The Newtown bee., 1879-08-06
TIMELY TGPICS.

Tea tasters are well aware of the dan gers to which they are subject. and few of them can carry on the business for many years without ruining tLeir health. Moderate draughts of tea may produce an agreeable exhilaration of mind and body, with no noticeable reaction: but the effects of its excessive use are de- clared by doctors to be palpitation of the heart, an absence of exhilaration, severe headache, dimness of vision, and dull ness and confusion of mind. Cases of severe neuralgia are frequently the re- suit of over-much tea.
 An exchange gives these weather signs: "When the swallows fiy low, wet weather may be expected, be- cause the insects which the swal- lows pursue in their flight are flying low to escape the moisture of the up- per regions of the atmosphere. Stars twinkle on account of their light reach ing us through variously-heated and moving currents of air. Hence, much twinkling of the stars toretells bad weather, because it denotes that there are various aerial currents of different temperatures and densities, producing atmospheric disturbance"
 The American MaiE, in announcing an increasing export trade for American goods to Australian markets, describes the contents of vessel which lately cleared at Boston for Sidney. The cargo consisted of wagons, kerosene oil, black ing, chairs, slate, sewing machines, axes and hatchets, varnish, leather, shovels agricultural implements, nails, furni- ture, brooms, oars, handles, carriages, shoe pegs, stoves and ranges, lamp-posts, grates, pumps, organs, tobacco, scales, hardware, butter and lumber. Three other vessels had previously left Boston with cargoes for Australia. There were fifteen cargoes sent from Boston to Aus tralia in 1878.
 What the Rev. Arthur Brinkman, hospital chaplain, says about nurses should be read by every nurse in the land, and, if they would "all act accord in'," there would be joy among the sick indeed: "The nurse ought to have a washing-stand all to herself in every sick-room, and the more she washes her hands at it, whether they want ii, or not, the more the patient will be edified. Everything should be clean about the cap, everything clean about the dress, but the nice effect oft all may be spoiled by one black finger nail that rests on the saucer" With regard to the latter clause Ono levity intended) table wait resses will also please take notice.
 An exchange gives these directions for watering horses: In cold weather give one pailful at a time, three times a day. This is enough unless you are working them regularly; then give 8 little more, but not to exceed four pail fuls a day. In warm weather when they are brought in, first sponge out the mouth. and nostrils well with cold water. After few spongings they will wait for it to be done. Then give them not to exceed pailful apiece, and after feeding give one more pailful before you com mence work. Don't let them go with out long enough to make them want more than this. If allowed, a thirsty horse, when warm, will drink too much A common twelve quart pail is the size referred to above"
 The New ork tS,aaa has an article on the shoemakers of Gotham and their discoveries. Brokers go lightly shod, but the politicians stick to boots. Milf tary men usually wear boots. Some people change their shoes three times a day. One maker says that four pairs at time are ordered by one customer whose quarterly bill is often $500. 'Where man gets used to it, |" says the artist, " a change of shoes is as necessary as clean shirt every morning." The report closes with the information that prices for fashionable foot wear have not fallen perceptibly. Low cut Oxford ties are S14 to Sl6; button shoes Sl2 to S2O; boots S2I to S35 pair. But the man that isn't proud can get a ready made pair of shoes to-day for $4 or less. There is difference that is a mystery. | The prime conditions of health in a | house, says the health officer of Wash ington, D. O., depend upon cleanliness, pure air and unpolluted water, the prompt and thorough removal of all refuse, and the perfect exclusion of all foul matters arising outside the house. Good ventilation is absolutely necessary. Rooms should be frequently aired, and a daily visit from Dr. Sunshine encour- aged. Overcrow ding is fruitful source of air-pollution in dwellings. Jealous attention should be paid to cellars, pam tries and passages. Mold, dampness and