davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20

LI WOULD like to ask your advice
 about matter in which I am
 much interested. My two little
 boys, 10 and 12 years old. respec-
 lively, had a book given them at Christmas which told the story of a boy who made wonderful collection of birds eggs. Ever since then they have been eager for the time to come when they could begin making such collection for themselves.
 made few protests against it, for have always had an idea that If you took an egg from birds nest the birds desert ed 1t, and I have hoped the little chaps would forget the plan, as is often the way with children But lately they have started up again talking about 1t. and write to ask you if there is any wrong in their doing it, or if it will hurt the birds. And if the latter is the case, is there any real harm in it?
 When I was girl in the country tho farmers used to say that the birds were more plague than profit, because they ate the cherries and the berries and pecked the other fruit.
 believe that if you will answer this question it may be help to other moth CTS of small boys who are fond of bird nesting and who wish to know if the birds are a benefit or an injury to the fruit crop. K. O. H.
 The old theory that birds did more dam age than good to crops of any kind has been exploded long ago.
 It is nearly thirty years since an army officer with keen interest in natural his tory undertook to prove, for his own sat isfaction and as a means of refuting this theory to which you have referred. that birds in general and robins in particular did positive good in the way of exter- minating insects which would otherwise have destroyed large proportion of the fruit crop.
 l do not recollect exactly by what process of study he demonstrated his point, and I would be afraid to say how many of the beetles known as June bugs he computed that one robin devoured in the course of every twenty-four hours, but I do--know that he trumphantly proved that the robins were a positive benefit to the farmers of small fruits and that so far from diminishing the output by their ravages they actually saved far more than they ate by the destruction they wrought among the insect pests
 As I have said, this conclusion was reached by my army friend thirty years ago. and time has only resulted in verify ing his observations and deductions. Now it Is clearly understood that the birds are the farmers best friends and that the wfsest thing he can do is to encourage them to find home on his premises. The government goes so far as to advocate building bird houses and other shelters for our feathered visitors and makes laws to protect them against the ruthless cruelty of the ignorant and heartless boy and man.
 A recent fish and game commission does mt hesitate to assert that the birds stand
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20

oo from the Corner and have intend-
 | ed to return them, but time flies \ fast with the mother of three s3 small boys under years of age. But here finally come with something which may be of assistance. Long ago saw a suggestion to use boiling water in mixing piecrust. Coupling this with one from my dear mother-in-law q have one of the best and sweetest ever) to mix three parts of flour and one part, level, of shortening, have been able to make what before that had been impossible to me. good piecrust With some short enings find three parts of flour insuffi- cient, and so then use three and a half and sometimes four parts. One can soon find the correct amount after mixing the crust for time or two. use a large cup, holding about three ordinary cups; sift heaping teaspoon each of baking pow der, salt and Cugar through the flour at least twice. then my measure of shorten ing, dropped into the sifted flour tea apoonful at time. Then with a case knife I cut it through and through until 1t is well mixed. Next I rub it gently through my hands until it is like coarse dry bread crumbs This I set away in a deep drawer or other protected place, covered, and I always have piecrust ready. When l want pie or two, dip out a deep cup of the mixture for pie, mix it up with three or four tablespoons of boiling water-result, delicious pie crust. Even if the dough gets cold be- fore you roll 1t out and seems tough un- der the rolling pin. it will be tender and faky when cooked. However. it is bet ter to mix for only one pie at time. It is so easy to dip out another cupful and mix it. Pies have no terror for me since I have learned this plan, and before that dreaded to have my husband suggest pie One mote suggestion, When peel irg tomatoes for the table place them in deep pan under the cold water faucet
 pour on boiling water enough to cover them instantly: before setting your tea kettle down turn on the cold water and let it run until all the heat is out. Toma- toes scalded thus will have the same fia- vor as if not scalded. and will peel easily and smoothly 1 often scald them in the morning and set them in the ice box until needed for the table; they peel just as easily then as when first scalded. I use the same plan when scalding tomatoes for canning. They do not get mushy and soft as when allowed to stand in the boil ing water for a few moments. hope that these helps may be used for they have aided many to whom I have passed them verbally. M. F. D.
 For my own part I feel I shall not be satisfied until have tried both these methods. I wish M. E. B. had stated whether she puts her pies into the oven as soon as they are made or let's them stand, SO that the pastry may become chilled before baking. as Is recommend- ed in making pastry with cold water. The suggestion for the tomatoes has another merit besides those that she mentions end that is that by following 1t the house.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20
Corresponding in Spanish.

