davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
A CURIOSITY IN BOOKS.
The Famous Chained Library OF
WimbOurne, Ireland.

The Famous Chained Library OF
WimbOurne, Ireland.
WimbOurne, Ireland, Is noted for
many things, but its famous chained
library Is perhaps the most notable OF
its curiOsities. The library possesses
unique interest as being one OF the
earliest attempts to disseminate knowl-
edge among the people. The collection
was made accessible to the people In
1856 and numbers some 200 volumes.
The scarcity Of books and the value OF
the collection are both indicated In the
care taken for their preservation, and
especially against loss of such treas
ures by theft BY means Of chains
and rO,.s the books were securely fas-
tened 10 the shelves. and these chains,
it Is Father surprising to learn, were
not removed until 1857, when the IL
brary fittings We're repaired. Among
the interesting works OF the collection
is Il copy of the first edition Of Sir
Walter Raleigh's History ut the
World" 1911. 1t has suffered from fire.
and traC tion says that Matthew Prior
was responsible for its condition, the
story being that he fell asleep when
reading it once upon time. and the
pages were burned by his candle. 1t
has been neatly repaired, and Its mis-
hap now adds to Its interest. The old
est volume In the library Is fine old
COPY In vellum OF "Reginum Aninna-
rum" 1t is In manuscript and bears
the date l343.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
TRIAL BY ORDEAL.
The Queer system That Exists In the
Sinai Peninsula.

The Queer system That Exists In the
Sinai Peninsula.
In the Sin;i peninsula trial by ordeal
is still practiccI. In all criminal cases
where no witnesses are forthcoming
the Judge, Eel mabashaa," tests the
suspected person by fire, by water or
by dream. In the first the judge places
nm iron pan in the fire until 1t is redhot
and gives It to the accused to touch
three times with his tongue, II marks
Of burning are shown on the tongue
the accused Is pronounced guilty. The
theory apparently Is that IL he Is not
guilty the moisture OH the tongue pre-
vents it from being burnt; II guilty his
tongue would dry up from fear of be-
ing discovered.
The test by water is described as fol-
lows: "The 'mabashaa' sits with the
accused and the spectators in circle
with copper jug full Of water placed
in the center. This jug is then made
to appear to move round the circle by
means Of witchcraft or hypnotism. lf
the jug returns back to the judge the
accused is pronounced not guilty, but
II the jug stops opposite the accused
he is pronounced guilty"
This description is rather wanting IN
detail, and it is difficult to know how
q jug which only appears to move can
be trustworthy index. In the test by
dream the "mabashaa" sleeps and sees
in a dream II the accused is guilty or
nOt.-Chicago News.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
First Glinmsr Of . Star.

A little girl, the French critic sarcsy
related, once presented herself at the
Paris Conservatoire In order to pass
the examination for admission. All
she knew wus the fable Of "The Two
Pigeons" but she had no sooner recited
the opening lines when Auber stopped
her, with Il gesture.
Enough" he said. Come here. my
child"
The little girl, who was pale and thin,
but whose eyes cleaned with intelli'
gence, approached him with an air OF
assurance.
"YOur name is SarahT he said.
"Yes, SIR" was the reply.
"You are a JewessT
"Yes, sir, by birth, but I have been
baptized"
"she has been baptized" said Auber,
turning to his colleagues. "She has
said her fable Of The Two Pigeons
very well. She must be admitted"
Thus Sarah Bernhardt, for It was
she, entered the ConservatOire.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
"By the deep. nine" came the hOarse
murmur Of tile leadsman.

"By the deep. ninew came the hoarse
murmur Of the leadsman.
1t lay with him to stop the ship or
not-a word and she would come shiv-
ering to q standstill; word and the
boatswain would pipe away his gig
and the crew would be running to
their places. His heart ached with the
desire to land. but something-he knew
not what-withheld the order on bis
lips.
Did he not owe 1t to her to keep the
promise of forty years. promise CIV
en- In the flush of youth and hope and
sealed with scalding tears?
His resolution was taken. He or
dered Commander Stillwell to stop the
ship and lower a boat.
81 am going to treat myself to run
ashore" he said by way Of explanation.
The vessel slowly stopped. The GOV.
ers were whipped of the gig. She was
hoIsted out and lowered, the crew drop
ping down the ladder into their places
at the peep peep peep of the whistle.
He was landed at little cove where
In bygone days he had often whiled
away an hour waiting In charge Of
Hadow's boat. 1t gave him singular
sensation to feel the keel crate against
the shingle and to say to himself that
this was Lihua! He drew deep
breath as he looked about and noticed
how unchanged 1t all was.
1t came over him with q start that
the village was empty. Then he re-
membered It was Sunday. and they
were all at church. Thank God, there
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
THE PARLoR.
II II Rapidly Becoming an Apartment
of the Past.

