davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-05-14
Largest Birds Nest in the Work..

An article in Vide A,r0Ge about feath
cred giants which are now extinct tells
of the largest birds nest in the word
Several years ago the captain Of a trading
vessel made his way up a shallow river
that found its way down to the sea at the
southern extremity OF the island, and
there fell in with some native tribes that
rarely mingled with newcomers or
whites. Among the many curious OBJ,
iccts noticed by the captain and his men
about the native village were some dishes
that were used to hold water and food
of various kinds. They held about a
gallon of liquid, and wer4 round at the
cuds, so that they had to be propped up.
The captain asked why they did not
make them with bottoms so that they
would stand alone, when to his aston
ishmcnt he was informed that the vases
were not made by them but were eggs
and so it proved They were enor-
NOUS shells, capable when perfect of
holding over two gallons of water, or to
b. more accurate, equal by exact
mea urement to $50 hens eggs.
From the owners the captain learned
that the eggs came from a l-caIity not
far distant, and an expedition was formed
later that resulted in the finding not
only of the eggs but of the remains of
four distinct kinds of the enormous birds,
buried in vast sand heaps that had per-
haps blown over them and their nests.
Natives were hire |, and la~ge trenches
dug in vari us directions that exposed
m ny of the bones.
In one spot greet number of eggs
were uncOve,el, but they were mostly
broken; their being grouped together,
however, pointed to the belief that here
was the nest of the great Hpyornis,
probably the largest birds nest in the
world The sand was carefully worked
away and the g eat shells exposed, but
nearly all We damaged or cracked. aad
the sand had driftcd into them, making
one a good load for one man But the
nest was soon robbed, the workmen
marching off with the fl dI upon their
shoulders to d p sit them in Il place Of
safety Perfect ones in this country are
extremely rare, and are valued at $500
each.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-05-14
The Streets of Canton.

The streets of Canton are unique i'll
their way aud as picturesque as the Cairo
baZaars.
The winding alleys barely six feet
wide, are paved with blocks of granite,
and have been built WITHOUT regard to
regularity or uniformity, striking off into
and running away from each other at the
most unexpected junctures.
Canton is a city of shops, and over.
head are suspended Thousands of long,
narrow signboards, on which are in
scribed, in gold crimson, green, black,
white or brown Chinese characters, the
names of owners and their trades. These
shops give the street very showy as
pect, and make long vista of gaudy
coloring, underneath which swarm the
two and half millions of inhabitants,
surging through the narrow avenues in
way that makes one wonder that half
of them are not tramped under foot.
''As we were borne aloft in state in the
midst of this dense throng,n says a lady
who recently visited the city, "our APP
proach heralded by the loud cries of our
coolie-bearers bidding the natives make
way, and responded to by the peculiar,
shrill shrieks of the people unceremoni-
ously being hustled out of the way, l
had ample opportunity of observing my
novel surroundings, as varied and shift
ing as the combinations of kaleido-
scope, and far more entertaining.
'After leaving the suburbs $50 called,
but really part of Canton), we entered
the new city by an arched gateway, and
passed between high blank walls, each
side lined with stalls of fruit and sweet
meat sellers till we came to the loftier
and more important shops of the rich
merchant, which are perfect blzaars.
Usually one story is completely open
to the roof during the daytime, showing
gorgeous background of richly carved
and gilt woodwork, behinl which ex-
tends for a considerable distance the
warehouse and dwelling.
"Here are to be seen all the specialties
of Canton, each trade or business in its
own street or locality.
"We saw magnticently wrought crepe
shawls, rich embroideries on satin. silk
brocades, all hand work (nothing in
China il machine made), carved black
furniture, the finest ivory carvings in
the world, feather aud silk fans, Jade
stones and "a wealth of artistic work in Il
dozen other directions that would have
bewildered house-furnshing English
or American aesthetic.
THE cheap shops, with their hetero-
geneous and amazing wares, were most
amusing. They contained lanterns, clocks,
mirrors, bamboo blinds and baskets, mar
BILE slabs, shoes, caps, spectaces, arti-
fetal flowers, beads, tobacco, coffins and
joss-sticks, al displayed promiscuously
in preparation for the Chinese New Year,
the 18th of February
"At the end of each street is usually II
small joss altar, and always a heavy
wooden gateway. - Yoath's COmpaaion
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-05-14

