Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1861-06-26

| aired, Cousin Bob.''
"I wont dispute that" said Laskin ssthc
| sleeping fxings might have had air enough !;
but what they want is hot soap -suds, spirits
of turpentine, or something else that's calcu-
lated TO clear ont them little tormentors.'
Mrs. Middleton preserved look of we'll af-
| fected mystifcation but Mr.. NJ, after re-
fective pause, struck his hands on the table
and exclaimed: 81 think | have found ont
what Cousin Bob means. He must have been
/ troubled with the bugs
"You may venture to bet on that said NJ.
Laskin; "and I'd like to know whether you
can not give me some other accommodation
while stay with you 2''
Here Mrs. Middleton shook her head and
heaved profound sigh by way of response.
Mr.. NJ. made verbal answer to the following
purpose ssWhy, Cousin Bob that matter you
spesk OF is one of the miseres of town life.
Philadelphia is overrun with bugs, and it is
thought that they contribute very much to
| the health OF the place by the abstraction of
superfuous blood. Our physician tells US
| they make the use of the lancet almost unne-
cessary, and on that account he regards them
as very great blessing, especially to people
| of plethoric habit. But they are not pleas
ant, certainly, to persons who have not be-
come accustomed to their operations
| Laskin appeared to be satisfied with this
| explanation and, although his appearance
| showed that his slumbers had been interrupt
| ed, he never troubled his entertainer with an
other complaint. His easy disposition and
| imperturbable good humor encouraged the
Middleton's 10 take some liberties with him,
which they might net have ventured to try
with person Of different temper. One morn
ing Mr.. Middleton addressed him follows:
"Cousin Bob, we expect party OF gentlemen
to dine with us to-day. One of them is Mr..
Julius G. Wrggler, who boards at the CONT
| mental Hotel: and keeps fast horse for his
own use. People Of that kind are proud, you
know, and very likely they might laugh at
some OF your unsophisticated behaviour. OF
course, you would rather not take dinner with
such gay company, and, If you will only be
kind enough to dine with Mike Farrell, in the
front basement, day, it will be general ac-
mnodation.''
"Certainly," answered Laskin "Mike Far
reil is an honest. whole -souled fellow and ]
like him well. He and will make ourselves
quite comfortable. But who is this Mr.. Wrig-
gler you speak of, Cousin Jack3 What is
his business l'
.Why, that indeed,'' answered Middleton,
"is puzz!ing question. judge that he is a
dealer in lottery policies, or something of
that sort. But in this city, il makes but little
difference what trade man follows, if he can
only gain money and make good show out,
he will pass muster.''
awe have different customs in our parts"
remarked Laskir. ss7here no man who car
fies roguish business meets with any
countenance or favor. But am satisfied with
your arrangements, Cousin Jack. and give
you my word that consider it greater hon
or to dine with Mike Farrell than with Mr.
Wriggler."
While Mcssrs. LaSkin and Farrell were ta-
king their tide meal together, Mike be-
came very communicative, and with true Hi
bernian hunOr gave his companion full ac-
count of the plan which the Middletons had
adopted to discourage the visits of their
atntsr Ii,
this recital, bnt did not seem to be much sur
prised at the deceitfulness of his Philadelphia
cousins, for his natural acutenesS had already
given him some insight into their characters.
When the day of the departure came, Mr..
Laskins with undiminshed good humor took
leave of his host and hostess and made it his
particular request that Cousin Jack, (meaniag
Middleton) would return his visit, promising
him an abundance of fine fishing in Choptank
river, and other rural and acquatic recreations.
This invitation was 80 agreeable to Mr.. Mid
dleton, (who was somewhat inclined to genteel
loaferism, } that he accepted it forthwith. and
in less than a month after eCousia Bob's'' de-
parture, Mr.. NJ. sat out on his journey to
Marytaad. After travelling some distance by
railroad he succeeded, with some trouble in
finding conveyance TO Cousin Bob's out of
the way habtation, which proved to be q very
snug and comfortable farm house.
Middleton warmly welcomed by the
Laskin family, and Cousin Bob promised him,
without any appearance OF irony, that he would
endeavor to make Cousin Jack comfortable
on the bank of Choptank river. as he himself
had been in Philadelphia. The city cousin,
being fatigued with travel, wished to retire to
rest at early hour. In the meantime,
Cousin Bob had caused an apartment 10 be
prepared expressly for Cousin Jacks accom-
mediation.
At this point of our narrative, it is necessa-
~ to inform our readers that the neighborhood
of G. optank river is celebrated for prodig
ieus growth of mosquitoes, which exceed in
size, strength, and ferocity any similar animals
that have been found above the surface
OF the habitable globe. The bite of Chop
tank musquito is almost as effective sting
of wasp, and to guard against the assaults OF
these miniature dragons, the people of that
district use a variety of eXpedients.
Their bed are closely curtained with ganze-
like fabric, the texture of which allows free
circulation of air, but effectually excludes The
insect enemy. Besides, the chambers are
furnished With pennyroyal and other herbs
which are supposed to be repulsive to the
dread invaders. Moreover. artificial ilu-
mination is permitted N the sleeping apart
ments, as it has been ascertained that mus
quitoes prefer light to darkness, which,appears
to be one redeeming trait in their moral char
acter.
Now, by the direction of Mr.. Laskin, the
windows of Mr.. Middleton's apartment had
been left open to allow free ingress of the
winged army, light had been kept burning
in the room an inrement TO the invaders,
and no muslin Notifications surrounded the
couch on which Mr.. Middleton was destined
to seek repose. When he entered the cham
Der, he heard mysterious hummng or buz-
zng, and the air OF the apartment seemed
dense enough to be cut with knife. He ap- |
peared to be passing through cloud OF 1yihS