The Magnolia gazette., 1881-12-23
BITS OF INFORMATION.

POINT lace is the oldest variety OF lace
known. II was the work Of nuns during
the latter part OF the fourteenth century.
AMERICAN deer, both male and female,
shed their horns every year from
the latter part Of January to about the
18th Of February only.
TUE " freedom Of city" is an
honorary distinction conferred on some
illustrious man. II is usually bestowed
through certificate or diploma signed
by the municipal authorities and
suitably mounted. II is presented on
the occasion of visit or may be for
warded. II makes the recipient an
honorary citizen. 1t may be awarded
countryman or II stranger.
The engagement ring is supposed to
be ola Roman origin, and to have sprung
from the ancient custom of using rings
in making agreements, grants, etc. Its
primitive form was that of a seal or
signet ring. Betrolhal rings were fire.
ouently exchanged by lovers in ancient
times. 1t is also believed that the
Romans originated the custom OF giving
rings with notices or posies engraved
on them to their lady loves.
Forks were invented in Italy in the
fifteenth century, but were not employed
in England until the middle of the
seventeeth century then only by tho
higher classes. As late as the eighteenth
century, forks, as well as knives, were
kept on so meager scale by country
| inns in Scotland that it was customary
for persons travelling to carry with them
a knife and a fork in a shagreen case,
| and small knife and fork still forms
part Of the ornamental equipment in the
Highland costume
The bridge or covered gallery which
connects the ducal palace and the prison
OF Venice is high above the water and
divided by stone wall into a passage
and cell. The state dungeons were
sunk into the thick walls OF the palace,
and the prisoners when taken out TO die
were conducted across the gallery to the
other side, upon the bridge, ana we're
there strangled. The low portal through
which the criminal was taken into the
cell is now walled up, but the passage
is open, and is still known by the name
of the " Bridge Of Signs.
THE origin Of the cant name, 'Uncle
Sam" was as follows Immediately after
the declaration OF war with England,
Elbert Anderson, Of New York, then a
contractor, visited Troy, where was con.
centrated, and where he purchased, o
large quantity Of provisions--beef, pork,
etc The inspectors of these articles al
that place were Messrs. Ebenezer and
Samuel Wilson. The latter gentleman
Invariably known as "Uncle Sam gen
orally superintepded, in person, o large
number Of workmen, who, on this occR
sion, were employed in overhauling the
provisions purchased by the contractor
for the army. The casks were marked
"E. A.-U. s." The work fell TO the
lot of n facetious fellow in the employ o.
the Messra. Wilson, who, on being asked
by some of his felow-workmen the
meaning OF the mark Qor the letters U
S.. for United States, We're then almos
entirely new to them), said I" He did no
know, unless it meant Elbert Anderson
and Uncle San" "--alludiDg exclusively
then. 10 the said +" Uncle Sam Wilson
The Joke took among the workmen, ant
passed currently and "Uncie Sam
himself being present was occasional,
rallied by them on the increasing exten
of his possessions. Many of these work
, meM being OF character denominate'
"food for powder" were found shortl
after following the recruiting drum, an
pushing toward the frontier line
Tor the double purpose Of meeting tn
enemy and OF eating the provisions the
had lately labored TO put in good order
Their old Jokes accompanied them, an
before the first campaign ended thl
identical one first appeared in print
! gained favor rapidly till it penetrate
I and was recognized in every part OF th
: country, and will, no doubt, continue &
while the United States remains natiol