The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1854-11-21
RIG b NJ 0ND, VA:
TUESDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 81, 1854.

M u III " ~ A.
TUESDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 81, 1854.
NATURAL HISTORY Is HANovER.-The fol-
lowing paragraphs are sent from Hanover
Court House. We are gratifed to know that
some attention is given to Natural History
in that vicinity. We call the attention of
Agassiz to these Hanoverian memoranda
| touching the habits of reptiles and in
| sects. Investigations of this kind ought to
| be encouraged. Who knows but the Slashes
| may yet produce a man as renowned for
science as Clay was as politician? These
anecdotes are similar to others that have
been traditional and possibly written from
time immemorial; but corroborated as they
are by observation in Hanover, of course
they can ne longer be doubted. Certainly
the habit of the black snake of destroying all
others is we'll attcsted, independent of this
proof from Hanover:
FROG AND SPIDER
Some years since frog was seen by several per-
sons, as though he was endeavorng to catch some.
thing Curiosity led them to see what it was On
approaching the spot, they discovered large and
poisonous looking spider. They continued their
OUsofVatl0D6 OF tniS warfare OnS Oh Inc party,
man of strict truth, stated to the writer of this
sketch and TO others who were present that when
the frog would attempt TO catch the pider th latter
would often bite him; the frog would Immediately
hop to plantain near by 0he only plan,ain that
convenient to the scene of action,) and bite
piece 1t would then return and renew the attack
This was repeatedly done. The persons present
then concluded to pull up the plantain, and
dinghy did so. The poor frog, after being bitten for
the last time again hastcned TO the place where his
antidOtp stood but aipsl If not there and
he Immediately fell into the icy arms of death
What pity the spider was not killed. so that the
frog might have enjoyed a sumptuous repast.
The above was taken from a memorandum
penned by the writer, In strict accordance with
verbal statement made by the person before alluded
to. 1t is not intended for those persons who doubt
every thing except what they see
COPPER HEADS.
Two copper heads were killed in October last, on
farm IN Hanover county about two miles and
half southwest from the Court House. One mea-
sured AZ l2 inches the other 30 inches They were
in their coil, ready to strike whatever passed by
them The neck of the one was across that of the
other, and their heads OF course were near each
other This seen by persons of undoubted
verecity. There was also another, killed on the
same farm, that contained 81 young ones. One was
killed In Louisa county, which contained 70 young
ones How prolific this reptile must be; and were
it not for the black snake they would be much more
numerous than they are, for the latter will destroy
all the former he may meet with. Even the rattle
snake does not always escape his ravages. The
black snake will even guard our barns and corn
houses and kill or dive away those filthy little ami
mails that are so destr ructive to grain. Then we
should not kill (nor suffer to be killed where may
be prevented the black snake, for instead of being
an enemy, he Is the friend of man.
Hanover, Nov. 16, 1854. CURIOUS
The above facts, ii necessary, can be substantial
ted by credible witnesses. c.
THE VIRGINIA IACoMEDIANs.-A lady, so we
Judge by the handwriting, sends us the fol.
lowing note;
For THE RICHMOND DISPATCH.
The Virginia Comedians, or Old Days in the Old
by the Appletons, New York, and for sale by Jas.
Woodhouse.
The scene is laid IN Williamsburg and vicinity,
and is graphic delineation of the manners and
toms of the Virginia aristocracy before the Revo.
luton.
There is frankness of style, al originality and
depth OF thought, and spirit Of patriotism perva-
ding the work, not often met with in these days of
sichiy sentimentalsna " And when such Characters
made themselves immortal in the ''annals of our
county, are introduced in social circles and we
made to feel that we actually hear Them speak the
book cannot fail to be of intense Interest only to
every VIrgInian but to every natiue american, and
will please slike the lorer and the Statesman,
Yours, very respectfully, c. e.
No one who has read the Virginia Come
dians will deny the justice of the above fri
butte. 1t is a magnificent production, but it
has one fatal drawback. 1t IS tie acork of a
Firginian Can any good thing come out
of Nazareth?
Whilst Mutual Admiration Clubs in the
North make great regulations out of the
most ordinary materials, an author of real
genius has no chance in the world for a ma
tional reputation if he is so luckless as to be
born under a Southern sun. If work of
equal merit with this "Virginia Comedians"
had been produced by one of 'the Barclays
of Boston, it would have had a tremendous
run, and very likely have created more sen.
sation even in the South than it has now pro.
duced But at present it is entirely thrown
into the shade by Barnnna'S A&tObiOgraphyt
"THE PRIDE OF LIFE; Nouel, 6y Lady
Scott author of tie Hen Pecked Husband u
This is a much praised novel, which we have
from HoLBRooK, Franklin street; but which
we have not read.
THE Merry Little Sprite," is the title of a
| new piece of music by the author of Pm a
merry laughing girl" 1t bears the imprint
of Harold & Murray of this city, and is for
sale by them.
TOBACCO AGENCY IN san FRANcIsco.-We
invite attention to the advertisement of
Messrs. Green, Heath g. Allen of San Fran
cisco, and take occasion to commend their
concern to the confidence of the commercial
public. We know two of the partners as
Virginians of integrity and business tact.
ABOUT BoNEETs-The black velvet bonnes,
which again coming into favor In Paris, have a
isll of black lace attached to the edge This fall
may be from FIVE To six or twelve or fourteen
Inches in depth. If of the latter depth it forms a
rioiate or deniveil. When narrow lace Is en-
poyed it is turned back over the bonnet at the
top, and droops at the sides only.
Mr.. John Pardus, of YorkviIle g. c. died sud
denly OF syncopc on the cars of the Kings Noun
| tain Railroad, on the oh inst He ran, says the
Lnr Lriil 10 okx,, l~.s ke