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Show whatever a man can do a woman should be alloweu to do also does afct not ? She says so. "And about dress? The short skirt, and the divided skirt are what she believes In?" A SJORYO, 0Y A. CONAN DOYLE JttTEfiNATlONAL ' PASSo ASSOCIATION. CHAPTER VHI. SUAOOWS BEFORE. RS. Westmacotts great meeting for enfranchisethe ment of woman had passed over, and It had been a trisuccess. umphant A11 the maids and the of matrons suburbs southern her at had rallied summons, there was an Influential platform with Dr. Balthazar Walker in the chair, and Admiral Hay Denver among One his more prominent supporters. benighted male had come in from the outside darkness and had Jeered from the further end of the hall, but he had been called te order by the chair, petri-Se- d unby Indignant glances from the enfranchised around him, and Anally escorted to the door by Charles Fiery resolutions were passed, to be forwarded to a large number of leading statesmen, and the meeting broke up with the conviction that a ahrewd blow had been struck for the cause of woman. But there was one woman at least to whom the meeting and all that was connected with it had brought anything but pleasure. Clara Walker watched with a heavy heart the friendship and close Intimacy which had sprung up between her father and the widow. From week to week It had Increased until no day ever passed without their being together. The coming meeting had been the excuse for these continual Interviews, but now the meeting was over, and still the Doctor would refer every point which rose to the Judgment of bis neighbor. He WPU53 talk tOQ. to Ms two daughters or her strength Qt character, her decisive mind, and of the necessity of their cultivating her acquaintance and following her example, until at last It had become his most common topic of conversation. All this might have passed as merely the natural pleasure which an elderly fnan might take In the society of an Intelligent and handsome woman, but there were other points which seemed to Clara to give It a deeper meaning. She could not forget that when Charles Westmacott had spoken to her one night he had alluded to the possibility of his aunt marrying Again, HO thust have known or noticed something before he could speak upon sUdh a subject. And then again Mrs. Westmacott had herself said that she hoped to change her style of living shortly and take over completely new duties. What could that mean except that she expected to marry? And whom? She seemed to see few friends outside their own little circle. She must have alluded to her father. It was a hateful thought, and yet It must be faced. One evening the Doctor had been Tather late at his neighbors. He used to go Into the Admirals after dinner, but now he turned more frequently In the other direction. When he returned Clara was sitting alone In the drawing room reading a magazine. She sprang up as he entered, pushed forward his chair, and ran to fetch his slippers. You are looking a little pale, dear, be remarked. "Oh, no, papa, I am very well." "All well with Harold? "Yes. His partner. Mr. Peahson, Is tlll away, and he Is doing all the work. "Well done. He Is sure to succeed. "Where Is Ida? "In her room, I think. "She was with Charles Westmacott on the lawn not very long ago. He seems very fond of her. He Is not very bright, but I think he wlU makb her a good husband. I am Bure of it, manly and reliable. Yes, I should think that he Is not the wort of man who goes wrong. There is nothing hidden about him. As to his brightness, It really does not matter, for his aunt, Mrs. Westmacott, Is very Tich, much richer than you would think from her style of living, and she has made him a handsome provision. "I am glad of that." - "It Is between ourselves. I am her trustee, and so I know something of her arrangements. And when are you going to marry, Clara?" "Oh, papa, not for some time yet. We have not thought of a date. Well, really, I dont know that there is any reason for delay. He has a competence und It Increases yearly. As long as you are quite certain that your mind is made up Oh, papa! Well, then, I really do not know why there should be any delay. And Ida, too, must be married within the next few months. Now, what I want to know is what 1 am to do when my two little companions run away from me. He spoke lightly, but his eyes were grave as he looked questionlngly at his daughWest-maco- ter. OwhfA y S$& auiipb- - aritul s e ibHP rrlosy tt. Dear papa, you shall not be alone. will be years before Harold and I think of marrying, and when we do you must come and live with us. No, no, dear. I know that you mean what you say, but I have seen something of the world, and I know that such arrangements never answer. There cannot be two masters in a house, and yet at my age freedom is very necessary to me. But you would be completely free. No, dear, you cannot be that If you are a guest tn another man s house. Can you suggest no other alternative? That we remain with you. No, no. That Is out of the question. Mrs. Westmacott herself says that a womans first duty Is to marry. Marriage, however, should be an equal partnership, as she