davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-06-23

HOMEMADE FEATHER DUsTER.--A
feather duster is an article, the conven-
ience of which every housewife appre.
ciates, but it is often too expensive for
many farmers to buy. For all such, some
hints rs to how u duster of equal utility
and durability to store one may be made
at home from the feathers that would
otherwise 60 to waste, may be useful. If
beauty is not sought, any round stick Of
the proper size such as the end of IA broom
handle, will serve for the handle of the
brush; if one happens TO have an old
duster handle that can be used once more.
With saw make a series of grooves or
deep notches in the lower end of the
handle. BY the aid of a hammer the lower
portion of each quill should be SO hattened
as to pass into tho grooves. As fast as the
feathers are put in they should be tied
with strong twine; as the work proceeds
glue should be added, that the feathers
may be firmly fastened.l In this way
new rows of feathers, followed by the
twine and glue, may be added, until the
end is completely covered and the duster
is of sufficient size, after which the finish
ing row of large feathers, selected for the
purpose, is placed around the whole, and
tightly bound with twine. Outside of the
base of this last row of feathers, neat
strip of leather. may be glued both to
improve the appearance and render the
feathers more secure. A brush thus made,
will serve all the purposes of purchased
one, and if the work is carefully and thor
oughly done, it is neat in appearance
American AgricaltWiSt for June.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-06-23

WHEN WE ARE OUT Of SoRTS.-Once
upon time, "A five-year-od youngster was
peevisb and peppery beyond maternal ex-
PLANTATION or endurance. Finally the weary
and perpexed mother pulled him into her
lap and despairingly demanded, " What
does all you-what makes you act SOP"
'Cause-cause," the question was II
poser for five-year-old philosophy. But
just then pussy walked into the room, tail
erect, with that air of leisurely serenity
and self-satisfaction that is sometimes so
aggravating to the opposite state Of mind
AT once the answer came with explosive
promptness and emphasis, Cause the
cats tails up"
1t was just MS good as a better explana-
ton would have been. And it would fit
Just as well many mood of older folk.
Blessed are they, and few in number it is
TO be feared, who do not get out of sorts
betimes, and find themselves unable to
offer any better reason for it than that the
cats tail is up. Whether they attribute it
to lack of ozone or excess of east wind. to
warm bread or wet feet, to broken sleep
or clatter of tongues, matters little-all
the same they grow touchy, their spirits
90 uoWn, lnelr )uuSmeht loses us CUP,
the grasshopper is burden.
These times of which we are talking
the times when we are out of sorts-are
the times when meapness takes the helm
in our conduct; when men choose the
cowardly course; when true friends fall
out, to their lasting loss; when mistakes
are made that can never be altogether rec
tilted. Therefore take heed to yourself
when the cats tail is up. Ii is the danger
signal of the spiritual weather service!-
Good Company for June.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-06-23
REVIEW OF "THE SUMMONS.o


| think the leaf would sooner blush
And lDeep, than from duty run away;
Aud hang aLOne. euen in the orchard
Rejoicing at its post, TIL called away;
And think the fOicer mourns its fate,
That falls in the midst of bloom,
Wishing its home in the green meadows fair
To enrich autumn's latest golden noon
Oh ,pho in the bright golden season,
In the happy summer time,
As we stand in perfect vigor,
Rejoicing in youths glad prime;
When the heart is light, happy and strong,
And the glowing world 30 bright appears.
Would lcish to leave this living throng
And shirk the service Of riDer years!
Oh, yes in the golden glory of June,
The most wonderful month of all the year
And the birds warbling their sweet notes in tune,
The anthems of praise so ioOnderftt to hear.
And when the skies 30 rich with heecy clouds,
With light and shadows softly mingling through,
Then let us lift up our anthem of praise,
Aud with the birds and nature, prone true
Ttpould wait for the ripening genius,
honor the sober eye and 0itded hair;
For tits thus God has willed it 30 to be-
And we need the wisdom Of sages rare;
How wonderful it s, but true, to be sure,
OF all creation, man is most liable to err.
Ungrateful most where grattude's most demanded.
And full of pride, many than work, to die prefer
Oh, ungrateful youth, this beautiful morning,
While bewitching summers 30 wonderfully clad,
That you would wish to depart now,
And so leave this htes work half done and half raj
How can you expect to see above, perfection,
While your discipline is only half done
For tits perfection acquired here beiow
That makes Qeaven highest-here begun
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-06-23
Che FREEMAN.
A Day In Oak Ota.

