Part 4

Petunias do well in the early beds, but also flourish and bloom finely if their planting is deferred until the torenia, portulaca, cypress, zinnia, tageta and real midsummer flowers are planted. None of these last do any better for early planting. They will not bloom until their season, summer, no matter how early they are planted. The beautiful fall bloomer, cosmos, may be classed with them. Snapdragons, carnations and verbena do not bloom in early spring from seed, but require an early start to bloom in summer as their growth is not rapid. Sanvitalia, vinca, and a long list of annuals are beautiful and well worth raising. Annuals are cheap, but they subserve a purpose and nothing quite takes their place, and I confess to a liking for flowers which I have raised from seeds. It is easy to exaggerate the beauty of anything that stands in striking contrast to its surroundings, but these plant beds early in the season, green and growing, ahead of everything else, are as pretty as a picture, and the young, crisp, green vegetables are suggestive and appetizing.

If twenty-five years of putting Mr. Vick’s seeds in the ground does not entitle me to render a verdict in their favor as the best to be had, then experience counts for nothing. A sure return for every seed put in the ground is the answer they give to the question “What shall the harvest be?”

Further north, doubtless, cold frames are better for early planting of seeds, but in the South the plants are more healthy and stand transplanting much better for exposure to the moderate cold of the early season in their rich, warm little plant beds.

MRS. G. T. DRENNAN.

_Lexington, Miss._

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MARCH WORK.—At this time, the dividing line between winter and spring, finish all the pruning in the open grounds. Grape vines, fruit trees, deciduous hedges, and roses and many other plants will need attention. In this climate sow peas as soon as the ground can be put in order. Start hotbeds, and cold frames. Look after those flower seeds which should be sowed early in the house.

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HELPS IN ECONOMY.

Stylish Gowns of Handsome Color at Small Cost—Diamond Dyes Make Old Clothes Look Like New—Two Useful Books Given Away.

With a few packages of Diamond Dyes wonders can be done in making old dresses, gowns, and suits look like new. Many families have not bought a single new dress, wrap, or suit this winter, yet they dressed well and fashionably, by dyeing their clothes with Diamond Dyes.

Those who buy one package as an experiment, find the dyes so easy to use that they color over gowns, cloaks and suits for the whole family. The Fast Black Diamond Dyes are especially popular, being easy to use and making a rich black that will not fade, crock, or wash out.

COUPON.

This entitles any reader of Vick’s Magazine to one copy of “Successful Home Dyeing,” and “Mats and Rugs; Art and Fancy Work.”

For the home-dyer or rug-maker these books give complete directions with many illustrations. Send above coupon to Wells, Richardson & Co., Burlington, Vt. and both books will be mailed free.

DON’T FORGET THE POTATOES.

“An old lady sat in her old armchair,

For days and for weeks her only fare, As she sat in her old armchair, Had been potatoes.

But now they were gone, of bad or good.

And she thought of the deacon over the way, The deacon so ready to worship and pray, Whose cellar was full of potatoes.

She said, ‘I will send for the deacon to come.’

And the deacon came over as fast as he could, Thinking to do the old lady some good, But never for once of potatoes.

He prayed for patience, goodness and grace; But when he prayed, ‘Lord, give her peace,’ She audibly sighed, ‘Give potatoes.’

So ending his prayers, he started for home, The door closed behind, he heard a deep groan: ‘Oh, give to the hungry potatoes!’

And the groan followed him all the way home; In the midst of the light it haunted his room; ‘Oh, give to the hungry potatoes!’

He could bear it no longer; arose and dressed, From his well-filled cellar taking in haste A bag of his best potatoes.

The widow’s heart leaped up for joy, Her face was pale and haggard no more, ‘Now,’ said the deacon, ‘shall we pray?’ ‘Yes,’ said the widow, ‘now you may.’

And would you hear this simple tale, Pray for the poor, and praying, prevail? Then preface your prayer with alms and good deeds; Search out the poor, their wants and needs; Pray for their peace and grace, spiritual food, For wisdom and guidance—all these are good— But don’t forget the potatoes!”

—_The Independent._

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A CINCINNATI MIRACLE.

WHY MR. CHARLES B. NOBLE IS BEING CONGRATULATED.

