fruit-bearing shrubs, such as plums, apples, sloes, service or mountain ash, the berries of which afford an excellent spirit; or elders, the berries of which make a well-known wine. Whichever description of fruit-bearing plant is used, the branches must be pruned with a knife, and not clipped with shears; because clipping, by producing an exuberance of weak, young shoots, prevents the plants from forming blossom buds. If it should be desirable to have a very formidable fence, the hedge might consist of two rows; the inner one of fruitbearing plants, and the outer one of hawthorns or hollies. There is scarcely any situation, either on hills or by the sea-shore, in which the elder will not thrive, and its fruit is always valuable.

The mode of laboring and cropping the ground may be as follows: trench compartment three spits deep, and plant with the cabbage tribe ma

nure and dig k, and plant with potatoes; trench two spits deep, and sow with root crops, such as turnips, carrots, parsnips, onions, &c.; manure and dig m, and crop with peas, beans, and kidney beans. According to this rotation, in the second year, i will be manured and dug only, and will be under potatoes; will be trenched two spits deep, and under root crops; will be manured, dug, and under leguminous plants; and m will be trenched three spits deep, and under the cabbage tribe. Thus, a new stratum of soil will be brought up to the surface every other year: in the first year, what was the bottom becomes the top; in the second, the top is turned over; in the third, the middle becomes the top; and, in the fourth, this middle is turned over. Manure is applied every second year. This is enough to give a general idea of how a garden ought to be labored, manured, and cropped.

The smaller compartments may be cropped as falows: n, with gooseberries; o, with currants and raspberries; p, with strawberries; q, with asparagus; r, with sea-kale; 8, with tart rhubarb; t, with Jerusalem artichokes; and u, with perennial, or what is called Good Henry spinach (Chenopodium Bonus Henricus). The border which surrounds the

garden may be devoted to the smaller crops, such as salads, herbs, &c.; and to early crops, such as peas and potatoes. The space immediately surrounding the cottage should be ornamented with flowers and flowering shrubs. The trees at the corners of the compartments should be standard apples, pears, cherries, and plums.

WE have been requested to give a more ample description of the celebrated riding school alluded to in our article in the July number, and with pleasure resume a subject which is of so much importance to the health of our fair countrywomen. Much is due to Mr. Craig, the proprietor of the estab'i-hment, for the liberality and perseverance with which he has presented every inducement to the study of horsemanship, for the past ten years, to ladies who have carried with them a taste for this most admirable accomplishment to homes in distant parts of the country. It is a centre from which much good has gone forth. and, as such, is well worth the attention of our lady readers. The school was established, as nearly as we can discover, about 1846, and, though various others have been commenced, meantime, none have survived the same term of years. About three years ago, the present beautiful building was completed, and since then the classes have continued to increase in size and excellence.

As we enter the second floor, we find a gallery wel warmed in winter, as, indeed, the whole building is, and furnished with comfortable settees. Here we are at liberty to place ourselves, no matter whether we have a friend among the pupils or not, and watch the animated scene. Every now and then, a bevy of fresh arrivals come gayly up from the principal entrance, and ascend to the dressingroom just above us, where, in the multitude of skirts and hats, you would wonder how they ever find their own. But it is done; and the robing is accomplished amid jests and merry laughter, for they are all on speaking terms, at the least in class, though the acquaintance need not be considered as such out of doors, unless the young ladies please. This apartment has the usual complement of shelves, books, and mirrors; for many make an entire toilet, and come down arrayed in hat and habit, as if for the road. There is no particular etiquette upon this point observed, save that, in the height of the season, when the classes are full, we notice fewer bonnets and more hats, habits instead of sacques, and gauntlets for gloves. Indeed, the class has anything but uniformity in costume, as they stand here before us, while the horses are led into the

"A Plea for Equestrians." By Alice B. Neal.

centre of the arena by careful grooms, each properly accoutred with side-saddle, reins, etc., precisely as if for the road.

