The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1898-07-23
Letter from Back River Neck.
Correspondence of the Democratic Advocate.
WALTERS, BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD, |

WALTERS, BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD,
July 18th, 1898. !
Our war with Spain is the all-absorbng
topic of the day, and since we were placed IN
such peculiar position in order 1t to main
tain the honor of this great nation, suppose
it is justi6able contest. Let us trust 1t may
be brief and decisive. Several young men
from this community enlisted i'll Uncle Sam 5
army.
This agricultural neighborhood, at this
writing, has not suffered for rain so much Tor
many years, us it is doing now. In truth, IT
rain does not soon relieve the scorched earth
the consequences will be very detrimental.
Our people are threshing the wheat crop
and the returns are very unsatisfactory. The
early tomato, which is an important factor
here, is blighted.
The fisheries and ducking shores of recent
years are not so profitable as formerly, the
cause remains to be solved. In the past we
have seen some beautiful fish caught in Back
and Middle rivers, viz: Rock, pike, white
perch, the yellow perch are called yellow
neds,' by the sturdy fishermen. Some few
shad are taken, also. Mullets, catfish, tay-
lors, eels and sea tortoise receive the pseu-
donym of trash Again there are several
varieties which are not edible, including the
alewite. There may be few boys in my
native county, Carroll, who have never seen
sturgeon. These singular fish sometimes
attain length of twelve feet, have a small
| mouth, and are scaleless. The flesh looks
| and tastes something like beef; many persons
are fond of this meat, but in my humble
judgment it is rather strong and would not
meet the appreciation ofmany epicures. Be-
fore leaving the theme, | must mention the
gar6sh, whose proboscis is sometimes half as
long as his body. This species reach four
feet in length often; the trunk has diameter
equal to large mans arm, the snout or pro-
boscis mentioned before, has uniform
thickness about like a broom handle and the
mandibles are charged with sharp and firm
teeth. This piscatorial friend is only eaten
| when food is quite scarce.
The several new churches in this district
seem to be doing good, and young men
educated in the christian faith are prospecting.
Public schools are increasing in number;
sufficient proofo their usefulness. Ground
has been broken for one near Putty Hill.
The school at Golden Ring, enrolled 161
pupils last December and the Principal,
Calvin 1. Shaffer, had three assistant teachers.
We are sorry to communicate the failure
of the peach and apple crop. Among those
who have large orchards are Messrs. j. A.
Miller, w. r. Townsend John Foss, Jas. NJ.
Gillespie and the Shaffer Brothers.
Back River Meek has become quite a
resort since the introduction of the electric
railway, and property has been much en-
HANGED in value.
The large brick plant near this place is in
full operation and many of our people find
employment with reasonable wages. The
yard, with its huge machine, is capable of
turning out 100000 bricks per day.
Our next political battle will be for Con-
gresham. Carroll generally fights bravely.
OCCASIONAL.