The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1894-11-28
TURNING ODD PENNIES.
Bright Boys Who Make Their Money In
Funny Fashions.

"Have you the bullet that killed Gen.
Reynolds?" asked an old veteran of a
youngster who kept a relic stand on the
battle field of Getty burg.
mo, SIR" was the reply; "we sold
the last one Yesterday, but we can have
you one by tomorrow" The SCARED
and begrimmed old "Buck Tail" how
ever knew all about the General Rey-
nolds bullet, so he didn't order any, but
bought dilapidated canteen 'from the
scene of Pickett's charge" Being
somewhat of connoisseur in such mat
ters, he examined the canteen closely
and satisfied himself that it was not
bogus.
Mary boy living near one of the
great battletields obtains living by
hunting relics. Having sharp eyes, he
is generally fortunate enough to pick
up some remains of the great fight,
which he either sells to a dealer or di-
rectly to visitors. One boy, not long
ago, at Gettysburg, found wrist-bone
with a bayonet plunged through it,
which he sold for twenty-five dollars.
Another, on the field of Waterloo, found
one French, the other English. They
valued highly. So many tourists visit the
American battle-fields that it is becom-
ing very difficult to find relics. Yet, be
it said to the disgrace of the Yankee, in
some way or other the supply is kept
up to the demand.
Travellers who have spent any time
among the natives of Australia vow that
the boys of that country earn money in
@f In,
some parts of the country fishing is
quite an industry. Among other things
caught are crabs and crawfish. But in
stead of catching them in nets as we do,
boys are employed, and this is the
method. A boy wades out where the
crabs are thick. Thrusting his foot
out he gives prominence to his big toe,
which wagging about in an enticing
manner, he uses as bait. In a short time
he gets bite and quickly drawing up
his leg he breaks off the crabs feelers
and throws it into a basket which is
slung over his shoulder. Oftentimes
rows of boys can be seen stretched along
the shore, while continual pantomime
is kept up by in turn catching the crab,
releasing it, and thrusting out the willy
toe for another bite. Every now and
then deep sea visitor strays into the
crab settlement and, seeing the tempt
ing bait, lays hold of it. Then there
issues forth from the owner of that bait
an unearthly yell and all the boys come
running out to stare, entirely regard
less of the crabs hanging to the several
parts of their anatomy, and leaving the
poor boy with "bite" to battle with the
unwelcome catch as best he can.
Chinese urchins, in some parts of the
empire, pick up odd coins in a still more
curious and yet somewhet similar man
ner. On rainy days, when a lady
chances to come to a muddy place and
does not wish to soil her shoes, she
beckons to an urchin, who will, if he is
in the business, drop down in front of
her, making q temporary stepping
stone, on which the lady reaches dry land
again. The remuneration received for
this is so small that it would hardly
tempt New York dock rat"
During the winter months, when the
West Indies are much visited by tour
lists and invalids, the native boys make
living by diving for coins. Strangers
are never tired witnessing these expert
exhibitions of diving. A coin is thrown
off the pier and simultaneously half
dozen dark bodies shoot into the water
after it. Sometimes the money sticks in
the mud and the divers remain under
water so long that the spectators grow
quite anxious. But soon they emerge
from all directions, the lucky finder
carrying the piece in his teeth. Often
times they catch a coin before it gets
to the bottom.
Every one of us" said woman who
had spent some time at Atlantic City,
knows what an uncomfortable feeling
it is to have shoe lacer come united.
Equally well does she know what an ex-
srtion it is to stoop and tie it. One day,
while strolling on the board walk and
jostled by the crowd, suddenly felt my
shoestring come united; looking around
for a convenient place to sit down, no.
ticed bright youngster, and beckoned
for him to come to me and tie it. Be-
ing unable to find anythg less than d
1O-cent piece I gave him that for his
trouble. Instead of showing the least
surprise or gratitude, however, he, in a
very business-like manner, took out s.
cent piece and gave it to me as change,
remarking meanwhile that he made a
dollar or SO every day that way"