davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05

but the succulent plants of the garden are
chiefly grateful and the various kinds of
pulse, at some seasons, are almost wholly
destroyed by them if appearing in num-
bers.
"A wet season is generally favorable
to their production; for this animal cannot
bear very dry seasons or dry places, as
they cause too great consumption of
their slime, without plenty of which they
cannot subsist in health and vigor. One
thing more 1 must tell you about the
snail. Ii produces a great number of
small, round, white eggs, covered with
sort of soft shell. By an imperceptible
slime they are stuck TO each other like
bunch of grapes, the whole about the size
of a pea.''
"Just as spiders have their eggs in
sort of silky webb asked Will.
Somewhat like it, Will. But the snail
does not, like the spider, leave its eggs
exposed. With the greatest industry and
solicitude they are hid in the earth until
the warm spring sun WHITES them, when
the snails creep forth. 1 believe have
now told you all l can remember about
the snail. You see, dear boys, our Heaven
ly Father eEdows each animal with pecul-
lar instincts of its own, and they prove
His watchful, loving care over all created
things"
Willie and jamie Stewart had listened
with much interest to their father while
giving his account of these little creatures,
and after thanking him for it they ran off
to see if they could not find their snail
with its head sticking out of it's curious
shell -house.-Josie Keen, in ". =. Observer.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05
The Goose-Bone and the Weather.

THE goose bone predictions are, per-
haps, more closely watched in Kentucky
than anywhere else, and it may be called
the Kentucky weather-prOphet. In many
parts of the State the farmers consult it,
and~Prepare for handling their crops in
accordance with its predictions. 1t is said
that there is afamily in Woodford County
that has fifty of these little prophets care
fully laid away, and declare that not one
of them made mistake in their predic-
tons. Let us turn to this years prophecy.
We must take the breast-bone of a last
springs goOse-nOne other will do, for the
prophecy does not extend beyond the year
in which the goose is Matched. Thanks
to friend, we have such bone. 1t must
be divided into three parts, which repre-
sent the three divisions of winter. The
breast bone of goose is translucent, but
at places has cloud-like blots upon it.
These blots denote cold weather. Look
ing at the bone before us, we find little
cold weather about the 1st of December,
which we have realized; and there is an
other blot beyond the center of the bone,
denoting cold weather about the middle
of January; this cloud we are passing
now, and so far our little prognosticator
has guided us right. We are to have
warmer weather after few days, but the
worst is to come. The darkest blots are
near the end of the bone, and, if the
prophecy fails not, winter will verify the
saying OF coming in like lamb and 60
ing out like roaring lion. Our coolest
weather will come after the middle of
February, and our warmest fires will be
required for the parting days of winter
and the first days of spring. This is the
goose-bone prophecy, and, as we have the
word of good old farmer that it has not
failed for fifty years, we would advise the
laying in of a good supply of coal, and
general preparations to meet cold weather
for the goose bone has said it, and old
winter will be after young spring with a
great big icicle. Commercial.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05
His Will.

THE will of a rich gentleman was
opened at hotel at the West End, one
day last week. Each party looked "un-
utterable things" when the reader, after
the usual opening, began as tollows:
81 leave to my dear friend, Col. c.,
10000 pounds, three per cent; and to my
esteemed cousin, Geo. VII, the like
sum; and in consideration of the uniform
kindness of my nephews and nieces, l
leave them each, ETC., with the usual be-
quests to executors, servants, funeral ex-
penses," ETC., ETC., in the whole, a long
string of legacies, with the eternal good
wishes of the deceased. "Signed, sealed
and delivered to me, in the presence Of"
etc, etc.
All parties would have been satisfied,
had it finished thus! but the reader
startled, and, with look of surprise, flor
he was included in the donations) said
there is codicil and with sigh, the
sincerity of which could consequently
not be doubted, he read aloud that which
his eye had hastily scanned" Codicil: if
l had died possessed of the wealth herein
stated, should have left it to these my
dear and valued friends. But Ihave been
imprudent, and since making my will,
have lost twice the sum therein set down,
and, perhaps, have not more to leave than
may be required to bury me; my dear and
kind friends must, therefore, take the uill
for the deed!"-COuft GAZETTE.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05
The English Channel Passage.

