The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-10-23
Vol. 0. No. IA, Whole No. 43O. .
From the Greenbush Patriot.
The GyaStuCuS,

The GyaStuCuS.
IA this formidable animal is undoubtedly "loose"
and there is no knowing the amount OF mischief he
may occasion while roaming at large and disturbing
the cogtalion ofthose quiet people who know moth
ing about himH statement ofthe particulars respect
ing his origin and remarkable escape will doubt be
thankfully received by anxious public. The story
goes, that.
couple OF Yankees travelling south, short OF
funds and resolved themselves into committee OF
ways and means for the purpose Of making "rnise"
They determined tuke advantage OF the passion for
shows which possessed people in those days.
when the elephant and rhinsceros and lions and
keys were being exhibited all over tho country. One
Of this worthy couple, il was agreed between them,
to personate beast, for which they invent
ed the name Gyastuous, while the other to be
the keeper ''showman''-Io exhibit the said Gy-
astucus TO the curious spectators, stir him up with
stick, throw him his feed, discourse of history, cap.
lure and qualities, &c.
Accordingly advertisement was made at tho next
village, to the effect that and interesting speci
Of animated nature called the Gyastucus, would
that night be exhibited the enlightened and gener-
GUS public OF that town and vicinity This animal
il Get forth, captured the Disputed Terri
tory, where his species found roaming in the
wilds Of the Arostooi the bank Of the Penobsco,
and the circumjacent hills Of tho Passunaquody
ferociouS and terrible than the Gnu, the Hy-
ena, the An,-eater of tho African desert Admit
lance 25 cents children and servants half price.
Curiosity was on tp,oo. Every body crowded
the door at the appointed hour, where JOHN ATTAIN
THE SNOWMAN grayely received their quarters and
their dimes and bowed them in Across The corner
Of room stretched stout curtain, behind which was
stationed JONATHAN THE GYAsTUcUs. The
curtain did not quite reach The floor and beneath it
tho curiosity of the spectator tempted by partial
view OF four horrible feet which less excited fan
cies would have borne wonderful smilitude TO tho
fee. and hands Of live Yankee with stripes Of
skin sewed around his wrists and ankes!-wth pail
plating hearts they slw those feet move and flap a.
bout, the monster shook his chain and uttered his
discontencd and unearhly growls
The designated moment 70. opening tho exhibition
having arrived, and Johnathan having slowed good
~ amount Of the shining spoil in the big pockets of
his pepper and salt cOathe stepped deIbera:eyIup to
the curtain for the purpose Si commencing the per-
formances,
Ladies and gentlemen" said he, ''the Gy ustucus
is only remarkable for the sing uary and ferocity
Of his appearance, but for the terrible tones OF his
voice. Before raising the curtain will proceed to
sr him up httle with this here stick just 10 let you
have specimen OF Ia music with which he makes
his native Willis resound when angry, about to seizs
and run of with his unsuspecting prey" He accord
ingly disappeared the stick piled upon the Gy-
astacus, the beast gave few premonory grunts blu,
waxing in wrath, began 10 rattle his chain like mad,
and roar and sowl in the most hdeOus manner to the
unspeukably dsghtrul horror Of all present EXpec-
lition, mixed with portion Of apprehension, was
wrought up TO the highest pitch. when just al the
juncture Jonathan eaped with bound his eyes
starting with fear; hs limbs trembling in every join,
in all has looks eXcaimns, Ladies and gen.
tlemen YOURSELVES THE GYAsTUcUs
Is LOOSE!
PelI, nell, hurry buriy, ftin'ing, screaming, leap
ing, crowding--ths terrified spectators rolled out;
while Johnahan and the Gyasucus retired the back
way, with all reasonable expedition, and now, for
ough. know, enjoying the rewards of their adj
venture among the circumj accent hills Of Passama-
9uoddy. .......... ........ ....