OUR GOOD HOUSEKEEPING FAMILY.

The list of those who have knocked at our door, and been admitted to our family circle of readers, presents a goodly array, of which any publication might well be proud. Our subscription books now present the names of those high in official life, both national and state, which would afford us much gratification to mention, could we do so appropriately. And these are outnumbered largely by the sign manual of those who have joined our circle from the great army of mankind—and womankind as well-who are fast becoming impressed with the belief that good housekeeping is one of the most important factors of living well in this life and of preparing to live well in the life to come.

THOSE WHOM WE HAVE CHOSEN.

While we have made it a point from the outset to select only the best of writers on the subject of the Higher Life of the Household,-those whose hearts were in their work,-it has been our good fortune to secure some of the most promising talent in our field of labor, heretofore unrecognized and never before heard of. To such an extent has this been the case, that several writers, who have made their first appearance in the pages of GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, have already made such a record for themselves that the product of their pens are now sought for by publications that have long since been well established, and which number their readers by tens and tens of thousands.

THEY WHO APPROVE.

The same line of remarks made above regarding our subscription list, may be here made in connection with the words of commendation from press and people, that GOOD HOUSEKEEPING has had during the past year. With the press, these words of commendation have been supplemented by constant and copious extracts from our pages by the leading journals of both this and other countries. We have on file thousands and thousands of these, and tens of thousands of unstinted favorable comment. We have also on file, picked from our pile of exchanges, papers of good standing, as to circulation, position and influence, having in a single issue, seven, six, five, four, three, two and one extracts from the pages of GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, seven being the greatest number in any one issue that has come to our notice.

CONCLUSIONS ARRIVED AT.

While we have had as busy a life as could well be had during the past year, in laying out our grounds, securing laborers in the vineyard, preparing for the season's cultivation and harvesting the crops, we have not been unmindful of the work of coming years. Our excellent corps of writers is constantly being strengthened by additions from the wellknown list of those who have earned a name for themselves and fame for the products of their pens. Last, but not least; by any manner of means, we have brought forth "treasures, both new and old," which have long lain hidden in the innermost recesses of waiting hearts, waiting for an opportunity, and for means to embrace that opportunity, to give to the world the histories and mysteries, the experience and conclusions that, upon being made known, will do their part in the great work of serving the interest of the Higher Life of the Household,—and GOOD HOUSEKEEPING is the prophet of such as these.

AND NOW FOR THE FUTURE.

With this record of satisfaction and success during the year that is past, we bend to the work of coming and future years with an enthusiasm, a zeal, and a confidence that cannot well fail of still better returns at each incoming harvest season.

SINCERE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS.

The editor of GOOD HOUSEKEEPING begs to express heartfelt acknowledgments for the cordial reception extended during the first year of the publication, to our magazine, from both press and people, not only of this country, but of others, as well, and to say that these words of

commendation and encouragement have a permanent place in our office files, and the sentiments so freely expressed are treasured in an appreciative and grateful heart. So multitudinous have been these hearty expressions that a formal reply to each would be impossible. That these good wishers for the success of our enterprise may not have occasion to feel that we are unmindful of their kind consideration, we make this personal mention. In the words of Dickens's Tiny Tim, "God bless us every one."

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING EXCHANGE LIST.

The exchange list of GOOD HOUSEKEEPING is already so large, and the applications for exchange so numerous that we cannot, in justice to ourselves, add to the list, only in cases where we may derive some substantial benefit from an exchange. Where such benefits have been received, and are likely to be continued, the exchange will be kept up without interruption. Excellent and valuable as many of the papers which come to us are in their own sphere of labor and usefulness, they are of but little practical value to us, inasmuch as, from the nature of the case, we can make our exchange papers of but little use in the make-up of GOOD HOUSEKEEPING. We shall be glad, however, to "exchange" whenever such exchange can be made mutually beneficial.

AS TO FUTURE BILLS OF FARE.

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING Number One, Volume Three, the issue for May 15th, will have an elegantly illustrated paper describing Mrs. George W. Childs's FORTY THOUSAND DOLLAR DINNER SET, the text of which is prepared by MRS. HESTER M. POOLE, who has no superior as a descriptive and appreciative writer on this and kindred subjects.

CATHERINE OWEN'S valuable and inimitable "TEN DOLLARS ENOUGH" will be continued several numbers into the new volume, closing probably in June or July.

CARLOTTA PERRY, one of the most charming of story writers, will appear in GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, for the first time, in the same number, giving one of her best contributions to the press, in a story entitled "ALL IN THE FAMILY."

