The age-herald., 1897-09-21
BY MRS. GEORGE C. BALL.
''ssW W''-

l first; too radical step under exis.ing circumstances. The next best plan 1 would, perhaps, be for the local Fede,a- tfon to secure rooms for the use of the various women's clubs and organizations | of Birmingham; the enlargement of the membership Emit of the present cluSs, | and the needed addition of sections or clubs, which have for their object the study of philanthropy of civics, of mu- sic, art or any other subject in which the presert day woman feels any con- cern. If the lccal Federation increased in numbers and in vital interest. it would became a potent factor in many needed reforms. With the present con- dltion of wIomen's clubs, ihe hands of the women are hcpelessly tied; they have not the numerical strength to compel hearing upon any question. Alabama needs the voice and power of her wo- men to secure refcmatory for young criminals; to awaken public interest in | compulsory education; to improve the | jury laws by home influence and to in- l sislt upon police matrons for all the cities l within the borders of the cJmmonweal h. l iiC SOHSiQSldSlOil dlHu .ldtlOU bl Ilsb-V questions will not disturb those women | belonging to the Federlaltion, who are | indifferent to such nlJdters. They can | just as serenely pursue literary course ancient or Vidsorian-as ever, while | others reach out after those helpful 1 things, which only woman can accom- 1 plish for her crwn sex and for the hu- | man race. These columns are open to a n i-4at eli of oI,a | and shorh letters from women, giving | their views on this impor ant subject will be gladly received. There is no pos slble excuse for Birmingham or Alabama | being behind any other city or state in any matter that tends toward the | elevation of humanity or the enlarge menr of woman's influence for good. | The increase in the membership of the local Federation and the securing of suitable quarters for the sessions of Birningham's clubs will not lessen single feminine grace or chaln; 1t will only have the tendency to make the heart soul and mind of a good woman an irresis able power in all the various and varying walks of life.
 Many lovers of plants become dis | couraged, says the New York Evening | Post, in their efforts because of their failure to make plants bloom in win dow where the sun rarely or never shines. Tin such locations it is best to depend upon foliage plants, many of which are most beautiful and do not re- quire sun. Chief among such plants are Rex begonias, famous for their odd l forms of foliage and peculiar markings | The Blossoms do not amount to much The type requires rich soil in we'll dnained pots, and the warm spot in the window; given these, they will de- light the owner with the varied cnanlk- ings of the leaves. Water should never be applied to the foliage.
 LA few of the choicest varieties are Countess Louise Erody; has leaves grow ing a peculiarly twisted form and hay ing metallic lusfre, dark silver in the center, shading to a coppery rose to- wards the margin, with yellowish- green veins on both sides. EnIfante de Nancy
 have thick, heavy leaves distncly ma rlked with a broad silvery zone, with reddish bronze edge. Madame Rival has leaves with a silver center and a band of metallic green dotted with silver Perie de Paris has leaf with bright silvery sheen; very distinct and fine.
 Sanseviera Zeylanica is one of the best foliage plants where Ettle or ne sun may be had; it is also one of the best plants for beginners as it will thrive under neglect The leaves grow to a height of three feet and more, and are dark green, | striped frregularly across with brood bands of stlvery white. The plants re- quire only moderately rich soil, and may be grown as individual plants for |
 towering plant of great beauty and will bloom quite freely in a window devoid of sun, if 1t can be given considerable
 light. The foliage is acasia-like in it's character, and when the plant produces its pure white blossoms resembling the sweet pea in form, in large and abundant
 sprays, 1t is a beautiful sight There
 is also variety with rose-colored flow CTS. Grevilla robusta is another desira- ble decorative plant for the shady win
 dow; the foliage is delicately cut, the
 young growth of a light4bronze color, and the tips covered with soft down, resembling raw silk, from which 1t de- rives it's popular name of silk oak"
 The Chicago Tribune thus describes a symphony in pink" for a lovely young girl:
 pretty gown worn at . recent ball was all of rose pink tuile, like a smart foam, and had little ruffies and puffs everywhere that little ruffies and puffs