davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-05-23
HOSPITAELE PLANTS.
In Popular Language They May Be Said
to Keen Hotels.

to Keep Hotels.
In recent issue of the Botanical
Magazine, Sir Joseph Hooker figures
and describes member of a peculiar
tass of plants that in popular language
may be termed plants that keep hotels.
An Italian botanist, Beccari, has writ
ten complete monograph of them, COM
prising PIP pages and giving So plates,
under the title of PidRte OSpitatrice The
larger number of them belong to the nat
ural order RU6ldceG, and are indeed very
closely allied to the partridge berry of
our woods--NltcheHa repens;: though no
one would suspect the relationship from
a mere glance at the plant figured by
Hooker, which he names Mgrmecodja-
BeccGr1, and is a native of tropical Aus
tralla. 1t is an epiphyte, growing on
trees as some orchids do, and, like or
chids, develop the lower part of the
plant into sort of pseudo bulb, which
has corrugated surface, and is for all
the world like a huge Usage orange ball.
The little nodules covering the surface
are, however, each crowned by short
spine, and the tint of the pseudo-bulb,
or tuber, is dark-broWn, instead of vel
loWlsh-green, as in the Usage orange.
Thick stems a few inches long grow
from the top of this tuber, crowned by
thick leaves, which at first sight one
might take for leaves of our Kallnia, or
Wood-laurel. What purpose in the econ
omy OF the life of the plant these bulbs
perform is not manifest; but in the econ
omy of nature they serve as hotels for
the entertainment of insects, chiefly
ants. These hollow them out into cham
bers and galleries that would doubtless
delight the heart of our eminent formi-
colOgiSt, Rev. DR.. McCOok. As we Judge
from DR.. HOoker's brief remarks, some
species of ants have taken to these
plants, and they have become their ma
tive homes, just as some swallows took
to the chimneys on the advent of civil
lied man. The relation between plants
and insects mas been believed of late to be
one of mutual advantage, and the parts,
especially the floral parts of plants, have
been supposed to have become especially
modified in order to adapt them espec-
tally to receive in proper style their in
SNNO '1oltO1os wiz LII buIu lOI UIlo NlSlIS
confer inestimable favors. Just what
advantage follows the generosity of this
plant in keeping open house for the ants
does not appear from the short chapter
of DR.. Hooker; but it seems to he with
similar results as in other departments
of the floral kingdom. There we gener-
ally find those plants that have taken
on special adaptations have hard time
in getting along, and are in many cases
threatened with extinction, while self
fertilizers and those which in other
ways are self-dependent, like purslane
and chickweed, are the best fitted for
making their way in the world. This
plant is from the Gulf of Carpentaria,
and DR.. Hooker say lis extremely rare
there" so that the hospitality afforded
the ants does not seem to have been re-
ciprocated by these creatures at any
rate.-N. Y. independent.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-05-23

"A new kind of door hinge has lven
invented for the use of those who never
think of closing doors after them. It's
popularity is that the door not only
shuts quickly and nolselessly, but it
hits the person who leaves the door
open fierce blow on the back.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-05-23
Dissatisfied Any Way.

Jones has a son who is badly stage
struck.
Unhappy boyr p exclaimed the irate
parent: "and you actually propose to
dishonor my name on the boards of a
theater ?"
'Why, father. 1 would take an as
sumed one."
swell, sir, how would that help it?
Supposing you were to succeed, much
credit should get if no one knew that
I was your father. judge:
"A young married couple have just
gone to housekeeping. The other morn
ing the neighbors were treated to this
bit of colloquial entertainment as the
two parted at the gate: He-"What
shall l order for supper, precious?'
She-s'A piece of beefsteak, and oh, dar-
ling, do tell the man to cut it the right
way of the goods, so it will be tender. I"
Detroit Free Press.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-05-23
TURNING NEW LEAVES.

