The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, November 21, 1897, Page 20

THE SAN FRANCISCO CALL, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21 +1 don’t believe i I said, concisely, emphatically and rudely, and the Girl From New York laughed—one of those sweet, cultured, silver-bell kind of laughs, which are at times particularly exasperating. +Of course you do not,” she said; “I didn’t expect you to. No ome of sense ever cts a Californian, native or adopted, to believe anything except the most compli- mentary things of the State or its people, but it’s true all the same.” “I never heard of such a thing,” I returned obstinately. *1 know thata good many feminine San Franciscans use cosmetics of various kinds, and almost every one " e powaer, but arsenic—no, indeed!” And then the Gir! From New York ain. v don’t use as much cosmetics and powder as they used to,” she declared, . atural’ complexions are more lashiorable. Arsenic is the only thing which will make complexions ‘naturally’ beautiful to order at short notice; therefore arsenic 1 can tell an ‘arsenic skin’ a block off, my dear, and when 1 was here three yearsago I saw ouly a very few of them. This time, however, 1 see ten where I saw oniy one then. O course, it isn’t generally indulged in by ladies in our se Here she was good enough to, with a wave of her hand, include me in the circle of which | is a shining ornament. *“But the practice is growing everywhere, and scarcely vwhere more rapidly than right here in your city.” But I was *“a woman convinced against her will,” and finally this energetic young person, strong in the conviction that she was in the right, preceeded to give me an object lesson. She bore me off with her to lunch in a popular restaurant, secured seatsat a corner table in the back part of the room, which commanded a view of the whole r, and then from time to time quietly pointed out to me certain of the ne patrons of the estabiishment in whose appearance her keen eyes saw proofs of indulgence in the dangerous experiment of arsenic eating. Under her {utelage my eyes, innccently blind heretofore, became very wide open indeed, and ore that lunch was over I was thoroughly well informed as to the effect of arsenic the human skin, and could decide as to its users and non-users quite as well as instructress. ‘]t is a magic beautifier up to a certain point,” I was informed, “for a woman s a combination of soitly rounded curves and a perfect compliexion is a beauty y of mankind, even if her ieatures are not artistically exy e eyes of the gener: lovely. See that one, now.” hat one” onof blonde loveliness in adead black gown and hat, which i a most « ffective background for the soft yellow of her hair and the babyish k and white of her fair skin. No one but a disagreeably critical sister woman 11d have noticed in all that dazzle of color and infantile soitness of outline that decided pug and ber mouth too large and her eyes too small to entitle dered even “‘passably” good looking, were she made the victim of a wo her nose w3 ber to be con snapshot which would ruthlessly destroy the glamor of pink and pearl and gold, and show her face, with unflattering truth, just as it was. It was evident, however, that she was perfectly accustomed to attracting admir- ing attention and received it as her due, The poise of her head, the carriage of her shoulders and her carefully cultivated expression of caim indifference to her sur- | dings told this plainly. She was vastly satisfied with herself, but had she been as charming in feature as she was in general effect I shouldinot bave envied her. No veil screened ber from the public gaze, and there was no hint of cosmetics of any kind on her fine-grained and slmost transparent skin. Butin that very clearness and fairness, of which she w oevidently vain, was her foo secret told. She wasan arsenic-eater of the most nounced type, dosing herself with deadly poison for the sake of a fictitious loveli- ness which could only win the admiration of those ignorant of its tource. While the lunch was in progress no less than five other women whose faces be- d them as openly as the sable-robed blonde’s did its owner came under our Two were girls under 20, one a mature woman, and the other two young y were all presumably highly ‘respectable” in the conventional ac- a overweening vanity alone seemed the motive for their in- e in a most senseless and vicious practice. proofs exhibited before me during one lunch hour reduced me to a logetic condition of mind by the time the object lesson was over, but I entor’s r to accompany me to other piaces for the sake of addine to v of her victory over me. Idislike to be watched, even Ly friendly eyes, when compelled to take medicines of such unpleasing taste as to cause nature to 1strate by facial contortions, and I always prefer to bear my disappointments miliations alone, Once freed from the embarrassment of her charming presence, however, I started a tour of investigation on my own account, and the results which I obtained tra observation. ns. Th n of the term and out o -eating did not