davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10
VOL. XXXVI.

MARX Twain says of the postmaster
generals order which has made so much
stir.
1t will compel 30,0OO,0OO of our people
TO write daily average of ten extra
words apiece-300, 100000 unnecessary
words; most of these people are slow
the average will be half minute consum-
ed on each ten words-15, 900 900 minutes
OF this nations time fooled away every
day-say 247,400 hours-which amounts
to about 25,O00 working days of ten hours
each; this makes so years of 800 WORKING
Gays each. counting out Sundays and
slekness-o2 years of this nations time
wholly thrown away every day! Value
OF Inc average mans time, say $1,000 a
year-now do you see?-S82, 900 thrown
away dai ly; in round numbers S25,
oOO yearly; in ten years, $3.50 900, 900;
In hundred years $4,000, 100000; in a
million years-bnt | have not the nerve
to go on; you can see yourself what we
are coming to. If this law continues in
force, there will not be money enough in
TINS country, by and by, to pay for its
obltuary-and you mark my word, it will
need one.
For many years it has been England's
boast that her postal system is so admira-
BILE that you can't so cripple the direction
OF letter that the post office department
won't manage some way to find the per-
son the missive is intended for. We conld
say that, too, once. But we have retired
hundred years, within the last two
months. and now it is our boast that only
the brightest and thoughtfulest and know.
INCEST mems letters will ever be permitted
to reach their destinations, and that those
OF the mighty majority of the American
people-the needless, the unthinking, the
llliterate-will be rudely shot by the short
est route to the dead letter office and
destruction. 1t seems to me that this
new decree is very decidedly un-Ameri-
can.
But the order is already virtually re.
scinded, and its obituary may rs well be
written first as last. A Washington
dispatch says that the postmaster at Mid.
dletown, Conn, is 10 be sharply repri-
manded, for following the letter of the
order, instead of governing himself by II
later ruling which directs postm lsters
not to send to the dead letter Office letters
whose destination is known, whether
technically addressed according to post
office regulations or not. This postmaster
sent on to the dead letter Office Il number
of letters to Boston merchants, because
the writer's had not added the name of the
state, after that of the city. That sort of
thing, it seems, will not do; and if cor
respondents make it reasonably clear
where their letters are to go, they will be
forwarded, as of old.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

How TO Grow COOP CoRN.-The best
piece of corn grown in our neighborhood
belongs to Mr.. Veeder. 1t was manured
in the hill with we'll rotted barnyard
manure. A small shovelful was thrown
into the hill, on which the seed was drop
cd. This corn came up rank and vigor-
Gus and grew rapidly. 1t kept ahead of
other corn all the season. We are convinc-
ed that it is the best plan to apply manure
directly to the roots of plants, or, in other
words, to so place it that the roots of
plants can feed upon it as soon as they
begin to grow. An early start is a good
start, hence it is advisable in sowed crops
to harrow the manure in. Mr.. Veeder's
corn field was IN old meadow not particu-
larly rich. The crop was thoroughly cul-
tivated, which helped largely to make it
such good one. There is no doubt but
that it would pay every farmer well to
prepare compost, especially for his corn
crop. and put it in the hills. The fine
manure could be set apart for this purpose.
In it should be mixed the contents Of the
privies and chamber wastes and soap
suds.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

A lady writes: 1.-The subject of fresh
air in children's rooms is often difficult
one, on account of the impossibility Of
keeping the restless little limbs sufficiently
covered TO prevent the owners from taking
cold when the doors are left open. In the
days when my children were young,
wrestled with this difficulty in various
ways-sonetimes spending hours, whose
rest sadly needed, in continued watch
fulness over the beds Of persistent little
kckers. At last tried plan which my
husband laughingly suggested, and made
for each child long, full, thick flannel
bag with drawing string at the neck.
After they were in their night-gowns each
one was put into its appropriate bag and
consigned to its appropriate bed, and then
could let down the window sash at the
top with impunty. Icould sleep in peace,
too. No more springing out of bed ten
times in night to SEQ if the baby is
covered up l knew they were all cover
ed up and slept tho sleep of tired mother,
OF course the thickness of the bag must be
proportional to the season"
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

