than the body-infinitely so; and few reject the proposition, in the abstract, that while woman is, and has been, from the days of Sarah to the present, naturally the cook, she is also the divinely appointed teacher of man. And yet, where is the person that seeks to ease her burden of the former, that she may have more time and energy to devote to the latter? Where is the person, indeed, who does not, by indulging the demands of a pampered appetite, contribute to rivet the chains of her domestic slavery? Happily, there are a few. May their numbers daily increase. If, says Mr. Flint, quoted by Dr. Alcott, in his Young Housekeeper, this world is ever to be made better and happier, woman is to be a principal agent in the great work. But what can she do as things now are? Is she not completely enslaved-voluntary, though her slavery may be— to the never-ending din of pots and kettles?"

COOKERY AS IT SHOULD BE.

"Simplicity is a virtue,' which has almost grown out of fashion, especially in relation to food and cooking. You can scarcely sit down anywhere to a good plain meal, and find everything simple. Even our dietetic reformers have much to learn in this respect, before the full amount of the good their system contains can be enjoyed by them. They, however, are open to inquiry and truth. All that pertains to the science of cooking, on physiological principles, is easily accomplished. The real object of cooking should be to increase the quantity, and improve the quality of food; to render it more economical and physiological. This is best accomplished by simplicity. It saves money, time, and health. Variety may still be kept up to almost any extent, without complexity, by taking one kind one day, or at one meal, and another on the next day. It is very important that the younger branches of the family, both boys and girls, should take a share in these domestic arrangements, which, while it would train them in the science, might also be the channels through which they may be taught the first principles of other branches of knowledge. Thus, while the mother is sewing or knitting, and one of the children is attending to the bread, cakes, rice, beans, or potatoes, she enters into familiar conversation on the subject before them, by telling them of the manners and customs, the geography, history, character, laws, and dietetic habits of the various nations adverted to in speaking about the food; and as the minds of the children were made ready for it, the mother might speak of the elements of food, its chemical nature, the methods of raising it, the chemical changes produced by cooking it, and finally, the effects produced on the human constitution by its use, which would lead to a familiar conversation on comparative anatomy, vegetable and animal physiology, the laws of health, and their influence on mind and morals. Thus, cooking ought to be one of the most highly intellectual, scientific, and pleasureable employments."

USE AND SELF-CULTURE.

Drown not thine own great thoughts in those of other men,
Nor let conceit inspire an egotistic pen;
Cull gems from Nature, Science, all mankind have known,
Then add some thought of inspiration all thy own.

Nor yet delay for some immense Herculean stride,
The task beyond thy strength, thy wisdom should divide;
Toil gently on, nor faint though progress seem but slow-
The more thy powers are weak, the more they need to grow.
And weak or strong, 'tis thine to guard them from abuse,"
Adapt thy culture to the sacred law of use;
The richest gifts of genius, talent, power, or grace,
Are those which most subserve the welfare of the race.

CO-OPERATIVE NEWS.

BARNSLEY.-The corn, flour, and provision company, limited. Numbers, according to last report, 142 members, with a capital of 1671. 12s.; business done, 550.; dividend, 1s, in the pound.

BEDLINGTON. The sales of this society have increased over 100%, during last quarter. The capital has been raised from 2351. to 3321. Present number of members, 132.

BURNLEY.-A new stone has been opened here, with a tea-party, when 1,500 persons sat down. Mr. T. B. Robinson, president of the society, in the chair. The meeting was addressed by Messrs. James Beck, secretary; Wm. Cooper, of Rochdale, &c. In about twenty months the society has enrolled about 1,000 members, with a capital of 4,5381. The dividends have averaged 1s. 6d. in the. pound. The society has stood well against the present depression of trade.

BRIDGNORTH. This society declared a dividend for last quarter of 2s. 1d. in the pound.

BATH.-The co-operative store which was opened about a year ago at the Borough Walls, Bath, was recently burnt to the ground, the manager and his family having a narrow escape.

