Litchfield enquirer., 1834-09-04


purpose of laying its eggs; and this, by
puncturing the pulp, and causing disper-
sion or circulation of the nutritious juices,
hastens the ripening Of the fruit. In France
this operation is initiated by inserting
straws, dipped in olive oil. II
In the most favorable climates, the fig
tree offers its fruit, throughout q considera-
bic portion of the year. The first ripe
figs, according to DR.. Shaw, are called boo
core, and come to maturity about the end
ofJune. When the boccore draws towards
perfection, the karniouse or summer fig,
begins to be formed. This is the crop
which is dried When the karniouse RI
pens in Syria and Barbary, then appears
IA third crop, which often hangs and ripens
on the tree after the leaves are shed.
The time of gathering the summer figs,
and Of drying and packing them for the
European market, is one Of great hustle
and activity. The principal seat of this
commerce is Smyrna. Besides being
chief article of sustenance to the native
population, 900 tons are annually sent
from Turkey to Great Britain.
Peoples Magazine.
Singular Attachment. old gentle
man, Mr.. Stavely, now living at Clifton,
near this city, is at present an object Of
great interest, on account Of the singular
companion by whom he is almost invaria-
bly, accompanied, viz, gander, belonging
to Mr.. Gross, farmer residing in that
township. The bird, every morning about
five o'clock, comes from its own domicile
near the Marquee, to Mr.. Stavely's resi-
dence, and by its cackling noise calls,the
old gentleman up. # then accompanies
him in all his rambles during the day, and
is frequently to be seen>in our busy streets,
aud with crowds of children by whom the
pair are often accompanied. When Mr..
Stavely sits down to rest himself, which he
is often obliged to do, from his age and in
f:mities, the gander Immediately sits down
at his feet. There are several places at
which the old gentleman has been id the
habit Of resting; and now just before he
arrives at them. his feathered companion
starts off, and arrives at the spot little
before Mr.. S. turns round, and by Zap
of his wings, and a cackling noise, intimates,
that they have arrived at their place. If
any one molests the old gentleman, the
gander chatters at, and bites them, if pos
sible. If he goes into a public house, ii
enters also, if permitted, and stands behind
him while he drinks his glass Of ale, some
times partaking of the refreshing beverage.
If not permitted to enter the house, he re-
mains at the door till Mr.. Stavely comes
out. Altogether this circumstance forms
one Of the most surprising traits in the nat
ural history of the goose, with which We
are acquainted. - Yorkshire Gazette.
Lord Bacon, towards the latter end Of
his life, said, that little smatteriDg in phi
losophy would lead man to Atheism but
thorough insight into Il will lead a man
back again to the first cause and that the
first reason is religion; and seriously pro-
fessed, that after all his studies and inquisi-
lions, he burst not die with any other
thoughts than those which religion taught,
as it is professed among the Christians.
Sir Isaac Newton.-All the world has
heard Of Sir Isaac roasting himself before
a great free, till informed Of the possibility
Of escaping the fate he apprehended by
pushing back his chair. The story of his
employing the finger of a lady whom he
was counting as tobacco stopperis equal
ly we'll known. Not SO that which follows {:
DR.. Stukely, one day visiting Sir isaac
by appointment, was told by q servant that
the philosopher was in his study. No one
was permitted to disturb him there !. but as
it was near dinner time, dinner was brought
in-boiled chicken under cover. An
hour passed, and Sir Isaac did not appear.
The doctor ate the fowl, and, covering up
the empty dish, babe the servant dress an
other for her master. Before that was
ready, the great man came down and apol-
ogized for his delay, and added: Give me
but leave to take my short dinner, and /
shall be at your service; ! am fatigued
and faint Saying this, he lifted the COW
or, and without any emotion turned about
to Stukely with smile - See,' says he,'
what we studious people are; ] forgot /
had dined.' '
RetOrt Courteous. --We have somewhere
met with the following anecdote. many
years since: An eccentric lawyer, by the
name Of Johnson, in some part Of Worces-
ter county, Mass; now dead, was in the
habit Of cooking and eating any sort Of ans
imal or reptile that came to hand. AT q
public house in Worcester. q Young limb