davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
The Mountain Sphinx.

In Surrey County, II. G., there is re-
markable natural curiosity in the shape
of mountain resembling the famous
sphinx of Egypt in all its details. 1t lies
east of the Blue Ridge mountains, on the
Piedmont plains, ike a gigantic lion; its
body at right angle to the ridge and with
head reared aloft as if in the act of rising.
The head is of solii rock, several hun
dred feet in height The shoulder and
breast arc finely proportional and at the
distance of Jew miles it looks like
thing of life and intelligence. 1t rises
about 1900 feet above The plain, and can
be seen for distance # many miles,
Scientific american.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
A Savage Ape.

For some tine past Giuseppe Caro-
has been reaping harvest in Kansas
City and the neigh BORING villages
through the combined performance of a
large ape and the melodious strains of a
hand-organ. The ape was about three feet
high and was remarkably well trained,
never failing to draw crowd by LIS
antics.
For sevefal days Caro- noticed that
the animal was inclined to be sulky and
did his work badly, and so he concluded
to punish the animal and try to force
him out of his sulky fit. He had been
accustomed to whip the ape for minor
offenses, but always took the pEecaution
to tie him up before beginning the casti-
CATION.
When he began to make preparations
to whip his pet, the animal appeared to
realize what was coming, but instead of
submitting quietly to the whipping he
flew at his master and a terrific struggle
ensued, which was only ended by the
Spaniard being compelled to use his knife
and kill the animal.
Caro- was so badly torn that he was
taken to the hospital The ape tried to
ret 1T his throat, and bit aud tore his
master until he was covered with blood
from head to feet and his clothes hung
in sareds. Girro's left arm, which was
used to shield his throat, was bitten so
badly that it will dou5tless have to be
amputsted. -Sra Francisco Chronicle.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
FARM AND GARDEN NOTES.

Always keep ahead of your work.
The ''beautiful snow" makes poor
covering for farm machinery,
The most profitable way to market
oats is in the shape of good grade draft
horses.
Scrub stock is not profitable, and the
scrub horse is as poor property as u
scrub COW.
Grapes do not pay as well as strawber-
ries, but they pay 200 per cent. better
than farm crops.
No two farms are alike, hence the best
results in farming require a careful,
special study of each farm.
Rabbits eat off the branches of trees,
and if numerous consume the entire
tree. They can be shot or poisoned.
Tarred paper placed around the tree
loosely protects from rabbits and mice,
but tar should not come in too close con-
tact with the trees.
Hot salt water Is good for infested
roosts-insect powder for body lice
keep fighting them hard at first and they
will finally yield the grouni.
While many still adhere to the "old
hen" in Matching and raising chickens,
the incubator is the method that is to be
used in all large hatcheries of the future.
We feed much bran to horses and cat
tie, as it is wholesome and makes rich
manure. Cotton seed meal is not liked
by our stock, but is worth all it costs as
fertilizer. Linseed neal is preferable
as feed.
Moderate ventilation in the hen house
should continue right on. Remember
we say moderate" not draught or
excessive airing You will learn how
much is necessary if you are thought
ful breeder.
Have you ornamental shrubs about
your home2 If not, plan to plant them
in groups or borders in the spring. They
cost but little and make the place look
homelike. How is the lawn fourishings
Fertilize it now.
There is more use in regular feeding
than many suppose. The animals are
more quiet and contented; do not worry
off their flesh; and are less troublesome.
All should aim at the best possible way
CT managing their stocks.
Spread manure on your fields now.
The fertility will wash down where the
plants can make use of it at once when
spring opens. There is no fear of waste
by spreading in winter, and much time
is gained by doing the work at season
Of leisure.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
Watches.

"Watches, said 4 jeweler, ''are funny
things. Do you know that there are
times when watch will not run regularlyl
have had railway engineers say that To-
comotives are much the same way. When
a watch has one of these irregular spells
it is almost impossible to make them go.
Many a watch is ruined, too, at times
when carelessness is the prime cause.
Some men will wind watch too close
and then if it refuses to run shake it I'M
til everything is out # place. A large
per cent. of the repairing done is brought
about by persons who do not know how
to take care of watch. y Cincinnati
Times Tfgr
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
A Duel of POliteness.

