Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1843-11-16

Bituminous Lake. Perhaps few OF
our citizens are aware that there is a
small lake situated within one hundred
miles of Houston, that is quite similar
to the Pitch Lake of Trinidad. This
similar lake or pond is situated in JEFF
ferson county, near the road between
Liberty and Beaumont, about twenty
miles from the latter village. The lake
is formed of bitumen or asphaltum, and
is about quarter of a mile in circumler-
ence. In the winter months its surface
is hard, and capable of sustaining per-
son. 1t is generally covered from No
vember to March with water, which is
sour to the taste. Owing to this cause,
it is called by the people in the vicinity
the Sour Pond, or Sour lake. In the
summer there is a spring near the mid
die, where an oily liquid (probably pet
toleum) continually boils up from the
bottom. This liquid gradually hardens
after being exposed to the air, and forms
black, pithy substance, similar to that
at the sides of the lake. Mr.. Butler, of
Galveston who has seen the Pitch Lake
of Trinidad, examined piece of the BIZ
tumen obtained from this lake, and says
it is precisely like the bitumen of TriEi-
dad. This bitumen may at some future
day become valuable as substitute for
coal in the formation of gas to light cit
les. 1t burns when lighted with a clear
bright light, but gives out very pun
gent odor The ancients used bltumen
as cement in the construction of walls
or buildings. They also used it in ma
ny cases as a substitute for tar or pitch.
We believe, however, that little use is
now made OF it for these purposes. even
where it is found most abundant. -Hous-
ton Ieras) Telegraph.
Senator from .Msso;ui--The St. Lou
is Era of the 18th says: The appoint
meht OF Judge Atchison to the Senate of
the United States, in place of DR.. Lynn
is placed hey ond doubt
,Ah0ays Ready.-During the last war
revolutionary veteran, living near the o.
cean, never went to bed without having
we'll LOADED gun by his side. One night
there was violent thunder storm, which
shook the house to its foundation
Husband. Husband!' screamed his wife,
get up! the Britishers have landed, or
the Day of Judgement has GOMEZ don't
know whichn We'll, said the old SOL
der jumping up, 'let them come on
they'll find me ready for either Of Them
Ladies in the habit of lacing their
stays so as to do injury to their health,
says the Picayune, should take the tenn
perance pledge. 1t will prevent them
from getting hight.
-eSe-
Copper Mine.-The mineral wealth of
the great West, is vast and of increasing
Importance; not a year passes but that
new discoveries are made. DR.. John
Hays has discovered upon his premises
at Copper Harbor, $50 miles from the
Salt. St. Mary in Michigan, mine of
copper ore of the richest kind Speci-
mems have been Analysed, and it has
been pronounced that the ore will yield
IS per cent. of pure copper.-N. 7.
PIebeian.
We were amused with remark that
we heard in the street last night. Hal
loo Bll' said fellow to one of his tipsy
companions who was standing against a
lamp post. SIS that your post:?' Not ex-
actly,' said the tipsy one, but have a
lean upon it,
-eSe-
They are eating strawberries Of the Sc
cord crop in Connecticut. Let them
take care that the cream does not freeze.
Married.