is in black. At the base of the design are the words: "Temperance," "Sobriety," and above them, indistinctly pictured, are broken wineglasses, jugs and decanters. In the center, a shield bearing a number of designs-a beehive, a sailor, a cornucopia, a snake, a pile of money, the letters "I. H. S." above an open Bible, has also these mottoes: "Industry, Freedom, Plenty, Health, Wealth, Wisdom." This shield is supported by the figures of a man and woman who also hold banners bearing upon them Sobriety" and "Domestic Comfort;" at the top of the plate the motto, "Firm as an Oak," is printed upon a scroll, and just below the shield, "Be Thou Faithful Unto Death." The plate is unmarked and is as often called the "Masonic" as the "Temperance" plate. It is of Staffordshire ware.

These plates were purchased in Albany between fifty and sixty years ago, as a souvenir of a carriage journey taken there, thence to Boston, and recall to their present possessor the old family carriage, now standing neglected and dusty, and the faithfulness. of the colored driver who was loyal to the family's interests for forty years. In this same china closet there is a yellow Wedgwood coffee pitcher with a spirited design in raised work, of hounds in full chase after a fox.

Until recently the real historic worth of old china has not been appreciated, especially of the Staffordshire wares the most valuable prints having been made by those factories-the most interesting being the "States" platters and plates, struck off to commemorate the admission of Kentucky into the Union.

Many specimens of these wares are yet to be found, although the housewife of a half century ago is responsible for the destruction of much that would now be highly prized. In many instances she tired of her "old blue," relegated it to the kitchen cupboard and replaced it with shining white or white and gold. It was often used for culinary purposes, many fine pieces having been irretrievably ruined by the grease from pie crust. Not long ago I saw some especially desirable blue plates and saucers which served to hold the drainage from flowerpots.

Just what occult quality old china possesses who can tell? It has, at all events, the power of reinstating itself in its owner's affections, however it may have been disregarded, the moment it is desired by another. "No, I will not part with it," declared a woman who was drying berries upon a fine old blue plate. "If it is worth anything, I'll keep it." Absolutely nothing can be done by the collector in such an encounter except to say, "Good afternoon," as gracefully as possible.

China hunting is a delicate pursuit and requires either a bold and unflinching front or the nicest tact. Those who "rush in where angels fear to tread," the suave, smooth depreciator of the worth of the dish which is desired, and the one who approaches the subject with utmost delicacy, fares much alike. Although the commercial collector usually pays the least and gets the most. Nor is this pursuit a fin de

siécle fad. Robert Cecil gave Queen Elizabeth a cup of "celadon." The women of 1620 were enthusiastic collectors; a poet of that period wrote lines, "To a Lady, on her Passion for Old China." Bulwer portrays to us how Lady Frances Pelham was saved from a disgraceful elopement by returning to secure her "favorite china monster," and encountering her husband. But what has become of the treasure trove of the women of other days? Of the fragile, precious possessions of the "Lady Bettys" and "Lady Belindas" of Pope's time? Comparatively few pieces are preserved in museums.

Historical American china-rather that pertaining to American history is largely in the hands of private collectors. The amount of old ware at Washington's Headquarters, Morristown, New Jersey, is small. There is not a large showing at the Metropolitan Museum, while a loan exhibition does not call out many pieces of interest or value. It is not only in the hands of private collectors, which gives hope of final preservation by historical societies, but unfortunately in the hands of the Philistines. I know where there were originally three "Lovejoy" plates. They were given to three brothers. Two were soon destroyed, the third plate is well preserved and will be placed where it will be safely kept. This design is exceedingly interesting; those bearing the inscription, "Lovejoy-the First Martyr to American Liberty, Alton, Nov. 7th, 1837," having been the gift of the English Anti-Slavery Society to the American Abolitionists shortly after the death of Lovejoy, sold at auction in New York, and the proceeds devoted to further the interests of the society. The three plates mentioned were those left of six, originally owned by a well-known abolitionist.

"Flowing blue" is, next to "willow ware,' the most commonly found of all old china. It has no especial value except for its rich dark coloring, although every collector likes to have at least one perfect piece. Davenport ware of an earlier date, with its fine dark blue and clear white is much more desirable. It has an oblong mark with 'Amoy' printed in the center and "Davenport" just under it, and each piece bears the "anchor" mark; an anchor with " Davenport" in a half circle above it; this mark is impressed in the china. A few years later a fair imitation of this china was made. The coloring, however, is not nearly as good, and the design of the Chinese garden scene with the mandarins and umbrella is blurred.

Valuable pieces are often come across unexpectedly, having been bought at an auction "to save other dishes" as one woman told me. A New York woman who spends her summers on a Rhode Island beach discovered a "Pilgrim" plate beneath a piece of pie, some pork and beans and potatoes which formed the dinner of a man who comes to do odd jobs about her cottage. Following this valuable clue she found a set of Staffordshire ware of different designs, chiefly shell-bordered plates and platters with views of American scenery, more especially of the

colleges of the land in the center; also a number of "States" pieces, notably a teapot and sugar bowl.

