davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30
PRACTICE or oBEAHlsN..
Correspondents Story of a Wonderful
Plant Found in Hayti.

A correspondent writes from Hayti
that the inhabitants of the mountains
back of Aux Cages and in the interior of
the island, and few residents of the
town itself, still believe in Obeahism and
practise its monstrous rites. They have
their temples among the mountain fast
nesses in impenetrable thicke.s which
none but themselves would dare TO enter.
Part of their superstition is the eating of
children, whom they steal wherever they
can find them for the purpose of sacri-
flee. 1T each service in a temple the
priest appoints a certain person TO bring
a child for sacrifice at the next meeting,
and the person fears to disobey lest he
should incur the wrath of ODE.
According to the correspondent. one of
the modes of procuring children is for
woman to go To town Ostensibly to sell
something, and as soon as she sees a
nice plump infant, she makes some ex-
cuse to touch il with her hand, on which
has been rubbed the juice of plant
known only 10 the Obeahs) that has the
apparent effect of causing its death.
When the child is buried the Obeahs,
who keep watch of what is going on,
dig it up, carry it to the mountains, and
apply another plant which removes
the stupor and restores the child
to life and health. Some extra
ordinary stories are told of the opera
tons of the Obeahs. A native negro of
Aux Cages having lost child in the
manner described, was suspicious of the
cause, and determined to guard the
grave. Putting four armed men in am
bush, he saw party of Obeahs disinter
the body at midnight and reanimate it
with the plant. They were about to go
off with it when the hidden men fired
upon and killed several of the robbers,
the grandmother of the child among
them. The infant grew up, and is to-
day handsome young woman at Aux
Cages.
The wonderful plant, il is asserted, is
often used for revenge. a man who
hated another used it upon him; he
seemed to die, and was buried. After
three days his enemy dfsinterred him,
and the effect Of the plant passing OFT
he regained consciousness and health,
but was deprived of speech and reason,
because his enemy was ignorant of the
counteracting plant. The unhappy
wretch was made a servant of his foe
and compelled to toll IN the fields until
an Obeah priest, who hated the master,
produced the antidote, and rendered the
man whole again. These stories are very
interesting, if true; but they need corrob
oration.-N. y Commercial Advertiser.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30

If any American youth has grown
tired of all our popular sports he might
undertake the introduction of game
which would certainly be novel in this
country, though it is very ancient
pastime. 1t is Burmese football. The
ball, about six inches in diameter, is of
woven wicker, light and elastic. The
number who may join in the game is
not limited. The point is to keep the
ball to the air as long as possible by
striking it with the foot or the knee.
without touching it with the hands or
letting it fall to the ground. A player
controls the ball as long as possible,
when either by an unskillful stroke or to
prevent it from falling to the ground, he
sends it to a neighbor, who juggles it as
long as possible. The game develops as
tonishing skill on the part of the play
ers, and travellers say it is an attractive
pastine. If adopted by the American
youth, the Burmese costume might have
to be slightly modified Buffalo Express.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30
AN EMPERoR's MODES OF LIFE.
Kaiser Williams Ways at Home-At the
Opera-Heoep tions.


