davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
{. Petroleum PicnicS."

"a petroleum picnic" Is a somewhat
novel idea, but at Baku, on the Casl ian
sea, (the new "Oil City" of Southeas, ern
Russia. such jaunts are of daily or rather
nightly occurrence at certain seasons Of
the year. Among the naphtha springs of
the neighborhrod is one which spouts up
from the bottom of the sea, at a short
distance from the shore. where the shall
lowness of the landlockcd bay in front
of the town permit the intlammablc mat
ter to float undisturbed upon the sur
face Of the water for many yards round.
TO visit this curious spot by moonlight,
in q small steam launch kept expressly
for the purpose, is now quite a fashion
able amusement with the Russian resi-
dents of Baku. On reaching the spot a
lighted match is thrown into the floating
oil, and instantly the whole surrounding
surface blazes up into q veritdDlc lake Of
fire. through which the boat. cascd in
iron as a protection against the flames, is
driven at full speed, casting off fiery
nipples in every direction, while the
faces of the crew, looking wan and
CHASTITY beneath the internal glare, sug-
gcst a train of CHESTS on their way across
the river of death. The whole spectacle
is very grand and unearthly, but unfor-
tunatcly it can only be enjoyed in per-
fectly calm weather, and the sudden
springinG up of a breeze from the sea
often spoils it at the very last moment.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
WISE
Learn to say no; it will be Of more use

Learn to say no; it will be Of more use
to you than to be able to read Latin.
When shrewd ignorance resorts to dis
honest methods, the 'confding public is
apt to suffer in pocket.
Good nature, like a bee, collects honey
from every herb. Immature, like aspider,
sucks poison from the sweetest flower.
Begin your course in life with the least
show and expense possible. You may at
pleasure increase both, but cannot easily
diminish them.
Credit is like q looking glass which,
when only sullied by n breath, may be
wiped clear again, but if once cracked
can never be repaired.
There is a key that will open every
lock if we know how to forge it; and so
with life, there is a right path for every
one if he will only search to find it.
Nature loves truth so we'll that it hardly
ever admits of flourishing. Conceit is to
nature what paint is tc beauty; it is not
only needless. but impairs what it would
improve
There IS a sweet pleasure in contem-
platoon, and when o man hath run
through a set of vanities in the declen-
sion Of his age, he knows not what to do
with himself if he cannot think.
While what we do unquestionably in
~luences what we are, it is equally true
that what we are influences and deter.
mines the real value of what we do. Let
no one then imagine that he can perma'
nently benefit his work or further his
business by sacrificing his W manhood
or ncglecting other obligations.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
SUPERSTITION and Agriculture.

\ correspondent Of the Glasgow Her.
alt, who has visited Foula, Scotland,
states that the fishermen are very super.
stitious. She adds: Farming is an lnvo-
cation of at least rs much consequence
to the inhabitants Of Foula as fishing,
and in the prosecution of it they are
equally careful to act in obedience to the
ancient. unacknowledgcd, but living
faith. The land must be dug agrecably
to the apparent course of the sun The
sowing Of seed corr should be begun be-
fore noon on Saturday, with the moon on
the increase and the tide flowing. Some
put an egg into the kishic among the
seed corn. When gril ding meal, turn
the quern sunwards. If it be turned
widergatcs the meal will act as an apcri-
cnt. When the moon is on the increase
is the proper time to kill a pig. A hen
should be set on all odd number of eggs
and when the tide is flowing. When a
man is killing a sheep it is unlucky for
anyone especially a womanJ to pass be-
tween him and the fire. In dressing the
sheep carefully remove the gall, spit
three times on it, and cover it with ashes,
50 that the dog will not sec it. Do not
mention the name of the pudding when
it is put in the pot, or it will burst. If
anyone can lay his hand on a W lamb
that he covcts, it will not thrive. If the
liver of a lamb crackles when placed
upon the fire, it is a sign that its mother
and her descendants will be prolific. \
COW should be fastened in the byre with
her head to the north. A knife should
be stuck into the coupling above her
head to keep away trows or fairies.
Should she be sick, take white money, a
razor, and a pair of shears, and shake
them in a sieve above her back. If a
wound made by a trows arrow be discov-
cred in her side, put a finger. on it until
another person can daub the place with
tar. Take g%unpowder and fire it off be.
tween two peats near her head. Should
this fail in effecting a cure, take q he cat
and draw him by the tail across the back
of the COW until he fastens his claws IN
he. hide, and If this does not cure her
nothing will. When a COW has lost the
power of chewing her cud wrap some
gunpowder in a piece of dough and put
it into a dogs mouth and then make the
COW swallow it. Three stones taken
from a brook and three stones taken from
the ground ought to be placed above the
head of a COW that has been given as a
dowry or tochcr, so that she may have
no desire to return to her old quarters.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
The JOYS Of Camel. Riding.

