Chapter C: C. Turney, Ceresco, had seen bees work very extensively on the

blackberry, both blossom and fruit, and also on parsley.

Wm. Sutton, Elk Creek, saw his bees on raspberry and alsike clover; they did a great deal to stimulate his bees, although the quantity is limited in his locality; they bloom about the middle of June.

* * * * *

The ancient Egyptians of the Nile had floating bee-houses, designed to take advantage of the honey harvest. They were warned when it was time to return home by the depth to which the boat sank in the water under the weight of the cargo of honey. That the bees might not be lost, they were obliged to journey during the night-time.

* * * * *

STANDARD BOOKS.

PRICE, ONLY FIVE DOLLARS.

American Roadsters

—AND—

TROTTING HORSES,

BEING A SKETCH OF THE

Trotting Stallions of the United States.

AND A

Treatise on the Breeding of the Same,

_WITH AN APPENDIX_

Showing the Pedigrees and Breeding, so far as known of all Trotters that have a Record in 2:25 or better, and containing much Practical Matter relating to the Breaking Management, and Treatment of Trotting and Breeding Stock.

ILLUSTRATED WITH PORTRAITS OF

Hambletonian, Bellfounder, Administrator, Almont, Edward Everett, Florida, Thorndale, Byron, Voltaire, Lakeland Abdallah, Governor Sprague, Cuyler, Gimcrack, Vermont Blackhawk, Mambrino Patchen, and other great Stallions.

BY H. T. HELM, COUNSELOR AT LAW.

The most original, complete, instructive, and entertaining book on Trotting Horses ever published. Several Single Chapters are each worth the price of the book. The Illustrations are the finest ever included in any book on horses. Nearly six hundred pages.

PRICE, FIVE DOLLARS.

For sale by the

PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO. 150 MONROE ST., CHICAGO, ILL.

* * * * *

SWINE HUSBANDRY.

A Practical Manual

—FOR THE—

BREEDING, REARING, AND MANAGEMENT OF SWINE.

—AND THE—

Prevention and Treatment of Their Diseases.

BY F. D. COBURN,

_A Western Practical Farmer and Breeder_

ILLUSTRATED.

CONTENTS:

Breeds of Swine, their Characteristics and Worth.

Raising and Fattening Swine.

Diseases of Swine, Practical Information as to their Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Cure.

Price, by mail, postpaid, $1.75.

PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO., Chicago.

* * * * *

AGENTS WANTED, Male and Female, for Spence’s Blue Book, a most fascinating and salable novelty. Every family needs from one to a dozen. Immense profits and exclusive territory. Sample mailed for 25cts in postage stamps. Address J.H. CLARSON, P.O. Box 2296, Philadelphia, Pa.

* * * * *

RAILROADS.

A MAN WHO IS UNACQUAINTED WITH THE GEOGRAPHY OF THIS COUNTRY WILL SEE BY EXAMINING THIS MAP THAT THE

CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND & PACIFIC R’Y

By the central position of its line, connects the East and the West by the shortest route, and carries passengers, without change of cars, between Chicago and Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Leavenworth, Atchison, Minneapolis and St. Paul. It connects in Union Depots with all the principal lines of road between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Its equipment is unrivaled and magnificent, being composed of Most Comfortable and Beautiful Day Coaches, Magnificent Horton Reclining Chair Cars, Pullman’s Prettiest Palace Sleeping Cars, and the Best Line of Dining Cars in the World. Three Trains between Chicago and Missouri River Points. Two Trains between Chicago and Minneapolis and St. Paul, via the Famous

“ALBERT LEA ROUTE.”

A New and Direct Line, via Seneca and Kankakee, has recently been opened between Richmond, Norfolk, Newport News, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Augusta, Nashville, Louisville, Lexington, Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Lafayette, and Omaha, Minneapolis and St. Paul and intermediate points.

All Through Passengers Travel on Fast Express Trains.

Tickets for sale at all principal Ticket Offices in the United States and Canada.

Baggage checked through and rates of fare always as low as competitors that offer less advantages.

For detailed information, get the Maps and Folders of the

GREAT ROCK ISLAND ROUTE,

At your nearest Ticket Office, or address

R.R. CABLE, Vice-Pres. & Gen’l M’g’r,

E. ST. JOHN, Gen’l Tkt. & Pass. Agt.

CHICAGO.

* * * * *

MAPS.

RAND, McNALLY & CO.’S NEW RAILROAD —AND— COUNTY MAP —OF THE— UNITED STATES —AND— DOMINION OF CANADA.