points out. I should marry, but still I jshould like a suggestion from you, (Clara, as to what I should do." But there Is no hurry, papa. Let us Wait. I do not Intend to marry yet. doctor Walker looked disappointed. t Well, Clara, If you can suggest noth- I suppose that I must take the (ng. myself, said he. Then what do you propose, papa? he braced herself as one who sees the blow which Is about to fall, oked at her and hesitated. How like your poor dear mother you are, It I'j.IN WOMANS Yes. WOMAN- Clara! he cried. As I looked at you then It was as If she had come back from the grave. He stooped toward her and kissed her. There, run away to your sister, my dear, and do not trouble yourself about me. Nothing is settled yet, but you will find that all will come right. Clara went upstairs sad at heart, for she was sure now that what she had feared was Indeed about to come to pass, and that her father was going to take Mrs. Westmacott to be his wife. In her pure and earnest mind her mothers memory was enshrined as that of a saint, and the thought that any one should take her place seemed a terrible desecration. Even worse, however, did this marriage appear when looked at from the point of view of her father's future. The widow might fascinate him by her knowledge of the world, her dash, her strength, her unconventlon-alit- y all these qualities Clara was willing to allow her but she was convinced that she would be unendurable as a life companion. She had come to an age when habits are not lightly to be changed, nor was she a woman who was at all likely to attempt to change them. How would a sensitive man like her father stand the constant strain of such a wife, a woman who was all decision, with no softness, and nothing soothing In her nature? It passed as a mere eccentricity when they heard of her stout drinking, her cigarette smoking, her occasional whlfs at a long clay pipe, her horsewhipping of a drunken servant, and her companionship with the snake Eliza, whom she was In the habit of bearing about tn her pocket. A11 this would become unendurable to her father when his first infatuation was past. For his own sake, then, as well as for her mother's memory, this match must be prevented. And yet how powerless she was to prevent It! What could she do? Could Harold aid her? Perhaps. Or Ida? At least Bhe would tell her sister and see what she could suggest. Ida was in her boudoir, a tiny little tapestried room, as neat and dainty as herself, with low walls hung with Imarl plaques and with pretty little Swiss brackets bearing blue Kaga ware, or the pure white Coalport china. In a low chair, beneath a standing lamp, sat Ida, In a diaphanous evening dress of mousseline de sole, the ruddy light tinging her sweet, child-lik- e face, and glowing oil her golden curls. She sprang up as her sister entered, and threw her arms around her. Dear old Clara! Come and sit down here beside me. I have not had a chat for days. But, oh, what a troubled face! What is It then? She put up her forefinger and smoothed her sister's brow with 1. Clara pulled up a stool, &nd sitting down beside her sister, passed her arm round her waist. I am so sorry to trouble you, dear Ida, she said. But I do not know what to do. Theres nothing the matter with . Harold?" L' Oh, no, Ida. i J Nor with my Charles?" "No, no. Ida gave a sigh of relief. You quite frightened me, dear," said she. "You cant think how solemn you look. What Is It, then? I believe that papa Intends to ask Mrs. Westmacott to marry him. Ida burst out laughing. "What can have put such a notion into your head Clara?" "It Is only too true, Ida. I suspected it before, and he himself almost told me as much with his own lips I dont think that It Is a laughing matter. "Really, I could not help it. If you had told me that those two dear old ladies opposite, the Misses Williams, were both engaged, you would not have surprised me more. It is really too funny. Funny, Ida! Think of anyone taking the place of dear mother." But her sister was of a more practical and less sentimental nature. I am that dear mother sure, said she, would like papa to do whatever would make him most happy. We shall both be away, and why should papa not please himself? But think how unhappy he will be. You know how quiet he his In his ways, and how even a little thing will upset him. How could he live with a wife who would make his whole life a series of surprises? Fancy what a whirlwind she must be In a house. A man at his age cannot change his ways. I am sure he would be miserable. Idas face grew graver, and she pondered over the matter for a few minutes. I really think that you are right as usual, said she at last I admire Charlies aunt very much, you know, and I think she Is a very useful and good person, but I dont think she wonld do as a wife for poor, quiet papa. But he will certainly ask her, and I really think that she intends to accept him. Then It would be too late to Interfere. We have only a few days at the most And what can we do? How can we hope to make him change his mind? He has never Again Ida pondered. tried what It Is to live with a d woman, sal she. If we could only get him to realize It in time. Oh, Clara, I have