When Doing 1t BE Sure to Look Out fer
Snakes.
Turning new leaves is not always at
tended with the happy results we SO
often read of. The boy who was poking
around after hickory nuts, unmindful of
the sign
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-05-23
GIRL LIFE IN INDIA.
An Existence so Miserable as to Be Be-
Yond Our CoInnreneHsion.

An Existence so Miserable as to Be Be
yOnd Our Comprehension.
On the day of her marriage, the East
Indian girl is put into a palanquin, shut
up tight, and carried to her husbands
house. Hitherto she has been the spoil
ed pet of her mother: now she is to be
the little slave of her mother-in-law,
upon whom she is to wait, whose COM
mands She is implicitly to obey, and
who teaches her what she is to do to
please her husband-what dishes he
likes best and how to cook them.
If the mother-in-law is kind, she will
let the girl go home occasionally to visit
her mother. Of her husband she sees
little or nothing. She is of no more &C
count to him than a little cat or dog
would be. There is seldom or never any
love between them, and no matter how
cruelty she may be treated, she can
never complain to her husband. of any
thing his mother may do, for he would
never take his wife's part.
Her husband sends to her daily the
portion Of food that is to be cooked for
her, himself and the children. When
it is prepared, she places it on one large
brass rlatter, and it is sent to her hus.
bands room. He eats what he wishes,
and then the platter is sent back with
what is left for her and her children.
They sit together on the ground and eat
the remainder, having neither knives,
forks, nor spoons.
While she is young, she is never al
lowed to go anywhere. The little girls
are married as young as three years of age
and, should the boy to whom such child
is married die the next day, she is called
a widow, and is from henceforth doomed
to perpetual widoWhood: she can never
marry again. AS a widow, she must
never wear any jeWelry, never dress her
hair, never sleep on a bed-nothing but
piece of mating spread on the hard
brick floor, and sometimes, in fact, not
even that between her md the cold
bricks; and. no matter how cold the
night might be, she must have no other
covering than the thin garment she has
worn during the day.
She must eat but one meal day, and
that of the coarsest kind of food, and
once in two weeks she must fast twenty
four hours; then not bit of food nor
drop of water or medicine must pass her
lips, not even if she were dying. She
must never sit down nor speak in the
presence of her mother-in-law, unless
commanded to do so. Her food must be
cooked and eaten apart from the other
women's. She is a disgraced and de-
graded woman. She may never even
look on at any of the marriage cere-
monies or festivals. 1t would be an evil
omen for her to do so.
She may have been a high-caste
Brahminic woman, but on her becoming
a widow, any, even the lowest servants
may order her to do what they do not
like to do. No woman in the house
must ever speak one word of love or pity
to her, for it is supposed that if woman
shows the slightest commiseration to
widow she will Immediately become
widow herself.-N. Y. Ledger
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-05-23

"A Partisan lately made an Easter
egg, intended for wealthy Spanish
lady at cost of $1,000. 1t is most in
genius piece of mechanism and is made
entirely of pure white enamel. 1t is
provided with doors and slides, the in
side being engraved with Easter gospels.
The opening of door sets tiny bird
singing and musical apparatus going,
which is capable of playing twelve airs
"A recent railway accident in On
tario, in which train rolled down a
twenty-five foot embankment, was
marked by this incident: Among the
passengers on the train was convict,
in charge of bailiff. He was chained
to seat, and when the car turned over
he hung in mid-air. He managed, after
considerable effort, to free himself, and
then went to the assistance of his keep
or and helped him from the wreck.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-05-23
Bald Headed Congressman.