A London telegraph correspondent
says IN q letter from the Soudan: A few
days ago 1 had my first ride on a camel,
and I thought it would be my last. 1t
was to 90 to our camp that l got cross
legged upon an Arab saddle, insecurity
fastened by strings upon the back of q
great, numbering, humpbacked brute. l
no sooner attempted to take my place on
the saddle than the camel, which was
lying prone, into which position he had
been forced, began granting like an old
village pump violently worked. At the
same time he turned his prehensile lips
aside, grinning like q bull dog, and
showed a grinning row of teeth, which
he sought to close upon me. l got
aboard without accident, and had not
long to wait for a rise. The first move
ment, as he lifted his forelegs, nearly
sent me over backward; the next, as he
Strengthened his hind legs, still more
nearly tipped me over his head. I had
been warned to hold tight, but it was
only the clutch of desperation that saved
me. After several lunges and plunges,
the brute got fairly on his legs. The
reins consisted of a ROPE round his neck
for steering, and a string fastened to q
ring thrust in his nostrils, to pull
up his head. and stop him when going
too fast. My camel began to move for
ward, and %thereupon I oscillated and see
sawed as if seized with sea-sickness or
cramp in the stomach. Involuntary as
the movement was, m hour of it would,
l am sure, have made as abject a victim
of me as the worst sufferer on q channel
passage.
A heartless friend was in front of me
on another camel. which he set trotting.
Instantly | became rs helpless rs o child,
for my camel disregarded the strain on
his nostrils, and my ~fervent CALCULATIONS.
My profanc Arabic vocabulary was too
limited to have the slightest effect.
I swayed to and fro, was bumped up and
down, until l was almost shaken to
pieces. 1t would have been a positive
relief could 1 have found myself at rest
on the ground, but the motion was so in
cessant I had not time to make up my
mind what course to adopt. 1t ended as
even the experiences of the worst kind
must do, and I found myself still on the
camel's back. Not so my humorous
friend. who, to my great comfort, per-
formed a double somersault and did not
succeed in landing quite on his feet. I
was told that I would become accustomed
to camcl-riding, and might even get to
like it. But my faith is not great
enough for that.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
PublIc HOSpitality in india.

The people of India, says louth's Conn.,
Euuion, shame us by some of their GUS
toms. There is not, so far rs we are
aware, q single place on any American
road where respectable travellers, much
less tramps, are provided with food free
of cost. We draw the line at water
troughs. The Indian goes much further.
a writer says:
"Thc waysidc hospitality is n peculiar
feature noticeable in Indian travelling in
the summer months, which, as IN act
of love and charity, deserves commenda-
ton. This institution is no respcctor of
persons or castles, and beasts of burden,
and ever the dcapisc dogs, are included
in it with genuine fraternity. On the
high roads of travel, all through the
country, there are cottages built Mt inter-
walls by the hospitality OF individual per-
sons and rich men of the localities, where
tired passengers are rested and refreshed.
Each cottage has a hired host, who is a
Brahmin or other high caste persJn. and
it is his duty to ask the passcr-bv to
walk in and be rested. ANY one may
come in and be entertained with soaked
peas, molasses and cold water free Of
charge. Often an old couple, retired
from the world, spend their evening
days and whole savings in such acts Of
charity. Large tubs full Of water are
placed outside the cottage for cattle and
other beasts.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
ONE BY ONE.