Through the kindness of S. f. Dana,
roadmaster of the Hastings and Dakota
division of the Chicago, Milwaukee and
st. Paul railroad, | came here to see some
of the country about Big Stone lake. Big
Stone city lies at the foot of the lake and
near the old Sioux reservation. 1t is two
hundred and two miles west of the Mis-
sssippi river, and is a town of 81 years
growth; has three hotels Zone that is first.
class in all its ppointments); about a
dozen stores. and at this time population
of nearly one thousand people.
The extension of the Hastings and Da-
kota railroad runs through the city, and
is already graded out towards the James
river about forty miles. The first twenty
miles is rs nice country as there is in
the world.
The lands this side of the Dakota hills
are pretty much all taken up by eastern
men, and for homes There are some
lands in the old reservation yet open, and
ctn be preempted at from seventy-fve
cents to cne dollar fifty cents per acre by
the settlers going on them and remaining
six months.
1t is estimated that there will be one
million bushels of wheat raised within
fifteen miles of here for shipment this
wear, and there was not a railroad within
forty-fve miles of here one year ago to-
day.
have much more l might give you,
but will not trespass on your time or
space. Suffice it to say that there are
from fifty to one hundred teams going
west from here every day.
The Dakota division of the Hastings
and Dakota railroad will be built out one
hundred miles (certaiO this summer,
which will bring central Dakota into daily
communication with St. Paul and Chicago.
Elevators are being built along the rail-
road once in from six to ten miles, giving
the farmers market for their. wheat right
at home.
This is fine country for stock raising,
rs it is well wa cred and has the very best
kinds Of grass for paslurage.
Will say how people live here in a
future letter, if you wish.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-06-23

AGRICULTURAL CoLLE6 Es.-Prof Hill
gard, of the University of California, has
a letter in Land and Home, for March
II, which, we apprehend, will meet the
approval of many of our leading minds
who are making the subject of agricultural
education special study at the present
time. He says that. as time advances, "he
is more and more satisfied that it is
through their character, rs experiment
stations, that the real usefulness of our
agricultural colleges will become such as
to remove them from the field of periodic
outbursts of dissatisfaction and of proposi-
tions for fundamental reorganiz iion,
which seem to befall even so old an insti-
tuition, as that of Massachusetts, whose
annexation TO Amherst college has been
SO warmly discussed of late "
Let the experiment stations" says the
professor, "show the farmers what educa-
tion and science can do to put money in
their pockets, and they will be eager to
give their sons an opportunity to avail
themselves of such knowledge, and will
teach them to respect their calling. not
merely as "honest work." but as some
thing worth striving for with all the might
of the best intellect. Until this feeling
prevails our farmers sons will continue
to prefer to nock to the counters of the
cities"
"If, as think, the success Of an agri-
cultural college is to be gauged, not by
the number of toilers it sends back to the
farm. but by the improved condition of
agriculture. produced by its agency, then
some of the most numerously attended
agricultural colleges in this country, as
well as in Europe, have signally failed in
fulfilling their mission, and the sooner
and more energetically they take upon
themselves the work of an experiment
station. the quicker will they rise in the
appreciation of the bone and sinew of the
farming population"
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-06-23
VOL. XXXVII.

