davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-05-09

An UNwELcoME GUEsT.-Among the nu-
merous pests of the South African bush, one
of the most formidable is the puff-adder, SO
called from its habit of initiating its head and
neck just before striking its prey. Its mode
of attack is to throw back its head, and strike
downward with the two hooked teeth that
project from its upper jaw, inficting a wound
which is almost invariably fatal. Its fondness
for preying upon mice, which are its chief
food, frequently leads it into the houses of
the colonists, who find it very Troublesome
guest, inasmuch as its body is so tough and
elastic as to defy almost any weapon except
a charge of shot. On one occasion, the wife
of missionary living in one of the remoter
settlements of Cape Colony, noticed on the
floor of the room in which she was sitting the
empty skin of mouse, out of which the flesh
had been sucked as clean as could have been
the inside of an orange. Detecting at once
the well-knOwn trace of the puf-adder, she
cautiously searched the whole room, and at
length, lifting corner of the mating upon
which her baby was lying asleep, found the
snake coiled up underneath. With great
presence of mind, she refrained from disturb
ing it, and, stepping to the door, called in
one of her Dutch servants, who speedily made
an end of the intruder with his gun.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-05-09

together with the largest aud strongest LIFE INsUl
ANCE COMPANY IN tue world, aud the most ecouum
ical ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANY.
DEALERS IN BANK STOCK.
10 Crosby Block Brattleboro, Vt.
agricultural implements.
G. F. THOMPSON h CO., williston's Stone Block.
WOOD X MARSHALL Exchange Block, Main st.
Booksellers and BGatiOherS.
CHENEY CLAPP, 6 Crosby Block.
=. G. EDWARDS, door south Trips jewelry store.
Carpets.
q. l.. BROWN Marshall Esterbrook's block, Main st
.. J. PRATT, drauite Block.
!. RETTISG 4 SON, High ST., next Brooks House
Cement Drain Pipe.
Nm. A. PELLET t, mauf'r and contractor for laying
Chamber sets.
c. l.. BROWN Marshall " Esterbrook block, Maiu ST
]. RETTING son, High ST., next Brooks House
CIOthieru.
PRATT, WRIGHT CO., Granite Row, Main St
F. 4. WHITNEY, No. 4 Granite Row.
Coal.
+. k. BAERows, opposite Brooks House.
A. J. GLEASON, office ut Greene's drug store.
COflinH and Caakets.
g. L. BROWN, Marshall Esterbrooks block, Main ST
Contractors and Builders.
J. A. CHURCH. Flat St.
CrOckery and Glass Ware.
FRANK q. HOWE, door north Main st. bridge.
NJ. 4. VAN pOORN son, Crosby Block
Dentistry.
Dir. &. s. CLARK over Pratt, Wright n Co. Is store.
Dining Rooms.
4. l.. COOPER, door south o. j. Pratt's store.
Doors, sash and BIInds.
c. +. THOMPSON L co., Wistons Stone Block.
DruggiuGs.
GEO. 4. GREENE, No. Union Block.
j. W. GREGG, Main street, opposite High.
l. y. THORN 4 Co, Crosby Block.
IL. q. WILLARD co., Brooks House.
Dry Goods.
+. K. BARRows, Main st., opposite Brooks House.
RertiIiEers.
&. F. THOMPSON h CO., wflston's Stone Block.
Furniture.
c. L. BROWN Marshall X Esterbrooks block, Main ST
j. RErTING SON, High St., next Brooks House.
Groceries.
A. G. DAVENPORT, 3 Crosby Block.
J. W. FROST h CO., Crosby Block.
FRANK q. HOWE, door north Main st. bridge.
A. j. SIMONDS, Exchange Block, Main st.
MARTIN SCOTT son, Thompson Rangers BIN
@. F. THOMPSON 4 CO., willistons Stone Block.
Hardware, Iron and Steel.
c. f. THOMPSON Il CO.. Williston's Stone Block.
Harness MRkers.
HEUSTIS BURNAP, Main st.
Hats, Gaps and Furs.
b. N. CHAMBERLIN, No. Brooks Block
Ice Cream Rooms.
T.. l.. COOPER, door south o. J. Pratt's store.
Insurance Agents.
ALBERT BALDWIN, Thompson Rangers Block.
CUDWORrH CHILDS, Room No. 10 Crosby Block.
SHERMAN 4 SJENNE, Thompson Rangers Block,
MOODY HOWE, Savings Bank Block.
Jewellers.
&. $. PROUTY, Ryther's Arcade.
RANGER THOMPSON, 7 Granite Row.
Job Printing.
d. LEONARD, Harmony Block, rear Crosby Block.
GEO. Z. SELLECK, over Browns Furniture Store.
MeRs N MarkeSs.
CHAS. L. ALEXANDER, Ryther's Arcade.
W. +. RICHARDSON, Market Block, Elliot st.
Millinery.
MARSH BALLARD, over J. Stems store.
Paints and Oils.
C. r. THOMPSON h CO., Williston's Stone Block
G'aPer HIangings And window shAdsS
NJ. a. VAN DOORN SON, Crosby Block.
Photographer.
G, l.. HOWE, Union Block.
Plano FOrtea and Cottage Organs.
EDWARD CLARF, No. Oak 81.
UnderGakerS.
q. l., BROWN Marshall Esterbrook's Block, Main 81
UPhOIsGeFerG.
@. L. BROWN, Marshall EsterbrOOks Block Main S
q. Is, KIRWAN, =. Main st., opp Brattleboro House.
J. RETTING SON, High ST., next Brooks House
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-05-09