Size, 4 × 2½ feet, mounted on rollers to hang on the wall. This is an

ENTIRELY NEW MAP,

Constructed from the most recent and authentic sources.

—IT SHOWS— _ALL THE RAILROADS,_ —AND— EVERY COUNTY AND PRINCIPAL TOWN —IN THE— UNITED STATES AND CANADA.

A useful Map in every one’s home, and place of business. PRICE, $2.00.

Agents wanted, to whom liberal inducements will be given. Address

RAND, McNALLY & CO., Chicago, Ill.

By arrangements with the publishers of this Map we are enabled to make the following liberal offer: To each person who will remit us $2.25 we will send copy of THE PRAIRIE FARMER One Year and THIS MAP POSTPAID. Address

PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO., CHICAGO, ILL.

* * * * *

DRAINAGE.

PRACTICAL FARM DRAINAGE.

WHY, WHEN, and HOW TO TILE-DRAIN —AND THE— MANUFACTURE OF DRAIN-TILE.

By C.G. ELLIOTT and J.J.W. BILLINGSLEY

PRICE, ONE DOLLAR.

For sale by

THE PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO., 150 Monroe St., Chicago, Ill.

* * * * *

THE SHEPHERD’S MANUAL A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE SHEEP.

Designed Especially for American Shepherds BY HENRY STEWART.

Finely Illustrated

PRICE, $1.50, by mail, postpaid. Address

PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO., Chicago.

* * * * *

$2.00. FOR THIS AMOUNT WE WILL send a copy of THE PRAIRIE FARMER for one year, also a handsome Colored Map of the United States and Canada—size, 4 × 2½ feet.

* * * * *

REMEMBER _that_ $2.00 _pays for_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER _one year and, the subscriber gets a copy of_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER COUNTY MAP OF THE UNITED STATES, FREE! _This is the most liberal offer ever made by any first-class weekly agricultural paper in this country._

* * * * *

SCIENTIFIC.

The Brilliant Sunsets.

Few of our readers, probably, have failed to note the fact that brilliant sunsets have been unusually frequent since the latter part of November. Now a highly colored sunset is not, in itself, a remarkable phenomenon, and it may occur at any time of the year, and owe its origin to any one of several causes, very simple in themselves, as refraction by the atmosphere of the sun’s rays, which are thrown upon the sky after the orb itself has passed from sight, or a peculiarly humid condition of the upper air, or a remarkable electric condition, such as sometimes precedes a thunder storm. But the late brilliant sunsets do not belong to the category of ordinary phenomena. In the first place, they have not shown gorgeously hued clouds, as in usual sunset displays, but skies of dazzling tints and colors. In the second place, they have been prolonged for weeks, and have been seen, at intervals, over nearly every part of the globe. Evidently, some unusual circumstance must have given rise to these unwonted phenomena, and scientists in both hemispheres have been interested in seeking an answer to the problem. As it seemed very plain that no condition of humidity could account for such remarkable refraction, it was universally concluded that some substance, as dust, must exist in the upper air regions. This being accepted as probable another theory was needed to account for the presence of this dust. The first theory put forward by scientists in this country suggested the hypothesis of meteoric dust.

Meteors are gaseous bodies, which move through space in immense numbers, and in definite orbits. Drawn astray from these orbits by the attraction of the earth, they are set on fire on contact with the atmosphere, this ignition producing the phenomena of shooting stars. The product of this combustion is sometimes heavy enough as to fall rapidly, in the shape of stones, to the earth. More often it is an impalpable substance, which filters slowly down through the air, and is found in the shape of metallic dust, on the summits of snow-covered mountains and in the Arctic regions. About the middle of November the earth passes through a meteor zone—that is, an immense swarm of meteors revolving around the sun—and during this month there are always vastly more shooting stars to be seen than in any other month of the year. The brilliant sunsets being first seen in the latter part of November, their near coincidence in time with an unusual display of brilliant meteors, seemed to substantiate the theory that they were of similar origin. It is known that the telescope reveals immense numbers of these meteors too small to be seen by the naked eye, and it seems very probable that millions more are too small to be seen even with the telescope, mere meteoric dust that can only announce its presence to the eye by its refraction of the sun’s rays as they pass through it. When this dust falls it becomes visible otherwise, perhaps. We have spoken of its appearance on snow-covered hills. Sometimes it appears as a haze or dry fog. At least the appearance of any very remarkable haze, like that which obscured the light of the sun for weeks over Europe, in 1783, is now ascribed by science to the dust of enormous falls of meteors.