There are great many more men in
the house with smooth heads than
smooth faces. Their hair seems naturally
to train down. Some of the baldest
heads have the shaggiest faces. More
men have long, flowing boards than
usual. Some members, like Holman,
who retain the old time prejudice against
hairy upper lip, have their faces shaved
clean, except the chin, and there have
respectable beard. Holman has his
beard cut to point after the French
style, but without the mustache the
effect is Ost.-Washington Letter.
The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-05-23

ITO be exact" said the thin man, sit
costs me just 'steen dollars and sleben
cents per month"; and taking section
of dried apple from his pocket he looked
at it awhile, carefully replaced it and
then withdrew, picking his teeth with a
pine sliver.-N. Y. World.
The Newtown bee., 1890-01-17

John Casey ran away from the Child ren's Home and was sent to the Reform School.
 On Monday, 18th, occurred the 50th anniversary of the burning of the steam CT Lexington in the Sound off Eaton's Neck, nearly opposite Norwaik, by which over l50 lives were lost, only four of the entire list of passengers, officers and crew escaping death. The light from the burning steamer was plainly visible from elevated parts of this town and some of our older citizens well remember the sight and the excitement throughout the country, at the news of the greatest disaster which, at that time, had ever happened in the waters of this country. Nathan B. Wells has in his possession a pamphlet published soon after the disas- ter, giving description of the terrible scene as related by one of the four sur .vivors. The pamphlet is curiosity in it's peculiar style and is entitled GA warning voice from watery grave, or a solemn proof of the uncertainty of life and importance of an early preparation for death"
 Otis Curtis, the well known milk man, has been seriously i'll with the prevailing disease.
 Robert Blakeman is president and Will Wheeler secretary and treasurer of the new Eagle athletic club.
The Newtown bee., 1890-01-17
WESTON.

Rev l.. D. Places horse became un- hitched while he and his wife were spending the evening at Samuel Water bury's and wandered into the yard where the carriage top was taken off by d clothes line. This frightened the horse and it ran toward home. About d quar- ter of a mile past the parsonage, it was caught and taken home by Fred Dun- ming. The carriage was a complete wreck. Mir Place had the top badly broken, under the horse sheds, when trimming the church for Xmas by the horse getting loose. This was the first time that they had used it.
 N. Crossman and John Bedient have traded farms, Mir Bedient now being owner of the Seth Mills place.
 Rev L. D. Place and wife were admit ted by letter from Temple, Vermont, to Weston Congregational church, last Sum- day.
 The doors of the church were left open during services on Sunday, 12th. Lloyd Godfrey wore, pansies picked from his yard and others picked dandelions.
 Oscar Budd had fine lot of lettuce in his garden. John Gregory had greens for dinner, last week.
The Newtown bee., 1890-01-17
HUNTINGTON.

William Hopkins, an aged Isinglass laborer, died very suddenly, Wednesday morning, probably of heart disease. He had been chopping wood, but came into the house, said that he was suffering and died almost immediately after lying down. Dr G. A. Shelton of Shelton, medical examiner, was at once called. Hopkins was about v and leaves wife but no children.
 The annual meeting of the Union Az rlcultnral society of Monroe, Huntington and Trumbull was held at the fair grounds, Wednesday, for the election of officers and the transaction of other business. Joseph Tomlinson, who has for many years faithfully performed the duties of secretary, had previously giv- en notice that he could no longer devote the time to it and that a successor must be chosen.
The Newtown bee., 1890-01-17
EASTON.
Miss Jennie Wells is in Waterbury.

