The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1886-06-03
Social Party-CroDS.

The farmers had planted and replant-
ed, for there had been long dry spell,
and the stands of cotton and corn, with
but few exceptions has been rather
bad. But the time for replanting has
past and every energy of the farmer
has been directed to the cultivation of
what of the crop is up. On Wednes-
day night, the 10Th instant, a very
heavy rain storm terminated the
drouth, and many a grateful heart
throbbed with unspoken thankfulness
for the timely shower. There has not
been much grass, and the invigorated
plants are now pushing upward more
rapidly.
The usual monotonous routine OF the
farmers busy life was suspended on
Saturday, the 22nd instant, by six or
eight neighboring families, for the pur-
pose of enjoying social party, in front
of the residence of Mr.. Wade Eyans-a
location well shaded by towering pines,
interspersed with many large and
beautiful oaks, the GOODNESS of its shade,
the freshness and purity of its atmos-
spere and the composing influence Of
its quiet scenery, making it fit and
inviting site for rural recreation and
social enjoyment. For one day the
plow was laid aside, the sewing ma
cnine and stove forsaken, and little
boxes and baskets were packed, and
little faces wore bright and happy
smiles in anticipations of the rural
pleasures of the day. Fathers with
their danes and damsels, boys and babes,
and young men, deserted their homes
to attend the sylvan feast. At 10
o'clock the Hatties, Sallies, Lulas,
Rosas, Maggies, Mollies, Doras, Armies,
Carries, Nlatties, Agneses and .Alices
were upon the ground; and among
these flowers was an eXotic-a beauti-
full Fairy-not a NEUROLOGICAL fairy,
but real live" Fairy.
While the elder folks exhausted the
usual topics embracing agriculture,
horticulture, the weather and chickens,
the younger folks, in groups here and
there, enjoyed the games usually
played on such occasions. at little
distance from the main crowd an in
teresting scene was being enacted.
There was very dininutive lake, on
its placid bosom rickety canoe tloated,
in which ladies and gentlemen were
riding. About IL o'clock the canoe
landed, the ladies disembarked, the
Kirton fell, and the play was at an end.
But at some distance from scene No.
l, the curtain rose on another very
interesting scene, viz: Il long table,
the unpacking of the aforementioned
boxes and baskets, and the replenish-
ing Of the table with the most delicious
well we have already succeeded in
discussing the items Of that subject.
suffice it to say new game began-the
play of the elbow and mandibleS. One
young lady thinking that the young
gentleman who praised the superior
eXcellency of her cake was only tlattGr-
ing her, only becamed convinced that
he meant what he said after he had
generously eaten eight slices. Some
how, after this game. we felt like big
ger folks. Jokes and anecdotes were
in order, and the diaphragm was yigor-
ouSly convulSed for while. at alater
hour the amusements of the young
rivited the attention of the older folks,
and our memories reverted to the past,
when we had been children and young
men and young ladies, and / was
almost tempted to wish I was young
again, when I glanced across the
grounds and saw Mrs. Mudelta looking
curiously at me; and 1 wondered what
she was thinking about-was she
thinking about the past too?-and we
did not envy the young folks when We
thought that we were more blessed
than they; because they can only enjoy
the present while we enjoy the present
and the past. And when we look back
at the bright oases Of our youth and
early manhood and womanhood truly
distance lends enchantment to the
view"
The day was enjoyed by all. The
domestic tolls and cares which make
up the wear and tear of life were laid
aside for a few hours, and the social
intercourse of the day sent the blood
thrilling more warmly and charitably
through the, heart of each one on his or
her return home. MUDELTA.
Dantzler, S. c., May %, 1886.
Colleges Continued.
Free tuition is the only and soul
na1lce of comnlaint on the mart of the