Old Judge Fernald, of Santa Barbara,
has the reputation of being the politest
man in California. He never loses an
opportunity to doff his hat or to offer
some slight attention to wayfaring men
and women. C day, as he was about
to take the train for San Francisco, he
reached the rear steps of the last car just
as they were approached by young
priest.
CATER the cloth" said the chivalric
judge" stepping back with a court'y
bow.
''Gray hairs have the preference" re-
turned the priest with a splendid wave of
the hand.
"The church always has precedence"
retorted the Judge, taking another back
ward step, hat in hand.
''The church follows in the footsteps
of the fathers, " replied the priest, bow
ing low a1d indicating the way to the
steps.
The duel of politeness was not half
through, neither yielding an inch, when
the train pulled out, leaving both bow
ing and smiling on the platform.-SdD
Francisco Examiner.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
HUMOR OF THE DAY.

fhe safest way to approach mule is
to 60 the other way around the earth
Lire.
Lovers can live on love in the parlor
all right, but not in the dining-room.-
Danspiits Breeze.
Tailors are like vicious swordsmen--
they do their cutting at clothes Quarters.
-Glens Falls Republican.
Dogs are very affectionate. We have
even seen dogs that were attached to tin
cans Burlington Free Press.
There is reporter on New York
paper who lost an arrl in the war. He's
shorthand reporter
He--''Well, it is growing late. fear
l must 60" She-"Oh, stay little
longer and see the sun rise. Munsey's
Weekly.
Roast Turkey-'I feel awfully funny"
Cranberry sauce-"of course you do.
You're stuffed with chestnuts. "--Mun-
sey's Weekly.
The man who goes on the theory that
the world owes him living, finds 1t hard
to collect even the interest on the debt.
Merchant TraUeler.
The girls give little thought to affairs
of state, but when the subject is bach
elors they know how to reduce the sur.
plus.-Binghamton Herald.
Curtain Ito carpeO--" Aha, they
whipped you, did they?' Carpet
"Don't crow. They're going to hang
you. "-Binghanaton Republican.
Little Mabel Mamma, may l have
something to eata" Mothel Gmpatiently)
Eyes, take this piece of cake, and
don't open your mouth again"- Time.
A man told of an adventure which was
so horrible that he said it just raised his
hair. "Wcll," slid the bald-headed man
in the back corner, ''Iu guess I'll try
it."-Jud3e.
''And is your son doing vel at college,
Mr.. Hankinson2" every. So well that
the faculty told him he needn't return
during the sophomore year at all. -
Munseys Weekly,
Doctor-'And how's your appetite9"
Patient-'I can eat very little and drink
very little-all l can relish now is my
physic" Doctor-''Ah, then, for the
present stick to that l'--London Punch.
II think man is fool who will carry
his umbrella under his arm on crowded
street $50 do l, MADAM, said he po'
litey; ''that il the reason why |, always
carry some other mans. - Washington
Post
Said a wife with looks of distress;
"My feelings | cannot express,
When you from my presence have runsa
" If you cannot express them, my dear,
You must send them by mail, that is clear.'
Then she tainted to hear such pun.
--GoodaFs Sun
We read great deal in the papers
about the vanity of women. Probably
the people who laugh at it never hap
pened to see man adjusting his new silk
hat before the glass in the hallway, pre-.
liminary to starting wn-town.-Somer.
oille Journal.
Charles-'I adore you, Edith, but,
alas! l am poor. However, l have
wealthy uncle, from whom have ex'
pee" Edith (eagerly)-"Is he mar
ried?" Charles-"No, darling" Edith
-"Then introduce me to him, there's
dear. Scraps.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
A Good Shooting Ground.

One of the best shooting territories
east of the Rocky Mountains is found in
AMI near the 0kifnokee Swamp, which
covers large area in Charlton, Ware and
C,inch Counties, Georgia, and Baker
County, Florida. Itincludes numerous
lakes, the haunt of wild fowl, and
forests of timber the abode of large aud
small game in great profusion. The
sportsmen who go there should equip
themselves with heavy leather thigh
boots as protection against the attacks
of moccasins and rattlesnakes. From
the abundance of game found in the
okifnokee, these, it would appear, are
the most effective form of game warden.
A point so easily accessible by rail has
retained its proliicness as game pre-
serve only through the terror with which
the average man regards venomous
snake. -Picayuhe.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
SKIPPING DRESSED pouI--r.