Capital punishment was abolished in
Switzerland four years ago, and since its abo-
lition there has been such an increase in the
country in crimes of violence, especially of
sons, for restoration of the death penalty,
have been presented TO the Federal Council.
The Council has consulted over the question
for six months, and concludes that the above
facts are insufficient for a satisfactory conolu-
sion, as in other lands where murder is pun
ished with death, violence has increased dur
ing the past four years no less than in Switz-
erland The last four or five years have been
specially marked by poverty, wretohedness
and suffering throughout civilization, and
where these are in unusual proportion, crime
is likewise.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-05-09

Gideon Cook, a Calvin Baptist preacher,
well known a quarter of a century ago, was
man very eccentric in his speech, even TO his
last earthly moments A few hours previous
TO his death his brother, also a preacher, came
to his bedside and inquired "do you think
you are dying, Gideon 2" And the reply,
sharp and quick, came Don't know-can't
tell-neVer died yet :"
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-05-09

Rev j. G.. Wood, the well known Eng
lish naturalist, in lecture the other day said
that there was literally nothing of which he
(the lecturer) was so fond as a rat pie, This
was a dish which frequently made its appear
ance on his table, and was enjoyed by all his
family. He had several friends, too, who as
he had, had overcome their prejudice and
thoroughly enjoyed good helping of rat pie.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-05-09
Private School for Boys and
Girls.

MRS. EMMA j. IVES, Principal
MISS s. A. @. THOMAS, s,..........,,,,P Preceptress.
Mrs. Ives, having leased the Tyler residence on
North Main street, will open, May LIST, day scnoo
for boys and girls. Parents who desire careful and
thorough teaching for their children earnestly re-
qdested 10 pdtTOnize, Miss Thomas has taught many
years In leading schools and leaves large and hour-
ishing Of her own In Canada, In coming 20 Brat
tlebOrO H16
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-05-09
BR4TTLEBORO
Business Directory.

CUDwOIErII ~ CIIILDS,
General Insurance and Real Es-
tate agents.
representing the FARMERS aud UNION MUTUAL,
well as many OF the largest STOCK COMPANIES,
together with the largest aud strongest LIFE INSUR.
ANCE COMPANY IN the world aud the most ecouum-
ical ACCIDENT INSURANCE COMPANY.
DEALERS IN BANK STOCK.
10 Crosby Block, Brattleboro, Vt.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-06-25
4 Banana Skin.