exist here o that there many individuals who are | nd of experim fort ke of possible improve- n their personal appearance. Our merchauts would not keep rouges, creams, | es and bleaches, face-steamers, rubber massage glovas and the like in y Liad no sale for them, nor would the proprietors of local cosmetic pariors | visiting lecturers on beauty (with certain infallible specifics for the culture | for sale “‘on the side’’) meet with such success as they do were the pursuit of | under diflicuities not specially inieresting to more than a few of our ’ 2go 1 firmly believed that arseni 1 was willing to adn ent 2me upon me with such a shock, however, when I was forcad to realize how | who w formerly content with the use of simple and silly external applica- | tions are now, with the foolhardiness of ignorance, dosinz themselves with one of | the most subtle and fatal poisons known to the chemist, for the sake of obtaining, | even in some small degree, a portion of the ‘‘fatal gift of beauty”’—fatal indeed in t.e | case of the persistent self I nnd that arsenious acid, the common “white arsenic” of trade, is not on sale criminaely in ourdrugstores. No, indeed—of course not! Itis a deadly poison, u can’t get a pinch of it for love nor money, nor a drop of any of its solutions i you have no physician’s prescription—and a normal complexion. I could buy “arsenic walers,” however, in every drugstore that I visited, and the suave clerks smilingly assured me that they are considered ‘‘excellent for the pur- pose for which they are designed.” Each clerk disclaimed that there was much sale for the poisonous little things, but none seemed surprised that I should want them, and they were all quite able to supply the demand, nd Inquiry as to the amount of arsenic in the wafers brought the information that it was infinitesimal and could do no harm One youn: man with a remarkably and suspi- | ciously fine complexion of his own grew confidential and told the use of arsenic any- ignorant hands, and small teiligently, rather improve the general health to any one. me thatthere was really no harm in way. It was only dangerous in doses, taken than otherwise. The chemists and physicians to whom I went seemed to be and from what | learned from them and voiumes which I consulted under their in- | structions I became convinced that it is time that some note of 1t is surely time that foolish victims of their ng their brief day of butterfly triumph with heavy drafts on a future whi them nothing of happinsss or bealth—only disease, ugliness, horrible suffering or, more than probably, a sudden death, | of a different opinion from various bulk warning should be heard in the land. some one should tell those worse than own folly that thev are purcha: future reputation. new owner, will contain for | cult break off. SHE HAS USED ARSENIC The use of arsen’ous acid for the purpose of imparting a temporary plumpness and glossiness of coat to old and worth- less horses was one of the secrets of the un-crupulous old-time horse-trader, who cared more for the present sale than for A steed skillfully drugged in this way pre- So it is with the kuman arsenic-eater. ious mineral substance does not dominate and enthrall its vic- tims as does morpline, since it appear: to have no stimulating or exhilarating effects whatever, the habit once formed is diffi- There is no special craving for the drug itself, but the pronounced personal ugliness which follows the attempt to discontinue sented a very fine appearance until he passed into the hands of some one who was not accustomed to mixing poison with the daily food of his stock. grain be soon lost flesh and coat and spirit, and succumbed to a general collapse, much to the surprise and disgust of his Restricted to a plain diet of hay and Although the nox- the doses to which the system bas become accustomed is almost unbearable to the person who is vain enough f;\ in the b a hazardous beautifier. “K"Fh: ex\::;gis:;hc:nr arsenic 1s, stated prosaically, to gufi or bloat the flesh in such a way that all tarsh an les are concealed and all wrinkles obliterated. At the same time it “clears” the skin almost magically, giving it a most youthful texture and an exquisite semi-translucency, which would be bea_uurul. inflegd. did it not con- vey to the beholder the unpleasing fact that the owner is committing slow suicide, from the paltriest and most ignoble of motives. The process by which it attains these resuits is not clearly undersiood even by those who have made a close study of its operations. It has a specially preservutive effect upon dend animal tissues, as is evidenced by its use in embalming fluids and in the taxidermist’s trade, and it has been shown by post mortems on persons who have died by acute arsenical poisoning that in large doses it 50mepmes has a peculiar coagulative effect on the blood. Prefessionally it gives satisfactory resuhsv whgu teken in extremely small quantities for the relief of certain obstinate skin dis- eases. e 5 When usad by the ignorant amateur for the purpose of gratifying a reprehensible vanity the process is so