First see that all poultry is well fat
tened, as there is great difference be-
tween tie price of fat and that of poor
poultry, and, in fully stocked market,
good poultry, well fattened and well
dressed, will always command ready sale
and good prices, while poor, badly
dressed, is slow of sale at low prices.
Therefore there is not only gain in
weight by having poultry properly
dressed, but also in price. Corn is the
best for finishing off poultry, as it gives
firmer flesh and yellower color than
buckwheat and other grains. Feed moth
ing from twelve to tT-oaty-four hours
before killing, so tina ~ crops will be
perfectly empty.
In killing, use sharp, -bladed
knife, inserting it in the mouth as far
back as the ear, and cutting the vein.
Then hang it up by the legs, until thor
oughly bled. The water for scalding
should be at boiling point. Take the
fowl by the legs and head, dip it in the
water two or three times, letting the hot
water through the feathers to the skin.
Then strip off the feathers clean, pin
feathers and all. Il the heads are dipped
in Che water the scalding viii make them
look stale and shrunken. After
thoroughly picking, dip in clean
scalding water, then plunge in clean cold
water, letting it remain about ten min
utes. Take it out and hang up in a
cool, dry place, in current of air, but
do not let it freeze. Do not draw it, or
take the intestines out. Lea the head
and legs on, and use great care in dress
ing not to rub or tear the skin, bruise
the flesh, or break the bones. The above
hints are fer scalded poultry, VA is in
most demand.
For dry picking, kill by blee6ing in
the mouth, and Immediately strip the
feathers off clean while the fowl is
warm, using great care not to tear OF
bruise the flesh. Then hang up by the
legs to cool eff, the same as for scalded
fowls. Some persons also do what is
called half-scalding, which is, after dry
picking Clearly, to dip in scalding water,
then in cold. Turkeys, ducks and geese
go through the same process in dressing
as fowls, both scalding and dry picking.
Some persons, after the ducks and geese
are picked, to more thoroughly free them
from pin feathers rub them over with
powdered rosin; dip IN scalding water
and rub off the rosin and pin feathers
then wash thoroughly with warm water
and brush with soap; then rinse with
cold water and hang up until cold and
thorough dried.-American Agrieultur-
ist.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
RECIPES.

Corn Cake-Two eggs, one-half cup
sugar, one-half cup butter, one pint sour
milk, one teaspoon soda, and little
more than one pint Of com meal.
Cabbage salad--Take one pint Of finely
chopped cabbage, and turn over it a
dressing of three tablespoons lemon juice,
two tablespoons sugar, one-half cup
whipped cream, thoroughly beaten to-
gether.
Roast Shoat-Put quarter of shoat
on dripping pan without water, sprin-
kle with pepper and salt, haste with but
ter. Let cook two or three hours; when
done, pour in half teacup of walnut cat
sup. Serve with baked apples.
Baked Eggs-Fill the egg dish with
the whites beaten; make a hollow il the
center, and put in the unbeaten yelk /;
scatter over the top little salt and
pepper, and lay small piece of butter
near the yelk Bake about two minutes.
Breakfast Puffs-Take two quarts Of
flour, teaspoonful of salt, half teacup
of sugar, two tablespoonfuls of melted
butter, four eggs, and one quart Of
boiled mi k; stir well, fill creased puff
bowls two-thirds full, and bake in hot
oven.
Sweet Potatoes-Wash and boil ten
der, peel and slice. Cover the bottom of
a baking oish with a layer of slices,
spread thickly with butter ana sugar,
then more potatoes, butter and sugar,
filling the dish Set in the oven until
the top is brown
Roast Turkey-Plump your turkey by
plunging in boiling water. Prepare a
dressing of bread crumbs, butter, pepper
and salt. Place the turkey on dripping
pan, spread with bits Of butter, turn
and haste often. When nearly done
glaze with the white of an egg. Make
gravy and serve with wild plum jelly.
Economical Pudding-Four cups Of
| flour, one of suet, two Of dried cherries,
one of dried raspberries, half a cup each
of finely chopped dried apples and
peaches, one and half cups of molasses,
and two well beaten eggs; mix all to-.
gether, add two teaspoonfuls Of baking
powder and mixed spices. Serve with
hard sauce.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
RELIEVED FROM JURY DUTY.


