davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-10-16
Woodpeckers Stores.

In stripping off The bark, observed it
perforated with holes larger than those that
a musket ball would make, shaped with the
most accurate precision, as if bored under
the guidance of rule and compass, and
many OF them filled most neatly with acoTns.
Earlier in the season, remarked the holes
in most all Of the softer timber; but imagin-
ing they were caused by wood insects, did
not stop TO examine or inquire; but now
finding them studded with acorns. firmly
fixed in, which knew could not have been
driven there by the wind sought for an ex-
PLANTATION, which was practically given me
by Captain SIS pointing out flock of
woodpeckers, busily and nosily employed in
The provdeni task of securing the winters
provisions Tor itappears that that sagacious
bird is not all the time thrihlessly engaged
in Tapping the hollow beech-tree' for the
mere idle purpose of empty sound, but
spends IT'S summer season in picking these
holes, in which it lays its store of food for
the winter, where the elements can neither
affect or place beyond their reach, and it is
sure omen that The snowy period is approa CHI
ing when these birds commence slowing
away their acorns. which otherwise might
he covered by its fall. frequently paused
from my chopplng, TO watch them in
nelghborhood, with the acorns in their bills,
half cawing, half flying around the tree, and
admired the adroitness with which they tried
IT at different holes until they found one of
lis exact calIbre when inserting the points
ed end, they tapped it home most artistically
with their beak, aud flew down for another.
! But their natural instinct is even more re-
markabe in the choice of nuts which you
will invariably find sound, whereas it is an
utter impossihlity, in selecting them for
roasting, TO pick up a barch that will not
have half of them uufit tor use, the most
safe and polished frequently contain a large
grub generated within. Even the willy Dig
ger Indian, with all his craft and experience,
is unable TO arrive at anything like an un-
erring selection, while in large bag full,
that we took from the bark Of our log there
was not one containing the slightest germ of
decay. They never encroach on their packed
stores until all the nuts on the surface are
covered, when they resort to those in the
bark, and peck them of their contents with
out removing the shell from the holes The
bark of the Pine tree, from its great thick
ness, and The case of boring, is mostly
sought by these birds, as their granary for
the winter season.-Kelly's Excursion to
| California.
Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-10-16
How to destroy Witch Grass.

| noticed in late number of your journal,
something in relation TO the destruction of
white weed. | am much grsIified with the
communication Of your correspondent. He
asks for cheap and certain mode of de-
sIroyIng witch grass and though do not
actually at this Time promise TO furnish so
much, Qor | know from experience that when
this enchanted herbage had taken deep rool
in the soil, it is not easily destroyed J yet as
il can be got rid Of will relate one in nsta nee
Of its destruction. | once had under my
care an orchard, consisting of about one
acre and a quarter, which had been laid
down TO grass ten years. When it was
turned up, three-quarlers Off was complete
ly swarded with witch grass. II was plant
ed TO crop Of potatoes the first year, which
came up very well, and also the witch grass
with them, both looking very fourishlDg |;
(rhey were hoed three times, which was bare
ly enough 10 keep the grass from heading j
after the crop was removed, it remained un-
I'll nearly the time winter set in, when il was
plowed and narrowed, which process was
continued through the winter Sc ason, as often
as the weather would permit; the result
was. that the witch grass was neurly all de-
slroyed. This plan was pursued the ensp-
ing year, with the effect Of totally destroying
the whole OF it. If any one OF your subscrib-
ers is troubled with this noxious weed which
is so annoying 10 the tillers of the soil, let
them but persevere in the above plan, and
they will eradicate it. If any of your cor
respondents would inform me OF as cheap
and certain means Of destruction of Canada
thistes, should be very much obliged.-N
E. Farmer.
Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-10-16

