davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13
A fearful Decision.

A Cabbage which had arrived at
Respectable Dimensions began brag
ging about the size of its head, when
a Boss Watermelon raised its Voice in
Dispute. The Hubbard Squash chin.
ed in for first place, and Pumpkin
Roared out that it wouldn't play sec.
ond fiddle to no Vegetable on earth.
They were having it not and heavy,
when along came a Philosopher, and
he was asked to decide which had the
Largest Head.
"As to the Head" he replied, that
is matter to be settled by Tape
line Any of you measure ten times
the size of this little Onion, but when
YOU come down TO what's under the
Uranium that's -ah-a--ah different
thing. and you will please lend me a
Handkerchief while l Weep"
MORAL: He who judges man by
the Size of his Head, will find him all
Hat as often as all Brains. Detroit
FIRES Press.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13
PRICE THREE CENTS
African Forests.

In travelling through the great for-
ests of the Rocky Mountains, or Of all
the Western States, the broken branch
es and fallen trunks strewing the
ground breast high with all sorts of
decaying litter frequently make loco
motion impossible. To attempt to
ride through these Western for
ests, with their mesh work of inter-
locked branches and decaying trunks,
is often out of the question, and one
has to dismount and drag his horse
after him as if he were clambering
through woodward. But in an At
rican forest not fallen branch is
seen. One is struck at first at GER
tain clean look about the great forests
of the interior, a novel and unaccount-
able cleanness, as if the forest bed
were carefully swept and busted daily
by unseen elves. And so, indeed, it
is. Scavengers of hundred kinds re-
move decaying animal maSter-from
the carcass of the fallen elephant to
the broken wing of gnat-eating it
or carrying it out of sight and bury
ing it in the deodorizing earth. And
the countless millions of termites per-
form similar function for the veg
etable world, making away with all
plants and trees, all the stems, twigs
and tissues, the moment the finger Of
decay strikes the signal. Constantly
in these woods one comes across what
appear to be sticks and branches and
bundles of fagots, but when closely
examined they are seen to be mere
casts in mud.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13
Trades for American BOYS.

The trades in our country, of late
years, have been almost monopolized by
foreigners. The American boy, how
ever, when he does take a trade. goes
straight on to the top of the ladder
1t seems as if our boys would rather
be fourth-rate lawyers, or physicians,
than earn their living by working
with their hands. Only the other day
l read in a New York newspaper of a
young lawyer in distant city, whom
l knew some years ago when resided
in that section of the country, who
literally starved to death. He made
scarcely any money, was too proud to
tell his want. lived as long as he could
on crackers and water, and was found
one day in his Office, dead from lack of
nourishment. He should never have
entered the legal profession, for he
had no ability in that direction. AS
a farmer or a mechanic he might have
lived long, useful, and successful
life.
No boy, of course, should enter a
trade unless he feels himself fitted for
it; but. on the other hand, he should
not, it seems to me, let the false pride
against manual labor which now
prevails to such a wide extent in our
country, prevent him from endeavor-
ing to do better work with his hands
than in his inmost thoughts he knows
that he can do with his head.-Georgs
J. Manson in 81. Nicholas.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13
A Fishline from Seaweed.

One variety of seaweed found on
the European coast is known as Lucky
Minney's lines. The arms, or tronds,
grow to length of forty feet. When
outer bark and gelatinous filaments
are removed the frond is found to be
composed of single filament like a
thread of silk, that grows in a coil,
forming tube, the edges of the fila
ment adhering to each other. This
is uncoiled by the coast people, and
when braided up in four-ply cord
makes a fish line of extraordinary
strength.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13
Novel Chicken Feed,

A novel use. says an eastern paper,
is being made of oyster shells by a
Hartford, Conn.,, man, who is coming
money in his new enterprise. The
shells are placed in a patented mill
and ground. 1t has capacity of five
tons day. BY an ingenious arrange
ment sieves are kept at work assort-
ing the dust into fine, course, and in
sufficiently treated. The fine and the
course are taken by elevator belts to
the floor below, where through canvas
chutes, regulated by wooden slides,
barrels are rapidly filled. The product
is sold for chicken-feed. Twenty tons
and more are sent yearly to San Fran
cisco, orders are filed from western
states. and Bermuda and the Sandwich
islands have been supplied.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13
The Tomato in America.