Miss Jennie Wells is in Waterbury.
 F. NJ. Garfield has been home from Bridgeport ill with the grippe.
 Charles Robertson and firmly of Dan bury, Albert Edwards, Daniel Edwards and family were among those who re- gently helped to celebrate the 1Gth anni- versary of MT and Mrs l.. H. Edwards marriage. X fine dinner was a feature of the occasion. May they live to enjoy many more years of happiness.
 Mrs Sarah McDermott and little son Georgie spent Sunday with Miss Annie Freese.
 Miss Annie Freese is taking care of Mir and Mrs Levi Trench through q severe attack of la grippe.
 Ladies missionary meeting at the Baptist church parlors, Sunday at Il a m. The exercises were very interesting.
 Rev Mr Weeks delivered an excellent discourse, Sunday, to a large congrega- tion.
 Charles Powell is sadly afflicted, being sick himself and his daughter Emma in a critical condition with nervous pros tratiOn.
 Old MT Ieiss is sick.
 Orlando Osborn has had an attack of la grippe.
 Master Robbie Weeks has been quite sick.
 James Tyler has a sick horse.
 Mrs David Osborn had quite a surprise party recently. Guests to the number of II came unexpectedly to visit pr George Osborn and wife, who were visit ing their parents. The surprise was not so great but that the genial hostess pro- V1ded abundantly for the inner man, tempting viands of baked goose, turkey and chicken pie, with other things too numerous to mention.
 Elihu Taylor has had his faithful old horse killed he has had it for 8 years.
 Miss Jennie Plumb of Canada is visit ing Easton friends.
 Much praise and many thanks are dne Mrs James Case for the lovely variety of foliages and plants that she kindly plac- ed in the church, Sunday.
 MT and Mrs F. l.. Wheeler spent Sun day at John II. Wheeler's.
The Newtown bee., 1890-01-17
STEPNEY.

We are very happy over the new ar engagement of the Housatonic time table. Now we can leave Stepney Depot for Bridgeport ate P, Is, Il 49 a m; 40, 3 90, IS, s 43 m and return to Step ney Depot at 3l, 10 20, 10 50 m; F 20, , 15, 6 IS, 10 25 p m. Thanks to the lively superintendent
 Lothian kennels has sold fine inn ported collie, ''AIidlothian Lassie, A. k. c. 10503, to Frank Dickinson of Whately, Mass.
 At the Baptist church: Sunday, 18th, Sunday school at II 30 m, preaching at p m, prayer meeting at p m. Tues day, 30 p m, Y. F. s. C.. E., subject, 'sThe Greatness of Love,'' I Corinthians XIII, 1-13. Thursday, p m, meeting in Judd school house. Revs Nance and Robertson, Mrs D. Osborne, Mrs Kasson and Edward Corn ing's family are among the sick.
 Charles Welles of Mamaroneclx is guest of his sister, Mrs Charles Lane.
 Charles Nichols butchered two pigs, last week, that weighed 900 pounds.
 John B. Parmelee has enlarged the in- ncr doorway of the Methodist church by a second door Is inches wide, for the convenience of funerals. It has been difficult to carry q large casket into the church, the outer and inner doors of the vestibule not being directly opposite.
 Mrs Beers and Miss Donahuc have had the grippe; a sister of Miss Danahue vis- it's her.
 George Burritt has traded horses with H. E. Coger of Huntingtown.
The Newtown bee., 1890-01-17
REDDING.

II. Rumsey's horses got out of the road, 20th, and everything was thrown into promiscuous heap. The horses soon cleared themselves from the wag- on. Mir Rumsey walked home and found the team uninjured near the barn. His man took another team and went for Mrs Rumsey and Miss Emma, who were not severely injured.
 Mrs J. Rose has been very ill. Dr Anna Reid was sent for.
 Mrs J. Carroll has visited her daugh- ter, Mrs Casey of Nichols.
 J. C. Read and family have been in Bridgeport. with Mir and Mrs Hobart Brnsmade.
 Mrs Harriet Hill has been in Norwalk and, with health much improved, will spend several weeks with her daughter in New Jersey.
 MT and Mrs T. Perry from Greenfield Hill, Benjamin Bradley from New York, Aaron Mallett and Miss Lillie of Fash ua, with a number of other friends, have been with Mir and Mrs c. Bradley.
The Newtown bee., 1890-01-17
BRIDGEPORT.

