Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-07-07
VERMONT INSANE ASYLUM.

Asylum, whose diseases are described 10 vari-
Gus causes. In some it is hereditary and con-
stitutional, but in majority, induced by acci-
dental events. was deeply afflicted with the
appearance of two young ladies', aud inquired
the cause of their insanity. One of them a
J bright eyed, merry laughing creature OF eight
cen, was deprived of her reason through TOO
intense application to her studies while at
seminary in Med'ord, near Boston. She Is the
daughter of a wealthy gentleman OF New YORK,
and has been reared in the lap Of elegance and
luxury. Though totally lost to reason, she re-
tains that innate air which bespeaks high
born parentoge and refined early associations.
! was accompanied by my iavorite spaniel, OF
whom she was very much alarmed, and desl-
red me to take him away, as she knew he was
mad' Having made him lay down, she SEEM
cd quite delighted. and took advantage OF her
good nature to ask her to favor me with song.
She cheerfulIy assented, and led the way to
paror, where she seated herself at piano, and
running over the keys in beautiful cadence,
she burst forth into the air of 'lIome sweet
home,' which charming melody never heard
sung with more touching and electrical effect.
The plaintive tone of her sweet voice was
overpowering, and as the tears gushed down
her cheeks, almost feared the effort would be
too much for her. but no sooner had she breath
ed the last note than she abruptly turned to me
and enouired, Isn't that preityP Poor crea-
ture il win be long ere forget your syren
notesl
Twas equally touched with the appearance
Of another young lady, of nearly The same age.
Her history is a most touching one, and may
be briefly narrated thus. Born of wealthy pa
rents, idolized in youth, gratifed IN The lndul-
gence of her londest hopes, and perfected IN ev-
cry accomplishment Of the day, she was me
pride of her family and the belle OF the social
Ia, hoe chts centralized Tine OF
those enthusiastic beings, who are never salts
fled with divided affection, her mind was so
exqusitely strung that the least d;scord alict-
ed il, and marred the music Of the WHOLE
Some three years since, she was introduced TO
young naval officer, who soon wooed and
won her, but villain like, having sported awhile
with the choice fame which nothing but sum-
mer and sunshine should gladden., and alter
having by seduous attentions appropriated The
rare gem to himself, left il exposed TO the rude1
blast of winter, until chilled and crushed, il has
fallen to the ground, scared and blasted like the
withered leaf of autumn. The story of his
perfdy reached her ears but, woman-like, she
would not credit aught against the idol OF her
heart, till her own eyes peIused IN the paper oil
a neighboring city his marriage TO another
The news came like a thunder bolt upon her,
whitening and destroying her. In vain did her
friends endeavor 10 cheer her Responding heart,
by travel and the kindest attention. Now a
blighted and spiril-broken thing, she no more
bounded on the green like the fawn, or CARROLL
ed in the sunshine like the lark wnging its
fight to heavens gate; fearful change had
come over her, and reason soon deserted its
throne, leaving her maniac. She takes no
interest in movements of the other patients,
but sits apart, all the day, looking from win
dow, upon the boundess prospect before her.
Every attempt TO direct her mind has been, az
yet, unsuccessful, and though passionately fond
Of music in her moments of reason. the least
sound is now dispeasng In her, and she reires
TO her apartment closing the door after her, as
il to seclude herself from the society of others.
What has the man to answer for who has thus
DESTROYED virgin flower in the pide of its
bloom and beauty!
A SINGULAR FALL.-Two hundred miles
from Long Island Sound is a narrow pass in
the river Connecticut, only five yards over,
formed by the shelving mountains Of solid rock,
whose tops intercept the clouds. Through the
chasm are compelled 10 pass all the waters
which in the time of the floods bury the north
ern country. At the upper Cohoes, the river
then spreads "24 miles wide," and for five or
Fix weeks first rate ships might pass over lands
that afterwards produce the greatest crops -oi
hay and grain in all America. People who csn
bear the sight, the groans, the trembngs, the
surly motion of water, tress, and ice through
this awful passage, view with establishment one
of the greatest phenomena in nature. Here
water is condensed, without frost, by pressure,
by swiftness, between the adamant, sturdy
rocks, TO such degree of induration that no
iron crow can be forced into it. Here iron,
lead and cork have one common weight
here, steady as time, and harder than marble,
the stream passes irresistible, if not swift as
lightning; the electric fire Sends trees in piece
es with no greater case than does this mighty
water. The passage is about 400 yards in
length, and OF 2ig-zag form, with obtuse cor
ners. AT high water are carried through this
strait, masts aud other timber, with incredible
swflness, and sometimes with safety hut
when the water is too low, the masts, timber
and trees strike on one side or the other, and
though OF the largest size, are rent in one mo-
ment into shivers, and splinlered like broom,
to the amazement of spectators. The mead
ows for many miles below, are covered with
immense quantities of wood thus torn in piec-
es, which compel the hardest travellers TO re-
fleet how feeble is man, and how great the AL
mighty, who formed the lightnings, and the IT.
resstbe power and strength OF waters!
No living creature was ever known to pass
through this narrow passage except an Indian
woman, who was in canoe, attempting TO
cross the river above it, but careessiy suffered
herself TO fall within the power Of the current.
Perceiviug her danger she took bottle ofrum
she had with her aud drank the whole of il;
then lay down in the canoe to meet her destiny.
Most wonderful TO tell, she went safely
through, and was taken out of the canoe some
miles below, very much intoxicated. Being
asked how she could be so darngly imprudent
as to drink such quantity o f rum with the
prospect of instant death before her, the squaw,
as well as her condition would let her, replied
-"Yes, yes, white man-it was too much rum
for once TO be sure; butt was not willing to
lose drop of il so | drank it, and you see
have saved all."-[ New. York SUM-