Paper is about to monopolize another
branch of industry, which is no less
one than the making of gentlemen's
headgear. By new process of manipu-
lation, hats more serviceable and finer
than anything now on the market are
made of wood pulp They are impervi-
Gus to water and not wanting in flexi-
bility. 1t is believed that felt hats will
have to take back seat as soon as these
new hats can be placed on the market in
sufficient numbers to supply the demand.
They are certain to revolutiouize the
hatter's trade, as they can be nodded into
any shape Or style desired and colored to
meet the taste of the public. They can
be made to represent glossy or nappy
appearance.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-05-14
ISLAND POND VERMONT MAY "A, 1886.

and told him just how things stood. He
thought under the circumstances |
couldn't do better than dress up as a man
and go TO sea as a captain. He found me
a ship, and I've been skipper ever since.
And now no one is going to take my boy
away from me-
"HThat they amt, said good-hearled
Mr.. Bradley. who then kissed the boy
and shook hands with us all. In five
minutes he and his men were on their
way 10 the big clipper, and our skipper
with her arm aroun1 the boy, was leaning
against the taffrail waving her hand to
them.
"Now understood the captains lik.
ing for Mr.. Wood, our mate. She was
in love with him, and of course she was
little jealous of me. The whole mys-
terry about Captain Harris, as she called
herself, was accounted for.
''One evening some weeks afterward
when we were in the Indian Ocean, 1
glanced through the after cabin door and
what do you think saw? There sat our
mate, Mr.. Wood, by the side of our
skipper. She had her beard off, and [
noticed then that she had let her hair
grow In Mr. Woods lap sat the little
boy. She was looking tenderly at Mr..
Wood, and he was talking to the boy as
if he had made up his mind to be very
good to him-for his mothers sake. Then
| knew that it was al settled "-Neco
York Times.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-05-14
Jay Gould Taking Exercise.

The haste of commercial work in New
York is proyerbial, writes a correspond
ent of the Cincinnati EHYHircr. The
hours of business in the Wall street neigh
borhOod are only about five day, and
the utmost possible amount of labor is
crowded into them. But some of the
chief operators are busy overtime, Jay
Gould was one of these until lately. They
tell a story in his Office about his resolv-
ing. on the advice of his physician two
yelrs ago, to take exercise.
II don't wish You to exercise violent
ly," said the doctor; "all you need do is
to practice mild calisthonics an hour
every day
can right" said Gould; "show ME
exactly what to do,
'Therenpon the medical man instructed
the millionaire in variety Of movements,
such as licking and extending the arms
and legs, initiating the lungs and slowly
excluding the air, beating the chest with
the hands, and bending he body side
ways and backwards. Next day, when
his brokerage partners, Conner and Mo
rosini, looked into hls private olice,
where he sat at his desk .e'd ng letters
fl ON the mornings mai, they We're as
founded at the sight. Guuld was going
through series of contortions that iudi-
Gated nothing less than raying madness.
His eyes W ere on the manuscript Of Il long
epistle, and he seemed to be inteutly
perusing it; but his puny physique was
undergoing the strangest motion his
arms and legs extending one after an
~ in oil
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-05-14

An old resident in an English settle
ment near the New York State line car
lies in his pocket constantly an immense
TO tn from human jaw.
The tooth, he says, was taken from the
mouth Of man after he was dead, who
was Ii nged in Hertfordshre more than
100 years ago, and was carried by the
present owners father, grandfather and
great grandfather 1t was carried as a
rr'v ntive of toothache, III 10th from
the dcad persons mouth, being a certain
charm A. ainst that ma!ady.
7 he owner of the tooth says he never
hid the tootha he in his life. A double
Ia lcnut carried in the ocket or about
tie per on iSulso believed to be prevent
i've OF this painful ailment. - ChicagO
Heruei.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-05-14
"C.ackle" Glass.

Those who have seel the pretty aud
inexpensive ware may be interested to
kn w how it is ma ,e. Crac'ile glass is
produc ID by covering one side Of piece
Of iIatc GAS with thick stratum of a
tiux, or readily iu1ible glass, mixed with
coarse agments of glass.
The Il ior fu-ible glass under this
treatment cracks and splits, leaving in
Vulnerable fine lines of fracture over its
surfa e, having much the appearance of
scales in irregular crystals, which cross
and intcrscct e-ch other in e,ery direc-
tion. rr, dlcing the most striking and
beautiful effects when th light falls upon
its sur ace.
The rapid cooling of the fusible coat
ing is eife ted by exposing it to current
OF cold air, or by cautious sprinkling
with cold water
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-05-14
A LULLABY.


