to him sometimes of the difference between daring and courage. Of course, like all boys, he sometimes got them sadly mixed, but I don't think he ever risked his life again to show that he was not afraid.
—Minnie E. Kenney, in Christian at Work. THOUGH we may not change the cottage
For a mansion tall and grand,
Or exchange the little grass-plot
For a boundless stretch of land,
Yet there's something brighter, dearer,
Than the wealth we'd thus command. Though we have no means to purchase
Costly pictures, rich and rare,
Though we have no silken hangings
For the walls so cold and bare,
We can hang them o'er with garlands,
Flowers are blooming everywhere. We can always make home cheerful,
If the right course we begin;
We can make its inmates happy,
And their truest blessings win;
It will make the small room brighter,
If we let the sunshine in, We can gather round the fireside,
When the evening hours are long;
We can blend our hearts and voices
In a happy, social song;
We can guide some erring brother,—
Lead him from the path of wrong. We may fill our home with music
And with sunshine brimming o'er,
If against all dark intruders
We will firmly close the door;
Yet should evil shadows enter,
We must love each other more. There are treasures for the lowly
Which the grandest fail to find;
There's a chain of sweet affection
Binding kings of kindred mind;
We may reap the choicest blessings
From the poorest lot assigned. Health and Temperance.
By Editor
"I always want to smoke after drinking, and drink after smoking." EDITOR SIGNS OF THE TIMES: The above remark was made in my hearing a day or two since by a man who was addicted to both habits. The remark startled me at first, but on reflection I concluded that the habits are so closely allied to each other that the remark was true in more cases than one. A person who has the two unfortunate habits fastened upon him must feel lost when he is not yielding to the one or the other, or both. It is a noticeable fact that one who uses tobacco habitually, drinks much more water than one who does not, and if his appetite has become vitiated so as to crave alcoholic stimulants, it is only natural that indulgence in the one should induce indulgence in the other. It is hard to tell which of the two is most detrimental to the health; but both are destructive. The physicians take upon their shoulders a fearful responsibility when they advise the use of either, yet many of them, I had almost said most of them, frequently do it. I myself in early manhood had a severe illness, and as soon as I was partially restored to health I commenced taking on a superfluity of flesh, so much so that it actually became burdensome. I called my doctor's attention to it, and asked him if he could prescribe a remedy. He told me that tobacco was the best remedy he knew, and advised me to learn to chew or smoke. After several ineffectual attempts to learn to chew the noxious weed, I resorted to smoking, and as a consequence became an inveterate smoker. For this I have blamed my physician ever since. But, thank God, by reason of an illness, from which I am now just recovering, I have partially conquered the filthy habit, and I hope and pray that I may never yield to it again. The accursed stuff so aggravated my disease, that, though I did not use it at all during my sickness, it made me suffer much more than I otherwise would have done, and very much delayed my recovery. But tobacco is comparatively seldom prescribed, while spirituous, vinous, and malt liquors are quite generally given as strengthening remedies as soon as the patient becomes convalescent. I wish to give two incidents that have come under my immediate observation. I know a man who was raised in a strictly temperance family, and never tasted alcoholic stimulants until he was advised by the attending physician, when he became convalescent from a severe attack of typhoid fever, to drink brandy and water three times daily before each meal. This he followed up after entirely regaining his strength, and is to-day a confirmed drunkard. A lady of my acquaintance, several years ago had a run of fever, and as she was regaining her health, the doctor advised her husband to furnish her with beer and induce her to drink it, to strengthen her. He did so. She drank it and did not desist from using it on her recovery, but has drunk it to excess ever since, to her own disgrace, and the disgrace of her family. I might give other cases, but for my present purpose these will suffice. Stimulants may be, doubtless are, good in their place as medicines, but they should be prescribed with the greatest caution, and only in cases where nothing else will produce the desired result. It seems as though skilled pharmacy might produce a substitute for it. The man who does so and induces its general adoption by the profession, will send his name down to posterity by the side of the worthiest benefactors of his race. I like the tone of the Signs on the tobacco and liquor questions. It is doubtless doing much good in these directions. Some unknown friend of my wife is sending it to her, and thus I get to read it. It has been a Godsend to me, for while I have never been a Sabbath-keeper, I have long believed in the Sabbath of the commandment, and I cannot see how any Protestant can believe in any other. My lot since early boyhood has been cast among Sunday people, until I came here, where I find some Sabbath-keepers. But I have no apology to offer, as I might have kept the Sabbath alone. I failed to do it, and hence am one of those of whom it may be truly said, He knew his duty but did it not. On the Sabbath and baptism, I am in full accord with your people. With the other doctrines of your church I am not so well acquainted, and of course am not prepared to adopt them now. The time may come when I can see my way clear to cast my lot with you. Yours for the Sabbath, for temperance, and for opposition to the use of tobacco,
