davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23

there never could have been such O.
promise of a grand success as there
was below Vicksburg. The James
River is stream that is confined to its
banks; the soil does not yield to the
pressure of the water; it does not
change its course of itself. In the
Vicksburg attempt it did really seem
as though nature said to the Union
forces at the start, "You can dig the
river away from Vicksburg. Take your
spades and go to work"
Butler occupied New Orleans in May,
1862, with only LOO men. Hicksburg
was poorly garrisoned then. Port
Hudson was not garrisoned at all until
the following August, when General
Rreckinridge had been beaten off at
Baton Rouge; and Farragut with some
of his warships and General Williams
with about 1000 men were sent up the
river to see what could be done in the
way of reducing Vicksburg. General
Williams could not spare the troops to
occupy Port Hudson, aud he found
Nicksburg, although not strongly held,
too we'll manned for him to risk an at
tack. He landed his force from the
steamer below the city, and his en-
gineer marked Off the ground for the
digging of canal across the narrow
peninsula which it was hoped would
tap the west channel of the loop, make
an artificial course for the river, and
leave Vicksburg high and dry, out of
cannon shot of steamboat navigation.
1t was grand idea, by whomsoever
originated. 1t deserved success from
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23
Farm. Notes.

II the Matching season be over kill off
the ROSTERS, as they will quarrel should
the tlocks be allowed to mingle, as is usu-
ally the case when there is plenty of grass
upon which the hens can forage.
THERE is no necessity for filthy hog
pen. If cleaned out twice week the ma
nure can be composted and will keep in
better condition, while the health of the
swine will be materially promoted.
SHEEP not only manure the land upon
which they may be hurdled or pastured
but they distribute it evenly and press it
into the soil. There is an old maxim that
"the foot of the sheep is gold to the far
mer."
CARROTS and onions are two crops easily
destroyed by grass or weeds when the seed
is terminating and just beginning to push
through the soil. The hoe must be used.
while hand working the plants is some
times necessary.
GRASS is the foundation of success in
farming. 1t assists during the process of
rotation to improve the soil, and enables
more and better stock to be kept. The
farmer who succeeds in securing O good
hay crop has won half the battle.
EVERGREEN hedges should be trimmed
before they shall have made heavy growth.
II is not1nJaflous 10 tflm tDem somewhat
late, but the work should be done before
they shall have become too heavy, so as to
save cutting away as much wood as pos
sible.
FINELY GROUND bone is cheaper, in
acid contained. than superphosphate, but
is not SO Immediately available as plant
food. It is best to mix one third super
phosphate with two-thirds ground bone on
heavy soils.
WHERE the surface of the soil "bakes"
plenty of seed should be used, and they
should be planted close together. as they
will then assist each other to push through
after terminating. The surplus plants
can be thinned out afterthey shall be well
under growth
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23
THE KITCHEN.

SAUCE FOR FIsH:-The- yelks- of three
eggs. one teaspoenful of vinegar, quarter
OF pound of butter, little salt. Stir oyel|
slow fire until it thickens.
CABBAGE SALAD.-Chop fine one head
of cabbage, one pint of vinegar, one tea.
spoonful mustard, one teaspoonful sugar.
one egg and piece of butter size of ON egg
EXCELLENT PIE CRUsr.-One cup of
lard, one cup of sweet milk, pinch soda
one tablespoonful of cornmeal, salt and
flour enough to mix rather soft; do no|
knead it,.
LILY CAkE.-Two cups, of sugar, tTo|
cups of flour, one cup of cornstarch, on'|
cup of butter, whites of five eggs, one tea.
spoon OF cream tartar, and one fourth OF q
teaspoon of Soda.
BRoILED Pork CHoPs..-Cut not quits|
as thick as mutton chops and broil over !
brisk fire; turn them frequently and COOK |
dark brown. When ready to. serve, sprinkl'|
over them little powdered sage.
BRo1LED K1DNEYs.-Splitthenh through
lengthwise and run an iron skeweF through
over clear fire. They should be lightly
done. Serve on very hot dish. Sprinkle
them with salt and. put a. Bit Of butter Oh
each.
SPONGE CAKE.-Two, cups of susn!
two and one-half cups of ttour, one hal
cup of cold water, four eggs, two tea.
spoons of baking powder. beat the yolk1
Of eggs thoroughly with the, sugar, add TOY
water. then the flour with. baking powtet
| and lastly the whites OF the eggs Ss'
beaten.
ORANGE PUDD1,st;.--Grate three spons
biscuits in enough nailk to make
paste; beat three eggs and stir item y
wish the juice of a lemon and hall "
peel grated. Put a tsacupful OF oransJ
lalce and one Of sugar, with half a:cup
melted butter, in. the mixture; stir 1t wen
put dish with puff paste AROUND IT. ap
bake STOW one hour.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23
THE POULTRY HOUSE.
To E,re.,.,.t E,.u En,iuu