In Sleepy Town
They think night-cap worth crown,
And there the law commandeth peace,
And all good people take their ease;
A wise old owl big-eyed and brown,
He is Lord Mayor of Sleepy Town.
In Sleepy Town
The wheels are shod with elder down,
The pavements are all silk and wool;
The quiet there is beautiful;
A humble bee in gold-black gown
The beadle is in Sleepy Town
In Sleepy Town
Black shadows never fall or frown
Nor do they feel the sunshine's glare;
But gentle twilight reigneth there,
While poppy scents blow up and down
The gardens fair in Sleepy Town.
For Sleepy Town
Wen mount cloud of vapor brown,
Well close our oyes and fold our hands
And call a wind from distant lands
Ger valleys rim and mountains crown
Wen float away to Sleepy Town.
Rochester Post Express.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-05-14

idea Of what the ruin was which, havi
attempted to describe. Inced not SAY
that I was 50 disguised with my bargain
in the serpent's skin that | was tempted
to throw it over the cliffs. Nothing wa
worth carrying from the wreck but tl-l
chair which was too strong for them>t,
break up. The easel was broken anC
bitten all over, and looked as if it ha,
been made out Of tree afflicted with
small-DoX.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-05-14
A Chinese Bill of Fare.

A gentleman who has been in China
for some time past sends to the New
York SIN the SUB oined bill of fare in
English which he took home from a
dinner given by a high official in one of
the most important cities of the empire.
He SAYS it was delicious dinner;
Birds nest and pigeons egg SCUM
Fried fish.
Broiled shark fins
Baked macaroni
Stewed bamboo shocts.
Cold chicken VITA uaing.
Stewed water chestnut; and luushrooms
Roast wild duck with salal
Chinese cakes.
Biscuits, wi h vegetable stuffing
Meat pies
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-05-14
How SlAl are Caught.

There are two kin Is Of submarine traps
laid for the unwary shad d-drift-nets and
9ill-nets, When the reporter took his
seat on pile of nets, in the stern of a
long open clap stelk boat manned by
four sturdy fishermen, it was on a gill
net expedition he was bound. A hard
pull of three miles against an cbb tide,
propelled by four ten-foot ash oars,
bought the boat to row of shad stakes
extending from the edge of the Jersey
flats due east into the bay about one
fourth of mile.
There were thirty-fve poles, or
stakes, twenty-five feet apart. Every
two stakes hold gill net about
twenty-five feet square, the lower
end of which is attached by ''foot line"
to wooden hoop which slides up and
down the stake, and is held down by a
stone. The upper ends Of every two
nets are fastened to the pole with a
"clove hitch" just below high-water
mark
The shad-boat, long aud shallow
but cry strongly built craft, was swung
round athwart two stakes, the ebb tide
holding her close against them. Two
men in the bow and two in the stern
seize the arm-lines of the net, and
with a "Yeo -heave-oh they quickly
haul up the sides and gather in the belly
of the net, being careful to bring to bring
the lower edge inboard as soon as it is
up, so as not to spill any fish overheard.
Seven silvery scaled "beauties' caught
by the "gills" in the meshes of the fir t
net glittered a moment in the sunlight,
and the next were lying in the bottom.
From stake to stake the same system was
gone through. Hard work it was and
no mistake, for the nets pulled hard in
the ebb tide Only twenty fish were
taken from the first six nets, the highest
number from six nets being only thirty
one.
And hour and quarters fishing
brought only l48 tish--a small lift -
the crew said. .-New York Journal.
The Boston Transcript says that pro-
fessional gunners in the suburbs of Bos
ron shoot all the birds of bright plumage
Al ILL
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-05-14

The Boston Transcript says that pro-
fessional gunners in the suburbs of Bos-
ron shoot all the birds of bright plumage
they sec nj sell them to the milliners at
the rate OF five cents apiece.
Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1886-05-14
VOL. XIV.