YET another attempt at the solution Of
the channel passage question has recently
been made by Mr.. Hugh A. Egerton, with
a model of whose system some expert.
ments were made yesterday on the lake al
the Welsh Harp, Hendon. Mr.. Egerton's
plan consists in using what may be termed
an immense floating platform, propelled
by paddle-wheels. The structure is COM
posed of three main longitudinal iron
cylinders, each 600 feet in length by
twenty six feet in diameter at the center,
tapering off to point at each end. The
cylinders are divided up traversely into a
number Ofwater ght com apartments, each
properly staged. The cylinders are placed
seventy-eight feet apart, and are connect
ed on the top by means of series of
wrought-iron girders twenty feet deep,
thus presenting a platform or ferry 900
feet long by 234 feet wide On the level
of the lower tlanges of the main girders
will be a deck carried on cross girders,
t1anges. The space between the decks
will be appropriated to saloons, cabins,
engine-roOms and other necessary offices,
while the upper deck will be appropriated
to railway trains, which are to be trans
ported bodily across the channel from
the various railways on either side. The
diameter of the cylinders is calculated to
be exactly double the height Of the high
est channel wave, so that it is ex-
pected that no wave will touch the
under side of the lower deck. The
ends of the tubes are made to taper
SO as to cleave the water readily and
to act as breakwater to diagonal waves.
The whole arrangement will be boxed in
between the two decks, and will be made
as snug and as comfortable as possible.
On each tube, central of its length, will
be placed the engines, with pair of pad
wheels to each engine, steam being
taken from two boilers, one being placed
in each space intermediate Between the
tubes. Arrangements are, of course,
made for steering tie ferry. The model
with which the experiments were made
yesterday was twelve feet long by six
wide, and was fitted by boilers and engines
arrang as described. The steaming
qualities and floating powers of the model
were demonstrated directly it was placed
upon the lake. Unfortunately, however,
the experiments Lad not proceeded far
when one of the boilers gave out, and the
experiments were brought to a termina-
ton. MIR. Egerton's system will, of
course, require special landing places on
either side of the channel, with arrange
ments for shipping and unshipping the
trains. Another proposition of MIR. Egg
erton's is to construct vessels upon his
principle for the transport of cattle from
across the Atlantic. For that purpose
the central tube would lie dispensed with,
and several other notifications would
be introduced No doubt Mr.. Egerton
would succeed in obviating sea-sickness
on the channel by his scheme, although
it is one which must involve considerable
expense in the new works it will necessi-
tate.-L0atiOn Tunes.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05
Onr Bnys aud girls.
Discomfort.

DISCONIENI-
Down in field one day in June
The flowers all bloomed together,
Save one who tried to hide herself
And dropped, that pleasant weather
A robin who had scared too high,
And felt little lazy
Was resting near a buttcrcup
Who wished she were a daisy.
For daisies grow SO trig and tall;
She always had passion
For wearing frills about her neck
In just the daisies fashion.
And buttercups must always be
The same Old tiresome COLOR
While daisies dress in gold and tie,
Although their gold is dullcr
"Dear robin" said this sad young flower,
perhaps you'd not mind trying
To find a nice white frIll for me,
Some day, when you are hying.'
"You silly thing!'' the robin said;
- think yOu must be crazy!
I'd rather be my honest self
Than any made-up daisy.
"You're nicer In your own bright gown,
The little children love you;
Be the best buttercup You can,
And think no flower above You.
Through swallows leave me ont of sight,
Wed better keep our places;
Perhaps the worlu would all go wrong
With one too many daisies.
Look bravely up into the sky,
And be content with knowing
That God wished for a buttcrcup
just here where you are growing
Sarah o. JetOett. in st. Nicholas.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05
Selected sWisreHa,p.
THE STOCKING-BISKET.

