davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03
peooUcTIoN ANo PossIsILITles.

II is stated on reliable authority that
forty per cent of the people of the United
States are farmers, or living upon farms,
feed and clOthe themselves and the
other sixty per cent of the inhabitants,
but annually send away $1,000, 100000 OF
their products to other countries. This
is remarkable statement, says K. r.
Towle in journal of Agriculture, and
shows the great possibilities OF this
country in crop production, as the result
of the labor of two-fifths of the inhabit-
ants in supplying the material for food
and clothing for the whole, with such
an immense amount left over for the
people of other lands. IL is literally
"having bread enough and to spare"
Another thing, while in many of the
other countries of the world the pros
perity of the people depends largely on
the success of a single crop or only a
few az the most, as tor instance that OF
sugar beetS in Germany, wheat and rye IN
Russia, wool in Australia, etc., the
United States is blessed with a great
number and variety of the products of
the soil that help to make the country
self-S lStalnlng.
1t is further said that this country
produces one-half of the agricultural
products of the world and our surplus
after supplying our own needs is more
than that of all other countries, al
though We have only one-tiftieth of the
inhabitants of the world. What would
become of these countries without the
surplus afforded by our own, might be a
difficult question. Some have begun to
tell us that eveL here consumption is
gaining perceptibly, at least in some
respects, on production, and that it is only
a matter of time when there will be so
many inhabitants in the United States
that nearly all of our products will be
required at home. But think that this
time is yet far in the distance, SO far,
indeed, that we need not as yet borrow
much trouble about the matter. We
have not yet come anywhere near the
limit of production in the United States.
There is still much land to be occupied,
much that is only imperfectly cultivated,
and most of the rest capable with proper
effort of still greater returns.-Mirror
and Farmer.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03
un,x RIrds Migrate.

Many of the smaller and weaker
birds, like the fly catchers, vireos,
wrens, kinglets and bluebirds. in order
10 avoid their enemies, the hawks,
make their long flights by night. STOP
ping for rest and food in the daytime.
The larger and bolder ones, like the
hawks and crows. and those of ex-
tremely rapid flight, like the swallows
and humming birds, migrate fearlessly
by day, and there are some, like the
Canada geese, which travel just when
they choose. by day or night. Migrat'
Ing birds usually fly at a height OF
from one to three miles, and this ena-
bles them to see the rivers, the noun
tain ranges and the coast line. By
these they direct their course, the old
birds remembering the way they came
before and the,young ones following
Woman's Home Companion.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03
Tired of His Talk.

At recent trial in Scotland certain
lady got into the witness box to be ex'
amined when the following conversa
ton took place between her and the op
posing counsel:
Counsel How old are you?
Miss Jane-Oh. weel. sir. am an un'
married woman and dinna think il
right to answer that question.
The Judge-O yes, answer the gen
tleman How old are you?
Miss Jane-Weel-a-weel, ] am fifty.
Counsel-Are you not more?
Miss Jane Weel. | am sixty.
The inquisitive lawyer still further
asked if she had any hopes of getting
married, to which Miss Jane replied:
"Weel, sir. Wilma tell lee. hinna
lost hope yet" scornfully adding. but
| widna marry you, for am sick and
tired of your palaver already"
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03

FALLING OFF IN BUTTER PRODUCT.
Custom in the butter markets has
established May 1st as the beginning OF
the trade year in butter. A review OF
the year just closed reveals some i'm
portant facts in connection with the but
ter supply. A year ago it was generally
understood by those concerned with the
business that the make of butter in the
country at large was on the increase. 1t
proves, however, that the receipts OF
butter in the markets of the country
have been considerably less in the year
just closed than was the case during the
year previous. New York shows fall
ing off of 92,S7S packages. Chicago's
falling off was still greater being los, ,997
packages, while Boston receipts were
], 100000 pounds less than the year
before.
With the markets now swept abso-
lutely clean of old butter, and shortage
in the make of this opening year, it is Us
good as certain that the butter market
in the year to come will rule higher thar
for the year past.-Maine Farmer.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03
CREAMERY INSTRUCTION.

