davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14

as great loss of sOeaM as IS infected By the
needless consumption Of ardent spirits.
A bushel of corn is certainly an item of
wealth; and if the farmer has it made into
three gallons of whiskey it is still wealth,
until it goes down somebody's throat, and
then it is nothing, and has probably done
nothing but mischief. But if the farmer
eats the grain, it is not wasted-it is rein
vested. He can make twenty. five bushels
more with the strength he gets from that
bushel. Let thinking men follow out this
one idea, and be astonished at our faulty.
In thus meeting the poverty objection to
teaching our children to read, write, and
cipher, it will be seen that We have touched
upon subject of vast extent and Importance,
aud of varied application. The most obvi
Gus fact about Virginia 70 day is, that she
mas upon her back two great burdens-debt
and ignorance. Which Is the greater OF the
Two burdens, we shall not now discuss,
though We regard the latter as far more Sc
rious than the former. But the question
now is, how shall the strain be relieved 2
"Repudiate the debt and drive out the ig
norant population" very few, very pecu
liar people would say-if it would do to say
it. But the people of Virginia are not
thieves, not simpletons, and not savages.-
The debt has to be paid, and the children
have to be educated. But how? If allowed
to speak in plain phrase, we should say
Drink less whlskey and pay good tax on
what you do drink reduce the number OF
dogs, and tax whajzemain; waste less money
IN personal indulgSnceS generally, and lei
the public treasury have share of all your
luxuries. The real struggle IS not bet0een
ability and poverty, but between appetite ana
virtue.
The people are honest, but they need light
This whole matter should be explained tc
them in all its bearings. Let them see thai
the great want of the hour is stern virtue
and good revenue laws. A moral reviva
must precede effective laws. Legislators
will not, dare not, need not pass any law for
which public sentiment is not prepared
If by mistake they do, woe unto them
The first thing then to be done is work
among the people, and this work is chiefly
moral. 1t is work for every teacher, sec
ular and religious, political, literary, anc
educational Could every mind be opened
to comprehend the situation and the duty o
the hour, and resolve to make the needed
sacrifice. the clouds would vanish, and every
sound interest wake to life.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14
CENTRAL PRESBY TERI A n {.

A BANKRUPT MERCHANT gathered togeth-
err the fragments of his fortune and went to
California. He put all that he had into
mill on the bank of stream. Just when
the mill was finished, there came great
freshet and swept it away. When the waters
had subsidized the man walked out with heavy
heart TO look at the ruins. AS he walked
along the bank he saw something cleaning
in the rock. He looked and found gold.
The floods which swept away his mill laid
bare mine of wealth. Such was the first
discovery of gold in California. So God
often sends floods to sweep away something
we love- that he may reveal something far
richer and better.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14
u nsbaadrp.
The Culture of Melons.

Both water and muskmelons require a
light mellow soil, and warm exposure to
fruit abundantly; and it is on this account
that Long Island and New Jersey have be-
come SO celebrate for their delicious melons.
Yet the sunny prairies of the Great West
are most admirably adapted to raising mel
ons; and their culture is SO easy, and usual
ly so remunerative, that beg of our western
friends to plant more melon fields this sea-
son. If the soil is too rich and heavy, it can
be mus lishtened by using loads of sand or
dried muck, or some material of similar
nature.
Melons can be grown so cheaply that
every family should have at least small
patch devoted to their culture, and they will
be found decided addition to their bill of
fare in summer and autumn. There is moth
ing more inviting than cool, rich, ripe,
watermelon, or juicy, toothsome, green
heshed muskmelon when one comes from
the harvest fields thirsty, tired, and exhaust
ed with the mornings labor. AS soon as the
soil is warm enough the seeds can be planted,
and the soil for each hill should, unless the
ground is dark and rich, be mixed with a
forkful of old, decomposed horse or cow ma
nure.
Then drop five or six seeds into hill,
and cover them about an inch with SOIL
Scatter handful of wood ashes, plaster or
bone dust upon the top of the seeds to keep
away the bugs. Wood ashes are an excel
lent preventive against both grubs and bugs,
and for the first month of the growth of the
plants it is well to apply them once week
to each hill.
Lime or plaster is also good to scatter over
the vines, and if applied early in the morn
ing, while they are yet wet with dew, will be
an effectual remedy for melon bugs and their
like. If one application does not drive of
the marauders, try another, because the
lime or plaster will be beneficial for the
plants, even if it does not keep away the
bugs entirely.
Watermelons are usually planted in hills
about eight feet apart; muskmelons need
only six feet distance. If all the seeds come
up, when they have formed the second and
tnltu leaves, IL ID peIter 10 tHln tnem ou1
leaving only two or three in hlll-yet
when the melon bugs are around, it is vel
to defer the thinning of the vines until they
have fulfilled their mission of destruction
agd then take out those that are the most
eaten up.
All vines and fruit grow much more luxu
riantly if they are frequently boed, and il
should be continued until they commence tc
bloom well, and cover the ground with theil
thrifty shoots.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14
How Drinking Causes ApOplexy.

