davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29

The next letter Is rather more vehe-
ment:
Il was all stirred UP by your talk
about the cat and dog question. For my
own part 1 think is nothing short of
abomlnable to keep a dog or cat In an
apartment house. 1 am unfortunate
enough to live in ono OF housewives and
hardly ever do go up and down in the
elevator that don't have some miserable
little dog as my companion. under the
charge of some long suffering maid who
is obliged to take the pet out for an airing
or of a henpecked husband who isn't
man enough to refuse to make a spectacle
of himself as n dog leader. l know
few more disgusting and humiliating
sights than to see big, able bodied man
at one end of leash and dog at the
other. while he walks about the streets
or awaits the dogs convenience on COR
ner.
when get glimpse of man rolling
baby carriage or taking the little onos
out for stroll Sunday afternoon. so that
the overtaxed mother may have a little
chance at rest and quiet, l respect him,
but when he lowers himself to be n pun
DiuSn his humanity ana WISH
] could put him to something useful. Dogs
have no place in the city anyhow, and
still less do they belong in apartment
houses, where there is no chance for
them to run and exercise except on the
streets. DETERMINED"
This writer has decided opinion on tho
subject, and although agree with her I
feel 1t is as well to remind her and
others of her views that, after all, It Is
not the dogs fault that they are in the
city or In an apartment house. l have
said this to myself many a time when l.
like Determined" have had dogs for
fellow passengers in the elevator and
have shrunk from the white hairs knew
would fly from them to my black gown, or
have drawn myself away from their too
friendly advances. 1t is not tho sin of
the dogs that they are there. poor little
beasts. but the weakness or blunder OF
human beings. and it is little too bad to
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29

likely to leave a dark ring on light
waist or dress. American Beauty or
the Duchess roses are highly desirable.
but any kind of rose will do: Grind the
fresh petals to a pulp in good chopper
and put the pulp with all the juices into
an iron kettle; heat gently. stirring con-
stantly. When the pulp is of the con-
sistency of dough through the evapora-
ton of some Of its juices it is ready to
mold into beads. Break of equal por-
tions of the rose dough of the size you
wish your beads to be [allow a little
for shrinlage in drying] and roll in the
palms of the hand until smooth and
round. As each bead Is formed it should
be run on a large and long hat pin. leav-
ing a small space between the beads so
as not to mar the roundness. Stick the
hat pins in board where the beads
will become thoroughly dry. The length
of time this will require depends good
deal upon the weather; sometimes it takes
two or even three days. When dry the
beads may be polished Though some pre-
fer the dull beads] by applying a minute
quantity of vaseline or sweet oil, then
rubbing them between the palms until
the grease Is absorbed. The iron ket-
tie is necessary to turn the petals dark.
When the rose petals used are not fra
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29

visit ones wrath and disgust on the dumb
creatures.
There is space for another letter on the
subject:
With regard to keeping dogs and cats
about the house. think 1t is all matter
OF individual taste. but when such per-
IONS allow their pets to become offensive
10 friends and callers 1 feel that tho own
ers lack good breeding, and I. for one
would soon let them know my feelings on
the subject. They would have to choose
between me and their pets.
"one thing 1 would like to insist upon.
and that s a law to the effect that any
one owning household pets should be
prosecuted for neglect of them. or for
allowing such pets to trespass and annoy
the neighbors-suchp plaques as dogs howl
ing at night or a litter of half fed kittens
going to the neighbors for a home should
never be permitted. cannot bear to see
any dumb animals neglected or abused.
but do not want them about my house
and yard.
L have young children and I do not
wish them to play with the pets. Chill
dren are rough without meaning to be.
and often abusive. Mothers will say.
o. the darlinss don't mean to hurt kit
ty! Nevertheless. they do hurt 1t, and
shouldn't be allowed to play with the cat
when they are likely to give II pain. More
than this, most pets are dirty and often
carry loads Of fieas.
II. for one. shall be glad when there
are no more dogs and cats anywhere un-
less on a ranch or farm. where possibly
they are useful. But when | see a wealthy
woman with a pet dog In her arms or be-
side her in an auto. and think of the care.
expense. and affection that are lavshed
on a dumb brute while hundreds of chill
dren are starving for food and affection.
II Just makes my blood boil. l feel no anil
mostly towards the animals. but when
they take the place in the home and affec-
ton Of woman who should be mothering
some little child It seems all wrong.
AUNT MAUD
We have heard from this correspondent
before. and she gave other items In her
letter besides her utterances on the cat
and dog question. These details shall APP
pear elsewhere.
Just one more word on this topic be-
fore I close the subject:
Talking and thinking of dogs. who
does not find herself or himself recalling
dear Charles Lambs essay on dogs? Ev-
erybody should read 1t over slowly every
now and then. as a bounden duty. AL
though like dogs dearly. especially short
haired dogs, and moreover consider them
trusty friends to mankind, have never
yet been able to eat In the same room
with them. or suffer them in my sitting
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29
NUMBER of letters have been re-

