Jamestown weekly alert. [volume] (Jamestown, Stutsman County, D.T. [N.D.]) 1882-1925, 1896-08-13
I'M MIDSUMMER CLOTHES.
SpiritWood Lake Now the
Brightest Gem Of North
Dakota's Resorts.

Brightest Gem Of North
Dakota's Resorts.
Shores Dotted With Campers
-Improvements Contem-
plated-Notations.
Spiritwood lake 10 now st the high
mark Of it, summer popularity. The
weather for enjoying outdoor life has
been 6ne. Ralns have fresbened the cir,
CLOSED the thick foliage, and added
deeper tint of green to the undulstinR
hills, covered with q heavier mat of
grass than usual this season. Camping
out is the fsvorite psstime at the lake
now, and the white tents OF the white
nomads, tired OF indoor civilization, are
dotting the shores of the lake. Every
cottage also has its occupants, and ell
are happy blithe and gay, foreetful for
the time being of the small cares that
mostly maze up, and endlessly continue
in the town existence.
The year '96 brings no material
changes to the summer attractions of
the lake. The same clumps OF reeds
are growing, as for many years, each in
the same place, sheltering the same
clamoring broods of mud hens, and all
other active members OF the tribe Of
feathers. The same polished and
rounded stones, half covered with moss
and long grass washed ashore, adorn the
lake like necklace OF heads.
There is no diminuition in the number
OF fat perch wrested from the cool waters
by the most inexperienced fishermen
and women; nor of the big eyed pike,
but chiefly of the snaky pickerel. The
same fish influences that make men liars
in spite of themselves, and insenslbly
force truthful ladies to form the same
habit, work as fully as ever.
There are no noticeable changes in any
department. The same trim, elm, and
agile snipe find provender and holiday
sport in the narrow circle Of their birth
place, among the reeds and soft earth
spots on the shore. The same snipe
whose ancestor has for generations thrust
his long bill into the soft DIRT and
brought forth the struggling worm, is
plying with as brilliant success the game
occupation today. As q sample of all
the snipe family that preceded him and
a. q model for all that will follow, the
active occupation of one Of these light
runners was noted carefully. Within
the space of ten minutes he had pune.
tured tho hkeliest secret places where
hide the inseotiverous morsels of bis
choice. Hundreds of times did bis
swiftly dipping bill penetrate into the
earth, leaving carefully rounded holes
showing his clever work. Thirty live
victims in 20 short space we're secured
aud gulped with evident relish. After
frequent careful washing Of his bill,
tho Job Of completing breakfast, found
without trouble and ell prepared, soon
ended. Then he ran lightly onto q
stone, stretched long wing, down q
slim leg, gaped once or twice, drew one
stilt up under wing, lett himselt stand
ing on the other stilt and gently closed
both eyes in sleep. A satisfied, sage
cious snlpe, fully equal to all occasions
Of pleasure or necessity for him.
The myrisds Of insects that inhabit
the grass, trees and shores of the lake;
with the tens Of thousands Of birds and
waterfowl, make the spot of liveliest
interest to the lover Of the outdoor world
The aerial battles Of the king birds with
their ancient enemies, the hawke, are at
this nesting time Of year the greatest.
They attract attention of the most
casual by the loud cries and wonderful
scrobstic feats.
The tsuil of crows that tind living
on the sandy beach, are still to be seen.
They fly between Spiritwood and Alksli,
and add coarseness to the variety Of
bird calls by their harsh "csws."
The wonderful power of sight that the
sea gulls are endowed with is seen every
day on the lake. Their diving for the
careless minnow is spectacle OF winged
grace difficult to equal.
OF other matters there Is plenty to
interest the dweller and the visitor. The
investment in the two little steamers
has not proven as profitable as expected.
The America" boat has been dlsmantled
and the engine taken for use in thresh-
ing outfit. The hull is for sale-S3O.
The asylum boat, Belle of the Hill," is
beached on the east end of the lake and
for sale. 1t has been little used this
year. The LaBrasche boat house, near
his residence has been IN use all SUM-
mer. At present Mrs D. E. Hughes Is
it, giving her family of lively
boys al outing that rings JOY to the
juvenile heart. One incident OF few
nights ago was storm that blew to
pieces tent that stood near the house