long continued that gradually the hiver and kidneys—its chief objects of attack—become to a great extent deadened. They are weakened in sub= stance and action and made subject to attacks of acute inflammation, which are often fatal. Previous to ihls, however, the eyes are apt to be affected. Suffusion oft he eyes is frequent, together with inflammation of the coniuncu\'m, accompanied by great intolerance of light. Stomach troubles are likely to inflict themselves upon the self-doomed ‘*beauty” aléo, and a body racked with suffering is the usual result oi the self-willed attempt to be beautiful in spite of nature’s adverse decision. £35S Outside of a probable future of chronic and excruciatingly painful invalidism, ar- senic Las another penalty in store for those who ignore iis dxn;:grs for the sake of present pleasing results. It is one of the most uncertain of drugs in itsaction, and its capriciou-ness of operation !endsan element of danger tc its use even der the advice and direction of a skilted physician. An ordinary *‘pinch’ of arsenic—that is the small amount that can be taken up between the thumb and forefinger of an average adult—contains seventeen grains; and one grain, carefully given in divided doses, has been known to prove fatal t strong and robust man. Weak liquid solutions applied externally in the treatmed of cancerous sores and indolent tumors have caused the death of the patients with g the agonizing symptoms which distinguish cases of poisoning by the mtemsl_ admind istration of this comparatively tasteless, and extremely innocent-appearing, but wickedly effective white powder. ‘The state of the system is a most important factor in the problem of its action at any time, and as this varies appreciably from day today one can never he quite sure as to the size and sajery of even a “regular’” dose. A certain amount may be taken with impunity week afier week and month afler monib, and then the internal organs having been weakened by its insidious irritant action a day may come when that same quantity will surprise the uscr by starting an internecine strife which may re- sult in causing a most unexpected and to the chief object of interest on the occasion a most unwelcome funeral, The preliminary exercises before this concluding ceremony are usually of a most unpleasing nature. Although cases are on recora where persons killed by arsenic have left this world in peace and quietness, such instances arerare. The symptoms generally are choleraic, accompanied by severe spasms and excruciating internal burning pains. To read even a bald medical report of the suffering on such a death- bed is a most painful task. Itis surely har¢ enough to die in such cruel torture through the accidental or intentional instrumentality of another person, but it must add many additional pangs 1o those inflicted by outraged nature when the wretched victim realizes that bis or her own inexcu-able vanity is the cause of iv all. Leaving the arsenic-eaters themselves to their self-inflicted fate, there is another phase of the subject which should be piven grave and serious consideration. It is a matter of record t. at horses and cattie pastured in the neighborhood of ar. senic works lose flesh and hair, and have finally perished from the effects of the fumes generated in the manufacturing processes. Persons who have lived in rooms hung with paper in the coloring of which arsenite of copper has been used, and persons who have worked upon or worn dress-goods in the dyeing of which the same chemical compound was employed, have suffered severely from the poisonous effects of the drug during the process of oxidization, combined with the breatbing of the impalpable powder diffused in the air around them during the process of ‘‘wear and tear.”’ The eyes and eyelids are affected; there is great delilily, frequent headache, and much irritation and dryness ot the throat, even increasing, some cases, to pro- nounced diphtheritic symptoms. Besides this there are colicky p:ins, acute cramps in the legs and hands, and a general irritation of the mucous membrane. Now an arsenic-eater of long standing bscomes saturated, as it were, with poison, and is in reality as great a menace to those intimately asssciated with him or her as the upas tree was once said to be to all animate and inanimate nature in its vicinity. The emanations from the body, the insensible perspiration and the breath are arseni- ical fumes, ana the effect of the close companionship of even a ‘‘wafer-taker” on young children, elderly people or persous of delicate constitution or especial sensi- tiveness to that poison must be prejudicial in the extreme, Imagine a vain but loving young mother breathing disease or death into the face of her baby with every caress, ihe son or daughter siowly undermining the health of the delicate parent by the very fact of their aff-ctionately assiduous attentions—the wife adding unconsciousiy but daily 1o her husband’s burden of ill-healtb—and alt because of a habit for whicu there is no shadow of possible excuse! The practice of arsenic-eating 1s growing, it is