Norwich bulletin., 1914-01-17

(written Specially for The Bulletin.)
 We all know it by reputation, if not by use, and most of us are acquainted with its use for in most households 1t is in frequent demand for various ails Every autumn we are told of its being harvested in our vicinity and of the mills where 1t is distilled and put on the market. But still the supply seems never exhausted. Like many other good things, 1t increases as de- mand is made upon it. Like charity. it never faileth. It apparently is finish for the years floral offering, gliding the wayside after all other flowers have vanished. I may be wrong in that last statement, but l know of nothing that is later In bloom
 The name Hazel has become quite a favorite one for the girls of our country, although in other countries 1t seems not to be used, nor even in our own beyond the limits of New England, the region of witches
 Hazel Brooks came to her parents in the late autumn. and received warm welcome from her delighted parents, and from a large circle of admiring relatives. She was the first child of Papa and Mamma Brooks, though their married life had covered several years. All the previous children in the family connection were boys, manly, lusty lit tie fellows. This dainty little maiden seemed of a different sort. and was hailed as their ruling queen by the boys as well as by the older set of worshippers. For, indeed, their devo- tion exceeded their discretion till 1t we'll nigh became adoration.
 Hazel could hardly fail to be hap py child. In fact she would have been ungrateful to be otherwise. Her home was in the country not far from a thriving city which had little to at tract her. Thither she went often enough to become familiar with its busy streets, its thriving shops. its hurrying crowds, but she always re- turned from such trips glad to find herself free once more from the tram mels of city ways. She was natures child, and happiest when roaming about her favorite haunts of wood and stream
 She soon became so well taught, though self taught, in all wood lore that she was often appealed to for Q decision when higher authorities dis agreed Her decision was so general ly accepted by disputants that they be- gan to say: How has the little witch learned so much?' and called her Witch Hazel.
 Certainly the child, as she advanced to maidenhood, appeared to have the gift of sympathetic insight, which en- abled her to come to conclusions with out apparently stopping to reason them out. Her sympathy overtiowed to ev- eryone, her charity never failed her She was an optimist, quick to see the good in all things, to find excuse fol all failings, and was the last to be- lieve evil of anyone. Her parents found her obedient to their slightes wish. It was not difficult for her t( obey; for. as I read recently, obedience is founded on love, and she devotedl1 loved her parents.
 Her heart was large enough, how ever, to love more than one, and as sh' | reached womanhood her affection Wal given to Philip Princely, a young mal filling a position of trust in a neigh | boring business firm. Apparently h. was worthy of the confidence reposet 1 in him by his employers, and equall! | deserved the love of Witch Hazel which he valued as the most preciou 1 gift life had thus far vouchsafed him l The clearest sky is sometimes ob