Co-nr thron,d in her cushion'd chair,
mother rcciiued from toll and care,
Except the darning Of q stocking,
And her chairs perpetual locking.
tnought had somewhere seen IL styled
The plague Of life. such a basket piled
Win uresome> everlasting stitching,
With work 60 very UNDERWRITING,
And as enc broke the thread asunder.
weaving In and out. over and under,
l wished the rents in human life,
Couc be mended with little strife.
She took In her hand u tiny thing,
All striped with white and scarlet ring.
And laughing eyes of her darling fair;
OF the rosy lips and dainty hands,
The pleading cries and the loud demands
She sighed she thought Of the world untrcd,
And up and down her needle piled.
She knew IL said, Oh blessed are such!
And strok d her work with a tender touch,
Softly folded and laid il away.
As the little feet in slumber lay.
But on the next tear-drop fingers;
The mother wrought with trembling fingers,
And sadly bowed with an anxious face,
Appealing on High for strength and grace
To guide the steps of her wayward son,
To blese and protect her erriDg one,
Nor suffer the wandering feet to roam
Forth nom the love OF his early home;
10 shield him from the glirterng net
The tempter wi h costly jewels had set;
To save him from the sparkling bowl,
And all the dangers that scar the soul.
As on the third her looks were bent,
The face wore smile Of sweet content,
= OF the Ialr-hnlreo girl WnOee gentie ways
Were extolled by all with voice Of praise:
For her the sunshine ever glowed,
And from her lips rare music flowed;
With graceful carriage and modest mien,
She moved through life like fair young queen
The mother said. with fervent prayer.
Nay Heaven shield her from harm and care,
Prom cruel want, and the stincs that smart,
ffs1n the Bruises Of blighted heirt.
The next were for those whoee feet had trod
For many summers the earth's green sod;
And the storms OF many winters felt,
In joys had smiled, and in sorrows knelt.
No cloud 60 dark. but the gimmering hue
or the sunriee ever struggled through;
No gloom 80 deep, faith could not brighten;
No toll SO hard, love could cot tighten
The last fog one who was passing down
To her narrow home with silver crown
OF woDdrous luster. that seemed to shed
A light OF glory round her head
Peacefully sinking to the quiet rest
Awaiting those Of the truly bleet;
For her she plead the right to share
All tender aid and watchful care.
And thus the stockings all were mended;
With each stitch q thought was blended;
With ev nv thread for future wear,
The weayin1in OF silent prayer.
chicago Tribune
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05

Benjamin Downing, of Rhode Island,
the oldest Odd Fellow in the world, died
in New York not long since. He joined
the Duke of York Lodge, No. 1 at IIar-
witch, England, in 1907, and at the time
of his death was more than century old.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05

Instead of being ga little, weazen-
faced, dried-up old man, resurrected from
his premature grave occasionally only
through the name and the letters in print
of his accomplished wife, was stated
by New York paper recently, Gen. j. 9.
Fremont is, according to the Virginia
(Nev.) Enterprise, a notwithstanding
man, his face fresh and strong, though
bronzed as though by contact with years
of outdoor life. His hair is silvered, but
in looking at it the impression is that it IS
SO through exposure and not age; ana IL
set off the face finely.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05

"A man in New Hampshire had the
misfortune recently to lose his wife.
Over the grave he caused stone to be
placed, on which, in the depth of his
grief, he had ordered to be inscribed :
Tears cannot restore her-therctorc
wpCD'
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05

"A Paris barber, who died recently,
left S2,000,000. 1t is related of him that
he never told n customer that his hair
ought to be trimmed or that he needed a
shampoo
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05

The aged mother of Chavez, the late
California bandit, is still living at Hollis
ter, Cal, and is said to be a very respecta-
BILE woman. She wept when she learned
that her erfing son had been shot, but said
that she was glad he had died thus, in.
stead of being captured alive and hanged
like his Captain, Vasquez.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05

Mrs. Augusta Evans Wilson has Sc
cured from eight years work IN the novel
writing lIne-first, 800, 900; second, fame
and, third, rich husband.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05
Total per year .s7Ss-for As years, ss54s

Suppose, at the age of thirty, l had put
the $786 out at interest, and compounded
1t for forty five years, a calculation would
astound any man to see what a wealthy
man it would make me to-day. Let those
who are following in my footsteps take
warning in time.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05

Jonathan Williams, one of the found
ers of the Virginia City (Nev.) Enterprise,
committed suicide at Phoebe, Cal, a few
days ago, by taking iaudanum.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05

james Hamill, the ex- champion scull-
er of America, died at Pittsburgh, Pa,
few days ago.
American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-02-05

These figures may seem startling, but
they are, nevertheless, true. 1t really ap-
palled me when the sum total was added
nm To recapitulafe.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-02-02
The Elevated Railway.
From N. Y. Herald, Jan. Is.

