The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1891-10-25
hAIN AND RAILWAY BUILDING.
Their Coincidence = Knotty Problem for
North WOOdsmen.

Their Coincidence = Knotty Problem Tor
North Nyoodsmen.
NonrHwooD. Oct, 24.-Until recently many
folks in this and adjacent villages we're firm
believers In Jerry Rusk's rain-production
theories. Very few. II any. had ever heard Of
these. but their own experiences had led them
to conclusions similar to those arrived at by
the great agrcuturalist Just now. however.
the opinions on the subject are undergoing a
change. Folks don't know Just what to be-
lieve. and tho opinions advanced in the village
groceries are varied. All this Is due to the
operations OF the worklngmen building the
extension to tho Herkimer and Poland Rail-
road. which was purchased some time ago BY
DIR. Seward Webb.
All last summer tho laborers were blasting
their way through the rocks In the district be-
tween this village and Forestport. The reports
Of the explosions were frequently heard at
ffteen-minute intervals for many successive
days. Evcn at night the low. dull blooms"
broke the quiet. The stiffness Of night in this
sparsely settled country is usually intense.
and when the explosions were first heard peo-
pie were greatly startled. Tho dogs. ignorant
of tho bene1cont purposes Of the explosions.
were suspicious. and at every farm house sleep
was rendered all but impossible because OF the
barking OF the watchdogs and the bayin9 Of
hounds The lu,ter evidently thought that
the reports were from the guns OF hunters.
and they Srieved at being unable to join in
tho sport. For some time tho farmers
were kept busy long after proper bed
time trying to persuade their dogs by
gentle and other means that all was we'll. OF
course all those unusual circumstances had
people. The women became timorous. and the
bod blast them railroad fellers." said more
fhap nno In fhav M nj oh la
honest ioiksY'
But the Iaborers. probably ignorant OF the
in relays twenty four hours every day. includ-
ing sundays After while the. farmers sue
ss sdss IL he ns
Never have the, farmers known such q rainy
summer as the last one. Although crops were
outs and buckwheat in good condition. Most
Of the farmers had to take chances In stor-
ing these in h barns uGa at % aed the
in and much of the crop had to By thrown
away All the farmers we're convinced that the
was a difference in opinion as to how this in
duence worked.
on sundaSs and tRe
cannonading affected the clouds that arc al
tains; but the regular attendants upon the
Rev: Mr.. oranEers services .H s and the weekly
tations OF the Sunday rest. and felt that it was
manifestation of tho Lords anger.
To the surprise of everybody the rains usual
at this time Of year have not come. and the
autumn has heeI remarkable for its gloriously
clear skies. The same farmers who have com
planned all summer Of the superintendent rains
have been suffering oil through the fall for
lack Of them, All the mountain streams were
exceedingly low during September and early
October. and even now the rains are fltful.
For y considerable period much Inconvenience
resulted. Some Of the most reliable springs
dried up. among them several never known to
fail before. In this village only two or three
remained constant in their supply, and for
long time the farmers have had to fetch water
from these to their homes to provide what was
absolutely necessary for the stock and house,
hold. Every morning these farmers might he
seen driving to the wells with their wagons
filled with empty pals and barrels. There
they would take turns in getting the water.
and. as the operation took some time. those
who were waiting would take tho opportunity
Of specializing as to the cause Of the drought.
As the blasting had continued as violently
the rains, Of the summer to this. on pure
plussed. But the believers in Divine wrath
they say. when. according to all precedent. II
should have been dry: now 1t Is dry. when
according to all precedent 1t should be wet.
Ono result OF these phenomena has been an
increase OF attendance at divine services: an
other has been an increase in the dislike OF
the railroads operations. Meantime the sugar
naples have taken on most beautiful coats Of
autumn colors. and the hunters and campers
are rejoicing in the clear, bracing air.