New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-09-01
BEWARE SEPTEMBER I.
BIG LOBSTER IN FULTON MARKET WARNS THE
OYSTERS THAT THEIR TINE HAS COME

A BIG LOBSTER IN FULTON MARKET WARNS THE
OYSTERS THAT THEIR TIME HAS COME.
There was a great Gathering in the baskets ct
Fulton Market yesterday when the big lobster
began speak. The clans craned their necks
20 hear better and the crabs stopped quarrel
ing TO listen They had made the voyage In tho
stufry hold Of the soop with the lobster, and had
come to look upon him n sage. for he had told
them wonderful stories. and had even drawn tears
to the eyes OF the baby oysters when he related
that he was an orphan, and that his parents had
been broiled alive.
Your day coming" said the sage. addressing
diminuve Blue Point that was lying rear by; to-
morrow is the first Of September. and timid people
who have neglected you will again look upon you
with longing. You wei entitled to the favor
that you enjoy, though your pedigree Is a little
doubtful. have often talked TO deep-sea trav-
eers about you fish who have travelled far and
wide and who are learned in all sea-lore. but the
veil of antiquity hangs over youEsorgin. The his
tory OF the ancient oyster has not come down IN
any tongue"
The Blue Point showed Indignation. but did not
interrupt. and the lobster continued: What !
state is surprising from the point OF view OK
philosophy. Adam lived Inland long while be-
fore the means Of fast freight In existence.
and II is altogether likely that he never say an
oyster II he had perhaps the historic apple story
would not have down. for it Il certainly
fact that oysters and knowledge are closely allied
| have heard 1t said that the oyster and the
wit OF a great this city. one Chauncey De-
pew II my memory falls me not come in together
in September and 70 out together in May.
The first classical mention Of the oyster" con-
tinued the scholarly crustacean occurs in 'Hudi-
bras -:
Who triumphed DER the British seas,
Took crabs and oysters prisoners.
And Holsters stead OF curassers:
Engaged his ,egions in fierce battles
With periwinkles. prawns and musseis
And led the with furious galops
TO charge whole regiments OF scallops;
Not like their ancient way OF war
To wait on iher triumphal car.
But when he went to dine or sup
More bravely ate his captives up
Leaving all var by his example
Reduced-to vct'ling Of camp we'll
wherein / take 1t that ne was wise In his DAY
and generation. -emarked the crab. FOR what
boots II fight well II is to starve after.
But can you tell Is. my worthy friend. who dis
covered the first py ster?"
Yes. tell US that" chimed in all the little oyster
babies for that suggested a story. and they were
tired OF poetry and philosophy.
1T seems. from what have heard" said the lob
ster. that It came I'm this way: Among some
wreckage which Heated ashore Gfter e. eat storm
the British Coast large cask OF brandy.
The sprung the cask. and the liquor was
spilled. An ancient Briton wandering on the shore
espied a large Blue Point lying hopeessly drunk
In the pool of liquor carelessly opening It's shells
with devil-may-sare air. and sh fitting them with
great noise possible. Thinking the bvaive
was helpless and anxious 10 study IL more closely.
he thrust his fingers into the aperture The oyster
closed upon them, and the luckless Briton roared
and tugged. but In vain. He called upon ali the
heather gods and INDUCED In hoarse. uncouth
oaths that would have shocked a Guggenhelmer
had those days been able boast such reformer
The tide rising. and the poor man looked up
! he could the curling smoke from the fire at
| which his good wife was cooking his evening meal
| This inspired him make last effort, and with
a mighty tug he oosened his hand ard involun-
| tarfy put IL into his mouth 10 relieve the PAIN
! Charles Lamb has mmortalized the first taste o.
roast pig. but surely that mans sensation as hr
| became acquainted with the succulent Blue Pon
| is worthy Of ode. Mind, do not vouch for tn"
story. for Il told 10 me by whale once met
| and Ae awful spouter. Some persons hayo
seen fit to dsparage the oyster but whenever the:
| do in my presence ! like TO quote the glorious
bard who spoke Of he oyster rich honesty liv
| ing in poorhouse.' "
At this point there was terrible commotion ir
| the fish scOw and he lobster and his friends were
| thrown into the basket of a customer. who haG
| been bargaining while they talking. and who
| was laying In his stock for the first day Of thu
| oyster season.