z. H. Jacobs, poultry editor Farm and
Gdrden, discourses on how 10 make a nest
to prevent hens eating the eggs, as fol-
lows:
Take common nail key, a small box.
or half a flour barrel-in fact, anything
that has bottom and to which a top NAV
be attached. AS the nail keg should have
the head replaced after the mails are taken
out, an opening for the entrance of the
hen should be- made up Rear the top.
Make the hole ono foot square. For Law
ing hens let the nest be low down in the
key, say at the lower hoops~ and the eggs
are safe, as Biddy will not have room to- do
more than como out, and 1t will also be
rather too dark for her, to. begin operations
in the way of eating. Her first impulse
wih be too jump out aud cackle. Do not
have the nest too low down, or sho NAV
nat get out. If she begins to incubate.
raise the nest to the upper hoops, SO that
she can walk in on the eggs and thas avoid
breaking them. AS she will then remain
on the eggs, they will not be eaten. sucI
a nest for laying hens is easily moved
is dark within, and also possesses the adj
vantages of Mot only hiding tie eggs from
viewa but allows NO room for the he, t.
eat them, while it is also raised up so az IL
corapel the hen to have too much difficult,
to. get them.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23
Southern Supplies.

In the South, toward the close of the
war, bacon, cornmeal, sorghum, rice
and cow-peas formed the only supplies
for the time. A problem was present
ed to housewives as to the means of
providing appetizing and attractive
meals. Cornmeal was made up in
every conceivable form, but batter
bread seemed to be the favorite COM
pound. Cow-peas and rice were mixed
when cooked, and called "Tom and
Jerry" Confederate" fruit cake was
made of flour, if one could procure it
meal, if not-sorghum and minced
dried apples. "Jeff Davis pies, mix
ture of sorghum and eggs, were quite
popular. and fig, peach, ounce, pear,
plum, apple and citron preserves were
made with sorghum. Indeed, sorghum
relgned supreme, and in many cases
those who cultivated it realized from
1000 to $4,000 per acre (Confed-
crate money from its sale. 1t
was very sweet and sticky
condiment. and [ regret to state
that l never hear any mention of the
Confederacy but straightway springs
up in my mind very vivid recollection
of that black, cloying, and lily refined
molasses. Parched rye and "goober"
peas (peanuts) were used by some for
coffee, but sweet potatoes, cut in cubes,
dried in the oven and then ground,
seemed to he regarded with the high
est favor as substitute. Dried rasp-
berry leaves were used for tea.
Wheat became so scarce that biscuit,
light bread, and cake made from -four
were esteemed the greatest delicacies,
and for time, near the close of the
war, -four was so rare in or section
that the only dish we could devise for
my invalid mother was a "panada.
made of bareback far inferior in quail
ity to that of the Northern soldiery),
softened with boiling water and sweet
ened with a morsel of our small and
precious store of sugar. This small
quantity of sugar, and pound of tea,
my father found great difficulty in pro-
curing, and for them he paid the sum
of S1Ju
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23
Salt the Z 0ffip,

