The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-04-02

We give this week illustration of ia
vorite style for bicycle suit There is a de-
cided preference for close-ftting jacket aud
skirt. trim over the lips as shown. The
jacket is so made that it may be worn open
with snirt-waists for warm weather, or may be
worn buttoned over a dark waistcoat az shown
in the cut. prim, straight, starched white
collar is chosen to accompany this costume,
| and it has pretty effect. The bat is of a soft
Alpine shape, with bright-red quill stuck in
the band. The costume is of black and brown
mixed goods the hat of brown with a black
band. tho wastcoat of very dark brown, and
the lcggings dark-brown. A wise woman wears
dark leggings and shoes, scant skirt, and
heavy gloves The gray and tan. colored leg
gings, unless made of the finest and most ex-
pensive suede, arc clumsy. High boots of
leather or of cloth with leather foxings and
faciugs, are quite as we'll liked as the leggings,
and they are usually neater in fit. The scant
skirt is moro graceful ON the wheel than any
ballooning, whirling fullness would be. The
skirt is short enough to allow perfect freedom
in mounting and dismounting. Heavy, loose
gloves the best because they protect the
hands perfectly, but still allow them freedom
for every movement.
The Norfolk jackets look well with the plain
short skirts, and are often made for bicycle
service.
A Western mother says: ct always let my
daughters have their way about the lamp
shades and doylies, and find that they are not
in much of a hurry to get married as they
would be If they could not attend to these
matters. Most girls are impatient to have
place where they can decide upon the arrange
ment of the little things, SO / make that place
home"
Occasionally we see woman wearing a dark
waist with light skirt, and sometimes it is
pretty combination. 1t is whispered that it
is profitable scheme for short women to make
themselves look taller.
s..
Poke bonnets are threatened for this year, as
they have been for every season, and yet they
never come.
There is a hill before the New York State
Legislature which leves tax of % per cent.
upon the doweres of all women marrying for
eigners. The money thus secured is to be de-
voted to training schools for young women and
for homes for destitute old women.
Some of the gossip about the Empress Of Aus
tria has it that she takes constitutions"
every day. walking 12 miles with groom
stalking along after her reading Homer in
Greek aloud to her.
It was French scientist who declared that
much of the nervous trouble that the women
of to-day have is due to piano practice; that
girls under 12, or better under &c. should not
be compelled to long hours of practice ON any
musical instrument.
Tho latest bulletins announce sleeves and
skirts are diminishing q trihe
Tan color promises to be the most favored for
Spring and Summer. Gloves and parasols are
made to match the daintest shades of grass
linen, tweed, and novelty cloths.
SIS
pongee parasol with natural wood han
die is fashionable and also serviceable style
for the coming seasons.
White silk parasols covered with lowered
organdy and decorated with ruffles of the same
arc dainty and suggest possibilities in making
over an old sunshade.
1t Is time to consider the planting of sweet
pea seeds. They need roots deep down in the
earth, that they may thrive during the hot
months In this climate the middle of March
is none too soon for them. Farther north, of
course one must wait until the frost is we'll out
of the ground.
A man who was asked what he knew about
the coming styles, answered promptly "They
are going to wear poke bonnets, blazers, and
full sleeves.
"a
Now is the season of salads-lettuce and
cress especially. For the French blessing use
three tablespoonful Of oil to one of vinegar,
4 saltspoon of salt, and dash of pepper; q
ninch of mustard put i'll with the salt will
give a little sting to it. Make the dressing at