BRISTOL EQUITABLE AND INDUSTRIAL CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY.-The committee in their report, recommended that a dividend of five per cent. per annum on all paid-up shares, ls. 1d. in the pound on members' purchases during the past quarter, and 6d, on those of non-members, be declared, which was carried nem. con.; the result being highly satisfactory to all present.

CHORLEY (Pilot Industrial).-Having received one number of your valuable Journal, and finding many reports from Co-operative Societies, I forward the following account of our society-We commenced business nightly, in June, 1860, with 38 members, capital 301. At the end of the first quarter the number of members was 84; capital, 1687.; dividend, 4d. in the pound. We then opened daily at the end of our ninth (last) quarter, although about half the mills in the town are stopped. The number of members was 413; capital, 1,537.; sales, 2,060.; profits, 1447. 12s., after paying 5 per cent. on capital, 57. to reserve fund, and Il. per month to the Chorley Relief Fund.

We have taken a piece of land near the present stores, on which we are erecting our own shops, bakehouse, ovens, &c.-JOHN CRITCHLEY, Secretary.

CLEATON MOOR.-Last dividend declared 1s, 3d. in the pound.

CLECKHEATON. A butcher's shop has been erected. Members, 289; capital,

1,6251.

COWPEN DISTRICT CO-OPERATIVE PROVIDENT SOCIETY.-The fourth quarterly report states that, notwithstanding the great depression which has characterized the coal trade in the district for the last three months, there has been an improvement in the state of the society. The committee recommend a dividend of 2s. in the pound on all members' purchases, after paying five per cent. per annum on all paid-up shares. The following are the business transactions of the society since its establishment:--First quarter's receipts, £554; second ditto, £747; third ditto, £1,075; and this quarter, £1,363. The receipts for goods sold is £1,308, and members' contributions, £55. The profit, after all expenses are deducted, is £103; the capital of the society is upwards of £400. The number of members is 145, 12 new members having entered last quarter.

DERBY.-The 47th quarterly report shows a dividend of 1s. 6d.

DROYLSDEN.-Sales last quarter, 5177. 6s. 9d.; dividend, 2s.

GREAT HORTON (BRADFORD).-Dr. John Watts, of Manchester, laid the corner stone of a new block of buildings, which are to be appropriated to the

purposes of Co-operative stores, at Great Horton, in the borough of Bradford. A beautiful silver trowel was presented to Dr. Watts, for the purpose of enabling him to perform the ceremony. The building will include a provision shop, a draper's shop, and a butcher's shop on the ground floor; a show-room and warehousing on the second storey; and a large lecture hall and ante-rooms above. The outlay, exclusive of the cost of the site of the premises, will be about 2,000l. The designs are furnished by Mr. Hope, architect, Bradford, and the elevation is Gothic in style, freely treated. A Co-operative store was established, with 37 members, about three years ago, at Great Horton, and the number at present is 600, and the receipts amount to about 300l. a week. The original store is now so scanty that large premises have become absolutely necessary. The laying of the corner-stone was made the occasion for a great demonstration in favour of the principles of Co-operation. Dr. Watts addressed the large assembly at great length; and Mr. John Rand, a West-Riding magistrate, residing in the district, also addressed the gathering in terms expressive of sympathy and good-will. A public meeting was subsequently held at the Primitive Methodist Chapel.— Manchester Examiner and Times.

HADFIELD.-Depression of trade weighs here very heavily. The withdrawals last quarter have been 6007., whilst the receipts for contributions have been below 2002.

HULL CO-OPERATIVE AND MUTUAL ASSURANCE SOCIETY (Limited).-The quarterly report of this society, just issued, shows that the receipts for the past quarter have amounted to £2,456, being an increase over the previous quarter of £486, and that the present receipts of the society are at the rate of £12,000 per annum. The profit on the quarter is £334, which, after paying interest on shares, and allowing for depreciation of fixed stock, will give a bonus of 3s. in the pound to each member. The number of new members during the quarter has been 98.

HULL CO-OPERATIVE PROVIDENT COMPANY (Limited).-This working man's company have removed its central store from Dock-street to the extensive shop, No. 57, Lowgate. The report and balance-sheet show a dividend upon shareholders' purchases for the quarter of 1s. 5d. in the pound, and 6d. in the pound for non-shareholders.