"Could you put me into communica- ton with some one who is studying Spanish? I am learning this language without the aid of a teacher. and I think If could write to and be writ ten to by some one In Spanish 1t would be interesting and practical and help me to grasp the language, andsbe rraf.t, itable expenditure of time for my cor respondent as we'll as myself
 "R. F. B." Your request is passed along the line with willing heart and the lively hope that you may succeed in getting the correspondent you want. Having in my youth studied the sonorous language with much delight enter fully into your long, ing to become familiar with 1t. It is not difficult. especially to one who can read and speak French. And the literature is worth the trouble the study will cost you. I hold your address.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20
Long Walk 10 Work.

am writing in behalf of young girl who has to walk about two miles morn- ing and evening. to and from work, talk ing care of baby to help her widowed mother She is anxious for second hand bicycle for girl or woman, so that she may ride back and forth from her work and not be so worn out, but she cannot afford to buy one. Cannot some kind, helping hand help her to get wheel? She can pay moderate transportation charges. She is 15 years old and her ini- tials are L. D."
 trust that some one may be able to as- sist this girl. When child of 15 is willing to give her days to the care of a baby for, the sake of Tightening the burden of widowed mother 1t seems as though the lift she needs to enable her to continue her work should be forthcoming I will gladly send her address to any one who can lend a hand to her
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20
Would Exchange Letters, Postal,.

write to ask about the Corner. Is if really made up of the letters of different people from different parts of the country. or Is 1t just part of the papers effort at entertainment of readers? It looks real and is interesting and if l can 1 would like to Join 1t. Do people join, and. if so please tell me how I shall belong to 1t, if l may l am lonely and wish to get in touch with some one. In recent paper there was letter from a woman who wished to exchange post cards or letters with some other lonely person. I could write her interesting letters, think and l could send her pretty post cards of beautiful places near here. Her signature in the paper was Mrs. l.. E. McA.
 '' MRS. C. ". ""
 Another lonely one who, hope, may find companionship through the Corner. can assure her that the department is made up of very real persons and is not merely a department run for the enter tainment of readers All that is needed to join it Is to do just what this corre- spondent has done-write and express her wish to belong to our band and to be put in touch with some one already in it. The address she asks has been sent to her and l am sure her offer of post cards and of interesting letters will be accepted eagerly. We welcome her to our ranks!
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20

away? l live out on farm and am at a loss much Of the time without anything to occupy my time. I would also appre- ciate pieces to embroider. J. B.
 l am sorry to report that the magazines to which reference is made have already been given away elsewhere. Has not some one else reading matter and em- broidery materials to send to this girl on the lonely farm? will put her name and address on file and hope request may soon come which will mean amusement and occupation for her.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20
To Decorate Bare Walls.

am going to ask help and pray that 1t may be granted. l am an invalid, and. although can use my hands. cannot walk. I wish some one would be so good as to send me pennants and pictures with which to decorate my bare room. Any thing would be appreciated. I win crochet anything in the line of lace or caps for the sender of such articles if the thread Is sent to me for the work. My brother is an invalid. too. and would like very much to get something to read. S. H."
 Not long ago similar plea for pen nants was made by an invalid and hope this request may meet with the same
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20
Has Need of Crutches.

