Norwich bulletin., 1922-10-14
AN OLD ALMANAC.

Dear Sisters of the Social Corner: have been interested in reading an old almanac today, and so will take that Tor my subject at this writing. We can best realize what progression really means, when we refer to an oid document. We find a great convenience in the handy calendar of today, ether that of s:ln- pie issue, or tho one with the dainty touch of an artist, I have in my pos session a much worn, stained and some what soiled copy of The Farmers AL manack, of 1s47, published by Robert B. Thomas, at Boston. Before it came into my keeping it belonged to my aunt. whose birthday occurred in the second month of that year, and undoubtedly she prized it for it's identity. The gen. eral idea of this anc:en. almanac, re- garding weather conditions, ec.ipses, changes of the moon, etc., is the same, as in modern publications. AS 1 turn a few pages, i read the names of the ex- ecutive government of the United States, that of James K. Polk. as president, serving the second year of his office, in- formation concerning the legal tender of gold and silver coin, both of United States and foreign countries and several pages are given to the dates and places of each New England state when var = ous courts are to be held. Suggestions
 
 ture, and especially the orchard. A list of the railroads that were in this vicin- ity is furnished, the length of miles, gross receipts and expenses net earn l ings and annual dividends. Some spac ! | is given to poetry, anecdotes, problems | and puzzles and items on politics, edu- cation and religion.
 i The new postage bill which went inte 1 operation July 1, 1845, is quoted for it's fN110 i Not exceeding half an ounce, 300 miles or less, 5 cents, if over 300 miles. 1G cents. Drop letters not mailed, cents.
 Population of various cities and towns are given; for Hartford, 12,793, and Norwich 9,55S.
 The editor of this Farmers AlmanaGa must have been very enthusiastic for the 1 tiffers of the soil, as each page devoted l to each month of the year offers it's spe- cialties. A fitting verse of seasona9,e encouragement appears as a stimulant on the page for each of the twelve months. Good advice is offered, in az. cordance to the changes of the seasons For January we read:
 The rolling years successive rise
 As often as they disappear,
 And teach that only those are wise
 Who fill with virtuous acts each year Appropriate sentiments for the closing days of our old almanack, of three-quar. ters of century ago, are just as fitting for today The editor concludes his sug gestionS in question form on the page that represents December, as follows: | My friend, the death of the yea
 draws nigh. All things terrestrial mus
 have an end, and very soon stop vii be put to our progress here. Suppos We take a retrospective view of all ou
 actions and inquire-have we, in all ou
 dealings done justly and loved mercy Have we, to every one, given just weigh and meascre in all our concernments
 Have we kept check by jole with hon esty, uprightness, and good con
 science? If now, laying our hands ol our hearts we can readily say that " have farmed it well in all these respect ] and have no prickings of the little mon ] itor, then happy are we. A memoran 7 dunn of our faithfulness will be found i the great book of account among th [ heavenly archives. Eliza Cook, tina sweet songster, authoress of The O. 5 Arm Chair, says, that one hearty good
 bye is worth twenty farewells.' But 7 will only say, 'Avast boysl hold and be r lay"
 ] As close the covers of my sutject, t think what great changes have take place, the inventions to make labor mol ; easy, the speed of the auto, the fligf of the air9lane, for carrying the mal ; the enlargement of the steam railroa and advent of the trolley. What wou Il my grandfather have said when he ca! e his last ballot for President Polk, | 1S45, had he known that in two genera tions women would have had the ballot
 It is easy to look back on the pagt : of history as we stand on the threshol ! of today. summing up the progressic 5 since 1S47. but to ponder very far ahea is beyond our reach.
 JENNIE.