GENTLE SHAVERS.

Kumara Times, Issue 946, 11 October 1879, Page 3

GENTLE SHAVERS.

% The Arflfcficans (says a writer in May-fiiir) are So very inventive that rarely require to take hints from Other nations. They are more apt to give them. Still, when thev do fake. a hint, they so improve what they borrow- thac it really becomes a new idea. For instance, look how they have treated the subject of hairOuttirfg. They started with the novelty of “shampoo,” and kindly presented, us with a new Injury and our language with a new word. But they soon found it necessary tt> go further still. In the town of Berne there is a usage for the women to act as hairdressers. I have myself been clipped at the chief barber’s in that busy little capital. It is a curious Sensation to find a Swiss Dalilah shearing your locks, and looking you straight in the face, afs she considers whether your fiiouStachef is quite what she could wish it. Unfortunately the Swiss maidens ftrq not pretty, and so tire operation is fiot altogether as pleasant as it might be. But then it was an ided, and American sagacity soon saw what could be done with it. Two sisters starred last year a barber’s shop in New Yo'vh; it was- beautifully fitted up, sind was a kind of perfumers’ paradise. There were mirrors and rocking chairs, and light literature,- cigarettes, photopraphs, poetry books and Ainerican drinks. Quo. sister shaved the customer, while tire other played the piano and sa'ng appropriate songs. The pretty parners did a roaring trade, and every young New York swell became solicitous about his beard. New apartjfients were tjalien, arid the business grew to lie of great Value. But romance anil commerce go-badly together. One young American fell in love with the songstress, and had the misfortune to be beloved by the barbaress. The position was dramatic,- but unpleasant. It was thought not wise to furnish a jealous wfjfuuu with a raz'er, or to allow a pretty girl' unlimited opportunities of helping be.-kelf to the locks of the man she loved. The partnership was dissolved, and now Jonathan’s beard- is ctit by a man* and a brother.