The Windham County reformer. (Battleboro, Vt.) 1876-1897, 1881-05-13

Heligoland 1s the most celebrated sta
tion in the world for studying the mi
grafton of birds. This little island ID
hardly hundred acres in extent-an
isolated, triangular rock of red sand
stone, with perpendicular cliffs two or
three hundred feet in height all round
it. 1t is mostly cultivated, and its resi-
dent birds are hardly more than dozen
species; but in spring and autumn mi
grating birds make it resting place,
and these are watched for, and shot or
trapped, by almost the whole popula-
ton, and the results have been carefully
chronicled for the last twenty five years
by Mr.. Gatke, an experienced resident
ornithologist. The amazing result is,
that as many species of birds have been
obtained in this minute islet as, in any
country in Europe; while the vast num-
ber of the migrating focks is shown by
the fact that Is, 900 larks have sometimes
been caught in one night.
Europe is still interested in the Italian
governments latest method of raising
money. For the future a person will
pay $4,000 on being created an Italian
prince, and $1,000 on being made a
duke. The charge for a marquisate is
$4,000; for the title of "conte," 81, 900;
OF baron or viscoupt, $4,000. Any other
noble title will cost $1,000. Should the |
person ennobled desire that the title
shall not descend to any successor, a
discount of two fifths on the regular
tariff will be allowed. For a grant of
arms, etc., $l40 will be charged.
From the inquiries conducted by
Prof. Hermann Cohn, of Breslau, since
1865, it appears that shortsightedness is
rarely or never born with those SUBJECT
to it, and is almost always the result OF
strains sustained by the eye during
study in early youth. Myopia, as it is
called, is seldom found among pupils OF
village schools, and its frequency in.
creases in proportion to the demand
made upon the eye in higher schools
and in colleges. A better construction
Of school desks. and an improved ty-
geography of textbooks, and sufficient
lighting OF class-rooms are the remedies
proposed to abate the malady.
Colorado is the youngest State. but
cast more votes in the late election than
Delaware, Florida. Nevada, or Rhode
Island, and only 1900 less than Ver-
mont. The centennial State gave an ag-
yregate vote of 2s,6s6 in 1873, which
has been now increased to 53,a56. 1t is
probable that Colorado will have an
additional Congressman under the new
'pportionment.
A census enumeration has been made
# that fine bit OF frost near the North
,ole owned by the United States, by rea-
on of purchase from Russia, and called
Alaska. There is total population Of I
Q, 900, most of whom are Indians, q !
ew of whom are Aleuts (natives Of the 9
leutian islands. near Alaska) and some G
500 are Creoles, persons of mike Rus |
ian and Aleut blood. There are in the I
vhole territory only about 800 white
ersons, but four of whom are women.
An interesting experiment in cooper. e
on has just been inaugurated in the q
i've Points, New York city, where q !
rocery upon the cooperative principle ;
as been opened. The goods sold will /;
e of the best quality and of moderate :
rice. Any person may share in the !.
rofits by becoming a member on the !,
ayment of twenty-five dollars in =
Ionthly installments of one dollar each.
hecks will be given when goods are q
urchased, which will entitle the bearer D
share in the profits. An excellent Il
sture ofthe institution will be a coffee Il
nd milk room in the rear. 6