1t is the essential nature of all wines and
spirits to send an increased amount of blood
10 the brain. The first effect of taking a
glass of wine.or stronger form of alcohol, Is
TO send the blood there faster than common
hence, the circulation that gives the red face.
1t increases the activity of the brain, and 1t
works faster, and so does the tongue. But
as the blood goes to the brain faster than
common, it returns faster, and no special
harm results. But suppose man keeps on
drinking; the blood is sent to the brain 80
fast, in large quantities, that in order to
make room for it the arteries have to enlarge
themselves; they increase in size, and in DO
ing so they press against the more yielding
faced veins which carry the blood out OF
the brain and thus diminish their size, their
pores, the result being that the blood is not
only carried >. the arteries of the brain faster
than is natural or healthtul, but it is pre-
vented from leaving it as fast as usual
hence, double set of causes are set IN ope,
ration. Hence, a man may drink enough OF
brandy or other spirits in a few hours, or
even minutes, to bring on fatal attack OF
apoplexy. This is literally being dead drunk
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14

FLAME SENSITIVE TO SoUND.-Some Gu
rious experiments were made a few years
ago by Professor Tyndall on sensitive
flames" He observed that in a drawing
room the gas-lights kept time with the music
by their flames becoming longer or shorter,
according to the various notes Of the piano.
This he justly attributed to the vibrations
caused in the air, and he soon, by direct ex
pertinent, confirmed this view. The exper-
lment was applied to the measure of explo-
sive substances in the following way: At a
distance of five meters from a flame he
placed an anvil, on which he alternately
laid illuminate of mercury and iodlde of nj
trogen, and then caused their explosion by
the stroke of hammer. In this way he as
certained that the latter substance produced
no effect on the fame, while the illuminate
caused it to vibrate according to the notes
la, do, mi, ia, sol. Hence he concluded not
only that the vibrations affected by the To-
dide were different from those of the fulmin-
ate, but also that those of the latter only at
fected certain notes, excluding the interme
date one. These experiments he repeated
with different explosive substances and with
similar results, confirming his theory.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14
Overcoming.

Over in England, not quite one hundred
years ago, there lived certain little boy.
He was very busy boy, for his parents
were poor. His father was collier, and he
ran errands for neighbOrs, tended the toll
gate, anything to earn a penny. He did
not 20 to school, because there were no schools
in the mining districts of England. Almost
as soon as he was able to walk, he must earn
his OWE living. "GeOrdie Steve" as he
was called, went down into the pits with his
coal pick, when he was so small, that when
pay day came he would hide away for fear
he might be thought too little to be paid.
As he grew older he climbed up, for there
are honors even in a coal mine. First plug
man, then brakeman, then engineer. Now
he begins to love an engine. GeOrdie did
not waste his leisure time, but learned to
read, and write, and cipher. He cut the
clothes of the other WOrkmen, and tbs said,
there never was such fit. When there was
nothing else to do he tinkered clocks, and
became the most famous elock-doc in all
those parts. Mark one thing: whatever
George Stephenson I'D, that he did egsH
In the coal districts, they used tramrOads
wooden railways, and wagons drawn by
horses. George Stephenson thought, "Wby
not have iron instead of wooden rails, and
engines in place Of hOrses?" He wanted
to Try his plan, but he was poor and could
only work as rich men were willing to have
him. lie was bafied many times. Did he
give up? Not bit of it. He only worked
the harder. After trying and failing many
times, he made an engine which would run,
and named it Putting Billy" That was
the first locomotive. After while he per-
suaded a rich man to let him lay track
from his mine to the coal market. Think of
that little twelve mile track, where " Putting
Billy" did his work so bravely! Then think
Of our almost countless miles of railroad,
cur lightning express trains, and palace cars
George was not ready to stop here; but
he had to wait awhile. He had now son
Robert, grown to mans estate. He had
given his son a good education, and he was
a thorough engineer, both scientific and
practical The two worked together for the
railroad. Time would fail to tell of their
trials and disappointments, and tie Objec-
tons raised. Some said they were crazed
with one idea. That the air would be
filed with smoke and dust; all the old ways
would soon be done with; coaches would be
useless; houses would be burned, and cattle
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14
aEuras.
MY LITTLE LABORER.