There have been fought in France
since 1870, SAT duels. besides many be-
tween officers and private soldiers, which
are scarcely ever mentioned in the news.
papers, Out of these S41 duels only nine
resulted in one of the parties being dis
oblo1
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1886-04-08
RoBusT Health


Is the only remedy that can be relied upon,
in all cases, to eradicate the faint of hered-
itary disease and the special corruptions
of the blood. 1t Is the only Alternative
that Is sufficiently powerful to thoroughly
cleanse the system of Scrofulous and
Mercurial impurities and the pollution
of Contagious Diseases. 1t also neu-
tralizes the poisons left by Diphtheria
and Scarlet Fever, and enables rapid
recuperation from the enfeeblement and
debility caused by these diseases.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1886-04-08

"Well we are penniless, or mighty
near it," he exclaimed as he reached
home and threw the evening paper to
his wife.
"Wh-what is it?"
1.-THE Mechanics bank has busted,
and-and we had $4,000 on deposit
there"
ss"But Richard" she said, after glanc-
ing at the article, "the president says
that he hopes to pay all depositors in
full"
"And didn't say the same to my
creditors when I failed in the grocery
business, and did single one Of them
receive five cents on the dollars?" he
howled.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1886-04-08
COnundruuns.

Speaking Of charity" said one Of
the fair partakers Of a recent dinner,
according to the New York Tribune,
"Mr. Middlemas met three tramps
this morning; to the first he gave
five cents, to the second ten cents,
and to the third ten cenrs--,ehdt time
pas its All give it up? Want me to
tell you? Why, it iseasy to see what
time it was-a quarter to three"
The day following the propounding
of this conundrum, the propounder
received note from one of her fellow
diners-out of the day before, in which
the opinion was respectfully but firm
ly expressed that there are as good
neurological conundrums in the sea as
ever had come out Of it-at quarter
to three. The note had appended to
it this casual postscript:
Paul after counting her for seven
teen consecutive years succeeded in
gaining the hand of Virginia When
she became his, what time was it?
Just won.
Alexander Little, Esq, discovering
that his only and fondly-doted-upon
daughter had eloped in her best gown
with an abandoned circus-man, hur-
ricd in pursuit. What time was it?
Little after two.
Apollo was sitting upon bank
whore the wild thyme grew, having
two OF the Graces on one side of him
and the remaining one on his other
side. Apollo, what time was it?
Near three.
Once when Captain Kidd was sail
ing DER the Spanish Main, taking out
a cargo Of Bibles to the heather, a
row broke out among the passengers
which was speedily quelled by the lar
board watch telling FIVE of the ring
leaders Of the disturbance to the deck.
What time was it? The watch struck
five.
Half dozen reckless men, madden
4 ed with lemonade which had been
served to them at church fair, went
out to fight duel. But such was
their ferocious thirst-not for more
OF the lemonade, but for each others
blood--that only half Of them took the
precaution to provide themselves with
seconds. What time was it? Three
seconds to six.
Richard C@ur de Lion on his re.
turn from the Holy Land was taken
: with severe pain in the pit of his
stomach. What time was it? 1t was
twelve P. M. that is to- say, in the
! middle of the knight.
A clear-headed, energetic, talloW
chandler made his fortune one season
What time was it9 When grease was
in its prime.
y How much could Father Time Dor
row on his note Of hand2 Not cen
1--WE take no note OF Time"
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1886-04-08
Wife and Man.

The Pittsburg Herald reports the
following conclusion to an interview
between real estate dealer and a
couple who were contracting to rent a
fiat.
well, says the woman, finally, II
will give you twenty-five dollars for
the fiat, won't we John?"
"Yes'm," replied the man.
"And I'll pay you my rent prompt
ly, too, won't we John"
"Yes'm."
"And I'll take care of the house
won't John?"
"Ycs'm."
"But, inquire, as is usual in such
cases, are you man and wife?"
"Man and wifeH" exclaimed the
woman, sharply, "indeed we are not
are we, John?"
"No'm."
"WhatY" says |, mot man and
wifeH"
"Not much. I'd have you know
that in this family we are wife and
man, amt we, John?"
"Yes'm."
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1886-04-08


