Saline

The anticipation, celebration, and diamission of Christnias ; the alternaiely hubby and uiuddy condition of the roada ; the niildness of the weathèr ; the holiday stimulation of trade ; the liveüness in the pork market,- but not in the pork,- have kept the popular mind of late from stagnation. The four churchcs, each in behalf of its Sabbath School and congregation, took special pains to honor Santa Claus by means of evergreen decorations and the exhibition and bestowment of hundredfci of presents; sonie of tliem of large valuc. Iu the Presbytcrian, a large three-sidcd arbor, with three arches, one in front and one on either side, was constructed upon a substautial platform and elaborately trimmed ; " the fir tree, and the pkie. and the box tree together," (Isa. 41 : 19,) contributing to the beautifytiig of the sanetuary. The arbor, laden outside and ioside withgifts and brilliantly illuminated, was, indeed worthy of aduiiration, and received it from an audience which tillud both audience room and vestibule. Among the many gifts distributed was an elegant silver butter dish, presented by Rev. Mr. Parson's Bible class, to himself and wife. It was on the whole a very happy occasion. The Sunday School of the Methodist Church celebrated Christmas eve at the parsonage, and the Baptist and Lutheran at their houses of worship, The result of a donation on Wednesday evening to Rev. A. M. Allyn, Baptist, was about 890 and a good time. A school social, held recently underthe directfon ot' Plof. Gumaer, netted over $50, the money to be used chiefly in replenishing the school library: It ia reported that one of our jewelers has sold goods to the amount of $1,400 during the month of December. The Saline Oracle is fairly launched, and the editor, W. W. Secord, is " pegging away."