Once when Wisconsin circuit Judge
was empaneling jury, he said that if
any one wished to be excused from SER
vice reasons should be given at once and
their sufficiency would be duly consid-
cred. One man had sick child and an
other a sick COW. Presently, after con-
siderable rumination, an Irishman arose.
His face and attitude bespoke heavy
sorrow and reverent humiliation to
Divine Providence. His words were
few and simple: 'Jedge, me woife's
did, with stomachic emphasis on the
"did." The judges heart was touched,
and he said swell, my good man, /
guess we'll have to let you 60"
The Irishman slowly took his hat and
went. When he had gotten his body
well outside of the room he poked his
face back through the nearly closed door,
with triumphant grin, and said:
"Yis, sor; an she's been did fhorty
year."
The sheriff was told to let him go, for
the judge was Irish himself. -Erening
Wisconsin.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16


"say," he remarked as he lit of the
end Of cigar on the rear platform of
street car. ~ used to know this Dom
Pedro, of Brazil, quite we'll"
'Indeed!n exclaimed several men in
chorus
eyes; used to go to school with him.
Take him all around as student and he
was considered dull.
"Where did you go to school with
him2n asked the man with the big watch
chain.
oAbout six miles from Lacrosse,
Wis"
"What."
cat district school there. In fact,
his father owned a farm only mile
from ours"
"You must be crazy! Dom Pedro was
never in this country except as visitor"
''He wasn't?"
"No, sir! He was born and raised in
Brazil, and the throne came to him by
succession"
''Is that so2"
''Of course it is So What are you
trying to give us?'
swell, then, it was some other Dom
Pedro probably. Please excuse me, and
can any of you lend me match3"-De-
troH Free Press.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
WHAT MAKES A CAT TREAD SOFTLY.

WHAT MAKES CAT TREAD SOFTLY.
"Grandpa, what makes cat tread
softly9" asked little Tommy Findout of
his aged relative, as the pair sat down to
improve their minds when the evening
lamps were lighted.
at is faculty provided by an all-wise
Creator, my son, which enables the cat to
walk SOFTLY replied the old man as he
laid down his paper and beamed on the
youthful seeker after knowledge.
GAN members of the cat tribe are en-
dowed with noiseless tread, which
greatly facilitates their capturing their
prey. You have doubtless noticed that
the pedal extremlties of the feline are fur.
nished with soft, velvety balls or cover
ings instead of hoofs. These balls extend
below the claws, which are drawn up
when not in use, enabling cat to walk
across board floor without the slightest
noise"
ooh, that isn't what makes cat tread
SOFTLY" said Tommy, when the old man
had finished.
''No? What is it, them" asked grand
pa.
''Rats," replied the boy, while a
happy, happy smile lit up his ingenious
face, Chicago Times.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16

who used to be the life Of the table when
l was here before, Mrs. LivermoreF
asked an old patron of the house, adj
dressing the landlady.
al married him, was the quiet reply.
'Indeed! He was one of the spright-
lest fellows ever met, always bubbling
over with spirits, and chock full of
stories, He's away from home, | sup
pose; l haven't seen him since l re-
turned"
"Hc's at home; he has never been
away"
"lndeed! where is he then2'
"He's in the kitchen washing dishes. !"
Boston Courier,
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
The Violet Harvest.

The violet harvest in Southern France
and Italy is extremely good. Three trains
daily bring large cargoes of violets to
Paris, packed in light fruit baskets. The
contents of the evening train are kept for
Paris consumption, while the violets that
arrive in the morning are sent chiefly to
England. What are our farmers about
that they do not also grow violets in win
tar!- Court Journal.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
AN INVITING PROPOSAL.

"Look here said the head of the firm
to young man travelling for it, 'we
want man to go on long trip for us.
Would you undertake it,"
ayes, sir; where do you want me to
go?"
"We want to establish commercial re-
lations with one of the islands in the
Pacific Ocean
''Wh:te people?"
''No; the natives have the reputation
of being cannibals. But you vii have a
jolly time. Every agent we sent out there
has been banqueted and toasted in royal
fashion. "-lMe,chant 7raDeler.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
LOST BEYOND RECOVERY.

Old Gentleman Carbohydrates the
natter, little boys What are you crying
for?"
Little Boy--sI lost a dime; boo hoo"
Old Gentleman-"Well, don't cry.
Here's dime to replace it. Now I'll
help you to look for the other one. :"
Little Boy (ncving away)--"I dsss't
believe we can find it. It was month
ago that lost IL. - TH1lR6e 6I0tle.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
THE MERRY SIDE OF LIFE.
STORIES THAT ARE TOLD by THE
FUNNY MEN OF THE PRESS.