~ saw man ambling down West
Broadway yesterday" said one man to
another on the Chambers street ferry
boat last night.
"You did, eh?" replied his compan-
ion, as though he didn't consider it a
very funny circumstance.
Eyes, / did; and be was whistling an
air from "Pinafore." Just as he got
down to Reade street noticed a huge
banana skin lying in his way, and I
thought it was Mem esis going to visit
him for whistling Little 'Buttercup.'
Finally he
Fell down and broke his back?"
broke in No. 1.
"No, he didn't break his back"
"Did he dislocate shoulder blade?'
"No, sir; he did not"
'Did he fall down in the mud and
create big laugh?"
mo, sir; you are wrong again"
"Well, what did he do, anyhow
screamed the other, in an ecstacy Of
excitement.
what did he do? What did he do?
Why he just wung his cane around a
few times and knocked that banana
skin into the gutter, and went on whist
ling 'Pinafore,' while he meandered in
to shoe store TO purchase a pair of
Oxford ties.'
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-06-25
FairmOnt Sentinel

A party of Fairmonters, among whom
the Sentinel had an envoy, interested in
archaeology, on the first of the week
undertook excavations in the Indian
mounds in Westford township, mention
Of which was made in our last issue.
After digging to depth of about three
feet the party was rewarded by the dis
covery of bones, which proved to be
part OF human skeleton. Further ex-
cavations brought to sight the decayed
bones Of what were probably two skel-
etons, rs portions of two skulls were
found. At about this stage of the work,
and closely in proximity to the bones,
were found some very interesting speci-
mems Of Indian Ingenuity and skill. A
smooth, welcomed Indian Ratchet, a
unique and nicely moulded pipe and a
couple of dozen heads, all Of flint
stone, were unearthed-enough in all
to give each of the party one or more
rare and interesting cabinet specimens
as a relic of the expedition. That the
mounds are of very ancient origin
the relics exhumed prove bevond a
doubt, and their erection must date
back many ages, how many it is useless
to speculate.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-06-25
Sierra-Neyada Vegetation.

There are at the present epoch four
pretty we'll marked belts of vegetation
on the western slope of the Sierra-Ne-
yada Mountains in California. These
belts, however, pass gradually into each
other, and are not SO defined that lines
can be drawn exactly limiting their
range. Still. in the central portion the
succession Of groups is very easily made
out. The great predominance Of pines
is the most conspicuous feature of the
Sierras. On the lowest belt on the foot
hills, between 1000 and 5000 feet, the
digger pine and the black oak are the
ruling species. The next succeeding
belt, which ranges to 5000 feet, is pecu-
liarly the forest zone of the Sierras.
The pitch pine, the sugar pine, the white
cedar, and the Douglas spruce, are the
principal trees in this belt, in which also
the Big Tree (Sequoia gigantea) belongs,
although the latter is quite limited in
It's range. Above the zone of pines
come the frs and the tamarack pine.
This belt of frs ranges from 1000 to g.
900 feet above the level of the sea.
Above all these comes the mountain fir.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-06-25
The Enchanted Pin,

Some tricks in Parlor Magic" print
ed in juvenile publications are very
amusing, as well as simple. "The En-
chanted Pin," for instance. 10 per-
form this trick you take a common
brass pin, such as a. man sometim es
uses to fasten his shirt-collar when a
rear button flies off. To satisfy your
audience that the pin doesn't contain a
false bottom, let them have it in their
hands to inspect This will convince
them that there is no deception about
it. Now bend the pin in two places
first, about one-third from the head. and,
second, the same distance from the
point, so that the business end will
project upward. Again show the pin to
your audience in order to satisfy them
that it is the same pin, only bent-bent
on mischief. Now, place the pin on a
hard bottomed chair, and when a late
visitor enters invite him to sit upon the
chair. The effect will be magical. If
the ceiling is not more than ten feet
from the floor the probabilities are that
the man will arise so spontaneously
that his head will make a dent in it.
This innocent little trick never fails to
amuse an audience, and If such amuse-
ments received more encouragement
in the dom este circle there would be
fewer poems written, asking "Where is
My Boy Tonight ?"-Norristoy,a Herald.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-06-25
Walking Upon the Water.