Emperor William does not smoke nor
take snuff. Neither does he wear spec
tacles When reading or writing he uses
an eyeglass, although he does not wish
to admit that his sight is growing weak.
His majesty sleeps as soundly as the
healthiest of youths, and never takes a
rest during the course of the day. He
always receives standing up in his salon,
after having changed his old uniform for
a more correct one Should he receive a
prince who has conferred on him the
purely honorary command Of regiment
that bears his name his majesty always
wears the uniform of that particular
regiment. In this respect there is never
the slightest derogation from the rigid
rule of etiquette. Hence his Majesty has
frequently to change his uniform three
or four times within an hour or two.
The emperor was always distinguished
for his exquisite courtesy and gallantry.
And now, although nearly 80 years Of
age, he bestows on the empress the most
delicate attentions. He loves TO go and
spend an hour at the opera, which is
quite near, but he never disposes of his
time during the evenings without first
consulting the empress. Every evening
they take tea together, and the emperor is
never absent himself without having
first acquainted the empress of his inten-
ton and receiving her permission. 1t is
during dinner, which takes place at six
o'clock, that his majesty decides as to
how he shall spend the evening, These
dinners are of the simplest kind, never
more than three courses and the repast
rarely lasts more than half an hour.
When the emperor receives permission
to pass the evening in his own way, he
may be seen at the opera, not in the
grand reception box, which occupies all
the center of the hall, but in an avant-
scene OF the first story, where, near the
actors, he can see better and can catch
every word. The official box is filled
with chamberlains in grand tenue Of
fiCers in brilliant unifo TINS. and ladies of
the palace in gorgeous toilet, while the
emperor himself, in his plain uniform,
bows and smiles at the aristocratic ladies
and distinguished danes in the body of
the house. When the play is over, which
is generally a little after nine O'Clock,
his ma ieSty returns to the palace; he
takes a CUP of tea, and at ten O'Clock, if
more important receptions do not retain
him i'll the apartments Of the empress,
he retips to rest like a simple workman,
satisfied with his days toll, and ready 10
resume it again on the following morn
ing.-BroOklyn Magazine.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30

Is not this strain of the nervous sys-
TEN peculiarly American dangerf To
be sure, all workers in all countries
matte influences increase the tendency.
Under these influences we have devel-
Oped national characteristics. showing in
form and feature. We do things in a
hurry. We are in haste to get rich. We
are in haste to be wise. We have no
time for exercise We have no time for
play. Both exercise and play are by Sc
rious people often looked upon as a
waste of time for adults, however good
they may be for children and young peo-
pie. a boy must be man before his
time, and "A girl must be prifn and staid
and must not romp like her more fortll-
nate brothers, but must be a sober woman
after she enters her teens.
1t seems as if the battle of modern life
lat least of modern city life was a battle
OF the nerves. From nursery to school,
from school to college, or to work, the
strain of brain goes on, and strain of
nerves-scholarshi examinations, spec
ulations, promotions, eXcitements. slim
ulations, long hours of work, late hours
of rest jaded frames, weary brains,
Earring nerves all intensified by the ext
gencies of our school and city life" The
worst of the mischief is, that this strain
falls most of all upon those from nature
and circumstances least able to bear it
upon our women. Public opinion frowns
upon their exercising like men. Yet,
with nervous system more sensitive
than mans, they need the very exercises
(ouL-of-doors) which, by mistaken pub
lie sentiment, they are often forbidden
to take. The healthy house work is often
deputed to a servant either because toe
hard for our American girls or too much
beneath them. Professor Richards in
Popular Science Monthly.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30
Life Of a CANARY Bird.

There is no definite age to which can
aries live. have one over twenty years
old. 1t is exceptional for them to live
so long. They usually die under five
years, and the majority are killed by
carelessness. Dyspepsia from improper
food is the main cause. The natural
food is the seed that comes from the
native grass on the Canary Islands,
mixed with rape, or hemp seed at times.
The birds relish piece of lettuce, and it
seems TO agree with them. All other
green stuff and every other kind of food
should be prohibited. My bird hospital
is kept filled with birds sent TO me to be
cured of Indigestion induced by cake,
meat and other unnatural bird food.
They are so delicate that il is hard to
cure them when sick, but a careful use
of homeopathic remedies gives good re-
suits. Bird, do not take cold as easily a.
is thought, but after their digestion in
ruined they become we.E and a prey
every maladv.-N. y. Tn -..e.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30
Middle Seats in a Car Preferred.

A very common theme of conversation
hmong travellers is the question of
whether or not a car rides easier in the
middle than above the trucks. One of
bur railroad contemporaries some time
|igo published an article on the subject,
|nd took the ground that there could be
bo difference unless the sills and franz
ing of a car yielded like the buck board
bf a wagon. There is certainly no yield
ing to car sills and framing; yet every
bld traveller avoids the seats, and espec-
|ally the sleeping berths, above the
rucks, and old travellers generally know
what they are doing. If the party who
Insisted that there could be no difference
IN the motion in different parts of the
fame car had ever crossed the stormy
ocean in a moderately long steamer he
might have received some enlighten-
|ment, especially if sea-sickness urged
him to find the point of least motion. 1t
IS well known that there is less motion
than there is at the stem OF
stern, and less motion at the bottom of
the vessel than there is on deck. \ car
bets in similar way, Anything defec-
five about the track jerks the wheels,
which transmit the irregular motion to
the truck, and that in turn to the body of
fhe coach. World
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30
Division of Work and Rest.

