Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-08-19
Newspapers as Educators.


engaged in his profession, and witnessed the in
fuence of newspaper on the minds Of a family
OF children. writes as follows: 1 have found it
to be universal fact, without exception, that
those scholars of both sexes and all ages, who
nave access to newspapers at home, when COM
pared with those who have not, are better
readers. excellent in pronunciation have con-
sequently read more and Understandings. They
are better spoilers and define words with ease
and accuracy. They obtain practical knowledge
OF geography in almost half the time it requires
of others. as the newspapers have made them
acquainted with the location of the important
places OF nature. their government, and doings
on the globe. They are better grammarians
tor, having become so familiar with every style
in the newspapers, from the common place adj
vertisements to the finished and classical Grafton
of the statesman, they more readily comprehend
the meaning OF the text, and consequently ana
lyZe its construction with accuracy. They write
better compositions. using better language. cor
rectly expressed. Those young men who have
for years been readers of newspapers and are
always taking the lead in debating societies. ex-
hibit more extensive knowledge upon greater
variety of subjects, and express their views with
greater fiuency, clearness and correctness.
Ferns for House Decoration
M. L. Phelps, in Outing,
This class Of plants embraces large variety
of beautiful species, both highland and lowland.
but for purposes of decoration when dried,
have found but three desirable kinds-the ever
green madenhair and Hartford fern. All others
lose their color in drying. and assume a coarse
appearance. The evergreen fine fern is only
found in wet wooded localities and is rare
species, though sometimes growing in abund-
ance in wooded swalnps. 1t is dark green in color,
finely cut, with each leatlet closely serrated, and
rather rough in appearance. Another species
is found with it which resembles it so strongly
that it is difficult to define the difference vet it
is SO ''limpsey' when dried that it is worthless
The most noticeable difference is that the latter
is smoother and less finely cut The maidenhair
fern is sometimes found on uplands and some
times on lOwands, but usually in woodland. 1t
is light green in color, in form somewhat like
an inverted umbrella, with brown glossy stems
The Hartford fern is of a creeping. vine-like
nature. In gathering, take long basket and
line the bottom and sides thckly with fresh
leaves or ferns. and cover in the same way when
the collection Is complete. This is to prevent
their willing. If carried in the hand even few
moments they may be spoiled. Press immedi-
ately or place in the cellar until ready to do so.
If wilted they may be freshened by enterelv i'm
mersing IN water, but it is likely to iniure the
color If they are Wet dry before pressing.
July and August Is the most favorable time
for gathering, as they are then at their best. In
pressing, the indispensable requisites to a good
result are sufficient quantity of paper, a per-
fectly even pressure and a proper degree of
weight. The paper should be of soft porous
nature and unglazed. Blotting paper is consid-
cred BEST but newspaper will do very well.
Books are most convenient ii they can be found
of sufficient size and unglazed. If paper is used,
fold it to the desired size, and be careful to
make the edges perfectly even. Place the first
paper upon a level surface. then a layer of ferns
face down. then about fifteen sheets of paper and
so continue till the package is completed. Cover
with smooth bit of board of the same size and
place heavy weight upon it, rocking it in every
direction until the ferns are perfectly smooth.
Remove the heavy weight and substitute one of
perhaps 10 or 12 pounds Be sure that the pres
sure is exactly equal, for If the package tits in
the least the ferns will be spoiled If the weight
is too heavy or too little paper is used they will
turn brown; if the weight is not heavy enough
they will be rough, and if there is any Unequal
ty they will be smooth in some places and
rough in others. Three or four weeks will be
required for the drying unless they are changed
to fresh papers If this is done they must not
be exposed to the air moment or they will curl
past recovery. If perfectly dry they will re-
main smooth The only fault Of ferns is their
tendency to curl from changes of atmosphere.
This may be remedied, in great measure at
least, by waxing after they are dried. This is a
process of some difficulty. Lay the fern face
down upon paper; rub a bit Of yellow beeswax
over the face Of f1at-irun just warm enough to
melt it; pass this very quickly over the fern.
OF course the wax must be made to cover it. If
the iron is too hot. or if the movement Is not
sufficiently rapid, the fern will adhere to the