Coffee owes its stimulating properties to an alkaloid caffeine which occurs in the beans as well as in other parts of the plant. Caffeine also occurs in other plants; it is the active principle in Guarana and is perhaps identical with theine, the active principle of tea. It is generally believed that moderate coffee-drinking is beneficial rather than otherwise. It has ever been the favorite drink of those actively engaged in intellectual work. It has been tested and found satisfactory as a stimulant for soldiers on long or forced marches. Injurious effects are due to excessively strong coffee, or a long-continued use of coffee which has been standing for some time and which contains considerable tannin. Caffeine has been found very useful in hemicrania and various nervous affections. It has also been recommended in dropsy due to heart lesion. Strong, black coffee is very valuable in counteracting poisoning by opium and its derivatives. Coffee will also check vomiting. Strong coffee is apt to develop various nervous troubles, as palpitation of the heart, sleeplessness, indigestion, trembling. According to one authority, it is the aromatic principle of coffee which causes sleeplessness. THE TWO ACORNS. DR. CHARLES MACKAY. In ancient time, two acorns, in their cups, Shaken by winds and ripeness from the tree, Dropped side by side into the ferns and grass; "Where have I fallen--to what base region come?" Exclaimed the one. "The joyous breeze no more Rocks me to slumber on the sheltering bough; The sunlight streams no longer on my face; I look no more from altitudes serene Upon the world reposing far below-- Its plains, its hills, its rivers, and its woods. To me the nightingale sings hymns no more; But I am made companion of the worm, And rot on the chill earth. Around me grow Nothing but useless weeds, and grass, and fern, Unfit to hold companionship with me. Ah, me! most wretched! rain and frost and dew And all the pangs and penalties of earth Corrupt me where I lie--degenerate." And thus the acorn made its daily moan. The other raised no murmur of complaint And looked with no contempt upon the grass Nor called the branching fern a worthless weed Nor scorned the woodland flowers that round it blew.