true, both here and elsewhere, but it bas not yet become a *‘fad” of alarming provortions. There is no probability that we shall become rivals of the Styrians in this respect, but if only one among us had yielded to the babit, it would be worth while to try to bring enlightenment to that poor soul's understanding, and interpose an honest warning between her and her self- dug grave. Sick at heart from what I have seen and learned concerning this subject, I would I could say, as I should had I the opportunity, to every one anxious fora beauty which has been denied: ‘“Whitewash and rouge if you want to. Do anything exter- naliy that will make you preitier 1n your owr eyes, bat do not, as you value your own hfe and health, and the life and nealth of those near and dear to you, ever allow yourself to enter the doomed ranks of the arsenic-eaters—ti e ‘corpse flowers’ of humanity.” FrorENCE MATHESON. Governots * v Doabhi In reply to a request for a Thanksgiving | eting sent to the Governors of a num- | ber of States, asking also for a statement | regarding the return of prosperity | throughout the country, with vparticular reference to the condition of businessin the individual States, the following re- sponses have been received. These signed statements are of great importance at this time, reflecting as they “ do at the close of the year the exact con- | dition of each section of the country irom | the very best authority. | With the striking exceptions of Arkan- | sas and Montana, the letters nearly all | speak in unmistakable terms of return ng | confidence and prospe The letters | follow: | is (oo patent to any one looking below the surface side from the benefit that a few of our people enjoy by reason of drought and famine 1n other parts of the world there is not the slightest ground for claim- ing any better conditions than have pre- ‘ vailed for years past, The newspapers of the country cannot bring prosperity. ROBERT B. SMITH, Governor of Montana. WEST VIRGINIA. To the Editor of the “Call’’—Dear Sir: I heartily believe in our custom of observ- ing Thanksgiving day, 1. Because ours is a Christian nation, and as such should keep God the Father uppermost in all things. T 5 | 2. It teaches our people to appreciate OREGON | more fully the blessings they enjoy both . | asindividualsan!asa nation. = | 3. It makes us think less of seltand more of God. 4. It enables vs to feel how helpless and dependent creatures we are. | 5. It brings the pezople closer together To the Eaitor of the “Call”—Dear Sir: In ce with your rcquest I take pleas- saying that Oregon has abundant The State has been pestilence and dis- s enjoyed bountiful yields foresis, mines and streams. uits and hobs have been of and have commanded remunerative p The yield of gold from the Klondike during the past year has been meager in comparison to t e ot our wheat crop slone. Our people e not only again taken up their march the pataway of prosperity, but they 1g steady progress in moral en- deavor and educational work. 1 believe that the residents of no otner State in the Unton will have better occasion for thanks. th of November than the f the State of Oregon. Yours truly, AM P. LoD, Governor of Oregon. WYOMING. To the Editor of the *Call”—Dear Sir: Wyoming joins her more favored sisters in general toanksgiving for the improved condition ©i the country. We have no wheat to export, nor any large manufac- turing inter:sts, but conirasted with one r ago ovr people ure doing more work, our merchants aud railroads more busi- ness, and our banks have more money on aeposit and more to loan at lower rates of interest. Covfidence having been re- stored in business circles it is now incum- and causes them to think cf the needs and wants of taeir fellow-men. Iam glad to note that the day is growing more in importance and power every year. Iextend my best wishes for the happi- ness, prosperity and peace of all your read- ers, Gro, W. Governor of West Virginia, COLORADO. To the Editor of the ““Call”—Dear Sir: Replying to your letter of Getober 21: Aithough the price of silver has affected silver mining, Colorado has so many and diversified resources that we will cele- brate Thanksgiving with gratefui hearts. Colorado is thankful for good health, for abundant harvest from field, garden and orchard; thaukiul for the millions added 10 the value of our cattle aud sheep; for the forty miiilons coming from our min- erals. not counting iron, coal and oil; thankiul for the faith and courage of our people, whose hopes are turned toward the iuture, which has for them many con- quests — material, intellectual, spiritual; thankful that we lived in & State that pos- sesses more elements of happluess and prosperity than any other commonwealth represented by the sters upon our flag. ALVA ADaNs, i Governor ot Colorado, ARKANSAS. To the Editor of the ““Call”—Dear Sir: In answer 1o your question, permit me to esk when 1t was that prosperity returned througnout the country? I ask thisin all earnestuess, because it is the first time I bent upon us 10 apply ourselves with intel- ligent industry to regaining our normal