The idea that President Alden of the
Maine Dairyman's Association has so
earnestly advocated of itinerant in
struction to creamery operators and
dairymen who make cream is an i'm
portant one. While the creamery work
in our state in its standard of excellence
all around compares favorably with that
in other states, yet there is always room
for advancement. Dairy work with its
many exacting processes is being critical
ly studied at the numerous dairy schools
and experiment stations, and further
knowledge is constantly being acquired.
1t is important that this knowledge be
disseminated where it is needed as
promptly as practicable. Our institutes
and conventions have done much in the
way of spreading information, but they
as rule have directed their efforts more
to the makers of the milk on the farm
than to its management after it leaves
the makers hands. Our creamery
operators dropped into methods of work,
the best available at the time, and have
been reaching results fairly creditable
to the business. As rule, however,
the confinement of these operators to
their duties has not admitted of their
attending on the public instruction that
has been open to the farmers who are
making the milk. Consequently such
progress as they have been able to make
has been chiefly limited to their own
studies while carrying on the work.
This, however, is not enough. Mind
must come in contact with mind.
The most effective way of improving
methods and practices at the creameries
that has yet been devised is through
travelling instructors going on to the
ground where the work is carried on,
and there on the spot correcting defects
and suggesting the adoption of the best
that is known regarding methods and
practices in the business. 1t is hoped
that President Alden will persevere with
his efforts in this direction, and that he
and the new administration of agri-
cultural affairs in our state, will be able
under the new law to introduce q work
of this kind.
1t is through this travelling instruction
that the neighboring provinces have
made the rapid progress in butter max
ing and cheese making that has marked
their efforts. The Western Ontario
Association have put three travelling in,
structors among their creameries the
present season, while the Eastern Asso,
citation, in addition to instruction at the
factories, will endeavor to disseminate
special instruction among the farmers
that will lead to better raw material
being delivered at the factory.
Thus il is that if we will keep up with
the march of progress going on about us
we must put forth efforts to that end
Maine Farmer.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03
cROxEa As a FARMER

Boss Croker, late of New York;
Tammany Hall, has bought large farm
in Berkshire, the richest milk district in
England. He intends TO erect a factory
on stupendous scale for the manu-
facture of cheese, butter and sterilized
milk. He has already contracted with
nearly so of the prominent farmers in
the neighborhood to take all their milk
at prices between four and six cents a
gallon more than they are now receiving.
He bought 800 sheep at auction Wednes-
day of last week.
The creamery will begin operations
on June l, and 100 prime Wiltshire pigs
in the extensive piggeries are to be fat
tened for the market with the SKINNED
milk.
The neighboriDg farmers speak highly
of Croker's business capacity, and say
his estate. when everything is finished,
will be a model for the countryside
| Maine Farmer.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03
PURE WATER ON THE FARM

The question of good water on the
farm is of prime Importance, as | have
said before. \ note says: II wish had
needed such advice as you have given in
The Tribune Farmer, and done it in
time. The use of shallow well has
cost us terrible siege of typhoid fever,
and the loss of two children. The cost
of a rock well would not have been one.
quarter as great, merely looked at as a
financial affair; but there is no estimating
the saving that it would have been to Us
could we have back our dear boys" The
letter can not be quoted as fully as
would like. The fact is, that unwhole
some conditions about the farm should
not be tolerated. A pure, deep well, nc
sloughs, no slops thrown about, espe
cially out the kitchen door; clean watel
for the animals, and hygienic habits fol
the hired men should be insisted upon
Tribune Farmer.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03
He Knew the Lady.

"Yes," said the eminent professor at
social gathering. addressing his re-
marks to n small man to whom he had
been introduced, Il tlatter myself that
I rarely fail to read face correctly
"So?' Queried the small man.
"Yes. Now, there is lady" con-
tinued the professor, pointing to a two
hundred pound specimen Of the fair
sex, the lines of whose countenance
are as clear rs print to me. The chin
shows firmness of disposition, amount
ing to obstinacy; the pointed nose, vi
cious temperament; the capacious
mouth, volubility; the square chin de-
notes trouble for those who oppose her
wishes; the eyes show hardness OF
heart
Wonderful, truly wonderful, pro-
fessorr' interrupted the small man.
You evidently know something OF
the lady. them said the professor.
"Surew replied the small man. "She
Is my wife"-Chicago News.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03