A Remarkable Case of Being Completely Cured of Paralysis After Nearly Three Years of Suffering and Eminent Physicians Had Declared Their Best Efforts Baffled.

Newspaper men as a rule place little credence in patent medicine stories and seldom bother to even read them. This is not to be wondered at when it is taken into consideration how often they are called upon by unscrupulous persons to fabricate and publish stories of remarkable cures and perhaps print a picture of the mythical man or woman supposed to have been cured. That all medicine advertisements are not mere “fakes,” and that all newspaper men are not equally prejudiced is proven by a story published in the _Cincinnati Times-Star_ of a well-known newspaper man whose life was saved by reading an advertisement. So remarkable and interesting is the story that it is here reproduced as published in the _Times-Star_.

Mr. Charles B. Noble, the well-known litterateur, who has been suffering for nearly three years with paralysis, was upon the street to-day, cheerful and active and the recipient of congratulations from his many friends. There is a bond of unity between all newspaper men, so that Mr. Noble’s case appeals to every member of the craft as well as to every one afflicted as he was. Mr. Noble has spent the last three years in traveling from city to city seeking skilled physicians, to whom he has appealed in vain for relief. Knowing this, a reporter expressed surprise at the remarkable cure, but Mr. Noble, after executing a jig to show that he was as sound as he looked, let the reporter into the secret of his cure.

“It was a hard time I had of it,” said he, “but the last medicine we take is always the one that cures, and I have taken the last. I was paralyzed on March 9, 1890, while in the employ of the David Williams Publishing Company of New York City as their traveling representative from Cincinnati. I found the traveling a great help to me, both in a financial and a literary way, but suddenly stricken down as I was at Somerset, O., 150 miles from Cincinnati, I was incapacitated for both writing and money making. Luckily my literary productions had been remunerative, and I had a snug bank account laid up, but these three years have made a drain on it.

“I sought a score of physicians, going to the best specialists in Cincinnati, Chattanooga and Pittsburg. Twelve Cincinnati doctors, pronounced my case incurable, but I would not give up, and after seeking in vain for relief in Pittsburg and Chattanooga, consulted the best medical talent in Chicago. Up to January 17, 1893, I had spent $2,500 for doctors and medicine and was about to give up in despair when I got hold of Dr. Williams’ Pink Pills for Pale People, through reading the advertisements.

“From the first week of using the remedy I made a steady improvement, and on April 12, I put up my cane after using it thirty months. I certainly believe this medicine is all the proprietors claim for it, and that it will do all they say it will. I take pleasure in recommending it to all similarly afflicted. Like many who have tried medicine in vain I was doubtful of its value at first, and only used it when I grew desperate. Now I can not praise it too highly. It has restored me to health and strength and I feel grateful accordingly. Dr. Whittaker pronounced it a hopeless case of locomotor ataxia.

“Yes, I know there are many who will fancy anything you say about my case is an advertisement, but if they want any corroboration, let them address me at the Y. M. C. A. building, and I will cheerfully answer all inquiries if stamps are enclosed.”

Pink Pills, while advertised and handled by the drug trade as a proprietary article, are not considered a patent medicine in the sense that name implies. For many years previous to their general manufacture they were used as a prescription. At first their great restorative powers were not fully recognized and they were chiefly prescribed for impure blood and general weakness. Their remarkable success in such cases, and the fact that there was nothing in the formula that could do any harm, even if they did not do any good, led to their being tried in cases where the skill of the physician and the power of medicine had entirely faded. Their power of restoration seemed to border on the marvelous. They proved to be a never-failing specific for such diseases as locomotor ataxia, partial paralysis, St. Vitus’ dance, sciatica, neuralgia, rheumatism, nervous headache, the after effect of La Grippe, palpitation of the heart, pale and sallow complexions, and all diseases of the blood such as scrofula, chronic erysipelas, etc.

They are also a specific for troubles peculiar to females, such as suppressions, irregularities, and all forms of weakness. They build up the blood and restore the glow of health to pale and sallow cheeks. In case of men they effect a radical cure in all cases arising from mental worry, overwork or excesses of whatever nature.

