Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-06-01

specimen of that curious auimal known as the
devil fish. Just previous to the1ate war, while
was residing in Fernandina, had an excel
lent opportunity OF examining two of these
singular creatures. They had passed under a
wha-f in search of prey, and becoming en-
tangled in the piling. were left by the reced.
ing waters. and succumbed to a shower of bull.
lets. These were about eighteen feet in length
between their wings or lateral flns. and were
estimated to weigh ton, or upwards. In their
general appearance they resemble the skate
family. They belong to the class Of mamma
liza, and pass most of the time upon the sur
face. They possess great power, and fire.
quently describe great leaps falling back into
the water and churning it into foam by the
lashing of their muscular wings.
The mouth, which is wide and of much CA
pacity, is provided at each angle with thick,
stout arm working upon hinge Joint It is
said that they will seize stake. or post set in
the water with these appendages, and shake it
violently. The interior OF the mouth contains
an l!a arrangement similar to that found in the
right whale, and consisting of layers of thin
bone, frlnged with coarse hair. This serves as
a strainer, and permits the water to filter
through. while their prey is retained and sw al
lowed In the stomachs of those taken in Fer
nandlna we found a mass of shrimps and
small fry, showing the character of the food
on which they subsiSt. Another odd feature
Is That the spine terminates in tail, ending
with tuft of briStles,
In the museum of the Charleston College
there was formerly fine specimen of the
devil fish, taken in the harbor OF that city
carried from Charleston many yeas ago to
the North for exhibition, the enterprsine show.
men expecting to realize a fortune by their
venture. In this they were disappointed. and
nad the ni-luck TO be assailed in Bridgeport
Connecticut, by volley of rotten eggs thrown
by the Sapient citizens, who claimed that the
snow was not genuine but manufactured. This
IN city wherein resides Barnum, the prince
of humbugs, the inventor of mermaids and
other frauds innumerable
Previous to the war these animals ab0unGed
in the vicinity of Beaufort, S. O., and there
were several clubs of gentlemen who found
much sport and excitement in the pursuit
very readable book on the subject was pub
ished by Hon. w. H. Elliott entitled ''Inci
dents of Devil Fishing" which contains many
graphic sketches connected with the chase of
these queer creatures. They were hunted in
rOw-boatS, and when harpooned would draw
the boat with great velocity for miles. until
their strength became exhausted or until the
hunters, fearful of being carried out to sea,
were compelled to cut the rope and release the
prisoner.
Many Of your readers will doubtless remem-
Der very interesting book for children written
by Rev. Mr.. Goulding, of Georgia (recently
dead, called the Young Marooners, " and fOunc-
ed upon the adventures OF some children whose
boat, while in Tampa Bay. was seized by
devil fish and towed down to some of the keys
south Of that place.
If some enterprising fellow could only sue
ceed in taking one of these creatures alive ard
exhibit it in the New York Aquarium, it would
attract as many visitors as does the famous
Jumbo, for it is certainly very odd and won
derful production of the ocean.
But few are aware of the immense trade in
lumber carried on in the thriving city of Pen
sacola. and yet it is fact that more foreign
vessels enter and clear from that port than anv
other Southern city, with the exception of New
Orleans. Now the population Of Pensacola does
not exceed ten or twelve thousand, and is alto
gether dtsproportioned to the amount of busi-
ness transacted.
Within the last fiscal year there entered, ac.
cOrding to the Pensacola AdUdnce-G Gag tie at
New Orleans 929 vessels; at Pensacola 4l4: at
Key West 364; at Savannah 316; at Charleston
z96; Galveston, Brunswick. Wilmington and
Mobile Following in the order named, with
smaller numbers,
The clearances during the same period were
for New Orleans 966; Pensacola 1896; Key West
362; Charleston $50; Savannah 300
Thus you will see that two cities of Florida,
Key West and Pensacola, lead savannah and
! Charleston in this respect When Pensacola
has the vast and splendid pine forests Of West
Florida opened by the new railroad now being
rapidly bulit between that city and the Chat
tahoochee river. her present immense export
alton of timber will be largely increased for
the cars will then bring logs for the mills as
we'll as manufactured lumber from the inte-
lumber centre Of Florida, and must rapidly
grow in size and commercial importance
The steamboat inspectors have revoked the
licenses OF the Captain, mate and chief and
second engineer Of the ill-fated steamer City
Of Sanford for reasons mentioned in their re-
port. The action of the board is generally an
proved, and will doubtless have a salutary
Influence in inducing greater care and vigil
lance on the part Of officers in charge of steam
boats.
