davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

BITTEN by A RAT. An infant child Of
Mr.. Thomas Clinton, living on the cor
ner of Seventh and Cambridge streets, in
Boston, was put to bed by its mother,
who sat down in the next room to do
some sewing. Shortly afterward she
was startled by the shrieks of her infant,
and going into the room saw huge rat,
with its fangs fastened in the nose OF the
child, its face aud the bed-clothing be-
ing covered with blood. The mother,
in her turn, shrieked, and her husband
came to her assistance, but the ferocious
animal was with difficulty driven from
the bed. 1t was pursued downstairs
and finally killed. DR.. Norris, who was
called to dress the wounds, says the teeth
of the rat came together through the
nose of the child, and that its cheek was
bitten through several times, presenting
an appearance of having been punctured
repeatedly with an awl. Besides these
wounds there were others upon the right
ear.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

POORLY OFF.-A couple got united in
the "silkcn bonds of matrimony," some
where in Preston, short time since, but
what was the CONSERVATION of the bride
groom on finding that the hoaormium
payable or the occasion, or, in vulgar
language, the marriage fees, came to sew
eral shilIings more than he and his then
better-half could muster. What was to be
done ? The fatal knot was tied, and there
was no undoing it. There was no trust
of course, as they keep no debt books at
such places. Ultimately an eNpedient
was hit upon. The bride was to be
placed in an apartment under guard as Q
hostage, whilst the newly-created hus.
band sailed forth to find the necessary
means of Liberation. After a delay Of
an hour and half he returned with two
bailmen, who, between them, provided
the deficit, whereupon the lady was lib
Grated from bondage.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

WASHINGTON AS A FARMER, The farm
of General Washington, at Mount Yer
non, contained ten thousand acres Of
land in one body-equal to about fifteen
square miles. 1t was divided into farms
of convenient size, at the distance of
two, three, and five miles from the Man
sion House. He visited these farms
every day, in pleasant weather, and was
constantly engaged in making expert
ments for the improvement of agricul-
ture. Some idea of the extent of his
farming operations may be formed from
the following facts; In 1877 he had five
hundred aud eighty acres in grass sowed
six hundred bushels of oats seven hun
dred acres with wheat-and as much
more in corn, barley, potatoes, beans,
peas, &C., and one hundred and fifty
with turnips. His stock consisted OF
one hundred and forty horses; one hun
dred and twelve cows two hundred and
thirty-six working oxen, heifers and
steers, ana five hundred sheep. lie con-
stautly employed two hundred and fifty
hands, and kept twenty-four ploughs
going during the whole year, when the
earth and the state Of the weather would
permit. In 1850 he slaughtered ono
hundred and fifty hogs for the use Of his
own family, and provisions for lis ne
groes, for whose comfort he had great
regard.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

At q recent bull fight in Madrid, three
horses and two male performers were
killed.
Science shows clearly that man has
lived upon this earth for more than G,OO0
years.
The first floor of the flat buildings of
New York are rented at $4,000 year,
without furniture.
A fashionable young lady Of New
York boasted of having a dress on which
were two hundred yards Of lace trim
ming.
A New Bedford gentleman has succeed
ed in Matching 800 trout from 1000 eggs
which is said to be tho greatest yield
ever known.
The San Francisco boys play with
sings made of wire and rubber, with
which burkshot can be.dciven through
a half-inch plank.
An Oriental proverb You can't pre-
vent the birds of sadness from flying over
your head, but you may prevent them
from stopping to build there.
The reason the ladies are so partial to
grey walls is that they keep the face
from being tanned or injured by the sun
more effectually than any other color.
A New Hampshire clergyman believes
that sermons to young men VIGOROUSLY
crowd the churches with young women,
who 60 to see how the boys stand it.
In ancient days the proverb was "know
thyself ;" in modern times it has been
supplanted by the far more fashionable
maxim, "Know thy neighbor and every
thing about him."
1t is said people owe their long lives to
their fannels, and it is a known fact that
external preservation from damp pro-
longs life, and that even in the hottest
day of Summer flannel garments should
not be discarded.
VIII some one please send us that item
about the Wisconsin girl who plows and
harrows and plants forty-five acres Of
land with her own hands We cannot
realize that it is springtime, till we've
read that item. We hav'nt read it for ten
years.
An aristocratic lady, after anxious in
Quiry us to what would remove paint
from her window-glass, was told that
"elbow-greese' was the best thing known,
whereupon she naively exclaimed: "Oh
I'm so clad that I have found ont L
wonder if they keep it at the apotheca-
.. ry's!"
A correspondent wishes the Agricpl-
turia to expose the manner in which
an individual swjndled him in m egg
trade. He ordered geese, duck and
> hens eggs, and sent the money to pay
: for them. The hens eggs came, and
- not single one Matched No duck nor
'. goose eggs were received, nor has our
correspondent been able to get the mon
cy back.
O The. largest iron casting ever yet at
d tempted was successfully made at the
. Elswick Ordnance Works, Newcastle-on'
i Tyne, under the direction of Sir VIM
/. Armstrong and Captain Noble. 1t was
/ an anvil block, weighing l25 tons, to be
G used with a twenty-ton, double-actior
forge-hammer, for forging a thirty-tiye
d ton Armstrong gun,
1t London is the largest city in the world
y far surprising all those of antiquity
!e According to Gibbon, the population O
ancient Rome, in the height of its mag
Y, nifcence, was 100000 the population
TT of Pel,in is supposed to be about 1000,
i, 900; that of London is over 5000 GOO
one-twelith of the population of thu
v, whole United States.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

