davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
Recognized 1t By the Touch.

No professor is more kindly re.
membered by the "boys' who gradu'
ated from Wesleyan university gen
Grafton ago than Professor Johnston,
or "Uncle johnnie" as he WAS more
familiarity known. Besides having n
profound scientific mind far in adj
vance of his time, he had keen relish
for a good joke, whether on himself
or another.
In order to aid the students of geology
in grasping the essential distinctions
between the various classes of rock, he
requested them to bring in specimens
and place them on his desk before the
recitation began.
One day student brought in n
piece of brick, secured from build
ing being erected near the college and
placed it on the table among the
other specimens. ''Uncle Johnnie"
came in few moments later and ap-
parently unsuspecting the hoax, be-
gan the recitation as usual, by picking
up the specimens, one at time, NAM
ing them and remarking their peculi-
arities.
'This, gentlemen, is piece of
sandstone, this is granite; while this,
somewhat similar in its formation, is
quartz. And this, taking up the last
bit on the table and gravely surveying
the expectant class over the rim of his
glasses, sis piece of impudence. -
Harper's Magazine.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
Electric Wires Affect Foliage.

In France great care is taken in To-
eating the wires that carry high ten.
sion electric currents, whether used
for light or for power, but in America
the thing is done more simply. No
one bothers himself about what is to
be found at the side of the wire, and
it passes among the branches of trees
aud across thickets unconscious of the
damage that it may do,
Now, in many towns it has been re.
marked that the trees crossed by the
current dwindle and die. It has also
been observed that the death of these
trees invariably follows the rainy sea.
son; the leaves. being soaked with
moisture, become good conductors and
lead the current down into the tree
from the wire. The wires, to be sure,
have been insulated, but the protective
layer has been quickly destroyed by
the friction of the branches and the
line becomes bare, producing thus re.
suits that it would have been we'll to
avoid. And the electricity is the only
thing that be accused of this. 1t sui.
fees to convince ones self to compare
conditions of the trees traversed by
the wires with that of neighboring
trees. 1t has often been noticed that
in storm all the trees through Shich
wires pass die in few hours, while
the surrounding ones are not touched.
This is very serious source OF COM
plant and causes some lawsuits
Cosmos,
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
The Melon Tree.

Professor Hilgard of the Agricul.
tural College at the University of Cal
ifornia has succeeded in growing
melons on tree. The strange horti-
cultural combination is in the univer.
sity conservatory, ami has been pho.
graphed and labelled "melon tree" in
the album of the Agricultural College.
1t stands about ten feet high, has
large green leaves, and would create
wonder in the eyes of any farmer.
Professor Hileard says that attempts
have been made for some time to Sc
cure fruit ON this particular tree, but
all efforts had failed until recently.
Among scientific men the tree is
known as the papaya, and is product
of the tropics. From it pepsin is ex.
tracted, chiefly from the leaves. In
California the tree has been fruitful
in the open air in Santa Barbara, but
none has approached the growth of
the specimen at the University OF
California. Professor Hilgard regards
it as one of tie most peculiar and in.
teresting Illustrations of what can DO
done With CROWNS from the tropics.
10 show the effects of the peptinine
contained in the melons and leaves,
several experiments have been made.
Tough beefsteak when placed within
the melons or between the leaves, I'M
dergoes q change that would bring Joy
to the boarder. In fact, the toughest
beef can be made to rival the tender.
est in few hours, says Professor Hill
gard.
The melons are similar in shape to
the ordinary elongated melon that
grows on a vine, and are pleasant eat.
ing, resembling the watermelon in
taste. 1t belongs to the same family,
and its growth from the flower pro.
crosses in the same manner. Hereafter
Professor Hilgard says he expects to
make the tree bear every year. -Balti
more American.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12

If the latest phrase of modern in
genuity proves success, there will be
no more heavy trampling and the
rhythmic clicking OF the hoofs OF four
footed steeds. There has been in
vented new horseshoe-a steel frame
about which is built cushion OF
vulcanized rubber. The advantage
claimed for it is that as the instead OF
metal strikes the ground there is no
conclusion or jar, and the horses
hoof, leg and shoulder are saved.
Thirty-three per cent OF the dis
eases of horses, it has been said, are
maladies of the foot, and there Is lit
tie question but that even the best
shoeing, rs it is done now by burning
the hoof, is in measure injurious.
This new horseshoe is to be put on
cold, and the hoof simply pared or
cut to fit. 1t is nailed on in the ordi-
nary way. An additional advantage
of the rubber sole is thnt it will give
the horse tirmer hold upon wet or
treacherous pavements, and, by sccur-
ing him a good purchase, enable him
to go up or come down steep hills
with heavy load far more easily
than at present. New York Tribune.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
SCIENTIFIC AND INDUSTRIAL,