CURIOUS FACTS FROM THE cENsUs.-A writer
in one of the New York religious papers is
comparing the census returns in regard 10
the prevalence ofinsanily between the whites
and the blacks, and the relative propotion.
The facts adduced show that insanity 10
greatest among the tree blacks. In the State
of Maine every fourteenth colored person Is
a gradual improvement in The condition OF
the colored race as we proceed west and
south, yet it is evident that the free States
are the principal abodes OF idiocy and lunacy
among them. In Ohio there are just ten
colored persons who are idiots or lunatics
where there is one in Kentucky. And in
Louisiana, where large majority OF the pop
ula tion is colored, and iour-fitths of them are
slaves, there is bur one Of these unfortunates
to a, 300 who are sane. The proportions in
other States, according to The census of 1910.
are as follows: In Massachusetts,, l in 43
Connecticut, l in 1856; New York, in 257 f;
Pennsy sylvnnil, l in 256; Maryland, l in 1,O74;
Virginia, in 1909; North Caroin,, ] in L.
GIG; South Carolina, in 2, $40; Ohio, in
los; Kentucky, in 1858. This is certain
ly very curious calculation, and indicates
that diseases Of the brain are far more rare
among the slaves than among The free Of ihs
colored race.
Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-10-16
A Mountain in Motion.

We find in o,tr German papers an account
OF singular catastrophe, which we trans
late for the Tribune. Above the District of
Nlagyarokarek, in the SOUTH western portion
OF Pennsylvania, there are two mountains,
Veuyikes aud Geleztas. The district lies on
slope of The two mountains, which are
from 800 10 900 feet high, opposite kettle
shaped hollow. On the 18th of August the
Geleztas began to move, and forced the
Venyikes, which is about four miles from
Magyarokarek, so near 10 that District that
u is now 20 PAGES distant, and threatens TO
destroy the whole village. The motion Of
the mountain continued from midnight on
the 10Th of August, and during this time it
occasloned great damage through space OF
about one-thirti Of a mile in length, and a
quarter of a mile in breadth. The fields be-
meath and around the mountain, which in
tins place were covered with a harvest Of
uncommon beauty, were precipilated into
the depth, and instead of them huge rocks
now rise against the sky. No one would
know the place. No one knows where was
his field; the paris OF plowed field, which
were torn asunder, are often found at dis
tance OF two miles from each other, with a
botIomless abyss between them. The pop
nlation OF the place, numbering about $50
souls, are encamped with their little proper
ty on mounton lying within the District,
and expect the next calamity 10 q state OF
great depression. Beneath the torn up
mountain, and even on the very spot, water
slIshes up on every side, and the ground in
the vicinity is SO cracked that no living crea
ture can approach it.
Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-10-16
Exciting Scene at the Tombs.

On Friday, the day Of Stookey's execution,
at the Tombs, large number of persons, anx
ious 10 witness the hanging exhibition, had
taken their positions in and about the Tombs,
forming dense crowd at the entrance of the
prison door, making it almost impossible for
egress. Some had permits from the Sheriff,
emitting them to pass in, but the majority had
not, and the consequence was. that Mr.. Lown,
the Deputy Sheriff, having charge of the door,
was laboring under considerable difficulty to
keep those out who were not provided with a
pass; for no sooner was the gate opened than
a general rush was made, and those without
pass were generally nearest the entrance,
which created much confusion with those en-
titled to pass, in wedging through the crowd,
and in so doing, many went in minus their coat
buttons, and PORTIONS of their coat tails.
But the most remarkable scene we are about
TO describe, exhibiting at once to our readers
the extraordinary means which the eager spec
tator will adopt in order to crafty his curiosi-
iy for the terrible.
Within about an hour of the exhibition, a
Mr.. P, well known in the community as a
wealthy merchant, applied at the prison door
for admittance, but not possessing pass, he
soon found that any attempt 10 push his way
in would be useless. Accordingly, as last
resort, he applied to Mr.. Sidney III. Stewart,
the obliging and efficient Clerk of Police, to
lend his assistance in procuring him admittance.
MIR. Stewart, who is ever ready TO accommo-
date his friends, went down to Mr.. Edmonds,
the keeper of the prison, and endeavored to in
duce Mr.. E. to pass in his friend P. Mr.
Edmonds replied, that the whole matter was
in the hand of the Sheriff during the time des-
ignated for the execution, and that he was un-
able TO allow persons to pass into the prison
during that time but said Mr.. Edmonds,
'of course cannot refuse TO admit prisoner
committed by the magistrate 'Ah = replied
Mr.. Stewart, very well : understanding read
lily the hint alluded TO. Mr. Stewart and
Mr. p. returned back TO the Police Office, and
! prepared blank commitment, as follows =
the keeper of the City Prison will safely
keep in his custody for examination, the body
of John Williams. J. LoTHRoP, Police Just.
Dated Sept. 10, 1851
! With the above document Mr.. Stewart took
Mr.. p, who was to play prisoner for the pur-
pose of obtaining admittance into the prison
yard to witness the execution, and proceeded
among the crowd, jamming first on one side
and then on the other, Mr.. S. exclaiming,
move on one side, gentlemen, and let the prs-
oner pass , and every time Mr.. Stewart ex-
claimed prisoner the majority believing Mr..
p to be in custody, gave way and allowed him
to pass. Mr.. Stewart, unable to get near the
door, handed the commitment to Mr.. Edmonds
Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-10-16