ness more profound because Of the Inn
possibility Of opening the eyes against
the stinging fragments Of ice. But aft
er much stumbling and struggling we
got the four huge topsails down ana
without waiting for the order started
aloft to furl. the pitiful incapacity OF
our numbers most glaringly apparent.
The pressure Of the wind was so great
that it was no easy matter TO get aloft;
but. clinging like cats, we presently
found ourselves. six Of the port watch,
on the foretopsl yard.
The first thing evident was that the
great sail was very slightly subdued
by the gear. 1t lowered about the yard
like a white balloon. making it both
difficult and dangerous to get out along
the spar. The storm scourged us pitt
lessly. The great round of the sail re.
sisted all our attempts to fist 1t, and
we seemed as helpless as children.
Some bold spirits clutched the lifts
and, swinging above the sail, tried to
stamp hollow into 1t with their feet,
but against the increasing fury of the
tempest we seemed to be utterly impo'
tent We were so widely separated,
too, that each man appeared to be es'
saying a giants task single handed
and that horrible sense Of fast oozing
strength was paralyzing us. Feeling
left our hands. We smote them saw
agely against that unbending sail with
out sensation, and still we seemed no
nearer the conclusion Of our task. But
suddenly the ship gave a great lurch
to windward, and just for one moment
the hitherto unyielding curve of the
sail quivered. In that instant every
fist had clutched a fold, and with a
flash Of energy we strained every sinew
to conquer our enemy.
Tugging like a madman to get the
sail spilled. I glanced sideways and
saw, to my horror, by jagged flash
of lightning, the rugged face of Nc
Ginty.
l had hardly recognized him when,
with roar like the combined voices OF
a troop Of lions, the sail tore itself
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03
NUMBER ~.
ABSURD COSTUMES.
Outcome OF n Curious Wager Made
In England In 1906.


A wager was made in 1906 In the cas-
tie yard, York, England, between
Thomas Hodgson and Samuel White
head as to which should succeed In as
suming the most singular character.
Umpires were selected whose duty it
was to decide upon the comparative
absurdity of the costumes In which the
two men were to appear. On the ap-
pointed day Hodgson came before the
umpires decorated with banknotes Of
various values. his coat and vest being
entirely covered with them. Besides
these he had row of FIVE guinea
pieces down his back, netted purse OF
gold around his head and placard on
his back bearing the legend, John
Bull"
Whitehead came on the scene dressed
like a woman on one side, one half OF
his face painted and a silk stocking
and slipper on one foot and leg. The
other half Of his face was blackened
so as to resemble negro. On the cor
respOlullS sue oI HIS Uous ue "oTe
gaudy long tailed linen coat, his leg
on that side being incased in half
pair of leather breeches and boot
with spur, He Wore wig Of sky
blue braided down his back and tied
with yellow, red and orange colored
ribbons.
One would naturally fancy that he
presented the most singular and ludi-
crous appearance, but the umpires
must have thought differently, as they
awarded the stakes, some f20, to Hodg.
son.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03

I'd been wandherin' an sthrayin', God
alone knows where. fer dhreadful
long while. 1t seemed, until at lasht.
whin I was ready to die from sheer
WEAKNESS an fright, heard me dear
mothers sweet voice cryin', Where's
Fonnic avic iver got to this long while!
Oh, twas as if an angel from hiyen
spoke to me. an | cried wild all me
heart an me tongue. Here. mother.
here am An she gathered me up in
her arms that was so soft an cOZy till
| felt rs If ! was Il little tired chick
nesh,liu' into its mothers feathers in
the Snrig%cst av nests | didn't go to
sleep. | just let meself sink down,
down into rest. happy us any saint In
glory An thin | woke up wild big.
tcarin' ache all over me poor ovid bro
ken up body But. bad us that was,
twas just nothin' ut all to the gnawin'
ache at me Lcart."
Silence wrapped us round again, for
who among us could find any words to
apply 10 such n story as that? And it
affected us all the more because of its
complete contrast TO McGinty's usual
bright. cheery and uncomplaining hu
NOR Not another word was spoken by
any one until the sharp strokes on the
little bell aft cleft the still air and in
immediate response one rose and smote
the big bell hanging ut the break of the
foksl four double blows. ushering in
the first watch of the night The
watch on deck relieved wheel and look
out. and we who were fortunate enough
to have the eight hours in lost no
time in seeking our respective hunks.
since in those stern ATTITUDES we might
expect q sudden call at any moment.
We had hardly been asleep five min
utes, it seemed. when a hoarse cry
came pealing in through the foks'l door
of ".All hands on deck. Shorten sail!'
And as we all started vide awake we
heard the furious voice Of the southern
tempest tearing up the face of the deep
and felt the massive fabric beneath our
leet ledpiHS anu slaihihS uhuSi 'he
tremendous strain of her great breadths
of canvas that we had left hanging sc
idly at eight bells.
Out into the black night we hurried,
meeting the waiting mate at the fore.
mast and anwering his first order of
Man the foretops'ls downhaul." with
the usual repetition Of his words.
Weird cries arose as we hauled with al!
our strength on the eownhauls and
spilling lines. while overhead we could
hear, even above the roar of the storm,
the deep boom of the topsails fiercely
lighting against the restraining gear.
Then. with kissing, spiteful snarl
came snow and sleet, lashing us like
shotted whips and making the dark
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03