This is, g. rule that is generally observed,
but the reason for it is not SO we'll unde,-
stood, except that it makes stock healthy,
writes MIR. G. F. Clnrkson. But why does
it make them healthy? Rich food, es-
pecinAy that of succulent character,
when taken in small or large quantities,
by the warmth of the stomach is frequently
caused to ferment, before digestion taxes
place. This fermentation causes derange-
ments, souns the food, generates gas, bls.at,
scours, etc. A proper amount of salt pre-
vents the food from fermentng. and acting
with the saliva Or pepsin, aids in rapid di-
gestion. While too much salt aots as
poison, and intames the stomach. and
bowels, especially il free access to water is
not allowed, proper amount given fire.
quently checks tendency to aciGity and
fermentation in the stomach. and allows
the digestive organs full, free, end early
action. Salt also divests the animals Of
worms, and the infinitesimal animalculye
which scientists now claim to be the cause
of nearly all diseases. Salt should be pro-
vided for MI classes of domestic animals,
whsre they can get at it any time, and the
demands Of nature will safely teach them
nst to eat too little Or too much.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23
Hint. to Ho.,.eheepers.

INDIAN meal should be purchased n|
small quantities and kept we'll covered,
SALTS of lemon will take spots out oil
linen and also remove stains from wood
A SPOONFUL of fino salt or horse radish|
will keep can of milk sweet for several
days.
WHITE and pale shades of paint may bel
beautifully cleaned by using whiting in thu
water.
To REMOVE paint from clothing, satu.
rate with turpentine until softened, then
wash out with soap and water.
M1LDEw can be removed by soaking in
buttermilk, or putting lemon juice and salt
upon it and exposing it to the hot sun.
A PRETTY looking dish can be made by
lining some cups and saucers with lettuce
leaves and putting large spoonful
of the salad in the center:
WHEN person is "sick ut the stomach, p
ice taken into the mouth in small pieces,
and allowed to melt before swallowing,
will in very many instances relieve the dis.
comfort.
To CURE wart, place the thumb upon
the wart and press it against the bone,
Move the wart backwards and forwards
upon the bone until the roots become
irritated or sore, when the wart will disap.
near.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23
THE ORCHARD.
Money in Fru,. Growi,.y.

Money liz Fruit GrOWing.
l see in your paper the editor of the Or
Vile Register wants to know "What are
the most profitable fruits" to grow? Now,
in my mind, the question is very easily
answered. For instance, man of small
means and small holdings wants to en-
bark in the fruit industry. Peaches will
grow on any of our valley soil that is over
three feet to gravel or hardpan; will bear
some fruit i'll the second year on the first
years growing from one-y year, old trees
set. The second years growth will bear
the third year from one TO ten boxes, land
often double that to the tree. The fourth
year will average over 300 pounds green or
about seventy-tive pounds to the tree of
dried fruit. After the fourth year and up
to the tenth, or even twentieth, 100 pounds
of dried peaches is a very low estimate.
Twenty feet ten inches each way allows
100 trees to the acre.
Dried peaches have never sold for less
than 4c, and this year as high as Csc for
peeled peaches.
10 peel peaches prepare box with o
sheet-iron bottom and wooden sides, set
over sort of furnace made Of brick or
stone and mortar, 80 as to keep FIRE
under it to keep the water hot, first adding
I've or ashes; then dip the peaches in this
AOS "a1oA oo VIC peOAAuS WILL oliP NsAC oAaSG
time can soon be ascertained by little
practice) then dip into cold water, rubbing
the peeling off by hand. One ton to the
hand is considered u days work.
Biackberries are another fruit that gives
early and large returns, but must have a
very rich, moist place, or made 80 artifi.
cially, to produce satisfactorily; they also
bear some the second year on canes of the
first years growth; the third year they are
nearly in full bearing. have an expert
mental plot Of blackberries set eight feet
each way, $50 hills to the acre, Of early
Wilson, Dorchester, and Lawton, that have
produced as high as so 10 rs pounds to the
hill. Now at 25 pounds per hill $50 times
$1,000 pounds at 4c is worth $3.50; allowing
one half for picking, S34n. Enough roots
to plant an acre of berries can be bought
for S12 or SIS. Peach trees can be bought
from 12aa to 2Oc each. | would advise the
planting of the large yellow freestones that
ripen in August. They make the highest
priced dried fruit, and then the sun is the
best and cheapest evaporator We have
found Correspoadence Chico (Cal.) En-
fprn,ico
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23


