the extreme respect accorded to them, proves their comparative rarity. Probably each of us can recall a few such cases, which stand out in bold relief against the multitudes of households who consider themselves highly blessed if they only succeed in avoiding contention, and preserving a tolerable civility among one another. reap. If we cultivate home friendships with the same assiduity that we give to those outside, they will yield us even richer and fairer returns. There is no friendship so pure and beautiful in its nature, so rich and full in its power of blessing, or so singularly rare in its occurrence, as that between parents and their grown-up sons and daughters. Where the parental and filial instincts are supplemented by that higher and more spiritual affection that binds together minds in intellectual communion, and souls in heartfelt sympathy, few deeper or more delightful friendships can be imagined. The guardian and dependent grad and true friend of later life; and youth becomes wiser and age brighter, and both nobler and happier, in this loving and abiding union. If, however, we would enjoy any of the precious friendships of home, we must preserve the delicacy and freshness of each family relation; we must cultivate those qualities which endear us to one another; we must have faith in the power of love, and regard its obligations as our highest privileges.Public Ledger. NATURAL HISTORY STUDIES. Irritability in the Flowers of Centaureas and Thistles.-A singular motion in the florets of Centaurea Americana has long been known to German botanists, and a reference to some features of it may be found in Sach's Textbook of Botany, and an illustrated paper by Cohn in Zeitschrift für wis. Zoologie, vol. xii, showing the mechanism of the contraction of the anthers. The motion had failed to attract the attention of American observers, no reference to it being found in any American work. Yet it would seem as if nearly all the materials for earnest and steadfast friendship might be found within a circle already joined by bonds of instinctive affection and mutual interest. There is sufficient similarity of taste, purpose, and position, to win sympathy; and there is sufficient variety of age, sex, and cir-ually lose themselves in the dear companion cumstance, to prevent monotony. There is every opportunity for elevating a natural fondness into loftier affection, for developing the germs of respect and love into the rich and full growth of noble friendship. All the more delicate relations of sex are fulfilled in their utmost purity by the friendship of mother and son, father and daughter, brother and sister. Why then should years spent under the same roof so often separate and scatter the affections of childhood, instead of cementing and strengthening them into the rich and steadfast friendships of maturer life? Probably the chief cause of this is that people rely on the instinctiveness of natural affection as being all-sufficient, without effort. They imagine that family love is strong enough to take care of itself, so they take but little pains to preserve it from the shocks and jars of daily life. And they also suppose that they are so well known to each other that it is not worth while to present their fairer side. In all this they are mistaken. Natural affection offers a fine foundation on which to erect the edifice of a firm and enduring friendship, but it will not rise up of itself. We must build it, stone by stone, if we would possess it. If we have a valued and respected friend, what pains we take to cherish his friendship; how carefully we endeavor to prune away from ourselves that which would displease him, and cultivate those qualities which he admires; how we strive to gratify him by pleasant surprises, and to avoid all that could wound or trouble him! Yet, let the familiar house door shut us in, and how many of us take the same pains? Here we throw off restraint, we air our worst side, that has been sedulously hidden, and allow our better qualities, that have been in full exercise, to fall asleep. How many of us anxiously make the most and the best of ourselves to our own family? How many of us regard the home as the arena for giving, not getting pleasure, for spreading, not absorbing comfort? It is the simple working of a natural and inevitable law; that which we sow we shall surely Besides this motion in Centaurea Americana, recently observed by Miss Powell, of Newport, Mr. Meehan said that he found a similar motion in the following plants growing in his garden: Centauria alba, Centaurea nigra, C. ochroleuca, C. rutifolia, Cirsium serrulatum, C. discolor, and C. lanceolatum. The motion seems most active when the anthers are ready to shed their pollen, and, as pollen-gathering insects anticipate the observer, it is best to cut the flowers and place them in water in a room. Endeavoring to observe the motion of Cirsium discolor in