CONCERNING HOUSE PLANTs.-The best
temperature for house plants is from forty
eight degrees at night TO seventy degrees
during the day.
Water thoroughly, but not too often.
Give air on every warm, sunny day.
Shower all smooth-leaved plants fire.
quently.
Wash the leaves of English ivy with
clean cold water and sponge-nothing
else.
In giving liquid manure. heaping Ia
blespoonful stirred into water pail full of
water is enough.
Fix up all plants neatly.
Clip off all dead or dying leaves.
The oleander. calla lily and hydrangea
may have water standing in the saucers
under the pots.
Vines should be watered more frequent
Iy than other plants.
To kill the green fly or plant louse.
smoke the plants with tobacco.
Very weak lime water will kill worms
in the pots.
Red spiders may be gotten rid of by
frequently wetting the faliage and kee ping
the atmosphere moist.
A pinch of flour of ulphur, sprinkled
now and then on the leaves, will keep off
mildew.
Don't forget to send flowers 10 your
siek.neighbors- They do a world of good
and your plants thrive all the better for
having the blossoms picked.
Teach the children to have an interest
in the plants. 1t is a good plan 10 name a
plant for each boy and girl in the family.
If your plants should at any time get
nipped with frost, shower them with very
cold water, and keep them in the shade
for day or two.
Furnace heat is the worst for plants, and
that from wood stove the best.
Keep the air moist-a pan of water
on the stove, or damp towel hung on The
register will do this.
If you want your plants to bloom well
in winter, don't let them bloom in sum-
mer.
All plants need rest after blooming-set
them away in the shade.
Use water of the same temperature as
the room.
A few drops of ammonia added to II
pail of water and applied once week will
prevent the earth in the pots from getting
sour.
If the scaly bug attacks your callas,
oleandcrs, and the stems Of your rose
bushes, exercise your patience by picking
the insects off and wash the affected parts
afterwards with weak soap suds.
The mealy bug, which looks like little
more than speck of dirt, must like the
scaly bug, be removed by hand picking.
Fuchsias and heliotropes should be re-
poted us soon as the roots touch tie sides
of the pots.
Don't be discouraged at one failure, but
keep trying until your windows are liv-
ing protest against frost and snow, and
your room bower of living green that
will never let the memory Of summer
days so out of your heart
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10
- FIGHTS NIT SIGELw
BY GRANT P. ROBINS,

1 m et him again. he was trudging along.
His knapsack with chickeus.was, swelling;
He'd" Bleukered these dlinties, and thought it N
wrong,
From some secessIOnist's dwelling.
" What regiments yours? and under whose flag
Do you .hg htR said L, touching his shoulder;
Turning slowly around, he smi iugly said,
For the thought made him stronger and bolder.
Lights init Sigei >"
The next time saw him his knapsack was gone.
His cap and canteen were missing,
Shell, shrapnel and grape .and the swift rihe-bll
Around him, and DER him were kissing.
How you, my friend, and where have you been,
And for what, and for whom you fighting?
He said, as a shellifrom the enemy's gun
Sent his arm and his musket kiting,"
II fights init si0ei'"
And once more saw himiand knelt By his side;
His life-bloOd was rapidly flowing;
whispered Of home. wife, children and friends,
The bright land to which he was going;
And have you word for the dear ones at home,
The I" wee one" the father or mother
" Yaw yaw :" said he. tell them ! oh! tell them
Poor fellow ! he thought of no other
"Ifyhts NIT Sigel!"
We scraped out grave. and he dreamlessly sleeps
On the banks of tho Shenandoah river;
His home or his kindred alike are unknown,
His reward in the hands of the Gver.
We placed rough board at the head of his grave,
And we left him alone in his glory"
But on it we marked, ere we turned fro n the spot
The little we knew of his story
"If0hts NIT Siget!"
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

