davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-07-22
POPULAR SCIENCE.

Bromine is used in medicine and pho
Biography, and iInparts to certain springs
peculiar medicinal properties.
Glaciers move very slowly, on an aver
age from twenty to twenty seven inches
in the center, during twenty-four hours.
Atmospheric pressure, as shown by
Ludicke's observations, diminishes with
the waxing and increases with the
waning moon.
If a bottle filled with air and we'll
corked be taken to a great height the
cork is forced out of the bottle by the
decrease of atmospheric pressure.
Though the leaves of plants are con-
stantly surrounded by the nitrogen
which constitutes four-fifths of the at
mosphere, yet they do not absorb par
ticle of it.
The two most remarkable comets of
modern times are those of 1858 and
1861. The length of tail of the latter
was about 10 deg, but owing to its
rapid motion in space the comet was
visible for a few days only.
As the result of an examination OF at
mospheric dust and the mineral residu-
nm from melting snow, it is found that
iron in appreciable quantities occurs in
the dust accumulated in old buildings
during long period of time.
Hot springs are generally found where
the rocky structure admits of easy com
munication with subterranean waters.
The range of temperature of the waters
is found to be far higher in the western
regions of the United States than in the
eastern.
Mr.. Peter Henderson, of Jersey
City Heights, N. j., does not believe
that the so-called insectivorous plants
derive any more nourishment from their
victims than the hemlock, which de-
stroys millions of gnats on its resinous
exudatlons, or the thistle and burdock,
which impale so many butterflies, moths
and bumble-bee on their spines. In
the summer of 1878 he and Mr.. W. l.
TAFT made two experiments, using one
hundred plants in each test, those
chosen being the. well-known Carolina
fy.trap. The plants which received no
insects were just as vigorous as those
which had been treated to the supposed
animal diet
The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-07-22
1t Cured Him.

When was boy of about nine,
servant Of my fathers put a pipe into
my mouth, assuring me that to smoke
would make man of me. 1 pulled
away most vigorously, and preserved
till I became sick and fell on the floor.
I have never smoked since. In much
the same way ! was cured Of hero wor
ship. When I was college youth I
ventured one day to call on man of
some eminence to whom I had been in
troduced. He received me with smiles
and compliments, and as left his
presence was ready to proclaim him the
most gentlemanly man / had ever met
with +; but after / went out fingered at
the door moment to determine whether
l should call on another great man
who lived near, and 1 overheard the
polite gentleman / had left call his SER
want to administer to him the most
terrible scolding / had ever listened to
in my life for letting in that stupid, i'm.
pudent stripping. This cured me Of
hero worship and of interviewing great
men. Since that date / have at times
gone TO a distinguished mans house
with letters Of introduction, and turned
at the door for fear Of what might come
NJ Y Observer.
The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-07-22
ITEMS OF INTEREST.

The least intelligent of guests. says
social writer, are often the sharpest of
critics.
The Danes are said to be the most
expert liuguists, and remarkably quick
and accurate telegraphists.
There are no Chinese in Brazil, and
the coffee planters of Brazil are endeav-
oring to import few as laborers.
A milk-cart race for pump will be
one of the attractions at forthcoming
ntertainment.-N Orleans Picayume.
Politics is a pastp~, lot in which the
animal getting the best grass is sdre to
get the most mud and gravel. Yonhe,S
Gazette.
Two men and kitten are to pass the
Atlantic in boat fourteen feet long
Where is Bergh? He should protect
the kitten.
The Philadelphia Times man says that
"the cause of early decline in Journalists
is the amount of trash they have to see
and hear"
1t is estimated that $75, 900 women in
the City of New York, support them
selves-and many of them their families
by their own exertions.
There is mourning in the house of
Pelling. The Empress Dowagnr of the
East is dead the second Do wager Prin-
cess is very i'll, and the young Emperor
has the measles.
The English papers are lamenting that
old hamlets and towns are passing out
of existence, and the people rapidly
emigrating to the great centers of indus
try-tbe cites.
The extensive cultivation of flowers
for perfumery purposes is about to be
started in California. In Europe ~ is
very remunerative agood cropof laven-
der yielding $1,000,
The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-07-22