Now the discussion commences; for every lady has, of course, her favorite horse, which she is particularly anxious to ride, and particularly sure "Mr. Craig won't give" to her. Some go into raptures over the trot of "Night," the canter of "General," or "Romeo's" delightful rack. But the signal is given, and now one after another gathers up her skirt, takes whip and reins in her right hand, and, placing her left foot in her teacher's hand, springs to the saddle. No mistakes, no slips, no awkwardness; they vault as lightly as if they belonged to the Ravel troupe, and some of them with quite as much grace. And here be it remarked, that mounting, though the easiest point in equestrianism, often seems the most difficult to a beginner. She is so afraid she shall slip, or commit an awkwardness, that she loses all her confidence, when, if the escort understands his part, it is no less easy, after one or two trials-if not easier-than entering a carriage gracefully. Nevertheless, it is a point that tells the practiced rider. Watch that pale-faced school-girl in the gray skirt-how timidly she approaches her horse!-from behind, too, as novices are apt to, being less afraid of heels than teeth! She puts her hand to the horn of the saddle, forgetting all about her reins, until reminded of them by Mr. Craig. See, she has her whip in her left hand-and how she blushes when asked what she intends to do with it there! But, at last, she is in her seat; and, drawing her reins loosely through the wrong fingers, of course, her horse moves at his own gait to the side.

Here is another-that tall, fine figure in the green habit. How boldly she walks up to the head of her steed, patting the smooth neck that arches with the recognition, and talking all sorts of cajoling flatteries to the "good fellow !" "fine fellow!" as she does so. Of course, he understands her-the tone, if not the words-and winks good-naturedly, as much as to say, "Oh, I know you; none of the awkward squad, that 's certain." But Mr. Craig is waiting; and, taking her reins in her right hand, she vaults to her seat, changes the reins to her left in an instant, and rises unassisted in the saddle to arrange her dress properly; then, drawing her reins

perfectly straight in the centre, leaving the curb lighter than the other, she moves the horse forward with a single steady pressure of the reins.

Now all are mounted, and walking their horses, a cavalcade of twenty or more, around the area, nearly two hundred feet in length, and fifty in width. All this space has its soft flooring of clean tan, is lighted from the roof, as well as side windows, thus giving a perfect ventilation, a most desirable thing in such a ball. Now faster and faster, to a gentle rack, past the Wissahicon views upon the wallfor we have paintings in oil the whole length-and gallery of interested spectators. The lookers-on have increased in number. There are cousins, uncles, and fathers. Lovers, too, who are looking forward to the next summer's happy rides, in privi leged tête-à-tête, through shady lanes and under sunset skies. The canter commences, and murmured comments arise. ■

"Do look at Anne, how well she holds herself! I had no idea she rode so well!"

"That little girl in the crimson polka is just the one to ride Tom.' She 's not afraid to use her whip."

"Oh, see, Mr. Craig strikes Miss Jenkins' horse! Dear me, what an obstinate creature! And see how pale she is!"

"Well done, Sallie! That trot is perfect! Rise a little more, my dear. There-easier-that's it." And the admiring father leans over the railing to watch Miss Sallie, as she disappears down the bridle path.

Here comes our timid school-girl, the identical Miss Jenkins, perfectly white with nervous fear, and clinging to the horn of the saddle-a habit we so well remember to have been scolded a whole term for, and the most natural bad habit in the world. Mr. Craig is riding beside her, now scolding, now coaxing, now ridiculing. Oh, well, she will grow braver in time. But look! Miss Sallie sweeps along, green habited, black beavered, rising gracefully in the saddle, not so high as to be jockeyish, and looking perfectly at home on her wellmanaged steed. She has not touched her whip since she mounted; nor does it hang in a perpendicular line in her right hand, as does little Miss N.'s. How Mr. Craig has lectured the last lady for the ungraceful fashion!

The hour is not quite up; but we must go. Even now others are arriving to take the places of those now in the ring. The rapid canter, in which horse and rider formed so brilliant a kaleidoscope, is subsiding into a quiet walk, and we must leave for morning engagements; though the present class will linger to criticize, good-naturedly, and perhaps admire, their successors, learning their own faults by contrast as well as example.

So much for a hasty sketch of a morning lesson in our best riding school; the best in the country, so far as our experience and observation are concerned. There is no excuse for its pupils, if they

are not accomplished horsewomen; and for those of our readers who cannot have the advantages which it offers, we would suggest that firmness and gentleness are the two essentials in managing a horse as well as a child; and, like many ladies we know, they may be coaxed when they cannot be driven. But we may have more to say on this matter at a later day; for, as we have so often said the accomplishment is one for which American women should be distinguished above all others, their peculiarly fragile and delicate frames needing its bracing and strengthening effects.