A Colorado inventor is walking across
the river at LeavenWorth on patent
WATERSHEDS. On June 5 he started
from the upper side of the Missouri
river bridge, and although the current
was running at the rate of fourteen
miles an hour, the river was crossed in
nine and half minutes. After resting
a few moments, he showed the audience
how to manage the shoes, and how they
could be steered in any direction one
wished to go. The shoes were then
attached together, making buoy or
life preserver, upon which the occupant
could sit or lie with ease and safety.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-06-25

eminent. The situation is full of warn
ing. The claims Of Greece under the
Berlin treaty have at present practical
ly been referred to Turkey for settle
ment, and she Of course will not do any
thing until coerced. If the powers do
not soon bring affairs to settlement,
fierce outbreak in Greece and the Hell
enic provinces of Turkey is inevitable
The twenty-fourth article of the Ber-
lin treaty simply recommends the Sui
tan to give Greece good slice of terri
tory inhabited by Hellenic people. 1t
is only q recommendation and now
perfdious Albion says in substance that
Greece is entitled to nothing because
she did not put any troops in the field
to break down the Turks. The fact is,
Greece was kept out of the war through
the influence and promises Of England.
Lord Beaconsfield's government prom
ised the little kingdom that England
would take care of her claims if she
would let the Ottoman's alone; and the
late action Of England very naturally
excites great indignation at Athens.
Greece is, however. not without a
powerful friend. France is on deck
again, ana Is inclined TO see tnaC Jno
twentyfourth article of the Berlin treaty
is vitalized. She has officially address,
ed England in behalf of the Hellenic
kingdom. Her note on the subject is
described as a sharp one; and the re-
suit is that the ambassadors at Con-
stantinople have been stirring the Sui
tan up to do something. The Italian
people are also moving in behalf of
Greece, and the Byron monument
movement is incEning the popular
mind Of England towards Greece and
against the Beaconsfield policy. This
agitation in her behalf, reinforced by
disorder and revolution in the territory
claimed, will doubtless go on until at
least Thessaly, Epirus and Crete are Ia
ken from the Ottomans and made over
to the Grecian government.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-06-25
Applying Civil Service Rules.

A we'll known builder up town, hay
ing number of edifces in course of
erection, and feeling that he needed
thirty or forty hod-carriers, he put an
advertisement in all the morning
papers, requesting that number to
apply to him in person between the
hours of s and 10 a m. to qualify.
The first to put in an appearance was
an Ethiopian.
"Good morning, sahp'
"You wish to qualify for the position
of hod-carrier?" inquired the builder,
laying his cigar down and preparing for
business.
Eyes, sah."
Gail right, We'll commence. How is
a mastodon's spine joined to his head,
and what are his peculiarities?
:'Don't know, sah!"
"What was the date of the battle in
which Hannibal was defeated by Scipio
Africanus, and at what place was the
battle fought?'
"DunnoW
"Then you won't do to carry mortar
up any ladders. Next"
81 suppose" he commenced, as the
next man stepped up, ''that you know
there was once female by the name of
Ciytemnestra, eh?'
"Where did she live, in the eight
ward?"
sNo, she did not" responded the
builder emphatically; "but I'll let that
go. Now [ want you to tell me all you
know regarding the Chevalier d'Eon.
I, &c Il
Glow long have you been carrying
the hodf :"
Eight years"
"And never heard of the Chevalier
d'Eon?" inquired the builder aghast.
Never"
"Well, never mind. Now, then, just
decline the Sanscrit verb to love-"
Cant do it," responded the hod-car-
rier in a bewildered manner.
"What was the market price OF fresh
pork in the reign of Louis Quatorze ?"
II don't know"
"Then you won't do; you don't suit. !"
AS he was going off another candi-
date stepped up, and was Intercepted
as follows:
"Was Eros born blind, or did he lose
his sight by fooling with a pair OF scis-
sors ?"
II really can't say"
"Were the Saracens partial to hard
CLAIMS and ice cream? and when Lean
der swan the Hellespont to eat gum
drops and hang on the garden gate with
Hero, how did he come to be drowned,
was it cramps or laziness?"
The man scratched his head, but re-
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-06-25
A Lost IlIinOiSan.
Springfield Old journal.