tlpled tests, at every step Of its progress
from the bar to the finished tube. The bar,
which is of the best Salisbury and Ancrom
refined iron, is first cut into lengths, weigh
ing 10 3.4 lbs. each. These are rolled into
shapes, and then the edges rolled up, Tapped
upon each other and welded. They are
then inspected, and the imperfect ones re-
Jected. AS they pass along through turning,
boring, and grinding, they are subjected 10
inspection at each step, and the workmen are
held responsible for the full value of any
barrel they may spoil, at the stage 10 which
il is spoiled, aud the amount is deducted
from their earnings; and we may say here
that the same course is adopted to every
component of the musket. The barrel hav-
ing been reduced to the dimensions required
Tor proof, 10y powder. which dimensions are
three-hundredths of an inch greater in the
exterior diameter of the barrel, aud three
hundredths Of an inch less in the diameter
of the bore, than the finished barrel, leavin q
an ounce and half to be worked from each
barrel, in finishing; il is then subjected 10
the powder test. Filty-fve barrels are load
ed and discharged at the same time, in a
building made for this purpose. Each bar
rel is discharged twice, the first charge con-
sIsting OF one-eigh,eenlh of Il pound of pow
der, one ball and two wads, each wad oc-
cupying three fourths of an inch of the bore,
and each ball weighing one-fiiteenlh of a
pound. The second charge consists Of one
lwenty-second of a pound Of powder, one
ball, and TWO wads, and each charge is well
rammed. These barrels are laid on cast
iron grooved bed and the balls are discharged
into bank of clay which is occasionally
washed for the lead il contains.
The inspection OF the barrels is so rigid be-
fore they come to the proof, that very few of
them burst. After proof they are again in
spected, as before. 10 see that there are no
rlng-bones, cinder-holes, flaws or cracks, or
defects of any kind, thar will not disappear
in the finishing.
Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-10-16
A Guns Mechanism.

The Springfield Republican has an inter-
esting article OH the United States Armory
at Springfield. Government owns about 100
acres of land in that place. The new arse
nal, which is 200 feet long, 20 wide, and 80
high, is large enough TO contain 100000
muskets. Last year, no less than $1,000
| percussion muskets complete, were manu-
aclured there, and $1,000 muskets were u.
tered from flint 10 percussion. The average
number of men employed is 3Sl. We quote
what is said of the mechanism Of the gun
The manufacture oe a single musket is eff.
fected by four hundred different operations,
and the majority of the men employed, en-
gage in only one Of the operations. A
larger number of muskets were manulac-
lured last year Than any year previous, and
a calculation based upon The number turned
out, shows that throughout the year of 3l3
working days, of ten hours each, u musket
was completed every eight minutes and fifty
six seconds. The various parts of the mus
ket pass, during their manufacture, through
the hands of inspectors, who, with their
guages, determine the exact dimensions OF
every piece, and reject every one THAT is not
exactly wha, is required. Thus, hundred
thousand muskets might be taken TO pieces
and thrown promiscuously into pile, and
the whole taken up and put together again,
without the ms-fit of single component to
its appropriate place. Thus, too. when the
arms are in use, there is never need OF send
ing them to the armory for repairs. Ham
mers, screws, springs, &C., furnished from
the ar,nory as extras, will take the place of
any damaged part, precisely as if they were
made for the arms 10 be repaired.
The process Of manufacturing the musket
barrel is one of the most important and diff
fcult in the whole range Of the armory ope-
raiions, and one which is guarded with null
Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-10-16
Making Hooks and Eyes.
The N. Y. Evening Post has letter fro