am a shut-in with that terrible af- fiiction, rheumatism. I would like to ask if any one has a pair of crutches that he or she would kindly give me. would cer- tainly appreciate the favor. MRS. F. F."
 Is there some Cornerite who can sup ply the crutches? I will gladly give the address of the sufferer, and hope her ap- plication may not remain long unan- swered.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20

between the American people and starva- ton. and that if the stringent laws which now protect them were removed and the birds exterminated the country would have to face the greatest economic prob lem of history. The check made by the birds upon insect life Is so important that if this were interrupted and the insects given couple of months start in the spring not crop could be grown in field or garden and the forests would be swept " as by a blast of fire"
 Those of us who make our homes in cities during the greater part of the year may not see how this affects us per- sonally. We are in the habit of enjoying the birds when we go to the country. It pleases our esthetic sense to see and hear them and we encourage the country dwellers who do what they can to pro- tect the birds and bring them about the house. But it seldom occurs to us that the feathered songsters of the grove are of distinct economic value and that if they were destroyed 1t would mean an in- crease In the cost of living to those of us who see no free birds for months at a time except the city sparrow.
 While even the city dweller may bring the weight of whatever influence he or she possesses for the protection of the birds both by word and action. in town or in the country, far more devolves upon the people who live on farms or in the real country. It is their duty to protect birds and to do as one man I know does who will not permit a gun to be fired upon his premises. There are always pot hunters who will break game laws and will not hesitate to shoot birds in the breeding time, and they must be guarded against by personal vigilance as we'll as by the laws which have been enacted against them.
 Not only game birds are In danger from these pot-hunters. They do not spare even the song birds and will shoot as readily at robins or meadow larks g at quail or woodcock. Robin pie tastes mighty good to me-. heard young man
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20

respond who would understand7 If you nave ever been awfully homesick your self you know what it is and I am sure that anyhow you are willing to help me.
 H. K"
 think there can be no doubt that some where a correspondent Is waiting who would like to exchange letters with you about your beloved mountains and thus help you to endure and conquer the home sickness I will put your name on file and l hope that better days may be ahead Tor you Let mo give you a word of motherly warning-not to permit your loneliness to lead you into the mistake of making unworthy or unsa tisfactory com panions. That is q big temptat tion when one is away from home and friends and 1t Is wise to be on guard against it. The bitterest loneliness Is better than asso- citations that are harmful or degrading
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20

whether or not these have been worn, for almost anything would be of servics
 "M. F. A. w." Has some one ribbons or similar trifies which have come to light in the spring dressmaking and summer preparation which could be sent to this woman for her little girls? I will keep her address an6 send it on application.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20

quick and generous response accorded his plea. The offer of crochet work will prob- ably be accepted and 1 hope the reading matter for the invalid brother may also be sent promptly and literally. regret our rule forbids our printing the croup cure you send
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20

keeper is spared the unpleasant experi- ence of plpnging the hands into scalding water to remove and peel tomatoes for canning or preserving. We are most glad to welcome M E. B. on this first visit and hope there may be many more as helpful as the beginning
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20
Anything Little Girls Could Use.

Here comes another countrywoman to ask for help. I have two little girls
 the older one years old the younger one only year. and I would like ribbons for them or caps or any other little things they could use. It makes no difference
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20
Carrot Jam.

am sending recipe for carrot jam, for it Is good: Peel the carrots. cut them up, and then cook them down In the kettle to the point where you can crush them with the potato masher; then measure the quantity. To each cup of carrot add one cup of sugar. the juice of three lemons. and the peel of two. Cook all to- gether until they are as thick as ordinary jam. I forgot to say that you should drain the carrots before mashing them. This is good and wholesome and if you use the recipe l may come again.
 "M. A. E."
 I have never eaten carrot jam myself and I am not familiar with 1t, but print this and would like to hear from others who are acquainted with the conserve and can tell me how 1t impresses them. should think it might be rather insipid, even with the addition of the lemon. but it should undoubtedly be wholesome.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20
Round Steak Rolls.

II read the Helping Hand regularly. and 1t would be hard to give 1t up. sympathize with one correspondent who asks for recipes for two or three persons. Here Is one for round steak rolls: Cut out pieces of steak in size wanted for each person; sprinkle with salt, pepper. sage. and minced onion. Roll each piece sepa- rately, with the seasoning inside. and tie with string. Lay in dish. pour in hot water. cover with another dish. and bake slowly and steadily until tender.
 MRS. F. l.. C."
 We are always glad to receive words of commendation for the Helping Hand, no matter how often they may come The recipe is also good, and is welcome.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20
Likes to Receipe Letters.