CATHERINE OWEN will commence in the second number a serial of three installments entitled, "PERFECT BREAD," telling how to make it, and giving some Fifty Recipes for making Breads of all kinds, including Wheat, Rye, Rice, Indian and Boston Brown Breads, Camp Bread, Graham Bread, Unfermented Bread, Rolls, Twists, Biscuits, Muffins, Crumpets, Griddle Cakes of all kinds, the preparation and care of Yeast, etc., etc. The excellent reputation which Mrs. Owen has established as an authority in matters pertaining to good cooking, will be still further enhanced by her new brief serial of "PERFECT BREAD.” The valuable services of MISS PARLOA, who has no superior in the field of practical cookery, will be continued as heretofore.

MARION HARLAND, one of the most distinguished writers of the time on subjects pertaining to home life, will have a second paper of the "VISITOR AND VISITED" in an early number of the third volume. The forthcoming paper will treat of those who are "Visited," and will, with the paper heretofore given, give the reader some new and valuable ideas as to Visiting and Being Visited.

"THE PERSONAL CARE OF THE SICK," by a "Trained Nurse," an exceedingly interesting and readable paper will have early place in the new volume.

"THE BRUNTON FAMILY PROBLEM" will have further consideration and final solution at the hands of LUCRETIA P. HALE.

WILLIAM PAUL GERHARD's carefully prepared papers on "Domestic Sanitary Appliances" will also have continued consideration.

Had we space at command we might fill pages of special and interesting features, prepared and in preparation for future insertion, but we must content ourselves with the simple mention that the pens that have done the best work for the pages of GOOD HOUSEKEEPING during the past year, are still engaged in the good cause in which they have been so enthusiastically enlisted. They are almost legion in number and gigantic in strength.

EMPLOYMENT AS HOUSEKEEPERS.

The American girls' antipathy to engaging in domestic service for wages arises from her fear of lowering her social status. It is not because the service is dishonorable or offensive, for, were she married, she would perform the same labor for her family, and, if well done, be proud of it. But the intelligent American girl mistakes when she infers that her social standing will descend to the level of the immigrants whom she finds in domestic service, if she should go into domestic service herself. There is something for her to do besides scrubbing floor and washing dishes. If she will make housekeeping a profession her services will be in demand at good pay, and she will be received in the family of an employer as an equal.

There is at this time, a need for intelligent, trained housekeepers, who are capable of directing the cooking, the laundrying and care of clothes, the decoration of the house and who understand theoretically and practically how all domestic duties ought to be performed. Housekeepers who can do this are wanted in many a wealthy family where the mistress is ignorant of these matters herself or poorly qualified or indisposed to perform them. The woman who sells such services as these, is in very honorable employment, indeed. She need not wash dishes or clothes nor put herself on the dreaded level of the common servants. There is an awakening of young women to the desirability of doing housework of the higher order for others, a recent indication coming from a young woman of North Carolina, who thus writes to the New York Sun:

“I am an unmarried young woman, have finished the course in one of our Southern female colleges, have good health and character, but, unhappily, have been thrown upon my own resources for a livelihood, and, not having been fitted for any special calling, I am at a loss what to do, for I do not wish to be a burden on my family. Teaching school seems to be the only thing the average Southern woman ever thinks of doing for a living. I would prefer the place of a servant-that of nursery or lady's maid-in a refined family, to the position of teacher in our public schools, but our wealthy families will not employ white servants. I spent one year studying art at Cooper Institute, and though I have earned something by the knowledge of drawing acquired there, I cannot make that support me. I am quite willing to do anything for a living that a virtuous, Christian woman would do, and can give the best of references."

There is room for such a young woman as this in the North, and she would do still better if she were a competent housekeeper, as, perhaps, she is. This subject has already been placed before the readers of GOOD HOUSEKEEPING in the issue of December 12, 1885, but it opens to women such an excellent field for honorable employment that the subject ought to be revived at every opportunity.

That this young woman should not be able to find employment in the South is unfortunate for the children who have hired attendants. In consequence of the entrusting of children to the care of ignorant, superstitious negroes, Southerners are taught to speak English with a greater or less mixture of negro dialect and pronunciation, which often clings to them through life, and it would not be strange, at the impressionable age of early youth, if they did not imbibe the errors and crude notions of their attendants, just as children do North, who are cared for by ignorant and superstitious servants. The importance of having the young child attended by those who speak good English and who are gifted with good sense and intelligence, is not realized, in the North as well as in the

South. The services of the young woman who writes this letter are worth vastly more than those of the ordinary attendant of young children, and she does not "lower herself" by going into such service, either, for she becomes an educator, just as much as the school teacher is one, if not more.

