Having tried various methods and forms, I wish to state my decided preference for either cloth or manilla paper, saturated with pure raw linseed oil, without the addition of any other material.

Cloth coated with boiled oil always grows hard very quickly, and in a year or so becomes so rotten that you can punch a finger through it anywhere. On the other hand, cloth which has received two coats of row linseed i oil will be both air and water-proof, and still remain soft and pliable indefinitely.

Paper saturated with raw linseed oil is nearly equal to glass. It admits the passage of light quite freely, more so I think than heavily whitewashed glass.

When boiled oil is used, the paper is always more or less sticky, and in a year's time it becomes so rotten as to be worthless.

Such, at least, is the result of my experience in this climate. - W. C. Steele, Switzerland, Florida.

A Parable.

When youth's fair dawn before us lies, With untried paths and sunny skies; How oft the sage's lore we mourn - "There is no rose without a thorn".

Still, when 'tis gained, the knowledge sought, Proves often wisdom dearly bought; Fain would age turn to youth's bright morn - "There is no rose without a thorn".

And so with riches fond friends smile, Yet do we doubt their faith the while; 'Tls thus, to all, the truth is borne - "There is no rose without a thorn".

Too brief this life for sad,repine, Cherish what e'er of good is thine; To perfect peace man ne'er was born - "There is no rose without a thorn".

- J. Torrey Connor.