In the year 676 A. D., "Messengers
were sent out" according to Bede, from
Wearmouth, England, to Gaul, France,
to fetch makers of glass (artifcers p
"who were at this time unknown in Eng
land, that they might glaze the windows
of the church, with the cloisters and
dining-rooms. Bede adds that "they
taught the English nation their handi-
craft, which was well adapted for inclos-
ing the lanterns of the church and for
the vessels required for various uses"
About this time, Archbishop Wilfred of
York "filled with glass" the windows of
the cathedral, previously "open to the
weather." and "suCh glass;" says one,
cas- permitted the sun to shine through" +"
from which it may be inferred that glass
was made that was impenetrable to the
suns rays. 1t was recorded, in con-
nection with this cathedral, that "great
astonishment was excited, and supersti-
tious agency suspected, when the moon
and stars were seen through a material
which excluded the inclemency of the
weather" Still, the adoption of glass
was slow; for in 1914 Robert de Linde-
say, abbot of Peterborough, employed
glass Sin identifying thirty Of the win.
dows of his monastery, previously stuffed
with straw to keep out the wind and
rain," and for some generations later the
domestic windows of England were moi
furnished with glass, but lattice. When
glass windows we're first introduced
they were not fixtures, but were regarded
as movable chattels. In 1899 Lord Coke
in the common pleas, adjudged thai
"glass annexed to window frames by
nails, or in any other manner, could moi
be removed, for without glass it was nc
perfect house."
The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-07-22
A NEVADA STORY.
TIE Strange Tree That Got Mad and Made
Itse { Uuerly DisagreeRble.

TIE Strange Tree That Got Mad and Made
Itse Uuerly DisagreeRble.
A gentleman of this place has a tree
which is a species of acacia, 1t was
grown from a seed brought from Aus
tralia. The tree is now sapling some
eight feet in height, and it is in full
foliage and growing rapidly. 1t is leg
luminous and very distinctly shows the
characteristics of the mimosa, or sensi-
tive plant. Regularly every evening,
about the time the "chickens go to
roost," the tree goes to roost. The leaves
fold together, and the ends Of the ten
der twigs coil themselves up like the
tail of a well-conditioned pig. After
one of the twigs has been stroked or
handled the leaves move uneasily and
are in a sort of mild commotion for q
minute or more All this was known
about the tree, but it was only yesterday
that it was discovered that the tree had
in it much more of life and feeling than
it had ever before been credited with.
The tree being in quite small pot, one
which it was fast outgrowing, it was
thought best to give it one of much
larger size. Yesterday afternoon the
tree was transferred to its new quarters.
1t resented the operation of its removal
to the hest of its ability. Arriving at
his residence about the time the tree
had been transplanted, the gentleman
found the house in a grand commotion.
On asking what was up, he was told that
they had transplanted the tree accord
ing to orders and the operation had
'made it very mad" Hardly had it
been placed in its new quarters before
the leaves began to stand up in all
directions like the hair on the tail of
an angry cat, and soon the whole plant
was in a culver. This could have been
endured, but at the same time it gave
out an odor must pungent and sicken-
ing-just such a smell as is given off by
rattlesnakes and many other kinds of
snakes in summer when teased. This
odor so filled the house and was so sick
ing that it was found necessary to open
the doors and windows. 1t was fully an
hour before the plant calmed down and
folded its leaves in peace. 1t would
probably not have given up the fight
even then had it not been that lis time
for going to roost had arrived. 1t is
probably needless to add that the whole
household now stand in not little awe
of the plant as being thing more ami
NAL Tor reptile) than vegetable Va'-
giaia City Enterprise.
The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-07-22
japanese Girls and Boys.

