Victorian mourning

Something light for the weekend:

MOURNING, ETIQUETTE OF. The various degrees of relationship which the living bear to the dead, regulate the depth of the mourning worn, and the length of time that it is to be retained. Mourning for a husband in the widow's cap and crape is usually extended over twelve months, and after that period the wearer may either adopt a half mourning, or put by mourning altogether, without appearing singular or wanting in feeling. In cases of this kind, the wearing of mourning beyond the prescribed interval depends, as a matter of course, greatly upon sentiment, the degree of affection which subsisted between the parties, the length of time which the marriage existed, &c.

More at The Victorian Etiquette of Mourning

Indian Ocean

Two fantastic but very different islands in the Indian Ocean:

Madagascar: Great Leaping Lemurs!

Mauritius

Gardening - Victorian Pear Tree Cultivation

Victorian Pear Tree Cultivation

The pear requires a good, naturally rich, loamy soil, not however enriched by artificial means, as that would only have the effect of producing a luxuriance of growth that would require much skill and labour to overcome.

Barcelona

Second city of Spain and major Mediterranean port, bustling Barcelona incorporates a delightful historic mix of Roman remains, medieval quarters and 20th century avant-garde art.

More at: Barcelona Spain - That Sensational Second City of Spain

Gardening - articles

Introduction to the Victorian Flower Garden

'The elder brethren of our profession, who can look back, for instance, to the introduction of the Dahlia, give us but a poor idea of flower-gardening as it was practised in the first decades of the century.

Gardening for Stress

In its purest form, gardening is about connecting with the earth and resetting our clocks to the simple, natural rhythms of life.

Safe Gardening

Bad backs and accidents can spoil the pleasure of gardening. Taking an ergonomic approach to gardening can help ensure that it is a safe and enjoyable hobby.

Gertrude Jekyll and Gardening

Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) aimed for 'beautiful effect' and had a lasting effect on gardening.

Top Ten Destinations

Three articles with lists of the top travel destinations:

* Top Ten Lesser-Known Beaches

* Top Ten (International) Travel Destinations

* Top Ten Travel Destinations USA

Victorian Alexandria

An antiquarian description of this Egyptian port from the 19th Century:

Victorian Alexandria

Gardening - Japanese Red Maple

How to Grow Japanese Red Maple Trees from Seed

Most Japanese Maple seeds ripen in the fall. Watch the tree and wait for the seeds to turn brown.

Vancouver

Vancouver, British Columbia is one of the world's premiere destinations. See these three articles about the city:

* A Guide to the Best Vancouver Vacation Attractions

* Vancouver, Hidden Jewel Of The Pacific Northwest

* Beautiful Vancouver, City of the Sea & Mountains

Gardening - Books

A selection of the best gardening books is available at:

Best Gardening Books

Japan travel articles

The Story Behind Japan's Notorious Ninja

The Story Behind Japan's Famous "Bullet Trains"

The Influence of 'Characters' On Japan’s Culture

Washington DC

Washington DC, the US capital, is a city with public museums and monuments galore, but also hidden treasures that should not be overlooked. Read more at: Washington, DC a Bargain Travel Guide

Caribbean islands

Tobago

Antigua

Nevis

New Zealand travel articles

New Zealand - No Snakes Here, Mate! Just Crazy Keas and Bubbling Mud

Discover the Real New Zealand

Greenland

Greenland

Scotland

Orkney Islands

Island-hopping to Scotland’s far north

Boston

Made famous by Revolutionary events, infamous by cold winters, and both by the World-Series winning Red Sox, Boston has its fair share of reasons to visit. With such a reputation, however, comes high prices, and it has become increasingly difficult to find bargain deals in the city. That is why we created a list of budget restaurants, bars and activities that both locals and tourists can use when going out in Boston. Spanning the unique Boston neighborhoods, we have suggestions whether you are with family, friends or single. We also provide ideas for dates that won't break the bank - great especially for a first outing, yet perfect also for a change of pace in the old routine. More at: Boston, a Bargain Travel Guide

Madrid

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a charming city, rich in culture and, at night it really rocks! Read on:

Madrid Spain - Take A Tour Of A City That Rocks

Daniel Defoe

Daniel Defoe, the author of 'Robinson Crusoe'. This account from a 1924 textbook tells you about his career in a way that only a vintage textbook could:

Daniel Defoe

New England articles

Articles about New England and the islands:
* New England Cooking

* Radisson Hotel Plymouth introduces new golf partnership

* Martha's Vineyard

* Elizabeth Islands

* Maine Islands - an Island a Day

* Nantucket Island

* Block Island