was thirty years ago, and other i favor RTE
breeds, which fourished in their day. are
rapidly failing in breeding for form m ana rad
fat. and heavy feeding with corn: Ihe e. req ita
time in the United States, kept in the
states that raised but little grain, and has
been maintained mostly on pasture anu
household Stops. And in its late introduc.
ton to the West, it brings with u a! more ore
vigorous appetite. a better capacity Tor
production, and bone and muscle to sus-
tain their bodies. 1t will fill its place IN
our corn fields for few years, to be sup.
planted by new importations. There are
already two or three new breeds claiming
attention. One of these is Victoria Swine,
which is growing to popular favor, as hay-
ing excellent constitution, early maturity,
prolific breeders, and great for potent
power when bred to other classes OF hogs;
It is claimed that a good SOW of this breed
will raise at least thirty pigs per year. Let
them COMEDIES Moiaes Register.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23

Tennessee to victory and the Gulf of
Mexico, there appeared again that solid
sutler of the Ninety third Illinois,
with a splendid stock of all soldier
needed, excepting canned whisky, but
he had one half-barrel of beer, which,
alas for the beer-lovers Of the Twenty
sixth Missouri, was first discovered by
the boys OF the Fifth Iowa. One Of
that poor but sturdy band of fighters,
who knew all the mysteries Of "chuck-
a-luck," and explained them to his: dear
comrades of the Ninety third Illinois,
actually had money, and he bought
that half-barrel of beer. That night
his company Jared sumptuously, but
the next morning there was wailing in
the camp of the Fifth Iowa, for capital
was needed to continue the "ehuck-a-
luck" industry, and 10, the boys had
none. But again the occasion brought
forth the man. and his name was
"Lafe. In the night he carried that
half-barrel to the bank Of the river,
and there it was filed with wholesome
Mississippi water. In the morning, ac-
companied by guard of his comrades,
he started that half-barrel rolling
through the camp of the Ninety third
Illinois, apparently in great haste to
reach the camp of the Fifth Iowa, but
was hailed and finally halted by nearly
thousand Illinoisans. To save shat
half-barrel he was compelled to SSH it
to these cruel marauders for the small
sum of 500. Behold, the Fifth Iowa
again had capital, and @chuck-Sluck"
proceeded. Il. G.. CRowELI,.
KANSAS CITY Mo
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23

was struck by cannon ball which
carried away his arm and shoulder,
and also lacerated his chest. This
happened about 4 p. m. the first day
of our fight The boy was picked up
and carried to the hospital, but as the
case was considered hopeless and many
others to attend to, nothing was done
for him until IL p. M, when all the
other wounded had been cared for.
Finding him still alive he was carried
to the table and his wounds carefully
dressed, but with no expectation of re-
covery. On the seventh day Prices
men captured our hospital, which was
in brick building some two hundred
yards to our right, and our wounded
were put in cellar to be out of the
way Of bullets. When cur men charged
to retake the hospital this boy seized a
gun in his one hand, run out with
arms at trail from the cellar, and led
the charge into and through the build
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23

at Holly Springs, Miss, was the
Ninety-third Illinois, well-officered,
well-equipped and with new knapsacks,
filled to OVERLOOKING with milk and
honey" Or what pleased veteran SOL
der better, new clothes Conse-
quently the three other regiments of
the brigade were rejoiced when their
turn came to march behind that splen-
did regiment OF "tender-feet." And
their sutler, too. His stock was rich,
principally of that which the boys
longed for-canned whisky-with a
beautiful picture of luscious peaches
without. The first night that this
unctuous sutler camped with his brigade
was one OF great rejoicing. But, alas!
when morning came that suffers stock
had vanished, and no soldier knew
whence it had come nor whittier it had
gone.
While this happy brigade lay at Mil
liken's Bend, above Vicksburg, waiting
the finishing of that promising canal
that was to take in the mighty Missis-
s;ppi and thereon float the Army of the
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23
HOME, FARM, AND GARDEN.
Talks with the Farmer, 0rchardist,
Stock Breeder, Pouiterer, and
Housekeeper.
Hints on House Decorations, Kitchen
Economy, and the Preserya.
ton of Health.
THE FARMER.
lice on f.oor Calres.