The CosT.-The rent-roll of the Itch
borne estate is upward of sixteen thou
sand pounds year Assuming that the
trial las cost two hundred thousand
pounds, this could be easily raised at
four per cent. OH the property, and the
interest payable thereupon would re-
present half the income. Tho present
Baronet being a minor, who will not be
Of age for many years, would probably
only be allowed thousand year for
educational and other expenses, so that
bv the time he attains his majority the
property will have fully recovered the
costs caused by "the claimant"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28
NObOdy's Darling.

Little and palld, and poor and shy,
With downcast look in her soft gray eye;
No scornful toss ola queenly head,
But dropping bend of the neck instead;
No ringing laugh, and no dancing feet,
No subtle wiles, and abandon sweet,
jewels costly, no garments fine
She is Nobody's Darling-but mine!
Nobody Warden coqucttish airs;
Nohigh-hcclcd boots to throwh her down stars;
No Yachting jacket and nautical style,
With sailors hat that she calls her tile
But "Lady" is stamped on her quiet brow
And she crcpt in my heart can't tell how;
Not made to daz2e-not born to shine
Nobody's-Nobody's DNrling-but minc'
No saucy, rayshing, girlsh grace
But settled calm on the sweet pale ioce;
No sparkling chatter and rcpartce;
Very silent and still is she.
White and still is my pearl of pearls,
Yet to mo she sccmeth the queen OF girls;
Why love her can't define,
For she's nobody Darling
mine!
We're riches hers, or q beauty rare,
She would lose her charm and become lessfal
We're rings to shine on those fingers small,
They could not add to their grace at all
She wouldloam to smile and speak by rule,
In the foolish book Of Dame Fashions school
And the world to spoil her would soon combine
Now she's Nobody's Darling-but mine
The day has come when the cooling dovo
Croons to his mate a song OF love,
When nature stirs and the copses ring,
In all the joyancc Of dawning Spring
The day has como when dare to speak,
To watch the blush on the once pale check.
To whisper low On Saint Valentine,
"Darling Nobodys Darling but mine! y
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

JACK FRosr.-A good story is told of
a Boston man who was boastin9 in his
workshop of his intention to change his
residence and cheat the city out of his
water rates. One morning he awoke
only to find the water shut off from his
dwelling. Repentant of having expressed
so dishonest determination, he went to
the office and paid his bill, after which
he humbly requested that the water might
be again let on. TO his surprise he was
informed that Jack Frost had shut off
the water, and he returned home, it is to
be hoped, o more honest man,-BoSton
Gl0br
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28
How A OUNCE BECAME A STATESMAN