Had this theory of the cause of the bright sunsets been the true one, however, there should have been unusual displays of shooting stars visible as soon as darkness came on after the sunsets, for meteors are always ignited by the friction of the earth’s atmosphere. As these were not seen, the meteoric dust theory did not gain a very general support, and the opinion of many scientific men was that we must wait for a more probable theory. When it came to be known that these remarkable appearances of color in the sky had been visible from different points of the earth’s surface ever since last September, a theory was offered by Prof. Lockyer, the well-known English astronomer, and the editor of Nature, a leading scientific periodical, which is now generally accepted as solving the problem.

Mr. Lockyer thinks that these remarkable sunset glows are the late, but direct effects of the great volcanic eruptions which occurred in Java, last August. He believes that the enormous volumes of fine volcanic dust thrown out by these eruptions were carried into the upper air, and being borne by prevailing winds around and above the earth, the reflection of the sun’s rays upon them have produced the phenomena witnessed at so many different points.

The adequacy of this supposed cause seems plain, when we remember what a mighty convulsion of nature occurred at Java. Earthquake and eruptions followed one another with such force that they were felt for hundreds of miles distant. Large islands sunk from sight and new land appeared and the entire conformation of the Archipelago in that locality was changed. The great volumes of mud thrown out of the volcano Krakatoa fell in showers for over three hours in localities more than thirty miles away. With volcanic forces at work on this mighty scale, millions of tons of earth must have been hurled into the upper air. Of this the coarse and heavy material would naturally fall at once, but vast clouds of impalpable dust would be borne upward by the heated air, until they reached the region of the upper trade-winds, by which they would be borne westward in the circuit of the globe. Each evening these immense dust clouds would give a novel brilliancy to the skies, by reflecting the light of the setting sun, and during the day an unusual hazy appearance of the sky would probably be perceived.

This hypothesis of Mr. Lockyer was remarkably borne out by facts that actually occurred. The Java eruptions occurred August 26 and 27. On August 28, from the islands in the Indian Sea, near the African coast, Mauritias, Rodriguez, and the Seychelles, very singular sunsets and sunrises were observed, though not directly resembling those seen later, and a strange haze appeared, through which the sun seemed to be white and dim as the moon. On August 31, in the same latitude as these islands, in North Brazil, remarkable sunlight effects were observed, the sun appearing of a deep blue tint; the next evening similar appearances were seen in Venezuela. On September 1, also, a remarkable sunset was reported visible from the Gulf Coast, and one from Trinidad, Spain, at the same date. September 5, another was seen near Honolulu, in the Pacific ocean. This line of strange sunsets ran directly east and west. Another line ran from southeast to northwest, beginning with Ceylon and Madras and ending with England. Following this, the phenomena seemed to spread themselves over the whole portion of the earth’s surface, appearing at various points during four whole months. The points of difference between the earlier and later appearances were closely defined by Mr. Lockyer. At first the coarse particles suspended in the air obscured the sun’s light entirely, as was the case in the neighborhood of Java immediately following the earthquake. These disappearing, the sun seemed white and dim; the dust being still more thinned out, the blue and red molecules caused the appearance of a blue sun, and at last there was just enough of the finest dust left suspended to be carried by the various wind currents hither and thither and produce at the time of the setting of the sun, those singular reflected lights, which, at first almost unnoticed, became, when observed, the wonder of the world.

It may be admitted that there are gaps in the evidence supporting this last hypothesis, but it has the merit of probability, and must be accepted as the best theory of the brilliant sunsets yet offered.

A. C. C.

* * * * *

CHOCOLATES.

GOLD MEDAL, PARIS, 1878.

BAKER’S BREAKFAST COCOA.

Warranted _absolutely pure Cocoa_, from which the excess of Oil has been removed. It has _three times the strength_ of Cocoa mixed with Starch, Arrowroot or Sugar, and is therefore far more economical. It is delicious, nourishing, strengthening, easily digested, and admirably adapted for invalids as well as for persons in health.

SOLD BY GROCERS EVERYWHERE.

W. BAKER & CO., Dorchester, Mass.

* * * * *

YOUR NAME printed on 50 Cards ALL NEW designs of _Gold Floral, Remembrances, Sentiment, Hand Floral_, etc., with _Love, Friendship_, and _Holiday Mottoes_, 10c. 7 pks. and this elegant Ring, 50c., 15 pks. & Ring, $1.

12 NEW “CONCEALED NAME” Cards (name concealed with hand holding flowers with mottoes) 20c. 7 pks. and this Ring for $1. Agents’ sample book and full outfit, 25c. Over 200 new Cards added this season. Blank Cards at wholesale prices.