German Investigations seem to show
that towns strung with telephone wires
, are less liable to lightning stroke than
others.
A new hypnotic has probably been
found in the Jamaica dogwood. The
fluid extract has been found efficacious
in dentistry.
Paris policemen have been supplied
with electric dark lanterns, by means
of which they can see one hundred
and fifty feet away.
The offensive weapon of the ostrich
is his leg. He can kick as hard as Il
mule, and it is remarkable fact that
his kick is forward, never backward.
The humming bird, in protecting
its nest, always flies at and pecks the
eyes OF its adversary. Crows have
been found totally blind from the
humming birds bill.
Power developed by Niagara Falls
and transmitted to Buffalo, N. Y, by
electricity will cost $36 per horse
power per year, saving of $40 per
horse power for average lots.
Beef is the most nutritious of all
animal foods and can be eaten longer
continuously than any other kind OF
meat, resembling rice and bread in
that respect. Fresh beef is almost
completely digested, more completely
than milk is by an adult.
George W. Dunn, al octogenarian
naturalist of California, who has been
there since 1919, is making collec,
tion of the butterflies of the Pacific
Slope for Baron de Rothschild, to be
added to the Baron's chronological
museum at Trig, England.
So thoroughly practical are Roent-
gen rays considered by the medical
department of the English War Office
that two sets Of Roentgen-ray appara-
tus, it is reported, have been sent up
the Nile to be used by the army sur
geons in locating bullets and in de-
termining the extent of bone frac-
lures.
Germany has made some bold ex-
periments at railroad speed on the
limo between Berlin and Gorlitz. The
best performance was 65s miles, which
was twelve miles better than the high
est speed of the fastest German train,
the Hamburg lightning ex.
press, which does 177h miles in three
and one half hours. Ordinary Ger.
man express trains make 43k miles an
hour.
1t is popularity supposed that tho
sudden downpour which usually fol-
lows bright flash OF lightning has in
some way been caused by tue dis.
charge of the electricity. The most
advanced weather sharps are now
making experiments which it is be.
lieved will prove that the contrary is
the exact cause; in other words, that
it is the sudden increased precipita.
ton which causes the lightning flash,
instead OF the lightning flash causing
the sudden increase in rainfall.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
shoots ut Live Targets.

Franz Hickman of Germantown,
Pa, q revolver shot well known to
fame, has arranged an ingenious
scheme for revolver practice which
savors of real sport Shooting at tar
gets and holt dollars grows tlresome,
but Mr.. Heckman's novel plan awak-
ems fresh interest every day, and he
never wearies of the game.
He has constructed wooden box
about two feet square, with hole an
inch square in the centre OF the cover.
The small boys of the neighborhood
are under contract to secure as many
snakes, large or small, as they are
able to ensnare. These are placed in
tho wooden box, and Mr.. Hickman
stations himself some fifty or seventy
five feet away. One by one, as the
snakes seek to escape, their heads APP
pear outside of the small hole, and
each head as it appears is cut off clean
and true by the shot from Mr.. Heck
mans weapon, which is guided by his
sure eye and steady aim
Mr.. Hickman boasts that he can
decapitate twenty-four out OF twenty
five snakes at fifty feet, and isanxlous
to arrange a match with anybody who
thinks he could do better at this novel
sport. New York journal.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
He DOdged the Issue.

II was stumping the state last
week." said we'll known Western
politician, "for gold, and Was billed
to speak to the farmers of certain
county. the silver sentiment of which
was very pronounced. 1t seemed a
few of the more radical sill
verites had determined to inter-
rupt my speech. l began by say
ing that the real issue was not gold
and silver, but tho products of the
farm. just then volley of corn, cab
bage and decayed fruit was hurled AT
me. 1 had to dodge pretty lively for
few moments, but the meeting went
on"
"You ought to have been stopped, "
remarked his companion.
"Why?' asked the politician, with
some surprise.
"For lodging the real issue. -
Washington Times.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
SMILES AND TEARS.