A FORTY THOUSAND DOLLAR DINNER SET. Mrs. Hester M. Poole, whose graphic description of "Dining at the White House" in GOOD HOUSEKEEPING No. 22, March 6th, and whose valuable papers on Household Decoration have graced the pages of many of the leading magazines of the day, has prepared an elaborate and appreciative paper describing the celebrated $40,000 Dinner Set of Mrs. George W. Childs of Philadelphia. This will appear in GOOD HOUSEKEEPING for May 15th, the first issue of its second year and third volume of publication. The paper will be accompanied by a finely executed illustration of Mr. Childs's Dining Room, with the table prepared for dining, exhibiting its wealth of beauty, ingenuity and richness of elaborate table service. Additional illustrations of other prominent features of the room will also be presented.

This is undoubtedly one of the finest displays of the rich and elegant in dining-room designs and appointments to be found in our country, and the description and illustration by the pen and pencil of such accomplished a writer and artists as we have selected, will make one of the most readable of magazine presentations, even in this day of brilliant description and wealth of illustration in pages of picture and print.

This notable collection of dining-room objects of virtu has been gathered from all parts of the world and the selections have been made with rare taste and skill. Our description of these gems of refinement and art, in a home where a generous hospitality abounds, the name and fame of which is known to the ends of the earth; where distinguished people from all parts of the world have been royally entertained, again and again, cannot fail of being received with interest and delight by every reader of GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, in whatever station of life their respective places may be found.

GOOD WORDS FOR GOOD HOUSEKEEPING. GOOD HOUSEKEEPING is the most sensible and practical home magazine published.-New Bedford Mercury.

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING is sure to become a regular visitor at every home where it makes "first acquaintance." There is no magazine published in America more likely to please good, sensible girls, wives and mothers.- Toronto (Canada) Supplement.

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING is replete with valuable and interesting reading and information regarding that which is of so much importance to us all-how to make our homes bright, pleasant and attractive in all their details.-Painesville (Ohio) Journal.

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING has met with a degree of success rare in journalism, but not altogether strange, for it is one of the very best, most useful and instructive of all the magazines of the day. Perhaps the best possible evidence we can give of its worth, is the frequent quotations we make from its columns,-the only difficulty being, that its articles are so universally readable, that the temptation is to crib them entire, one and all. For all matters about the household, of cookery, care of the rooms, furnishings, inexpensive adornments, plants, care of children, the garden, in fact almost anything that the good housekeeper wants to know, or would be better and useful information. If any of our readers have it not, we corequipped for knowing, this magazine affords a fund of entertaining dially commend to them GOOD HOUSEKEEPING.-Lawrence (Mass.) American.

LIBRARY LEAFLETS.

INSTRUCTIONS IN PAINTING.

"The mania for promiscuous household decoration which seized upon society some years ago," writes the author of this book, Susan Hale, has already passed its height and women are beginning to recognize that ornament, in order to be ornamental, must be rare in texture, choice in design, and good in execution. There was a time when it was deemed sufficient to put something on anything, "and the trouble was that these things were done without much thought or care, and that the designs were generally reproduced from the untrained recollection of some similar object. "Heedless of the existence of guide books, directions, patterns, good designs, which furnish to every beginner safeguards against bad work, young ladies rushed into the business of decoration with less preparation than they would find necessary before risking a visit to the kitchen with the intention of preparing some dainty dish."

With the aid of such a work as this, any clever girl may discover the secrets of the best work in decoration, under directions that are clear and simple. It is known by all who do art work, except novices, perhaps, that it is better to trust to designs prepared by skilled persons, than to impromptu inventions. Designs and all materials required by this work may be got from its publishers. The instruction in this work is wide, embracing as it does, painting in oil and water colors on silk, satin, velvet and other fabrics, and lustre and Kensington painting. The pupil is prepared for work with getting an understanding of the designs and pigments to be used, colors in all forms, drawing and the use of light and shade. Then the pupil is ready for the practical work of painting, which she may do upon many substances. The concluding chapter tells what to decorate, the designs that may be used, and how to prepare and make them. The volume has 293 pages, which together constitute a complete preparation in painting home ornaments with skill, art, taste and in beauty. Boston: S. W. Tilton & Co.