The N. Y. Evening Post has letter from
correspondent in Conn.,, from which we
make the following interesting extract:
Upon the premises we were shown the
works of the Waterbury Hook and Eye Co.,
where capital of $4,000 is employed in
'he manufacture OF hook ard eyes. Here
were arranged long rows of little machines
auou, %. me size of small washstands, under
wu'oh constant shower OF these little femi-
el"o eonveniences was pouring down, but
iron' ,.o. wnat cause or by wta, agency it was
ditncuit 70 conjecture. Upon closer in
spectioh large spool Of wire was perceived
reVo'vlng slowly IN ITS rear, growing shorter
men Cy men 10 mechanical harmony with
the machinery, while fron fingers curiously
articulated, were ready to grasp the severed
fragment, and pass il nlong from change 70
change until il 6nally dropped into the re-
cepticle beneath perfect hook or eye, ready
for use.
For moment it seemed as If each machine
was instinct with life and intelligence. The
power of speech appeared to be all that was
lacking to complete the delusion. There
were but fonr or five men in the room, who
passed around occasionally from one stand
to the other, 10 oil the machinery, to supply
new wire when the previous spool was con-
sumed, or TO empty the vessels when filled
by the silvery shower. The whole perform
ance more resembled voluntary process Of
nature than the result of mechanical art.-
The duty Of the superintendent Of one Of
these machines, seemed to me curisusly alike
10 llrut of the gardener, who plants his peach
stones. which, after many days, sprout, grow
into Tree, blossom and finally bear peaches,
WHICH, when ripe, drop from their branches,
and are gathered for use.
Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-10-16
Q the description of the man, he felt satisfied

ing the description of the man, he felt satisfied
it was so, and hurried down to the CELL
There, sure enough, was Mr.. P, looking the
picture of misery and despair, as pale as a
ghost, and to aid the look Of his deplorable
condition, his clothing was soiled with white
wash. He was Immediately released from his
unpleasant situation, and an explanation en-
sued. A meeting was called by Mr.. Edmonds
and the whole matter was shown to be mis-
take, and Mr.. P. actually discovered, after all
that he was neither felon or lunatic, but
only sanguine applicant to witness an execu-
ton, and unluckily, by mistake, became an in
mate of cell during the Sheriff's ceremony.
Mr.. P. declares that during his temporary in-
generation, he has no doubt that he suffered
more than many offenders have by series Of
years in State Prison.
Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-10-16
Spa-Wood.

We have perhaps all wondered, in looking
at inlaid tables and boxes, how the wood OBJ
tanned the gray hue which we all find beau
liiul when we see it. The mystery is ex-
planned in the paragraph =
"The famous Spa-wood figures conspicu-
ously in this department. (Belsian) --tables,
pianos, work ETC., being made of it.
This fi.vorite wood is originally white, vein
ed and moltle,l like the maple; but on being
steeped in the mineralwalers of Spa, be-
comes Of beautiful ashen gray hue, and so
hard that it offers an excellent surface for
painting, and is susceptible of very high
polish. The pretriest of these tables aud
boxes, all covered with lovely paintings, are
already sold; this delightful little piano Tor
pianina, as it is termed) with its exquisite
views occupying each panel, and its graceful
sprays and garlands of brilliant flowers, val
ned Al six hundred and fifty dollars, IA high
price in Europe,) has not yet found Pur-
chaser"
Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-10-16

NAPOLEON AT SEA. Bouriene, in his Me-
moirs, gives some interesting particulars of the
habits and occupations Of Napoleon when at
sea. In the following passage, the good nat
ural feelings manifested appeared in strange
contrast with the recklessness induced by a
military emperor's usual pursuits: -
"In a long voyage it is impossible to pre-
vent accidents from men falling overheard; this
occurrence happened several times with us,
from the crowded state of our vessels. On
these occasions 1t was strange 10 witness the
instructive force of humanity in the bosom of
that man, so lavish of the blood of his fellow
creatures on the field of battle, and who was
about to shed torrents Of it in that very Egypt
whittier we were going. Whenever man
fell into the water, the Commanders Chief
had no rest till he was saved. He instantly
ordered the ship TO lay to, showed the most
lively nneasiness till the unfortunate was re-
covered, and ordered me to recompense liberal.
ly those most active in the rescue. Sailors
who thus distinguished themselves, when gull.
ty of some breach of discipline, were always
exempted from punishment. | remember,
during one dark night, a noise was heard as oi
4 man OVerDoaTu. Donaparie instantly gave
the word to put the ship about, till the pre-
sumed victim should be rescued from inevitable
death. The crew fastened from all quarters
exertions were redoubled, and at length we
fshed up-what! The victim was-a quarter
of beef which had slipped from moose over
the side. He ordered me to reward the sail
ors who had exposed themselves, more than
usual. 1t might said he, have been man,
| and these brave fellows have shown neither less
activity nor less courage"
Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-10-16