Though from the boughs to which they've
long been ~clinging,
The autumn leaves are dropping one by
one,
Yet from their dust, new forms of beauty
springing,
Shall smile again in summers gentle sun.
Though one by one the pearly drops of morn
ing.
From dropping flowers, on viewless pinionS
rise,
Wen see them yet the gorgeous clouds adorn-
ing
With glowing arches of celestial dyes.
Though one by one the stars are fading
slowly
That all night long kept vigil i'll the sky,
The distant mountain peaks, like prophets
holy.
Proclaim that mornings light and song are
nigh.
Though with slow step goes forth the sower
weeping,
And on earth'S lap his precious treasure
leaves,
Yet comes the harvest. with its joyous reap
ing,
When shall be gathered home the ripened
shcavcS.
Though one by one the friends we fondly
cherish
Withdraw from ours, the cold and tremb-
ling hand,
And leave us Sorrowful, they do not perish
They yet shall greet lis i'll a fairer land
Yes, from all climes, whcre'er the faithful
slumber
Meath scorching suns, or Arctic snow and
frost,
Stainless they'll rise, in myriads without
number:
All, all, shall meet-therc shall not ono he
lest.
Chambers Journal.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
A Cure for the Sparrow Pest.

Sparrows were introduced from Eng
land for the purpose of destroying the
vermin, but it has been determined that
the remedy is worse than the pest, and
a resolution is made to get rid of the
birds, but how to do it has not been fully
determined. Perhaps it will be il good
plan to introduce the mouse-eating
spider, for it is exceedingly fond Of
small birds, and is rs artful as a fox in
catching them. This formidable insect
is found in Bahia, a maritime province of
Brazil. Its body, which is covered with
hair, is three inches in length, and it is
about as big as a cheese plate. 1t feeds
on mice, grasshoppers, and small birds,
which it catches by springing suddenly
upon them from ambush in the hollow
of a tree or beneath Il large leaf. In
captivity it is fed chiefly on Il large kind
of cockroach, but would not object to
our smaller ~cockroaches, and in Kidding
the land of them would accomplish
another good work. 1t is probable that
a few upon q farm would very soon rid
the premises of meadow moles, mice,
and if not too abundant. stop the raids
of grasshoppers. There is a large wasp
that NAV be introduced later to kill Of
the spiders. The tarantula of Mexico
and Texas falls into insigniticancc when
placed beside this hero of the Brazilian
Yyibuue- fnImer.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
The FISH AuctiOneer in Holland.

One of the sights of Holland to be
seen by the stranger is the method of
handling fish. AS soon as q boatman
reaches port with q load Of fish the fact
is announced by the sounding of a gong.
Those desiring to make purchases repair
to the beach, where the fish are piled up
in little leaps. The owner then proceeds
to auction them off. Instead Of letting
the purchasers do the bidding, asi done
in this country, he does it himself. lie
sings out a price at which he will sell the
lot. If no orc takes it he lowers his
asking price till within what the pur-
chascrs arc willing to pay. In Antwerp
the same custom prevails, the only differ
ence being that the fish are brought
alongside the docks in the boats, ere
then hoisted upon the wharf in large
wicker baskets, having open work sides,
so that the fish can be seen by the pur-
chascrs.-Frsh Journal.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
The Whole CONGREGATION Asleep.

Henry Ward Beecher is evidently not
blind to the fact that the members IF his
congregation sometimes give themselves
up to tired natures sweet restorer. Here
is q good story that proves it, from his
own lips: IA regiment of lumbermcn,
big, tall fellows, six.foot-five, from
Maine, were passing through Brooklyn in
1862. There were about 1, 900 in all and
l marched them up to Plymouth church,
invited them in, and gave every man OF
them a whole seat with a cushion in it.
There they all sat with their knapsacks
on, and | got on the platform and began
to preach. My friends, its the only time
in my life 1 ever preached a whole con.
gregatlon to sleep"
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
The Camel's Love for Tobacco.