At a country fair I once found a fine old blue plate of the moss rose and copper luster pattern, showing its beauty in the triangle left by the removal of a piece of pumpkin pie, and promptly bought pie and plate. The obliging owner said she had a sugar bowl to match which she would send and get for me, but unfortunately it was full of "drippings." A china descent indeed, from a repository of sweets to "fried meat fat!" A cream colored "Tunstall" teapot of "kingfisher" design almost stumbled into my possession.

Light blue "Longport" ware is fine, and attractive in shape; the washbowl and pitcher of this ware is especially refined; a thin, light stone china of graceful form. Parts of dinner sets are now and then found, although they are apt to be discolored.

A dinner set of "Davenport" ware, a sprigged china tea set, and a full set of "Longport" ware formed the outfit of a bride of seventy years ago. There were also water and cream pitchers of copper luster. A few years later a silver or Brittania tea service was added.

Among the cupboard treasures a cider mug and tray of brown pottery is now and then unearthed. The mug holds a quart and was set upon the coals to heat. When it was piping hot and sprinkled with red pepper it was placed upon the tray, which served not only to keep great-grandfather's knees from burning, but held the overflow of cider. All were invited to take a sip as a "nightcap," and perhaps in those days of draughty rooms with their great fireplaces it was a necessary precaution against cold.

These articles are glazed, of reddish-brown color and are ornamented with a crude design in orange. They are known to be considerably over one hundred years old.

Original in GOOD HOUSEKEEPING.

-Ada Marie Peck.

TRY, TRY, AGAIN.

554. For night sweats, cold sage tea.

555. For neuralgia, wet cloths of alcohol and water, or paregoric, or laudanum and water, and laid on a hot water bottle, and the part steamed over it.

556. For pains in the stomach, a hot water bottle. 557. For pneumonia symptoms, hot water bottles in the hands, under the knees, under the arms and at the soles of the feet.

558. For sprains or burns, tincture of arnica. 559. For a cut artery, a small cord or a handkerchief, tied tightly between it and the heart.

560. For bilious colic, soda and ginger in hot water. 561. For tickling in the throat, gargling with salt

Original in GOOD HOUSEKEEPING.

WATER LILIES.

Upon the bosom of the dark, blue river,
Floating lie the water lilies white;
Rising, falling, ebbing, drifting, sinking,
Half their modest beauty hid away from sight.
Dainty flowers! sweet with rarest perfume!
Little dream ye, as ye idle lie,

That for some, a Heaven-appointed mission
Waits, in answer to a mandate from the sky.
Stealing softly into quiet sick rooms

With a message from an absent friend, Saying, "We are sorry," or, "We miss you;" Could a flower find sweeter, dearer end? Many an alabaster box of ointment, Though it may not lave His precious feet, Will be reckoned as if "done unto " Him, When at last we shall the Saviour meet.

Original in GOOD HOUSEKEEPING.

-Marie Burr.

A VARIETY OF SPONGE CAKE RECIPES With Some General Rules.

O

F all the many varieties of cake concocted of rich and manifold materials there is none that surpasses in dainty wholesomeness a well-made, rightly baked sponge cake. To make this cake that which it ought to be-a "solidified mass of foam"-requires the freshest of eggs, the purest of sugar and the finest of flour, put together with the most delicate of touches. To fix this foaming mixture, it must be baked in a quick oven.

Sponge cake can be made either of a snowy whiteness or a golden yellow. The first is sometimes fancifully called "angel cake" and the latter "sunshine cake."

There are a few general rules that must be observed to ensure success in making any and all varieties of sponge cake. The eggs must be fresh and cool, so they can be beaten to a stiff foam. The sugar must be fine and dry. The flour made light by putting it through a fine sieve once or twice. The cake must be baked quickly. After the cake is put in the oven the door must not be opened until the cake is set, which will be in from ten to fifteen minutes, and when the pan is turned or moved it must be done very gently. The cake must not be removed from the pan until cool.

If these rules and the directions given in the following recipes are carefully observed, the results. will be certain success, in the shape of a perfect sponge cake.

Sponge Cake, No. 1.

Two even cupfuls of powdered sugar and the yolks of twelve eggs beaten together until very light; then add the whites of the eggs beaten to a stiff froth; the grated rind of a lemon and the juice of half a one, beating light; add one and one-half pints of flour, in which two teaspoonfuls of baking powder has been sifted, stirring only enough to mix the flour. Bake in two square tins. Sponge Cake, No. 2.

