Evening Star Newspaper, April 16, 1892, Page 8

DAYID L. sanDom, A POPULAR WHEELM David L. Sandoe, the “Safety” Cham- pion of the District. ENTERTAINING THE L. A.W. WHAT THE LOCAL COMMITTEES WAVE BEEN DOING DURING THE WEEK—A SUGGESTION TO THE LADIES—THE COLUMBIAS DISCUSSING A @BANGE IN UNIFORM. AVID L. SANDOF, tho subject of this illustra tion, is one of the most popular wheelmen in the city. Although be hes not been riding a wheel for two years be is captain of the Arl- ington Wheelmen and enjoys the distinction ef holding the Dist rict safety champion- ship. His first experi- ence was in a sixty- mile race from Hagers- town to this city, in which he came in winner, making the race in four hours and fifty-eight minutes. Next he fig- ured in the ten-mile race on the Benning track, bs track, when he rode two miles in 5: in winner. Last summer at the Hagerstown meet the other riders failed to equal his time, and the same thing happened during the twenty-mile road race on the Conduit road on Christmas day. In addition to being chief road officer of the Arlington Wheolmen Capt. Sandoe is a member of the L. A. W. and the Century Koad Ciub of America and is an active member of the racing committee appointed for the meet here this ‘summer. PREPARING FOR THE MEET. The local committees in charge of the meet are working hard to make the affair a success. One of the features of the round of entertain ments will be an excursion given to the visit- wheelmen. The excursion, as heretofore lished, will be given on the evening of the the second day of the meet. Should the races be held on the C. A. C. track the steamers and Queen will take on the wheel- men at Georgetown. A feature of the river ex- cursion will be music by the Cycle Band of the Overman Wheel Company and vocal selections by a large chorus of male voices under the di- ection of Prof. Sykes. SOLDIERS O¥ WHEELS. ‘The mammoth parade which will take place the meet will be led by a bugle corps wheels, and following the corps will come National Guard Military Cycle Company the state divisions in the order of The second division of the ‘made up of unattached wheel- one-half of the unattached of this city participate the proces- several miles long, and it is thought will be fully 10,000 cycles in line. reception committee, of which Mr. C. is chairman, 1s'to be increased to members, and they will have plenty of to do looking after the welfare of the ‘lube, divisions and unattached wheel- of District messenger boys will be into service to serve as guides. direct visitors to their quarters and to places of interest during the the CAM STHEAIGE meet. These boys are expert will in all probability enter into in snentbusiastic manner. Each of wear a badge containing an appro- inscription and will be subject to the @ Visitor at anytime. Provision will by the reception committee for of wheels at different points, so iting wheelman may be relieved of im almost any section of the city. areto be used in this connection, 50 the cyclist will feel easy when bis silent steed is being cared for and the danger of theft reduced tos minimum. ‘THE GREAT OFEN-AIn SMOKER, The meet will close with an open-air “smoker,” which promises to be a novel affair, ‘8 the committee has already done considerable work toward making the affair different from any “smoker” heretofore held. yy of the visitors have secured quarters for the entire week, while others will finish vacation touring through the neighboring states over the historic battleticids and through ‘the Shenandoah valley. Chairman Churehill of the finance committee how receiving returns from the members who have solicited funds to defray the expenses of the mect, and the preiaiums offered for the largest subscriptions will be awarded in a few f t i Fe gk f Fee E r CONGRESSMEN APPLYING FOR MEMDERSHIP. During the past few days the application o Representative Jerry Simpson has been for- warded to the L.A W. headquarters in Boston ‘and the boys now expect to enroil the name of aguccenee ‘Thos 1. Jobuson of ‘Ohio, is also an expert rider and enthusiastic wheel- eat A RINT To THR LADY WHEELERS. Aletter received from a lady cyclist of Goutheast Washington suggests that the many lady riders of the city form themselves into a lub for the purpose of extending courtesies to the fair visitors during the meet. She also sug- geste that a club thus formed might be made a Permanent organization, which would prov. Matter of pleasure and ‘mutual benefit to its Membera in conclumon the fair cyclist sa} ‘that should her suggestion prove acceptable ‘the early spring days may mark the beginning of an active orzanization. It is the intention of Chairman Overman of the reception com- mittee to appoint a number of lady cycliste as members of hiscommittes, but he appears to favor the suggestion made by the lady cyclist ‘and will await action 1a that direction. DISCUSSING NEW UNIFORMS An interesting meeting of the board of gov- ernors of the Columbia Cycle Club was held on ‘Monday night at the club house. As President Dyer had not returned to the city, Vico Presi- ent Pierce conducted the meeting. Nine ap- Plicents were duly elected members of the club and edozen more applications wore received and put on the book to await the action of the board at the next meeting. ‘The club decided upon August 16 as the date ef the annual excursion, which will be given to ‘Marshall Hall. A committee of three was ap- Painted to make the necessary arrangements question of achange in the club uniform was agreed but the color and style of the settled. This being the larg- est L. A.W. club im the city, many members favor the regulation dark gray league uniform, although many are opposed to it, us they want something that will make a better appearance. Some members favor the adoption of a dark Uniform similar to that now worn by the | Gcicas whesimen, while others fever breve Goods. THE SEW CLUB morse. Work on the new club house is progressing rapidly, and the roof will be put on ina few days, insuring its completion before the date of the July meet. Most of the work being dose for the coming meet is being done by Columbias, aud when they get into their new home they will be m « ition to entertain Rot ouly the visitors who come during the meet, but also those who visit here during the | summer mouths LUE BUxS. Weather permitting there will be several club runs tomorrow. The Arlingtons will go to Brookville, starting in the morning, while the Members of the Crescent Century will Fide to ‘the tow to Edward s Ferry. The Colembias will divide ieto two sections order to accommodate all the members the club house at 10, hile the other will start for the country in the afternoon. Last Sunday Capt. Couch of the Military Cvele Corps rode with several of his men as far as Falls Church, where the rough road and windy weather gave the military cyclists a taste of what might be expected in case of mil- itary service. Among those who were in the party were F. P. Libby, H. E. Crook and Mesera, McQueen and Muzzey. Mr. William M. Firson of New Haven visited this city carly in the week. reached th depot after sundown and on his wa: iceman is expla- her through the streets ho met a new who would not pay any attention to nation, Judge Kimball paid some attention to what he said the next morning and the policeman had all bis troubie for nothing. Tue Racixo Boarp. The first meeting of the racing board was held in New York last week. Chairman Ray- mond has the districts assigned to the mem- bers of the board as follows: A. H. E. Raymond—New York. B. L. A. Miller—Maine, New Hampshire.. Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Con necticut. °. C,H. ©. Crowther—Pennsylvania, Mary- land, Delaware, District of Columbis, New jersey. D.” G. Collister—Ohio, Michigan, Indians, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. W. C. Thorne—Ilinois, Wisconsin, Iows, Minnesota, Dakota, Nebraska, Montana, Wyo- ming, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, F." W. W. Watts—Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Ar- kansas, Louisiana, Texas. G. ‘C. C. Candy—Missouri, Kansas, Indian territory, Colorado, New Mexico, Uteh, Ari- gona, Nevada. California. ‘The racing rules were revised and a number of changes made, Clause B, « new clause, reads: “Promotors of race meets must, in all cases, apply to the member of the national racing board in charge of the district in which the event or events are tobe run for official sanction. If it shall appear that there will confliction of dates and intereats, the first ap- plication under this rule shall have precedence, to be decided by said member of the board, and notice of such race meet or event must be forwarded to the chairman of the uational board by the member in charge. Any amateur competing at a race meet or event not thus officially sanctioned shall be suspended at the option of the board.” Noverties 1 Cycrixa. Trick or fancy riding scoms to be losing ite hold as a drawing feature, says Cyclist. There were five excellent trick riders at Madison Squaro Garden, and they had to resort to com- ical tricks to catch any applause, The general public did not seem to appreciate the skill re- quired to perform some of the tricks, and of the wheelmen only the older oues who were at home on the ordinary could realize it. ‘Those who have ridden only the safety cannot begin to understand the marvelous skill of the per- formances, ‘The wheelmen of Savannah, Ga, are await- ing with much curiosity the final test of Mr. Clinton Sawer's steam bicycle. The muchine is to be run by a boiler 13-6 inches, suspended from the upper frame rod of an Ormende Model B. Gasoline is to be the fuel. The boiler bas a regular steam gauge, and th boiler has stood @ pressure of fifty peunds to the square inch. ‘The cylinders are two inche: and the piston rod is to acton gearing in the crank shaft. The gearing is arranged five to one for crank azle and for rear wheel one and one-quarter. This gives about a sixty-inch gearing. Mr. Sawyer is confident it will be a success, Mississippi, New Youx Drvisiox Ractsa. ‘Members of the clubs in the New York racing cireuit have manifested great interest in the division race meetings and some record break- ing is promised for this season's races. Closely following the Harvard and New Haven meets will open the New York state circuit, the pro- gram having beon arranged as follows: Century Cycling Club. Cortland Wheel Club. Crescent Cycling Club, -Press Cycling Club. ..-New York. [Riverside Wheelmen. Creuse Exnuzit ar tor Fam. ‘The proposed cycling exhibit at the world’s fair 18 not receiving the attention anticipated by the manufacturers, Thus far only fourteen applications have been made for space for cycle exhibits. This does not include any for- eign manufacturers. It is thought that no applications will be received after July 1. he annual tournament of the Harvard Uni- versity Cycling Association will be held on Holmes Field, Cambridge. the tirst Saturday in June. Owing to the increased interest in bicycling in the college and on account of the date selected the tournament promises to be & great event in wheel circles. The association is also endeavoring to arrange team races with Manhattan and the New York Athletic Club teams, Auoxo Tae Racens, A. MacMartin of the Press C. C. says that he would willingly meet F. L. Beadleson of the Century C. C. of Syracuse in a one-legged race if it were possible. MacMartin’s leg is off be- low the knee, while that of Eeadleson is gone above the knee. The Buffalo rider's stump, on account of ite length, prevents his riding with- out the artificial ankle and foot, so that he would have an unfair advantage of Beadicson. J. G. Modine of the Lincoln C. C. of Chicago may ride against the Syracuse man at the —— meet, as cases are nearly par An entry list of 500 is not unexpected for the Pullman road race. Every year since its incep- tion the number of contestants has increased. Arelay race between New York and Wash- ington will probably take place this season. The relays will be stationed at intervals of ten miles. August Lehr, the champion of Germany, reckons his prizes during 1891 at 44, no less than 42 of these being firsts. Lehr is without mistake @ good man on the high bicycle. ‘The three-wheeler German champion, Stumpf, won 16 firsts, and also several prizes on the safety. Thomas E. Jefferis of Louisville has the honor of making the first contury of this year in Kentucky. He recently made » 100-mile run in 11b. 40 min., includiag all a The Referee Wheelmet colored organize- tion of Philadelphia, will ‘bold an indoor cycle meet April 14. One of the events ef the even- ing will be a special race between two women riders, Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Nich The Wilmington W. C. meet May 21 and a fall meet connection with the latter wi road race of the club. Hickory Bicycle Club ef the Young Women's Christian Assocation of Worcester, Mass., has elected these officers: President Miss Siby! M. Gray; vice president, M. E. Bul- lock; secretary, Miss Josie Matthews; treas- urer, Miss Kittie Estabrook; captain, Mrs. Benjamin Cur Lieutenants, ‘iss Carrie Perry and Miss Aunie McHugh; bugler, Miss Clara Matthews; color bearer, Mra 8. A. Jones. The following officers have been elected b; the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Lakeview Wheel- men, Rochester, N. ¥.: President, Mra. J. R Hair; vice president, Mrs. C, W. Vredenburg; secretary. Mrs. W. W. Armstrot treasurer, Miss M. Conneil; captain, Mrs. C. J. Connelly; first lieutenant, Mra. F. A. Brownell; color bearer, Miss M. Filer. The first ladies’ ran of the Pennsylvania Bicycle Club took place on last Saturday after- noon. To keep up the tradition it went to “Ardmore and ice cream.” Mr. Lokes tried en- tertaining the party with some tall fish stories, but he found each one a “doubting Thomas.” ee GYMNASTICS IN BROPHY’S ALLEY, From Lita THE’ EVENING bd < ~ STAR: WASHINGTON, “D.C... SA DAYs RAIN PREVENTS PLAY. The Early Part of the Base Ball Sea- “son Badly Brokea Up. NEW YORK OPENS TODAY. RUNNING COMMENTS ON THE INAUGURAL GAME WITH THE BOSTONS—AGREEABLE ABSENCE OF ANNOYANCES COMMON IN FORMER YEARS—HOW ‘THE CLUBS SHOWED UP AT THE STABT. = AIN CAN GENERALLY be expected in this lati- tude early in April, so that the postponement of Thursday's game with fhe Bostons wasnot such ® disappointment as it would otherwise ha’ been; yet without ques- tion it was a disappoint- | ment, for it was uni- versally expected that a closer game would be played, and with Knell in the box there were many who looked for a victory. Three years ago, when the Bostons opened the home grounds, rain prevented three of the four games echeduled being played. Meanwhile the other clubs were being beaten and were winning games and were dropping down in percentage, while the Bostons, with only one game played, stood at the head of the list for several days, Sunday intervening. And while other clubs bad lost more games than Washington, yet this city’s club occupied the extreme rear, It was a caso of luck, and as usual Washington got the wrong end of it. Very few of the 6,000 persons who went out