"Bhous, terqtue me. Pm an tmpoSltter. l"
and jealousy eyes the company of mis-
cradles like himself. as If in each one
he saw potential snatcher from him
Of his last hope of berth.
Outward bounders have little to say
10 each other in the chain locker. They
wait. not like honest laborers seeking
legitimate employment. but like half
tried prisoners awaiting sentence. This
characteristic Is so universal that, al
though we who bided the coming OF
the Gareth's skipper had all got our
discharges in and so felt reasonably
sure Of her. we had not exchanged half
u dozen words among the fourteen OF
US.
But there suddenly appeared In our
midst square built. rugged faced man
Of middle height, whose gray eyes
twinkled across his ruined nose and
whose mouth had that droll droop OF
the lower lip that shows readiness
not only to laugh in and out Of season,
but almost pathetically invites the be.
holder to laugh too. He 1t was who
broke the stony silence by saying in
the richest brogue. rs 1t all av US
bhoys that does be goin' in the wan
ship. | wondher" Even the most mo-
rose among us felt an inclination to
smile. we hardly knew why. but just
then the swing door Of the engaging
office burst open and hoarse voice
shouted. Grew O. the Gareth here!
The words. like some irresistible cen
tripetal force. sucked In from the re.
motest corner of the large area every
man, and In a moment all OF US. who
had. as we thought. secured our chances
by lodging our discharges beforehand,
were seized with something OF a panic
lest we should lose the ship after all.
Heavens. how we thrust and tore our
way into the office past the burly po-
liceman who held every one of US at
the pinch OF the door until he was sat.
isfied of our right to enter Once with
In we felt safe and stood nervously
lingering our caps while the clerk CAB
blea over the usual formula. 10 which
none of us gave the slightest heed.
Signing on began and proceeded apace.
to the accompaniment Of q running hre
of questions as to age. nationality. last
ship. etc. to which answers. II not
promptly forthcoming. were. am
afraid. supplied by the quesuoner.
There was Il subdued chuckle. and the
man who had spoken outside stood at
the counter.
"What name:" snapped the clerk.
"Alphonso McGinty. yer amer" was
the answer No exquisite witticism ever
raised more wholesome burst or
laughter. 1t positively frightened that
dull hole like ray of sen sunshine.
How old?" said the clerk In voice
still tremulous.
"God befri'nd me. ferget. Say tirty'
Eve. sor"
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03
Thu PoIonzelO Arrow.

"An arrow studded with the most
costly of stones, tipped Mt both ends
with pure virgin gold and headed with
the feathers Of the rarest birds" Such
is the description given of the "Polon-
Zelo arrow" which in 1874 was pre-
sented to Sir John DalcOurt by Span
ish gentleman. This wonderful arrow
was made in 1904 by an ancestor or
the Spaniard's. and every stone and
Jewel with which it was set was said
to represent n human life cut short
through its instrumentality. The stones
indicated the number of men to whom
It had carried death, while the curl
ously fashioned gold and silver jewels
represented the women who had fallen
under its poisoned point.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03

