Ypsilanti sentinel. [volume] (Ypsilanti, Washtenaw Co., Mich.) 1843-1900, 1844-01-17

cigar is composed of two distinct parts. the
outside and cover-for these. two different
kinds Of leaves are used, of which the latter
is generally finer in texture, as we'll as more
plant. American tobacco is not unfrequently
used for wrappers, the leaves of the Virginia
weed being larger than the Cuba. giving the
cigar smoother appearance. The leaves are
damped the evening previous to placing them
| in the hands of the manufacturer, and when
rolled they are placed on large table, where
they are divided into three qualities and priced
accordingly. Those which are the most beau.
tifuly rolled are called regalias. and are sold
from % to $26 per THOUSAND d, while the second
lest, made of the same tobacco and by the
same man, only with less attention to beauty,
are sold for GLAND others as low as six.
Don Hernandez employs about so men in his
immense fdbrica. A good workman makes a
thousand day of the best common, or about
600 regalias. The best tobacco in Havana
grows in the Vuelta Abajo, or lower district.
The very best cigars do not find their way into
this country or to Europe, and for the reason
i that they are not fashionable-they are of dark
color-and lighter colored and smoothly roll
ed cigar is preferred to the strong and rough
| looking ones-these latter are the most perfect
| pade meeum imaginable for the meditative phi.
| iosopher.
Sunday in Havana, like the Sabbath in all
| sbo1.o &.
ment and military MISUNDERSTANDING in
the streets, dancing and grotesque performan-
ces in the public squa res, being among the
most innocent diversions of the day. The
Billiard rooms are in full blast, and gambling
that bese.ting sin of the indolent in most
countries--is ruinously prevalent, as Sunday
amusement, among the fashionables of the
| capta al, and indeed with the greater part of
those who can get few doubloons to risk on
the turn of card. Bull-fghts and cock-6ght-
ing is another species Of enjoyment which the
Habaneros delight in, more especially the lat
ter, for it offers to them the cheapest method
of displaying that sanguin airy spirit for which
the Spanish are SO much renowned. Speaking
of cock-fghting, reminds me of story told by
Baltimorean on that subject. Being OH board
brig bound 10 Havana, out OF sight OF the
capes of Virginia, large eagle lit upon the
yard-arm. One of the men, after dark, went
out upon the yard with large bag, which he
threw over him, secured him, and after clipping
his wings, so as to prevent his escape, he was
l.. IL l..
came domesticated, and was a great favorite
with the captain. He played many tricks, to
the great annoyance of the pigs on board. for
anything in the pigs mess he would have if
he took liking to it. He was the terror of
his bristly companions to such degree, that
if pig showed his snout on the quarterback,
he was sure to 'ge the whole hog on him.
This very much pleased the captain, for when
pigs are let loose on ship-board, they are very
troublesome. The day after we arrived at
Ha, ana, the captain, with several more Anne.
ricans, visited cockpit to have some sport.
The captain bet several times, but invariably
lost-at length he offered to bet $500 that he
had Virginia game cock on board that would
kill any cock on the Island. Of course, he
was soon taken up, and the day was pitched
for the fight. He let his companions into the
secret, and proposed to them to go snacks on
the bet. The captain also went around to the
American masters in port, told them of the
hoax, and advised them to bet on the Virginia
game-cock-and after returning on board his
vessel, had his eagle trimmed as cocks gener.
ally are for the fight-took all the feathers off
his neck, and trimmed little more from his
wings, and, in fine, disfgured him in such a
manner. that very few could have told it was
an eagle. He was then cooped, and put upon
short allowance, so as to whet his appetite for
the coming battle. The news spread all over
Havana, and many flocked to see the fight be-
tween the Virginia and Spanish cocks, and
bets were made to a considerable amount |
When the day of battle came. the eagle was |
conveyed to the pit In the same bag in which |
he was caught The time Of pitting the cocks
arrived, and two men stepped out who were
selected to pit the cocks, for neither party
were permitted to pit their own chicken the
man on the opposite side produced one of the
large Spanish breed, and fixed the steel heels
on him. The man who was to pit the captains
bird, was about preparing large pair of heels,
when the Virginian told him not to trouble
himself, for he fought his chicken without
gaffs. The eagle, on being taken from the
sack, was received with surprise by the be-
holders, but the Spaniard said his chicken
would gaff him the fret fly. The cock made
a fly at the eagle, and pricked him with his
heels pretty smartly, thus raising his ferocity,
which was before very high for want Of food
he cast look of disdain on his adversary, .
md the next fly the game Spaniard made at
lin. he seized him in his talons by his breast
md wing, and in an instant tore him to pieces.
{ What do you think of your old cock, now, |
Mr.. Bropn r' shouted the captain, as he gath. {
'red up his doubloous. The fame of the Vir- {