it; I have it! Such a loveShe leaned back in her chair ly plan! and burst Into a fit of laughter so natural and so hearty that Clara had to forget her troubles and to Join In It. she gasped at Oh, it Is beautiful! last. "Poor papa! What a time he will have! But its all for his own good, as he used to say when we had to be punished when we were little. . Oh, Clara, I do hope your heart wont fail '4; strong-minde- yeu., I would dear. do anything to save him, Thats It. You must steel yourself by that thought. "But what Is your plan? Oh, I am so proud of it We will tire him forever of the widow, and of all emancipated women. Let me see, what are Mrs. Westmacotts ideas? You have listened to her more than L Women should attend less to household duties. That is one, is it not? "Yes, If they feel they have capabilities for higher things. Then she thinks that every woman who has leisure should take up. the study of some branch of Science, and that, as far as possible, every woman should qualify herself for some trade or profession, choosing for preference those which have been hitherto monopolized by men. To enter the others would only be to Intensify the present competition." Her Quite so. That is glorious! blue eyes were dancing with mischier. and she clapi ed her hands In her delight. "What else? She thinks that We must get In some cloth. Why? We must make ourselves a dress each. A brand-neenfranchise, Dont you emancipated dress, dear. see my plan? We shall act up to all Mrs. Westmacotts views in every respect, and Improve them when we can. Then papa will know what It Is to live with a woman who claims all her rights. Oh, Clara, it will be splendid. Her milder sister sat speechless before so daring a scheme. "But It would be wrong, Ida! she cried at last. Not a bit. It Is to save him. "I should not dare. Oh, yes, you would. Harold will help. Besides, what other plan hate you? "I have none. Then you must take mine. Yes, perhaps you are right. Well, we do it for a good motive. You will do it? I do not see any other way. f You dear, good Clara! Now I will show you what you are to do. We must not begin too suddenly. It might excite suspicion. What would you do, then? we must go to Mrs. Westmacott, and sit at her feet and learn all her views. What hypocrites we shall feel! We shall be her newest and most enthusiastic converts. Oh, It will be such fun, Clara! Then we shall make our plans and send for what we want, and begin our new life. I do hope that we shall not have te keep It up long. It seems so cruel ta dear papa. "Cruel! To save him! "I wish I was sure that we were doing right. And yet what else can we do? Well, then, Ida, the die is cast, and we will call upon Mrs. Westmacott (TO SI THREE FETCHING" COSTUMES, g, n, RATS. They Swarm Over Walter Carter and Be Kills 10S of Them. Walter Carter of Camden, N. J won a hard-earn- ed victory over an army oi . rats the other morning. When the battle was finished and he counted the heap of his fallen enemies he found 101 of them. Carter Is a member of the firm of Roberts & Carter, provision dealers. For a long time the firm hai suffered serious damage from the depredations of rats. It was Mr. Carters habit to open the store In the morning, The golfing costume shown Is ot g and he invariably heard a great and white shepherds plaid scarlet over thi place as he entered. H stitched In scarlet and having a scar- out to have It with the concluded at last patent leather belt The felt hat little beasts, and began an investigation let Is white. to find their rendezvous. As he opened is also scarlet and the scarf The white quills have red stems. the door of a small brick smokehouse the rear of the store, now little used, paw t least a dozen rats run Into holei Girls Jacket" In the floor &nd walls, hey quickly re; Short, loose Jackets are exceedingly covered from their fright, however, and soon emerged and glared viciously at becoming to young girls, are In the him out of their little black eyes. Csfc height of style, and are so easily ter went out and got a short thick club slipped on and off as tp make them th. commendable from th? standpoint of and A laflUrn, and then SnlGfeehdtiHd. This tlm he Closed fill use as well as fashion. - The very door behind him. The dim light of thi smart model Illustrated is adapted to lantern served to daSe the fats, ant all the seasons materials. Carter had no dlfftdultjr id tolling three The jacket Is made ith fronts and big fellows. As they gave vent to back and Is shaped by means of shoul dying squeaks scores of other ratS emerged from the holes and swarmed around the young man on all sided. The rats leaped at his hands and face add crawled over his feet, all the while keeping np a horrible din of squealing. One after another of the soft, ugly things struck him as he stood dealing blows right and left Still their numbers multiplied, and the fighter began to fear that the rats would get the bettAC Ot him. He had been bitten several times on the hands, but had managed W keep the rats from his head afld face. Thss the fight kept up for fully fifteen minutes, and Carter was growing weary. At last, however, he felt that thd numbers of the rats were gradually