Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-12-26


Convention. y 1t is to be understood that all
the marine monsters, big fish and small fry
of the great deep are assembled in conclave-
the Whaie sin the chair
sl1o opsEied the Convention by stating that
he did not wish to maze a speech he would
take up as little room, and be 10 longer than
possible (Here the Shark whispered to the
SYord-fsh that it was not possible for the
Whale to be much longer, as he was over
eighty feet now. In las opinion, ne only
wanted chance to spout: in fact, he eensid-
cred him min, regular old blower.)
sThe Whale continued, and contended that
he had been grossly insulted by man--he
might say, lampooned not that he would pun
upon the use made of his fat, as he did
wish to make light of such a matter lie had
been harpooned, at least. Men were sarcastic
toward him, and their shafts were sharp and
pointed. Some of his fellow-whales had been
very much cut up, and exceedingly tried, lie
had lately learned that a substitute for oil had
been invented, which might lessen the perse-
cutioR of whalcs-but he feared it was all gas.
The Whale alluded TO harpoon which had
lately hit him; it had made great impression
on him, and, he feared had affected him deeply.
eHere his feelings overpowered him, and he
sat down con the Sharl0 amidst a general
blubber.
'The Shark rose with some difficulty, and
remarked that the tale of the Whale had NOV
ed him; in fact, it was very striking. His own
situation was far from pleasant. He was by
profession lawyer, and, he fattered himself,
one of the deep kind. But business was bad !,
and he had been obliged to take few pupils.
He had lately presented fine opening for a
young man who fell overheard, but was soon
afterwads obliged to reject his suit as indiges-
tiDle. Unless he had more eases, he should
leave the law and open as dentist.
The Sea-Serpent did not wish to intrude
upon the Convention: he did not know wheth-
erhe properly belonged to the fsh-tribe or not.
All he asked was not to be classed with the
Eel, whom he considered to be a. very slippery
character. GIere the Eel was observed to
wriggle violently.) Lately he was passing
certain species Of the Eel, when just happen
ing 20 touch him. he had been SO shocked that
he hardly recovered.
sThe Eel hastily arose, and said that he was
shocked--he might say electrifed-at these
remarks. It was evident to him that the Ser
pent must get himself into coil. As for his
being slippery character he thanked Nep-
tune he didn't belong to such scaly set as
The Serpent.
The Whale called the Eel to order, and the
Eel called the Whale an sold weu-head, , and
was then summarily put out of the Convention.
The Turtle said he was suffering from a
slight indisposition. Hewas walking on shore,
he said, a short time since, when he met par
ty ofjolly young sailors. The result was, that
he was laid Cat on his back, and wss unable to
move for some time, and since then he had not
felt so lively as usual. There was ore thing to
which he would call the attention Of the Con-
vention; he prded himself upon the the puri-
ty of his political principles. lie was the AL
derman's best friend. The Shark had lately
insulted him by calling him a regular old
Hard SHE'LL
Here the Shark interrupted him by asking,
Is not that your ccse?'
The Turtle replied, that he SHOULD say no
thing more at present, but should have some
thing to lay before the next meeting.'
''Yes,' replied the Shark, contamptuousiy
"a few eggs probably
The Poirpoisc undertook to speak, but was
speedily silenced. The expression of the Con-
vention was, that ne was "a blower.'
The 'Small Fry were next called upon
Oysters, Lobsters, and others. The Oyster
opened has case, which was a hard one He
was always in troUble-a perpetual stew or
bp,; I;g la1r
to the family; always in liquor, and generally
considered squirt Some of his family
were indolent, and spent most Of their time in
beds There had been some rabes among
them, who had created great disturbance.
There was one of his neighbors, he said
sHe would not call any names, for he scorned
scandal'-who was very surly and Grabbed
lie was one-sided individual, and nobody APP
proved of his motions.
'.The crab protested against this abuse, and
said that the rest took advantage of him be-
cause he was soft He respectfully retired
backward.
The Goldfish who had been visiting. a sschool;'
the Shad much nettled at what he had heard;
the aristocratic salmon who got into row
with York State Trout, who called him
Northern Fish with Southern principles; and
the Flying-Fish, who flew into 4 tremendous
passion-ali took part in the proceedings of
the Convention.
''But so it was, at last, as the erudite Dog
berry has it, that ths whole dissembly disap-
peared' in good order, notwithstanding an at
tempt at disturbance made by Jolly old Sole
and lot of Suckers''
How MUoH SHOULD A Cow EAT.-Cows to
give milk, require more food than most farm