HOUSEKEEPER'S DAILY EXPENSE BOOK. Something original in this line has been contrived by W. H. Frothingham, of 105 Gates avenue, Brooklyn, N. Y. Its double page is divided into these columns: Date, Particulars, Cash Received, Sundry Provisions, Furniture and Household Utensils, Household Linen and Bedding, House Repairs, Light and Fuel, Labor or Services, Clothing, Physician and Medicines, Books and Education, Amusements, Riding. Gifts or Charity, Money Loaned, Total Cash Paid Out, and four blank columns. The binding is with the patent flexible back, which makes the turning of the leaves most convenient. The great service of an expense book planned in this way is that no other record of a housekeeper's expenses need be kept, the particulars of each purchase and the classification for the day, month and year, being all between the two covers. Thousands of housekeepers keep no expense account, who ought to have this blank book.

THE RELIGIOUS LIFE.

The Rev. M. J. Savage of Boston elaborates in this series of sermons a system of religious life based on natural religion. While these sermons or lectures are not broadly philosophical, and evidently were not intended to be, yet from the standpoint of Mr. Savage's philosophy, that of evolution, they are well sustained on the whole and present matters that are the subject of much deeper intellectual treatment in such a way as to be easily comprehended by readers who are not specially thoughtful.

Mr. Savage's religious life is sustained by induction, for it is found in some form or other in all religions. Religious life, he says, is life purpose in the broadest sense that the individual can conceive. While Mr. Savage's philosophy will undoubtedly maintain this, yet he has fallen into a grave inconsistency. Looking around the world, he finds that all religions have sanctioned immorality, and he concludes that supernatural religion has no necessary relations to morals. But religions, as well as everything else, are not to be judged by one small part. Every religious life has shown this feature-a more or less wide general moral purpose; it has been the widest that the person entertaining the religion could understand. Though growing out of an illusion, the religion of primitive times, in the whole course of its development to the

present, has been enlarging the scope of its view as it has been played upon by an improving philosophy and more sympathetic feelings, until now in the minds of some men it includes all the thought and feeling that can be thrown upon life. Philosophy is | purely intellectual, but it gives rise to feelings and emotions. The mind in this state, now most comprehensively active in thought and feeling to its highest power, surveys life in its relation to the universe. This is Religion. When purpose is added to this, then we have the subjective side of morals in their most expanded and comprehensive form, or the religious purpose, and when acts follow purpose, the religious life—the union of philosophy, the feelings relying upon it, and morals-is realized. The sermons in this volume are the best writings that have ever been applied to this subject. Boston: George H. Ellis.

THAT WONDERFUL COUSIN SARAH,

AND HER RECEIPTS.

A book filled with nothing but receipts makes pretty dry reading, and is as destitute of plot as the Californian miner thought that Webster's Dictionary was. An interesting plan is to weave into a domestic narrative of a light and pleasant character ideas of household economy and the conduct of affairs in the kitchen, with more or less said about receipts. May Kingston does this in this papercovered volume of 116 pages. As the conversation proceeds, there are discussions as to "what shall we do with the leavings,” “the deceitful carpet," "bonnet and bags," mending, and various features of domestic economy and cooking. The book has a good number of receipts. Boston: Howard Gannett.

66

LEAFLETS FOR THE EASTER SEASON.

Three exquisite little leaflets for the Easter season, beautifully printed and illustrated, and each tied by a knot of dainty white ribbon, have been issued by D. Lothrop & Co., Boston. The first, Sunrise," price 50 cents, is made up of extracts from devotional poets, such as Keble, Bonar and Faber, with Scriptural texts and passages from the Collect, compiled and arranged by Rose Porter. "On Easter Day," price 35 cents, consists of a lovely poem by Margaret Sidney, in harmony with the season, and “An Easter Rose," price 35 cents, by Sarah Prescott Kellogg, tells in pleasant verse the story of a young girl who, tired of the white lilies, asked for a rose instead. The two last are profusely illustrated in tint, and all are enclosed in envelopes for mailing or for preservation.

MORGAN'S HORROR.

This story, like the cover of the volume, is of a decidedly lurid description. Morgan Preiss, a "bold, bad man," tampers with the lighthouse keepers, manages to befuddle them with liquor in order to extinguish the light, that ships may strike and flounder, and he capture the wreckage. He endeavors to murder the hero of the story, who colors his face black and haunts Morgan as his Horror," driving him to desperation. Morgan is killed on the day of his marriage to the heroine, by a rock's falling on him, and virture then triumphs. The story is of the improbable order, but the descriptions of storms at sea are well written. It is by George Manville Fenn. New York: Cassell & Co., Limited. Price 25 cents.