thinriing out, and he had less trouble In keeping them off him. When no more rats appeared Carter got out into the open air and gathered himself together. In a few minutes he recovered, and, piling up the dead rats, found that he had killed 102 of them. Camden Correspondence New York Sun. sd&m-perln- The afternoon gown Is pale green organdie with darker green leaves and pink buds, and lace dyed to match the buds Is used for the festoons. The carriage costume Is white voile, trimmed with pale silk embroidery f Some Misquotations of human mem- It is a peculiar faculty ory to misquote proverbs and poetry, and almost Invariably to place the credit where It does not belong. Nine men out of ten think that "The Lord tempers the wind to the shorn lamb Is from the Bible, whereas Lawrence Sterne is the author. Pouring oil upon the troubled waters is also ascribed to the sacred volume, whereas it is not there; in fact, no one knows its origin. Again, we hear people say; "The proof of the pudding is in chewing the string." This is arrant nonsense, as the proverb says: The proof of the pudding is In the eating thereof, and not in chewing tha string. Nothing is more common than to hear: A man convinced against his will Is of the same opinion still. This is an impossible condition of the mind, for no one can be convinced of an opinion and at the same time hold an opposite one. What Butler wrote was eminently sensible: He that complies against his will Is of his own opinion still. der and under-arseams. The back is laid In an inverted plait at the center and the fronts In plaits which extend from the shoulders, all of which are stitched to yoke depth. The quantity of material required for the medium size (8 years) Is four yards 21 Inches wide, two yards 44 Inches wide, or 1 yards 52 inches wide. Fancy 8hlrt Waist The yoke of this waist is made with bands, or tucks, which encircle the neck, then turn downwards on each side of the front. This Is bordered with a band of the material, trimmed with soutache, which also trims the collar and the front of the yoke Below tLe yoke the front of the blouse Is made with plaits Acetylene which open out So much has been said concerning the about h a ay new substance known as acetylene in down. Its recently evolved form and relations In respect to gas and alUed Industries On each side of these is a box plait that, taking the statement of Prof. V. as B. Lewis authority, the importance ornamented at the of the article may be explained as due, lop with a little to reduction to the it by the briefly, pocket flap trimmed of the action flame of all the baking with the soutache. The sleeves are remaining hydrocarbons present ! coal gas. It Is the acetylene which provides plaited on the outside, trimmed at the the luminiferous flame with those car- bottom with the soutache, where they bon particles which, being heated to inAre drawn In to form cuffs. candescence by various causes, endow the flame with the power of emitting . Light 8pring Tints, light. The gas being thus the cause of colors have been prepared. Many the gaseous hydrocarbon illumlnants; Oct of these only a few have been owing, however, to its intense richness, it can be consumed only in small, flat sailed to take a prominent position. burners, but under these conditions it Ibe light, delicate spring tints are emits a light greater than that given by splashed with white, and the can. any other known gas, its Illuminating vases, aeollennes, and kindred fabrics value calculated to a consumption of Are so loosely woven that they show five cubic feet an hour being rated at the silk linings through. Linens and no less than 240 candles. cloths are all decoupe, and many are embroidered a Jour with open-hol- e Th Jerry-BaiMadeira patterrs, a treatment Bb A certain lady novelist which holds good with plain glaces, recently took possession of a new villa poults de sole and light chine silk in a popular metropolitan suburb, says when the embroidery Is black. Laces a London exchange. To her dismay she found that the walls, staggering under of the same color as the material, the weight of the paper on them, re- coarsely made, are very well worn. fused to support any pictures oi other Latest Parisian 8leeve. adornments and that she had to study, In the best French models the if not a concrete social problem, at any rate a "mortar domestic crisis. In sleeve de rigueur is tight fitting above revenge she wrote to the landlord and the elbow, with a puff or frill below. asked if she might bestow any name The upper Iq usually ornamented she liked on the house, and, as he re- with motifs gart in passementerie or lace, plied giving his sanction, she promptly and the cuff may be turned back with Hut haa the title of "The Jerry-bui- lt of lace, though this is less palmed upon the portal. And now the A gauntlet landlord sajs she has taken a much too chic than the simple pointed sleeve liberal view of his corsent. coming well over the hand. 1 lt well-kno- Grain Ration for Steers. In the heart of the corn belt, where feeding operations are conducted on a much larger scale than in this state, the steer Is usually supplied corn ad libitum, says Professor V. A. Henry. Often