water in the North Platte will all be used
up in the same way. Julesburgh is one of
those places that show off to the best ad-
vantage on the map-a cattle ranch and
telegraph Office constituting the business
part of the city Soon after passing this
place, we saw our first herd of antelope,
which were feeding with the cattle close
to the railroad, but at the approach of the
train they started up with snort of alarm
and dashed away upon the plains. The
cattle here are not full-blood Jerseys; they
seem to be cross between a dromedary
and government mule, and vast herds of
them are passed at intervals, after leaving
the limits of civilization.
The first place at which VIC stopped after
leaving Julesburgh bore the romantic
name of Lodge Pole. l was unable to
learn from what source it derived its
name. The telegraph poles comprised the
greater part of the town and were set on
| line with the railroad.
At Sidney we stop twenty minutes for
| breakfast. and after procuring cup of
coffee, without milk, for which | paid the
small pittance of fifteen cents. I started
out to take in the town. Sidney is the
most important place between North Platte
and Cheyenne, distance of two hundred
and twenty-five miles. 1t is the present
gateway to the Black Hills. Stages run
| from here to Deadwood, two hundred and
sixty-fve miles. The place seems to be
destitute of vegetation or water. A query
arose in my mind which I desired very
much to solve. so l halted near little
company of men, and addressing one of
them, asked if there was any Baptist
church in the place. He looked up with
fierce scowl on his face, and says he,
"Now, stranger, look-a-here, don't you 60
to coming any of them sells on to us;
there amt any Baptist church here, nor
this amt seaport either" But says a
darkey who stood little in the rear,
-" Good golly! we's got oceans of sand"
Thinking it was nearly time for the train
to start, hastened to resume my seat and
we were again rolling along over the sun
burnt plains.
The next place of interest is II wide
awake prairie dog town. The streets
are laid out without form, and all the
houses are of the style called dugouts.
As the conductor would give me no stop
over check, my knowledge of this place is
very imperfect, and will therefore give
no further description of it, and, rs l
think have written enough for this time,
[ will describe the remainder of my
Tourney in another letter.
JONAS.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-06-23

PRESERVED STRAwBERRIEs.-To make
a dozen halfpint tumblers, take six
pounds, after they are picked, of large,
firm strawberries, wash quickly in cold
water, putting only few at time in the
water; put in your porcelain lined preserv-
ng kettle six pounds of lump sugar (the
best quality; throw your berries on the
sugar and let them stand till the moisture
from the berries has wet the sugar; put on
a slow fire till all the sugar is melted,
then boil twenty minutes, taking off the
scum as it rises; take out the berries with
as little syrup AS possible, and let the
syrup boil twenty minutes longer, being
careful not to let it burn; pour the syrup
over the berries; when cold put in glasses
cut white paper to fit each glass, saturate
it with brandy and put it over the pre-
serves; tie up carefully and keep in a dry,
cool place. This receipt will answer for
all kinds of berries. For jam, inferior
fruit will answer. Mash the berries while
mixing them with the sugar, and boil all
together half an hour.-NeW York Times.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-06-23

THE BAsIFuL MAN.-We never saw Il
bashful man who was not the soul Of hon
or. Though such NAV b1sh, and stam-
msr and shrug their shoulders awkwardly,
unable to throw forth with ease the
thoughts that they would express, yet
commend them to us for friends There
are fine touches in their character which
time would mellow and bring out; percep-
tons delicate as the faintest tint is to the
unfolding rose; and their Thoughts are
none the the less refined and beautiful that
they do not flow with the impetuosity of
the streamlet. We are astonished that
such men are not appreciated-that ladies
with really good hearts and cultivated in
tellects will reward tho gallant Sir Mus
tachio BrainleSs with smiles and attention
because he can fold a shawl gracefully,
and handy compliments with Partisan ele-
gance, while they would not condescend
to look upon the worthier man, who feels
for them n reverence 50 great that his
every glance is worship. The man who is
bashful in the presence Of ladies is their
defender when the loose tongue of the
slanderer would defame them; it is not he
who boasts of conquests or dares to talk of
failings that exist in the imagnatons
alone; his cheek will flush with resent
ment, his eyes flash with anger to hear the
name of woman coupled with coarse
oath; yet he who would die to defend
them is least honored by the majority of
the female sex. Who ever heard of a
bashful libertineP The anomaly was never
seen. Ease and elegance are his requisites !;
upon his lips sit tlattery, ready TO pay court
to blue eyes and black; he is never non
plussed-he never bushes. For a glance
he is in rapture, for word he would
professedly lay down his life. Yet it is he
who fills our dens with wrecks of female
purity; it is he who profanes the holy
name of mother; desoates the shrines
where domestic happiness is throned; ruins
the heart that trusts in him; pollutes the
very air he breathes; and all under the
mask of polished gentleman. Ladies, u
word in your ear. Have you lovers and
would you possess worthy husband?
Choose him whose delicacy of department,
whose sense of you: worth leads him to
stand aloof, while others stand around you
If he bushes, stammers even ut your ap-
proach, consider them as many signs of
his exalted opinion of your sex. If he is
retiring and modest, let not thousand
fortunes weigh him down in the balance :;
for, depend upon it, with him your life
will be happier with poverty than with
many another surrounded by the splendor
of palaces.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-06-23