The New York Elevated Railway
Company has completed its road from
the Battery to Genital Park, and it will
be opened this morning for the running
of thirty-nine trains each way daily.
The company yesterday celebrated the
event by an excursion, making the run
from the battery to Eifty-ninth street in
twenty nine minutes, thus demonstrate
ing that it is possible, with double
track, to go from Harlem to the City
Hall in twenty minutes. By invitation
of the officers about one hundred capit-
alists, stockholders and journalists par
ticipated in the excursion.
Notwithstanding the train stopped at
nearly all the way stations to take up
guests. and at one siding remained some
minutes to allow down train to pass.
The run to Fifty-ninth street was made
in twenty nine minutesand two seconds.
There the party disembarked and ex-
amined the newly constructed portion
of the road. Commissioners Seligman
and Mott were enthusiastic over the
success of the road, and stated to the
writer that the New York Elevated Rail
way had demonstrated that rapid tran
sit is feasible. They declared that, in
their opinion, the road is safe from any
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-02-02
Foreign Cane in Louisiana.

It is runored that there is q move
ment on foot among several influential
parties in Louisiana to induce Congress
to fit out another vessel for the pup
pose of collecting varieties of the hafdi-
est sugar canes of South America and
the Indies, for culture in louisiana.
This movement is actpated by the
knowledge that there are species of
cane which can be cultivated much
more advantageodsly than that already
grown in the state, and which will be of
vast interest to this growing industry
there. Experiments with Java cane
have been tried recently, but the result
was unsuccessful, the stock being very
thin, and of no more value than sor-
ghum. From seed of Sagua la Grande,
Cuba, cane, however, the results were
all that could be desired. The cane is
of whitlsh color, with rich brown on
the side subject to the sun. There are
said to be many varieties adapted to our
soil ard climate, which the Louisiana
ans are determined to procure.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-02-02
Wanted q Little Help.
From the Detroit Free Press.


One day last week as a citizen was
passing up Twelfth street, wild-eyed
woman jumped out of front door,
halted him, and excitedly said:
"Come in here come Ia for just one
minute!"
"What's the matter?" he asked in re-
ply, observing that her face was badly
scratched, her clothing torn, and that
her nose had been roughly knocked
about
"Come Income in!'' she whispered.
"You've been fghting!" he said as he
backed off.
At that moment big burly man open
ed the door and called out:
''Come in here, you old she fiend!"
"Come in and help me pound him"
urged the woman.
"Why, he could eat me up in min
ute!'' replied the citizen. 'sI'm not a
fighter, and want no trouble"
81 can almost lick him alone" she
continued, as she followed him along
the walk. eff Z had some one to hold
his legs when I get him by the throat, ]
could choke the grit all out of him in
two minutes! Come on-give in and act
like a Christian, and give poor woman
lift!"
The citizen wouldn't stop, and afte,
following him nearly block the woman
turned back, saying: .
IF l can get in good snifter on his
nose, can lick him alone!'
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-02-02
A Centennial Chess Match.
From the New York 81


That there should be chess Congress
held at the Centennial Exhibition is not
disputed. At the international EXPOSE
ton at London, Paris and Vienna, con-
crosses Of the kind attracted the atten-
tion of the world. When we consider
that America has produced in Paul
Morphy the greatest player of the world
since La Bourdonnais, the Importance
OF maintaining our reputation in the
game is clear. We have many fine play
ers who would take part in q tourna-
ment, and some of the greatest profess
Ors OF chess in Europe would undoubt-
eddy cross the ocean to conquer new
worlds. We have recently reported the
fine games contested by Mr.. Mason
with Mr.. Bird, one of the most bril-
liant of English players, in
which the young American was
victorious. Mr.. Bird will probably re-
turn here next summer. bringing with
him Blackburne, the blindfold player,
and other celebrities. We may also
have Steinitz, Kolisch and Paulsen.
The best of the European visitors would
find vigorous antagonist in Captain
Mackenzie, who, next to Paul Morphy,
is generally conceded to be the strong
est player in America, and who knows
that such an assemblage of chess mag
mates might not tempt Morphy himself
from his long retirement But nothing
has yet been done toward the organiza-
ton of a congress, and he would re-
mind our leading players and clubs that
but little time for proper action re-
mains.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-02-02
sayly snow fiounces earthward in the sun,