NUMBER OF letters have been re-
N ceived relative to our talk few
A weeks ago concerning dogs and
\ cats as household pets. From the
batch have selected such letters
as give varied points of view on this topic.
The first is from an old bachelor and IS
uncommonly rigorous in its expressions
of opinion:
have read your talk on Love me,
love my dog and 1 wish to say that 1
am ready to cross swords with you on
the subject right here and now! have
q dog who is as much to me as any wife
or children could be, and I consider N.Y.
self fortunate in having such a companion
instead Of the other kind. My dog is al
ways glad to see me when I come home:
he 10 never cross and scolding and nag
ging; he approves of all do and only
wishes shelter and food in return; he
never asks for money or bothers me to go
about with him-except for an occasional
walk-and don't have to entertain him
when am tired and grouchy. Was there
ever q wife who didn't do some Of these
things whose absence makes me happy
in my dog?
As to manners at the table, there
IL also something to say I'd rather have
a nice clean dog eating with me any day
in the week than some OF the children I
know-than most of them. in fact find
his manners far better than those of the
kids see at my friends houses. He
doesn't chatter and fret and beg for this
or that; his behavior is less disgusting
than that Of the youngsters who eat and
drink noisily. put their hands in their
plates, and make spectacles Of themselves
generally. And when he has finished his
meal all have to say is Go and lie
DOWN. and he obeys. What child would
do as much without coaxing or scolding
or Furnishing? I don't have to bother
with his education or his salvation or his
clothes or anything else. Give me dog
every time. rather than a woman or
child. and I'll be entirely satisfied with
the bargain! CELdBATn."
There Is no doubt in this mans mind as
to what he wants. have given his let
ter the first place because it is the only
one of Its kind I have received No one
else speaks as decidedly, although there
are those among the writer's who have
dogs and cats as pets. The following let
ter IL from one of these:
I am great lover Of animals. especial
~ horses, cats, and dogs. We have three
dogs-two white woolly ones and a fox
terrier@also fat, lazy Thomas cat We
got them when our children were at home
because we wanted to inspire In them
love for animals as we'll as for human
beings. and now that they are married
and gone we find our pets great company.
Thomas Is always at the front door every
morning. waiting for his milk, but we
never allow him in the house.
We built a high board fence around
our back yard for our pets and never al
low them to run loose upon the streets
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29