The idea that wish 10 emphasize is a
a rational division of work and ret, the
most logical exemplitication of health
full cause and rapturous effect with which
am acquainted. A day 80 divided is a
day well spent. A life 80 divided is wise
obedience to law older than any human
statute. The more faithfully we live
within it the closer shall we come to a
divination of the mystery and the pur-
pose of being-"living pure, reverent,
patient, pititiful, loving all things which
live" and accepting what is with neither
vanity nor complaint. There is no rest
where discomfort corrodes the mind
Signor Max in Detroit Free Press.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30

The interspaCe between the mainland
the Asiatic continent is almost bridged
by closeset string of islands, leaving
not a single gap half as wide as the mar
row straight dividing Hayti from Cuba.
Two-tnirds of that chain is formed by
islands of such enormous size that their
flora and fauna might be supposed TO
have been gathered from the drifts of
thousand ocean currents Papua, BOr-
neo. Sumatra - the smallest of them
three times as large as the state Of Illinois
are all dcnsely covered with the finest
arboreal vegetation of the tropics. But
while Java. Sumatra and Borneo are
perfect geological gardens of nature,
Paqua, with the same climate and the
same grand forests, has the scantiest
fauna of any inhabitable region of the
earth. In Sumatra, for instance, there
are wild elephants, Malay bears, tigers,
! leopards, rhlnOceros, musk deer; elk, Ia
/ grisS, and not less than eleven different
species of monkeys. In Paqua there is
no quadrumanus animal of any kind, no
rhinoceros, no elephant, and not one of
the larger carnivora, not even a deer,
but only a wild pig, resembling degen-
crate variety or the domestic breed, a
small wildcat and various marsupials,
akin to our opOssums If the forests ever
harbored any larger game the natives
have preserved no records of the fact
/ though they have tradition that their
ancestors lived for ages in "a larger and
warmer country, western Australia,
perhaps whose droughts and famine At
last forced them to emigrate-Dr Felix
/ L. Oswald.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30


A HISTORIAN bishop was one of the
lions on exhibition at Washington early
in President Tyicrs adu abstraction.
Coming from country of which we
knew little, and to country to which
he and his countrymen were entire
strangers, ignorant of everything apper-
tanning TO our laws, customs, religion,
and in fine, even our name and lineage,
1t was by no means strange that he
should excite deep and lively interest
amongst the intelligent and learned of
our land. He received much kindness
and attention, and several parties were
made on his account. He pleased all,
and seemed pleased and gratifed with
the hospitality extended to him. His
appearance was entirely oriental, but he
well sustained the high and holy char
acter of the office which he filled.
The bishop was about five feet ten
inches high, well proportional, and wore
his beard long, with "A curling moustache
on the upper lip. His head was covered
with turban composed of a cashmere
shawl wound gracefully round his head
over a scarlet cap of a conical shape,
/
side. His outside garment was a black
silk gown with large flowing sleeves, and
underneath. not visible in front, was to
be seen "a silk dress of scarlet color, ex-
tending nearly as low as the bottom
of the outer dress. His complexion was
of dark olive. with jet black eyes, but
when in repose or animated atfording
the most agreeable and benevolent ex-
preston. He exhibited an antique Bible
i'll the Armenian language written be-
fore the art of printing was known, on
parchment and read and translated out
of the same. 1t was a beautiful speci-
men of chlrography, and illustrated with
marginal notes in red ink. He gave
illustrations of the manner of writing
the Armenian language to all the young
ladies who desired his autograph He
wrote from right to left, and used the
reed instead of the pen commonly used
with us, He had acquired sufficient
knowledge of the English language to
speak it with considerable ease, and so
as to make himself understood. Ben:
/ Perley Poore.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30
The ingredients of Fine Porcelain.