The smiles that light some kindred face,
To cheer us when by sorrow bowed,
Are like the glory beams that chase
The darkness from the summer cloud;
Dear, radiant glenmings Of the soul,
The sunshine OF affections sky,
They lift the heart from griefs control
And wipe the tear from sorrows eye.
Tho tear-drops on some kindred cheek,
When Joy is mingled with despair,
Our spirits gloom can lif. and break,
And leave joys light unclouded there;
Can lift and thrill the trembling heart,
And soothe us in life's saddest hours,
And sparkle on the soul rs clear
As dews that sleep on iainting flowers.
Loves holy smile and PHYS tear,
Like angel footprints from the skies,
They lift us DER the mortal sphere,
And give lis CLEANS of Paradise.
Oh, Smiles and Tears, by these alone,
Had we no higher rapture given,
The heart might hope for glory's zone
The soul might wing its way to HEAVIER
&C. d. Stuart, in Ledger.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12

Joan turned pale as she took it up.
1t was endorsed on the back: "Pay to
Joan Smith and no one else"
Ere they had finished looking
through the book they found twenty.
one other notes of exactly the same
kind.
"They are certainly yours, my
GIRL" said Mr.. Cameron, when Joan
called on him in the morning; "and !
shall have great pleasure in telling
Mrs. Peter Battersby what has become
( OF the money to her brother.in. law s
credit at the bank. "-Cassell's Satur.
| day journal.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
Agents of the Nrexican Gova,

Agents OF the Mexican Government have
organized q colony, consisting of 1900
Mexican residents OF Texas, to settle on
agricultural lands In Southern Mexico. Free
transportation and liberal exemptions and
advantages are offered.
Mrs. Edwin It. Root. of ST. Paul, MIMI,
has been rllde II member OF tho police force
OF that c :, with all the authority OF the
ordinary male officer. Mrs. Root is engaged
in rescue work, aud thought that police
rights would be n help to her.
Divers mt Trieste are hunting for a treasure
OF 100000 in gold aud some valuable
jewels which were on the French frigate
Danae, blown up in the harbor in 1911.
They have found the skeleton of the hull
and have brought up some cannon balls and
iron fittings.
Vanda's destroyed the saddles OF oil mem.
beers OF the congregation Of Crooked Creek
Church, near Marion. Ky, Who rode horse
back to worship one night, and when service
was over they fired from ambush a broad
side from shotguns at the church building
and riddled all the windows.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12

American and English manners seem
bald, and often astounding to well
bred people in many parts of the con
tinent of Europe. We lift our hats
only to ladies; all over the continent
nodding to man without lifting your
hat is treating him as an inferior; i'll
some parts of the continent no one
thinks of entering n shop, IL restau-
rant or railway carriage containing
human beings without taking off his
hat and wishing them good morning.
New York Evening Post.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12

When Bobbie Hickenlooper re-
turned from the big dinner at the club
the other night he was unusually live
ly.
"What has got into you Bob!
asked Mr.. Hickenlooper senior.
''That," said Bobbie, handing him
the menu. "That daddy, is my tab Q
of contents. Hnrper's Bazaar.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
ArizOra's Natural Bridge.

One of the natural wonders OF Ari.
IONA scenery Is remarkable natural
bridge in the Tonic Basin, not far
from Flagstaff. The bridge is $50 feet
long and spans a canon some 200 feet
deep, at tho bottom of which flows the
river. The bridge is of rock and is
perfectly proportional. The under
side is gracefully arched and the up.
per perfectly level. Industrial World,
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12

tell the one story of physical salvation
gained through the aid Of her Vegeta'
BILE Compound.
The horrors born of displacement
or liberation of the womb:
Backache, bearingdow dizziness,
fear Of coming calamity, distrust OF
best friends.
All, all-sorrows and sufferings OF
the past. The famed Vegetable
Compound bearing the illustrious
name, Pinkham, has brought them out
of the valley of suffering to that OF
happiness and usefulness.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
BATTERSBY'S FORTUNE.

HE High street of
Moxford was in.
terested this Ju ne
day in the funeral
of old Carmel Bat
tersby, whose pic
turesque hobble
and long gray
locks would never
again enllven the
rtraat
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
Submarine TeleDhOne.