Currying calves with comb dipped in
kerosene is recommended as good way
to cleanse them from lice. Any kind of
oil will answer the same purpose, as the
vermin are killed by closing the pores
through which they breathe. The best of
all oils to destroy lice on cattle is that
which comes through their skins us the
result of good and careful feeding: Corn
meal and oil meal are excellent for this
purpose, making the coat glossy and giving
the skin a velvety softness indicative of
thrift. But where animals are very poor
their digestion is weakened and strong or
oily food must be given with great care.
A spoonful of linseed meal mixed with
bran is enough to begin with. This, if
digested, is better than more. which would
only clog the stomach and make the coat
more rough and starry than before. It is q
good plan to give all young calves little
iinseed meal. 1t promotes thrift and
makes growth as we'll as fat. 1t is not safe
to feed cotton-seed meal to calves or any
young stock, as they are liable to be killed
by overlooking with it.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23

its very boldness, and for the bioodshed
and suffering its success would have
saved. How very near the attempt
the time; was not known till the sur
prising natural event of fourteen years
later. OF that anon.
The digging of the great ditch was
begun June o, and was prosecuted
night and day for two weeks. 1t was
interrupted by heavy rains, and by the
capricious conduct of the river itself.
The ground was low; fevers ragged !;
everybody was in 'ected by the malaria.
Gangs of negroes were employed in the
work, whose stout and ready arms
fastened it forward. The ditch was
substantially completed, but a great
disappointment followed. Subsequent
occurrences showed that had it been
located higher up it might have sue
ceeded. AS it was, the river continued
to flow steadily past its western ex-
tremity; the current ran by, and re-
fused to be deviated. On a night of
July, -, the river overaowed the
peninsula, flooding the canal, and
drowning out the laborers. Tt put an
end to the work. Although the low
and narrow peninsula was under water,
it was caused simply by the rise of the
river. The course and current were
unchanged. General Williams gave
up the attempt, and returned to New
Orleans with his men. In March, 1858,
Grant repeated the experiment with no
better success.
And now see fine example of what
we'll m ght be called the irony of fate"
After Grant and his army had floun-
dered Intellectually among the swamps
and bayous that lay between them and
Vicksburg on the north; after they
had gone below, fought battles, be-
sieged, assaulted, and finally taken the
place, with great loss of life: after
Banks and his army had met with as
stern an experience in reaching and
overcoming Port Hudson; after the war
had been eleven years finished, and in
the very year that this nation was cele-
brating it's centennial of independence
on the 9th Of April, 1S76-the way
ward river burst through the peninsula
between Vicksburg and General Will
liams' cutoff; steamer passed through
the new channel the next day. The
new channel is now and has since been
the main channel of tie river; in front
of sleepy Vicksburg is bar of mud,
and the river traffic passes around her.
But just suppose that Nature had
been SO kind in 1862!
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-03-23

secured by brass or very we'll groased >,
screws: in this the eggs should be NJ sos
as soon as laid, and covered over wiki
table salt. 1 should prefer the use NJ NY
to lime, oatmeal, -four, bran, or any -, Nv
hygrometic substance, for it is cb Hsas'
always available, does not injure bv 1e W
rs it could be dried before the fire. Use
employed any number Of times, and sad
notsnuency to become mouldy or ima ass
any unpleasant taste to the egg. I pnNt
hardly say that, to be we'll preserved as,
eggs should be employed which ara v oa
fectly now laid. If exposed to the nj, " y
only few days, their power of keen;.sN
is very greatly lessened. p'ps