this grain is thrown to him in such quantities that ail of it is not even swallowed, some falling to the ground to be trampled under foot in the filth, possibly to be picked up by pigs running In the teed lot In many of our middle western states from twenty to thirty pounds. In a few cases as much as thirty-fivpounds, of corn are fed to the Bteer dally for weeks at a time. Then, too, there la little variety to the feed given. Sometimes corn constitutes the sole concentrate and straw, hay, or more often cornstalks, constitute the only rough-ag- e. It la true that as a rule we in Wisconsin do not place quite so much grain before our steers as do the feeders farther south, but still the allowance is heavy, and there is often no thought ot attempting to reduce It In any way. When corn was cheap-o- nly a few dollars a ton it did not matter much whether the steer ate a few pounds more or less, especially in season when cattle aold well. The cost ot corn, however. Is steadily and this Increase la not altogether met by an equal rise In the price of fat cattle. The burning quee-tlothen, is, Is it possible to fatten our ateen on a smaller allowance of grain than hae been customary in the past? In helping answer thla question let me first call the attention to feeding operations in Great Britain. No one can say that the beeves ot Scotland and England when sent to market are not well fattened. What la the practice ot the English amt Scotch farmer In regard to tho amount of grain which he allows hia bullocks? I have spent considerable time In going through the Uteraturo on the subject, and am surprised to find that the British feeder gives to hie fattening beeves but a small grain allowance. authentlo Searching sources of information, I find that thn showing threads of silver, the butt one usual grain allowance tor the fattenbeing also of silver. The hat Is a dark ing steer in England and Scotland gray chip trimmed with heavy lace ranges from six to eight pounds n about the brim, and having a cascade bead dally. In a few cases It reached effect ini white roses at tha back. ten pounds, and In only one case out Philadelphia Ledger. ot a score or more of reports have I found It stated that so much as twelve pounds of grain was fed to a steer Gowns from Paris. Gown designed by Ernest Randnltx In a single day, and this amount only for the beautiful Comtesse de P , It at the close of the feeding period. The Is of gray voile, mde with group of grains used in Britain consist usualljr five tucks, forming squares, Over these of barley, cornmeal, ottoliseed meaj. at the bottom of the skirt are gradu- and linseed meal. You all know that the virnlp or rutabaga, as we call It, ated groups of embroidered bands, These also trim the corsage, forming extensively used In feeding operaa bolero and double shoulder collar. tions in Great Britain, With the I The Jabot Is o lace, The sleeves ay? small grain ration Is fed from 60 to, loo pounds of sliced turnips, four or'' five pounds of cut straw, and from, five to ten pounds of hay, either cur or long. On this ration the steer in England and Scotland makes a gain of between one and and two pounds dally, or say, from fifty to sixty pounds per month. Them is no need of saying that the English stockman does not fatten his bullocka or that they are inferior to ours when they are sold for the block. The English stockman, as a rule, has good cattle, and he usually puts them on the market In a finished condition, g e COUTIHUID.) A BIO BATTLE WITH LIVE STOCK 1 Mauve Is one of the leading colors this season. Soft crush felts of lamb skin, with one or two straps, are much favored. Frilled petticoats of taffeta are now made for children,, modeled the sam as for their elders, The newest sailor hat is made with a slightly rolled brim and immensely large but low crowns. Shirt waist Buits of natilrfil pongee are relieved by piping of samd material 111 scarlet, blue and black. Linen coats with triple shoulder front and wide, capes, loose sleeves are muci? in demand. Adjustable buttons, wlti ring or bar fastening, are favorite for phlrt waist regulation decoration, four being for the froht Turbans or large hats of hyfislfttfr blue and the lighter shades of porcelain blue are worn with gostuiaes of blue voile and diamine. Modish trimming include paillettes, chiffon roses, cutout Weik of cloth or heavy chenille ribbons, fringe, silk made and trlim.'4 braid, jeweled buckles and fcWttons.Mode Artlsque. double-breaste- d three-quart- rossaejondw-- La ijj, Kitchen Walls. A convenient and alsa cheap1 treatment of the ordinary is to give It a wash of thin varnish. This improves and preserves the colors, and makes any number of soapsuds will Kitchen walls possible. washings remove Blight should always be done In this manVarnish Sanitary, wall-pap- Starch mixed with never stick. Machine oil will scratches on the piano. ner. Oilcloth will last much longer if White Cloth Waist newspapers are placed underneath. Blouse of white cloth with bolero Turpentine placed in the scrub water will give the house a fresh odor. fronts. The latter are made with a Kerosene rubbed on the rollers of group of plaits on the wringer will remove dirt and