The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1877-11-15
wOodward's Ground Hog.

Mr.. Woodward of the Geological Gar
dens has become, in the way of BUSH
ness, an excellent amateur naturalist
and indefatigable seeker for specimens
of rare and remarkable animals to de-
light the eyes of the children, for whom
wild beasts, from a white rabbit or a
guinea pig to a sea lion or the griz-
zly-bear, always have an inexpressible
charm. He is continually on the qui
vive for white blaekbird or bushy-
tailed rat; and it is solemnly affirmed
by his employees that whenever he finds
a new natural curiosity he repairs TO the
grotto where the owls live, and gravely
stands on his head in delight. while the
wise birds contemplate the spectacle IN
dumb amazement. A few days ago Mr..
Woodward found on his breakfast table
the following letter, which he read with
keen delight:
SAN Francisco, Oct. "a, 1S77.-R. b.
WoOdlrdTd.-DEAR SIR: | have lately re-
turned from the East, bringing with me .
fine specimen Of ground hog, for which
| have no use. and should be pleased 10 pre-
sent it to YOU TO add 70 your already at
/ tractive lnensgerie. Should you wisf. 1t
send to my office, 253 Market Street. Re-
| spectfully yours. c. X. HAWKES.
Mr.. Woodward's heart flew up into
his throat, creating such shock that
the servant-girl timidly asked if he did
not feel the house shake, and wasn't 1t
an earthquake. But the man of zoology
was too excited to explain. He left his
waffles and coffee to grow cold, and,
seiZing his hat, ran down to his office
FL 4 4 70. Alr-
Hawkes. with his compliments and
kindest regards, and would be overloy-
ed to receive such a generous and inval-
liable present, etc. The messenger re-
turned, stating that the ground hog
could be obtailed on application. Mr..
Woodward, for the sake of ceremony,
waited an hour or more, and then sent
n man with an express wagon Tor the
animal. The latter returned, stating
, the animal was not quite ready for
, Transportation, rs a box would have to
be prepared for its safe transit. Sever
al times the messenger called on Mr..
Hawkes., to receive the same answer.
Mr.. Woodward's wild impotence may
be more easily imagined than described.
, Finally, on the second day, Mr.. Hawkes.
announced that the animal was ready.
, The expressman, who had caught the
contagion from Mr.. Woodward, had
himself become eager to behold this rare
specimen, but, to his disappointment,
the little beast was snugly eneased IN
e wooden box, perforated with anger
e holes to allow him to breathe, and he
; was afraid to apply his eye to the hole
5 lest the little animal might scratch 1t out
e So lie bottled his Impotence, put the
1 precious box into his wagon, and drove
! Off ut Il lively trot to the gardens. Here
: he found Mr.. Woodward pacing the
: graveled walk in great excitement. Inc
?. box was teudcriy taken from the wagon,
l. and Mr. Woodward, followed by his
/ hired naturalist, the eXpTesSman, and
}, one or two scientific gentlemen invited
J., to be present, went into an air-hghi
|. room and carefully closed the door
d The screws were cautiously taker
i out, the cover was lifted, the cage
Y group crowded around the box anC
n stared down into its depths.
Good heaveusi" calculated MIR
IS Woodward, staggering back upon the
y cornS of the eNpressman, who writheo
- in pain. s'Sakes aliyelr exclaimed thu
!. scientific gentleman. "Great father!
T. shouted the naturalist.
II After MIR. Woodward had kicked the
n expressman out into the street, and as
is sauIted the naturalist with knlie-th'
le latter gentleman having rashly observe!
IT that it was certainly very fine specl
:. men of ground hog-he became some
v what cooler aud indited the tollowln!
re note to Mr. Hawkes., inclosing theren
r. a free pass to the Gardens for ninety
< nine years:
IS Yours Of the 9th received yesterday
n m. MANY thanks for the animal Your
truly, *. b. WOODWARD
Visitors at the Gardens yesterday re
marked with surprise the presence OF
Calling gun just inside the gates, tram
ed on the entrance Beside it stood ;
~ ~ militiaman, pale and determined scru
=, tinizing every one that entered, Looking
= ever and anon at photograph Labeled
- &C. X. Hawkes." But the milltamal
= and the piece of ordnance will not 6'
= needed He will never come. In
:, :, ground hog was a sausage.-SG'
, Francisco Chronicle.