to National Park on Tuesday to tl opened expected to ace the home nin Tux Stan has repeatedly said it i but the team is entirely a now ver played together, und it lop effective team work. The that affects players in the first game of the season uiways works to the disad- vantage of the weaker team, and it would not have been surprising had the Nationals put up a “yellow” game. But they didnot. It is true that some damaging errors were made, but they were of such @ nature that they are not likely to occur again, o: rarel, Radford was over-anxious, evidently, to play » great game against his old which caused him to lack the cooluess he generally has. No one who has soon him play hore often ever saw bim do himself so little credit and no one is likely to see it again, Then as to floy. The wind was blowing stifily from the northwest, making the judging of high flies dificult He ran up on one and it went over bis head. On another he did not start soon enough and he failed to bold it. erybody kuows that Hoy is almost a sure catch of a fly ball. Then as to Milligan’s two bad throws to sec- ond. The wind carried one over Radford’ head, The next time to counteract its influ- ence he threw low. It was hard to calculate it right, and be threw too low. It happened that the flies hit to the Boston outfield were comparatively easy to bandle ex- cept those hits that got away from them e: tirely. Most of the local club's hitting we liners that went swift and low and were not d flected or elevated by the wind. This merely shovs what an element of luck there ia in the gam Tthappened torun against Washington the first day, but it may run against Boston another day. The local club. with very little practice of any value, could not overcome ill-luck us can « club that has played alrcady together a season and has bad the benetit of excellent practice games. No one need feel discouraged over the bad beginning made by the kome club. All that it needs is practice, and that it will get soon enough. ‘The batting of the home team on Tuesday was an especially cujoyable feature. If they can size up Jobn Clarkson certainly there aro few if any pitchers in the league they cannot hit, There were few strike-outs andall bit the bail sharply. The infielding of the visitors was excellent. In fact it was the best yet shown bere by a Boston league team. Kelly’s catching no deterioration, and he is the same old ‘kell though apparently a much subdued one. We failed to see any of tho monkey shines he used to cut up, and be had not a bit of chaff for the bleachers. His appearance behind the bat in- stead of Bennett shows that in the minds of the triumvirs at least Kelly's picture hus not been turned toward the wall. New York wil have to bid high if it wants him. He's nota been” yet and Boston knows it, The absenco of boisterous and senseless coaching was an agrecablo inuovation. There was no wrangling over decisions, either, which made the occasion all the more pleasant. How- ever, Gaffney's decisions could give rise to no complaint. The only close decision he had was given to the base runner, who was a Wash- ington player. Gaffney easily holds pre-omi- hence as an umpire. The audience was not the least notable feat- ure of the occasion. The gathering was cati- mated to be from 6,000 to 7,000 in number. It was the largest scen ata ball game since the days when tho contests took place down in the White Lot. Of the 40,000 persons who saw the opening games on ‘Tuesday the Washington gathering was the most notable. Secretaries Foster, Rusk and Tracy represented the cubi- net, aud there was a liberal display of mem- bers of both houses of Congress, judges, journalists (including newspaper mon) aud others prominent in various vocations, including Digby Bell, who never misses a goo ball gume, and Amelia Glover, the peerless dancer. Then of course all tho cranky were there! You couldn't have kept them away. They didn't have much chance to yell until tho eighth inving and then their voices were rather busky from lack of use. Gen. Dixwell was on hand of course and his clarion-toned “hi, hi” rang out early in the game. He had the floor all to bimaelf. Tbe suspicion has been advanced that the gen is the Boston's mascot, He won't deay the impeachment, Well, altogether, it was a great day and one for cranks to discuss for a long time to come. The results of the opening games does not conflict with the sizing up of the teams printed in Tux Stan on Tuesday. Brooklyn easily d feated Baltimore, and Whistler showed solf the best man among the Orioles. Chicago had no trouble in getting away with St. Louis? Louisville proved the correctness of ‘Tux Sras’s judgment by defeating Cleveland, Pittsburg and Cincinnati are evenly matched teams and possess much the same character- istics. The sinoky city boys proved the bard- est hitters. Philadelphia's defeat by New York was, it must be admitted, unlooked for. Philly proved weak where it was generally deemed very strong—at second. Hallman's damaging errors lost the game. Yet it is likely that Phil- Jelphia will win most games from New York this season than vice versa. Keefe pitched a creditable game, and if the Phillies’ othe: pitchers are as the Quaker city team is easily better than New York. It is only question of time when the latter wil fall down, The first series of the Nationals with the New Yorks begins today. ‘Then, after playing two games with Brooklyn, the boys go away on their first eastern trip and open the New York grounds. DIAMOND GLINTS. Capt. Anson has released three of his play- ers, Pitcher Duke, Catcher Murphy and Out- fielder Lawrence. None of them were swift enough for the Chicagos, according to Anson's way of thinking. Pitcher Ebret of the Pitteburg Club has been sent home. He is not in condition and the management was afraid to pitch him. Hanlon goes with the team. He is not permanently injured. Some of the Brooklyn players are a little superstitious and believe to have made thir- teen runs in the first game is an ill omen.— Baltimore “San.” The Bostons are troubled by no such feelings. First Baseman Campion of the Toledo Club has disappeared. He was fined for violating a club rule in reporting at his hotel in Chicago later than 11 p.m., end immediately left, “7 ing he would not play under Manager Cincinnati and Pittsburg played the first ex- Po le will eateh in 124 genes, for Bow Tot tae ee nen Louisville wil! teams haven't much time to catch up if they behind. ties noticeable point about the Brooklyn club is that its players are all in first-class condition. They are lithe, trained fo plane weight, and are ready to fight their for the championship. ‘Anson says be thinks Canavan is just as good 8 player as Pfeffer. hanty will be on the retired list until his sprained ankle has mended. ‘Tim Keefe is far from being a back number. ‘The Cincinnati people think it is only a mat- ter of a short timo until Duryea will again be a member of the Reds. . The Philadelphia club is said to be trying to secure one of Pittsburg's catchers. Gumbert split his finger in the opening game with St. Lou! President von der Abe had three second basemen under contract with his club and 80 he released Nicholson, Crooks and Stricker aro retained. Miller will captain Pittsburg until Ned Han- lon gets into condition. Capt. Ewing of the New York club has re- ei letter from his brother John saying that he is practicing and will report for duty in one month. Thompson and Bassett are both suffering from spike injuries to their fect, ‘A contemporary 6 “Both George Wood and George Shoch were not long out