FREDERIKA BREMER ON MARRIED Men,
The Boston Atlas says that Benedcts should
make the accomplished Swede their best
bow, and give her piece of plate, in token
of their thanks for the following hearty test-
mony in their favor as class. Moreover,
they should all join fervently in the wish that
her time may come soon, to enjoy what she
appears SO soulfuly to appreciate, the value
of good married man. She says
:" confess, then, that | never find, and
never have found, n man more lovable, more
captivating, than when he is married man
that is to say, good married man. man
is never so handsome, never 50 perfect in IN
eyes, as when he is married-as when he is
husband, and the father of iamiIy-sup.
porting in his manly arms wife and children,
and the whole domestic circle, which, in bis
entrance into the married state. closed
around him, and constitute a part of his
home and his world. He is not merely en-
nobled by this position, but he is actually
heautified byit. Then he appears to me as
the crown Of creation; and it is only such u
man as this who is dangerous to me, and
with whom | am inclined to fall in love-
But then propriety torbds It. And Moses
and all European legislators declare it to be
sinful and all married women would consider
II sacred duty to stone me. Nevertheless
| cannot prevent the thing. 1t is so and ii
cannot be otherwise; and my only hope Of
appeasing those who are excited against me
is in my further confession, that no love af.
fecis me so pleasantly; the contemplation 0
no happiness makes me so happy as that be
tween married people. Ii seems TO me tha
|, living unmarried. or mateless, have will
that happiness little to do; but it is so, nnt
always So"
Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-10-16

A story is current here, of a little sharp
practice on the part of the cashier of the Peo
pies Bank of Paterson, which is loo good 10
be lost. The morning this institution failed,
he came in town. expecting to make ar
rangements TO go on as usual but his agent
here very properly refused to redeem the
bills unless supplied beforehand with the
aeedfM, which was not forthcoming, and the
cashier accordingly started on his return to
make preparations for closing the bank. On
arriving at Jersey city, lie found quite a num-
Der of brokers collected, who had got wind
of the trouble, ana were Oh their way TO Pat
terson TO secure, if possible, the redemption
of the bills in their hands. The train started,
the hungry bill-holders seated in the cars,
and the cashier, who is president of the rail-,
road company standing with the engineer
on the locomotive. After run of a few
miles, the bolt by which the engine drew its
burden, was quietly withdra wn, and the To-
comotlve, carrying the cashier, shot onward
to Patterson, leaving the cars to follow al
their leisure. As soon as he had taken leave
of his passenger, the engineer put back TO
bring up the train, and found il al a dead
stand in an interesting locality, where the
passengers had abundant time aud opportlI-
nifty 10 examine the scenery, and cool the
fever of their impatience. When the train
reached Patterson, the score OF brokers
rushed to the bank, but found il closed, with
an interesting placard attached to the door.
Journal of Commerce.
Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1851-10-16

CONSUL OWEN. Consul Owen, at Ha-
vana, we are inclined 10 think, deserves sum-
mary removal. His conduct towards The
American prisoners, or rather his todnt Of
conduct, has been evidently inexcusable, and
his attempts at explanation do not help il
much. He made no attempts TO ameliorate
the condition Of the fifty who were shot, and
he says now that il was impossible TO do
anything for them. He might have tried,
however. But at any rnte, he could have
done as much for the prisoners subsequent-
ly taken, and not shot, as the British Consul
and other gentlemen did-he could have
made an effort TO cheer their hearts, and
comfort their bodies with necessary food
and clothing.-hennebec Whg) Journal
We regret that such a cowardly, heart
less creature represents our government at
Havana. He is a reproach upon the Amer
lean people, a stigma upon common hu-
manity; and the sooner the country is re-
lieved from the representation Of such a
man, the better for our reputation. The
Government is now investigating the con-
duct of Owen, and we trust he will be dis
charged from an office which he has not got
soul enough to ill.-Hal. Gazette.