How A OUNCE DECAhE DIAlESMAN'
The following story is told of the late
DR.. Salem Towne and VIM. i. Marcy
In his youth he Or. Towne) was a teach
er of youth. One day, seventy odd years
ago, boy was brought to him, of whom
the account given was that he was an
incorrigible Ounce, that OF his mas
ters had been able to make anything OF
him; and he was brought to Mr.. Towne
as a last experiment, before apprentlcing
him to mechanical trade. The next
morning Mr.. Towne proceeded to exam
inc him, preparatory to entering upon
his instruction. At the first mistake he
lodged on one side, with every sign of
terror. "Why do you dc that p asked
the master. "Bccause l was afraid you
were going to strike me-" "Why should
you think so % "BecauSe | have always
been struck whenever I made mistake. "
-" You need never fear being struck by
me, said Mr.. Towne. "That is not my
way of treating boys who do as we'll as
they can" The lad very soon improved
rapidly under this new treatment, so that
Towne advised his father to give him q
liberal education. The father could hard
" believe the report at first but was con
vinced, and complied with the good mas
tQr's suggestion. The result was thai
William l.. Marcy became an eminen
lawyer, one of the supreme Judges Of New
York State, governor, United States sen
ator, and Secretary OF War and OF State
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

School TEACHING. An item is going
the rounds of the exchanges, stating
that woman school teacher in Utica,
Wisconsin, allows the pupils five minutes
to go out and see the railway train when
it passes. This is q sensible teacher. In
old times the windows of school houses
were built so high as to prevent the little
prisoners from looking out, and an ele-
plant might pass by and the little
urchins be compelled to keep their eyes
on their books lest they might, through
the open door, catch glimpse Of the
animal. No wonder boys and girls came
to hate school hours, and to look upon
them as the darkest Of the twenty-iour.
That woman teacher in Wisconsin is
sound in her head; she fayors object
teaching" she would give recess were
menagerie to pass or circus band to
60 by, and the children would study all
the harder for the indulgence.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28
ARE You SQUARE WITH THE WORLD

ARE You SQUARE WITH THE WORLD 7
Farmer discusses the question, and
says: GA person in debt is a slave to
his creditors. No man is truly happy SO
long as debt hevers over him." He com
mends the Chinese custom of going
around the first month of each year and
settling up squarely with all with whom
they have had dealings the year past. In
our judgment, SO far as it is possible, it
is better to end the year with no unset.
tied accounts, and begin the year resolved
not to have any at its close.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28
How to Sneak to Children.

IT is usual to attempt the management
Of children either by corpore0l punish
ment, or by rewards addressed to the
senses, and by words alone. There is one
other means of government, the power
and Importance of which are seldom re-
garded-I refer to the human voice. A
blow may be inflicted on child, accom-
panied with words so uttered as to coun-
teract entirely its intended effect or the
parent may use language quite objection
able in itself, yet spoken in tone which
more than defeats its influence. What
is it that lulls the infant to repose =? 1t is
an array of mere words. There is no
charm to the untaught one, in letters,
syllables and sentences. 1t is the sound
which strikes its little ear that sooths
and composes it to sleep. A few notes,
however unskillfully arranged, if but
read in soft tone, are found to possess a
magic influence. Think we that this in
Auence, is confined TO the cradle ? No
it is dillused over age, and ceases not
while the child remains under the pNren,
tai roof. Is the boy growing rude IN
manner, and boisterous in speech ? !
know no instrument so sure to contro
these tendencies as the gentle tones OF
q mother. She who speaks to her SOL
harshly does but give to his conduct
the sanction Of her own example. She
pours oil on tho already raging flame
In the presence Of duty we are liable tt
utter ourselves harshly to children
Perhaps threat is expressed in a lout
and irritating tone; instead of allayinG
the passions of the child, tserves directly
to increase them. Every fretful expires
sion awakcns in him the same spirit which
produced it. So does pleasant voice
call up agreeable feelings. Whateve
disposition, therefore, we would encour
age in child, the same we should man
ifest in the tone in which we address it
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

A POLITICAL GRAMMAh-A poeticaI
grammar, with rhymes in the Mother
Goose" style, might aid children to be,
come familiar with the absurditics OF
our language. Some Of the newspapers
seem to be making the attempt to COM
pose one. The following stanzas are q
sample:
Remember, though box
In the plural makes boxes,
The plural of OK
should be oxen not foxes"
And remember, though fleece
In the plural is ileeces,
That the plural of goose
Isn't " goosos," nor gecees."
And remember, though house
In the plural is houses,
The plural Of mouse
Should be mice, and not "mouses."
Or the last statement may be presented
in the following metre:
Mouse, it is true,
In the plural is mice
But tho plural Of house
Should be houses, not "hico."
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

