The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1876-02-10
Thirty Quails.
louisville Courier-J Journal.


A little more than month since there
appeared an article. which went the rounds
of the city press, setting forth statements
to prove the impossibility Of an apparent
" very simple and feasible accomplish
ment The proposition was that no man
was capable of eating thirty quails in as
many days, allowing that he eat only one
quail day the bird to be cooked in any
manner that he might desire Among the
instances cited to prove that such a thing
had never been done were numerous vain
attempts in England, France and America.
The most striking case was that OF man
in Cleveland, Ohio, who boasted a stoni-
ach like that of an OK Cor as a matter of
strength a hog, or any other beast. The
individual wagered 500 against $4,000
that he could eat thirty quals in the man.
ner prescribed. He lost. After eating
only few of the tavorite fowl he grew
very sick, and then threw up-the sponge.
A certain Main street merchant in Lou
isyilie carefully took notes of all these
statements, and becoming convinced of
the truth of them, introduced the subject
while at dinner in his clearinghouse one
day. The proprietor who was no less
parsonage than Mr.. q. F. Bronnert, the
French restaurateur, on Market street,
said he knew he could eat them and not
half try Thereupon the merchant pro-
posed a wager of a champagne supper for
twelve persons that he could not.
Mr.. Bronnert readily accepted the bet,
Mr.. Alex. De Maret, the umbrella-maker,
who was also sitting at the table, propos-
ed to go him halves" The proposition
| was accepted, and preparations were
| made at once, a friend OF the merchant
agreeing to pay for the birds.
Thirty days ago last Wednesday Messrs.
Bronnert and De Maret ate their first birds
and at noonW ednesday ate their thlrtleth,
| every quail being broiled.
In order that no cheating could be done
witnesses for both parties Were employed,
who saw that the terms OF the wager were
faithfully complied with.
Many wiseacres. among them numer-
Gus sagacious M. DIS. during the discus
sion Of the subject caught up the various
suggestions in the experiment, and Wee
free to declare their belief in the impossi
bility of the thing Some went so far as
to say that man would die before he
could devour the number specified But
Notwithstanding all these discouraging
| and terrifying opinions, Messrs. Bronnert
| and De Nlaret were looking as well last
night as ever they did in their lives, and
were in a jubilant condition OF spirits over
their triumph.
Mr.. Bronnert was confident that he
could eat thirty more broiled quals and
said he would not be afraid to try it, not
| outstanding he has been told by two
physicians that he will have very Sc
| we're spell of sickness in less than sixty
| days, He said, however, that the feat
| was not accomplished without a great deal
OF difficulty and suffering. After the fifth
day he became very sick, and it was with
| the greatest force that he swallowed the
sixth bird. From Christmas-day until
January 9TH he suffered great nausea, and
| each bird was eaten with equal difficulty
and disgust He said that il ne hadn't got
| mad every time he sat down TO his bird
| he never would have accomplished the I'M
| dertaking Said the little Frenchman:
wen | sits down re bird he looks good
| mails by gar feel 10 zick in re stomach |
| think can't eat him no more. but by gar
| 60 mad. chew him up bones and all"
Mr. Bronnert further explained that
| when he felt so sick of the eating that
| he thought it impossible to refrain from
| vomiting. he would take a glass OF wine.
and after awhile he would get all right
| again.
| After the 9TH inst he suffered no more
sickness. and has eaten the last seven
quails with a great deal OF relish
The merchant who lost the wager has
signitied his willingness to pay, and at
the pleasure of the winners there will be
the cheerful popping of corks and the
clang and CHATTER Of knives and forks.