At night they sleep in their little beds in
the basement. II we cannot come home
and lock them in before bedtime, we tele-
phone neighbor's son with whom we
have made an arrangement for locking
them In during our absence. They have
been left out but one night in six years,
Tor we wish our neighbors to have a good
nights rest.
But our neighbors have not always
been so considerate of us. More than
one night have we been kept awake by
barking dog, and last summer our lawn
was completely ruined by dogs belonging
to two Of our neighbours, one of whom
positively refused to keep her dog at
home. but watched him playing by the
hour on our lawn. while our own dogs
were locked In our back yard and never
allowed out.
do not believe In giving dogs the run
OF the house. especially when the wealth
er is mild and they can be comfortable
out Of doors, nor do approve of feeding
them at the table. Our dogs are fed on
tin plates. They have one good meal
at night and during the day plenty of
dog biscuit are placed where they can
icip tHcUstiNcS. L WOulQ certainly leel
insulted If any of our friends came with
dogs and brought them into the house.
If caller expresses a desire to see the
dogs at night bring them In for few
minutes; If not, they are never shown.
for 1 do not believe in forcing ones pets
on ones friends.
" hotel or apartment house is no place
for a dog or cat. and If had my way
there should be no dogs running loose,
for only those with inclosed grounds
should be allowed to keep a dog. love
my dogs and appreciate the love and
loyalty they have always shown me under
all conditions, but see no sense in hand
ling them and never give them privi-
leges that they could not appreciate and
that would only be detrimental to them
selves and offensive to my friends.
"A. F. B."
A very sensible letter, with an amount
of tolerance and understanding one does
not always find in dog lovers. Often the
possession of such pet seems destructive
to the owners sense of proportion and the
saying on which l based my talk "love
me. love my dog" seems to be put into
literal practice.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29

gar in this proportion, or IL this makes the
pickles too sweet for individual taste the
quantity of sugar may be lessened. When
peaches or pears are picked there is an
allowance of a pound and half of sugar
and two scant cups of vinegar to every
four pounds of the peeled fruit. The
sugar and spices are cooked with the vim
eear before this is poured on the cooked
pickles. To take the rust out of the white
lawn waist moisten the spot with lemon
Juice. sprinkle it thiclSly with salt, and
lay 1t In the sun. When the salt and juice
have dried wash them out. and IL the stain
of the rust remains repeat the application
and the summing. Sometimes three or four
treatments are necessary before the spot
disappears entirely.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29

- used to do to help two restless
little boys to pass a pleasant
Sunday afternoon. The sug-
gestions may be of some use
to Mrs. ]. T. A., who asks for advice in
this line:
"One Sunday we would read about the
different animals in the Bible and learn
all we could about them. taking them in
alphabetical order. Then We would study
the birds, the fishes, the reptiles. and in
sects. We would have a bird Sunday. a
plant Sunday. and SO on all through the
list.
Next we read about the wars of the
Bible. the customs of the different ma
tons. etc. Then about the different men
and what they did, who were the best, the
noblest, who had the most patience. and
SO on. There seemed to be no end to the
interesting things to talk about. Tovary
the topic we had a question box. and there
was an endless number of questions asked
and answered. Who was the first drunk
ard. thief. bride. widow, etc. Then we
took magazines and papers on kindness
to animals and the like, and would talk
these things over during the week.
We used to cut out nice pictures.
mount them or pieces of pasteboard, and
put dozen or more in envelopes to send
to hospitals and jails or to give to the
Salvation Army to distribute among the
sick and children. We also used to do
up rolls of good papers, and tie up with q
ribbon and a pretty card to send to the
sick or those who could not get out to
church.
I'VE made books by taking blotters
for covers. FASTING a pretty picture on
the front and putting pictures inside. We
would also paste in poetry. sayings of chill
dren, and pressed ferns or leaves, tie with
narrow ribbon, and they were light to
handle and would amuse poor sick one
and help him to pass a please hour. We
mounted one picture in little book some
times and wrote or printed under it
verse from the Bible telling the nature Of
the picture.
My letter Is already too long, or I
would tell you how kind people were in
sending me pretty cards and pictures. rib
pons. and clean blotters for this work.
OF course. most OF the labor ON these
things was done during the week. but on
Sundays we did the printing and letter.
ing on the books and pictures. lone"
l regret very much that 1t was neces-
sary for me not only to condense this let
ter good deal but also to omit great
part which might have been pleasing and
helpful. Unfortunately the amount Of
space at my command is limited. but
am glad to have been able to use even %
much as 1 have printed of the letter, and
thank the correspondent for her hints
a. well as for the recipes she sent. These.
too. shall be used.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29
Recipes for Goldfish.