BENEDICTUS.

BY R. T. CONRAD.

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away: Blessed be the name of the Lord.

BLESSED be Thy name forever,

God of merey, God of might!
Of all gracious gifts the giver,

Of all life the Lord and Light!
Bless Thee for the rest of even,

Bless Thee for the joy of day;
Peace on earth, and hope of heaven-
Blessed ever, blessed aye!

Not for these alone, O Father!

Bless Thee, not for joys alone: For the griefs that round me gather, For my misery and my moan; Bless Thee, with a bowed heart's blessing, For the good that seems the ill: Whether chast'ning or caressing, Bless Thee, Father, bless Thee still!

Bless Thee for the awakening sorrow,
Weeping o'er the early dead,
Tearful night and mournful morrow,
Sinking heart and aching head!
Bless Thee, Lord, for thou dost love me
When with sickness thou dost smite;
Bless Thee for the clouds above me,
'Tis Thy mercy makes them bright!

Blest the tempest o'er me sweeping,

For o'er Thee the storm hath swept; Blest my weariness and weepingLet me weep, for Thou hast wept! Bless Thee! every grief 's a token Calling me to Thee away; Break, my heart! for thine was broken; Bless Thee ever, bless Thee aye!

Bless Thee, for the soul that yearneth,
With a lowly love for Thee!
Bless Thee, for the love which burneth
Thine, in life and death, to be!
Bless Thee, for the life which liveth,
Vapor-like, to pass away!
Bless Thee, for the death that giveth

Life to bless Thee, Lord, for aye!

THE following very interesting article will, we are sure, please our lady readers. All of them, no doubt, use the needle, but few are aware of the trouble of making it.

The art of needle-making, in many of its departments, presents much that is generally, or, to use a term commonplace enough, popularly interesting to a large class of readers; yet remarkably little is known as to the manner in which the tiny article in question is produced; and, of the immense number of the "needle-using population," but a small proportion have a due conception of the operations and processes through which a needle goes, from its rough form to the beautifully polished instrument used oft "by ladye fair, and maide of low degree." Our illustrations represent a needle in its various stages of progression: in noticing these, we shall attempt to describe the nature of the operations, in detail, as fully as the very limited space at our disposal will admit of. Brief as this must necessarily be, we trust that it may be worthy of a small corner-in keeping with the tiny article of which it treats in the boudoir of the lady, or the little wallnook or "humble book-shelf of the peasant-girl's home

Needles, as all our readers are aware, are made of steel, the steel being made into thin wire, of a diameter proportionate to the fineness of the needles to be made. As the wire is brought to the factory in circular bundles, the first operation is untying them and cutting the wire into certain determi nate lengths. A pair of shears, of rather large dimensions, are fixed to the wall of the cuttingshop, having the blades uppermost; one limb is fastened, the other is loose. The workman is provided with a gauge, by which the length of the wire to be cut off is determined. Uncoiling the bunde of wire, he puts the end into the gauge, and placing the series of wires forming the thickness of the coil between the blades of the shears, he presses against the loose limb with his thigh, and, by moving the coil up and down to assist the cutting action, he speedily severs the lengths from the coil. Proceeding thus, he cuts off a series of lengths till the coil is exhausted: out of one coil, he may thus obtain as many as 40,000 distinct wires. The coil being circular, it is evident that each individual wire must partake somewhat of its curvilinear shape; in fact, each is far from being straight. Fig. 1 is a fac-simile of the wire at this stage As one