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FAMILY EXPENSE BOOK.

In every well-ordered household an account is kept of all items of expense. Some housewives use an almanac for this purpose, others, perhaps, the cellar door, but all would be glad to have this "Family Expense Book." It is a printed account book with appropriate columns and printed headings for keeping a complete record of family expenses for each day, week and month of the year, with an itemized statement of expenditures for the year; also a servant's account, showing name, date of engagement, and rate of wages, with dates and amount of cash payments. Chicago: Robert Clarke & Co. Price 50 cents.

HORTICULTURAL ART JOURNAL.

The first number of the Horticultural Art Journal, published at Rochester, N. Y., is got up in superb style with its large colored full page plates. As its name signifies, it is devoted to horticulture, a subject that no one that owns a piece of land that he can cultivate, can afford to neglect. Price $3 a year.

A PAGE OF FUGITIVE VERSE. GATHERED HERE AND THERE.

(Republished by Request.)

A PARENT'S PRAYER.

At this hushed hour, when all my children sleep,
Here in thy presence, gracious God, I kneel;
And while the tears of gratitude I weep,
Would pour the prayer which gratitude must
feel;

Parental love! O, set thy holy seal

On these soft hearts which thou to me hast sent; Repel temptation, guard their better weal,

Be thy pure spirit to their frailty lent,
And lead them in the path their infant Saviour
went.

I ask not for them eminence or wealth,

For these, in wisdom's view are trifling toys, But occupation, competence and health,

Thy love, thy presence, and the lasting joys That flow therefrom, the passion which employs The breasts of holy men, and thus to be, From all that taints, or darkens, or destroys The strength of principles forever free; This is the better boon, O, God, I ask of Thee. This world, I know, is but a narrow bridge,

And treacherous waters roar and foam below; With feeble feet we walk the wooden ridge,

Which creaks and shakes beneath us as we go; Some fall by accident, and thousands throw

Their bodies headlong in the hungry stream, Some sink by secret means, and never know The hand which struck them from their transient dream

'Till wisdom wakes in death and in despair they scream.

If these soft feet, which now these feathers press,
Are doomed the path of ruin soon to tread;

If vice, concealed in her unspotted dress,
Is soon to turn to her polluted bed;

If thy foreseeing eye discerns a thread,

Of sable guilt, impelling on their doom,

O, spare them not, in mercy strike them dead;
Prepare for them an early welcome tomb,

But Heavenly Father, leaving them with Thee,
Whether high or low may be their lot,
Or early death, or life await them-be
Their Guardian, Saviour, Guide and bless the
spot

Where they shall live or die; 'till death forsake them not.

Though persecution's arches o'er them spread, Or sickness undermine, consuming slow, Though they should lead the life their Saviour led,

And His deep poverty be doomed to know; Wherever Thou shalt order, let them go,

I give them up to Thee-they are not mine; And I could call the swiftest winds that blow To bear them from me to the Pole or Line, In distant lands to plant the gospel's bleeding shrine.

When as a scroll these heavens shall pass

away,

When the cold grave shall offer up his trust, When seas shall burn, and the last, dreadful day

Restores the spirit to its scattered dust, Then Thou most merciful as well as just, In wild confusion, see that darkest, worst, Let not my eye, when elements are tossed Of painful sights that ever parent crossed; Hear my sad, earnest prayer, and let not mine be lost.

-Rev. Leonard Worthington, D. D.

(Republished by Request.)
POEMS UNWRITTEN.

There are poems unwritten, and songs unsung,
Sweeter than any that ever were heard-
Poems that wait for an angel tongue,
Songs that but long for a Paradise bird.
Poems that ripple through lowliest lives--
Poems un-noted and hidden away
Down in the souls where the beautiful thrives,
Sweetly as flowers in the airs of the May.
Poems that only the angels above us,

Looking down deep, in our hearts may behold

bloom.

But if some useful path before them lie

Where they may walk obedient to the laws, Though never basking in ambition's eyes,

us,

plause;

Active, yet humble, virtuous too, the cause

Of virtue in the dwellings where they dwell, Still following where thy perfect spirit draws, Releasing others from the hands of hell

If this be life, then let them longer live, 'tis well.

And teach me, Power Supreme, in their green days,

With meekest skill thy lessons to impart-
To shun the harlot, and to show the maze
Through which her honeyed accents reach the
heart.

Help them to learn, without the bitter smart
Of bad experience vices to decline;
From treachery, falsehood, knavery, may they

Fresh from thy spirit, O, beautiful friend! -Mary H. C. Booth.