away from us. and with bleeding hands
[ clutched at the footrope stirrup as
fell back But at the same moment
McGinty's arms flew up. He caught at
the empty gloom above him and fell,
gasping I'm manus tuus. Domine" Far
beneath us the hungry sea seethed and
whirled, its white glare showing ghast-
ly against the thick darkness above.
For two or three seconds / hung as If
irresolute whether to follow my poor
old shipmate or not. Then the heavy
tapping Of the sail aroused me, and,
springing up again. | renewed my ef-
forts.
The ship had evidently got wipe up
into the wind. for the sail Yves now
powerless against us, and in less than
five minutes it was fast and we were
descending with all speed to renew our
desperate fight with the mizzen and
jigger topsals. The decks were like
the sea oversize, for wave after wave
toppled inboard. and it was at the most
imminent risk to life and limb that we
scrambled aft, quite sense Of relief
coming us we swung ourselves upward
out of that turbulent flood into the rig.
sing again.
But | was almost past feeling now.
A dull, aching sense Of loss clung
around my heart, and the patient, kind
" face of my shipmate seemed branded
upon my eyes as he lifted 1t to the
stormy skies in his last supplicatory
moan. went about my work logged
ly, mechanically. Indifferent to cold,
fatigue or pain. until. when at last she
was snugged down and under the fore
lower topsails and reefed foresails was
fying through the darkness like some
hunted thing. | staggered wearily into
the cheerless foks'l. dropped upon a
chest and stared moodily at vacancy.
Somebody said. where's McGinty?'
That reused me. 1t seemed to put new
life and hope into me, for | replied
quite brightly: Hes gone to the rest
be was talking about in the dog watch.
He'll never eat workhouse bread. thank
God"
Eager questioning followed, mingled
with utter amazement at his getting
aloft at all. But when all had said
their say one feeling had been plainly
manifested a feeling of deep thankful
ness that such grand old sailor as our
shipmate McGinty was where he fain
would be, taking his long and well
earned rest.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03
FARM fAGOTS.

For sucking pigs from two to five
months old, either barley or middlings
is good. Barley and skim milk make
good pork.
For inhamed udders in milch cows
try rubbing with mixture of lard and
common salt, using about as much salt
as the lard will take up.
Lice on hogs may be killed by pouring
coal oil lin small quantity) all along the
back of ears. Lard and kerosene, hall
and half, rubbed in, is good.
A writer in a daily journal tells of
fine Jersey calf, two months old, being
shipped over a thousand miles by ex.
press, and was killed in ten days by
kindness-Overfeeding.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03
wouldn't Commit Himself.

There is in town in the north or
England a certain preacher of Hiber-
nian antecedents who considers himself
to be Il speaker Of perfect English, but
who is generally credited with the pos
session of as rich a brogue as can be
found anywhere in Tipperary.
Some mention WAS made OF his Pc
culiar pronunciation at church meet
ing, which greatly angered him. lie
Immediately called upon one of the
members and, after complaining OF the
injustice done him, asked him whether
in his opinion single trace OF the
brogue was to be observed In his
speech.
"Well," his friend answered, "if you
wish to deny it should advise you to
do so in writing. Answers.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1902-06-03

u" seafarers that does not
know the "chain locker
that den just opposite the
mint. like an exaggerated bear pit!
The hoineward bounder. his heart light
as thistledown with the first taste OF
liberty after his voyages long impris.
onment. takes no heed Of its squalor-
no. not even in the drear December
slushiness following upon a Shadwell
snowstorm. If he does glance around
shudderingly at the haggard faces of
the unshipped for moment. the feel
of the beloved half sheet Of blue fools
cap ostentatiously displayed in his club
fingered right hand brings the depart
Ing look of satisfaction back swiftly
enough. 1t is his account Of wages.
his passport within the swing doors of
the office. which he will presently ex'
change for the few pieces Of gold for
which he has given such a precious
slice of his life.
But the outward bounder. his hands
thrust deep into empty pockets. the bit
ter taste of bcgrudged bread parching
his mouth AMI the Scowling face of his
boarding master refusing to pass from
his minds eye-he 1t is who feels the
utter desolation of the crowded chain
locker corrode his very soul. After a
long days tramp around the docks.
sneakinc on board vessels like thief
and asking the mate for "chance"
with batcd breath. as If begging for
pence. unsuccessful and weary. he re-
turns to this walled in pit Of gloom