KIRKCALDY.-The third quarterly report shows 101 members; paid-up capital, £200. 3s. 6d.; sales, £653. 6s.; after paying all necessary expenses there was a balance of £40 1s., to be divided as follows:-5 per cent, on paid-up capital; 5 per cent. to reduce fixed stock; 5 per cent. to sinking fund; 1s. 2d. in the pound to members, and 7d. in the pound to non-members, on their purchases We intend opening a branch shop in a few weeks.-JOHN GALLOWAY, Secretary. LEITH. This society has been four quarters in existence; our capital is £303 3s. 6d.; our members are 122; sales, £1,207 13s. last quarter; profit, £19 6s. 51d.; dividend, 1s. 1d.

LIVERPOOL (Industrial, 155, Burlington-street). The second quarterly report shows progress, the members having increased to 137, and the dividend to 1s. 5d. Coals and clothing have been added.

LONDON. The "British" quarterly meeting was recently held in the schoolroom of the Battle Bridge Congregational Chapel, Pentonville-hill. Mr. J. Tauty, chairman of the committee, presided. Mr. Ireland, the secretary, read the report, which showed that a considerable increase in the society's business had taken place during the quarter. The sales have been £2,140 19s. 5d. There has been an increase in members, and also in capital, The brush trade has just been added, and has turned out very satisfactory. The wholesale trade is also increasing. The dividend is 1s. in the pound on members' purchases, 6d. on non-members' purchases, and 5 per cent on capital. It was decided that the society's shops should be closed every Wednesday at two p.m., to afford the storekeepers a half-holiday.

66

LONDON ST. JAMES'S.-We regret to find in the report of this otherwise successful and well-managed society, that the committee have been obliged to dismiss their late storekeeper, under the plea of a waste of goods," which they say "lessened the profits, at least, 5 per cent." The receipts for sale during the quarter have been £798 7s. 13d.; the profits, £9. 1s. 34d.; which, after allowing £1. 5s. for depreciation of fixed stock, will give a dividend of 6d. in the pound.

LOUGHBOROUGH.--The sale of goods for this quarter is £113; dividend, 1s. 0}d. in the pound on members' purchases; 9d. in the pound to non-members.

LYE (STOURBRIDGE).-There has been a little falling off in the deposits, but the figures in the fifth quarterly report show an increase of £63 for goods sold, and £20 increase of capital.

MIDDLETON AND TONGE. The distress has not, as was predicted by false friends, annihilated this society, for the 47th quarterly report shows an increased business, and a dividend of 1s. 6d. in the pound. The business includes grocery, tailoring, shoemaking, and clogging. The dividend to non-members is 19d. in the pound. A committee has been appointed to revise the rules, in conformity with the new act, so as to secure limited liability.

OLDHAM (King-street).-Forty-seven new members have been added during the 48th quarter. The redemption fund has reached the large sum of £639, and the fixed stock has been reduced £111, thus giving increased stability to the society. The profit for the quarter is £1,086, and the dividend 1s. 8d., after allowing the usual claims. The committee have reason to feel thankful at this prosperous state of affairs, amidst the surrounding ruin.

RAMSBOTTOM.-Number of members, 500; capital, £2,867 2s. 2d.; sales during the quarter ending June 21st, £2,968 14s. 7d.; profits, £225 14«.; dividend in the pound, 1s. 7d.; 14th quarter. We are building a very commodius shop for ourselves, which we estimate to cost about £1,600, and we have already paid £800 towards it.

ROCHDALE.-The Pioneers' seventy-first quarterly report shows the society to be in a remarkable state of prosperity, considering the unparalleled depression of the cotton trade. The profits for the year have been £4,422, allowing (after interest on capital, and £97 to the educational department) 2s. 5d. in the pound dividend on purchases. The library now contains 5,000 volumes. The three co-operative societies in Rochdale continue £23 weekly to the relief of distress. A meeting is called to consider the new rules compiled under the act of 1862.

