Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1869-09-24

Rhode Island Clam-ba ke--State Pris.
On--Concert &C.. &c.
Boston, Sept. 4th, 1869.
Camp meeting at Martha's Vineyard for
this year is over, and the grounds deserted
Beautiful spot it is too, where it is held. The
whole atmosphere of the occasion is a sort of
religious picnic where mind and body is re-
freshed mentally, physically and spiritually.
Formerly temporary sheds of rongh pine
boards-foOrless the ground being strewn
thickly with sweet smelling new mown hay.
constituted the temporary abode of the
members during the term of the meetings,
aud opening a large circle within which We're
the speaking stands, and seats. The whole
occupying cleared space within beautiful
grove. 1t is still held on the same spot but
the crude sheds have been replaced by pictur-
esque little cottages, some of which are ele-
gahtly furnished. These are permanent build
Ings. and ornamental as well as useful. All
the accommodations for the thousands who
attend these meetings are upon a most COM
prehensive scale, in which, every effort - made
for the comfort and convenience of all, and
perfect harmony and good order prevail. 1t
is one great and universal Z" love feast" from
the beginning TO the close. The Vineyard is
reached by steamer from New Bedford, and
the trip a delightful one. Nantucket, the
neighbor island is pleasant summer resort.
Liasconset about eight miles from the town oil
Nantucket is a famous bathing and fishing
resort. Trolling for blue-fish is the great at
traction, and is very exciting sport. Black
fish or sautog bass, aud maslsorel also
abundant. Clam-bakes and Chow der parties
are frequent and enjoyable most anywhere
in New England along the coast, but to
Rhode Island belongs the especial honor of
clam-baking to perfection. A Rhode Island
clam bake is almOst-yes. quite national
attraction for has not our worthy President
lately participated in one at Newport given
in his houor2 l enjoy all that appertains to
the fun very much, except-the eating OF the
CLANS bat here my enjoyment ceases abrupt
ly if partake of even single clam, for [
am sure to unite in The agonies of dyspeptic
pains III uouto do a consequence va AOk a
digestion like Fanny Ferns, who declares in
her indignant reply to Cape Ann editor
who suspects her of being victim of dyspep-
STA because she complains of her Cape
washerwoman;" she is ready at all times
for block of granite for dinner and another
for dessert" or even like that certain young
lady who told her lover in reply to his in
quiry of how she enjoyed peck of peaches
he sent her the day previous: ''that they were
very nice indeed only the seeds scratched her
throat" One is to be envied, indeed, with
such powers of digestion as either of the
foregoing. To eat baked clans frequently it is
very necessary to be so blessed. But there
is vast deal of amusement and pleasure be-
sides the eating portion of clam-bake, and
as nearly all our pleasures are more enjoyed
| in anticipation than in reality so in this case
the principle part of the fun is in digging
the clans. If it is made too aiistocratic af-
fair, and the clans are all dug and furnished
by contract, and every thing prepared by
hired cooks so that the party do not partici-
pate in the preIiminaries, then indeed the fun
is all spoiled for fashion sake, and you may
as we'll go to any good restaurant and call for
plate of clans, as you'll have quite as much
of an idea Of the original intention and ma
ture of these gatherings there, as at FASH
ionable clam bake. T0 do it properly and
erioy it well, at low tide (leaving the ladies
to prepare the tables etc. you take off your
shoes and stockings, roll up your pantaloons
above your knees and sleeves above your ell
bows, with bushel basket on one arm and a
hoe on the opposite shoulder you start for the
beach, You're soon out of the smooth sand
and among the Shiny sea weed. that would
be quite out to sea if the tide were high.
Now look out for Holsters and crabs, and put
your feet in your pocket if you can walk
that way. 1t not prepare to bear with the he
roic frmness of veteran clam digger the
vigorous nips you will be sure to receive, and
| if you do lose toe or two remember it's all a
| part of the fun and don't grumble. rather be
proud TO wear the scars which stamp you as
worthy participant of this time honored
festivity. Now when you are arrived at the
beds, and behold those unmistakable eviden.
ces of thepresence of clans which every school
boy knows. put down your basket, bind up
your wounds, Gf you have any about the
toes) and commence business with your hoe.
There's certain proper way to hoe clans,
which if you don't understand you may suff.
er the modification of finding that the blade
at every dash cuts the clans in two,shell and
all and your labor is fruitless. If dug prop
erly they are brought out whole and will
comparative ease but It not unfrequently
occurs that fingers are in requisition in this