MIGHT HAVE BEEN.

No longer, rose-embowered and bright,
Pale memory flings her portals free
To fairy scenes of golden light,

And sparkles of the summer sea.
The arches grey are overgrown,

The trellised vines are sere and thin, Where through the vision marks alone The shadows of the "Might Have Been."

Where once the jocund hours in troops

Sped lightly on, with jest and laugh, The pilgrim form of Sorrow stoops, And falters on his feeble staff. Dark troubled Care a-muttering sits, And Folly hand-in-hand with Sin, Now ghost-like o'er the threshold flits To mock us with the "Might Have Been." From ruined tower and shattered fane,

Regret, the solemn raven croaks; And bat-winged messengers of pain

Beat the dull air with ceaseless strokes.

The fatal gulfs we blindly crossed,
Again in all their woe are seen
And phantoms of the loved and lost
Smile sadly from the "Might Have Been."
Close memory, close thy portals grey,
And o'er my soul oblivion cast,
Or send a brighter gladsome day
To blot the vista of the past!
Wild, wild regrets, ye are in vain,
For that surcease we ne'er may win!
Oh! speechless heritage of pain-
The anguish of the "Might Have Been."
-Pictorial Australian.

BY THE FIRESIDE.

Dark and lengthening shadows fall
Slanting, out of the poplars tall;

Dark are the hills and plains;
The halls of day are shut once more,
Barred are the gates and closed the door,
And stillness reigns.

On such a night as this I find
Sweet music in the sobbing wind,

The fire with fancies full,
And hovering voices in the air,
And flitting faces in the glare,

That bide no rule.

And many days, and many years,
And times of joy, and times for tears,
Pass in review along;

I hear the ancient tale and jest,
And welcome, thrilling through my breast,
The old-time song.

But children trooping in, dispel
The fireside dreams I love so well,

And in their own wild way
Forthwith their revelry commence,
And with their pranks of innocence
Turn night to day.

Haply within that circle bright
Are minds whose wealth of higher light
The future will disclose;
And untrod corridors of Time
Re-echo to the deeds sublime

Of one of those.

And yet, whatever be their lot,
Be never this, their home, forgot,

Where now their bright eyes shine;
But ever from the days beyond
Let thought return in memory fond
To that dear shrine.
For true it is, whatever mar
Our destiny; however far,
However long we roam,

Our thoughts concenter here at last,
On this, the Altar of our Past,-
Home, blessed Home!

It is the one pure spot on earth,
The Fatherland of Love and Worth;
And since the world began
Men held it holy, as was meet,
And still revere this best retreat
Of child and man.
Here rest we in our pilgrimage,
The fit Asylum of Old Age,
Best Anchorage for Youth:
The noblest Lodge, the greatest Guild,
The grandest Temple man can build,

Is Home, in truth!

Vainly of riches some will vaunt,
Enthroned at home, what need one want?
There reigns the Mother, queen
O'er gowden curls and laughing eyes
And trusting hearts. Oh, priceless prize!
Oh, blessed scene!

-Robert C. Stewart.

SEASONABLE TABLE SUPPLIES. [Gathered from New York Markets, expressly for GOOD HOUSEkeeping.] BY MRS. F. A. BENSON.

The Easter display of food is unusually fine this week, this movable feast arriving so late in the season that the stock of substantial delicacies, besides Southern vegetables and fruits, is extensive and excellent. Great pains are taken by dealers to dress their stands and set out the food temptingly Easter week. Smilax and other creeping foliage is arranged around stalls, vegetables and fruits are laid in cushions of green, and fish are placed on platters and prettily garnished.

FISH.