Gayly snow iounces earthward in the sun,
Or frozen glistens with an icy edge
To windward of the elmbcle; birds in dun
Pumage, fair-formed elves whistle in the hedge,
Scatter its errnine mantle; as they run,
Dint earths bright stainless carpet; shake the foa
Splashed upon all green brambles, and red-fruited
Holhes or thorns or briars, where they roam;
Our ever sweet songed robin richly suited,
And birds reserving for 3 leaier home
And lovelier lands the voice wherein love luted,
Erewhile in yon dead summer, shadows blue
Nestle where beast or man hath trodden deep
In crisp starred snow; fnr mantles fair endue
Thatched roof, vain, barn and byre, and slowly
creep
To fringe of diamond icicle the waters are asleep:
No skaters whirr and whirl, as erst, upon the
imprisoned gray
Smooth water; no chubby children slide and shout
and play.
Pile the illumining logs within, and let thsm cracke
gay!
Bright holly and green miafletoe cheering our
hearths we keep;
Warm CLINT the polished chairs and glasses, while
yule fires glow deep.
But when dear babes lie dreaming, with halo near
the moon,
And at their nursery doors are set small fairy-ap-
pealing shoon,
There will float voice of mystic bells over earths
pale swound,
And sweet sad fays of memory to haunt us in their
sound.
Good Uorde
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1876-02-02
Bo1nEp Fruit PupD1Na-One onart

BOILED FRUIT PUDDING.-One quart
crushed wheat; teaspoonful cinnamon,
half teaspoonful cloves, Two cups sugar,
two eggs, half pound suet chopped fine,
teaspoonful cream tartar, half teaspoon
,, full soda. half cup molasses, half pound
raisins chopped fine, citron Oh lemon
peel it desired. Boil two hours.
SPONGE CAKE.-The weight of five
eggs in sugar, weight of three in -four,
juice of one lemon. Beat the yolks and
sugar until very light, then add the
juice OF the lemon, the -four and the
whites, which must be beaten very stiff.
lobe baked in quick oven.
WINTER CHURNNa MADE EAsY.-A.
Gale, of Galewood, ILL.,, writes to the
Inter Ocean on the subject of winter
churning as follows: Stain the milk
into pans and set them on pot of boil
ing water on the stove, and heat the
milk pretty hot--not to scald: set away
the milk and in about IS hours the
cream will be about as thick as q leather
apron, which skim into cream pot, and
at each time for skimming stir the cream
well together, and when enough for q
churning bias accumulated, take care in
cold weather to have the chill taken off
the cream; then scald the churn, put in
the cream and churn gently, and If the
butter does not come in less than 10
minutes, you may Judge that your
cream is too cold. Repeatedly in less
than five minutes I have had butter;
try it.
Dome UP MEMS WEAR.-A lady
writes to the Ohio Farmer tkat she
used to think it great task to wash
and do up mems and boys wearing ap-
parel, for the reason that she found it
difficult to make them look nice after
the operation. They would have such
wrinkley appearance that she would
feel discouraged at the results of her
labor. 1t wasn't the washing part that
troubled her so much as the irorine.
After while, however, she was fortu-
nate enough to receive instructions from
an experienced laundress, which caused
her troubles to vanish. They we're as
follows: After the garments that are
to be ironed are thoroughly dried,
spread them smoothly over the ironing
board. Then wiring cloth out of clear
water, spread it over the clothes, and
iron with hot fat-iron until the cloth
is dry; dip and wiring the cloth again,
spread it above the part already pressed,
and proceed as before until the face of
the goods has all been passed over.