Pink Pills are sold in boxes (never in loose form, by the dozen or hundred, and the public is cautioned against numerous imitations sold in this shape) at 50 cents a box or six boxes for $2.50, and may be had of all druggists or direct by mail from Dr. Williams’ Medicine Company, Schenectady, N. Y., or Brockville, Ont. The price at which these Pills are sold makes a course of treatment inexpensive as compared with other remedies or medical treatment.

GROWING ONION SETS.

While the practice of growing onions directly from seed is becoming more extended all over the country, still the time will never come probably when the old-time practice of growing the crop from sets will be done away with, especially in the South. With the constantly increasing acreage devoted to this splendid esculent it is quite likely more onion sets will be raised and planted ten years hence than there is at this time. Southern truckers and market gardeners, along with those who only grow simply for home use, will continue to use sets for growing the first crop which is used or marketed in a green or unmatured state. Thousands of acres are yearly planted in the South, putting out the sets anywhere from September to November, both inclusive. Most any “tyro” in gardening can grow a crop of onions from the sets where only failure would result if the seeds were used. There is hardly anything surer than making “sets” grow, whereas it is not always sure that one gets onion seeds that are good and of such a variety as will make a good crop in our Southern climate. So much by way of preface.

The Southern gardeners and truckers depend almost entirely upon the Middle and Northern States for their onion sets, although it is quite practicable for them to raise their own sets if they choose to do it. The Southern trucker it seems as a rule, however, would prefer to have others grow his sets for him. This is all very well when he can buy them at $1.50 to $2.50 a bushel, but oftentimes he has to pay twice this sum for his sets, occasionally three times. There is an advantage in the trucker growing his own sets. He can grow just the variety that better suits our climate, sets of which he cannot always get with any certainty. The several varieties of Italian or Spanish onions are far preferable for the South—kinds like the New Queen, Rocca, Early Nocera and some others, these do much better than the American varieties.

_How to raise the Sets._—There are two ways of growing—broadcast or in drills. The latter is to be preferred. For the purpose choose medium land, not very rich in humus or nitrogen, but as clean land as possible. Sowings can be made any time from February 15 to April 15. Plow the soil and harrow it and run a light roller over it. Lay off shallow drills fifteen to twenty inches apart. These shallow drills, not deeper than a quarter of an inch, should be _one and a half or two inches wide_. Just prior to sowing whiten these drills with landplaster. Using the freshest seed attainable, sow the seeds carefully along the drills at the rate of twelve to fifteen to the square inch. Cover lightly with a rake and then run a garden roller over the drills. If the seeds are good there will be a pretty show of onions in the course of ten days. Cultivate very shallow and just enough to keep down all weeds. Any weeds coming up in the drills must be hand-pulled.

When the small onions later on show signs of maturity go along and pull them and let them lie until well cured. Then take up and spread rather thinly in the coolest, dryest place possible. They can be spread out under any outhouse if safe from poultry, etc. If put in a loft, or where there is much light, spread a slight layer of straw over the sets. Do not wait until the onions _die down_ before pulling, but pull just as soon as the tops show a little yellow. As remarked, these sets will be planted out again in September and October, and as late as November 15.

This is a brief statement of procedure. The directions followed, there will be no good reason for failure _if the seeds are good_.

S. A. COOK.

_Milledgeville, Ga._

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MUSIC WITHOUT A TEACHER

(EUREKA METHOD.)

Organ, Piano, Violin, Banjo, Cornet, Flute, Guitar, Piccolo, Accordion, Mandolin, Clarinet, Fife.

=Winner’s “Eureka” Instruction books= do for you =just what a teacher would do=. With the Winner Instruction Book for any instrument, you can learn to play any simple, easy piece of music on that instrument as =quickly as by employing a teacher once a week=.

You do not need to know anything about music, as these books teach all the rudiments, and explain the meaning of all musical terms. They are very simple and =FULLY ILLUSTRATED=.

Besides the instruction pages, each book contains nearly a hundred well-chosen pieces for that especial instrument. This alone would cost from $2.00 to $3.00 if purchased separately.

They are intended for pupils living at a distance from the music teacher, or those whose means will not enable them to employ one.

In ordering ask for =Winner’s “Eureka” Method=, and state for what instrument it is wanted. Any one of the volumes will be mailed, postpaid, on receipt of choice.

75 CENTS.

Oliver Ditson Company, 453-463 Washington St., Boston.