THE SABBATH. The Sabbath is Gods
special present to the working man; and
one of its chief objects is to prolong his
life and preserve efficient his working tone.
In the vital system it acts like compen-
sation pond; it roplenishes the spirits; the
elasticity and vigor which the last six days
have drained away, and supplies the force
which is to fill the six succeeding days
and in the economy of existence, it an
swers the same purpose as, in the econo-
my of income, is answered by savings
bank. The frugal man who puts aside a
pound to-day and another pound next
month, and who. in quiet way, is always
putting by his stated pound from time to
time, when he grows old and frail gets not
only the same pounds back again, but n
good many pounds besides. And the con-
scientious man, who husbands one day OF
existence every week-who. instead Of
allowing the Sabbath to be trampled upon
and torn in the hurry and scramble of life,
treasures it devoutly up. the Lord of the
Sabbath keeps it for him, and in length OF
days and bale old age. gives it back with
usury. The savings bank of human ex
istence is the weekly Sabbath.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-06-23

SEA-CoAsr SUPERSrITIoNS.-Old wives
by the sea coast hold many superstitions
concerning the hollow-sounding and
mysterious main.' Thus Dickens tells us
that Balkis fingered in his dying until the
turn of the tide, when, the tide going out,
Barkis went out with it. In New England
it is unlucky to kill a pig in the wane of
the moon or at the ebbing of the tide; the
pork will shrink in the boiling. Water in
the dinner pot evaporates more rapidly
over the fire when the tide is dead low y
1t is unlucky to eat fish from the head
downward; it drives away the fish from
the shores. To tell the stage Of the tide
without going to the beach, look in Il cats
eyes; the pupil of every intelligent cats
eye is elongated when the tide is at the
flood. Never count catch of fish until
the days work, or sport, is done. Other
wise, the sport is spoiled. Similarly, the
farmer never counts his lambs until the
season for their dropping is over. But it
is not alone in rural communities that men
and women keep up customs and rites
founded on Pagan superstitions. Among
the ancient Greeks and Romans it was a
common custom for the bridegroom to
give his bride. on the wedding night, a
considerable sum of money, by way OF
purchase Of her person. From this usage,
no doubt, we have derived the custom OF
making wedding presents under which so
many people groan. The ancient Saxons
gave belrothal ring, or other gift, which
was called =" wed,' and from which we
have derived very charming word.
Fifth avenue throws an old shoe after the
departing bride. Is this because our
storner iorefathers ordained that the BRIDE
groom should tap his new-made wife on
the head with his shoe as token of sub
mission to her lordp-NeU York Sunday
Times
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-06-23

