Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-08-26
THE FAMILY PICNIC.
A Days Junketing in the Country-How
to Enjoy Ii.

to Enjoy 1t.
From the Philadelphia Ledger
The few August days remaining hot in the
sun but pleasant in the shade with all Septem-
Der coming, for cooler ones can be agreeabiy
utilized for the family picnic. Opinion is d.
vided as to what to take on these expeditions,
but il does not seem wise 70 exhaust the
strength OF a party by carrying many wraps or
heavy articles Of provision. II little ones ac-
company the picnic Of course some light COW
ering or extra wrap should be brought for their
use, and it is well to remember the possession
OF rubber overshoes makes difference in the
children's pleasure by permitting them to seek
after water lilies and the other wild flowers that
grow in wet places and in allowing the little
folk to journey unscathed over muddy places
In the road or on the margin of river or sea
beach. Children show a duck-like instinct in
taking to the water, and nursery annals estab-
lsh. beyond the shadow Of doubt. that there is
no Juvenile pleasure equal to the forbidden sport
OF playing in the water. 1t is better for the
mother or nurse to carry these overshoes until
they are actually needed. for their continuous
wear Is apt to draw" the feet and weary the
little travellers. On picnic to the shore few
weeks ago eight overshoes Of assorted sizes
were 'nested" like Chinese puzzle boxes and
carried without any difficulty. Care should be
taken not to suffer the children to undertake
u
OBJECTS they will not feel the fatigue imme-
dlately. and the first token may be a COL
lapse. when far from home. with a feeling that
they cannot take another step.
1t would be a shame to urge unnecessarily
such willing little legs, but If it happens that
the extra distance must be traversed and
added exertion is unavoidable, "A short rest
under a tree, lift over some brambled
stretch Chat might assail the short-stock-
inged travelers) are helps to recovery of
strength. Mental refreshment can be offered
by suggestions for keeping q bright lookout
for some wandering turtle-also far from
home-or for squirrel, bird, or some
familiar landmark. The keeping in view of
some such purpose helps to distract the tired
children from their discouraged feelings.
EATABLEs AND DRINKABLEs
Hard boiled eggs used to be considered
staple article for picnics, but they are not in
such favor as formerly. To begin with. they
are not easily digested by every one, and some
times produce headache.
Stuffed eggs are moro palatable and not such
thlrst-provoking dish. The hard boiled eggs
are halved. the yolks removed and chopped
with butter and dash of pepper. and this
softened mixture returned to its natural
case.
So many good directions have been given
lately for sandwiches. to make a nice luncheon
that 1t is unnecessary to repeat the list Grapes
are grateful to the palate. for they assuage
thirst and obviate the necessity of carrying
much liquid when drinking water is not avail
able on the spot The ordinary glass jars that
come for canning fruit make excellent water
carriers, not being heavier than a quart
bottle
DO not take crackers on a picnic; they are
conveniently handled, but are very apt to pro-
woke thirst and fill up the stomach in an un-
satisfactory way. 1t is scarcely necessary to
add caution against indulging in peanuts or
candies on picnic. Sponge cake and mint
drops are recommended. if the picnickers
crave something sweet. The boxes Of square"
ChylonS ginger or the long, crystalized
thumbs" are dainties particularly acceptable
In hot weather and not likely to upset the di-
gestion. If the party is large, it can arrange
for the transportation Of a block OF ice,
wrapped fret in newspaper and with an outer
covering of flannel.
TO KEEP THE ANTS OFF.
1t occasionally happens that the pleasure Of
country rambles is interfered with by the in
quisitlve excursions of little ants, the Fro
bishers and brakes of the insect world, bent on
discovery Of the unknown. These exhibitions
OF excessive curiosity can be checked by sim
pie remedy. young lady who spends her
summer in systematic outing with sketch book
or microscope informs the Household of
specific after other methods failed she
found entire satisfaction in tracing a circle
with cayenne pepper around her easel and
camp STOOL which proved insuperable bar
TO 'alarumG and excursions ON the part OF the
ants either superstition or a sensitive respira-
ton prevents them intruding across the
charmed cabalistic sign.
JAPANESE GARDEN SEATS
weigh but little; they are an easily carried pre-
caution against exposure 20 damp in sitting
down on the grass or in suspected but attractive
woodland haunts
POSSIBLE ENCo UNTER.
1t sometimes happens in the woods one comes
upon snake summing itself in some open spot
Although the reptile may be disinclined to
move his presence generally occasions disquiet-
ude II not alarm Agassz is quoted as saying
that the education of naturalist now consists
chiefly In learning how to compare. and for the
benefit OF those not acquainted with the char
acteristic habits ofanmals the Household notes
an observation of writer on comparative
zoology:
"As rule the venomous snakes. as vipers
and rattlesnakes. are distinguished by TRAN
gular head covered with small scales a con-
striction behind the head. two or more fangs
and few teeth. small eyes with vertical pupil
and short thick tail In the harmless snake
the head gradually blends with the neck and is
covered with plates; the teeth are compara-
lively numerous in both jaws, the pupil is
round and the tail tapering." The professor
concludes by observing that this rule has many
exceptions. OF course no picnic party will wait
to verify teeth fangs. eye pupils 4 C., but it is
proper to instruct children that. unless a snake
is Enthusiastically trodden on or deiib-
erately provoked--it will do no harm to the
cautious passer-by.