ODESSA, Russia, Sept. 9-M. Kildischew.
sky an electrician, has discovered an i'm.
provement in the telephone, by the use Of
which distance has no effect upon the hear.
ing. In an experiment between Moscow and
RostOff, a distance of $50 miles, talking
music, and singing were heard with perfect
distinctness. For the purpose of this ex-
pertinent an ordinary telegraph wire was
used. M. Kildschewsky will 60 to London
to experiment his improvement on the At
lantic cables between London and New
York
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12

BOSTON, Mass, Sept. "a cable dispatch
from the European union of astronomers to
Messrs Chandler and Richie announces the
discovery of a new comet by Giacobini, an
astronomer ut the Nice observatory. The
comet was first seen by him at eight hours,
16 minutes, Greenwich mean time the posi-
ton being II. A. seventeen hours, ten min
utes, thirty-two seconds, declination south
seven degrees, twenty-nine minutes. The
comet has a motion OF plus two minutes In
II. A. and south four minutes.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
Cave.in AT ROckland, Me.

ROCKLAND, Me. ,sept.9-The largest cave
in ever known in this section took place at
one of the Cobb lime company's quarries,
the loose lime cock filling the quarry, which
Is $50 feet deep, about half full. The II
On minutes before the 1slide,' took nlacs
1t may be necessary to abandon the quarry.
The loss cannot be estimated.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
No Wonder.

Mrs. What does make
you talk 80 much in your sleep,
Joseph?
Joseph - Gosh! It's tho only
chance l ever get.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
Turkey to Pick Up q Plum.

CONSTANTINOPLE, Turkey, Sept. O.
The government is on the point of signing a
treaty of commerce with France, Turkey
having yielded art 3, which hitherto pre-
vented a settlement. This once settled, the
Porte will conclude negotiations with Italy
and then with Austria, which are already
far advanced. This is OF immense import
ance. governing the financial situation.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
Arc You Satisfied with What You Know

Or would you gladly improve your stock OF
knowledge? You may not have 80 or 500 you
YOU can afford to pay Iiity cents for a Hand
Book of General Information. You won't want
to pay even tbs unless you are DESTROYS o;
improving your mind and believe that II five.
hundred-page book, filed with II condensed
mass of valuable knowledge, will be read b>
you. This valuable Encyclopaedia will be sent
postpaid for fifty cents In stamps by the Book
Publishing House, 1874 Leonard ST., N. Y. city.
Every person who has not n large cyclopedi;
should take advantage of this great offer al
once and store his mind with the valuabl,
facts collated in this book.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
Catarrh and Colds Relieved in 10 to GO
Minul,,s

One short pun of the breath through the
Blower, supplicd with each battle oI Dir.
Agnew's Catarrhal Powder, ditlusrs hi' Pew
der over the surface al the nasal pANnl.'',
Painless and drlirhtiul tousc. Il relieve, in
slant ~ and permanently cures tNtaIrh, Hay
Fever, Colds. Headache, sore Thruat, Ton
siliis and deafness. II your drug si>l hasn't
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12

The family of the late NJ. Wadding-
ton, the late French ambassador to
England have agreed to sell to the
state, for 800, 900, his fine collection
of coins and medals, which pecuniary
losses prevented him from bequeath-
ing to it, as he originally intended.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12

Here Is indeed light to burn.
The biggest lamp on record is being
built at New York factory-a lamp
so big that man can stand in the oil
we'll, and have plenty OF room to move
about IN besides. This giant illumi-
nator is larger by far than any electric
lamp, kerosene or calcium light that
has over been constructed.
1t required three years of effort and
experiment, member Of the lamp
firm says, before Il lamp could be de-
veloped which would accommodate
the requisite amount of oil or give
forth the light they wanted. The oil
receptacle in the great lamp holds two
barrels, though only one barrel is
burned at time. 1t takes eighteen
hours for that quantity to be con-
sumed.
The chimney Of this egregious oil
lamp is five ieet eight inches high and
the burner is two in circumference.
The circumference of the oil we'll is
eight feet, its depth three feet. The
wick is an inch thick. The reflector
is ten feet wide. 1t is no FREELY this
lamp that they are building. 1t is 20
feet tall. An ordinary sized man
could, as has been said, stand in the
oil we'll. A boy might swim there.
The contents of that great basin would
fill 65 of the biggest of everyday or
every night lamps. The wick, simple
as it's function seems, is one of the
stoutest fabrics known. A load of
two tons might be hauled with it, and
not Overtax it bit.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12

Miss Lucy e. Ball has just been APP
pointed chief of the spirits department
by collector Kelly of the Brooklyn
internal revenue office. There is only
one other woman in the United States
holding similar position. The new
chief is pretty girl with dark hair
aud blue eyes and face that is full OF
intelligence. KNIcKERBooKER.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12
SICK HEADACHE
FEMALE COMPLAINTS,
BILlOUSNESS,
INDIGESTION,
DYSPEPSIA,
CONSTIPATION,
AND
All Disorders of the LIVER.