tiny man with fingers soft and tender,
As any lady's fair;
Sweet eyes Of blue, form but trail and slender
And eurls Of sunny hair;
A household toy, fragile thing of beauty
Yet with each rising sun
Begins his round Of toil-a solemn duty
That must be done.
To-day he's building castle, house, and tower,
With wondrOus art and skill;
Or labors with his hammer BY the hour,
With strong, determined will
Anon, with loaded cart, he's plying
A brisk and driving trade,
Again, with thoughtful, earnest brow is trying,
Some books dark lore to read.
Now, laden ike some little beast of burden,
he drsgs himself along.
And now his lordly little voice is heard in
Boisterous shout and song
Another hour is spent in busy tOihng
With hoop, and top, and ball
And with a patience that is never falling,
BE tries and eonQuers all.
But sleep at last O. ertakes my little rover,
And on his mothers breast,
Toys thrown aside, the days hard labor over,
He sinks TO quiet rest
And as I fold him to my bosom, sleeping,
think, mid gathering tears,
OF what the distant future may be keeping,
As work for manhood's years.
WAate' er thy lot, o blessed little sleeper,
Where sr thy feet may roam,
When life is done, and death, the worlds great
reaper,
Shall call thy harvest home;
Nay st thou go then as sweety as to thy slumbers
Earth's toys lay gladly down,
Then rise, to wear mid Heavens angelic num-
berS,
A starry, radiant erOwnl
FoR THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14
Sound Ideas on Farming.

The following views on farming so entire
ly cover the ground of successful culture
tsas we give them place for the benefit Oi
our readers.
l. That the area under cultivation should
be within the limits of the capital and labor
employed; or in, other words, that on i'm
pOverished soils no one should cultivate more
land than he can enrich with manure and
fertilizers, be it one acre or twenty.
2. That there should be law compelling
every man to prevent his stock from depre-
dating on his neighbor's fields.
3. That green soil is more economical
than loose pasturage.
4. That deep tillage is essential to good
farming.
S. That the muck heap is the farmer s
bank, and that every thing should be added
to it that will enlarge it, and increase at the
same time its fertlzing properties.
6. That no farmer or planter should de-
pend upon one staple alone, but should seek
to secure himself against serious loss in bad
seasons by diversity of products.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14

CHRISTIANITY is not theory, or Specu-
lation, but life; not philosophy of life,
but life and living process. Try it. 1t
has been eighteen hundred years in exist
ence, and has one individual left record
like the following: 81 tried it; and it did
not answer l made the experiment faith
fully according to the directions; and the
result has been conviction of my own
credulity p Coleridge.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14
NOW READY.
The Collected Writings of
Jas Fl. ThornWelI, ID, LL'D'