Children and their games are an i'm
portant feature in the street life of
Japan. The girls, dressed in their
prettiest robes, play battledore and
shuttlecock, while the boys fly wonder
full kites, made of tough paper pasted
on light bamboo frames, and decorated
with dragons, warriors, and storm hob
goblins. Across the top of the kites is
stretched thin ribbon of whalebone,
which vibrates in the wind, making a
peculiar humming sound. They also
race on stills, and have wrestling
matches. Once year they celebrate
the "Feast of Flags" Outside the houses
in which boys reside bamboo poles are
erected, from which are suspended large
fishes made of paper. The girls have
their "Feast of Dolls" on the third day
of the third month. During the week
preceding this holiday the shops of
Toxic are filled with dolls and richly
dressed figures. This "Feast OF Dolls"
is great gala-day for the girls. They
bring out all their dolls and gorgeously-
dressed images, which are quite numer-
Gus in respectable families, having been
kept from one generation to another.
The images range from a few inches to
a foot in height, and represent court
mobiles and ladies, with the Mikado and
his household, in full costume. Then
there are the street story -tellers, who
are the delight of the children street
theatricals, travelling shows with mon
keys, bears and tumbling gymnasts
Sugar candy and various kinds of sweet
meats are sold by pedlers, who are
eagerly sought after by the little folks.
Sometimes q man carries small kitchen
utensils on the end of pole, and serves
out tiny griddle- cakes to the children,
who watch him cook the cakes, and
smack their lips in anticipation of the
feast. A Snowman will put piece of
camphor on the tiny model of duck
which he floats on a shallow dish of
water, and, as the children look on in
wonder, the dissolving camphor gum
sends the duck from side to side, as
though it were alive. The boys, in ad-
dition to these sports, delight in fish
ing, and seize every opportunity for in
dulging in this time-honored pastime.
The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-07-22
Recent Post -0Hlce Rules.
beds are non-mailable.

Feather beds are non-mailable.
Eggs must be sent when new.
A pair of onions will go for two scents.
Ink bottles must be corked when sent
by mail.
Over three pounds Of real estate are
not transmissible.
Parties are compelled to lick their
own postage stamps and envelopes; the
postmaster cannot be compelled to dc
this.
An arrangement has been perfected
by which letters without postage will
be Immediately forwarded--to the dead
letter Office.
Parties are earnestly requested not to
send postal cards with money orders in
closed, as large sums are frequently lost
in that way.
Nitro o-glycerine must be forwarded al
risk Of sender. II il should blow up in
the postmaster's hands he cannot be
held responsible.
When letters are received bearing nc
direction, the parties for whom they are
intended will please signify the fact tc
the postmaster, that he may at once
forward.
The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-07-22
Vaccination ia Smalln0x.

JenneF's great discovery of vacc1na-
ton for prevention of smallpox has not
been wanting in opposition, and few
persons are still so stupid as to object
to vaccination. These people, who
refuse to be vaccinated themselves or
allow their children to be, endanger not
merely their own lives, but the lives Of
their neighbors. They furnish the fue
on which the flames feed, and render
epidemics of smallpox possible. If
vaccination were universal it would be
as difficult to get up smallpox pesti-
lence as it is to start q great fire in
those cities where all the buildings are
practically fireproof.
While the efficacy of previous vacci-
nation with good virus is well known to
be preventive, the uses Of vaccination
after the disease has been ccltracted
are less understood. Some years ago a
Virginia physician, DIR. Alban S. Payne,
conceived the idea Of vaccinating a
smallpox patient with the kine-pock.
II took at once. The next day he re-
peated the vaccination, and that also
took effect And what was the effect
upon the smallpox Of having arc.her
similar disease in the system at the
same time The eruption was less ex-
tensive, but few pustules appeared, no
scars were left, and in surprisingly
short time three or four days the
patient was able to be about the room.
In hundreds of cases where the system
of daily vaccination was practiced by
DR.. Payne, the duration Of the disease
was shortened, and no deaths occurred.
Why one would ask, is not this simple
precoution always taken, if by its means
life may be saved pitting prevented,
aud suffering diminished? We should
be glad to hear from other practitioners
who have tried the method above de-
scribed. -Scientifc American.
The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-07-22
A Marine Monster.

