The state herald., 1897-07-09
OF INTEREST TO WOMEN.

One of the latest fads in entertaining
Is the gridiron party. The smart bo-
hemian set OF. London is fond of this
diversion, and even the prince of Wales
has lent his presence to gridiron par
ties. The hostess herself must do the
cooking and the broiling Of steak or
chop becomes of absorbing interest to
the company. Dainty silver gridirons
are used by the amateur chefs, and
smart white aprons are donned to pro-
tect handsome gowns.
Every one knows that the horseshoe
is accounted lucky. Hundreds oil years
ago the horse of Roman princess cast
his shoe and n humble artisan rescued
1t, pressed 1t to his heart and was
crushed beneath the horses feet. He
was picked up for dead, but recovered,
and the princess was SO touched by his
devotion that she married MIN.
1t is said the odor Of flowers Is anti
septic and that during epidemics the
workmen in perfume factories are eX-
empt. Some essences are good for the
nerves. Ambergris clears the brain
and induces thought. Musk in tiny
quantities acts as tonic. Cilron anu
aloes are soothing to the nerves. A
chemist believes that each scent can be
symbolized by musical note, and
French romanticist in book says on
inhaling the fragrance of flowers on
shore and hearing the strains of music
borne on the air from the deck of a
vessel II could not tell whether l
breathed music or heard flowers
It Is said a demand has arisen in
London for the sedan chair as substi-
tute for cabs. and one large firm Is
building these old style conveyances
as fast as possible, enameling them
in the manner carriages affect nova
days. in dark green, black. blue, or
maroon, with light trimmings. The
firm expects to make money renting
them to people who want to go short
distance to a dinner or dance.
The mirror has always been the
toilet. but recently 1t has been put to
a novel use. One woman who was far
from graceful by nature overcame all
obstacles to poetry of motion by STU
dying herself in full length mirror.
She would drag chair before the
glass, select book and seat herself to
read At first she said her ungainly
ta har
she practiced seating herself and ris-
ing, trying to initiate the movements
of actresses she had admired. She In
time became one of the most graceful
women of her set. Another woman
who is famed as story teller always
practices telling her stories before n
mirror in order to attain the right ex-
preston and gesture.
In London women are once more be-
ginning to wear great punches OF nat
ural flowers on the left shoulder. the
custom being imported from America.
1t is a pretty idea, but an expensive
one, for, no matter how carefully flow
ers are prepared. they contain 30 much
moisture that they invariably ruin the
delicate laces and gauze with which
they come in contact. Smart women
do not carry bouquets this season. as
they are too cumbersome and heavy.
A few roses are tucked Into the bodice
or hair or tied to the fan instead.
Some women still vigorously advocate
the wearing Of a turban for evening
head-dress. but they are the ones who
do not possess pretty hair.
A ring recently exhibited al Antwerp
was the admiration Of diamond cutters
and merchants because 1t was the first
successful attempt to cut ring out
OF single stone. There are great
many difficulties In this method OF cut
ting diamonds. as the stones have a
certain cleavage and particular veins.
all OF which have to be carefully stu
died In order to prevent splitting Just
as success seems within reach. After
several unsuccessful attempts and three
years labor the feat has been accom-
plished by the patience and skill Of one
OF the best lapidaries Of Antwerp. The
ring IL about six-eighths Of an inch In
diameter. In tho Marlborough cabinet
there is n ring cut out Of one entire and
perfect sapphire.