A good many years ago man who
had recently arrived from the Bermu-
da island was sent to York county
( penn. Jail for some offense commit
ted against the laws of the common
wealth. He had with him few seeds
which he planted in the rich soil of
the Jail yard. Before the plants which
sprang from the seed reached matu-
rity, he was discharged, and no one
knew the nature of them. They grew
luxuriantly, bearing fruit of large size
and unusual appearance. AS this
strange fruit ripened, its color changed
from green to brilliant red, and be-
came an object of wonder and admira-
tion to all the inmates of the jail.
Mrs. Klinefelter, the lady keeper, cau-
toned all the prisoners against eating
any of the fruit, as she was sure it
was poisonous. but planted some of
the seed as she desired to preserve
specimens of it for him should he re-
turn in time. Just when the fruit
was fully matured the Bermuda pris-
oner revisited the Jail and asked to see
the plant. This request granted, he
next called for pepper, salt and vine
gar, and to the horror of the good lady
commenced to eat of the supposed
poisonous fruit with a relish that
astonished the beholders. After en-
joying the strange repast, he informed
Mrs. X. that the fruit or vegetable
was the tomato, or love apple, and it
would be found wholesome and nutri-
tious. The seed of the remaining to-
matoes was carefully preserved and
distributed among the friends and
neighbors of the lady, and thus this
new popular esculent was introduced
into the ancient and goodly borough
of York. For many years thereafter
it was cultivated as an ornament
rather than for table use, but by
degrees its merits began to be more
fully understood and appreciated, and
there, as elsewhere, it grew into gen.
eral public favor.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13
A Turnip Story,

A farmer was once told that his tur-
nip field had been robbed, and that
the robbery had been committed by a
poor, inoffensive man, by the name of
Palmer, who many of the people in
the village said had taken away wag-
on-load of turnips.
Farmer Brown much exasperated
by the loss of his turnips, determined
to prosecute poor Palmer with all the
severity of the law. With this inten-
tion he went to Mollie Sanders, the
washerwoman, who had been busy in
spreading the report, to know the
whole truth; but Mollie denied ever
having said anything about a wagon
load of turnips. 1t was but cart
load that Palmer had taken, and Dame
Hodson, the huckster, had told her SO
over and over again.
The farmer, hearing this, went to
Dame Hodson, who said that Molly
Sanders was always making things out
worse than they really were, that Pal
mer had taken only wheel-barrow
load of turnips, and that she had her
account from jenkins, the tailor.
Away went the farmer to jenkins,
the tailor, who stoutly denied the ac-
count altogether; he had only told
Dame Hodson that Palmer had pulled
up several turnips. but how many he
could not tell, for that he did not see
himself, but was told it by Tom
Slack, the plowman.
Wondering where this would end,
Farmer Brown next questioned Tom
Slack, who, in his turn, declared he
had never said word about seeing
Palmer pull up several turnips; he
only said that he had heard say that
Palmer had pulled up a turnip, and
Barnes barber, was the person who
had told him about it.
The farmer almost out of patience
at this account, hurried on to Barnes
the barber, who wondered much that
people should find pleasure in spread
ing idle tales which have no truth
He assured the farmer all he had said
about the matter, while he took of
the beard of Tom Slack, was that, tol
all he knew, Palmer was as likely 8
man to pull up tuI nip as any of his
neiphbOrs,
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13

acceptance He made his way to st
Albans. Vt, and was arrested there
on an old charge and taken to Auburn.
From thence he made his escape by
softening the stonework around the
bars of his cell with some chemical.
Then he was captured and taken to
Sing Sing, and served out a sentence
for burglary"
1t was only week or ten days ago
this expert burglar was again sem
fenced to Imprisonment for theft.
He pleaded, with tears in his eyes,
that it had been committed in order to
save his wife and children from starv-
alton. Had he chosen to live hon
estly he might now have been worth
thousands of dollars.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13
A Lesson in Language.

Little Girl--''PleaSe, ma, may have
a egg?"
Ma--"Don't say egg; say an egg"
L. G.-"Can Ihave neg?"
M.-"That i-n' right
L. 6 desperately PLEASE, ma, can
I have an hegg ?"--FTse Press.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13
The Night Is Still.