D1scHARGr,G DUTY.--A story is told OF
the Grand Duke Alexis, who is in the ma
val service, A year or two ago, when
holding the rank of midshipman, the
flagship in which he was serving was
wrecked on the coast of Denmark. The
admiral ordered the life-boats to be low
cred, and directed Alexis to take charge
of the first boat. The royal midshipman
declined to obey the order. 1t was per-
emptorily repeated II, your command
ING officer, order you into the boat. :"
Admiral, can not obey you" said
the young prince. cit would not become
the son Of the emperor to be the first to
leave the ship. I Shall remain with you
to the last.
"But I shall put you under arrest for
diso6cdience OF orders as soon as clrcum-
stances will allow me to do So"
81 mean no disobcdience, but can
not obey" was the reply.
Four or five of the crew persisted in
the transit from the ship to shore, and
the admiral and Alexis were the last to
land. In hastily constructed tents the
rigid discipline Of ship-life was promptly
resumed. Tao young prince was placed
under arrest for disobedience of orders
The Russian minister at Copenhagen
was informed of the facts, and telegraph
ed then to the emperor, from whom he
received the following reply, 4 approve
the act of the admiral in placing the
midshipman under arrest for disobedi
enco of orders, and | bless and kiss my
son for disobeying them"
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

FoRmGY CUSTOMS. "A traveller in
Polynesia concludes as follows descrip-
ton of the women of Tahiti: The most
bashful and coy will never pass you with,
out greeting, glance OF the eyes, and
slight gathering in of her dress with
her elbows, to exhibit her buzom figure
to full perfection. Or else, perhaps, she
will come up coquettishly, and ask you
for the loan of your cigar, take a few
pufls at it, and hand it back again grace
fully to the rather astonished owner
and then, with a parting compliment,
which you most likely don't understand,
let you go your way in peace-or not.
The proper way to walk with your lady
love in Tihiti is as follows: You put your
arm round her neck, and she hers round
your waist, and hangs on your breast in
a hmpy, affectionate manner. 1t is as
much scion les gegLeS as walking arm-in-
arm, and much prettier TO look at.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

INFLUENCE OF HEAT ON THE HUMAN
BoDY.-Dr. Craig, of the Medical Ser
vice Of the United States army, prose-
cuted some experiments during the hot
summer of 1870, as published in the
Amertcdn Jomnay Of Science, in reference
10 the influence of external physical
conditions upon the temperature of the
human body. The highest bodily tenn
perature observed by him during that
time was 80. r i. lie states that below
800 he did not feel uncomfortably hot
but when 80. % was reached, then the
sensation of suffering from heat come on.
BY the prolonged use ofthe shower-bath
he was able to reduce his temperature
to 97.7o in the hottest weather, which
constituted very great amolioration OF
his sensations. He concluded that the
discomfort we feel in hot weather is not
from the heat on the surface, but from
the secondary effect of heating the whole
body. Should the internal heat OF the
body be raised above 1000, he thinks
that apoploxy and sun-stroke would be
quite likely to supervenc. Judging from
some experiments recorded elsewhere,
Dir. CrHig thinks that reduction OF the
temperature as low rs $50 f., by exter,
nal applications of cold, is as great as 1t
is safe to venture upon.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28
A Lokc. and WHAT Came of II.

Charles Farrcn, youth employed in
one of the manufacturing establishments
of Lafayette, Ind, went home at late
hour one night lately, and thinking to
give his landlady Il sensation, married
his face in spots with red keel. He had
walked into tho sitting room and taken
a seat by the fire before the spots We're
noticed. The IandIady, all absorbed,
looked up from her work in moment,
and noticing the spots on his face, asked
in evident alarm, " Why, Charlie, what
on earth is the matter with your face ?"
"Don't know" replied Charlie, " but
guess it's only the varioloid." Then
was scene better imagined than de-
scribcd. The lnndlady was at first para
lived with horror, but recovering in a
moment, she rushed to the door, opened
it quickly" Get out Of this mighty
quick" said she. sect out !" she
screamed at the top OF her voice, and,
deaf to all expostulation from poor
Charlie, she hustled him out without
his ovcrcoat n moment she opened
the door and kicked his ovcrcoat and
cap out, as though afraid to touch his
clothing with her hands. Charlie stood
out in the cold, bcwildered with the UNI
expected turn affairs had taken, wher
he heard window raised, and gentle
voice called him by name. Here
Charlie, here is your trunk" There
was a plunge in tho snow, and sure
enough, there was Charles new trunk
with all his store clothes and persona
effects The practical joker sought the
first sheltering roof at hand, but tool
the precaution to wash his face in thu
GROW.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