NORTHFORD CARD CO. Northford, Conn.

* * * * *

MISCELLANEOUS.

To Our Readers.

THE PRAIRIE FARMER is the OLDEST, MOST RELIABLE, and the LEADING AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL OF THE GREAT NORTHWEST, devoted exclusively to the interests of the Farmer, Gardener, Florist, Stock Breeder, Dairyman, Etc., and every species of industry connected with that great portion of the People of the World, the PRODUCERS. Now in the Forty-Fourth Year of its existence, and never, during more than two score years, having missed the regular visit to its patrons, it will continue to maintain supremacy as A STANDARD AUTHORITY ON MATTERS PERTAINING TO AGRICULTURE AND KINDRED PRODUCTIVE INDUSTRIES, AND AS A FRESH AND READABLE FAMILY AND FIRESIDE JOURNAL. It will from time to time add new features of interest, securing for each department the ablest writers of practical experience.

THE PRAIRIE FARMER will discuss, without fear or favor, all topics of interest properly belonging to a Farm and Fireside Paper, treat of the most approved practices in AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, BREEDING, ETC.; the varied Machinery, Implements, and improvements in same, for use both In Field and House; and, in fact, everything of interest to the Agricultural community, whether in FIELD, MARKET, OR HOME CIRCLE.

IT WILL GIVE INFORMATION UPON THE PUBLIC DOMAIN, WESTERN SOILS, CLIMATE, ETC.; ANSWER INQUIRIES on all manner of subjects which come within its sphere; GIVE each week, full and RELIABLE MARKET, CROP, AND WEATHER REPORTS; PRESENT the family with choice and INTERESTING LITERATURE; amuse and INSTRUCT THE YOUNG FOLKS; AND, in a word, aim to BE, in every respect, AN INDISPENSABLE AND UNEXCEPTIONABLE farm and fireside COMPANION.

* * * * *

Terms of Subscription and Club Rates:

ONE COPY, 1 YEAR, postage paid $ 2.00

TWO COPIES, “ “ “ 3.75

FIVE “ “ sent at one time 8.75

TEN “ “ sent at one time, and
one to Club getter 16.00

TWENTY “ “ sent at one time, and
one to Club getter 30.00

Address

The Prairie Farmer Publishing Co., Chicago. Ill.

* * * * *

MEDICAL.

Weak Nervous Men

Whose DEBILITY, EXHAUSTED POWERS, premature decay and failure to perform LIFE’S DUTIES properly are caused by excesses, errors of youth, etc., will find a perfect and lasting restoration to ROBUST HEALTH and VIGOROUS MANHOOD in

THE MARSTON BOLUS.

Neither stomach drugging nor instruments. This treatment of NERVOUS DEBILITY and PHYSICAL DECAY is uniformly successful because based on perfect diagnosis, NEW AND DIRECT METHODS and absolute THOROUGHNESS. Full information and Treatise free.

Address Consulting Physician of MARSTON REMEDY CO., 46W. 14th St., New York.

* * * * *

TWO LADIES MET ONE DAY.

One said to the other “By the way how is that Catarrh of yours?” “Why it’s simply horrid, getting worse every day.” “Well, why don’t you try ‘DR. SYKES’ SURE CURE,’ I know it will cure you!” “Well, then I will, for I’ve tried everything else.”

Just six weeks afterward they met again, and No. 1 said, “Why, how much better you look, what’s up? Going to get married, or what?” “Well, yes, and it’s all owing to ‘DR. SYKES’ SURE CURE FOR CATARRH;’ oh, why didn’t I know of it before? it’s simply wonderful.”

Send 10 cents to Dr. C.R. Sykes, 181 Monroe street, Chicago, for valuable book of full information, and mention the “Two Ladies.”

* * * * *

30 DAYS’ TRIAL

DR. DYE’S

ELECTRO-VOLTAIC BELT, and other ELECTRIC APPLIANCES are sent on 30 Days’ Trial TO MEN ONLY, YOUNG OR OLD, who are suffering from NERVOUS DEBILITY, LOST VITALITY, WASTING WEAKNESSES and all those diseases of a PERSONAL NATURE, resulting from ABUSES and OTHER CAUSES. Speedy relief and complete restoration to HEALTH, VIGOR and MANHOOD GUARANTEED. Send at once for Illustrated Pamphlet free. Address

VOLTAIC BELT CO., MARSHALL, MICH.

* * * * *