"Will you pay me this bill, sir2"
said tailor in Regent-street, Lon
don, to q gentle masher who owed
him pretty long bill.
'Do you owe anybody anything,
sir?" asked the youth.
mo, sir" said the tailor
"Then you can afford to wait!" and
off he walked.
A day or two afterward the tailor
called again. The masher was not at
his wits end yet; SO, turning to his
creditor, he says:
Are you in debt to anybody"
ayes, sir" said the tailor.
swell, why don't you pay?"
"I've not the money"
"That's just my case, sir. l am
glad to see you can appreciate my
condition; gives us your handW
One of our leading clothing dealers
has bright little boy, who is always
making some interesting remark.
His mother, one Sunday, had been inn
pressing upon his mind the fact that
God was everywhere. That evening
the little fellow broke out:
"Mother, I'm afraid to go in the
dark"
"Afraid" queried his mother; "what
FORT"
"Why, did't you say that God was
everywhere"
Yes; but what of thatY"
"Why, couldn't see, and might
bump right into him."
Among the wits, legal and lay, OF
New York, John Van Buren, holds no
second place.
One day, as he was lunching at the
Astor House, an enemy named Wad-
man came up to him.
"Mr. Van Buren," said Wadman, is
there any case so unjust, mean, and
dirty that you will not take it9"
"Well, don't know" said Van Blu
rem, picking up an oyster on his fork
"Whst have you been doing now
WadmanH"
1--WE bend the knee, but not the 81
bow" enthusiastically exclaimed al
orator at temperance meeting The
other evening.
"That's so" said an unreclaipeC
sinneron back seat. ats the only
way you can get your mouth TO tht
bunghole"
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1886-04-08

They were spec ding along in a
snug little cutter just big enough for
two. After while she turned to him
and said:
George, why didn't you bring the
bells with you? They sound so sweet,
think"
II thought one belle would do" he
said, while his arm stole around her
dainty waist. There was silence for a
moment, during which her eyes shone
and her pretty cheeks were all aglow.
Then she said very softly;
George, why don't you ring the
bellef" The wedding cards are out for
January.
Ma" said a sweet sixteen, my
lips are sore"
"Bin paintin' 'em, ] reckon?"
No, / haven't, but kissed New
York drummer yesterday"
"Land sakes, child don't tell We
brass WIS rizens"
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1886-04-08

The Result Of Monkeying With a
Boiler bya Greenhorn.

nVlAeE 1yh Gfe0nnoTn.
Il don't want to pass through an
other such a season as the one thro'
which ! have just passed. said Dan
Parkright, the actor.
"Have had hard time, eh? some
one replied.
eyes, about as tough time as
white man cares to see. Our COM
pany went to pieces in Texarkana
Having done some little work in a
newspaper way, decided to play
journalist until times got better, but
sir, couldn't get place. l offered
to work for my board, but no, could
not get in. After while, giving up
the journalistic idea, | struck out a
foot. / wanted to avoid the regular
lines of travel so that my chances for
getting something to eat and no work
would be better, consequently struck
out through the country. Houses
were few, and / came very nearly
starving TO death. One day / came
upon a small saw mill, situated in a
forest. / stopped, and just as was
about to ask for something to eat, a
man, who / soon discovered owned
the mill, turned to me and ask:
ado you understand this businessH"
"Ah, chance for work Yes, sir,
replied, 4 am well acquainted with
IT,
"Know anything about running an
engine"
ooh, yes,.it's nay business
"Well, I'm mighty glad to see3 you.
My engineer quit me yesterday, and /
can give you regular employment
What will you work for?'
"Two dollars day.
"'That's pretty steep, but as you
are professional engineer I reckon
you are worth it. Come in and have
some dinner, and then you may
go to work
II went in and proceeded to devoul
his dinner. was trifle nervous in
view OF my coming responsibility, and
l tried to think of everything l had
ever read applicable to machinery
l knew how to start the thing and
knew how to stop it, h:;t that was all
After dinner boldly walked up, and
when everything was all in readiness
turned the little hot wheel. Away
she went. One OF the hands, an OLD
negro, remarked to some one who
stood near him: Dat white mar
Understands his business, sho's you
bornd, he do l was getting along
finely, and saw that the proprietor
was well pleased, A spring OF colo
water gushed out OF the ground {
short distance from the mill. l wen
down to get a drink. Just as l stoop
ed down an awful jar shook the earth
My graciousl The boiler exploded
The proprietor, who had escaped un
hurt, rushed at me with dangerous flu
ny. I thought that / would cool hin
off with a pleasant remark, and sale
to him.
"Hold on, Cap'n, why didn't yo,
tell me the thing was loadedf
"The pleasant remark was a failure
for I saw he couldn't take joke. HI
rushed into shanty and brought on
q Winchester rife and shot at me a
long as l was in the neighborhood
The firing, I think, stopped about sun
down that evening. l was glad whel
! came to the mill, but l was a grea
sight gladden. when l got awsy."-Ar
kansaw Traveller.
The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1886-04-08

NE AfWWpc Make soto $3.50 per month selling
I'hiAtN hisn our Standard Books & Bibles. Stead
4 J work for Spring 4 Summer Ad.
dress J G. McCuRDY & CO.. st. Louis, No.