Captain Larsen of the bark Honor,
which arrived at Galveston, reports that
while about halfway between Madeira
and st. Vegas, Canary Islands, he passed
one of the most remarkable fish he ever
saw. This marine monster is described
as being about forty feet in length, with
four large fins, or wings, arranged in o
row down its back. These fins varied
in length, according to the reckoning OF
Captain Larsen, from eighteen to twen'
ty-two feet, and in width from six tc
nine feet At the time of its being
sighted the fish was about quarter ol
mile to windward of the vessel, and
was lashing the water with its tail and
wings, evidently in combat with some
other monster.
The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-07-22

father following, up the steps and into
the long, lighted parlor.
A little, silver-haired old lady, in a
dark, rustling silk, came briskly forward.
"Welcome, my dear Don't you know
me I'm Reuben's mother"
And then, as in a dream, BERTHE saw
her father shaking hands with the di-
minutive person in black, and Reuben
kissing her heartily.
Then, as Caleb Worthington caught
sight of Bertie's bewildered face, he
burst into a shout of laughter.
at is all right, Bert; but what a con.
spiracy it was, to-be-s sure Reuben's
the son of my old friend, Jim Carlyn.
He was badly smitten that day in my
Office, and got up the romantic notion
of winning you for love. He's done it,
my girl-he's done it."
"And aren't you a farmer?"
Reuben laughed, and caught helittle,
wondering face in his white hands.
"Pm Griggstown boy, was born and
lived there, and own a nice place down
there to-day but this is my only farm
house, little woman. Are you sorry"
"And now you've had a glimpse of
your domain, hurry up, Bert, for man.
mas expecting us at home" cried Mr..
Worthington.
And BERTHE laughed-a little, happy,
hysterical laugh-and hid her face on
lovers breast.
"Oh, I'm so glad You naughty papa.
Then, womanlike "What will Cordelia
say%
But BERTHE, so happy in her beautiful
home ard her husbands royal love,
could not hear Cordelia's murmur of
rebellious resignation
"It is kismet That child to win the
catch of the season 1t was Griggstown
versus Newport Dear me i"
The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-07-22
JaDanese Theaters,

The entrances and exits to and from
the stage of japanese theater are all
made through the audience by long,
raised platform down one side, CORES
ponding with one of our side-aisles, and
Introductory remarks are made from it.
Prompting is not so adroitly done as
with us. An attendant in black squats
behind the star, book in hand, and reads
every word of his part to him in full
view of all but those of the audience
directly in front, since lights are not
used, but each actor is accompanied by
an invisible IA man with his face covered
by black cloth who holds candle at
the end of long pole just under his
face. The attendant must be well up
in the action of the part, for he is never
in the way of his principal, but nimbly
manipulates his candle SO as to avoid
intercepting him, Women do not act,
but men represent them, and it is no
ticeable that men who are above the
average height are always chosen, and
whose natural voices are anything but
! eff'eminate.
Stars are paid well, the best at the
best theater getting 81, ,OOG psI wonth.
The dressing is quite as extravagant as
ours, and he requires no less than forty
servants, SO that his expenses, like those
of all high-salaried people, are large
The stage has a thirty-foot turntable in
the middle of it by which screens are
changed quickly by simply turning it
around The stage machinery is quite
simple. An upright post, a foot in
diameter, was the pivot of the tulntable,
and the periphery rested on well l-greased
wood bearings, and the power was that
of a couple of coolies applied to a
stick attached to the rim. The curtain
is light cotton cloth hung on q wire,
The lights are large candles with thick
paper wicks, which require snuf1ing
every few minutes, and are snuffed by
an old fellow who handles the snuflers
with professional flourish, occasionally
dropping q red end into box without
stopping to apologize. The foot and
hy-lights he snuffs while the play is in
progress, going in and out among the
players, regardless of the situation,
The play lasts all day and all night
A box for four costs two dollars for O
whole day or a whole,night Parties &c
and stay all day, lunching and smoking
at pleasure. 1t is an extremely social
sight. The Chinese theaters do mol
give any idea of it. The ventilation il
good, odors are not offensive the gay
dresses of the people in the boxes are
pleasing as well as their good faces ant
their bright eyes. That they are sym
pathetic people is proven by the fac
, that during the melodrama, while {
poor blind orphan was reciting his tall
+ of sorrow, heads were bowed all owe
, the house and women chad real gooC
cries" such as might fatter Clara Nor
. ris, we're she on the stage. The street
: in the vicinity of the great theaters ar,
filed with peep shows monkey shows
and low-priced comic theaters and wa
! figures, and side shows of all kinds
!. which are interesting for a glance, bu
not generally entertaining.
The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-07-22
The Telegraph in Arctic Exploration.

