The Osceola times., 1878-11-16
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Pennsylvania furnishes one 18th O the
rye produced in this country, 3,577 ,64l bush
sls out OF l6,9ls7p5.
American cotton-drills are finding
good market in China, and the demand
seems to be steadily increasing.
1t is stated that three-fifths of the fires
In San Francisco are caused by depositing
wood ashes in wooden vessels.
The shipments of grain from New Or
leans during the past year show an increase
of over 100000 bushels over the previous
year.
After hams are smoked and been dried
they may be packed away in a barrel be.
tween alternate layers of salt. lis said
they keep through the summer splendidly.
From recently published statements OF
the earnings Of the leading railroads in the
country, 1t is shown that a majority OF them
have increased earnings on last years bush
ness.
American hams sent to Europe, it is
claimed, are largely repacked as Vests
phsltan hams and sold in other countries
at an enormous advance on the first cost in
this market.
In 1877 there were drank in the United
States 457, 200 barrels OF beer in excess Of
the amount consumed in 1876. The decrease
in the quantity Of whisky used in the same
time was 100000 barrels.
The cottonwood poles used on the line
OF the Southern Pacific Railroad to support
the telegraph poles have sprouted, and give
promise of supplying continuous line of
fourishng shade trees.
The San Francisco Call estimates the
wheat crop Of California ~ Al $50 $50 bush-
els, and barley crop at 81, l2l $50 bushels.
The same paper estimates the surplus wheat
for export at 100000 tons.
India has lost nearly a million and
half of people during the past year by the
famine that has prevailed within her Dor.
ders, and the deaths from starvation in
China probably number as many more.
A new silver bonanza has been found
in California. A rich silver ledge of ore has
been found in Los Angeles County, which
is likely TO rival the Comstock lode. In
ore.
We may safely estimate the averape
cotton crop of the United States from 1870
TO 1880 at 5,000,0Ce bales per annum, or ior
ten years 10000, 900 bsles, which, al $50 per
bae e, makes the enormous sum Of $2,500-
100000.
A delicate mechanical feat was re-
Gently accomplished by matchmaker in
Providence, H. /. who drilled hole through
the entire length of common pin, from
head to point, just large enough to admit
the passage of fine hair.
The Russian leather, go much priced
for durability and grateful smell is prepared
by the use of the essential oil of the birch
tree. Bales of it will lie for long time in
damp warehouses without spotting or being
otherwise injured by mildew.
Active opposition to the billiard saloon
is continued in 0berlin, Ohio. A committee
of women took seats in it every evening
until the proprietor excluded them, and
now two are constantly on duty on the side.
walk, dissuading young men from entering.
Bars of pure gold, weighing twenty
ounces each, have been plowed up at or
near Lexington, N. c., to the value Of some
$4,000. 1t is supposed to be the proceeds
of stage robbery committed some forty.
five years ago, when the thieves hid the
metal.
The American xhibitors at Paris have
more than proportionate share of medals
and other awards. Specimens OF American
CShl ana WHeht rtctlNc Holu iutublt, ana u
is understood that American canned fruits
and meats will take the highest piixes in
their class.
A recent calculation says that The de.
mand for lumber increases In the United
States at the rate Of % per cent. per annum.
The forests decrease at the rate Of 100000
acres year. The fences alone are valued
at 81 800, ,O00, ,000 aud they cost each year
eos, 100000.
Kansas City, Missouri, expects soon
to be lightad with natural gas. In various
places around town people who have sunk
artesian wells have struck gas veins. At
Wyandotte, two miles of, there is an aban>
doned salt bore that for years has given of
%, 600 feet Of gas q day.
In the Armagh Jail, in ireland; one Of
the rules requires the prisoner TO lie on .
plank and sleep with his clothes on for the
first month. A Judge lately gave a shorter
sente nee than he otherwise would on &C.
count of the rule, reuarking that he con.
sidered it nothing more nor less than tor.
tlre.
Much litigation is likely to grow out
of the mill explosions in Minneapolis. The
insurance companies refuse "a pay for the
whole damage, on the ground that they are
liable only for the actual loss BY FIRE; but
the rnillDwners hold that IRE caused the
sxplesion, and that therefore, the entire
lecs was II esasequsnee q Ire.