C. H. Ditson & Co., N. Y. J. E. Ditson & Co., Phila.

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=FREE= A fine 14k gold plated watch to every reader of this paper. Cut this out and send it to us with your full name and address, and we will send you one of these elegant, richly jeweled, gold finished watches by express for examination, and if you think it is equal in appearance to any $25.00 gold watch pay our sample price, $3.50, and it is yours. We send with the watch our guarantee that you can return it at any time within one year if not satisfactory, and if you sell or cause the sale of six we will give you =One Free=. Write at once, as we shall send out samples for 60 days only. Address

THE NATIONAL M’F’G & IMPORTING CO., 334 Dearborn St., Chicago, Ill.

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=FAT FOLKS= Reduced =15 lbs.= a month; any one can make remedy at home. Miss M. Ainley, Supply, Ark., says: “I lost 60 lbs. and feel splendid.” No starving. No sickness. Particulars (sealed) 2 cts. HALL & CO., “A,” Box 404, St. Louis, Mo.

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DON’T DYE

Until you see the _beautiful_ and _fast_ colors made with “PERFECTION” Dyes. Sample cards showing new colors sent FREE. For 40c. we will send you 6 pkgs. of any colors you wish to try. Single pkg. 10c. Agents wanted. W. CUSHING & CO., Box 24, Foxcroft, Me.

BEGONIAS, PERHAPS.

To be sure “Major Zero” is in full command; the ground is covered with snow, and the trees like gaunt skeletons stand out in bold relief against the background of sky. But wintry as it seems and is out of doors it is none too early to begin planning for the coming summer campaign. Catalogues from nurserymen, florists and seedsmen are pouring in upon us laden with good things. Some are really beautiful. I’ve been experimenting a little in window gardening, but—woe is me; some varieties have not responded well to my treatment, not from any fault of the plant I am confident, but through my ignorance of its needs.

Different plants require different treatment and temperature, but I find as a rule the majority treat them all alike and wonder why they do not have any “luck” with some kinds. For example, I gave my pet carnations just as much water, and as often, as my geraniums. They began to look sick and I lost three before I found out they did not require much wetting.

I’m thinking seriously of trying the different varieties of some one plant, begonias, perhaps. According to catalogue description they are admirably adapted to house culture. They do not require much sun and are free from insects. Most varieties blossom freely, and even if they did not the foliage is very attractive. Countess Louise Erdody is a curiosity and has a history. It was produced from seed planted in the garden of Count Erdody, a Hungarian, and named in honor of the Countess. During the summer begonias may be grown upon the piazza and a plant stand filled with well rooted specimens would be a beautiful ornament.

NELLIE STEDMAN WHITE.

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A Splendid Free Offer.

To every reader of this paper who is sick or ailing, we will send a free trial package of the best remedy in the world for the speedy and permanent cure of Dyspepsia, Indigestion, Constipation, Biliousness, Sour Stomach, Liver and Kidney Complaints, Sick Headache, Nervous Debility, and Consumption. It costs you nothing to try this wonderful remedy, as we send it free and prepaid. It has cured thousands of the above-named complaints and will cure you. Write to-day. Address

EGYPTIAN DRUG CO., 29 Park Row New York.

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“FLEXIBONE MOULDED” MODEL

Awarded Medal at World’s Columbian Exposition.

Why Not Buy a Corset that Fits?

(It costs no more than one that does not.)

Because of its peculiar construction

IT MUST FIT BETTER AND EASIER

than any other style of corset.

THE SECRET??

is that it is =MOULDED= and not =straight stayed=. Do you want to know more about it? Ask your dealer for it, or =write us for descriptive circular=. Sample by mail, postpaid, in Royal Jeans $2.00, or English Sateens $3.00. All popular colors. Workmanship unexcelled. Materials highest quality. Can return and money refunded, after one week’s wear, (white excepted) if not satisfactory. Mention this Magazine.

CORONET CORSET CO., Jackson, Mich.

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Newcomb Fly-Shuttle Rag Carpet LOOM

Weaves 100 yards per day. Catalogue free.

C. N. Newcomb, 365 W. St. Davenport, Iowa.

When writing to advertisers, mention Vick’s Magazine.