SHEFFIELD (High Green). The sales for the sixth quarter have been £284 18s. 10d. Owing to the depression in trade and other causes, there have been a good many withdrawals, but as the main body of members have allowed their profits to accumulate, the capital of the society remains about stationary. The members are 20, representing a capital of £65 10s. 41d. The dividend this quarter, on members' purchases, is 7d.

STAFFORD. At the sixth quarterly meeting a donation of £5 was voted unanimously for the Lancashire Relief Fund.

TOTTINGTON. The report for the quarter ending September 20th showed the receipts to be in advance of any other quarter-viz., £926. There is a profit of £70 after paying all working expenses. A dividend of 1s. 8d. in the pound was declared, to the satisfaction of the members, for trade is very dull. The meeting also granted a donation of £5 to the Torrington Relief Fund, and we are also on the eve of opening a soup-kitchen for the poor.

TROWBRIDGE. The number of members is 235; business done during the quarter, £1,220; profit made, £72, and a dividend on purchases of 1s. 2d. in the pound; 16,290 4lb. loaves were baked last quarter, and the demand was still increasing.

TWEESIDE. The third quarterly statement of accounts shows a very satisfactory state of matters in being able to pay 1s. 6d. in the pound, and a balance of £11 16s. towards a sinking fund.

WALLSEND (Northumberland).-In November, 1861, a few working men of this village, with much difficulty, got up a meeting to try and impress on the minds of their fellow-workmen the utility of bettering their condition by Cooperation. Thirty names having been taken down as subscribers, and a room got for holding meetings on Saturday evenings. after toiling for the space of six months they found they had raised a sum of £86 12s. They took a dwellinghouse, the only suitable place they could get, to commence a grocery and provision store. The alterations they had to make, with the fixtures and fittings, cost £20, which only left £66 12s. to commence business with. They opened on the 1st of May last. The first quarter's report showed the receipts to be £572 8s. 3d. for the quarter ending August 4th, with a nett profit of £42 18s. 103d. After paying all expenses, with five per cent. on all paid-up shares, and £3 carried to the redemption of the fixed stock, the committee were enabled to pay 2s. in the pound on members' purchases.

CORRESPONDENCE.

(To the Editor of the Working Man.)

SIR,-The reproach made against me by A. T., of dealing unfairly with Mr. R. Owen's fundamental facts, by showing that they will apply to a locomotive as well as to a man, calls for a short reply on my part.

I find a writer who puts forth a theory of human nature, and builds upon it a scheme of an imaginary society, where the evils now pressing upon large portions of the community shall disappear. To me it seems that his theory is very imperfect, and that, in consequence, his imaginary society must prove incapable of being realized in the form imagined by him. The particular imperfection of the theory, in my judgment, is, that it insists exclusively upon the action of circumstances upon man, and overlooks the action of man upon circumstances; in other words, it takes a mechanical view of human nature, subposing that it may be moulded indefinitely by the influences to which it is supjected, and offers only a passive resistance to them-such as is offered by the materials of a machine to its maker. I express that judgment by the statement that Mr. Owen's theory was a theory for producing "virtuous machines." A. T. attacks this judgment of mine as an absurd misrepresentation of Mr. Owen's doctrines. In reply, I subject my position to the severest test, by taking Mr. Owen's definitions and applying them to a locomotive, to see how far they will fit it, and I find that they do fit with a precision quite astonishing, when the immense difference really existing between the two Beings is taken into account. I do not think that this criticism on Mr. Owen's philosophy deserves to be called "unfair," or a "railing" at Mr. Owen. At all events, it is a different sort of "railing" from that which it has elicited in the page of the Working Man immediately preceding A. T.'s letter.

So far from "railing" at the man, I have not even "railed” at the system, but have admitted that it asserted a very important truth, and one generally overlooked at the time when it appeared-namely, the vast influence of circumstances on man, both physically, intellectually, and morally.

Mr. Owen's disciples cannot reasonably ask for more from one who believes his philosophy to be one-sided, and his scheme of society impracticable.

The progress of socialism can be secured only by the same means by which progress in all other cases is secured-namely, by the fearless discussion of