The strathmore Hotel, on Amelia Island,
was opened last week by hop which was
largely attended The building has been much
enlarged and improved, and has commenced
the season with a goodly number of guests A
horse railway is to be laid between Fernan-
dina and the beach, which will contribute
greatly to theconvenience and comfort of Wis
itoTs and citizens. The drive over Amelia
beach is an absolute luxury, and must be real
lied to be thoroughly appreciated To the
people or Florida this Charming spot offers
attractions superior to those to be found at
Long Branch and Newport, and free from the
vulgar ostentatio1 of suddenly acquired
wealth, so distasteful to refined and well bred
people.
If a narrow gauge road was built to Fort
George Island, at the mouth of the St. Johns,
from this city, able to make the run in a half
hour many OF the residents OF Jacksonville
would find a summer retreat at Fort George
end MaypOrt. Some enterprising pbilanthro.
pist will yet undertake this task. and reap
money as well as gratitude by the improve
ment.
this, the Second district, will assemble in Jack
Sonvllle on the 9TH of June, at which time
action will be taken as to the time and place for
holding the convention. This will probably rot
be called until the middle or latter part of Au-
gust, as it is proposed to have short, sharp and
stirring campaign. But little has yet been said
as to the aspirants for the nomination, although
there are numerous competent men in the dis
trict who will be brought forward at the proper
opportunity. There are as many patriots now
as formerly.
Not whisper has yet been heard of an Inde-
pendent movement in this district, and it is
hardly possible that such an absurdity will be
perpetrated.
Sir Edward Reed, who will soon return TO
America, has selected several hundred
thousands acres of State lands in West Florida
If this means anything, it means that the capi-
talists interested in that syndicate will direct
the tide of foreign immigration which they are
Florida. shall be most heartily rejoiced to
see every portion of this fair State of ours par
tcipating in the general prosperity.
Floridians are regarding the contest at Wash.
Ington with great interest, as on its result will
probably depend the success of Colonel Bisbee
This worthy, seeking to obtain prizs to which
he had not the shadow of a claim, is now rue
fulIy sitting upon the sharp edge Of a ragged
full eyes, into the fair field that he is so anxions
to enter, and yet that Is so far Off 10 the dim
distance. The case of Bisbee vs.. Finley pre-
sents just as much ground for a strup0ls and
as many reasons for united Opposition on Iba
part of the Democrats, as are involved in thar
of Mackey VS.. Dibble, and we shall be disan
pointed II 1t does not enlist the same sympathy
and effect on the part of the minority
This county contributed eight convicts to the
penitentiary camp during the recent term of
the Circuit Court, all, with one exception. be-
ing negroes. Another of the same race was
convicted OF murder and will probably be hung
during the summer. The first conviction nm
der the recent statute fOrhidding the intermar.
rage OF whites and blacks was also obtained
Sister Cecilia, of the convent Of this city and
a sister of the able and eloquent Bishon t3ross
of the Diocese of Savannah, died last week
She was young lady of rare gifts Of mind and
person, and her early departure Is greatly re-
gretted.
l always regard these noble. seIf-sacriflcine
women with the utmost respect and reverence
for well remember when they glided through
the wards Of the crowded hospitals in kich-
mond, true angels of mercy bearing words of
peace and comfort to the sick and wounded
Confederates, and showing by deeds as well as
words the genuine spirit OF Christianity.
The powerful Sir Edward Reed syndicate
backed by heavy English and Dutch capitaIists
az pear 70 eontem plate the acquisition of the
railroad system OF Florida. They have mr.
chased the South Florida Road, All imnorfant
link connecting Sanford and Kissimmee about
fifty miles in length, and propose TO build
line between the former town and Lseshurg in
sumner county. This arrangement will give
the people along that route direct communica-
ton by rail with the North and Northwest.
Other important rejects, closely involving the
future prosperity of the State are also i'm CON
temptation by the above syndicate Tbev
evidently have the ability as we'll as the in-
cllnation 70 consummate their plans. which
will contribute largely to increase our nressnt
growth and prosperity
Five schO0ners are now lying inside Of the
r uischarging cargoes of rock for the con-
Serue1ion ~ Oh tns Jettles. The work is progress