M. V. BURDICK. Do Not Hurry to Get Married.
GIRLS, do not be in a hurry to get married. If you are but sixteen, do not allow such an idea to get into your head for at least four years. Do not even run the risk of it by permitting any young man to get so far as proposing the point. Fight them off, and make them wait or go to somebody who is ready. Do not live under the impression that you must accept the first love-sick youth who proposes. Be patient, deliberate, and sagacious. There is a world of happiness for you between sixteen and twenty. The world would be a dreary old world if it were not for the sweet faces of young girls with their piquant sayings and melting smiles. After you have reached twenty it would be well to consider the matrimonial problem with some seriousness. Then if you have learned to think and deliberate, you will probably make a suitable selection, and marriage with a worthy man is not only a woman's privilege, but, unless married too young, her best and highest development, mental and physical, can be attained in this state. Men and women were made for each other, and a very old but nevertheless true truism is that a happy marriage is the very garden of Eden. An unhappy marriage is the reverse, and the greatest of all calamities that can befall a pure, affectionate, and noble woman.—Sel. A PAIR of spectacles that came over in the Mayflower has been discovered. The bows are steel, an eighth of an inch wide, and the glass is as thick as plate glass, making the weight of the spectacles five ounces. From such ponderous appliances as these, then, have the modern eyeglasses of the typical Boston girl been derived, says the Boston Herald, and it adds, thoughtfully, "This also accounts for the large noses of the Pilgrims. They had to have them." —Sel. A Fiji correspondent writes to an English paper: "Often, while sailing among the South Sea Islands, I have passed flocks of birds, principally terns and whale-birds, resting in vast numbers on the sea. It is remarkable that, however rough the sea may be at the time, yet where the birds rest there is not a ripple to disturb them. This must be caused by oil, but whether it is purposely deposited by the birds or not, is a question the answer to which I think would interest many of your readers." OBTAIN two common dry-goods boxes, of such sizes as that the smaller one will be large enough to hold the ice and food you wish to keep within it, and the other will be about four inches larger all around. The smaller one must be lined with zinc, or it will absorb the moisture from the ice, and soon make trouble. Near one corner of the bottom of the smaller box bore a hole an inch in diameter, and when the box is lined with zinc have a tube about seven inches long securely fastened into this hole. There must be no crevice into which the water can soak. A cover, which also should be zinc-lined, must be fitted to the box. Then procure some charcoal, broken finely, and fill the larger box (in which first a hole has been bored to receive the tube from the inner box) with the powdered charcoal to a depth of nearly four inches. Place the smaller box in the charcoal, and fill the space between the sides of the two boxes with the charcoal up even with the inner box, and cover the space with a neat strip of board. This will give you a box with double bottom and sides filled with charcoal, which is the best of non-conductors. With an outer cover the size of the large box, and four blocks to raise the whole from the floor, so that a pan may be placed under the tube to catch the water which comes from the melted ice, the whole will be done, except that shelves can be added as desired.—Christian Union. The Hog vs. Human Life.
By Editor
ONE pig alone was the cause of the death of 66 persons and the serious illness of 337 others in the city of Magdeburg some time ago. The pig was afflicted with trichinosis, and the people ate the pork in a partly raw state. The police commissioner of Magdeburg has taken this awful incident as the occasion to publish a warning to pork-eaters. The public is urgently cautioned against the use of raw pork and reminded that only a thorough cooking or roasting of the same, or the preparations thereof—such as sausages, head-cheese, etc.—will kill the trichinae. When cooked or roasted in large pieces, it is further recommended to make incisions in the pork about an inch apart, in order to thoroughly boil or roast it.—S. F. Chronicle. [It would seem that the very presence of this deadly parasite ought to be enough to teach people not to eat pork; but no; they will deliberately go about to "make incisions," etc., by which it may be cooked better so that they can eat the more of it. What a dainty mess a mass of cooked deadly worms must be! Well, well! Anybody who is so overwhelmingly dull, as is revealed in such a state of things, would hardly be taught to let the deadly stuff alone by anything short of death from the disease engendered by it. Yet it seems to us that that is a poor way to learn it.—Ed.]