Year: 1879

In seasons heretofore fashion has, at least,
been content to walk side by side with nature,
but that time has gone by. Now the tickle
dame watts no 95 the the ona in OF the the
stream" or the "health in the gale" before
she exhibits to the whole world the raiment
in which she intends to greet the "fairest
season of the year." This is no libel. Here
we are long way from emerging from winter,
in the midst of frost and snow OF more than
onistic to buds and balmy breezes; and yet
the first thing that one beholds in the shop
windows is a drapery of exquisite new spring
goods, including the lovliest samples Of
muslins, lawns, cambrics and calicoes. OF
course, these are entirely at variance with the
surroundings, and yet, reminding one of the
coming days they herald, they tend to hope
at this particularly desolate season. They pro-
duce an effect very similar to that produced
by the first wood-violets, anemones, crocuses,
snow drops, etc., and we ell know what that
is. Therefore, If we are not quite ready for
them, if our purses have not sufficiently re-
cruited from the fall investments, if several
other things tell US that it would have been
we'll for all concerned had they postponed
their coming to some future'day we cannot but
secretly rejoice at their appearance. In our
hearts we are completely won over to their
witcheries, and they, having won the hearts
WILL uOt W 1OuS III WAuAAAk CAC PuAoO VI VAOAI'
victims. Fashion was pretty sure Of this
before she made the venture. She understood
the nature of her votaries much better than
they understood hers. She is much stronger
than they, rant as they may about her weak
ness. If she is-ard she evidently is-out OF
replenish her empty Golfers is to hurry up
matters little, as she is now doing. The
most resolute, the most oppressed in q pecu-
MARY sense will give way to her will. AL
ready our mediste is thoroughly posted as to
the prescribed styles for spring, and in some
instances is busily engaged in tashioning
is we'll. This assisting her patrons in getting
ahead of time is one Of the best things that
fashion has conferred upon us for many day.
Who is not aware of the stealthy march that
the extremes of all seasons steal upon? Who
has not determined that there shall be no hot
weather till the Fourth, and then suffered from
| dergone untold misery from lack of proper
| provision for these unexpected extremes
| Very few. And what is the consequence?
display of ready made clothing purchased on
| the spur of the moment that would disgrace a
| rag fair. The most perfect of curves and
lines have been ruthlessly obliterated to an
alarming extent by these ready-made gar.
ments, and the most beautiful of forms have
assumed under their influence proportions
most hideous and unnatural. Considering
all these things, this taking time by the fore


lock is going to prove great blessing to al


parties. True, the providing of the where


wlthal may come a little hard to some, bu


comfort derived in the future will more thar


amply repay all exertion. The satisfaction


that one feels in knowing that one is ready


for the worst even if that worst never comes


is sufficient to justify premature preparation


Two simple suits made now in the newes


styles, and laid by for the first warm day.
| 1a for fho


ment OF the owner than a dozen elaborat,


suits suggested only by the misery resulting


from week of steady heat such as is apt t
come in early spring.