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 waits no more for the swelling~of the
"spring;;scentea buds" the songs in 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
average quality and all other things antag
onistic to buds and balmy breezes; and yet
windows is drape1y 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.
fulness and buoYancy that are very welcome
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 all 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 futureday we cannot but
secretly rejoice at their appearance. In our
hearts we are completely won over to their
witoheries, and they, having won the hearts
will not be long in winning the purse of their
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
pocket, all that she finds it necessary to do to
replenish her empty Golfers is to hurry up
matters little, as she is now doing The
most rssolute, the most oppressed in a 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 busiy engaged in fashioning
lovely toilets out of the lighter fabrics. This
is well. 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
scorching days in April? Who has not un-
dergone untold misery from lack of proper
provision for these unexpected extremes
Very few. And what is the consequence? A
display OF ready clothing purchased on
the spur OF the moment that would disgrace q
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 all
parties. True, the providing of the where.
wlthal may come little hard to some, but
comfort derived in the future will more than
amply repay all exertion. The satisfaction
that one feels in knowing that one is ready
for the worst even if that worst never comes,
il il sufficient to justify premature preparation.
Two simple suits made now in the newest
styles, and laid by for the first warm days
will do more for the comfort and content
ment OF the owner than dozen elaborate
suits suggested only by the misery resulting
from a week of steady heat such as is apt to
come in early spring.