The Admirable Man--City and Coun-
try Houses Better Than He
Thought For-Far From IL, Etc,
He's just common looking man
IT'S possible you'd never guess
He's built ON such a noble plan,
With charms that very few possess.
But when | this one truth unfold
You'll think him worthy to adore;
Wheneer the weather's drear and cold
He never fails to shut the door.
What's learning, beauty, wealth or fame
The gifts of poesy or song?
No one will venerate the name
OF him who does fragrant wrong.
The world willne guiltless hold
Him who our earthly pleasures mar;
Twill hiss him who when days are cold
Forever leaves the door ajar
Chicago Herald.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
IN THE EVENING.

In the evening of our days,
When the first far stars above
Glimmer DINNER, through the haze
Than the dewy eyes Of love,
Shall be mournfully revert
Tothe vanished morns and Mays
OF our youth, with hearts that hurt
In the evening of our dayss
Shall the hand that holds your own,
Till the twain are thrilled as now,
withheld, or colder grown?
Shall my kiss upon your brow
Falter from its high estates
And, in all forgetful ways,
Shall we sit apart and wait
In the evening of our days?
Nay, my wife-my life tho gloom
Shall enfold us velvetwise,
And my smile shall be the groom
OF the gladness of your eyes;
Gently, gently as the dew
Mingles with the darkening maze,
shall fall asleep with you
In the evening of our days.
james Whitcomb Riley, in Lippincott
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
WOULDN'T LET HIM START IN.

Jones-"I suppose you take lots of
comfort with your new baby, Brown!ss
Brown-"Well, l should say so. Let
me tell you how cunning he is"
Jones-"Td very much like to hear,
but to tell the truth I'm due on the next
block in four hours from now. Some
other time, wn."-Jucge.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
HOUSEHOLD AFFAIRS.
PROPER USE OF VEGETABLES.

Potatoes are the proper vegetable to
accompany fish. All kinds of vegetables
may be served with beef, although green
peas are more appropriate for veal, NUT
ton or poultry. Corn should never ac-
company game or poultry, With venison,
currant jelly, Cabbage, apple sauce,
parsnips, carrots and turnips should be
served with PORK. Macaroni with cheese
should always accompany woodcock.
Green peas and watercresses, wild ducks.
Apple sauce, turnips, cabbage, wild or
tame geese. Table Tdlk.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
AN INDICTMENT.

"What is it you want?" she asked as
he stood in the doorway, cap in hand.
81 am the mi kmaa, ma'am."
"Well, the cook has the tickets and
knows how much to get"
'tYes'm, but I'm the cocks beau"
"Well"
"she says you object to her having a
a beau"
"Well2"
"Milk is six cents a quart. Suppose
I make it FIVE and you keep quiet on
Mary ?"-Detr0it Free Press.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
AN AFFLICTED FAMILY.

Mrs. Az think Mrs. Smiths death
is such sad one. My heart fairly aches
for Mr.. Smith"
Mrs. B.-"Yes, and the poor little
children. 1t is terrible visitation. viii
you be at the funeral?"
Mrs. A.-"Oh, yes"
Mrs. B.-"What are you going to
ar?"-Bpoch.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
FAR FROM IT,

Mr.. Billus Cooking over his morning
paper)-''Poor Gringo His wife,"
Mrs. Billus (greatly moveO-"John,
is Mrs. Gringo-has she joined the silent
majority!"
"The silent majority! She's going to
entertain the Band of Hope Sewing
Circle all day tomorrow. - Chicago
Tribune.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
NOT FOR CASH.

.'Doctor," he said, as they met on the
platform of the street car, scan get a
little advice of your
s.For CASH."
''Well, no. ! simply want to ask a
question or two, and being an old patient
of yours you won't think of charging
me.
SEQ ahead"
swell, my feet are troubling me and /
thought -"
'say. Cut EN- right off, interrupted
the )ctor. ave often wondered why
you didn't do il. I've got to get off here
good night!"- Eetroit Free Press.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
CRUSHED.

"Did you ever see any Ct these mind
readers2" said young Smithkins to a
young lady.
eyes; l have attended some of their
exhibitions.
81 don't believe there is anything in
it. I allowed one of them to try and
read my mind, and do you know he
couldn't at all2"
(which is in no way surprising" was
all the young lady said Washington
CapitaL.
The Londonderry sifter. (South Londonderry, Vt.) 1883-19??, 1890-01-16
BETTER THAN lie THOUGHT FOR.

Patient-"That medicine you gave me
for my cold, Doctor, cured me entirely"
Doctor lin surprise)-''Did it! Well,
blamed if / don't believe I'll try it my
self. can't get rid of mine. Time.