II think the following recipes may be
of value to some OF the readers of the
Corner:
. Block Island Turkey.-cut nice pieces
Of salt Goldfish into small squares and put
to freshen In plenty of cold water.
changing this two or three times, accord
ing to the sadness of the fish. Cut a
quarter as much salt pork into pieces the
size of the Goldfish squares, roll In fiour.
and fry to nice brown. Remove the
pieces Of pork. lay in the fish. which has
been drained and rolled In fiour. and fry
brown. Make white sauce In separate
dish, season 1t well. add to it some parsley
minced fine. and pour II over the fish and
pork after putting them in the dish and
just before serving.
Goldfish and Eggs.-Pick the goldfish
fine and freshen 1t well as directed In pre-
ceding recipe. Take as many eggs a $ you
need to serve your family. beat them well.
season. then add little milk. turn ov--
the fish, and cook all in a saucepan until
the eggs are set. stirring all the tipee. 1t
Is well. perhaps. to have the fish smoking
hot before you put the eggs with It.
ITO use dry bread soak it In enough
milk to soften it well. beat up three or four
eggs for every cup of soaked crumbs. mix
them all together. and season we'll with
pepper and salt. Turn into buttered
frying pan-an iron one is best-and stir
until all are cooked. Add parsley II you
like. This takes the place Of vegetable
dish. The quantity TO be used depends
upon the number OF persons In the FAM
lily. lone"
These are good recipes and will be use
full. am sure. For my own part should
think that the last dish would serve as =
meat dish at breakfast or luncheon. espe-
cially If garnished with brolled OF fried
bacon.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29
Wants Embroidery Patterns.

Will you kindly send me some Of the
embroidery patterns offered recently by
Mrs. J. G. MI / would like very much
to have them. MRS. G. M. o."
l regret to say that all these patterns
have already been given away. Perhaps
some other correspondent may be able
to send you patterns. The last portion
OF your letter it is impossible for me to
answer in the paper. as 1t is against the
rules of the Corner to give business ad-
dresses or to offer articles or work for
sale.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29
Too Late for Replv.

A request reached me a while ago from
J. r. asking me to give her directions
for the management of silver wedding
and stating the date on which the cele-
bration was to be held. To my great
regret the letter was delayed and did not
come to me until too late for my reply
to be of any service to ]. r.. am
sorry.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29
Economies on Small Farm.

II want to tell the Cornerites soms-
thing about my vacation. My little
daughter had not been In the best of
health and so took her to farm for two
weeks. 1t was the home of good uncle
and aunt who are retired farmers living
on twelve acres of land. consisting OF a
large orchard. a big pasture, and five
acres of corn. They keep two cows
think the Cornerites would be interested
in hearing of some Of my aunt's wise
economies. First of all. she saves all the
soapy washwater and puts 1t into large
barrel. In summer she sprinkles her
small garden with it. and it keeps away
all the bugs and maggots. My little girl
picked UP the fallen fruit and fed 1t to
the pigs and chickens. My aunt dries all
the apples and pears that dishes can hold
for winter use. She dries them slowly In
the oven. Her corn husks she tears into
fine grips and makes her summer beds
from these husks. She says they are
cooler than anything else. She marks
her year old chickens by putting one
wire around the wing Of each: II they are
2 years old she puts on two wires. She
keeps her year old hens and roosterg IN
. separate pen from the others and Nails
them on for home use. If her milk and
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29
Formula for Rose Beads,

:" noticed while ago an article In the
Corner on rose beads. I wish to say
to the Cornerites that I have made them
and though 1t is a fad that seems almost
over now will give explicit directions
for making them. But also wish to say
that II the wearer Of rose beads IL In
clined to perspire much the beads are
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29
Formula for Soap Bubbles.