the growing plant almost failed from this cause, but on drawing a light substance over the whole head, some of the florets were found to move. In the Centaurea flowers on the table, the best period for observing the motion is when the anthers which cover the apex of the pistil seem about to allow the pistil to protrude. If then touched, the pollen is seen to issue from the mouth of the united stamens, and the belt using the seventy-fifth meridian will be whole crown of anthers to decline. Cohn, above cited, gives the exact measurement of this contraction, and explains the mechanism by which the contraction is accomplished. At the same time, if the motive power be very active, the whole upper portion of the floret, is divided into five sections running north and UNDER the new time system North America moves in some direction, apparently without south, each division being fifteen degrees of order or system. Sometimes it is in a lateral longitude in breadth. The time for all places direction, at other times upwards or down- in each division will be that of its easternmost wards, and sometimes describing a circle meridian. In Eastern Canada the standard round its own axis. In some cases the motion will coincide with the local time on the 60th will be known as "intercolonial time," which is communicated to other florets-two and meridian (four hours) west of Greenwich. In sometimes three moving to the touch of a the United States the standards will be known single one. In ten minutes after the exhibi- as the "Eastern," "Central," "Mountain," tion of irritation, it is ready for another fit, tively to the times on the 75th, the 90th, the and "Pacific" times, corresponding respecand goes through the motions, though less 105th, and the 120th meridians west of Greenactively than before. Mr. Meehan had failed wich. Each of these meridians being one hour to get any motion three times from the same apart, the time for each division they enclose floret, and not always two. Touching the will be also one hour slower than that of the pistil had no effect unless the force was suffi- adjacent division to the eastward and one hour faster than that of the next division to the cient to press one side against the anther. westward. In crossing the continent, thereThe irritation seemed to be confined to the fore, travelers will not have to alter the minute stamens, and through these probably down by hand of their watches, but can tell the standard their nervous connections through the ache-time by mentally adding an hour to the face nium, and in this way communicating with the nerves which run up through neighboring achenes to the stamens which they support. Proceedings of Academy of Nat. Sciences of Philadelphia, for Ninth mo. ITEMS. THE Executive Committee of the Trieste Landtag proposes obligatory cremation in all cases of death from epidemic disease. A CYPRESS TREE recently felled in Florida, yielded, according to the Wlidwood Orange Leaf, 37,000 shingles. AN actual weighing of letters received at the New York and Philadelphia post-offices shows that 94 per cent of them weigh less than onehalf ounce. On the 7th instant an explosion took place in the Monkfield Colliery, at Accrington, Lancashire. There were 110 miners in the colliery at the time. Many were injured and more than fifty lives were lost. THE fourth year of the Harvard Annex has demonstrated that the undertaking may be regarded as no longer an experiment. The success of this form of collegiate education for women is said to be assured. A fund of $67,000 has been obtained by the ladies of the Executive Committee. On the night of the 15th inst. the temperature throughout the Northwest ranged from 15 to 40 degrees below zero. At Bismarck, Dakota, 30 below zero was registered. No snow fell in any part of the region, but the wind was so strong as to delay railroad travel. THE adoption of Greenwich time for all England, Scotland and Wales, which took place in 1848, involved a change of over twenty minutes for the western part of Scotland. The greatest change for any large city within the these meridians going east or deducting an time of the watch when crossing any one of hour when crossing one of them going west.