Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1875-07-25
OUR SOUTHERN LETTER.

southern city l visited where any spe-
cial, concerted effort was made by the
citizens to add to the enjoyment of visi-
tors. gladly record the fact that dur
ing the time l was there two excursions
were gotten up for the pleasure of stran-
gers, and cordial invitation given to
all to join them. So one pleasant morn
ing our little party started for the Isle
of Hope. A goOdly number gathered at
the station, and we were soon steaming
along at good speed. our hearts keeping
time to the gay music the fine band in
attendance was discoursing. A ride of
three-fourths of an hour brought US to
our stopping place-a quiet, pretty vii
lage which had struggled along the
horseshoe bend of the Warsaw river for
over mile. There was nothing very
remarkable to see-only clean, home
like village. with cottages nesting De-
meath fine old oaks, or crowned with
climbing roses tiny church, with its
bell hung in frame few steps away,
after the manner of southern villages :;
a small store where one might buy bon
nets or beer, fancy articles or fish; and
the water before US. But there was fish
ing for those who love the sport, boat.
ing for others, music on the lawn for the
idlers, music in the hall for the devotees
at the shrine of Terpsichore, and over
and above all, there was the kind spirit
which prompted the people of Savannah
to offer to the visitors in their city these
courteous attentions. A city with such
men in it will not stand still. A gener-
GUS, public spirit must be there, and
that Is the motive power which makes
towns grow out of the villages, and cit
les spring from towns.
The Isle of Hope is a place of resort
for citizens of Savannah, during the ex-
treme heat of summer, and there the
cool, salt sea breezes bring the repose
sought IN vain in the brick walls of a
city home. 1t only wants the beach to
make it some day a miniature Long
Branch for Savannah.
Linger with me yet little while in
this hower-crOwned city, for we shall
hardly find ground more historic, or
sights more lovely than greet us here,
and we all want to peep inside the for
lists rooms.
In one place we found plant which
bore the strange name of the Holy Ghost
| plant the owner informed us that it de-
rived its name from its blossom, which
closely resembled a pure white dove.
Another was claimed to be the connect
ing link between animal and vegetable
life. 1t was a small plant with a for
nation at the top resembling two leaves
fastened together so as to form funnel.
A man who claims to have seen the op-
GRAFTON, informed US that if fly or tiny
piece of meat were dropped into the
opening at the top, it Immediately clos
ed over it and remained closed until the
meat or fly was consumed. How l long
ed for all the fIes of Carolina kitchen
to test the truth of the statement but
having learned wisdom from the fate Of
their companions, not one came near to
be offered sacrifice upon this strange
altar
The night blooming cereus excites as
much curiosity as any plant one finds in
these choice collections. To my surprise
found it member of the cactus fami-
ly, but, evidently, an aristocratic men,
Der, for it is much more delicate in ap-
pearance than most of the cacti, being
slender, with thinner leaves and carry
ing its thOrns less de6antly. The bios
som is large, bell-shaped. white flower,
with pure, delicately-shaped leaves and
beautiful petals. When open. it is still
surrounded by the stiff. brown, narrow,
spike-like leaves which were its envel.
ope before unfolding, and now look like
aggressive spears defying all trespassers
The patient waiting of its owner j:
well rewarded, when such perfect, deli
cate beauty-so delicate it opens but
once and then closes forever-spring:
forth from q plant so unattractive.
Another plant which interested me il
ono which attaches itself to trees-a del.
ieate. fbrous plant. yet hardy and long
lived. 1t does not belong to the para.
site family, for it thrives as well wheI
separated from the tree and kept with.
out earth or water, as when elinging t.
the sturdy trunk Of an old oak. 1t is. il
very fact, an air plant, deriving all It's
nourishment from that source alone.
All through the branches of the tree
the mistletoe is seen elinging tenacious
| ly and sapping away the life of its vic
tim like very vampire. Its brighI
green contrasts prettily with the darker
foliage of the tree. and watching it, a
the golden rays Of the sun set all it
leaves quivering with glory, We half for
give it the harmful thing it is doing. A
christmas time, . bunch is hung in th'
parlor where the young folks make mer
~, and luck betides the swain who win
a kiss from the lips Of fair one beneath