Simple Ornaments

A pretty niantlepiece ornament may be obtained by suspending an aoorn, by a piece of thread tied around it, within halí' an inch of' the surface oí' aome water contained in a vage, tumbler, or sauoer, and allawing it to remain undisturbod for several weeks. It will soon burst open, and sinall roots will seek the water ; a straight and tapering stem, with beautiful glossy green leaves, will shoot upward, and present a very pleasing appearanoe. Chostnut treos may be grown in the same manner, but their leaves are not so beautiful as those of the oak. ïhe water should be changed once a nionth, taking care to supply water of the same warmth ; bits of charcoal added to it will prevent the water from souring. If the little leaves turn yellow, put one drop of animonia into the utensil which holds the water, and they will renew their luxuriance. Another pretty ornament is rnado by wetting a spdnge and sprinlding it with canary, hemp, grass and other seeds. The sponge should be refreshed with water daily so as to be kept rnoist. In a few days the seeds will germinate, and the spong3 will soon be covered with a íaass of green foliage.