— N. Y. Herald. NOTICES. A Temperance Conference, under the care of Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting's Committee, will be held at Friends' Meeting-house, Moorestown, on First-day, Eleventh mo. 25th, 1883, at 2 o'clock P. M., to which Friends and others are invited. A Conference on Temperance, under the care of the Quarterly Meeting's Committee, will be held at Friends' Meeting-house, Frankford, on First-day, Eleventh mo. 25th, 1883, at 3 P. M. All are invited. Donation Day in aid of Friends' Home for Children, No. 3401 Germantown ave., Thirdday, Eleventh mo. 27th, 1883. The Directors of this Public Charity feel the necessity of calling upon those interested in caring for neglected children. Donations of Food, Fuel, Dry Goods, Groce ries, Clothing (new or partly worn), Checks, Money, etc., will be thankfully acknowledged and called for. Committee will be at the Home, and goods will be received and forwarded by WM. J. GILLINGHAM, President, 936 Arch st. (People's Express Office). THOS. J. WHITNEY, Treas. of theHome, 1123 Chestnut st. HENRY M. LAING, 30 N. Third street. JONATHAN JONES, 4943 Germantown ave. The object of the Home is to afford protection to Orphans and others, who may not be blessed with proper care-takers, and when necessary, to find suitable homes in private families where they will be properly trained to fill useful positions in life. FRIENDS' INTELLIGENCER. "TAKE FAST HOLD OF INSTRUCTION; LET HER NOT GO; KEEP HER; FOR SHE IS THY LIFE.' VOL. XL. PHILADELPHIA, TWELFTH MONTH 1, 1883. No. 42. EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY AN ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS. COMMUNICATIONS MUST BE ADDRESSED AND PAYMENTS MADE TO JOHN COMLY, AGENT, AT PUBLICATION OFFICE, No. 1020 ARCH STREET. TERMS:-TO BE PAID IN ADVANCE. The Paper is issued every week. The FORTIETH Volume commenced on the 17th of Secon¿ month, 1883, at Two Dollars and Fifty Cents to subscribers receiving it through mail, postage prepaid. SINGLE NUMBERS SIX CENTS. It is desirable that all subscriptions should commence at the beginning of the volume. REMITTANCES by mail should be in CHECKS, DRAFTS, or P. O. MONEY-ORDERS; the latter preferred. MONEY sent by mail will be at the risk of the person so sending. AGENTS:-Edwin Blackburn, Baltimore, Md. ̧ Benj. Strattan, Richmond, Ind. Entered at the Post-Office at Philadelphia, Penna. as second-class matter MEMORIAL CONCERNING SAMUEL TOWNSEND. (Read in and approved by the late Baltimore Yearly Meeting.) To hold up to survivors the example of one whom we have loved for his many virtues, who has walked up and down with us during his period of probation and has peacefully closed his labors of love on earth, is the object of this memorial. We who have witnessed his services and his exemplary business and religious life, would remind the young of his appeals to them to be true to their convictions of right and duty, obedience to which will lead to enlargement in the Truth, and to peace evermore. Samuel Townsend was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on the 13th of Ninth month, 1808, and was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Townsend, both valued members of the Society of Friends. At a very early age his spirit seems to have been susceptible in a marked degree to the impressions of Divine love. About the eleventh year of his age he was sent to Westtown school where he remained, at intervals, for several years. On returning home he was apprenticed to a Friend, a druggist, where he remained three years. About this time, from his own account, he wandered far from the Heavenly Father's house, led astray by the allurements of the world. But through the mercy of Infinite Goodness he was not permitted to rest in this state, but was closely followed by the reproofs of instruction which are the way of life. And being met, as in the cool of the day, he was brought under condemnation for his transgressions. While the Father's hand was thus upon him, in company with some of his companions, he entered a meeting-house, late, where there was gathered a large company, and while standing with others, listening to the words of life as they flowed from the lips of a minister, he was powerfully brought to feel that unless he renounced all and gave up then to the call of his Divine Master, another might never be extended to him. His heart was so reached and affected that, forgetting all around him, he dropped upon his knees, and in silent supplication offered himself up body, soul and spirit, to the disposal of his Heavenly Father. In the On the 27th of Seventh month, 1832, he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Jonathan and Martha Sleeper. connection thus formed, he found one who could deeply sympathize and walk closely with him in his religious exercises. In 1835, about the 27th year of his age, he says: "The aboundings of the love of God so filled my soul that I was made willing to appear as a fool for Christ's sake, by bearing this testimony among the people. Come see a man who has told me all that ever I did, is not this the Christ? The wisdom of God and the power of God unto every one that believeth.' In 1836, he felt a call of duty to accom pany his friend, Thomas McClintock, to New York and Genesee Yearly Meetings. And in the fall of the same year he went as companion to Amos Peaslee, with the concurrence of his friends by minute, to attend some of the Meetings constituting New York Yearly Meeting. Being away from home several weeks. Continuing to give evidence that he was under the preparing hand for usefulness in the Church of