in the cold, They were both released by the owners of the Washington club without the approval of Manager Barvie.” This has a strangely familiar sound, Of course a manager who is interfered with is relieved of all responsibility for defeat. The score card furnished this year by Mr. Stevens is certainly a very handsome one. Well-executed portraits in half tones of the principal ball players in the country ornament the cover, and altogether itis tho prettiest thing of the kind Washington has seen, Fortunately none of the local clab been injured, but Pittsburg, Baltimore delphia, New York and Cincinnati have suf- fered. Baltimore and Pittsburg got two good ones in Shoch and Wood. gs, RACES IN THE AIR. BIRDS TRAINED FOR SPEED AND THE MEN WHO OWN THEM. THE WASHINGTON HOM!NG PIGEON FEDERATION — PROGRAM OF THE SPRING RACES—HOW HOMINO PIGEONS DIFFER FROM OTHERS—THE WAY THEY ARE CARED FOR—REGISTERING THE TIME OF THEIR ARRIVAL HOME. The breeding and flying of homing pigcons has lately taken fresh impetus in Washing- ton, and st is safo to say that before another year this city will take its place among tho best racing cities in this country, Homing pigeons have been bred as a means of commu- nication for many hundreds of years and his- tory tells of many strange stories of this won- derful bird. A noteworthy use of the homer as postmen was made at the time of the siege of Paris, A strip of paper ten inches long by a trifle over two inchés wide was rolled up iv- side a large turkey quill and secured to the tail of the pigeon. The whole thing only weighed about sixteen grains, yet the paper contained over 1,000,000 words. These were put on the paper by a process known as micro- photography. By this means messages were sent regularly from the beleagured city ‘The present species of bird originally came from cigium, and for many years that country has been the chief place of abode of the true homer. PECULIARITIES OF THE HOMER. But what isa true homer? What are its dis- tinctive peculiarities and how are they bred? ‘These are the qustions a reporter of Tur Stan endeavored to have answered a few days ago, ud this is tho result. ‘The shape of the bird resembles that of a common blue-rock pigeon with the exception of a very full and wide breast and wcapacious skull, ‘The are wide apart and prominent with a deep orange pupiL ‘Ibe beak is thick and usually black, although this differs 1m some birds. The wings of the homer are more powerful than those of any other pigcon species and form one of tue distinctive features of the bird. Each wing contains ten long feathers set close together. These are known among pigeon brecders as flight feathers and go along ways toward in- creasing the speed of the bird. ‘The tail is the most important portion of the bird, for it is here the messages are at tached, There are usually — twelve feathers in the tail and they should be smail aud weil made, possessing great eiasticity and sirung close together. The homer is truly a domestic bird und its love of home is remark- abie, Many people contend that this love of home is only apparent after the bird has had young, but there ure many tustances whore old birds have boen taken from their homes and raised young in another loft. yet when once liberated they left their offspring and returned to their old home. Another poculiarity of the homer is that when once it selects a perch it mever leaves it and will fight hard to maintaia its rights. Homers aro bred these days for racing. That is, soveral fauciers get together and Wager large sums that their respective birds will beat others home when liberated at a distance, TRAINING FOR CONTESTS, Just at this season of the year the racing Pigeon, like the race horse, is trained for the spring races. classes in which the birds compote. Oue is for old birds, while the other is for young ones. Considerable pains are necessary to properly train a bird for a race, avd every day the fan- ciers may be seen boarding trains with a huge basket filled with birds, ‘The young birdy after they have learned to fly about the lott are taken a short tance away and liberated. The next day this distance is augmented, and so on until they bave traversed a distance equal to the race ia which they are tocompete. ‘The basket in which the pigeons are transported is of a pecyjiar device and so arranged as not to interfere with the frec movement of their bodies. A large wicker basket, built especially for the purpose, 1s usually employed. It is provided with four or moro apartments, and in these the birds may be shipped many miles without danger. The day on which the birds are liberated should be clear aud the birds kept without food for at least twenty-four bours. In liberating birds care should be taken to avoid a place near any high buildings, for the birds are tempted to light and this is considered very bad practice for young racers, When a bird is liberated it is thrown upward from the hand, care being taken that none of the feathers are disarranged or ruffed. Many peculiar devices are employed for reg- istering the return of a bird. For instance, there 1s the electrical platforin, which is set on two sensitive springs and registers automat cally by ringing a bell in the breeder's house the moment a birds alight. Perhaps the most unique arraugement of all is that which oy the use of a camera, in which « hinged form operates a shutter, the bird's picture taken the moment it alights upon the plat- form. But this device is rarely if ever used, for tho reason that in any other but bright Sunshiny weather it will not work, THE SPRING RACES. ‘The following is tho race program as adopted by the federation: Old bird races: May 8, from Covesviile, Va., 120 miles. May 15, from Cha- tham, Va., 200 mil May 22, from Concord, N. C., 30134 miles. May 29, from Greers, 8. C., 401 miles, June 11, from Swaunce, Ga, 51034 miles, Young bird races, hatch of 1892: August 28, Orange C. H., Va., 75 miles, September 4, Covesville, Va., 120 miles. September 11, Am- herst C. H., Va, 150 miles; September 18, Chatham, Va., 200 miles, Tho officers of the local association are: President. RK. B, Youngs; secretary, H. V, Lans- dale; treasurer, J. H. Stockman; race secre- tary, Frauk Roamer; race committee, Frank Reamer, Dr. R. Munson, E. 8, Raymond and 8. Wallace. OwxEns oF Binpe. The following is a list of the’ members, to- ther with the location of their lofts and the number of birds each one owns: Allen C. McLean, 1529 Gales street northeast, 85 birds; John H. Stockman, 811 North Capitol street northeast, 70 birds; Frank Miller, 14 E street northwest, 40 birds; Julius Roth, 26 H stroet southwest, 150 birds; George 479 H street southwest, 150 birds; Ed 611 D street northwest, 45 birds; James Noble, 4511, T trees north Dr. Cc. M. ckey, 927 M street northwest, 60 birds; Dr. R. ‘Munson, 608 12th streot northwest, 30 birds; E. 8. Raymond, 927 M street northwest, 60 birds; Prot, Josef Kasper, 1217 M street north 45 birds; BB Y 912 G street southwest, 65 birds; H. C. Kidwoll, 2441 Metreet north: west, 75 birds; Dr. Darling, Bright 28 birds; RH. 416 O strect northwest. 30 3 Harry A. Sel 682 G strest north- , 40 birds; Capt. RC. Moore, 816 Ist stroat Rorthwest, 15 bi —— New Baxx.