Mr.. w. R. Beall, of this city, who has
been in the silver-mining regions of
Colorado during the past three months,
writes the Journal that on the 9TH inst.
his party found evidence of the Devil
dered Wanderings of one Herman Mey-
er, supposed to hail from Ottowa, this
state. The "fnd" consisted of pair
of shoes, and on one of them was writ
ten:
"Have been lost for six days. Left
Alpine February Ii for Tin Cup. Has
been showing four days: and l have CIV
en- up all hope Of ever reaching camp.
Should I lose my life in this terrible
place, wish that whoever finds these
shoes will communicate facts to Louis
Hess, Ottawa, III.
"Feb. 10, 1879. HERMAN MEYER"
The snow-shoes were picked up quite
near 1000 feet precipice, at an eleva-
ton of 1900 feet, and imm ediately
above Virginia City, q new mining
camp in Gunnison valley, Colorado.
Mr.. Beall and his party made diligent
search and inquiry for the venturesome
but unfortunate prospector, but. failing
to find any trace of him, ale of opinion
that, whilst confused, possibly insane,
from the effects Of starvation and ex-
posture, Meyer made a misstep which
resulted in a clear fall Of 1000 feet, end
that his crushed remains were ground
to atoms by the powders of the noun
tain torrent.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-06-25
SUNKEN VESSELS.
Interesting Experiments in Raising
Them.

Some interesting experiments have
lately been made in raising sunken YES
sells, or other submerged objects by a
plan invented by Viennese engineer
The Berlin Tribune says that the agent
employed to lift the sunken object is
carbonic acid gas, generated below the
surface of the water. In an otherwise
empty balloon a bottle of sulphuric
acid is placed, imbedded in quantity
of Buffers salts, and an arrangement is
provided by which the bottle can be
broken at pleasure. The balloon,
empty with the exception Of the bottle
and salts, is taken down by diver and
securely attached to the object to be
raised. The bottle is then broken, and
the sulphuric acid thus set free perco-
lates the salts and generates carbonic
acid gas, which initiates the balloon and,
after time, causes it to rise to the sur
face, bringing with it the object attached
to it. The trials which have been
made with this new apparatus have as
yet been only on com paratlvely small
scale, but they are stated to have been
50 far eminentlv successful. A small
vessel weighing several hundred weight
was sunk in sixty feet of water, diver
was sent down and attached the balloon
to it, and, in a very short time the ma
chine appeared on the surface of the
water bringing the vessel with it. On
another occasion five sacks filled with
sand were thrown overheard in fifty
feet of water, and, in few minutes,
were similarly recovered.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-06-25
ELLEN CUMMINS.
The Sad Effect OF Horrible Murder on
One Of Its Witnesses---Presen Pitt
able PrOstratlOn Of Miss CnmminS.

