In my childhood we used to keep Independence Day in a very patriotic spirit. Waking in the morning, our eyes saw flags and festoons of bunting--the red, white, and blue--interwoven with evergreens on churches, houses, and lamp-posts. Scaffolds were erected from which eloquent speakers addressed open-air meetings, churches held services, and everybody, young and old, listened to the Declaration of Independence read by some Senator, or ex-Governor, or other distinguished personage. The Sunday-schools walked in procession, all the girls in white, with badges or sashes of the dear colors we loved, the boys with white duck trousers, and blue jackets with brass buttons, and they had badges too. It was really fine. Soldiers and martial music--bugles, drums, fifes, playing their loudest--picnics, and fire-crackers galore signalized the day, which was further endeared to children by cherry-pie at dinner, and ice-cream following fireworks in the evening. Tired and happy we went to bed, and we were confirmed by these delightfully patriotic Fourths in our love of country. Florence and Eva, looking languidly up at this point, observe that the Fourth in these days is too warm for so much exertion. It is very much as one looks at it whether one is to suffer or enjoy most during the summer. Fretting and fidgeting and violent fanning add to one's discomfort. To go right on with one's work, and neither think nor care for the heat, often enables one to forget it, and if the mind be only held superior, the body does not so much mind being too warm or too cold. Some foolish people actually fuss and fume themselves into fevers, when summer is reigning in her bounty, ripening fruits and grains, and giving us her splendid skies and sunsets. To keep the house cool in July, air it thoroughly in the early morning, then close the windows and screen doors, and darken bedrooms and parlors. A dark closed room will be comfortable at mid-day. Select a cool window, or a corner of the veranda, and carry your books and sewing there, or establish yourself under a tree. Eat cold dishes and ripe fruit. Fan moderately. Do not drink quantities of iced water. Do not let yourself be annoyed or vexed with any one. Bathe at least twice a day, and think pleasant thoughts. A lawn party is charming for a late afternoon in summer. Invite your friends to come from five to eight o'clock. Spread rugs on the grass, and bring out some small tables and rocking-chairs. For refreshments have lemon sherbet, sponge-cake, ice-cream, snow-pudding, iced tea or coffee, thin sandwiches, or anything else you like. Play lawn-tennis or croquet, or any other game you choose. [Illustration: Signature] ADVERTISEMENTS. Highest of all in Leavening Power.--Latest U. S. Gov't Report. [Illustration: Royal Baking Powder] [Illustration: If afflicted with SORE EYES USE Dr. ISAAC THOMPSON'S EYE WATER] HARPER'S NEW CATALOGUE,