Observe the followin, symptoms, resulting from
diseases OF the digestive organs: Constipation, in
ward piles, fuliness OF blood in the head acidy OF
the stomach. nausea heartburn, disgust OF 10 d.
fulncss OF weight OF the stomach, sour eruct iion
sinking luttering of the b" art, choking sufo
eating sensations when in n lying posture. dlmness
Of visl On, dots or webs befor sight. fever and
dull pain In the head deficiency OF Precipitation, vel
lowness OF the skin and eyes, pain in the side chest
limbs aud l,len lushe Of heat In the flesh
A few doses OF RAILWAYS PILLS VIII free the
system Of all OF the above-nam. ID disorders.
Price rs cts. box. Sold by drul gists sent
by mail.
Send to DIR. RAILWAY Il CO., lock box So
New York, for book OF ADVICE.
Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1896-09-12

of course, to the reading Of her broth
er.in.l laws will. ''Besides," she add
ed, "they may hear something nice
for themselves.
As far as he was concerned, how.
ever, young Walter had fully intended
to be present, even if his father and
mother objected.
Joan continued alone in the kitchen.
The tramp of strange feet in the room
over her did but make fresh tears well
up from the bountiful source inside
her.
And so the funeral party and the
others sat round old CarmePs table
and waited for Mr.. Cameron to begin.
The lawyer did not keep them waiting.
He smiled rather dryly and drew forth
the paper from its official blue enve
lope.
Never was there, IN Mrs. Peter
Battersby's opinion, umore horrld and
disgracelul last will and testament.
Certainly, her husband was to re,
ceive a fourth of the proceeds OF the
snle of the deceased's goods; but what
| WAS mere lOQrlu
The other three fourths were left
of all things-to tho Moxford Union,
"to help them to train up more girls
like Joan Smith" Those were the
very words.
TO the three girls of Mr.. and Mrs.
Peter the three largest mirrors IN the
establishment of No. 80 were be-
queathed without comment Mr.. Wal
ter Battersby was not even mentioned,
nor was Mrs. Peters.
Mr.. Cameron received hundred
pounds, and so did the deceased's old
friend, Mr.. Craven.
Lastly, Joan was mentioned. She
Was to have a years wages, all the fur
niture of her own bedroom, and tho
old scrap book for which she had sc
often piled scissors and paste, and
which contained curious items of news
paper intelligence during the last
thirty years.
"There, gentleman and ladies, that
is ALL" said Mr.. Cameron; sand now
you must excuse me. 1 leave you with
my co.trustee, Mr.. Craven"
"One moment, sir" interposed Mr.
Peter, to whom his wife had whispered
much. "What's become of all biz
money in the bank? He must have
had thousands.
"The balance to his credit on May
81" answered Mr.. Cameron, referring
to a note, "was just 945 IS, 10d.
After the funeral expenses are paid"
"What's he done with it," cried
Mrs. Peter, redder of face than ever.
81 cannot tell you, madam. Good
morning." said the lawyer, who then
wisely left them to fight the matter
out among themselves. But before he
went he, with his own hands, carried
to Joan in her kitchen the unwieldy
old scrap book, AMI told her that it
was her property as we'll as the furni.
ture Of her room.
"Come, cheer up, my girl" he said
at parting. "Your master was fond
of you, and he would rather see you
bright than downcast. And remem-
Der that am your friend ii you
should happen to want one"
Joan thanked Mr.. Cameron, and
then, having reverently kissed the old
book, put it one side.
Mrs. Peter, before she parted,
thought we'll to trespass in the kitchen
and say some cruel things to Joan.
But somehow the girl did not mind
them very much now.
Then Seth looked in again, and said
she was to come up to his mothers
that evening. If she didn't he should
fetch her. And to make sure of hav.
ing her he carried off the big scrap
book.