Christ, faithful in the attendance of meetings at home and abroad, he grew in his gift as a minister, which was acknowledged by Green Street Monthly Meeting of Friends, of Philadelphia, the 1st day of Third month, 1839. At the same Monthly Meeting he was set at liberty to visit the families of Green Street Meeting in company with Elizabeth Newport. The same year he made a religious visit to Fishing Creek Half-year's Meeting and the Western Quarter. Having had another severe attack of illness in the latter part of 1853, it was decided to be best to remove to the country, accordingly in Fourth month, 1854, he removed to Harford county, Maryland, and became a member of Little Falls Monthly Meeting, where he remained four years, during which time he had two or more minutes granted him to visit distant places. With health restored, and duty calling, he removed to within a few miles of the city, and again became a member of Baltimore Monthly Meeting. In 1868 he was again called upon to part with his companion by death. He continued frequently to travel in the service of Truth, and in the fall of 1870 he removed to the city, where he became actively engaged laboring with others for the uplifting of humanity. About this time he had an attack of paralysis while sitting in his chair with his family around him. This deprived him of his speech for a time, but his mind remained clear, and he gave evidence to those about him, by his bright cheerful face and manner, that come what would all was well with him. Afterwards, when he regained his speech in a measure, he remarked that, with the expectation that at any moment another stroke might come-the final one, it was a time of serious reflection; yet he felt perfectly calm and peaceful; entirely resigned, and could utter the prayer Not my will, but Thine be done.' In the spring of 1840, he removed with his family to reside in Baltimore, Maryland. A few months after he was brought very low by sickness, so that life was despaired of by those around him. Of this time, he says: "My mind was stayed on the arm of Divine power, and was kept in a peaceful state. Many bright and heavenly prospects were opened to my view, and my spirit was often made to praise and worship Him who is alone worthy of all praise." He felt that if he recovered the Master had need of him. And so it proved, for when just able to be about, This was a breaking down of his constituhe was taken in a carriage to Monthly Meet- tion from which he never fully recovered, ing where he laid before his Friends a concern that had opened to him to visit the Meetings within the limits of Baltimore and Fairfax Quarterly Meetings, and to appoint some Meetings within the limits of both. In 1841, he visited the Southern Quarter and made an extended visit on the Eastern Shore of Maryland in company with John Needles. They traveled in private conveyance and visited Friends and others. In 1847, he met with a great loss in the death of his wife. But that Divine power whereon he leaned did not forsake him in this hour of deep trial, and he now gave to his children that combined interest and tender care of father and mother which ever continued through his life. He kept very close to them, and as they grew in years became their companion and wise counsellor, kind and indulgent; remarking that he had felt it was not best to draw the lines too tight lest they snap. Yet by example and precept he extended an untold influence for good, comparable to casting bread upon the waters. In the year 1857 he married Jane S. Jewett, who became his companion in many reli gious visits in various parts of the country. particularly his fluency of speech, yet he felt the call to go several times from home in Gospel love, feeling that while life was granted, he must in his feeble way lisp forth praises to his Heavenly Father for his gracious dealings with his soul. Notwithstanding his impaired health and utterance, he obtained a minute, in 1873, to visit some Meetings within the limits of Genesee Yearly Meeting, including Canada and Michigan, and to attend Indiana Yearly Meeting. And in 1875, another for an extensive visit in the West, including Ohio Yearly Meeting, the opening of the new Yearly Meeting of Illinois, Indiana Yearly Meeting, several Quarterly and other Meetings in course, as well as to appoint some. tinued to travel, more or less, while his strength held out, his last minute being in 1877 to attend Nottingham Quarter and some Meetings within the limits of Warrington Quarteriy Meeting. He con The foregoing is a brief account of some of the journeyings of our friend in the ministry. He attended at different times all the Yearly Meetings of our Religious Society; and also made a visit, in 1847, in company with Wil liam Stabler, to Friends of the separated | been in successful operation for more than Yearly Meeting of North Carolina, his con- forty years. cern being especially