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HATCH CHICKENS BY STEAM

With the Improved Excelsior Incubator.

_Simple, Perfect, Self-Regulating._ Thousands in successful operation. Guaranteed to hatch a larger percentage of fertile eggs at less cost than any other Hatcher. Lowest priced first-class Hatcher made.

Circulars free. Send 6c. for Illus. Catalogue.

=Geo. H. Stahl, Quincy, Ill.=

When writing to advertisers, mention Vick’s Magazine.

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_NEW CARDS_ Send 2c. stamp for the LARGEST SAMPLE BOOK of genuine Hidden Name, Silk Fringe, Envelope & Calling Cards ever offered. BUCKEYE CARD CO., Laceyville, Ohio.

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Derma-Royale is pure, mild and so harmless that a whole bottle may be drank without the least serious effect.

LOVELY FACES, WHITE HANDS.

Nothing will CURE, CLEAR and WHITEN the skin so quickly as

DERMA-ROYALE

The new discovery for curing cutaneous affections, removing discolorations from the cuticle and bleaching and brightening the complexion.

THERE NEVER WAS ANYTHING LIKE IT.

It is as harmless as dew and so simple a child can use it. It is highly recommended by Physicians and its sure results warrant us in offering =$500 _REWARD_=—To assure the public of its merits we agree to forfeit Five Hundred Dollars CASH, for any case of eczema, pimples, blotches, moth-patches, brown spots, liver spots, blackheads, ugly or muddy skin, unnatural redness, freckles, tan or any other cutaneous discolorations or blemishes, (excepting birth-marks, scars, and those of a scrofulous or kindred nature) that Derma-Royale will not quickly remove and cure. We also agree to forfeit Five Hundred Dollars to any person whose skin can be injured in the slightest possible manner, or to anyone whose complexion (no matter in how bad condition it may be), will not be cleared, whitened, improved and beautified by the use of Derma-Royale.

Put up in elegant style in large eight-ounce bottles.

=Price, $1.00.= EVERY BOTTLE GUARANTEED.

WE WILL BE GLAD TO SEND ANYONE A ONE DOLLAR BOTTLE FOR NOTHING TO INTRODUCE IT. ☞ SEND US YOUR FULL POST-OFFICE ADDRESS TODAY

THE DERMA-ROYALE COMPANY, Corner Baker & Vine Streets, CINCINNATI, OHIO.

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FITS CURED

(_From U. S. Journal of Medicine._)

Prof. W. H. Peeke, who makes a specialty of Epilepsy, has without doubt treated and cured more cases than any living Physician; his success is astonishing. We have heard of cases of 20 years’ standing cured by him. He publishes a valuable work on this disease which he sends with a large bottle of his absolute cure, free to any sufferer who may send their P.O. and Express address. We advise anyone wishing a cure to address:

Prof. W. H. PEEKE, F.D., 4 Cedar St., New York

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HERE’S YOUR CHANCE

TO INTRODUCE THE FAMOUS =IMPERIAL WHEELS=

we sell samples at =absolutely manufacturers’ prices=. Strictly high grade. All latest improvements. Illustrated circular free. =Great opportunity for Agents. AMES & FROST CO. CHICAGO, ILL.=

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_Ceylon Teas_ delighted all at the World’s Fair. Sample package sent to any part of the United States for six cents, with price-list. Goods sent prepaid. Address:

=IMPORTERS TEA CO., 60 Wabash Ave., Chicago.=

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The Rocker Washer

is warranted to wash =100 PIECES IN ONE HOUR=, as clean as can be washed on the washboard. Write for prices and description.

ROCKER WASHER CO., Ft. Wayne, Ind.

Liberal inducements to live agents.

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Asthma

The =African Kola Plant= discovered in Congo, West Africa, is Nature’s Sure Cure for Asthma. =Cure Guaranteed or No Pay.= Export Office 1164 Broadway, New York. For =Large Trial Case, FREE by Mail= address KOLA IMPORTING CO., 132 Vine St., Cincinnati, Ohio.

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For Good Living

Send address, and we mail free our illustrated booklet, “From Ranch to Table,” a write-up of the cattle industry of the great plains, from the “branding of the maverick” to the “round-up” of the prime steer into Rex Brand Beef Extract.