Four eggs, whites and yolks beaten separately; one glass of sugar, rounded full, beaten into the yolks; add

the whites with a quarter of a glass of water; lastly, one glass of flour, packed and rounded. This recipe gives us the sponge cake of our grandmothers, of a close, fine grain, its lightness due entirely to eggs. It is taken from the manuscript recipe book of the mistress of a Virginia home, a legacy from her mother.

Hot Water Sponge Cake.

In a mixing bowl break four eggs and beat until frothed, then add two cupfuls of sugar and beat well together, then two cupfuls of flour into which has been mixed three and one-half teaspoonfuls of baking powder; lastly, two-thirds of a cupful of boiling water. Bake in two square tins. If desired, the two squares can be put together with frosting.

White Sponge Cake or Angel Cake.

On a large platter beat to a stiff froth or foam the whites of ten eggs; add one and one-half tumblerfuls of pulverized sugar. To one tumblerful of fine flour add one heaping teaspoonful of cream of tartar and a small pinch of salt. Sift all twice through a fine sieve. Add to the eggs and sugar, stirring lightly. The pan must not be greased. Turn on the side to cool when taken from the oven. This cake will require something over half an hour to bake in a moderate oven.

Sunshine Cake.

This is made very similarly to the angel cake, except the well-beaten yolks of five eggs are added to the mixture made by stirring the whites and sugar together. In this cake granulated sugar can be used. It will require about three-quarters of an hour to bake.

Sponge Cake With Milk.

One egg, white and yolk beaten separately to a froth; one cupful of sugar, one cupful of milk, one and two-third cupfuls of flour, one tablespoonful of butter, two teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar, one teaspoonful of soda; mix in the order named and flavor with lemon extract. Berwick Sponge Cake.

Beat six eggs two minutes, add three cupfuls of sugar, beat five minutes; two cupfuls of flour, with two very small teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar, beat one minute; half the rind, grated, and the juice of one lemon, two cupfuls of flour and a bit of salt. Bake twenty minutes. Sponge Jelly Cake.

Three eggs, one cupful of sugar, one cupful of flour, three tablespoonfuls of cream, in which has been dissolved half a teaspoonful of soda and two teaspoonfuls of cream of tartar; flavor with nutmeg. Bake in a long tin; while warm spread with jelly and roll up.

Sponge Gingerbread.

Melt a piece of butter the size of a hen's egg; mix with a pint of molasses a tablespoonful of ginger and a quart of flour. Dissolve a heaping tablespoonful of saleratus in half a pint of milk; strain and mix it with the rest of the ingredients. Add sufficient flour to make it roll out easily, roll half an inch thick and bake on flat tins in a quick oven. If good Orleans molasses is used this cake will be very light and spongy.

Ginger Sponge Cake.

One cupful of molasses, one cupful of butter, two cupfuls of sugar, four eggs, three cupfuls of flour, one cupful of milk, one teaspoonful of soda and one heaping tablespoonful of ginger.

The crust of a perfect sponge cake is so crisp and sugary that most persons prefer them without

frosting, sprinkling them instead with very fine pulverized sugar.

During the winter small cakes of various kinds have made their appearance on many stylish tables. None among them are more delicious than the small, oblong sponge cakes. They are baked in tins four inches long and two wide, and can be made by any of the recipes given. - Margaret Ryder.

Original in GOOD HOUSEKEEPING.

THE ROSE OF DUTCHER'S COOLLY.

The Rose of Dutcher's Coolly
Is a rose within a book

And I prize her smile so truly,

Her every word and look,
That I hold her something rarer
Than jewels of a mine,
Nor to Elzevirs compare her
This human rose of mine.

In no trim garden planted,
This rose of sun and dew,
It glows in clime unchanted
Of story old and new!
The color and the vagrance
Of happiness and youth,

A dream of song and fragrance
From sunny isles of Truth.
From the Rose of Dutcher's Coolly
I sweet nepenthe borrow
For all of life's unruly

Perplexities and sorrow;
As Douglas she is tender,

As Highland Mary true,
The lissome sunbeams lend her
A joy forever new.

She walks the ways of duty
A sweet transplanted rose,
But ever love and beauty

Alone of nature knows,
E'en as the wild rhodora,
While eyes are made for seeing
The Rose of Dutcher's Coolly
Has own excuse for being.

Compiled for GOOD HOUSEKEEPING.

SOCIAL HOMES.

-Isadore Baker.

Contact with other minds is the means by which children are educated.

Children, reared in a home with few or no associations, will grow up either boorish or sensitively timid.

The human face is a thing which should be able to bring the heart into blossom with a moment's shining.

God's blessings are not cumulative. The manna that fell in the wilderness came every day, and spoiled with the keeping.

Homes, like individuals, have their relations to each other; and, as no man liveth to himself alone, no home should live to itself alone.

It is cruel to deny to children the opportunity, not only to become accustomed from their first consciousness to the forms of society, but to enjoy its influence upon their developing life.