for the promotion of fraternity, unity and love amongst those who bear the name of Friends. In Fourth month, 1881, he spoke for the last time in his Meeting at Lombard Street, and on the 1st of Fifth month that year, he returned from Meeting feeling very weary, and said to one of his daughters, "My dear, I think I have been to Meeting for the last time," which proved to be the case. He was a public minister for a period of about forty-four years, and being largely exercised in that gift, it is remarkable that his doctrines and views were always acceptable to Friends and many not of our Society acknowledge the interesting and valuable character of his discourses. His views were eminently charitable. He was a believer in practical christianity, which results in good works; in individual effort; obedience to the ever-shining light that points the way to purity and peace. He held up to view the distinctive doctrine of the Society of Friends, the immediate teaching of the Divine Father in the human soul. This is the doctrine that our Blessed Pattern taught to Peter. The Rock of Ages, the everlasting foundation. A cloud of living witnesses can testify to the pure nature of his ministry, calling the people from empty shadows to the living sub stance. He had many friends and enjoyed them. His social powers were admirable, and his kindly disposition opened his way to the hearts. of the people. Quick and impulsive by nature; yet he was so embued with the Christian spirit that he was prompt to correct any unguarded expression, and overlooked injuries from others in the forgiving spirit of true charity. He had a strong hoid on the affections of the young, and wherever he went they waited upon his ministry in deep earnestness of spirit, and profited by his plain way of preaching. He taught the Fatherhood of God, and presented Him so simple, so ever present that a little child could feel and know of his presence, his willingness and ability to save. In 1842 he was added to the Standing Committee on the Indian concern, by Baltimore Yearly Meeting, and he continued an active and efficient member of that committee until the year 1881, when, from physical infirmity, he requested to be released. Being often hopeful when others were discouraged, his energy and perseverance had a marked influence in promoting the cause of Indian civilization as labored for by Friends. also went much among the colored people, holding religious meetings, and by word and deed endeavoring to improve their temporal and spiritual condition. And when the emancipation of the slaves was consummated, he was very active in efforts that were made to secure to the freedmen, at this critical period, a fair start in the struggle for life and prosperity in their new and untried condition. He During the last year of his life, his bodily sufferings were at times severe, and he spoke frequently of his approaching change, saying he had hoped not to be a burden to his children, but he knew they would join him in patient waiting on the Father's will, which had now become one of the last duties of his life, and the prayer would frequently arise for strength to hold out to the end. He would say, "not death, only life begun," and when the end came, it was calm and peaceful, as if falling asleep to awaken in that home which he had so long looked forward to, as one going on a pleasant journey. He departed this life on the 18th of First month, 1883, in the 75th year of his age. A solemn and impressive meeting was held at Lombard Street Meeting-house on the occasion of his funeral, which was largely attended by Friends and others. REPORT ON EDUCATION. the Committee on Education made report as At the late Yearly Meeting of Baltimore the Committee on Education made report as follows, which was read and approved : The Committee on Education, upon the day of its reappointment, on Eleventh month 2d last, met for reorganization, and to confer He seldom failed to attend his Meetings for together as to plans and methods of work in worship or discipline, unless necessity com- the field assigned them. A Central Committee pelled him to do so, and he labored for the was appointed. It was composed of some of enlargement of our borders by encouraging the members of Baltimore, Fairfax, Nottingthe smaller Meetings and holding and estab-ham and Warrington Quarterly Meetings. lishing Meetings in several neighborhoods They being meetings within the closest possiwhere the people still attest their appreciation ble limits, it was thought these members of his labors of love. could readily get together when occasion should call them. Soon after coming to Baltimore, he was instrumental in establishing Friends' Library and the Friends' Sewing Society for the Poor, both of which useful institutions have now A Visiting Committee was also appointed, with the belief that by this means the members zealous in the work, and moving with |