The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1867-03-20
Beware Of Sauer Kraut! --Sponta-
neous Generation Of Animal Life
From the Hamilton Weekly Times. |

From the Hamilton Weekly Times.]
The theory. Of Prof Darwin, that all
animal life has its origin in the primary
cell, and tlatits variety only presents the
different stages of development, from the
lowest orders to the most perfect creation,
man, has been apparently sustained by a
startling example in this city, which will
be likely to engage, in a high degree, the
attention of the scientific. During the fall
Mr. Chas: Mot1ef, a German residing in
Bay street, put up q large quantity Of his
favorite article of diet, known as saMer
KRAFT, in the preparation ofwhich he tested
the efficacy Gf q receipt suggested to him
by friend. The experiment proved o
failure, aud the introduction Of SOME
description of alkali had the effect of re-
ducing the cabbage into d mash and caus-
| ing q strong funIencation, rendering the
commodity entirely unfit for use as and ar
| ticle of diet. The mixture was left stand
ing undisturBed until Thursday last; when
curious circumstance led to an examine
ton Of the tubs in which it wps deposited
resulting in most wonderful discovery
On the day mentioned a cat enlerged from
the cellar into Mr.. MOtzerss kitchen, having
in custody o large reptile Of the lizard
species, which wriggled Violently and seem
ed extremely tenaciotis Of life. Mr.. Mot
ger at once proceeded to the cellar and
found some dozen or more Of the same
description ofreptiles, which were exceed
ingly lively and sought to secret them
selves under boards etc, on the approach
of light. While prospecting about for
the source Of these strange creatures, the
tubs in which the sttuer kraNt had been de-
posted were, examined, and presented q
fsight truly startling The substance had
been transformed into MISS Of life antf
animation, aud the curious reptiles were
observed in every stage Of development.
The smallest specimens were about two
inches in length, and seemed to be acqhir-
ing the least degree Of animation. OF
these, the bodies were quite transparent,
with n slight yellowisE tinge, and about
the consistency Of jelly. Specimens III a
more advanced stage assumed pink hue,
with bodies more opaqhe. The full de-
veloped reptiles measured from SIX to eight,
and even ten inches iii length, with bodies
hard and feshy, ola brilliant crimson color.
The back deepens into black line from
the head to the tip Of the tail, while the
belly is of a delicate pink merging into
white The form Of tho reptile is said to
be very similar to the chameleon, having
four legs, with Indications Of claws, and its
movements are very lively. The eyes are
sharp and serpent-like, and surrounded
with yellowish ring merging into black.
Several specimens have been secured by a
medical gentleman, and are preserved in
spirits. A microscopic examination shows
La fine coating Of scales, and serried fornla.
ton Of the back and tail. Mr.. Mother still
allows the tubs to remain undistnrbed, and
| is watching the progress of the curious
freak Of nature, it being evident THAT the
entire stock of tho dainty commodity
which was intended to supply his table
through the winter, will ultimately take te
itself legs, if not wings, and travel off Oh
it's own account, in which action the king
dom OF reptalia is augmented by another
very Interesting species, il tho climate O
Canada win permit it's propagation. Thi:
remarkable case presents o grave warning
to consumers Of saaer kraat to take grea,
care that it's preparation is not congenia
to the generation Of animal life, else /;
malady more fearful than the tfiekint
spiralis may yet he engendered..