Evening star., 1894-12-15

consists OF dynamo with suitable power
to operate 1t, placed upon a car, and con-
nected with wire brush, which covers
the space OF the roadway. This brush Is
SO arranged that it can be lifted upward if
desired, so as to clear any obstacle
which may be presented. AS the car is
drawn over the track weeds and other
grasses rising above the level Of the cross
ties receive a heavy current Of electricity
from the brushes, and are speedily and
effectively killed. the electric current not
only destroying the plant itself, but killing
its roots.
Some Amusing Incidents.
Practical tests have been made during
the past summer and early fall, which
show that the machine can be successfully
operated Experiences In connection with
the invention OF the electric exterminator
were many and of a novel character. A
great many electricians seemed to doubt
whether such a machine would work. This
was found to be "a trick of the trade"
since the people engaged in the distribution
or electrical power do not care to be held
responsible for the destruction of trees or
valuable plants.
Several members of the inspection party
that went over the southern roads passe
through Washington last week on their
way north to their respective roads They
had been especially detailed to watch the
operations of the electric grass killer. as
anything new In railroading is carefully
kept in view by the northern and eastern
railroad officials. They all reported the
machine as being a great success, but
hardly practicable for their roads, owing
to the absence of the obnoxious grasses
These delegates recited many tales that
were interesting in Connection with the ex-
periments No matter what came in con-
tact with the electric brush it was instant
ly killed, and such things as snakes,
chickens or other domestic animals suf-
fered to a considerable extent. At one
point where the grass was extremely dense
and high an old darkey, much the worse
for an overdose of corn whisky, had set
tied himself for a comfortable nap.
The party that was on the car carrying
the electric brushes was, with one excep-
tion, congregated about the rear END
watching the effects of the machine on
the grass. The one man in front, who
held the lever of the electric brushes, and
also the rope signaling the locomotive be-
hind, had become careless through con-
stant assignment to this kind Of work, and
as the car bowled along at a right smart
speed he did not see the darkey until about
five feet from him.
With an ejaculation that brought the en-
tire party to the front of the car, he lifted
the lever with crash, but not in time to
entirely skip the sleeping darkey alongside
the track But q small portion Of the elec-
trio fluid entered his body. but 1t was
enough to awaken him with yell, and as
he bounded up his frowsy woolly head
struck the brushes q second time. Inc
second contact was more effective, and an
odor of burning hair filled the air. The
darlxey had rolled back into the grass with
a yell Of pain and when the car had been
stopped and the party rushed back to as
one-half Of the poor fellows hair was
gone. Otherwise he was uninjured When
brought to his senses the darkey said that
he thought he had been cut In two.