William B. Palmer of Hull & Palmer has been chosen first vice president of the Connecticut association of civil engi- neers.
 w. 5. Hurlbutt is putting up two houses, about 22x29 feet, on Kossuth street. Gift & Shaw did the mason work.
 John Denny, the scamp arrested for in- sulting women on the streets, was taken before the city court, fined $27 and costs and given 30 days in jail for indecent eN- posture. Denny has been q moulder at MaXm's foundry in East Bridgeport. George Hoyt, formerly of Bridgeport, left for Florida, week ago, to work at the carpenter business.
 The many friends of Peter F. Wenz of North Main street will be pained to learn of his death, which took place, Tuesday, after comparatively short illness. He was 55 years and six months old and leaves, besides a wife and several daugh- ters, brother in Pennsylvania. He was native of Germany and came to Ameri- ca many years ago. He was cheerful, honest and simple-hearted, with q smile and pleasant word for all. The funeral was attended from his late residence on North Main street, about three miles from the city, Thursday, 10th, at2 p m. Gates have long been needed at the, Howard avenue crossing, West End and | those who cross daily are glad to see that they have at last been placed in po- sition. It is now said that the shut down of the Yost writing machine works at West End was caused by internal dsaf- factions, rather than by inventory. The New. York capitalists who are at the back of the concern are said to be dissat- isfied with the experimenting constant l Iy going on and think that the machine | is so nearly perfect that the money spent on this is wasted. The factory has been turning out hundreds of ma chimes per week, but will probably be shut down for some months. Many en-
  The board of charities estimate next years expenses at $60,000, S55,000 of which is for the care of the poor. They also ask an additional appropriation of $6000 for an addition to the almshouse. | Henry Fenn has bought a lot on Colo rado avenue of Gould Bros. and will probably build there.
 l George Palliser of Park avenue and Forty-second street, New York, is the architect of Samuel F.. Todd's new building.-[ Weekly Record.
 W. R. Higby of this city has been elected president of the Connecticut as sociation of the Commandery of Knights Templar.
The Newtown bee., 1890-01-17

to make his paper the greatest thing in all paperdom. But, my dear MT Visitor, if you could uncover the kind editors cerebellum about that time, you would find him thinking to himself, s'From what lunatic asylum does this fool hail P And, as he muses, the probable ques- tion with him is, "Is this two-legged thing worth unchaining the dog for?''We let 1t all pass, my dear visitor, only re- member our good Solon's text, ssBeware of a swelled head.'' You may be sure, yes very sure, that when you get down to facts, you do not know half as much about doing your neighbours business as you thought you did.
 Strange as it may seem, the man with the swelled head is found in the relig- ious life of the community. He is gen orally young man and the chances are ten to one that he carries very large headed cane. His principal occupation seems to be to suck self importance out of that cane. This same young man goes to q meeting,we will suppose now he does not go for d religious purpose, oh no, not he. Religion is all very we'll for women and children, but he does not believe in it. It is a prayer meeting he attends and, when some old and way worn pilgrim gets up and tries to pray, our young swelledhead leans back and tries to attract the attention of the girl iii the next seat, or, when some weak soul falters out request for prayer and breaks down in tears, our young visitor thinks it a fine thing to make sport of and he can hardly keep himself from bursting out laughing. When the ser vice is over and the pastor is speaking some earnest word of personal entreaty to some of young swellhead's friends, he listens with a contemptuous sheer very evident on his face and goes home saying, :sWhat a lot of cranks these Christians arc.' hnt q strange gentle man, who happened ia to that meeting and saw his actions, said to the sexton as he passed out, "Who was that addled pated fool who sat in front of me? He is no gentleman and, by his actions, should | think had less brains than his cane. .'The sexton answered, ':That's nobody but young Swellhead.''
The Newtown bee., 1890-01-17
LONG HILL.

John Kennedy has sold his interest in the carpenter business to his partner. The style has been Kennedy & Clark, Bridgeport.
 MT and Mrs D. $. French are still con- fined to the house with the grip. Three from Tousey's shop are sick and quite a number of others in the place are sick.
 Mir Cutts is visiting his niece, Mrs c. N. Curtis.
 The weekly meetings are increasing in interest; there were 2S at the meet ing at F. s. Shelton's, Tuesday evening.
 Mrs Porter and Miss Jennie Dayton are home from Trenton, N. J.