IHt ltlNSi hpH III hlNtlN LApiOi ahVh'
1t is suggested by Mr.. James Gamble,
general superintendent Western Union
Telegraph Company at San Francisco,
that profitable use might be made of
the electric telegraph in Arctic explora-
tion. His plan would be to use light
steel wire-say No. 20 0gauge-weighing
about twenty pounds to the mile. The
wire, coiled on reels, could be hauled
on sledges, either by men or dogs, over
the snow or ice, paying it out as the adj
vance exploring party went along. BY
this means the party would keep in con-
slant communication with their base Of
supplies. They would have no cause
for uneasiness about getting lost or be-
yond the means of rescue, as they would
be able at any moment to call for aid.
With this feeling of the certainty of re-
lief in case of accident, they would not
hesitate to push their explorations
to distance far beyond what would be
considered safe in the absence of means
of telegraphic communication with the
main body. And should any accident
happen to the advance party of explo-
rers, or should they require further
quantity of supplies, the line of wire
would serve to guide those going to the
rescue straight to the spot where the
explorers were camped. 1t would also
serve as = guide for their return, mate
rally lessening the chances of danger
to life and loss of the party. Having
established base of supplies at some
central point, there would be nothing to
prevent several exploring parties being
sent out at the same time in different
directions, they reporting each night to
the central station the progress and
observations made during the day.
Directed in this way the practica-
DlllGN VI OuO lOubo ONCl olONhCl
could, from the telegraphic reports
sent in, be determined upon, and
much time that would otherwise be
wasted in vain endeavors to make way
over barriers of ice, be saved. As hard
frozen gronnd, dry snow or ice is per-
feet insulator, no poles to string the
wire would be required. 1t could be
paid out on the snow or ice by the party
as they went along. The generally ac-
cepted theory of those familiar with the
Arctic regions is that the ice is seldom
more than five or six feet in thickness,
so that by boring through it with a com
mon drill or through the frozen ground,
there would be no difficulty in obtain
ing a good ground connection to com
plete the electric current. 1t would not
beSnecessary to carry any battery mate
rial. One main battery at the central
station would be all that is required
For distance of 100 to $50 miles tel
ephones could be used, dispensing with
practical telegraph operators. Still, it
might be advisable to have some of the
party possessed of q practical knowledge
of telegraphy.
At twenty pounds to the mile 100
miles of wire would only weigh 1000
pounds. 1t could be wound on reels in
size easy to handle. The cost of steel
wire of that guags is about twenty cents
pound, so that the total expense, in
cluding cost Of reels, winding, ETC..
would not exceed $1,000.
The weekly herald. [volume] (Cleveland, Tenn.) 1876-1888, 1881-07-22
Fate OF a Past Young Man.


Written in The Illinois State Prison.
It's curious-isn't it, Biny?-
The changes that twelve months may bring
Last year was at Saratoga,
As happy and rich as a king
/ was raking in pools on the races
And feeing the walters with "ten,"
And slipping mint-julcps by twilight
And to-day am here in the "Pen."
"What led me to do it2" What always
Leads men to destruction and crime?
The prodigal son, whom you've read OF,
Has altered somewhat in his time.
He spends his substance as freely
As the biblical fellow of old
But when it is gone he lancies
The husks will turn into gold
Champagne, box at the opera,
High steps while fortune is flush,
The passionate kiss ofwomen
Whose cheeks have forgotten to blush
The old, old story Billy,
OF pleasures that end in tears
The froth that foams for an hour
The dregs that are tasted for years.
Last night, as sat here and pondered
On the end of my evil ways,
There rose like phantom before me
The vision of boyhood days.
thought of my old home, Billy,
Of the school-house that stood on the hill
OF the brook that flowed through the meadow
can cen hear it's music still.
Again thought of my mother
OF the mother who taught me to pray,
Whose love was precious treasure
That heedlessly cast away.
saw again in my visions
The fresh-lipped, careless boy,
To whom the future was boundless,
And the past but mighty toy
/ thought of all this as sat here
Ofmy ruined and wasted life
And the pangs Of remorse were bitter
They pierced my heart like knife.
1t takes some courage, Billy
To laugh in the face of fate,
When the yearning ambitions of manhood
Are blasted at twenty-eight.
Joliet (Il.) Republican,