.ox inc Fabts
The American parlOr Is q thing of the
past, according to architects, says the
Cleveland Plain Dealer. No more will
there be a room reserved for state oc'
casions, such as the receiving Of form
al calls, the visit Of the minister and
for weddings and for funerals.
I'VE never take the parlor into con.
sideration any more" said Cleveland
architect recently. 1.-The parlor ia
merged into the living room. The good
old fashioned parlor. which was held
In SO much reverence In the old days,
has no place In modern architecture.
"The demand is for large living
room In a small house, together with a
dining room and kitchen. In larger
house there is usually large living
room, Library, 'den,' dining room and
kitchen.
Il had a client yesterday who desired
to have reception room or parlor not
connected with the living room. He
decided later to have sort Of recep-
ton room in connection with the hall
way.
when the parlor idea began to lose
ground we did not make a radical
change, but reduced the parlor to a
small reception room, isolated from the
others, where formal calls could be re-
ceiyed. Now we make no provision
for the parlor.
"In these days the reception rooms
do not have to be closed only to be
opened on the occasion Of the visit OF
the family minister or the physician
There may be many who will regret
the passing of the old fashioned coun
try parlor. with all its memories Of Wis
itors, courtship and occasions which
left impressions which have not been
eradicated by the strenuous age of to-
day
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31

Jack iaU back In the hammock and sung.
Hatch. resigning the girl to Stanbury-
Jones, ran in and snapped the hand
cuffs OH his wrists.
Jack" cried Brady. 1--WE aren't 60
ing to hurt you. We've rescued you
from the hill tribes. Man. you're
savedw
"You never was no deserter." said
Hatch.
"Mind you back US up. old fellow"
said Winterslea.
"Give us your fin. boy" said Ho-
than.
1t w0s some time before Jack could
pull himself together. When at last he
did so and began to appreciate the gen.
erosity of his captain and shipmates
and their astounding concern to save
him from the penalty Of his crime. he
underwent one of those reactions when
despair gives way to the maddest
gayety. He swore at Hatch and made
him take of the irons. He got out a
bottle Of white rum and forced them
all to drink bis health. He kept them
In q roar with the story Of his adven-
lures and laughed and cried In turn as
he described bis life ashore.
"What does she wantT demanded
Brady. as Tehea insistently repeated
some words in native language.
"She says" said Jack. calmly pick
ing UP the whistle from the floor and
touching II to his lips. "she says I've
only to blow this and you will all be
dead In FIVE minutes"
A hush fell upon the company.
Jack, with an oath. flung the whistle
from him.
Gentlemen" he said, II am grateful.
! am ID grateful. II live ! shall
try to repay each one Of you. shall
try I. lie better man. ! shall try to
be worthy of your kindness" He went
around and shook hands solemnly with
every one Of them"
"D-d grateful!' he repeated.
Lets be off," said Brady.
"Now. lad. your word of honor" said
Wlnterslea.
Jack looked about him helplessly.
~ suppose I've no right to ask such
a thing" he said. 81 know how good
you've been to me already and all that.
but-but. gentlemen. she's my wife. l
love her. l shall never see her again.
May l not entreat single minute for
myself"
NO." said Brady.
Jack went over to Tehea and took
her hand. He put his arms about her
and unasliamed before them oil pressed
her comely head against his breast. He
tried to explain the mexorable fate
he was so powerless to resist. In
lnccherent whispers he told her he
would break his chains and return to
her free In the years to come to devote
| bis life to the woman he loved. he
called her the dearest names and beg
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
Mr.. Clark's Grass Report.