but Reuben's old self, and he wasn't dead,
as we all thought"
One long, greedy glance, and the father
knew his child.
20, Reuben, my son Reuben, the Lord
be praisedn
And then the father and son fell upon
each others necks. like Jacob and Joseph
of old. and wept
We must break it to mother easy, my
children, or it'll sartain kill her for joy.''
said the old man, vigorously wiping his
face with his pocket handkerchief.
SO it was arranged that Deacon Palmer
should 90 in and break the joyful tiding.
to his wife according to his best judgment
The trio went up to the house; Deacon
Palmer entered the kitchen. and his chill
dren stood just outside the door, where
they could hear every word. Mrs. Palmer
was slicing some apples into wooden
bowl. She did not look up as her husband
entered; all these weeks she had gone on
with her household duties carefully and
assiduously rs ever, but with face which
grew more pale and patient every day,
more like the faces over which the grass
grows and the winds walk.
"Well, Becky" she said, 4" | couldn'l
make out what had kept you. You've been
heap of time huntn them pears"
All the life had gone out of her voice
it was as full of grief and patience as hel
face.
Z" It's me, mother. not Becky. l have
just got home from the mill, AMI I've
heard good news"
"What kind of news, father?' will
scarcely a faint stir of interest.
"Ahem-well, this was from the army
The old woman sighed. " Then the
Lords given us another victory over oul
enemyp"
Well, not that exactly. It's somethin
that concerns us more nearly-somethin
that'll give you great joy, mother"
Poor old man! He was cternally con
graduating himself on the tact and dis
creton with which he had approached the
subject; but he could not keep tone o
triumphant gladness out Of his voice, ant
he was not astute enough for woman!
quick intuitions.
John" said she, turning round anC
looking him full in the fce--a look tha
fairly staggered him" have you hearC
anything about Renben?"
We'll, yes. it did concern him" lie
broke down here. " Reuben, come in
and let your mother see for herself"
Motherr
She gave one long, greedy look rs hi
shadow fell over the threshold
She comprehended it all in. that glance
and stretched out her arms us size rushed
forward, but they only Glutched at the air
for before she could gather him to he
heart, she had fallen to the floor. Her sol
that was dead was alive again, but th'
mothers joy was more than her hear
could bear. But the color came to tn,
faded cheeks, and at eventide on that hap
py day was heard in good Deacon Palm
ers house the voice of praise and thanks
giving to Him who in His wisdom "takell
away" but in mercy restoreth again"
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-06-23

HARDENED CoNsCIENCES.- Every one is
willing to admit that sin gradually hardens
the conscience, SO that Mt length it almost
ceases to note that which once aroused its
sharpest challenge. We have all of us
sadly watched that deterioration which
carries the spiritual nature further and
further away from its former estate of
sincerity aud pure endeavor, until whole
lists of sin pass out of sight and so out of
knowledge. But if others conscisnces
thus become calloused are not our own
in the same state, or at least the same
danger. since we are all sinnersa We
have before US tho plain duty of bringing
once more to mind. so far rs we may,
those faults or Gins of which We are our
selves ignorant, and of craving pardon for
those faults which are secrets even Of our
own hearts.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-06-23
ProbateAnd Commissioners n otices. 81 cosaeh.

BE HoNEsr.-I tell you, brethren. be
honest in your dealings; take no advantage.
even of child, Be conscientious in your
bargains. Have "a single eye and single
heart. Seek not to be shrewd. Be not
ashamed to be called simple. And let me
tell you secret, which ought not to be
secret, seeing it is written in the Scrip
lures, that your whole body will then be
full OF light, and this in every kind. You
will actually see further and see clearer
than shrewd and cunning men; and you
will be less liable to be duped than they,
provided you add to this another part of
character which is proper to an honest
man-namely, resolution to protect hon.
es;y. and to discountenance every kind of
fraud. A cunning man is never firm
man: but an honest man is; double
minded man is always unstable; man of
faith is firm AS rock. tell you there is
a sacred connection between honesty and
faith; honesty ia faith applied to worldly
things. and faith is honesty quickened by
the spirit to the use of heavenly things
EdWard irving.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1880-06-23

A learned German doctor has discover
ed means of dyeing the eyes of animals
in general and of men in particular any
color he pleases. He is accompanied on
travels OF propagation by dog with a
rose coored eye, IA cat with an orange red
eye. and monkey with chrome yellow
eye. But the most curious specimens of
his art are negro with one black eye and
the other one blue, and negress with one
eye gold colored and the other silver
white. The doctor says the process Of
ocular transformation, far from iniuring
the sight, strengthens and improves it.