The night 10 still, the moon looks kind,
The dew hang jewels in the heath,
An Ivy climbs across thy blind
And throws light and misty wreath.
The dew hangs jewels in the heath,
Buds bloom for which the bee has pined;
hasie along, quicker breathe,
The night is still, the moon looks kind.
Buds bloom for which the bee has pined,
The primrose slips its jealous sheath,
As up the ilowcr-watched path wind
And como thy window-ledge beneath.
The primrose slips its jealous sheath
Then open wide that churlish blind,
And kiss mo through the ivy wreath
The night is still, the moon looks kind.
Edith NJ. Thomas in the Century.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13

A western paper asserts that there
is no reason for believing that the de-
feated candidates for the presidency
have had stronger physical constitu-
tion or better health than those who
were elected, yet of the seven Presi-
dents who have held the office in the
last 2Syears five are dead; two-Haycs
and Arthur are alive; while Of the
seven candidates for the different
terms in those 2S years five-Fremont.
Mcclellan, Seymour, Tilden. and Han
cock-are alive, and only two-Doug-
las and Greeley--are dead. Two of
the Presidents died by assassination,
but as that was even more directly
in consequence of their holding the
office, it strengthens the proof. If we
go back of this period we find that
the defeated candidates for the Presi-
dency survived the successful ones.
Van Buren, died twenty-one years
after Harrison, though but nine years
younger. Clay. though a much
younger man than Polk, survived him
five years, aud though only ten years
younger than Jackson survived him
twenty-three years. Cass was only
two years younger than Taylor, but
died sixteen years after him, while
Gen. Scott. though eighteen years OIL
der than Pierce, survived him three
years. SO that unless there is some
other known cause 10 account for these
discrepancies the most reasonable con
clusion is either that the Presiden-
tial Office is not conducive TO longevity
or that all, or nearly all, the defeated
candidates, as compared with their
successful opponents. happened to b
;nen of unusual vigor and vitality.
There is no reason for suppoSing tha
this is the case.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13

oners urgent request to pass a few
days with him. Their mutual liking
increased upon better acquaintance,
and in few weeks the White Phan-
TOMS ring, inscribed with the names
of Merritt Hill and Laura Lawrence,
served as a sacred symbol of their
uniOn for life.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13
Gbe Londonderry Sitter.

AN INDEPENDENT REPUBLICAN NEWSPAPER,
ISSUED EVERY FRIDAY MORNING
PROM
SITTER offlce, So Londonderry, Vt.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13
S. D. CURTIS,
LIVERY STABLES
so. LONDONDERRY, Vt.

Horses an Carriages at all hours. Persons
earned TO oil surrounding points upon arrival
oftrsins. Special accommodations TO excur-
zion parties. Good teams and attentive dIi-
sen. II
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1885-08-13

MHEntered at the Post office at South
Londonderry, as :econd-c ass matter.
Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1885-12-11
guido Fll -gHlIt 7nASFIj IJHl2Bls

Avoid the delay, inconye-
nience, incomplete Il sort
ments and the crowds Incl
dent to awaiting a few days
before Christmas and make
your purchases now, while
all goods are new, fresh, clean
and desirable. Bundles and
parcels will be kept marked
and delivered at the conve-
nience Of purchasers. I'm
eXceptionable facilities for
the transaction of q large
business.
To facilitate the selections
Of those doubtful ones On
Christmas thoughts intent,
we catalogue a few Of our
special attractions, each and
every one being a tempting
bargain. and would make
most acceptable Christmas
presents. TO lend addition
al attraction to the already
attractive Christmas GIFTS,
all purchases in Handker-
chiefs, Hosiery and Gloves
will be put up in neat, tasty
boxes, free Of charge, which
were bought especially for
our Holiday trade.
Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1885-12-11
arried.