An ENGLISH CAsE.-A momentous case
was decided the other day in an English
court. A little boy of twelve had feloni-
ously assaulted little girl Of twelve by
squirting a monthful Of water over
her. For this hcinous ofense the har,
dened criminal was promptly arranged
before a full bench of Magistrates, six in
number. BY this august tribunal the
prisoner was judged guilty, and sentenced
to pay fine of five shillings, or to be
imprisoned for seven days. His mother
protesting herself unable to pay the fine,
the Lilliputlan convict had to oto pris-
on, and was led from the dock weeping
bitterly.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

CHOICE OF A WIFH.-Dr. Franklin re-
commends young man, in the choice of a
wife, to select her from a bunch, giving as
his reason, that when there are many
daughters they improve each other, and
from emulation acquire more accomplish
ments, and know more, and do more,
than single child spoiled by paternal
fondness. This is a comfort to people
with large families.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

AN ACUTE REVENUE OFF1cER.-At a
masquerade ball recently given in elias
gov, Scotland, an officer of the inland
revenue managed to obtain admission,
disguised as one of the walters, and took
q list OF the names Of all who appeared
in powdered wigs. He has since assessed
them for double tax for wearing powder
without license, there being a tax Of
So per annum for the privilege of wear
ing powder OH the head in Great Britain.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

The feat of Herr Holtum, the Prus-
sian Hercules" who is astonishing the
British by catching ball fred from q
cannon, is said to be neither noval OF
difficult. The fact is that about two
ounces of powder are placed i'll the gun,
then the ball is rammed home, then the
balance Of the charge is put in. When
the gun is fred all the powder is ignited,
and the flash, smoke, and report are
orthodox, but the ball receives propul.
sion only from the small quantity of pow
der behind it, and is thrown but few
feet
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

CLEANING T1NwARE.-An experienced
housekeeper says the best thing for
cleaning tinwaye is common soda. She
gives the following directions : Dampen
a cloth and dip in soda and rub the ware
briskly, after which wipe dry. Any
blackened ware can thus be made to
look as good as new.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

The Georgetown, KY, Times says that
fancy farmer of Scott county, had
built a So, 600 hog-pen, which is painted
and grained, furnished with hot and cold
water, warmed with steam, and lighted
with gas.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

THE Democratic National Conventions
have'recently been held : In 1868, July (;
in 1864, Aug. 20 in 1860 fat Baltimore),
June IS 4; In 1856, June 2; in 1852, June
/ ; in 1S4s, and in 1874, May %.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1872-03-28

Years came and went. The little chest
nut girl passed entirely out of Ralph
Moore's memory as if those pleading
eyes had never touched the soft spot in
his heart; but May Lee never forgot the
stranger who had given her the silver
half.
Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1872-11-04

How IMMIGRANTS ARE ROBBED
More than one-third of the immigrants
that arrive at New York are transported
to the interior over four great railroads
that center in Chicago, and while en-
route the new comers encounter sharks
who board the trains some forty miles
from the latter city. These fellow plum
derers, speak several languages, and, say
the papers, "have studied for years the
system of robbing these men" After
persuading the immigrants into the pur-
chase of bogus transfer tickets, the VIC
tins are taken to one of the immigrant
houses, which they seldom leave while
in the possession of any money or valu-
ables. No commission exists in Chicago
for the protection of immigrants, and
they are absolutely without redress for
the wrongs inflicted upon them unless by
an appeal to the courts, which to them,
ignorant of the language and of the
course of justice in this country, is i'm
possible. The abuses, it must be re-
membered, relate to the immigrants COM
ing by way of New York exclusively
and are an additional plea for Boston as
an immigrant depot.