—The controller's certificate au- thorising the following national bank to begin business has been issued: ““The White National Be gicamems wea, Sxl see a APRIL 16, 1892-TWELLE PAG FS STATESMEN AS RIDERS. Prominent Men Who Enjoy the Pleas- ures of Horseback Riding. A PROFITABLE SPORT. DISTINGUISHED EQUESTRIANS AND HOW THEY RIDE—SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES WHO BIDE FOR PLEASURE AND HEALTH—THE PRESI- DENT AS A HORSEMAN—HORSE BREEDING. OBODY CAN DENY that Washington is the great place for states- men. A visitor hore sees more distinguished men ina day than he will see in most cities ina lifetime. He can go to the Capitol and hear how they talk; be can look in a hotel dining room and see how they eat; he can stand onthe . streetsand see how they walk, ur wo... ,- vut on the road and see how they ride horseback. As the last named is the hardest of all to do well it be interesting to make a few notes on the subject. A writer for Tae Star was in New York last week and hired a hack and took a drive with a dyed-in-the-wool New Yorker. As they rode along the New Yorker pointed out different celebrities. x3 “There goes Mayor Grant,” he said. and he pointed out a handsome man, rather young, ith fine black whiskers, there goes George Gould,” he said, a little later, and a young man without auything extra- ordinary in his appearance passed by. “Here's ‘Fatty’ Walsh,” and a fine view was afforded of the famous light of the New York wards. “That's Mr. Condert,” and he pointed out a good-looking man driving in a victoria, That was all there was to see, for two hours the sum of c: ‘ity mayor, @ millionaire’s son, an alderman andalawyer who is tho president of acity club. Ina drive of the same length in Wash- ington one could see probably two or three Senators, a cabinet officer or so, a foreign min- ister and very likely the President himself. ‘There were hardly any celebrities on bor back to be seen in Central Park. DISTINGUISHED EQUESTRIANS, In Washington the first distinguished eques- trian 1s the Vice President. President Harri- son kn how to ride, of course, but he has not thus far shown himself in the saddl he went into the White House, He seems to prefer long walks or drives, taking the latter in bis mail phagton behind a pair of strong, well-built bay nags. But Mr. Morton occasion- ally govs out on bors He always rides a good horse and be sits him easily and with the ur of & wan who knows what he is about. He is not a hard rider, and it may be depended upon that the Vice President docs not jump over any fences or follow in the hunt, but he could do both if he wanted to, This makes, by the way, the second administration the headof which does not ride, Mr. Cleveland was too heavy for this form of exercise, if, in- deed, he knew how to do it, but President Artbur used to ride and Gen. Garfield was an expert horseman. President Arthur bad a beautiful sorrel horse and used to ride bim quite frequently. He wasa slow rider and seldom went outof a gentle trot, but Gen. Gur- ficld used to ride hard wometimes. He bad a large gray Kentucky horse, capable of great endurance aud full of spirit, and the President used to warm him up when he got ona piece of good soft road. SENATOR GIBSON ON HORSEBACK, ‘Turning to the legislative branch of the gov- ernment it will be found that the most persist- ent of the riders is probably Senator Gibson ot Louisi At this time of year the arduous labors of his position keep him at the Capitol so long every day that he is seldom seen on the roxd, but when the Senate is not in # goes out nearly every afternoon, good-sized sorrel horse of unusual beauty of carriage. It is a skittish animal, too, and capers around a good deal, but the rider has a good seat anda firm hand, Senator Gibson has the park seat, if the term may be used— that is, he rides as & man slould who is not go- ing to race or jamp, ‘The stirrups are’ mod- crately long, the bail of the foot rests upon the stirrup, the’ seat is close in acanter, and the rise to the trot is ouly moderately high. The body is carried nearly ercct, This is the cor- rect park rider, and Senator Gibson 1s an un- usually good typeof one, When you see a man with very long stirrups, body as stiff asa poker and no rise on a trot he may be considered out of place in « park. His proper place 1s in the ranks of a cavalry compuny. Aud when you sce a voung fellow with the stirrups up by the horse's neck, nis fect thrust all the way in them, his body curved forward, leaving the r and rising from hes to two feet on a trot, he, too, is out of place in a park, his proper place being the race track. A HOUSE RIDER. Going from the Senate to the House perhaps the most enthusiastic horseman there is Henry Cabot Lodge. He is an “all-around” rider and, being yet a young man, likes to follow the hounds sometimes. He knows how to jump and he knows how to race. He generally rides a roan hunter—not a showy horse, but one that has demonstrated its ability in the fiela ona number of occasion: Another rider that is an expert is Theodore osevelt, He uses a large black horse, ovi- dently a very powerful animal. Roosevelt bas ridden in many fox bunts, and is familiar, too, with buffalo hunting and the “round apy on 8 cattle ranch. If he were not a civil service ner he would probably be a cowboy, ‘utbusiastic on the subject of life in the ‘and spends a portion of each year on his ranch in the Dakota Bad Lands. MR. SPOFFORD'S BIO HORSE. If you come to the other officers of the gov- ernment who are less frequently talked about, there at number who are steady riders, Mr. Spofford, librarian of Congress, rides whenever he has a chance. He is the “constitutional rider ;” that is, he rides for the bevefit of hi health. Being’ cooped up among hundreds of thousands of books all day, be finds it neces- sary to take exerciso in the open air, and he takes it inthe pleesantest form. He rides a big bay horse that answers his purpose well, and he likes to go at a canter when ho is out in the country. Hoe and the late George Bancroft used to ride together very often, and when they did the two heads that knew more about books than any other heads in Washington were close together a in learned discourse. ‘The scholar on horseback is sometimes out of place, for by usual acceptation then who know books thoroughly do not know anything elves but this did not apply to Mr. Bancroft, for he was an excellent rider, and did not abandon the sport until ho was so old that even walking for any length of time was out of the question. HORSEBACK REMINISCENCES, As for horseback reminiscences in Washing- ton they include recollections of some of the greatest names in grecont history. There, for instance, was Roscoe Conkiing. His physician once ordered horseback exercise for him and ho used to take it every day for some time. He procured a little sorrel horse with a ite stripe down the face, and he used to put his long legs astride of the beast aud proceed out into the country ata foot pace. Nobody ever saw him riding above @ walk, and the horse ‘was so small and Conkling was so large that it was question whether a gait faster thuns walk wus a possibility. Some years ago Mr. Blaine rode horseback, too, but hero again it was the riding by order a physician and not for the fun of the ny ig. ‘A familiar figare on the road has disapprarcd (only temporarily, perhaps) in the persou of ir. ard. For long years he might be seen taking oon ride after 4 o'clock nearly gery day, His lat horse was a heavy bey and is favorito gait was a slow trot, and Mr. Bay- ard did not rise from tho saddle, but eat close to it ina way that not many riders could imi- tate, He rods for pleasure as well as health. All his family are good riders and all are fou or Another retired statesman on horseback is ox- Senator Edwunds. It used 1 prominent candidate for the tial nomi- —, poneee (Beker ike fm tee Court House horse and said: “Father told me to offer $40 for your colt, but if you would not take it J was to give you 950." “It is needless to say that the horse’ cost $50 and it in also unneces- sary to say Grant had not a talent for horse trading. If a horse dealer advertised, assome merchants do, that be had but one price for his horses he would not be believed. 