Mississippi Democrat. (Carrollton, Miss.) 1844-18??, 1845-03-19
M tareIIa NJ.

GYAsCUTUs!-As this formidable ami
NAL is undoubtedly sloose,n and as there
is no knowing the amount of mischief he
may occasion while roaming at large and
disturbing he cogitations of those quiet
people who know nothing about him,-a
statement of the particulars concerning
his origin and remarkable escape will no
doubt be thankfully received by an anx-
ious public.
The story goes, that couple of Yam
KEGS travelling south ran short of funds,
and resolved themselves into a committee
Of WAYS and means for the purpose of eff
fecting a ''raise" They determined to
take advantage Of the passion for shows
which possessed our people in those days,
when the elephant, and rhinoceroB, and
nionkies, were being exhibited al over the
country. One of this worthy couple, II
was agreed between them, was TO person
ate rare beast, for which they invented
the name of Gyascutus; while the other
was to be keeper or "show man" TO exhl-
bit the said Gyasculus to the curious spec
tators, stir him up with stick, throw him
"feed," discourse of his history, capture,
qualities, &c.
Accordingly an advertisement was made
at the next village, TO the effect that q
rare and interesting specimen of animated
nature, called the Gyasculus, would tina
night be exhibited to the enlightened ant
generous public of that town and vicinity
This animal was captured on the disputed
territory, where his species was found, ro-
wing in the wilds of the Aroostook, on ths
banks of the Penobscot, and over the cir
cumjacent hills Of the Passammaqnoddy
more ferocious and terrible than til,
Gnu, the Hyena, or Ant Eater of the Afr
can desert.
Admittance 25 cents, children ard ser
wants half price.
Curiosity was on tip-toe. Every bod
crowded the door at the appointed time
where Jonathan, the Snowman, gravel
received their quarters and dimes, an
politely bowed them in. Across corne
Of the room was stretched stout rope an
q curtain, behind which was stationed Jon
athan, the Gyascntus. The curtain di
not quite reach the ground, and beneath
the curiosity Of the spectators, tempted b
partial view Of four horrible feet, whic
10 less excited fancies would have borne
wonderful smilitude to the feet and hand
of live Yankee, with stripes of COO
skins sewed around his wrists and ankles
With palpitating hearts they saw those bi
feet move and flap about, as the monste
shook his chain and muttered his discor
tent in unearthly growls.
The designated moment for opening tn
exhibition having. arrived, and Jonatha
having slowed a goodly amount of tn
shining spoil in the big pocket Of his pep
per-and-sat coat, he stepped deliberatel
up for the purpose of commencing th
performances. "Ladies and gentlemen,
said he, "the Gyascntus is not only RI
markable for the singularity and ferocit
OF his appearance, but for the terribl
tones of his voice. Before raising the cul
tam will proceed TO stir him up littl
win TINS here stick, just TO let you have
specimen OF the music with which he make
his native wllds resound when angry, {
about to seize upon and RIM off with h
prey" lie accordingly disappeared-th
stick was applied upon the Gyascutus-
the beast gave few premonitory grunt
but waxing in wrath, he begun 10 ratll
his chain like mad, and roar and prowI
most hideous sort, to the unspeakably d,
lightful horror to all present. Expect,
ton mixed with portion Of apprehel
sion, was wrought up to high pitch.-
When just at this juncture, Jonathan lea
ed out with a mighty bound--his ey'
starting with iear--his limbs trembling