knowing what l do about camels, says
a Soudan letter to the London Times, l
fear the brutes will do as much for us as
the Nile whaleboats in the way OF MAIN
ing and invaliding Jul men. Perhaps 1
am prejudiced against camels, for being
a n~on-smoker myself I have just dis
covered my camel is an inveterate lover
of the weed. Let any one smoke a pipe,
cigar or cigarette in the compound called
stables and the camel will follow the
smoker about, place his nose close to
the burning tabacco. inhale the fumes
with a prolonged sniff, swallowing the
smoke, then throwing his head up, with
mouth agape and eyes upturned, show
inc the blood-shot whites, will grunt a
SIGH of ecstasy that would make the for
u n of a low comedian in a love scene.
This is the plain, unvarnished fact, easy
of confederation.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
Shaving Hats.

Zone of the hardest posts in a hat
factory" said Il boss hat maker, yester-
day, lis that of a shaver. Few people
know that there is such a person in a
hat factory; but there is, and his work
is as important as it is difficult. lie is
armed with a thin, narrow-bladed knife,
twelve inches long, and as sharp as steel
can possibly be made, in which condi-
ton it must be kept at all times. The
hat body comes to the shaver in its raw
condition. 1t is in the shape ola V. and
is covered with short, fine hair, and per
fectly dry. The hat body Is placed over
the knee cap of the man, who IS toshave
it with the point up. The knife is then
taken in the right hand, and, with the
edge from the body, is drawn back and
forward with such quickness that you
would wonder that an arm could be
moved so fast. In the meantime, great
care must be taken, as the least pressure
of the edge Of the knife cuts the hat, and
it is spoiled.
"In the factories where nothing but
first class goods are made these cut hats
are thrown on the hands of the work
men, but in others the workmen lose only
about one-half of the value of the hats
and the firm sells it to some s~econd-class
manufacturer. The only difference is
that a smal!cr-s sized hat is made, the
body being first worked over, so that the
top point is drawn away from the cut I'M
til the latter is about midway between
the top and the outer edge, after which
the hat is made up in the usual way.
Hats made IN this way from bodies
which were intended for the highest
priced hats can be sold for about half
price, and also be of the best material.
A number of retail houses who sell low
priced goods deal in these hats.
"When the knives arc worn down by
constant sharpening, the workman takes
them home for use in his kitchen, and
they are without doubt the finest knife
ever made for such use. The blade be
ing so thin, its own weight will almost
take a slice from a loaf of bread, and the
thinness of q slice Of roast beef which 1t
shavcs oil would make your mouth water.
The only trouble is that whenever the
edge touches q bone, or other hard SUBJ
stance, it is denied or bent. The edge
Of one of these knives would make
BARRIERS razor blush. "-NeU York SHn.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
An Every Day Occurrence.

Once upon a time a Donkey fell into a
deep hole, and, after nearly starving,
caught sight of a passing Fox, and I'M
plored the stranger to help him out.
IL am too small to aid you," said the
Fox, "but l will give you some good ad-
vice. Only a few rods away is a big,
strong elephant. Call to him and he
will get you out in a jiffy."
After the Fox had gone the Donkey
thus reasoned to himself: IL am very
weak for want of nourishment. Every
move l make is Just so much ad-
ditional loss of strength. If raise my
voice to call the elephant l shall be
weaker yet. No, l will not waste my
substance that way. 1t is the duty of
the elephant to come without calling"
So the Donkey settled himself back
and eventually starved to death.
Long afterwards the Fox on passing
the hole saw within it a whitening skele.
ton, and remarked: al it be true that
| the souls of animals are transmigrated
into men, that Donkey will become one
of those merchants who can never afford
to advertise. "-Phtadelphm Cal.
The first lucifer match was made in
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21

sCnser Wilhelm" the German en-
pcror, is as implacable a martinez in all
military service matters as was either
Frederick the Great or his father. 1t is
a fact that last May he seriously threat.
cncd to bring the Grand Duke of Hessc
before q court martial for having in
fringed the rules of the German army by
prcsuming to marry without having pre-
v~iously obtained permission, and he
vows that he will never be rcconciled to
the grand duke divorce or no divorce
for having made this m%organatic mar
rage.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
An Interesting Account.
Stone In the Bladder Expelled by Usink
DR.. Kennedy's t.FAVORITE REMEDY"