condition of thrift and prosperity. Let the patriotic citiz:ns come 1o the front and reiegate the croakers to the rear. WILLIAM A. RICHARDSON, Governor ot Wyoming, MONTANA. To the Editor of the ‘“Call”—Dear S Your letter asking me to join in & Thanks- glving greeting *‘ior thereturn of prosper- ity” isat hand. Whenever it returns to cur people 1 am willing end anxious to express my thanks; but for the news. paper or sham prosperity” of this day and time I am not willing to join in the clamor. The effort 10 create an idea that tha country is enjoying prosperous times have heard it seriously asserted that this old denizen of twenty-four years ago had returned to gladden the hearis and cheer the hearthstones of the toiling millions of this debt-ridden, poverty-stricken, plutoc- racy-governed, gold-standard country of ours. However, 1 am glad to learn from you that he nas come at last; for surely you would not ask me to return thanks for his coming if he had not come. dear sir, 1 have ouly sour word for the proof of that fact, and inasmuch as itisa very material matter in controversy and one upon which much depenas, I teel quite sure that you will take no offense when I express a small degree of incredulity and suggest my unwillingness to accept such Proof as sitogetner conclusive. It wouid be unseemly in me to doubt the statement of any one connected with & leading news- paper, and cousequently I must tuke it to be true that prosperity has returned. Iam always thankful to Almighty God for every manifestation of his gooduess He has blessed us with the greatest and grandest country on the face of the glove. He has let hisrains fall to refresh the earth and cause it to bring forth bountiful returns for our labor, and he has let his sun shine to ripen the fruits of our labor for the harvest. He has done all that we could have asked bim to do, and we have 1o cause for aught but praise and thanksgiving unto his holy name. But, my dear sir, the iruits of our labor have turned to ashes upon our iips, and our harvests have failed to meet our actual needs, not through any fault of Providence, but through the unwarradted, crimival and heinous action of the polit- ical party iu power. The demonetization of silver and the establishment of the sin- glegola standard and the maintenan thereof by this political party have turned aside the gifis of Provideuce, and I cannot believe that he wisoes us to return thanks for such a condition of affairs. No, no,sir, as well expect us to rejoice over the death ot our {riends, or to suout peans of praise over the victories of our enemies, as to ex- pect us tosend you a Thanksgiving gre 1ng for the mockery you call prosperity. Yray excuse me. DANIEL W. JONES, Governor of Arkansas, MISSOURI, To the Editor of the “Call”—Dear 8ir: A line irom me, as Governor, is asked exhort- ing to thanksgiving for the mercies of this past year, with particular reference to my own State. Our great commonwealth, filled with a larger population than beionged to our whole country when our fathers won na- tional independence, can look back over the seventy-six years of statehood and see the simple industiies of the pioneers grown to the many diversified indusiries which heve made us the eighth State in wealth as we are the fifth State in-poyula- ton and political power in our great Union, and the firstin loyalty and patriot. ism. The spirit of philanthropy among our citizens hus been active in providing for the needs of the suffering and in building churches and equipping institutions of learning, where our sons and daughters may be fitted for lives of greater useful- ness, Christian workers have brought many to ackuowledge their obligations to lead better lives, and countless homes have been made better by their efforts dur- ing the year. We sing with David: “Thou crownest the year with thy goodness, and thy paths drop fatness. The bills are girdel with joy; the pasiures are clothed with flocks; the valleys also are covered with corn.” But let the good o'a crop adorn the hills our fathers Lrod: Still lev us for His golden corn send up our thanks to God. But, my l There are years when sight can take its place by the side of fnith and see the ben- | evolences and mercies of God. This latter Kind has been the past year in our loved commonwealth of Missouri. Golden and abundant harvest fields, business activity and reasonable prosperity, exemption irom devastating storm and stalking pestilence, social peace and happiness, political irecdom and advantage are the shades of light forming a beautiful rain- bow that fills cur hearts with thankful- nessand joy. The heart is surely deaf to music and blind to b2auty that cannot take these mercies of the past year and weave them into an angel’s song of grate- ful praise. LON V. STEPHENS, Governor of Missourl. NEW HAMPSHIRE. To the Editor of the “Call”—Dear Sir: On this national holiday let all the people réjoice and be glaa that the soil has re- spouded so generously to the labors of the husbandman; that all tne surplus we have as the product of our broad acres is wanted in other couniries at