Mr. T. Price Gray, Jr., we'll known
young resident of Mani .moy section, was m n
ried at an early hour on Tuesday moraing last
to Mss Jose phene c Gray, at the Chapei III
lower Noniemoy BY the Rev. ThoS /. Tongue,
in the presence of a number Of their friends ami
relatives Immedia els after the cerewony the
newly welded couple took the steamer tor
Washington for 4 short wedding tour, alter
which the, will return to their residence III
Naniemov The bride $ a deservedIy popular
and highly cuItered young lady, and IS well
known and highly esteemed throu2 hout the
section in which she has alwa resided. Ahe
is a daughter Of the late Jos. c. Gray ESD,
and sister Of our recently elect young Dem
ocratic commissioner from that section-Geo
W Gray We extend our sincere consratula-
tons to the welded pair and wish for them
married life full Of joy, peace and prosperity.
On the afternoon of the same day at the par
souage at La Plata, by the Rev. J. { Srdwick,
Capt. Thos. L. Twifocd the we'll known lumber
and coal dealer on Port Tobacco creek, was
united in marriage to Miss Lorena Davis. a
relative of Mr. b l.. Wheeler, our stove and
tinware dealer The ceremony was witnessed
by few invited trend, aud the CharmIng'H
modest d-:neinpr OF tn hushng and prett'
bride Was most avorably criticized, We tender
also to this happy couple our best wishes tor
peace flu and proSI erouS union aud long lie
in which % enjoy he blessings OF conjug"l
felicity.
Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1885-12-11
For Christmas.

Messrs Woodward & Lothrop, of Wash
irgton, gain u the front this "e-h Win
another announcement of the extensive and
handsome variety of goods they are now offer
ing, suitable tor Christmas presents or other
wise They annex in part list Of the goods
they are Offering with prices. and careful
to buy desirable presents at the least cost. They
are also most accommod ,tlny TO thrir custom
ers, and tie freedom of their store and packing
department is at all times open to their custom
ers while in the city. Give them call or
write to them and we guarantee full satisfaction
in every case.
Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1885-12-11
A Valuable Medical Treatise.

The edition for 1886 of the sterling Medical
Annual, known as Hostetter's Almanac, is
now ready, and may be obtained, free Of cost
of druggists and general country dealers in all
paris OF the United States Mexico, and indeed
in every civilized portion of the Western Hem
isphere. This Almanac has been issued regu
larly at the commencement Of every year for
over one-hflh of q century. 1t combines, with
the soundest practical advice for the preserva-
ton aud restoration Of health, large amount
of interesting and amusing light reading. asd
the calender, astronomical calculations. ehro-
noloeicai items. &c, are prepared with great
care, and will he found entirely accurate The
issue OF Hostetter's Almanac for s86 will prob
ably be the largest edition of medical work
ever published III any country. The proprie-
tors, M,ssrs. Hostetters 4 Co., Pittsburgh, Pa,
on receipt of two cent stamp, will iorw I'd a
copy by mail to any person who cxnnot pro-
cure onetn his neighborhood.
Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1885-12-11

rs it is impossible for'us to give an aCcu-
rate report of The numerous marriage GER
emonits which are being performed in the
various par's OF the couary at this ti'ae
without some assistance from the contract
ing parties or their friends, we would re-
quest that the names of the parties mar
ned the officiating minister and the piaCe
Of the ceremony be sent us that we may
give it place in our columns for the ben
eft OF their friends in other sections.
We received on Saturday a tastefully
gotten up invitation to the wedding OF
our old friend Clarke Lacey to Miss Ada,
daughter of Col. $ III. Childross, of Satar-
tia. Miss which occurred on Wednesday
last at the home of the brides father We
wish for Clarke and his happy bride al
tie JOY and prosperity that is usually al
lotted to man and trust that their union
may he a long and peaceful one, and in
this hope we are Joined by Ctarke's many
numerous friends in Old Charles.
Il begins to look AS if the Wednesday
Sociablss were about to drop out Of exist
cnce. These affairs were certainly very
pleas mt while they lasted and there Ia no
good reason why they should be discon-
tjuued. Fac dtts Of the next meeting
woald be he 10th inStan,, at "Ilawthorn'
the residence of Mrs. Mary J. Davis. As
business Of impor auCe is to he transacted
it is almost niece Sary thai there shou d be
a meeting So let lis ny to arrange for one
either there or sewhere
Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1885-12-11
local D.cyit3r>