The CORN PREMUM.-The first prize of
one hundred dollars, offered by Hon. Still
man B. Allen of Boston to the boy Of York
county. Me-, who should raise the greatest
amount of corn on one-eighth of an acre
in the year 1879, has been awarded to
Joseph Milliken, Jr., of Biddeford, who
received check for tho amount of the
prize Saturday, with the congratulation of
Mr.. Allen. The amount raised by him
was one thousand, four hundred and four
pounds. The offer has been renewed for
next year, and we shall give the details
in ample time for information of all in
tending competitors. We think we'll of
the plan, and would like to see it tried in
every one Of the New England states. as
an effective means Of giving farmers sons
practical interest in their business, and
enabling them to work out the conviction
that emigration to different parts of the
country is neither necessary, advisable
nor profitable. le.-Ne0 England Farmer.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

VOLUME OF THE CURRENCY.-"A At the
beginning of the late war the whole paper
currency was about 202,0O0,00O, and tho
coin in the country was about $255, ,00O,-
600, total of $457, 100000. Or $14 SO per
capita. The treasury books now show in
greenbacks. bank notes and fractional cur
rency, $6e4, 100000 outstanding in paper
currency, and $207 100000 in coin in the
treasury, to say nothing of gold and silver
in the banks, in private boards and in cir
culation Taking the population of
43,O00,000. the treasury account alone
gives 500 80 per capita. So that it will be
seen that, even deducting the half per cent
discount now on the greenback, the pur-
chasing power of the present volume of
currency, including coin and paper. is
greater than it ever was before in the his
tory of this country. speak not now of
the irregular and temporary issues of the
war, but the regular currency of peace.
What the country needs, therefore, is not
so much an increase in the volume of cur
rcncy us an assured confidence in the
stability of its volume. ."-Durbn Ward.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

Roses IN PoTs.-The ever.blooming
roses are best for culture in pots-beeause
they bloom quicker and more continuously
than any of the others, and besides this
their stvle and habit of growth is more
bushv and better adapted to the purpose.
They can be kept nicely with other grow
ing plants and with proper at' 'ention to-
their requirements will bloom freely. O
Do not use the large pots-if possible not
more than three or four inches. The rule
is, one size larger than the plants have
been grown in. The smaller the pot
provided of course, it is large enough to
contain the plant-lhe quicker and strong
er the plant will start. 1t is difficult to
get small plant to live and grow in a
large pot. A rose will not bloom much
till the pot is well filled with roots there
fore small pots facilitate quick bloom. If
the pots are old. they should first be
thoroughly washed. If new they should
be soaked in water, otherwise they will
absorb the moisture from the plant.
~ Have good rich soil-melow and
friable That made from old decomposed
sods is best. If manure is used, it should
be old and thoroughly composted; fresh
manure is injurious. (3) Put some bits of
broken crockery, charcoal,o or other similar
material. in the bottom of each pot to
facilitate drainage, then enough fine earth
to raise the plant to the proper height. 1t
should not be much deeper than it was
before. Next put in the plant and spread
out its roots as near their natural position
as possible; then fill in fine earth and
press firmly down with the hand. When
done, the pot should not be quite full; a
little space is needed for water.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

The latest expedient for Kidding house
of rats is furnished by writer in the
Scientific american, who says 1--WE
clean our premises of these detestable
vermin by making white wash yellow with
copperas and covering the stones and
raiters in the cellar with thick coat of it.
In every crevice where rat might tread
we put the crystals of the copperas. and
scatter the same in the corners of the floor.
The result was perfect stampede of rats
and mice. Since that time not football
of either rats or mice has been heard about
the house. Every spring a coat of the
same yellow wash is given to the cellar as
a purifier as well as rat extsrminator.
and no typhoid, dysentery or fever attacks
the family"
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

PRACTICAL SYMPATHY.-In one of our
sleeping cars in America there was an old
bachelor who was annoyed by the contin-
ued crying of child and the Intellectual
attempts of the father to quiet it, Pulling
aside the curtain and putting out his head
he said: Where is the mother of that
childP Why doesn't she stop this
nuisanceP' "The mother is in the
baggage car in her coffin; am travelling
home with the baby. This is the second
night have been with the child, and the
little thing is worrying for its mother
am sorry if its plaintive cries disturb any
one in this car" "Wait minute" said
the old bachelor. The old man got up
and dressed himself, and compelled the
father to lie down and sleep, while he took
the babe himself. The oil bachelor still
ing the cry of the babe all night was II
hero And the man who, for the sake of
others, gives upa lawful qualification in
his own house Or in the social circle, is us
great hero as though he stood upon the
battle field. B. Cough.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