's seems to be an understood thing that you should offer a great deal less than the owner of a horse asks for him and ¢ should always get him for less than his or: rie. Av ordin: king and | the rural | leading and binfting that goes on in the ‘coun- try. And then a remarkable thing about it is that the successful bluffer is proud as a peacock at his success in taking somebody in, And the man who is taken in never prosecutes the seller for cheating at all, put he wisely keeps his mouth shut and in his turn endeavors to part with bis bad bargain and take some other per- son in. It has been said that the most honest man in the world will, if he acquires « setter dog, become mendacious at once, but it is much more true that no man on earth can be trusted in the matter of a horse sale. There is case of aman who once trusted his own son, His son offered to sell him a horse. The father knew the animal well and closed the bargain. The son then told the old man he would find the horse in @ certain pasture field, and the father did find him there—dead. The old man learned a lesson, NOT AN EQUESTRIAN CADINET. President Harrison's cabinet are not horse- men. Secretary Tracy used to be a broeder of rare trotting stock, but he gave it up when he became Secretary of the Navy, and none of the others caro particularly about horses, The Postmaster General has several fine carriage horses and so has Secretary Elian: of them ride. In this they are acontrart to t Cleveland cabinet. Mr. Bayard, Secretary Fairchild, Secretary Whitney} and, Secretary Lamar wero all horsemen. Mr. Whitney had two or three uncommonly fine saddle horses, and ho used to jump and hunt with tho best of the young men, and Mr. Fairchild ulso was a good jumper. Secretary Lamar rode more sedately than his younger colleagues. ‘The truth is th horseback resident of ington. From the father of his country, who laid out the city, down to the men of the presont day, all have ridden h back in the beautiful country around Washing ton. Some of our Presidents rode when they were inaugurated, but this is @ custom that has gone out of date. It may bo taken up again, however, aud there can be no doubt that if the President is a good-looking man he looks bet ter in the saddie than anywhere else. FRAUDS THROUGH THE MAILS, SOME OF THE SCHEMES THAT ARE CONSTANTLY BEING WoRKED. The frauds attempted by the use of the mails are almost innumerable, They consist of schemes concocted to humbug the unsuspect- ing public, and it seems the greater the fraud the greater the returns to the swindler. Nearly all of these schemes make use of adver- tisements published in newspapers and of cir- culars distributed through tho wails, Without these means the public could not be reached, and for this reason the law has been enacted prohibiting the uso of tho mails for fraudulent purposes. But it is to be borne in mind that this subject of statesmen on | Imost inexhaustible to an old | 8:20 p. unless complaints are mado to the Post Office Department those frauds are carried on with. out any knowledge of their oxistence and no investigation can be had. To give u few instances of these frauds. A few years ago an advertisoment appenred in tho papers stating that for the sum of €1 a recipe would be given for the permanent cure for stammering. When the dollar was sent tho rec- ipe was returned, which simply read: “Keep your mouth shut.” Another instance of this kind was where an advertisement recited that for fifty cents a recipe would be given for extching all the fish in any given body of water. When the fifty cents was sent « rocipo would be returned telling the victim “to dip all the water out and then pick up the fish,” Another form of fraud is perpetrated by means of advertisements 60 worded as to mis- lead the public. Persons answering them think that for twenty-five cepts they are to have a watch or some other valuable article when, in fact, they merely get some stra’ cata- logue. An extensive fraud has recently been carried on by certain persons claiming to be commission merchants or produce dealers, who send out their circulars and price Nsts offering prices higher than the market, when, iu fact, they have no commission house, aud probably only desk room in shop or saloon, aud the goods shipped to them are received and sold at any price obtatable, no returns whatever be- ing made. Some time since appeared a very glowing advertisement of a book exclusively for young, unmarried people, both gentlemen aud ladies, the price of which was #5. For the §5 a ver cheap edition of the Bible was sent. A fine timekeeper, with the cut of a watch, would be advertised for $1, The sender would expect a watch in returu, but he would get a sun dial, Great frauds have been carried on by the pro- posed publication of handsome illustrated books, for which photographs of prominent men were solicited. It way added that to have the necessary copper plates engraved would cost $16.75. Assurprisingly large number re- sponded with photographs aud money, but no books, of course, were published. THE PRINTERS’ FAIR MEMBERS OF THE UNION BUSILY PREPARING FOR THE EVENT, The busiest people in Washington these spring days are the members of Columbia Typographical Union, No. 101, who are p fecting the details of the immense entertais ment with which they are to open their new hall on G street. The building is nearly com- pleted, and 1s so pleasing in appearance and details that every member is stimulated to Lelp the affair along in every way possible. The committee have reported subscriptions by mer- chants and friends of the suciety generally th: guarantee its success financially, and several prominent firms have promised the committees - ‘ble surprise” when their douations that there is much speculation as to what a spirit of rivalry among the roer- chants will develope to their advantage. ‘This is the first time the printers have attempted anything of this kind, and their enterprise is such a public spirited ‘and substantial ono that it is gotting a very friendly recognition where. There are 1,500 members, and of courso what will add so much to their prosperity 1s a matter of general concern. ‘The talent of Mr. Von Nerta, the architect, has been called into their service for a very elaborate scheme for the interior decorations, and two profeesional scenic artists are to elub- Most people profess not to believe in ghost Some few have actually no faith in them what- ever. To all the subject is one of great in- terest, because it is a mystery which involves the possible future. Who can be sure that he himself may not some day be a spook”? The contemplation of such a prospect is far from agreeable. And why? Chiefly because the accepted notion of @ specter is painful. To be ® sheeted churchyard apparition—to squeak and gibber in the public baunts of men—is not cheerful idea, Atall events. one would not select it asa picture of a subjective existence yet to be, No more emphatic non-believer in ghosts enn be found in Washington than the chief of a certain departmental burean, whose business it 8 almost wholly to deal with’ figures which are ot less cold than perambuiating specters. This is the story which be told to a Stax writer yesterday: “I have two sisters and a brother. had three sister, Orleans ten years ago. She perisned of yellow fever. At the time none of knew that she was sick. It was only afterward that the in- formation was gathered which makes up the extraordinary account I am about to give you You may say that it was a coincidence, will not say that it was not such. judge for yourself. Once 1 “My sister died at ten minutes past 8 o'clock on the night of August 14, 1482, At that time another sister was iu Toronto. Her name is Mary. She was about to put her child, a little girl. to bed. As she entered the bed room for that purpose the child cried out, ‘Mamma. there is Aunt Anna.’ The mother looked and aw her sister Anna in the bed, lying with ber head propped up on the pillows and looking as if she were dying. The vision disappeared immediately. Remember that the news of Anna's death did not reach Mury until the fol- lowing morning. One would naturally account an apparition by supposing that it was an allusion, but in this case the appearance was Witnessed simultaneously by two persons. “Now, if that bad been all, I should deem the occurrence sufficiently remarkable, But it happened that at the same time my brother Samuel was living in Louisville, where he had oificial connection with a railway, At about ening of which I speak he was standing with his little son upon his front doorstep. Suddenly the child caught at his coat aud said, pointing to the garden gate. “There Aunt Anna’ His father louked quickly and saw the figure of a woman, which sccmed to disappear with strange suddenness among the trees, He called after her, but she did not answer. The next morning a tel came from New Orleans, saying that Ani beon taken ill with yeliow fever and had died “My sister Violet was merried and living in ‘San Fram co, Sho had not heard of Auna’s illness. But on the night in question, at about p.m., sbe heard a voice calling bame. 9 She listened, but there was uo accounting for it. It was the voice of her sister Auna, she told her husband, but he laughed and said that it was an alsurd hallucination. That was all. She wrote me about it 2 short time later. You are at liberty todraw your own conclusions, Id: not think that Iam a superstitious man. Ob- serve that I saw uo apparition ou the occasion referred to, All I cau say is that there ac certainly more things in heaven and earth thau are cousidered in our every-day philosophy.” The writer wishes to add that this story is related with absolute faithfulness as told to him by the official quoted. It 1 sufficicntly remarkable to render this authentication worth while, OFFERINGS TO THE OCEAN. HUMAN GACRIFICES AND OTHER VOTIVE BRIBES TO THE GODS OF THE SEA. “Then the mariners were afraid, and they said, ‘Let us cast lots, that we may know on whose account this storm is come,’ So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah, ‘They ‘wok up Jonah and cast him forth into the sea, and the sea ceased from raging.” This, as described in the Scriptures, was rough on Jonah, but it was a very common thing his day to make such humau sacrifices for the purpose of appeasing the eie- ments. The Chinese used to make a practice of flinging men overboard during storms, and as late as the year 1750 4 number of persons were publicly killed in one province in order to revent the tide from rising higher and over- lowing certain dikes. Many African tribes formerly sacrificed humca lives to the sea, and it was the custom uot very long ago in Da. homey for @ mau to be chosen by the king on the occasion of a periodical festival as an offer- ing to the ocean divinity Hu. He was carried to the shore in a hammock, attired in the cos- tume and having the stool and umbrella of a munister of state aud was thrown to the sharks, Fijians and Samoans of old sacrificed living people to their shark deities. Human beings, gaily dressed for the ccre- mony, were sacrificed by the ancient Mexicans to the spirit of a mountain torrent, Boats were taken to a whirlpool in Lake Mexico, filled with children, and there sunk—a horrid propitiation to the godi mappored to dwell in the subaque- ous caverns. ‘The navigators of antiquity, to whose imaginative ignorance the ocean seemed peopled aud beset with chimeras, dire und su- peruazural agencies of all sorts, used often to sacrifice human lives to the mysterious water gods, Itis recorded by tradition that Idome- neus, king of Crete, vowed to sacrifice to Nep- tune the first living thing he met after escap- ing from a storm, and, this happening to be his son, he fulfilled the vow religiously. Medea nearly becamo sacrifice during the return voyage of the Argonauts. Mussulman shroni- clers tell that at certain intervals a virgin was sacrificed to the river Nile, but was later re- placed by a mummy's finger, In ancient Scotland the same barbarous cus: tom existed which coet Jonah so much incon- venience. When a ehip became unmanageable it was usual to cast lots for the purpose of dis- covering who was responsible for the trouble, and the man upon whom the lot fell was con. demued. Instead of human beings dogs used sometimes to be thrown into the sea with their logs bound. In Germany cakes were offered to the spirit dwellers of the lakes. In winter the ice was cut through, when, according to traditional belief, a hand would reach out and seize the cake. Lamps filled with cocoanut oil were formerly set afloat on the Ganges as an offering for those atwea. If they sank imme- diately it was ominous, but it was a good sign if they floated until out of sight, In many East India islands it used to be cur- tomary to set adrift small vessels ladep with food, as an offering to the spirits of . to entice them to sea. The Siamese sj/li float down the rivers little bamboo rafts, bearing images, offerings and lighted tapers. Chinese boatmen iu dead calm set or boats afloat im order to secure a breeze. ‘ihe use of oil to calm the waves is mentioned by Plujarch, and itis possible that » recognition of its real efti- cacy often led to its t-2 as an offering. Fre- quently the offering of gratitude for preserva- Hon from the sea took the form of = juodel of the ship in which the danger was incurred. Such a votive vessel was found in the coffin of orate them. They ure so differentand so much | an Egyptian — and is preserved in the more extensive than anything yet soon in the | muscum at Boulak, find pleasure | gold, mounted on wheels of bronze. There fair line that the attendants wi in a constant attendance. The scenic effects ar Cairo. It is of solid are twelve silver rowers and @ captain and will be gorgeous in color, and they will add to | helmsman in solid gold. them the finest display of palm plants and flowers tertainment, and the ranged for one of the best orchestras and an glaborate program for each night Among no} the society have adopted, which’ will daily messag Boston, Philadelphia, laces. trees, foliage, jr shown ata similar en- Chicago and other There will also be quite an incentive | 1 am speaki y | shore I shal i attend in the hope that the ticket you 10 cents for may win you a round-tr! ities are four carrier pigeons, which | passenger nu A story is told of a Frenchman on shipboard in © storm, who bellowed out promises of « music committee has ar- | wax image of St. Christopher as iarge as that utleman's statue at Paris on condition that e should be preserved from death. A follow- him and suggested that he bring | could not pay for such an image, even it he es from sister unions in New York, | sold all his possessions, But the other replied, a whusper: “Be still, you fool! Do you fancy in earnest? If I once touch the not give him a tallow candle.’ ubsurd is the account given of a certain , ti bee age 4 to the world’s Columbian exposition at Chicago | man who, greatly terrified by rough weather next year or some of the other handsome Prizes which will be offered. 4 handsome pony and phaoton, a lady's bicycle, a gentleman's bicycie, lady's gold watch, silver tea service and a great number of a ttractions, not to mention a beautiful dancing floor that will be given over to the dancers eazly cach evening. The ‘open May Send continue twoweeks, ] —_— Gnaxp Junr Casts, me prizes are on their list of | ¥Fom Life. on the ocean, vowed he would eat no more ham. Just as the danger was over he qualified his Eromiso by adding, “without mustard, O but one of them died in New | SPINNERS OF THE OCEAN. MOLLUSKS WHICH WEAVE THREADS TUAT ARR MOST WONDERFUL TO MANKIND, “The mussel may well be called the spinner of the sea,” said a conchologist to a Stan writer. “It makes aud weaves ite silken threads very much as the spider dors, Am important part of its anatomy isa slender am very muscular foot of triangular shape, under il bebind which isa gland that secretes @ viscid and haif-liquid fluid. ‘This fluid ran into ® groove in the foot, where it qu ‘sets’ and becomes # firm thread. The thread is pulled out by the withdrawing of the foot, another thread is formed, and soon wutil the mussel hes tied itself securely by ever ee mauy strong cords, tas very interesting to see how the mussel toclimb up th | Of rocks or piles by me | which are stretched < attache foot. one after another, in the which the animal wishes to climb, stened a little higher « ¥ shell is drawn up ¢ the same manner as that employed spiders when eusy victim. ¥ email a crew at thi that ne | mortar w soury arches, But the « the w boats from @ e stone wo: supported and held t from themsely es together con 50 us to lusters, ‘Thus of a mu m ropes, th firm an anchorage as to be al most violent storms. However, th when they want t tind a better rest ted colonies do and creep al crustacean boarders ar from the oyster crab re pientitui as far north as Point Bare in the Arctic ocean, On the Paget sow row, Alaska mas far south nm and chil- © them. cooking musescle ie to boil them, A. bi ten, twe 0 haps forty pounds we % and when the shells gape the water is poured of the people gathering arot mas the meats with their mes the bivalves nre roasted also, They are very littic prized as an article of diet on the Atiautio 1 a wealth of oyster ut the ginal Lae ry fond of them sud consumed f as 1s proved by the mounds of shells composing the debris of ancient feasts, which remain to this day, Tho Delawares, and doubtless other tribes, em- ployed mussel sheils, the edges of which were sharpened on the gritty rock, for pincers te pull out their beards with, “Mussels aro much used abroad as They are bred in France in enclosure water, frames merged for th intervals the food, ot ropes or frames ar and made te i their crop. F sume purpose *parks,” as they are called, are planted in the shaliows of the Nortu sea, ‘Trees, from which all but the larger branches have” beea cut, are stuck into the bottom at such a dir- tance from shore that the upper portions of them shall be laid bare at low water. After four or five y. they are raised, stripped and replaced with others, In the Bay of Ketl, Ger- many, 1,000 tons of mussels are raised in a #1 ilar fashion yearly, are propagatedia the Adria ded between poiee rammed into the ground. The ropes are stripped once in eighteeu months. ‘The mussel beds of Great Britain are worth buadreds of thousands of doilars annually “The mollusk which has been poctically called the ‘silkworm of the sea’ is @ mussel of the Mediterranean, known to science as the ‘pinua.’ It spins a kind of thread so beautiful and fine that in Sicily the material is wove: \d stockings, These articles are aud have not been thought une worthy presents for a pope.” STICK-LAC AND SHELL-LAC. A VALUABLE PRODUCT WHICH MONT PE FUR NISHED BY INSECTS IN THIS COUNTRY. Several kinds of plants have recently beom discovered in the United States which aro in- fested by lac insects, notably the “stinkwecd” and acertain variety of acacia. ‘Those flour- ish abundantly from southera Uteh to northerm Mexico and from the Colorad@ desert to western, Texas. There is no reason, so a Stax report: is informed, why these valuable bugs sho not be gathered and put to very profitable use, It is even asserted tha; with care and cultiva- tion, the production of them could be rendered so large as to make America independent of foreign supplies, Artificial propagation is re- sorted to abroad although the bulk of the product is gathered from the jun- gles, Itsemploymert is most familiar in the lacquered ware manufactured in the cust, though it is utilized for many other purposes, notably in the composition of sealing wax, ‘The “lac” of commerce isa resinous incrus tation formed byinsectson the bark of the twigs and branches of certain kinds of treos, Its color varies frou deep red to bright orange, and itis brittle aud crystaline, It is formed by the female insects for the purpose of pro- tecting their progeny. As soon as each cue has covered herself with tho secretion, which serves as a sort of cocoon. she lays her ogge aud dies. The young, upon being hatched, make their way out through the crust and week gre and juicy spots on the bark, inserting their A xt once. Ubey probosces and beginning to fee y never wander from the branch where they first came into being. The latter, after afford- ing nourishment to millions, fiaaily withers and dics. Thus the extinction of the lac-wak- ing species would soon come about were it uot for the fact that birds aud other insects carry them about, planting new colonics im fresh laces. ‘The lac insects are most plenti but they are also found in Siam other countries. Siamexe lac is co best. Certain prov: of India yield tho: sands of tons of “ jac” aunually. The right of collecting the lac in some parts is rented out by the government to companies, but the gatherers of lac are mostiy ie They obtain the product im the wild foreste and sell it to small dealers, who in their turn dispose of it to big merchants. Much is done im the way of propagating the insects artidcially im the ceatral provinces of India, pose nurseries of the proper kinds ch as the insects naturally feed I in India, Ceylon aud dered the rustations are cut in the wood: bits of grass to the upper branches Tuo insects aro thus ine with trees in the uursery. transplanted to the nursery trees, where they rapidly multiply and form the precious lac, Atregular intervals the twigs baring the lac are cut off, this process the development of feed upon. 4 ‘The crude Inc on twigs is called “‘stick-lac.” In manufacturing it the first process is to « the twigs of the incrustation by passing them under ey Hie wood oa jected and the separated Inc is ground up by rolling into » coarse powder. In this form it is put into large tubs Kaif full of water, in which it is stamped and trodden by coolies, who get inte ‘the tubs and do the work with their fect. dhe water is being 7 ‘Then the lac is dried, being wow designated “seed lac,” after which it is put into long ton bags. Two men take one of these furnace, twisting it the while, The roasting melts the ine and the twisting causes it to exude through the cloth and drop into @ trough below. From the trough. it 1s dipped out with # wooden spoon and skillfully spread over a metal cylinder in such ® mauuer that, of pruming encouraging fresh twige for inaccts te