EDITED BY
J. B. ADGER, D. D., and j. L GIRARDEAU, D D.
Vol. Theological PIP: $50, go
VOL II Theological and Ethical, up. 622.
Vol lIT-Theological and Controversial, PIP. Slo.
Vol IV.-Ecclesiastical, PIP. $40.
Svo., Cloth, bereled boards per VoIume, 81.
Published by the Presbyterian Committee of Publ
cation, Richmond Va.
These valued Books, with all our other Publications,
are for sale in
NEW ORLEANS, by W. E. Seebold.
COLUMBIA, S. c., by W. j. Duffe.
NASHVILLE, by W. C. Collier 4 Co..
MEMPHIS, by Rev. A. Shotwell, and d. Wade q
LOUISVILLE, by Davidson Brothers 4 Crump'
and John p Morton Co.
NEW YORK by E j. Hale Son, and Robert
Carter Prothers
ST LOUIS, MO, by Charles B. Cox.
PHILADELPHIA, by A. Mariien, J Llppincot
Co.. Claxton, Remsen Hafelfnger, anc
Smith, English Co.
Orders may be sent direct to Richmond to
J.D.K. sLEIGHT, Business Agent
mr. 5-tf
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14
Central 4resbgteriarr,
Office No. 10l5 Main street, nearly opposite
the Post Office.
TIE r N s

TER MS.
Three Dollars year, paid in Advance. If not
paid within the first too months, 81.
PosTAGE.-Twenty cents q year-to be paid at
the Office where the paper is received.
PAYMENTS may be made to local agents wherever
practcable all ministers of our Church are author.
ised to act SUCH Or by checks, Post-o6fce money
orders, letters Registered by Postmaster Other.
wise IT MUST BE AT THE RISK OF THE PARTY SEND.
ING IT.
OBIrUARIEs.-Charged at ten cents line. The
party sending can make the estimate by counting
eight words to ine Payment inrartably In ad.
vance.
COMMUNICATIONS AND LETTERS ON BUSINESS
should be addressed to Central Presbyterian, Box
10. Richmond, Va.
TarTe nT A1uarfia IN
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14
w DOLLHOUSE & PARHAM'S
w ESTABLISHMENT.
No. 1905 Main Street, Richmond, Va.


First Foor-Is stored their retail stock of BOOKS,
STATIONERY, PIANO-FORTbS, MUSIC, Bl-
BLES, PHOTOGRAPHIC ALBUMS, &c.
Second Floor Is their Wholesale d partment,
which includes FLAT PAPERS for the manufac'
ture of BLANK BOOKS, and for Printers use
also. SCHOOL BOOKS used in the Public Schools
ofthe State in quantities
Third and Fourth Floors-Are devoted to the
manufac ure of BLANK BOOKS and PAPER
BOXES, and includes their BOOK BINDER4,
with the best stock they have had since the war.
WHOLESALE BUYERS
may rest assured that they can obtain everything
needed in their line at satisfactory prices
RETAIL BUYERS
will find beautiful stock of the choicest BOOKS,
STATIONERY (both Staple and Fancy,) and the
best PIANO-FORTES.
fsS- Orders by mail receive faithful and promp
attention &C 2-3m
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14

AGRICULTURAL RETURNS for 1872 show
that less than two millions out of the thirty
two millions of England live directly by ag-
riculture. About FIVE persons are employed
in this way to every 100 acres of cultivated
land. 1t is claimed that England and Scot
land produce the best wheat, the best pota-
toes, the best kitchen vegetables, and the
best beef and mutton in the world. Great
Britain has 10Y sheep to every 100 inhabi-
tants. Greece has 1873, exceeding in this
every other European country. Spain has
1876, and Switzerland but fraction over IL.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14

CHRIST stands by his people in all their
sufferings. The angel stood by Christ in
his agony to comfort him but Christ stands
by us in our agony, and if he is nearer to
us at any time it is when trouble is most near
.us; and that trouble is indeed blessed that
engages God to be nearer to us, and that
engages us to come nearer to God.-Ehas
Pled1er.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14

DR.. LYMAN BBEcHER upon a certain &C.
casion said: "Should foreign army land
upon our shores to levy such tax upon US
as intemperanCe levies, no mortal power
could resist the tide of swelling indignation
that would overwhelm it"
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14
EN- III ms.
The Leonard Scott Publishing Company,
ALSO PUBLISH
THE FARMERS GUIDE

TO SCIENTIFIC AND PRACTICAL AGRICULTURE.
By HENRY STEPHENS, F. R. s., Edinburgh, and
the late j. p NORTON, Professor of Scientific Agri-
culture in Yale College, New Haven.
Two vols. Royal Octave. 1900 pages and n1m s1
GUS engravings. Price, ST; by mail, post paid, 3D.
de 18-t
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14

If WE IMAGINE that we are not capable
of betraying Christ, we are strangers to our
selves, we know not the plague of our own
hearts. The truth is that even the best of
men are capable of anything if left to them
selves.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14
d edmond, fredericksburg and Potomac
III Route.