North river shad, which, as a rule, put in an appearance between the 14th and 20th of March, did not this year start their run, which is still slow, until April 11th. They are not plentiful as yet, but are somewhat lower in price than in former years. Roe shad cost 60 cents, and bucks 30 cents. The first Florida shad arrived this year January 15th. About twenty thousand of these fish are brought annually to New York; they range in price for roe shad from 30 to 60 cents, and for bucks from 15 to 25 cents. The shad that follow those from Florida are taken from the Ogeechee river, Georgia; they are as large as those caught in the North river, and much finer in flavor than the Florida fish. After these arrive Savannah river shad, and then those from North Carolina, the season for which closes May 1st. Following the latter come shad from the Potomac, Delaware and Susquehanna rivers. Then they strike the lower bay and Hudson river, the fish all the time gaining in excellence. Connecticut river shad, the last to appear, are the largest, fattest and best flavored. Fishermen state that there is an increase in the run of shad with every change of the moon, and, when that luminary is at the full, there is always the heaviest catch. The first Canadian frogs' legs are in market, costing 75 cents a pound. Fresh caught mackerel, of medium size, are offered at 25 cents each. There are a few Spanish mackerel in market, bringing 75 cents a pound. Penobscot salmon are the delicacy of fish benches; these weigh twenty-one pounds each and sell for $1.50 a pound. Red snappers are twelve and twenty pounds in weight, and are a favorite boiling fish; they cost 10 cents a pound. Green turtle is 20 cents a pound. Pompano are 50 cents a pound. Whitebait cost 30 cents a pound. Picked crabmeat from Baltimore arrives fresh in pails, costing 50 cents a pound. Live cod and haddock are 6 cents a pound. Halibut is 18 cents a pound, and chicken halibut are 15 cents a pound. Striped bass are 25 cents for boiling size and 18 cents for pan bass. Lobsters are increasing in size and declining in price; they cost 121⁄2 cents a pound. Oregon salmon is 25 and 30 cents a pound, and frozen Restigouche salmon is 20 cents a pound. Flounders are 6 cents a pound, and sole are 8 cents a pound. Turbot and black fish are 15 cents, and frost fish are 6 cents a pound. Large perch are 20 cents, while small ones bring 122 cents a pound. Sheepshead cost 18 cents a pound. North Carolina blue fish arrive in small quantities; these weigh about three pounds each and cost 25 cents a pound. Fresh herring are 5 cents, skate are 10 cents, salmon trout 8 cents, and white fish and pickerel are 15 cents a pound. Cray fish cost $4 a hundred. Shrimps, prauns and scallops are $1.50 a gallon. Hard-shell crabs bring $3.50 a hundred. Oysters are prime from the East river, Shrewsbury, and Rockaway. Culling and half shell sizes cost 75 cents a hundred. "Box" sizes bring $1.50 a hundred. Extra-sized clams cost 60 cents a hundred, and small ones are half that price. Large hard clams, opened, are 75 cents a hundred. Little Neck clams cost 40 cents a hundred. Mussels are 622 cents a bushel, and 25 cents a quart pickled.

POULTRY AND GAME.

Buck's county pullets weighing sixteen pounds to the pair are the choicest eating on poultry stands; these cost the same as capons-30 cents a pound. Philadelphia roasting chickens bring 25 cents a pound and Long Island roasting chickens are 18 cents a pound. Large Philadelphia broilers are $1.75 a pair, and smaller ones cost $1.50; Long Island broilers bring 25 cents less on the pair. Maryland chickens weigh one pound and bring 50 cents each. Stewing chickens and scalded fowls are 12 cents a pound. Bucks' County fowls are 16 cents a pound. Turkeys bring 15, 18, and 20 cents a pound, the latter being the price for those from Rhode Island, considered the best at this time. Ducklings and mongrel ducks cost 20 cents and ducks 18 cents a pound. Goslings and mongrel geese are 20 cents, and geese are 15 cents a pound. Squabs are 35 cents each or $4 a dozen. Both domestic and flight pigeons are $3 a dozen. English snipe are 20 cents and New Jersey snipe 35 cents each. Plover are 25 cents and grass plover 30 cents each. Corn plover bring $1.50 a dozen. Corn snipe cost $1 a dozen. Small birds and small snipe | used for game pies are 50 cents a dozen. Reed birds are $1.50 a dozen and rice birds are 75 cents a dozen. English pheasants cost $3.50 a brace. Guina fowls and swans are $1.50 each. Wild geese bring $1 each. Canvas back ducks cost $3 a brace. Red heads are $1.75 a brace.

Brant ducks are $1.50 a brace. A few spring Brant ducks arrive which cost $2 a brace. Scotch grouse are $2 a brace. Mallard ducks are $1 a brace. Black, teal, gray, wood, broad-bill, black-head and widgeon ducks cost 75 cents a brace; dippers are 50 cents a brace and green wing teal ducks cost 622 cents a brace. All wild ducks vanish from market May 1st.

MEATS.