Considerable Importance is attached
by papers on the Pacific coast to the re-
cent discovery of feldspar and peginatite
in San Diego county, California These
two materials are the ingredients of fine
porcelain, and, as they have not hitherto
been found in this country IN suitable
quality and quantity for manufacturing
purposes, it is thought San Diego has a
bonanza in the production of first-class
ceramics. Chicago Times.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30
Alaska a Barren, Forsaken Land.

There is no agriculture, and never can
be. The soil Is shallow and covered with
moss from two TO three feet deep, which
holds the SNOW and ice far into the sum
mer. Neither vegetables nor cereals can
ever be grown in any part of Alaska. 1t
has no humber. From Vancouver island
TO Sitka there rs not log growing that
Is fit for the saw. The poor stunted
pines tina. cling 10 the hills are are only
fit for firewood. That it has valuable
minerals has been proved, but is it doubt
full whether the short seasons that work
is possible in will ever allow any ex-
tended development of its resources in
that direction. AS a region for pros
pectors n is the most barren, God-for-
saken country that ever a miner put his
foot upon.-Tourisss Letter.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30

If a stone has to be cut il is placed in
a matriX of lead attached to "a ferrule.
which, on cooling, holds the stone tight
Another stone is placed in a like manner
in another ferrule, and one diamond is
ground against the other, the tools being
held by the workmen over a small OBJ
long box, in which is placed seive,
through which the invaluable diamond
dust is sifted, TO be used up as a paste in
the process of polishing. Hour after
hour the patient craftsman rubs dia-
mond against diamond, now moistening
their heated surfaces, now heating the
matrix and turning another angle to the
top, which in its turn becomes a perfect
facet. When the required number of
facets are put on the stone is passed on
to the polisher.
Now steam power comes into play.
Every polsher sits before disc revolv-
ing on steel spindletipped with hgnum
vitiH, at "a rate uf Seventy-tive miles all
hour and resting on its smooth surface
are three or four clips; each holds a fer
rule, at the end of which is the matrix,
in which the diamond has again been
embedded. BY an adjusting screw the
facet, which is being polished, rests at u
certain angle on the the fabricated disc,
and every few minutes each one is lifted
off and examined, in order to see whether
it lis nearly DONE" OF show it is getting
on."-Pall Mall Gazette.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30
singular Experiment with IA Frog.

DR.. Burt G. Wilder, the professor of
Physiology at Cornell, has succeeded in
a singular experiment with the brain of
frog The entire cerebrum was re-
moved from the head more than six
months ago. but the creature was still
alive and apparently well when the pro
fessor exhibited it before the physicians
of the Tompkins County Medical society.
If undisturbed the frog lies for weeks
without motion, but 1t becomes active
when touched. When placed ON globe
that is slowly revolved it endeavors to
keep its position on top. 1t is fed by
forcing food into its throat, DR.. Wilder
will take it with him on his summer va
cation as an experimental pet.-New
York Tribune.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30

The battery | served with was firing
three-inch percussion bolts at the Con
federate line and doing no harm. One
of my comrades spoke to me across the
gun, saying: Grant and Meade are
over there, nodding his head to indi-
cate the direction in which / was 10 look.
/ turned my head and saw Grant and
Meade sitting side by side on the ground
under large tree. Both of them were
watching the fight which was going on
in the pasture field.
We ceased firing and sat on the ground
around the guns watching our general,
and the preparations that were being
made for another charge for a fresh
slaughter. Grant had cigar in his
mouth. His face was immovable and
expressionless. His eyes lacked luster
He sat quietly and watched the scene as
though he was an uninterested specta-
tor. Meade was nervous, and his hand
constantly sought his face, which it
stroked staff officers rode furiously up
and down the hill carrying orders and
information. Frank Wlkeson in New
York Star.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30
THE LOT OF THOUSANDS.

