The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1882-01-29
MANCHEsrER AND VICINITY.

VI
Disappearance and Grolch of Islands, /
Some OF the islets in James river have with !
in the present century entirely disappear /
ed, whilst Others, which formerly were /
known to be separate, have been joined, so /
to speak, to their greater continents. /.
Where are the three hundred and odd |
islands that are marked in the old sur
yeys. and that used 10 dot the riyer-front
between Richmond and Manchester? The
three beautiful isles described by Captain
John Smitharenow artiticially connected, so
as to appear in one part as one Island. and in
another part a. the shore OF the south main
land. Two or three islands have been OBJ
liberated by the caIIseway Of the south ter
minu, Of Nlayo's bridge, and are now re-
oarded rs good terra frBlG. Others on the
north side have been obiterated by the
march OF improvement, and their places
are usurped by the Richmond and Danville
dep0tS and by the area covered by the long
line Of the docks.
The Tol-House island il now one long
strip OF land. where formerly IT. shores
marked il aS group OF three or four
clearly specialized islets. When we were
bows we used 10 wade from one OF these
OF shel-barkS. sugar-berries, slOcs, and
walnuts, which grew plentiIully on the ro-
mantle spots known century ago rs lItlZ-
Zard. Daley, and Kitchen Islands. Then
we used to hunt robins, catbrds. and
partridge alas forever flown from
the fruity trees and succulent grasses that
lent such a picturesque charm to those
secluded places.
Asa matter of natural history il may be
remarked that the old-timc birds, except
ing those OF the predaciOuS Kind, have re-
tired to the country, and that their haunts
are now taken up by the English sparrows.
.SmaH- POr. There have been only six
or eight cases OF smallpox in all hereto
fore in Manchester. No new cases have
developed within eight or ten days past.
Vaccination has been 80 universally prac-
ticcd that no fears are entertained that
there will be any further spread oi this ter
rible disease. The truth is. il is regarded
as having died out.
Persopai.-Mrs. Jennie McRae, nee
Baird. has engaged 10 sing at Grace church
Dr. .hck,On's), on Main street Her en-
gagement will commence to-day Sunday.
fotion bv her several appearances at the
Mozart ~ an amateur vocalist. The citi-
zen, OF Richmond will De delighted to
know that they will have hereafter fire.
qucnt opportunity TO hear Mrs. Mcl'ae's
voice. which il clear, sweet, and full-tOned.
Mr.. Henry &. Ferguson, who II one OF
the most popular citizens OF Manchester.
and who has been for several weeks lying
III 1 IL
n greatN-improyed condition, and his at
tending physician cntcrtains strong hopes
Of Iii, ultimate recovery.
Mr.. John Roberts, well known and be-
loved in Manchester " well ~ in Rich
mond. is sill cOntiued TO his bed from in
disposition but his symptoms have great
" improved within few days past, ana
his friends are encouraged 10 believe that
he will soon be himself again.
Briefs.-The pulpits OF all the city
churches will be occupied to-day by resi-
dent pastors.
The Jamcs-Riycr Free bridge is expected
10 hc i'm order during the coming week for
general travel. The flooring already lald
appears to be- OF 4 superior sort.
\ number OF young ladies and gentlemen
evening TO witness Robson and Cranes
representation Of our Bachelors.
Saturday night there was difference OF
thirteen inches in the depth OF the low OF
James river past Mayo's bridge. The six
hours rain OF Friday night and Saturday
morning accounted for II. No fears OF
fresh yet.
The stage "Pickett." of Beattic's line,
which was Withdrawn for repairs last week,
will be on with the Robert +. Lee" on
Monday al the usual hour.
The riverside manufacturers, both Of
cotton and wood, are making the biggest
SOFT OF preparation for m augmentation OF
their producing capacity the coming spring.
The clerk OF the Hastings Court reports
the marrilge-licen-c business not 20 DISK
as it was Just anterior to ChristmaS.
The funeral OF Edward Tinsley viii be
preached to-day at y o'clock, at Belie-lsie
chapel. 10y Rev. Or. Wright.
SIr. Augustine Royal, city real estate
agent. and some Others IN the sane line oI
business in Chesterfield county, continue 10
receive the most encouraging inquiries from
portics at the north about real estate. These
denote an interest in this section ana Il
prospective Immigration which Is bound TO
aid the Old Dominion in many ways.
The members OF the Olympic Boat Club
will commence at an early day 10 make pre-
parations for the regular spring regatta,
which will come of at Fredericksburg.
No more matches will be rowcd on the
James near Manchester. The boat-club
house. on Mayo's island, Is yet very moist
from recent heavy rises In the river, but
the scullS I'm the building are all intact.