Philadelphia Telegram to the Chicago Tribune
Ever since the shooting of Porter and
Barrymore, in Texas, Miss Ellen Cum
Minis, the actress in defense of whose
good name these gentlemen suffered.
has been IN bad way from nervous
prostration, and her condition two
weeks ago was such that even her
physicians had little hope of her recov-
cry. 1t was published in the Dramatic
Nems last week that she was penniless,
and by this means John Mccullough
and John [. Raymond learned that
she needed assistance. Although her
financial affairs were not at such ter
ribly low ebb as represented by the
publication in the NeaUs, Mr.. Raymond
telegraphed at once that he was willing
and ready to assist her. To-day Mr..
Mccullough stepped into the CONT
mental Hotel, were she has been stop
ping for nearly a month, and left word
that she should not be called upon to
pay any bills, but should have every at
tention. He also shouldered her doc
tors bill, which has assumed big pro-
portions. Miss Cummins will not 60 to
Texas to testify at the trial of Curry,
which begins next week. Her physi-
clans advise her that to do SO would be
at the cost Of her own life. Although
nearly six months have elapsed since
the ARRAY Of which she was the unwil-
ling witness and Porter the victim, she
has not since that time had one night
of uninterrupted sleep. No sooner
does she close her eyes than the most
terribln dreams oSsoi1 bpr Tn these
nightmares despair at being unable to
escape from some threatening pistol or
the bodies of half dozen people bath
ed in blood are the prominent and hor-
rible features. Frequently at night she
springs screaming from her bed, and,
still sleeping from very exhaustion.
rushes through her room until awaken
ed by her attendant. Unless she is
much better her physicians will strictly
prohibit her going to Marshall at all.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-06-25
A Deer Story.

For years past an old mind used to
frequent the house of Donald Gillies,
under gamekeeper to the Duke Of Ar
'gyll, beside the beautiful fall of Linagh
lutain, on the River Array, about half
way up the glen. Coming and going
every day with the utmost freedom, and
always sharing Of the best, this pet-a
large specimen of the red deer-was
known far and near by the name Of
Jessie, and enjoyed free range of the
neighboriDg grounds and uplands. Last
autumn, a little one appearing on the
scene, soon became as familiar in the
gam ekeeper's house as its mother, an
swering readily to the name of Kitty.
At feeding time both would freely help
themselves, occasionally even raising
with their noses the lid of the meal
chest; and after their feast they would
walk away with a satisfied air, their
muzzles all white with meal. Matters
went on thus till one day lately, when
neither Of the pets paid the accustomed
lies was surprised TO see the little one
come alone, and, on offering it some
food as usual, she noticed that it did
not seem to relish the solitary meal.
Kitty, on walking slowly back to the
adjoining wood, was followed by Mrs.
Gillies, who felt curious to know what
had become of the mother deer.
Guided by her young favorite, which
kept close by her side. Mrs. Gillies pro-
ceeded through the thicket for rather
more than a quarter of a mile, when, IN
a slight hollow, she discovered the life
less body of the hind. This the little
one began to sniff at, every now and
again looking up inquiringly into Mrs.
Gillies; face. Kitty is now greater
favorite than ever, and comes regularly
to be fed as before.
Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1879-06-25
England and Afghanistan.

The Anglo-Atghan treaty of peace is
condemned by the London Spectator as
"botched-up affair, bringing Great
Britain nothing but some new and
heavy responsibilities. The substance
of it is that Afghanistan becomes one
of the vassal states of India, differing
from others principally in this: that
whereas they pay tribut to the Indian
treasury, the Indian treasury pays
tribute to Cabul. The Spectator trusts
that the public will understand that the
frontier of India has been pushed 500
miles nearer to the Caspian; and with
in $50 miles of the new, boundary of
China; that it has been brought into
direct contact with Bokhara, and that it
marches for nearly 200 miles with that
Of Persia. "There does not live the
man who could say within 10000
square miles what the Douranee en-
pire really is, or at what point through
out its vast circumference it begins and
ends. Yet throughout that enormous
territory and along that endless bound
airy, we-these 100000 of befooled
taxpayers in these two islands-are
responsible for all foreign affairs