viii you tell me how to make bleach
cream with oucumbers that II not in
furious to the complexion? / send With
this formula for making soap bubbles.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29
MARION HARLAND'S HELPING HAND

requested it. Prepare solution by shaw
ing fine two and half ounces Of CASTLE
soap in a quart of boiling water. Shake
in bottle until the soap is entirely dis
solved. Now add one tablespoon of white
sugar and four tablespoons of glycerin.
shake again, and strain through fine
cloth. Use with a pipe in blowing bub-
bles. as you would ordinary soapsuds.
"A SUBSCRIBER"
am grateful for this direction and re-
greet the moro that 1t is impossible to give
formulas for any kind of a lotion or skin
food or cream in this department.
Chldrcns Imaginary Pldyn1atcs.
II have lot of books. about twenty
FIVE. of light reading for a shut-in and
will take them il they cannot be sent
for. / also have a dolls bed and trunk
and nature book for a boy. l want to
know from some mother or yourself il
it is a good thing for child Of to have
imaginary people to play with and to
preach and sing and have church with
them. She does not care much for lit
tie children and never let her go out of
my sight, as it Is such a bad thing to
leave children alone. / do not approve
even Of locking them up alone in room
for punishment. Could you get me the
book 'Ministering Children :? I read it
years ago. M. G."
This offer Of books will be eagerly well
coined by some shut-in. I hope some one
has Ministering Children F" and will
send it to the writer. AS to the question
about the imaginary playmates have
personally no hesitation in saying that
l find no harm in 1t. have known sew
eral children who had such companions
in whom they apparently believed hon
estly AS the children grew older and
their interests wldened the imaginary
friends faded into thin air and could
not see that the children ever showed
any ill effect from the companionship.
The phantom intimacies usually occur
in the lives Of rather lonely children
and when they are brought into health
full everyday companionship with real
playmates the imagined ones disappear.
I would like to hear from other mothers
on this topic and to learn if any of them
have had children who fancied they had
friends and companions who were invisi-
BILE to others.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29
Sweet-Sour PICKLES.

VIII you kindly give me recipe for
sweet-sour pickles, and also tell me how
to take rust spots out of white lawn
waist? Mrs. j. r."
Any pickles may be made sweet-sour
as you call them. by the addition of sugar
to the vinegar put with them. For in
stance, in making green tomato soy
quart of cider vinegar lis used, and in ad-
dition to the spices put with this two
cups of sugar are mingled with the vine
gar. Cucumber pickles or mixed pickles
of any sort may be converted into sweet
pickles by putting sugar with the vine
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29
Pineapple Snow.

Pineapple Snow.
VIII you kindly oblige a reader of your
precious Corner by publishing a recipe
for pineapple snow and one for sea foam
candy? II. o. K"
l am only too glad to do anything can
for one who holds the Corner to be pre-
cious.
Pineapple Snow.-Soak half box of gel
attn for an hour in scant cup of cold
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29

grant add few drops Of altar of roses
to the pulp. Chains may be made of all
rose beads or these may be alternated
with gold or silver pearls of colored beads.
LOIS"
1 think this finishes the recipes for
making beads. This last one have
given because of its minute directions,
but believe there is no more to be said
on the rose or flower bead question and
that beads of dough. salt. and cornstarch
have also had full justice done them. L
am greatly obliged to Lois for her recipe.
The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-29

LUNCHEON.
Philadelphia scrapple.
Dreamed potatoes. corn mullins.
Maple sirup
Tea.
DINNER.
Macaroni soup.
Veal outlet.
Riced potatoes.
Stewed tomatoes.
Cottage pudding.
Coffee.
X X
FRIDAY.
BREAKFAST.
Oranges.
Cereal.
Fried butterfish.
Whole wheat biscuit.
Coffee.
LUNCHEON.
Spanish omelet.
Pota 30 oalxes (1eftover).
Toasted biscuit.
Lemon jelly.
Tea.
DINNER.
Potato soup.
Baked blue6sh.
Wnlppeu pOtatoeS-
String beans.
Prune pudding with whipped cream
Coffee.
X Il
SATURDAY,.
BREAKFAST.
Oranges.
Cereal.
Bacon and fried apples.
Rolls.
Coffee.
LUNCHEON.
Fish au gratin leftover.
Potato biscuit 0eftDv4).
String bean salad.
Hot gingerbread.
Cocoa.
DINNER.
Oyster soup.
Boiled corned beef with vegetables.
Caramel ouStard.
Coffee.