There are two kinds of girls; one is the
kind that appears best abroad--the girls
that are good for parties, rides, visits, balls,
etc, and whose chief delight is in such
things. The other is the kind that APP
pears best at home-the girls that are
useful and cheerful in the dining room,
sick room and all the pursuits ut home.
They differ widely in character. One is
often torment Mt home-the other II
blessing; one is Il moth, consuming every.
thing about her-the other sunbeam, in
spring light and gladness all around her
pathway. The right kind of education
will modify both, and unite their good
qualities.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

John Bright the other day said that there
are people who know almost everything
that can be known in the library, and yet
hardly know their way from one street to
another. 1t is this fact which keeps peo-
pie from learning what they ought to
know. Many u farmer would find time to
read and study agricultural papers If he
did not happen to know of q much-learned
man who raises wretched crops. This
may all be; but the knowledge isn't what
caus's tho poor crop. A learned block.
head is the worst blockhead in the world
except, perhaps, smart man who can
learn, but won't.-Land and Home.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

A PROBLEM FOR ANTAGONISTS The hu-
man body contains the following articles,
whose proper name our youngest readers
are invited to find out:
l.. The husband of a noted woman.
2. Two caps.
5. Two musical instruments.
4. Two established measures.
5. A number of articles which u car
penter cannot dispense with.
6. Also very fine stag.
I. Two very playful animals. with
many of less gentle breed.
s. Some weapons OF war.
O.. Several weather cocks.
10. Two lofty trees.
IL. The House of Commons on the eve
of division,
l2 Steps in hotel.
IL. Ten Spanish graudees to wait on
me.
II. A couple of travellers.
ID. Two scholars.
49, Two places of worship.
II. Two good fish.
IS. A number of shell fish.
49, Whips without handles.
90 A way out of difficulties.
81. A poor bed.
%. Fine fruit and flowers.
23. A desert place.
"a. An emblem of royalty.
%. A noted color.
26. part of a saw.
27. A part of a wagon.
2S. A part of Il potato.
29 production of corn.
30. A means of crossing Il river.
81. A part of Boston.
50, A part of II cherry.
33. A very important part of house.
81. A portion ola tree.
50. An article not easily dispensed with
in stores.
sc. An important part of a knife.
ST. a physicians duty.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

A number of professional gentlemen
were recently interviewed in New York
on the methods of execution of murdcrers.
Professor William Darling of the medical
college suggested that an effectual way to
dispose of criminals would be to intro
duce an instrument between the occpital
bone and the first bone of the vertebrm,
which would cause instant death. An
easier system, he thought, would be to
put the condemned into room where
there is a charcoal fire. That, he said,
would be, on the whole, the best plan.
Professor John w. Draper thought that
the French plan of executing by the gull
lotine was, in many respects, the most
advisable. He regarded the English sys-
tenn rs better than ours, for in that coun-
try the hangman travels around to per-
form his duties, and is skilled in the bust
ness, whereas in this country executions
are too frequently intrusted to the hands
Of bunglers. Mr.. Bergh suggested chic
reform and prussic acid. Or man might
be put into an air-tight cell and have some
destructive gas let in while he is asleep.
The faucet would be turned on while he
was dreaming, the gas would enter, and
he would die without pain, in sleep. Ali
this is very fine; but it is very doubtful if
such methods would have the deterring
influences ON criminals of the present
method. MurdererS are executed, not
simply TO get them out OF the way, but to
furnish warning to would-be murderers,
and to repress violence and crime. The
disgrace attaching to death upon the gal
lows is doubtless IN apprecable element
in the repressing effect of such conse-
quences of crime. The actual physical
pain in cases of hanging, when properly
conducted, is probably momentary. The
body writhes and muscles contract; but
consciousness probably departs ut once
though life may lingcr for a few minutes
and if all executions were conducted with
the good judgment and efficiency which
mark those which take place at Windsor,
there would be less discussion about other
methods.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