q. .... 80.
"'s
MIR. iluutt csn;ir @rs sa".t e. Improve
The 'NfN.inH mon 81 'H' '"".'1 i-.'r
oE Mr.. " y .+>eA ''.i ~ &c.,.
Ice ~ considerable Thickness ..ru,.l In
nc ,'s'"s ~" i.'."s 50 '.'1 '.'''
N''"'
sect zrsj Iron j. laytEvsa., IS q. rtyru.5ss
# fever.
Tues3ry W. aao Ter emp -t.ve +
qIi,t day in town, there hg'rg Gat les
visitors her.
u r.. ....-.-.t.. .......,.....s..;...,
i .'-..,,..,ar VI. -, -.
Ger resigned.
.,.,...-:-...,-.
=, - : -. -,
~ '9 80
III A'''' III ." ''''S
\ !" d 'Nss - sa"| h.Ir .'>' az
- -
a '''''
W " Nuseh,tte a.. e,cgrcl quarters
Tor himself AMI bril- IL MaE.l,ul EIa al
10 ,uuapo j., ;8r th- wIatgr-
w learn th.t Connse inr 't4r'es y
Uaghert have decided Not = cary the
case = the Court 81 Appsa4-
III. S.. r.,,:t.r-r, r,...-.4.~ r.
-, .I,.r.,t., an .,,.....i go, 90, -,
.....-.,.r.,. o., ,.. NJ.
l.,lrT,,t
g.,..-,.;- ,... &C.,, .,.t. y ,,t.,
- 80, -. -. -. .......t.... !.
u. ,..',..s ,..,.,.....,f. - 80 "a.
-
oGT merchants are now supplying them.
selves with tH is'mss mtrCU1udls". .I.1
i've mn. r.rr,.
pr Aa'i5'" ! AHii, 'i!'s' -" ~ we
lake y .'i'"e' y ""''' ,''''' 80 rs ''''.F
near '''t'"h lAs' Su"d'E' ne US ~
o"u' 81 years q age
fthe i,le, las not .lfe.tv occurred q
Il en- We would -u-g,,t to isrryr- ra.J 1t
: Al ont time for them 10 get ih,.s .ce
houses il order tor this Years crop.
-, ,-,.-....,.--.-- .,..-...,
Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1885-12-11
"What shall we do with our Daugh.
tePsf'

This question is asked by well-known lady
lecturer Well, We can do a great many ihiHes
with them; one thing. we must take good care
Of their health, and not let them run down and
become enfeehle1 For the feminine ailments.
which may be summed up in one word-debiI-
ity, we have sovereign remedy in Brown $
Iron Bitters, which has dons much good
Miss Mary Greenfield, Of Galatia, III :, writes,
Browns Iron Bitters ed me of nervousness.
indigestion and general poor health" Let
the other young ladies take the hint
Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1885-12-11
The Largest Yet

We have noticed heretofore some large
turnps left with us by Messrs. Cox. Jr,, and
J. G Chapman. Jr., which we thought to hr
quite mammon,h and so recorded. But now
Dr.. A. D. Cobe. comes 10 the trout with a par
which far eclipse ans so far received or heard
fir, m Dr. Cehe, S are Of the Purple ODE
variety, and the two lett with u: have net
weight of III pounds, ard the largest measures
295 inches in CIR umfereHce and the other is
not far behind it. They are really Jumbo
vegetables and we DO not think can be beaten
ia this section. DR.. Cobey is, 50 far as heard
from, eatitled to the II e !al for large turnips
Next
Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1885-12-11

after the luxurious in Mems and Boys
Clothing can here be as we'll rived as
the searcher after the merely service
able, while in our enormous assert
ment Of Novel Shapes and Styles both
are certain to be pleased. The repu-
tation Of our house for Elegance OF
Style and Perfection of fit, together
with lowness Of prices is guarantee
at all times Of perfect satisfaction.
The great Surprise of the Season is
undoubtedly the unexpectedly cheap
prices for goods universally acknowl-
edged the best in the market.
W eau fit the Boy y years old, as
well as The man Of Weight 900 lbs. }
Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1885-12-11
LOCAL Nj ATTERS {:

s@- The Subscription price OF The
TINES is 81. per annum # pald IN
adrunre or at any time 'cithln the cur-
rent gear; if not paid within the gear
$1.5O wiH be incariab2y charged, a
elways Aeretof"re, and from this ruIe
no exception auHl be made.