Stone In tho Bladder Expelled by Usin1
DR.. Kounedy's "FAVORITE REMEDY"
Mr.. s. W. Hicks, of Pleasant Valley,
Dutchess Co., N. Y, the son Of Mr.. E. g.
Hicks, whose name may have appeared IN
this journal in connection with an article
similar to this, was, like his father, afflicted
with Stone in the Bladder, only that his case
was more serious than his fathers. On tho
appearance Of the disease the father advised
the son to write to Dr.. David Kennedy, OF
Rondout, N. Y, who, he said, would tell him
what to do. DR.. Kennedy replied, suggest.
ing the use of "Kennedy's Favorite RENE
dy," which had worked so successfully in tbs
fathers case. Mr.. Hicks, who had. been
assured By the local physicians that they
could do nothing more for him, tried ''Bavor.
tie Remedy at a venture. After two weeh1
use Of it be passed a stone q Of an inch long
and Of the thickness of a pipe-stem. Since
then be has had no symptoms Of the return
Of the trouble. Here Is a sick man healed.
What better results could have been
pectedl What greater benefit could medical
science confer7 The end wa gained; that
surely enough. DR.. Kennedy assures the
public, by a reputation which he cannot at
ford to forfeit or imperl, that the "Fayorite
Remedy does invigorate the Blood, cures
Liver, Kidney and Bladder complaints, as
well as all those diseases and weaknesses Pc
culiar to females. CDR. Kennedy's Favoftto
Remedy" for sale by all druggists.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
Battle of the Roses.

In the twelfth century a popular festi-
val was held at Treviso, in Italy, in
which roses had much work to do. In
the center of the city the inhabitants
erected a castle, the walls of which were
composed of carpets, curtains and hang
ings. This fortress was attacked by the
noble youths of the place, and defended
by the noble maidens. The weapons OF
attack and defense consisted Of fruit and
flowers, but chiefly of roses, while syrin,
ges, charged with rose-watcr, or other
liquid perfumes, scattered destruction
amongst the foe. 1t is said that the En-
pcror Frederic Barbarossa enjoyed this
siege greatly-perhaps more than any Of
his other campaigns Quirer.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
.1laryland, my Marylan~
80 Pretty Wives,
Yovaly daughters and noble man.s

Lovely daughters and noble men,
INV farm Lies In a rather low and mias
matte situation, and
my wifel"
"Who7'
"Was a very pretty blonde"
Twenty years ago became
"SallowTn
'Hollow-eyedl"
"Withered and agedT
Before her time, from
"Halarial vapors, though she . NJ
particular complaint, not being OF the
grumpy kind, yet causing me great unsas
ness.
"a short time ago I purchased your rem
edy for one of the children, who had a very
severe attack of b~iliousness, and It occurred
to me that the remedy might help my wife
as I found that our little girl upon recovery
had
"Lostr'
Her sallowness, and looked as fresh as q
new blown daisy. Well, the story is soou
told. My wife, to-day. has gained her old
timed beauty with compound interest, and
Is now as handsome a matron III I do say Il
mysel1 as can be found in this county, which
Is noted for pretty women. And I have only
Hop Bitters to thank for it.
"The dear creature just looked owe my
shoulder, and says, I can latter equal ID
the days Of our courtship,' and that reminds
me there might be more pretty wiucs II my
brother farmers would do as I have done.'
Hoping you may long Be spared to do good
Thankfully remain,
G. L. JAMES,
BEITsv1LLE, Prince George Co., Md, |
May 90 1883.
The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1885-01-21
Merely Her Beau.

"No, ma'amm exclaimed the pro-
voked Young man to a young lady, who,
on the refusal of her favorite, had asked
him to accompany her to a party; 81
don't play second fiddle 20 any one"
"No one asked you to play second
fiddle" replied the girl, with q smile;
81 only asked you to be my beau"