remunera- tive prices; that machinery idle in our own State one year azo is now in opera- tion, giving employment to large numbers heretofore uncmployed; that a reasonable foreeast of the future promises an im- proved conditlon of affairs for the cit:zens of our State and natio; GEORG Governor of MICHIGAN. To the Editor of the *Call”—Dear Sir: In replylug to your requ:st for an expres- sion fron me regurding a special cause for the observance of the coming day of thanksgiving, I will say that for the frui- tion of the year this nation has certainiy great reasou for thankfulness to Almighty God, To me, however, there appears greater cause for thanksgiving in the fact that the people of our country nre waking up toa sensc of their duty and responsibility ln the maintenance of their rights as men and citizens. In startling contras: to the beneficence of God is the selfishness of man—a seifishness which is at the base of all civic evil. Individual greed makes national calumities. The highestduty of citizenship to-day is to fight 1o the finish financial systems which increase the power and wealth of the few at the expense of the many. For this day of thanksgiving the worid is waiting. Respectfu'ly, H 8 PINGRE Governor of Michigan. SOUTH DAKOTA. To the Editor of the “Cali”—Dear Sir: The people of South Dakota have been blessed with a fuir crop, and are generally in a prosperous couditior: and have much to feel thankiul for. I think the American people have much to return thanks for to our Almighty Father, who has so bounti- fully blessed us this year; but while weare enjoying his great biessings we should not forzet that he has seen fit in his wisdom to chastise other nations,and that much of our prosperity is derived from their mistortune, and out of our abundance we shouid not forget to contribute to the less fortunate both at home and abroad. CHARLES E. LEE, Governor of South Dakola. A. RAMSDELL, ew Hampshire. | has solved the problem—it is cats. Raises Cats for Pin Money. To live in her own cozy home, to be ber own mistress, and yet to make a good round sum each month for pin money, to beentirely inderendent of her husband for bonnets and gowns, matinee tickets and little things besides that help 1o make a woman’s life complete is what a great many women would like todo if they only knew how. Mrs. Hogg, wife of Al Hogg, a druggist, Many women have made money from chicken ranches, but chicken ranches sra trite, and besides they are not always practi- cable. Who could have a chicken ranch in town? A calico dress and a sunbon- net accompany, mentally at least, a woman and a chicken ranch. Bat cats are different; not common cats, but beautiful, long-haired Angoras that sell from $15 to $100, according to their age and beauty. In a wee sunny back yard Mrs. Hogg's cats reside. The yard is divided by wire ‘““*When Ilooked at my catalogue and saw the low price I tnought “*Something is wrong here, the price is misstated, or there is something not right about the cat.” Itook agood lookat Lim. He was a beauty—so loving, so geatle. I bought him at a very low price, but still T bougtt him dearly, for when I got him home I found be was stone deaf. He was such an unbappy cat! If shut out of the dining- room you could hear his cry for admis- sion all over the house; teing so deaf the boor creature never knew the noise he made. I often wished that he had known. L am satisfied that a tithe would bave frightened him out of his life. And he was so loving, so affectionate, ‘* ‘One morning a friend came—blessed be the day. After dinner he saw lhw 1 like to watch them "from the time they are born; the blind, helpless, little things, dull, weak and staggering, scarcely able to stand, if at all, rolling over at every at- tempt, making querulous, fretful noises, if wakeful or cold, or for the time mother- less. And when the mother is with them bow they nestle about her amid her soft, warm, fluffy fur. How cute they are when they can see, with their brignt, inquiring little faces, with eager eyes peeping ahove the box that is vet their home. They are well worth watching ail through their happy, wild, froliccome, gumbolsome babyhood. There is sure to be cne kitten in every litter who, in spite of all precau- tions, finds his way into the warmest cor- ner of my heart. He is just the kitten the first purchaser wants, and it hurts me to part with him."” Mrs. Hogg. who is the tiniest, swestest little woman imaginable, is well posted in cat lore. She knows all the finest points | about a cat and everything concerning the 'sald he. “Yes, said I, “he is quite a picture. I will pre= senthim to you, asyoulike him so much.”” ** *My friend was delighted. He took him away—miles and miles away. I wasglad it was so many miles, for two reasons. Ore wasIfeared he might come back, nd the other was that his voice might treatment of them when they are well or sick, Then she surely knows every legend that ever wesaboutthem, especially black cats, for most legendary cats are black. A pure white Angora, with blue eyes,” said Mrs. Hogg, “is considered the per- iection of cats, all other