The first quality of spring lamb costs $3.50 for hindquarters, and $2.50 for forequarters. A second quality can be bought for $1 less on the quarter. Porter-house steak is 26 and 28 cents a pound. Sirloin steak is 22 and 24 cents a pound. Round steak cost 20 cents, rib roast is 18 and 22 cents a pound, and sirloin roast is 25 cents a pound. Winter lamb brings 18 cents a pound for hindquarters, and 15 cents for forequarters. Lamb chops are 25 and 28 cents a pound. Hindquarters of mutton are 16 cents and forequarters 13 cents a pound. Breast veal is 18 cents, loin veal is 25 cents, filet veal is 28 cents, veal cutlets are 30 cents and veal chops are 25 cents a pound. Selected sweetbreads cost 40 and 50 cents each. Calves' haslets are 50 and 75 cents each. Fresh roasting pork and pork chops are 11 cents a pound. Pork tenderloins are 16 cents a pound and spare ribs are 8 cents a pound. Roasting pigs are $3 each.

CORNED AND SMOKED MEATS.

Rump corned beef brings from 121⁄2 to 15 cents a pound. Plate and navel corned beef costs from 8 to 10 cents a pound. Philadelphia scrapple and prepared ham are out of season. Cincinnati hams cost 13 cents a pound. Smoked ham is 12 cents and pickled ham is 11 cents a pound. Westphalia ham is 30 cents a pound. Smoked shoulder is 8 cents and pickled shoulder costs 7 cents a pound. Smoked bacon is 12 cents, dried English bacon is 14 cents and smoked beef brings from 14 to 18 cents a pound. Smoked tongues are 16 cents and pickled tongues bring 14 cents a pound. Bologna sausages are 12 cents and Cincinnati bologna bognas are 22 cents a pound. Corned pork is 10 cents and French larding pork is 14 cents a pound. Corned spare ribs are 7 cents a pound.

BUTTER AND EGGS.

Fine creamery butter and New State butter arrive in larger lots, but prices still remain 38 cents a pound for the best article. Good table butter can be had for from 25 to 35 cents a pound. Philadelphia roll butter has declined to 38 cents a pound. Eggs continue very plentiful. Twenty Western eggs are sold for 25 cents. Long Island eggs are 18 for 25 cents. Duck eggs being 30 cents, goose eggs 60 cents and turkey eggs So cents a dozen.

VEGETABLES.

Scotch Magnum Bonum potatoes which boil white and mealy are considered the best at present. They cost $2.25 a bag. Maine Rose and Burbanks being $2.50 a barrel, and Queen of the Valley cost $2.75 a barrel. Bermuda potatoes continue scarce and dear. They cost $20 a barrel and $1.25 a half peck. Red onions cost $3.50 a barrel and 30 cents a half peck. White onions are $4 a barrel and 35 cents a half peck. Cauliflowers cost 50 cents each. Charleston asparagus is in three qualities which bring 50, 70 and 90 cents a bunch. New carrots are 5 cents a bunch. Bermuda beets bring 8 cents a bunch. Cucumbers cost 30 cents each. Fresh tomatoes are 50 cents a quart. Green peas bring 75 cents a half peck, String beans are 30 cents a quart. Okras are 50 cents a hundred. Dried okras is 40 cents a quart. Lettuce is 5 and 8 cents a head. Mushrooms are 60 cents a pound. Radishes and red peppers are 5 cents a bunch. Spinach is 15 cents a half peck. Russian turnips cost 25 cents and white turnips 35 cents a half peck. Celery is nearly exhausted, small heads bring 25 and 35 cents. Bermuda onions bring 20 cents a quart. Fresh dandelion is 15 cents a quart. Pie plant is prime and 10 cents a bunch. Cranberries continue plentiful and 10 cents a quart.

FRUIT.

Watermelons are arriving from Nassau; they are of medium size and are sweet; they cost $1.25 each. No more oranges are arriving from Florida. California seedless blood oranges are the best. They bring 40

and 50 cents a dozen. Strawberries are much improved. They cost 40 and 60 cents a box. Sapodillas are 60, 75 cents and $1 a dozen. Hothouse grapes bring $5 a pound. Malaga grapes cost 50, 75 cents and $1 a pound. Three pounds of Catawba grapes sell for 75 cents. California pears hold out sound and fine-flavored; they bring from $1.50 to $3.50 a dozen. Yellow bananas are 40 cents a dozen; Red ones cost from 50 to 60 cents a dozen. Messina lemons are 20 and 30 cents a dozen. Florida pineapples are prime and quite plentiful; they are from 30 to 50 cents each. Cocoanuts bring from 6 to 1o cents each. Grape fruit cost $1 a dozen.

FOREIGN FRUITS.

Valencia raisins are 12 cents a pound; Muscatels are 14 cents a pound. Citron is 32 cents a pound. Turkish prunes are 5 cents: French prunes are 14 cents. Smyrna figs are 15 cents, and Persian dates are 8 cents a pound.