wrote to you some time ago for cheery letters and now I wish to thank you for the kind interest you and the Helping Hand have shown me. One of the Cornerites has been such an inspira- ton to me! She also induced a friend of hers to write to me and others besides. and am so thankful to you and to all of them. I have received spiritual, mental. and physical help. Now am going to ask you to put me in touch with others who will write to me and perhaps send me few home magazines. wonder if any of our friends has a Bible concordance which is not in use. would so much ap- preciate one. I will gladly exchange violet roots. geranium cuttings. and diff
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20

DINNER. Cream of turnip soup. Veal pastry Cleft over) Green peas. Young cabbage. scalloped. Currant tarts
 Coffee
 FRIDAY.
 BREAKFAST. Oranges. Cereal Clam frtters. Toast LUNCHEON
 Spanish eggs. Green pea pancakes Cleft ovsr) Baked potatosa Hot gingerbread. Iced tea.
 DINNER Cabbage soup Oeft ovsr). Baked halibut Baked tomatoes. New potatoes with cream sauce. Ice cream with strawberry sauce.
 Coffee.
 * j.
 SATURDAY.
 BREAKFAST. Berries. Cereal Bacon and frothed eggs. Rolls.
 Coffee.
 LUNCHEON. Creamed fish (eft over). Flashed potatoes in cream. Popovers. Marmalade. Tea DINNER.
 Black bean soup. Hamburg steaks. scalloped tomatoes Cleft over). Baked bananas. Raspberries and cream. Sponge cake.
 Coffee.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20
Makes Good Pie Crust.

<u HAVE had many helpful hints eo from the Corner and have intend
 ed to return them, but time flies fast with the mother of three
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20

Idle Much of the Time. Will you send me the address of B. M who says she has magazines to give
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20

II WOULD like to ask your advice about matter in which I am much interested. My two little nd ~s
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20

LUNCHEON Minoe of chicken (eft over) Baked potatoes. Ginger snaps. Canned fruit. DINNER
 Barley soup.
 Baked lamt's liver Rice croquettes ueft over). Fried carrots. Tapioca pudding.
 Coffee.
 WEDNESDAY,.
 BREAKFAST. Pineapple. Ceresl Baked eggs. Rolls. LUNCHEON
 Liver slcsd cold. stewed potatoes. Toasted Ensnsh mufins Honey Tea.
 DINNER
 Tomato bisQue soup. Roast shoulder of veal. stuffed. Crowned potatoes. Young turnips. Strawberry shortcake.
 Coffee
 THURSDAY.
 BREAKFAST, Broiled bacon Whole whsat hascuit. LUNCHEON.
 Cheese fondu. Potatoes hashed and browned (left over), Toasted biscuit Qsft ovsr). Gingerbread. Cocoa.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-06-20

SUNDAY.
 BREAKFAST Berries. Cereal Creamed brains. Mufins. LUNCHEON. Veal loaf. Baked potatoes. Sliced tomatoes. Cream cheese Macaroons. Tea.
 DINNER.
 Onion soup Stewed chicken toast Mashed potatoes. Spinach. Raspberry ice cream.
 Coffee
 MONDAY.
 BREAKFAST. Oranges Cereal. Dreaded eggs. Rolls. LUNCHEON Mince of veal Oeft over). Potatoes mashed in cream. Tomato toast. Crackers and cheese.
 Tea
 DINNER. Cream of potato soup Oeft over). Chicken pie Cleft over). Spinach soufne Cleft over). Boiled rice. Iced entrants with sugar.
 Coffee.
 TUESDAY.
 BREAKFAST. Berries. Cereal Bacon. Toast
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-08-06


male lays TWO eggs, which hatch in II
days, The male bird sets on the eggs
! ny day while the female sets on them
1at night. The breeders hatch from
seven to ten pair Of squads a year,
working the year round. When the
squads are four weeks old they are
ready for dressing. When ready for
market squad will weigh about
three quarters of a pound, and sold at
retail for IS cents a pair.
From the eight pair of original
breeders. Mr.. Tracy now has about
100 birds in all, which are only small!
part of the total, including the ones
which have been killed. In a very few
months he has cleared over S25. And
not having started raising squads with
the intention of a financial gain the
profit was doubtless much smaller
! than it would have been had he work
ed it for gain. The birds are very
! little care, given the place to build
their nests and the material to work
with they do the rest of the work And
their work includes building the nests,
Matching the eggs and caring for the
young. Around the walls on the inte-
rior of the pens are placed small
perches upon which the birds may
rest. Each pen has also an out door
flying pen, out OF which grows a
tree, also perches. The squad is ex-
ceedinCly rich eating, unsurpassed by
any other bird for the table.
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-08-06
A Habit Dyspeptics
Should Cultivate