of the requisites of a needle is that it shall be straight, the next process is to straighten all the wires. Supposing two of the curved wires in Fig. 1 to be placed in the palm of one hand, and rubbed quickly, backwards and forwards, by the fingers of the other, a slight straightening would ensue; but, if the needles were removed to a hard flat surface, as a table, the operation would be much facilitated. If, however, a dozen or two of wires were to be placed on the table, and so kept as to lie close to one another, and then rubbed, the pieces, rolling one upon another, would soon be straightened, as the round part of one would roll upon the flat part of another, and thus, by the continuance of the process, the whole wires would be straightened. This is, in fact, the rationale of the process carried on at this stage of the manufacture. Two rings of iron are provided, some three inches in diameter, half an inch broad, and the same thick; these are placed a distance apart, on a flat stone slab, some eighteen or twenty inches from the ground. The distance between the rings is such that, when the wires are placed within them, the ends are flush or even with the outer surfaces. Supposing a number of wires are placed thus, sufficient to fill the interior of the rings one-half of their diameter or so; the whole are fastened tightly in, and placed in a furnace and heated to a red heat. They are then taken out, placed on the slab, and the fastening removed, so that all the wires are free to move one upon another. The workman then takes a piece of curved iron, some inch and a half broad, and half an inch thick: he places the curved or convex side of this on the top row of wires between the rings, and, pressing forcibly by means of his hands at either end of the iron, works the rings briskly backwards and forwards on the slab. By this means the wires are kept rolling upon each other, and continually shifting their places, thus presenting a new portion of their surfaces to the action of their neighbors. The shifting of the wires may easily be ascertained by inserting a piece of cold wire, which, being black, is easily observable among its red neighbors. Near the bottom of the ring, in a few seconds it will be seen at the top, its course being distinctly traced, winding its eccentric way amongst the others. When cold, the wires are all straight, as shown in Fig. 2.

The next operation is the pointing. In order to save time, each wire is long enough to form two needles; each is therefore pointed at both ends, as seen in Fig. 3. The grindstones by which the wires are pointed are of small diameter, not more than ten or twelve inches, but they revolve at an immense velocity, the moving power being generally water-wheels. Each grinder sits on a low stool, in front of the grindstone, a small trough of water being placed before him. Taking up sixty or one hundred needles, according to their quality, he places them on the palm of the right hand, so that the ends project over the length of the forefinger. Next placing the left-hand fingers on those, the

thumb grasping the back of the right, he is enabled so to move the whole range of wires that they may rotate with ease on their axes, and yet without rolling over one another. He then applies the points of the wires to the rapidly revolving grindstone: if he held them always in one direction, the action of the stone would be such that the points would be beviled off like chisels; but by the fingers he makes them all to revolve, thus giving to each a gently tapering and perfectly round point. As the wires are apt to project unequally over the finger, thus presenting one wire longer than another to the grindstone, the workman every now and then strikes the points gently against an upright flat-faced piece of timber, somewhat in the same manner as a per son shuffling a pack of cards makes them all even by knocking their ends upon the table. On the wires becoming red-hot, the workman dips them into the trough of water placed before him. A bril liant stream of fiery sparks is continually passing from the points. The matter thus evolved being in haled into the lungs of the workmen, formerly ren dered them a peculiarly short-lived race. The deleterious products are now, however, by the use of a powerful fan, drawn away from the zone of respiration as soon as they are produced. The trade is now as healthy as any other. The operation of grinding is exceedingly interesting; and presents an exemplification of the dexterity attainable by long practice in any one branch; but this remark is equally applicable to many other departments in the manufacture of needles. A good workman can point upwards of 10,000 in an hour. It is amusing to see the rapidity with which he will take up a handful of wires, point an end of them all, and turning them so as to present the other ends to the stone, lay them aside perfectly pointed at both ends. The wires thus pointed are next taken to the "stamping shop," and here the wire first gains its approach to a needle. Each needle is to be rounded at the head, and have a hole made there, called the eye, as also an indented channel on each side, called the "gutter" of the head; the stamping makes the round form, and marks the place of the eye-hole. A wooden-framed stand, or table, is provided, with a massive anvil, on the upper surface of which is placed a die or design in intaglio, similar to that shown in Fig. 5; a weight is suspended by a rope over a pulley placed above the table, and plays between two vertical guides; the same design as in the die is made on the lower surface of the weight, but in relief, or protruding from the surface. The lower end of the rope sustaining this weight is provided with a stirrup, in which the workman can place his foot. Standing before the table, he takes a number of needles in his left hand, and with his right places each wire exactly in its centre on the lower anvil or die, and letting the weight drop suddenly, by raising his foot, the design is impressed on the centre of the wire, on both sides, as seen in Fig. 4. Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of the centre part of the wire. The round circles are the places through