points being good and its hear ng not defective. The points are a smatl head, with not too long a nose; large eyes of a color in harmony with that of its iur; ears rather large t.an small and pointed, with a 1uft of hair at the apex, the siz2 not showing, asthey are deeply set in the long hair on the fore- head, with a very jull flowing mane about the head and neck; this latter should not be short, neither the body, which should be long, graceiul and elegant, and covered with long silky hair, the larger the better, with a slight aamixiure of wooliness. The tail should be long and the hair on it very long at the base, less so at the tip. “The black cat—which shou'd have orange eyes, as sbould also the -late- color—and the blue and white are the most esteemed, though the soft slates, light fawns, deep reds and mottled grays are very pretty.’” screenings, of which the roof, too, is made, into four compar:ments. Oge 1sa dor- mitory, where there are clean straw beds in Ittle boxes, which are tiiily placed against the walls. Another compartment mto which the dormitory opens s just a bed of growing green grass. Then there is a sort of maternity hospital, where the little blind kittens live under the exclu- s.ve care of their mothers, who really- know more about kiitens than any one eise. The cats do not all stay in the cathouse in the aaytime. They are tree to wander in and out Mrs. Hogg’s home. A beauti ful big white car, wno, unfortunately and appropriately, basa cataract on his left eye and who, perhaps on account of the affliction, is the pet of the bousehold, in- sists on lying in a great blue parlor chair, He seems to know ihat it is peculiarly be- coming to his complexion, and that thus environed be mokes a pretty and orna- mental addition to the furniture. Mrs. Hoge has now about twenty cats, “‘grown-ups” and babies. Some of the in- fant cats, with eyes still closed to the light of day and the many troubles of come resounding on the still night air. But he never came back, nor a sound. A few days after he left a letter came, ask- ing if I would wish to have him back. He liked it very mu.n—all put its voice. **No,"" I wrote; “no; you’re very kind; no, thank you; give him to any one you please; do what you will with bim, bat ne must not return.” *“‘When nextI saw my friend I asked him how the cat was. “You dreadiul man,” said he; “why, thatcat nearly drove us all mad. I never heard any bicg like it; but, all’s well that ends well; I have given it to a very deaf old lady, and so both are happy.”’” “It must take agreat deal of time to wash all these white cats—they look so clean,” I said. “Why,” said Mrs. Hogg, laughingly, *1 donot wash them at all if I can help it, Washing mukes the hair harsh and coarse, I keep everything about the cats so clean they could not get dirty, and then tuey are naturally clean, dainty little creatures. Sometimes I brush them with a soft long- haired brusb; but even that must be done with discretion, so as not to spoil the cathood, have been aiready sold. The purchasers wiil leavs them with their mothers till they no longer require care. There is a demand for these cats. The kittens that Mrs. Hogg has raised have been sold to people going to different parts of the world, and have been sent abrcad as presents. Some have found homes in Japan, Central America and *In speaking of the white Angora as the ‘perfection of cats,’ why did you add, ‘its hearing not being defective? '’ I asked. Because a curious fact relating to the white cat of not only the long but also the short-haired breed is its deafness, Har- rison Weir, an English authority on eats, tells a comical and yet somewhat pathet ¢ waviness of the hair or make it lie in breadths instead of the carel y parted, bushy appearance natural to it. ‘‘Can you tell the time by a cat’s eyes?'? suddenly asked Mrs. Hogg as she gath- ered a huge blue cat in her arms ang looked steadily into his yellow orbs. “Why, it is almost 12 o’clock. Al will be home to his lunch soon, experience with a white cat. He first saw him in a cage at a cut show. He says: I stopped ana looked at him; be took my fancy. He stared at me wistfully, with something like melaneholy in his amber eyes. I pu: my hand through the bars of his cage. He purred and licked it, rubbed against the wires, put his back up, a< much as to say: “*“Am Inota beautiful cat?"” England. Families of them have been scattered in different parts of the United States. “These cats are almost as much trouble as 50 many babie: wouid be,’ said Mrs. Hogg. “They are delicate little creatures and require the most tender attention, but they are so interesting one Goes not mind the sacrifices of time, and some- times pleasure, one must make for them. Look! I will sbow you how 1o tell the time by =~ cat’s eye-. See how narrow the pupits are; you can scarcely see them. They will continue growing narrower till 12 o'clock, when they will become like a fine line, as thin #8 a hair, drawn across the eye. After 12 o'clock dilation will recommence. The pupil is wide-open at midnight; that is why cats see so well in the dark.”’ Lucy Byep.