Norfolk day book. [volume] (Norfolk and Portsmouth Va.) 1868-1880, 1869-10-26
The Giant Wonder.

The finding Of giant in the woods
in Onondaga Valley, New York, is o
matter that has caused great deal Of
speculation. The question as to wheth-
er it is a petrifaction or q work of art
it seems cannot be decided. The pro-
prietor Is unwilling to let people ex.
anime it until be secures the services OIL
prominent persons competent for such
services and in whom the public can
have confidence. We subjoin few ex.
tracts from a Syracuse paper on the
subject
The Newell farm, upon which the
recent famous archaeological discovery
was made, is located on the west side Of
Onondaga Valley, about three-quarters
Of mile in westerly direction from
the village of Cardiff and about thirteen
miles from this city. The dwelling is q
modest little white wooden louise
standing close to The road. The barns
are of moderate size, suited to the wants
Of a small farmer. The place of the
discovery is about dozen rods from
the road, and directly in the rear of the
barns. These premises ere at the foot
Of what is known as Bear Mountain,
which rises abruptly at the west of the
Newell dwelling.
The fortunate Mr.. Newell is appa.
rsntly about thirty-fve years old a
good natured, homespun sort of farmer.
He has been in moderate circumstances,
the contented owner Of the small farm
be resides upon, which has been the
property of the family for several gene
rations. He is Familiarity known
throughout the vicinity as "Stubb"
Newell. His reputation is that of
sober, industrious and worthy citizen,
and be is generally esteemed as right
good fellow. AL who know him are
glad thar he has met with his present
good fortune. His friends admit that
he was greatly excited over the great
discovery by which he is the benefci-
ary, but rcout the idea that his mental
balance bas been disturbed. That the
extraordinary good luck which the
Newell family has stumbled upon has
had some effect, 10 shown by an incident
related by lady visitor from this city.
She was hungry after her long ride from
home, and made inquiry for dinner at
the house, when she was CURLY inform
ed by one of the women folks that they
didn't do such things.
There are some rumors flying about
the adjacent country which reflect
severely upon the parties who are the
gamers by the discovery. There are
individuals who do not hesitate to
charge fraud and humbug, and who
cite circumstances that indicate some
basis for these allegances. We have
yet to learn anything that gives suffi-
Gent grounds for these charges.
THE MAIN oUEsTloN-Is IT STATUE
Oh a PETRIFACTIoN.
The controversy regarding the origin
and nature Of this wonderful object is
nowhere more earnestly prosecuted than
in the tent where the exhibition is held.
The subject is closely canvassed by the
iisputants, by whom all the visible
evidences bearing thereupon are cogent-
ly presented. The persons in charge
all appear to be advocates of the petri-
faction theory, although they do not OBJ
trude their opinions nor express them
at all except when invited 80 to do.
These persons are friends and neighbors
Of MIR. Newell, who, at his request,
have undertaken to aid him in the ex~
traordinary situation in which he finds
himAelf placed. 1t is alleged that a
very decided majority of the members
of the medical profession who have
visited the locality are on the side of
the theory of petrifaction. But the
advocates Of the theory that it is a
work of art are both numerous aud in
tslligent.
We have listened to very able and
learned arguments on both sides of the
question, and there are facts alleged that
strongly support the two opinions. 1t
would seem that the vexed question
might be very readily determined by
some of the decisive tests that are APP
piled in such cases. But difficulty has
been interposed 10 the way of such daci-
sion. The proprietor OF the statue, CT
pstrifaction, has since Sunday stead
lastly refused to permit any close ex,
animation by men who are specially
competent to apply tests and form
opinions. DR.. Boynton, who was early
present, and awaited himself of bis op-
portunity.is probably the only scientific
investigator who has been allowed to
scrutinize cl osely. His conclusions are
entitled to weight, and he states frankly
that he stakes his professional reputation
upon their correctness. But his decision
is not fully satisfactory, and the investi
cation and determination of othe,
Swans are necessary 10 settle the matter
to general satisfaction.
DR.. Boynton, geologist, examined
the curiosity, and says that the giant i:
cut from the loose sulphate Of lime thai
when ground is called plaster Paris, a.
that material abounds il the neighbor
hood, but this is doubted az that sub
stance Ia not enough to cut suoh largs