Physicians and specialists in the treat
ment of stomach troubles state that they
would be called upon to treat very few
cases of chronic dyspepsia, liberated
stomach and gastritis. If only those who
are subject to even slight attacks of in
digestion would make practice Of TAX
ing teaspoonful of pure bisurated mag
nesia in a little water after every meal,
because this would neutralize the excess
sive acid in the stomach, which is invar<
iably the underlying cause of -thess
troubles. The remarkable antacid and
food corrective properties of bisurated
magnesia have long been recognized by
the medical profession, and the prepare
ton, is, of course, carried by all high
class druggists, but to avoid confusion
with the acetates, citrates. sulphates,
and similar unsuitable forms Of mag
nesia or Injurious mixtures of bismuth
and magnesia, readers should always ask
John Coughln or any druggist very dis
tinctly for bisurated magnesia; this Is
the form in use at the great military
hospitals in Europe and its wonderful
efficacy has called forth the praise Of
many eminent physicians and nurses
Adv. saug6-12
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-08-06
A SQUAD FARM IS
INTERESTING SIDE
LINE AT FAIRFIELD

Fairfield, Me-, Aug. 5.-(SpeciaD. -
William B. Tracy of Western Ave
nue., has devoted his spare time for
the past 20 months to raising squads
for eating purposes and finds the oc-
cupation to be an interesting as well
as profitable one. One year ago last
Eoventee. Mr.. Tracy purchased eight
pairs Of ExtA Plymouth Rock Homer
Pigeons and partttioning off the larg-
er part Of his hen house, started the
BUSINESS Of raising squads. That part
of the hen house which he intended to
use for the purpose he divided into
two parts. In one part were placed
the double nests for the pairs, which
he called the breeding pen." In the
second part were placed the young
sters" which the intention Of the own
er is to keep, for further breeding
purposes. Each pair of pigeons is
numbered With leg bands. band on
the right leg of the male, and on the
left leg Of the female. The birds
build their own nests, using for foun-
dation the pulp bowl which is placed
in one Of the partitioned halves Of an
orange box. To that place they carry
tobacco stems which are placed in a
crate in the center Of the pen. The fe-
Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-08-06

The Christmas Club will be enter
tanned Friday afternoon at the home
OF Mrs. Jennie Ireland.
Rev. and Mrs. John L. Clark, Miss
Helen Clark, Misses Anna and Cath
who have been passing the summer at
East pond, will return Friday to their
home at North Berwick.
Mrs. John Melrose of Winslow has
been in town this week. the guest Of
Mrs. Humphrey OBlemis.
The ice cream social given by the
young people of Benton Grange was
very well patronized Thursday eve
ming at the Benton Schoolhouse hall.
The proceeds were for the new Grange
hall.
Mr.. and Mrs. John Jaquith and Mr..
Jaquith's father. Elvin Jaquith of Ca
man and Mrs. Dora Jaquith Staples
and child will leave this week. for
Temple Heights. where they will pass
several weeks at the Jaquith cottage.
Arthur F. Roundy of this town is
engaged as piano player at the Water
vile Opera house for several wee\5
during the absence Of the regular
pianist. Mrs. Charles Pooler, who is
on her vacation.
Mrs. David Champagne and daugh-
ter of Berlin, n. H.. are guests Of Mr..
and Mrs. Charles Champagne.
The members of the Priscilla EN-
broidery Club were pleasantly enter
tanned Thursday afternoon at the
home Of Mrs. Clara O'Blemis. There
was a full attendance and the time
passed quickly In serving and socia-
bility. The hostess served refresh
mentS.