ID edmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac
III Route.
ON AND AFTER DECEMBER 10th, 1872, mail
trains on this road will run as follows:
UP DAY MAIL via rail- and steamer, leaves
Byrd-Street station, p. m.
UP NIGHT MAIL, via rail alone, leaves Byrd.
Street station. $40 M, Except on Sundays)
UP ACCOMMODATION leaves Broad-Street
station, $3.50 p. m. Except on Sundays.)
DOWN DAY MAIL via rail and steamer, ar
rives at Byrd-Street station at p. m.
DOWN NIGHT MAIL, via rail alone, arrives at
ByrdSreei station 4:40 a. m. Except on Mondays.)
DOWN ACCOMMODATION TRAIN arrives at
Broad-Street station, S:37 a m. Except Sundays.)
Ed. T. d. MYERS,
de II General Superintendent.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14

BETTER leave the ark to shake as it shall
please God, than put unworthy hands to hold
it up.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14

A FIRM FAITH is the best divinity, and 8
clear conscience the best law.
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14
TIE SOUTHERN MAGAZINE.

TIE SOUTHERN MAGAZINE.
THE
ONLY LITERARY MONTHLY PUBLISHED
IN THE SOUTH.
TERMS:-Single subscription, 81 per znnum.
To clergymen and Teachers, So. For. club rates
address the publishers. Specimen number sent,on
receipt OF 70 cents.
TURNBULL BROTHERS, Publishers,
SN. Charles ST., Baltimore, Md.
WV. HAND BROWNE, Editor.
ia lift
OHEsAPEAKE AND OHIO RAILROAD. On
and after May 9Th, 1878, the passenger trains
will run as follows:
WESTWARD.
MAIL TRAIN.-Leaves Richmond $3.50 A. M.
daily. except Sunday connecting with W, c.,
va &G S. railroad at Gordonsve and Char.
lsttesylle and arrives at White Sulphur Springs at
805 p: NJ
Express TRAIN.-Lfaves Ricbm md at 10 P.
NJ. daily, Except Saturday connecting at Gordons
vile with W.. G. Va, NJ. & g 5. railroad trains
tor Lynchburg and Southwest and arrives at Hunt
ington at $40 P. NJ next day steamer leaves
Huntington on arrival of the train, and arrives at
Cincinnati at o clock next morning.
This train stops between Richmond and White
SULPHUR only at Junction, Gordonsville Charottes.
Vile. Stanton, Goshen, Millboro and Coyington.
ACCOMMODATION rRAlN.-Leayes Richmond
at 5:l0 p. N. daily, Except Sunday and arrives
at Gordonsville at S:45 P NJ.
EASTWARD.
Steamer leaves Cincinnati at P. NJ. daily, lex
cept Saturday. and arrives at Hun ington at a.
NJ, next day, connecting with express tram.
Express TEAM caves Huntington at 10
A. NJ daily, Except Sunday, aud arrives at Rich
mond at 4:30 A. NJ next day connecting with trains
goiug south and with James river steamer for Nor.
folk This train stops between White Sulphur and
Richmond only at Junction, Gordonsvllle. Char.
lottesvile, Staunton, Goshen, Millboro,' and Gov
ington.
NAIL TRAIN.-Leaves White Sulphur 5:55 A.
NJ, daily Except Sunday,) connecting with W., c.,
Va, NJ G. S. railroad at Charlott svile and Cor
donsyie, and arrives at Richmond p. NJ.
ACCOMMODATIONS RAlN.-Leaves Gordons
vile at 6.5O a. NJ, daily, except sundays, connect
ing at Gordonsvle with W., c.. Va M Il q. S.
railroad train from Lynchburg and Southwest, and
arrives at Richmond at 1915 A. NJ.
For further information inquire at the company
Office, on Broad near Seventeenth street
A. II. PERRY,
General superintendent
j F. NETHERLAND, General Ticket Agent.
my 3
The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1873-05-14

The BEST part of aims is their conceal
ment.