Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1849-03-17
Darletn.

uDvISG PIGs-Tbe following extract,
from work, of character, the American
geological Journal, is remarkably curious
and suggestive as TO how new species and
varieties may be added to the old genera Of
ovl-wenkin animals :--Pottsyille is situated
at point where the Norwegian creek emp
ties into the river Scnuylkill. The creek is
rapid stream, but the Ever where the creek
enters, is rendered deep and sluggish by a
dam below. The butchers Of the town re-
side along the creek, and are in the habit OF
throwing ofial into the stream which Is wash
ed into the river. large number OF Irish
laborers live near the river, keeping, rs IS
customary, many pigs, These obtain their
Subsistence chiefly by diving for the ofla at
the bottom of the liver, here about ten feet
deep particular race of pigs called ''di-
vers," has been bred in the place, differing
from others in the fact that they are web
footed, and are remarkable for their ability
10 dive, and for the length of time they can
remain under water. Their power in this
way seems 10 increase with age. One male
of two years OF age was observed to remain
under water more than thirty minutes. An
ordinary pig is drowned in less than one
minute, rs ascer,ained by experiment. The
pecuiarities of the diving pigs are supposed
10 re.uit from long practice, and physical
change, transmitted and Increased from gem
Grafton TO generation. The reason why they
remain so long under water, is thai they
may there devour their food, which is IN
danger Of being taken from them by other
pigs which frequent the shore.
INTENSITY OF Com IN RUssIA.--A Rus
sian winter lasts from October till May, and
though the temperature is little more va
-. - a.. n
STA, in consequence of its vicinity 10 the sea
the cold is so intense, that the river is fro
zen entirely, and never thaws Throughout
this period. The houses are heated with
stoves, and not for a moment allowed 10
cool the rooms have double windows,
which in many eases are not opened for
seven months in the year (; though gener-
ally single pane, called All air-window, is
left uniastened, for the purpose of OCCASION
al ventilation. We ourselves heard vivid
description OF the precautions which are
necessary on venturlng out out of doors,
from lady who had passed some time in
Russia. Her feet encased in fur boots, aud
her whole person enveloped in cloaks so
iurred and thickly wndde,l, that she could
scarcely stand under the weight, she was
conducted to her slcdge or carriage her
bonnet being of velvet or satin. thiclSly wad-
ded, anu oil shape that tied so close, as
TO leave only eyes, nose and mouth exposed.
From the back of the bonnet hung a thick
curtain or cape, to prevent any aperture
remaining on the neck while two, and
even three wells, were worn 10 protect the
face. She described these wells as freezing
together with the breath in few minutes,
until they become as stiff as glass: after
which she said, the face felt comparatively
"warm and comfortable" Nor are these
wraps all, for every intersrcc of the ear
riage is titled up with iurs and pillows of
down. OF course, in climate OF such Sc
verify, Notwithstanding the heat aud rapid
~ of vegetation during the short summer,
agricultural products ure very limited. -
Rye and barley, aud hemp and flax are
cultivated with success bnt, with the ex-
seption of wild cherries, and an inferior
sort OF apple, ifuit-,rees will not thrive in
the latitude of 81. Petersburg.