Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1870-02-15
ITEMS OF NEWS.

We would be under many obligations to our
friends residing both in this and adjoining coun-
ties to send us accounts of accidents, sales OF
farms, changes of residence marriages. deaths,
&c, or any item of news they may think wonld
be of interest. There are many little occurrences
that take place in a neighborhood which might
be sent to the papers for publication.
Such occurrences, though not of much signi-
fcanee to residents themselves, are seized with
avidity by former residents and distant subscrib-
ers in other sections of the country. -
ST. VALENTINES DAY. Yesterday, Monday
the 14th, was st. Valentines day. This day has
long been kept sacred to St Valentine, although
in modern times, as exchange says, its obser-
vance has been prostituted to the disreputa-
bic practice of sending anonymous letters
The practice ofsending valentines is compar-
atively modern one. At first they were mere
messengers of love, and there was generally some
clue by which the recipients knew who their ad-
mirers were; but of late evil disposed persons
have tried to crafty their morbid tastes by send
ing to their neighbors caricatures of such ma
ture that it is better be the receiver than the
sender It is true, tits frequently done by young
folks in way. of joke, but in most cases,
doubtless, the motive is a bad one. Envious and
spiteful persons, who have not the courage to
confront their opponents, resort to comic valen-
tines as means Of venting their spleen, and un-
fortunately the practice is not confined to the
lower classes. Could old St. Valentine now see
how the day dedicated to him has degenerated
from a symbolic festival to day of disgracefu
practices, he would surely say ''accursed stand
this day in the calendar of time"
----
MAGAZINES RECEIVED.
The SUNDAY MACHINE edited by Thomas
Guthrie, D. D., is a most excellent magazine
that should be in every family. The matter is
excellent and it is well illustrated. The sub.
scription price is $3.50, and published by J. B
Lppincott s. Co., 7l5 and III Market street,
Philadelphia.
"GooD Words is the title of monthly mag,
azine of Literature, Science, Art and Travel,
published by J. B. Lippincott s. Co., Philadel-
phia at $2.75 per annum. This magazine is a
good one, and the illustrations add much to its
attractiveness. a-r-s
''GooD WORDS FOR THE YOUNG is an admi.
rable monthly for the young-contains interest.
ing matter and is well illustrated 1t is publish.
ed by J. B. Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia, al
$3.50 per annum
'GooD HEALTH is the title of an excellent
monthly magazine, published by Alexander
Moore, No. 81, Franklin street, Boston, at 500
per annum. Its contents are interesting, practi-
cal, and beneficial.
THE OLD GUARD.-We have received the Jan.
and Feb. Nos of this excellent onthly Maya
zine-devoted to Literature, Science and Art,
and Political Principles of 1776 and 1860. We
are much pleased with the Nos before US, and
recommend this monthly to our readers. Thos
Dunn English, Editor, Van Evre. Horton & Co.
publishers, at No 1872 Nassau ST., N. Y, at So 0C
per annum. ss. .if
Peterson for March is at hand. The steel
engraving-s'The Morning Kiss'-is real gem.
Each number of this excellent magazine contains
one steel engraving, colored fashion plates, wood
cuts of late styles of bonnets, hats children's
dresses, &c, making it valuable assistant to la
dies Published at the low price of S. year.
Address Chas. J. Peterson, No. 305 Chestnut ST.,
Philadelphia or enquire of the newsdealers OF
Staunton.
The AMERICAN ODD FELLOW for February
contains contributions from England, Germany,
Saxony, Australia, New Zealand, Ontario, and
all parts of the Union; continuation of the re-
marlzable original serial" Conscience Money -
Interesting Statements Scientific and Curious
Facts; A Queer Story; "reminiscences of the
Order; Odd Fellows Hall, Philadelphia (illus-
lany, and other attractions too numerous to men,
ton. Published by John W. Orr, No. 90 Mas
sau street. New York ST. per volume.