Louisiana capitolian., 1880-08-31
Going to the Apple-Cut.

Going to the Apple-Cut,
Twenty years ago the iavorit
social festivity of the autumn months il
tho Delaware valley was tho "apple
cut The dried apple entered largel,
into tho store of things laid up for win
ter, and, from time out of mind, th,
custom of inviting party of younl
persons to come on Il certain eveuin.
and aid in preparing tho fruit had pre-
vailed among tho farmers of the valley
There was one rule ut tho apple cut.
which met tho warm approval of every
country beau. Tho girl who "pared
and quariered' the smallest quantity OF
apples in II given time was bound &c
give kiss to every swain present. The
old folks used to say this rule was a
bad one, because every girl seemed to
strive to SEQ how little she could do.
After tho evening task was ended
came tho feast, and after that the
fiddler. Then was merriment till the
small hours, to the lively measures OF
tho "Arkausas Traveller "Money
Musk, FISHERS iiornpipe," Downfall
of Wall Street" "McLeods Reol,' and
kindred favorltes. 1t was seldom that
these rural ronts ended before the cocks
were Growing in tho barn and daylight
came admonlshingly over :he eastern
hills.
Once, in the rare age referred to, a
grand aPple'cut was to 10 given by q
rich farmer who lived eight miles down
the valley from Milford. lie had seve-
raj charming daughters, and his house
was at all times u centre of attraction
Among those invited to tho apple.cut
were Frank aud Cub" Wells of Milford.
Bub was afterward prominent member
of the Pennsylvania Legislature. Both
'lald out" to attend. The day came.
and when tho boys began to make their
preparations to start, they were unable
to obtain horse or wagon in tho vii
lage Every horse and wagon was on
gagged. Frank and Bub were in q dill
emma Eight miles over u hilly road
was long way to walk, and to miss
tho apple'cut would be something they
would never cease to regret.
The father of the boys was an under
taker, who had one. horse hearse with
. seat in front with Just room enough
For one, and room inside sufficient to re-
'eiye snug|y coffin. The horse that
'he old gentleman drove to this vehicle
vas out of town. There WAS only ono
,orse in the village that was available,
Ind that was gray mare belonging
% a neighbor. This mare was known
IS the "rearer.' She had the r.-
of being tho highest and
strongest kicker in that region. To
harness her 1t was necessary to get in
he haymow above her, and drop the |
harness on her with a pitchfork. The
larness once on her, it was compara-
lively safe for y person to climb over
he mapger aud buckle it. Then the |
mare would submit to being hitched to
he wagon. But there was no tollipg at
'hat moment she would think It in
on her to lift her heels in tho
ir.
Prank" said BIB, "we've got to
ook the Tearer to our hearse or stay
ome.'
"Tearer aud hearse il is, them" said
rank, "for I'm going to that apple
ut."
By a back-'loor they got into tho
arm where the Tearer was kept. Be-
're they reached the NOW with the
arness she had kicked several boards
Il the side of the barn. After they
ropped the harness on her back she
'oled down. They led her around to
10 she'd where the hearse was kent
nd hitched her in safety.
"Ill drive" said Bub.