Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1883-02-09
The Ground Hog as a Weather Prophet.


The character of the ground hog for We
racity is. in the early DAYS of Frbrn ny, as
unfaiIine topic Of discussion as that of
the weather with which by comm on
consent it has coma to be so init
mately connected. You can hardly take
uD paper now without seeing something
abont his h"gship, or m Ike weather con.
lecture with a friend on the street with
out hearing the ground hog quoted as au-
thirty or damned as an impnster.
Public opinion being so much divided on
this important subject we will not COM
NIT ourselves. but will put our readers in
possession of such facts as have come to our
knowledge that they may inform them
selves and come to an intelligent conclu-
conclusion.
The following ground hog story is from
the Lynchbnrg "Virginian,' and those
who know its veteran editor will under
stand that what he says is literally true.
The ID of February was clear cay, and
the ground hog. if he came out of his hole
saw his shadow, and if he has carried out
the programme laid down for him, is now
in his hole for another six week g nap
But we snail see what We shall see.
Uncle Jake Mauck.. of this city. who ia
known to everybody as an observer of ami
mated nature, as we'll as devoted disciple
of Isaac Walton. has given us some inter-
Psting "reminiscences of his experience in
dOmes icatiug wild animals. Several years
ago, and while he was interested in the
saloon business, he had ground hog :,
which had become very tame and was
Qrite pet with his visitors. Suddenly. at
the beginning of cold weather in the latter
part of October. he disappeared, greatly
t. the regret of his friends. Will arum-
Der OF these persons were sitting at the
doc: OF Uncle Jake's establishment on the
I'd of February, about 10 O'Clock in the
day. the ground hug, Bob AS suddenly
reappearetl IN their midst and greatly to
their delight, gave evidence of his gratii
cation at meeting with his old friends.
After being fed beautifully and fondlrd
for an hour or two. he was permitted to
follow the bent of his inclination, being
closely watched in view of it being the
second of February The day was sufi
GENTLY clear to permit shadow being
seen, when about noon. Bob went to
the door, and turning HE head in
every direction as if observing the
state of the weather, he shot like he had
been fired from a gun into hole that led
under the house and disappeared. note
OF the time was made. and wi hin five
minutes of six weeks from the time of his
unceremonlous leavr-taking, and in the
presence OF a number of persons who had
gathered for the purpose, and who are now
living in this city. he promptly appeared
In their midst in his old haunts. and re-
manned with his friends. Uncle Jake says
he weighed when he went into winter
quarters above fifteen pounds, and was as
fat as New York Alderman. When he
emerged from his retirement he was re-
duced to mere skeleton. while his paws
had teen sucked by him until they were
so ten Ter that he coi'd hardly use them.
The the"ry of his owner is, that he subsls-
ted by this means on his own fat. His
hermitage was found 10 have been in the
earth, immediately under a large stove
in the saloon. where he was fire.
quantly heard at night tn snore as if
asleep. This whole Statement could be
of gentlemen IN this city, who we're pres
ent when the occurrence took place.
We have related the incident here to il
lustrate the !ruthfulnpss of the old story
about the erou"d hog as prngnnstcator
of weather, and as the animal cOnld not
have failed to see his shadow IN the clear
sunshine that prevailed yesterday, we may
just as we'll make up our minds to submit
to the autocratic rule of Virgins. Venor
Il Co. for the next six weeks, 1t is pref
ty clear indication that Virgins with his
'.bIizz 4rd'' will be on hand about the 9Th.
the ground hog having exhibited his utter
incapacitY to wrestle with this weather
fend.