PRESERVING ApPLEs.-A correspondent
of the Rural New Yorker writes that he
has tested the method suggested in agri.
cultural papers of keeping apples the
year round by wrapping them in paper.
for two successive years, and finds ii to be
a perfect success. The plan pursued was
10 take old newspapers, cut them into
pieces of sufficient size and wrap each
apple by itself and pack them away cure.
fully in boxes or barrels, so rs to exclude
the air. The variety selected was the
northern spy, and this year, as late as the
18th of August, they were still fresh and
crisp, and he had no doubt they might
have been kept much longer, had not Tue
temptation to eat them been SO strong.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

rec precious stones from Siberia, Ceylon and Main
thought this Pen would arise
From the casket where it lies
Ot itself would arise and write
MY thanks and my surprise.
When you gave it me under the pines.
dreamed these gems from the mines
OF Siberia, Ceylou and Maine
Would glimmer as thoughts in the lines.
That this iron link from the chain
OF Downward might retain
Some verse of the poet who sang
OF the prisoner and his pain;
That this wood from the frigate's mast
Might write me rhyme at last,
As it used to write on the sky
The song of the sea and the blast
But motionless as wait,
Like bishop lying in state
Lies the pen with its mitre of gold.
And its jewels inviolate.
Then must speak, aud say
That the light of that summer day
In the garden under the pines
Shall not fade and pass away.
shall see you standing there,
Caressed by the fragrant air,
With the shadow on your face
Aud the sunshine in your hair
shall hear the sweet low tone
Of voice before unknown,
Saying, " This is from me to you
From me, and to you alone"
And in works not idle and vain
shall answer, and thank you again
For the gift, and the grace of the gift,
o beautiful Helen Of Maine
And forever this gift will be
blessing from you to me,
As a drop of the dew of your youth
On the leaves of an aged tree.
iearB w., Lon0Jeiio,r. in Hdrper's Magazine TO
December. -
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

Never paper wall over old paper and
paste. Always scrape down thoroughly
Old paper can be got of by dampening
with salaratus and water, Then go over
all the cracks of the wall with plaster of
Paris. and finally put on wash of Il weak
solution of carbolic acid. The best paste
Is made out of rye flour, with two ounces
of glue dissolved in each quart of paste ;
half an ounce of powdered borax.improves
the mixture.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

An ivy, if kept in the house, will not
flourish unless tho leaves are occasionally
washed. Each plant leaf is full of pores
or breathing tubes, which are closed If the
plant is full CT dust, thus injuring vigor-
ons growth. Fifth avenue mansions are
often almost covered with wisteria, which
grows to a great height and very rapidly;
living out we'll all winter. Red brick
walls at best are unsightly, and the timely
outlay Of trihe might, in most cases,
make them exceedingly attractive.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

The best women are indeed necessarily
the most difficult to know; they are recog-
nized chiefly in the happiness Of their hus-
bands and the nobleness of their children
they are only to be OWNED, not discerned,
by the stranger; and sometimes, seem
almost helpless except in their homes; yot
without the help OF one of them the day
would probably have come before now
when l should have written and thought
no more. .--RuSkin
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

There are good, wholesome, cheerful
stories by the thousand within the reach
of all children. Put these in their hands
openly, that the boys and girls, denied all
access TO fiction, may not read in secret
What they should not read at all. Then, il
The criminal columns of the newspapers
could be closed book to all children, a
great forward step would be taken.-
Chicago Inter. Ocean.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10

Meat should be cooked by a quick fire.
as The rapid closing of the outer pores
retains all the juices within, and these,
becoming heated, create natural process
OF steaming in its own gravy.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-12-10
TERMS FOR ADVERTISING.

For square Of 10 lines or less OF Agate tYpe
Insertion 90; for each subsequent insertion cts
Mess the number of are married on ba A
yertisement 1t will be continued until ordered out
sising By the year.
Probate and ndCommissioners n Offices s2oCeaeh.
For Notices Of Liberation, ,Estrays the Formation
thd dissolution of Co partnerships &c for
company the letter.
NOTICES IN news columns. I0cents per line each in
'ertion' but no charges made Of less than 60cents
Notices ot Deaths and gratis but
xtended Obituary Notices of Poetry will be charSed
1t the rate of hye cents per line