The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1890-02-13
written for the pOsT.
Clay Eaters Of the South.

CuLLMAN, Ala. Feb. /, 1890.
There are several sections of
North Carolina, South Carolina and
Alabama, where there is found n
species of kaolin called "Terra Alba,
which is largely used for adultera-
tion by candy manufactures, and
which is found in all cheap confcc-
tionery. It's delitorious effect upon
the system is known to all, but yet
for the sake Of afcw cents perpound,
manufacturers use it and children
are allowed to eat it. In the vicinity
of these clay beds live class of
people called "clay-eatcrs, because
they have formed the habit of eat
ing this clay, not from any nour-
ishment it contains, or that it allays
hunger, but probably from pure
habit which is handed down from
parent to child. The injurious cf-
fcct5 are evident in their lank forms,
sallow complexion, and they all in
variably suffer from chronic indi-
gestion. The men, women, and
even children seem prematurely old
and lack III physical development.
Intellectually there seems to be n
deficiency that can hardly be ac-
counted for by their isolation or
habits of life.
They reside i'll sparsely settled
communities on the poor clay hills,
generally own few acres of almost
worthless land, with log cabin
containing seldom more than two
rooms, each of which is supplied
with Il rude fireplace, which serves
all the purposes of domestic conven-
fence, warmth. cookery, light, n
spittoon and receptacle for all kinds
of dirt.
When questioned rs to n reason
for eating clay, theyrcply, grandpa
and grandma allus ct il, an we'uns
eat it too" As little children are al
lowed to eat it, the taste is doubt
less acquired.
These poor people We're isolated to
themselves during slavery, and were
despiscd, even by the slaves, hence
they have lived for generations in Il
emi-barbaric state
Their entire personal property
consists of an OK or II mule, Il COW on
two, and the crudcst agricultural
implements. They cultivate little
crap of cotton on tobacco with
which to purchase the few articles
of necessity which they are unable
TO produce. Hunting and fishing
and few razor backs that roam
wild in the woods furnish theii
meat, and the corn and sweet po
tato patch their bread. Here they
were born, have lived, and will die
contented with the fortune and ig.
noraEce of their fathers.
These people are exceedingly su.
perstitious. All their acts are con.
trolled or guided by signs or warn.
ings. The different phases and ap-
pearancc of the moon, to them is q
matter of the greatest Importance.
Corn is planted when the moon is
full, potatoes are put in the ground
in the dark of the moon. They will
not kill beef or n pig in the wano
of the moon, because it will shrink
in the cooking. If there is ring
around the moon in which there are
three bright stars, then in three
days it will be sure to rain, and nc
iouray or job of work will be com.
monced. The number of stars in,
cluded in the ring always deter,
mines the number of days that will
olapse before storm. When the
new moon lays on its back, dry
weather may be expected, ifit stands
on end so that II hunter cannot hang
his powder horn on it, then n wet
spell is sure to follow.
Noises ut night made by Wild on
domestic animals, all have a signifc-
ance. The hoot of an owl is espe-
cially an omen of i'll luck, and if an
swered by the howl of dog, it is a
sign that II member of the family
will soon die. 1t is customary as
soon as the hoot of an owl is heard,