each side stitched down part way, stains. A teaspoonful of turpentlnfe placed then opening out in the boiler will make washing white On either side ot these are two wide as snow. It Is healthier to have light weight plaits stitched on comforts, as heavy ones make the the edges and disappearing under limbs ache. girdle. Turpentipe mixed with stove polish theOver this Is a prevents rust, and gives brighter gloss pretty shoulder colthan water. lar, trimmed with Creosote and alcohol, one part m and two parts alcohol, will drive embroidered as are also the away bedbugs. Dip the broom In boiling soapsuds girdle and cuffs. once a week, and it will sweep better The blouse is ornamented at the top with little gold and last much longer. A cloth wet with alcohol rubbed on buttons. the window pane prevents It from Novelty in 8ummer Muffs. frosting In the cold weather. A few have been made for weddings to match the parasols trimmed with fruit and grass, or made In pink chiffon with roses. They do very well for bridesmaids. There are a good many - fantastic Ideas for weddings Just now, and one of these Is a large basket, behind which the bride and Cover a custard while cooling and bridegroom stand to receive their a thick skin will not form on the top. friends. The handle stands up over Cakes will not stick to their tins If their heads and the basket Is Allied with tiny bouquets, which are scatplaced on a damp cloth when rempved tered among the guests when the from the oven. Paraffin will last longer and produce bride and bridegroom have left and have a better light If s lump of salt about confetti or silver horseshoes the size of a walnut be placed In the been sufficiently well circulated by reservoir of the lamp In which it Is their friends as they wish them God peed. used. For knife handles that have become Boots from Paris loose take equal parts of resin and From Paris comes the cry that quicklime, well mix, half fill the hole, boots of black kid, with narheat the handle end ot the blade, and row Louis XV. heels, are preferred to Insert It In the hole. When cold It all others. If gray or will be perfectly firm again. boots or shoes are used, stockings, of Rust on steel may be removed thin: course, must match. But black is Cover the steel with sweet oil, rub It really the best style. in well and let It stand for forty-eigh- t rub the steel with hours; then Green vegetables preserve their lime, finely powdered, till all color better if tbev are boPcd rapidly the marks have disappeared. . and left unrove-eere-oBit- e Exhibition Ducka From Farmers Review: The prep-- , a ration of Pekin ducks for exhibition begins with the eggs they are batched from. That Is, of course, if the parent birds are all light In selecting eggs for hatching I choose a pdtfect oval, large and of a beautiful pearl white color. I set the eggs under1' hens, and I never had great success ' -tching duck eggs In an Incubter they are once hatched' ate Bat a- - -- iT .sed I find them very vyt , hand. They should- - be Sfept Offlnj-frothe start I have found the Jest teed for young ducks Uf Jte a mixture-o- f bran and cornmeal. The older ducks are very fond of Inn mash for breakfast They gather around tha tub at daylight and squawk for U until fed. For supper I feed them plenty of good Nebraska corn. Both young and old docks should hava plenty ot green forage and fresh water. They are also very greedy for table scraps. In selecting exhibition birds pick those with long, wide and deep bodies, with bright yellow beak and feet The beak must have no black specks, as one small speck will disqualify. The tail should be wide and stiff, the breast deep and full, the neck beautifully arched. They should be kept out of the sun tor two weeks before the show, as a sunburnt beak causes a loss of points in scoring. The day before entering them. I prepare two tubs of water, a bar ot Ivory soap and a small, stiff brush. I then take my best ducks, sure they are standard making weight, and wash one at a time. 1 scrub beak and feet with the brush, and rinse off In the second tub ot water. When thoroughly dry, they are ready to be put Into coops which should be supplied with plenty of nice clean straw. The ducks look very attractive on the straw. They are now ready tor exhibition and no one, I am sure, can hinder you from taking your share ot the prizes. I am satisfied with the progress I have made in the short time I have I have two been a duck fancier. flocks. Pen number one is headed by a drake bought of an eastern Importer. Pen No. 2 Is large and contains two very fine drakes of my own I have sold a satisfactory raising. number of ducks and eggs, and hope In time to have the est ducks In the state. Yours for ducks. Mrs. D. D. Little, Polk County, Nebraska. m -- -- d d. The Argentine Corn Crop. Broomhall: The Argentina com crop Is officially estimated at 147,857,-00-0 bushels, which compares with a crop a year ago of 84,000,000 buBbels, 73,700,000 bushels In 1901, and 60,00,-00- 0 bushels in 1900. The exportable surplus of the new crop is officially estimated at 108.000,000 bushels, which compares with 43,000,000 bushels actually exported In 1902, and 39,800,0001 bushels in 190L -- ' |