When hope lies dead within the heart,
BY secret sorrow long concealed,
We shrink lest looks or words inpart
What should not he revealed.
To speak when one would silent be,
Fo wake when one would wish to sleep,
And wake to agony.
Yet such the lot to thousands cast,
Who wander in this world of care,
Ind bend beneath its bitter blasts
To save them from despair.
Yet nature waits her guests to greet,
Where disappOintments can not come;
And time leads, with unerring feet,
The weary wanderer home.
Mrs Hunter
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30

In the village of Meyrin canton of
Geneva) some disused wells have been
Theoretically sealed to serve as haromet-
ers to the people. An oritice OF about
an inch in diameter is made in the cover
of the we'll, by which the internal air is
put in communication with the external.
When the air pressure outside diminishes
upon the approach Of a storm the air in
the well escapes and blows whistle in
connection with the oritice, and in this
way notice of storms approach is given
to the inhabitants If, on the contrary,
the pressure increases, different sound
is produced by the entry of the air into
the well, and the probability of fine
weather is announced Letter.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30
The Old Idea of Civilization.

The older civilized people, the Greeks
and Romans, loved city life; that was
their idea of civilization. People who
lived in the country We're rustics, and
quite on lower level Another name
they had for those who did not live in
cities, but in villages OF hamlets, was
pagan from the Latin pagus, a village.
The word afterwards came TO have
another sense. The ancient Germans
hated cities and loved TO live apart
Boston Budget.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30

| doubt if ever IA steamer leaves Liver
pool without carrying away passengers
in state of hopeless drunkenness. l
crossed not long ago on the City of Ber-
lin. When we We're four days out the
doctor came to me and said: well, he
is dead" Who" l asked THE man
with delirium tremens," said the doctor.
"He came aboard in lively condition;
he drank to the health of every person
who came to see him of; he obtained
wine surreptitiously after we had cut off
his liquid supplies, and in a couple of
days he was raving. I've had dozen
patients Of this same sort during the
year. S+asickness induces the delirium,
and they almost invariably die before
the end of the voyage" l went on deck
that night at II, and the passengers
body, sewn up in canvas was thrown
without word into the moonlit sea-
Commercial Advertiser
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30

Almost the last time he was in this
city, at a dinner party given i'll his
honor he told IA story that convulsed the
company: You remember the old
custom in Pennsylvania, ne said, "of
associate judges in the county courts,
were tigureheads, who were Supposed to
lend dignity to proceedings, rs they sat
one on each side of the presiding magis-
trate, and nodded their heads seepily
when he made point. They We're never
consulted, had no knowledge of law,
came from the ranks of justices and
notaries, and tried to look wise. One
day | asked one of them as he arduously
descended from the bench, if it did not
weary him to wade through his judicial
duties, and he replied that he was never
conscious of excessive fatigue. Well,
doesn't the presiding judge consult you?'
/ asked. Not very often, replied the
luminary, but he did once We had
been trying an important case all day
long, and it ran into the evening. Court
was not adjourned till 10 o'clock, and as
we arose the judge wearily turned to us
and exclaimed: Amt your Old backs
tired |"-ChicaSoC Cor. Cleveland Leader
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30

Lying just above the East Hartford
bridge the other day was a new craft
that attracted the attention Of all who
passed. Its base is very light cataInaran
with side boats about six inches broad.
Near the center is frame, and in the
center of the frame are two seats. The
rear seat is hike that of bicycle, and has
at proper distance regular bicycle
cranks. Between the cranks are two
heveled gears, and 10 the second is at
tached a long shaft, terminating in a
bright brass propeller wheel about
twenty inches in diameter. This wheel
can be raised or lowered 10 suit the
depth of water. In front of the bicycle
seat is AN iron standard with a handle
bar like that of bicycle, and attached
b the rudder. The front seat is not at
tached to the machinery, and is simply
for passenger. The little craft runs
very easily, and with no great exertion
can be made to go fully twice as fast as
an ordinary light rowboat - Hartford
Courant.
Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1886-07-30

There is a cave about four miles from
Houston, Tex, about 100 feet long, sixty
feet broad, and from four DO sixteen feet
in height, where numberless bats roost
by day. 1t is said that there are so many
that it takes them nearly an hour TO get
into the cave each morning, and in the
rush hundreds are killed. 1t is proposed
to form company to collect and utilize
bat skins.-Chicago Herald.