Here comes the report of my first
grass crop of 1906-timothy, red top and
alfalfa. The season has been cold and
backward. For that reason the total
weight is somewhat less than it would
otherwise have been, especially in al
falfa, for that is hot, dry weather
plant. Again, last winter was hard
one in this section for all kinds of grain
and grass. Some fields were badly in
jured, but mine came through all right.
In fact, they always do. do not think
that in twenty years have lost rod in
winter killing. Many said that alfalfa
would be killed out, but it came through
the winter all right.
My eleven acres of timothy and red
top produced as first crop this year 81
loads; total weight, SO 1-2 tons, four
acres of which was seeded on September
10, 1905, and cut June 25, 1906, eight
months and fifteen days from the time
the seed left the bag; 10000 pounds of
dry hay, or over five tons to the acre;
three and half acres of alfalfa, cut on
June 10, one ton to the acre. The
second cutting will be made about July
II, thirty-two days from the time of the
first cutting. l think there will be one
and half tons of dry hay to the acre at
the second cutting. The present outlook
is that it will produce full, increasing
crop every thirty to thirty-five days. l
shall look with interest to its rise and
progress, and l think it will produce
four crops this season, possibly five. l
am doing the best / can to produce a
large growth. l would not advise my
farmer brethren, however, to rush into
alfalfa, but think that some of the
present waste land in this eastern coun-
try can be utilized in the production of
alfalfa. personally know of thousands
of acres of alfalfa in the arid regions that
have been cultivated by the use of
Clark's cutaway harrows, every third
year adding a little more new seed.
These fields have been thus treated for
fifteen years, and to my certain knowl-
edge are better now than at the start.
The Cutaway Harrow Company has
shipped thousands of these cutaways to
the west coast for this purpose. Any
intense cultivators will do the work, but
Clark's lock jointed pole double action
cutaway harrow has been thoroughly
tested. To any one sending me two
cent stamp I will tell how it is DONE
George NJ. Clark in Tribune Farmer.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
An Eye Opener.

"How does your father seem to re-
gard my coming here" anxiously ask
ed Adolphus of little Bobby. while
Miss Maud was upstairs getting ready
to present herself.
"He don't care nothin' about It." re-
piled Bobby carelessly.
80 he has no objections, eh? But
what did lie say, my little man"
HE said II Maud had a mind to
make a fool of herself, why let her,
Pearson's Weekly.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
Trapped.

The Man (who had been sitting stol'
idly with his eyes on his paper)-Take
my seat, madam.
The Lady-Then you are about to
leave the car?
The Man--Oh, no. madam.
But he was. just the same. and 1t
took him fifteen minutes to walk back
from where he finally alighted.-Cleve-
land Plain Dealer.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
A Railway Bull.

The recent intimation Of an Irish rail-
way that there would be mo last train
to Cork" has apparently induced the
Great Eastern Railway company to
issue a placard stating that trains to
Walthamstow will run "all through
the night on week days."-St. James
Gazette.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
A Kitten and a Needle.

A short time ago woman living In
England was petting her kitten, when
she suddenly felt something scratch
her hand. On examining the spot
whence the scratch proceeded, she felt
the point Of needle sticking out OF
poor pussy's neck fur. The needle was
pulled out by her husband. and an
Other surprise WAS experienced when 1t
was found that length Of thread was
attached to the needle, both having
passed down the Kittens throat and
out again from the fur.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
Chicks and Perches.

Chickens, especially of the larger
breeds, should never be allowed to perch
until they are fully three months old,
or the breastbone will be liable to be-
come crooked. There is no cure for it,
and it is . disqualification everywhere.
After chickens are deserted by their
mother they should be allowed to re-
main for nights IN their pen for some
weeks; they huddle together and keep
themselves warm, and 1t Is better for
them while their bones are forming;
whereas, II they perch, their legs can
can support them properly, and their
breasts rest on the perch, while the
bone, being soft, takes an Impress OF It.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
Northern Vermont Farm Notes.

Northern Vermont Farm Notes.
The season has been unusually cloudy
and wet. This has seriously interfered
with timely and proper cultivation
of the crops and fostered large growth
of weeds and grass in the corn and pota-
to fields. But the weather has been
favorable for the meadows which were
seriously injured by the unfavorable
winter, and during the past few weeks
grass has come forward very fast and
promises to be a full average crop.
There will not be as much clover as
usual, but there will be some and in
places the timothy is tall and heavy.
The hay crop is little later than usual
and is quite green, requiring two good
days in which to cure 1t. During the
first and second weeks in July only the
last three days of each were good hay
days, so but very little haying has been
done. This being the case and with the
great scarcity of help the haying will be
prolonged and will be closely followed
by grain harvest. The hay tedder will
be much appreciated, as where the grass
is green it will assist very much In the
caring process.
This season will demonstrate, as usual,
the value of having suitable rotation
of crops in the appearance and returns
made from the different fields. With a
short rotation, with not more than three
or four years in grass at time, there
should continue to be good yields of hay
and of the best quality. Farmers should
make note of this.
ThA hoc hoA IN nnnfand
with variety of unfavorable influences,
such as lateness of season, uncOmmonly
wet weather encouraging the growth of
weeds, and not affording opportunity for
proper cultivation. This work should
not be neglected.
The sowed grains are looking fairly
we'll. There is considerable barley now
grown and this will be ready to harvest
by the time haying is completed.
The potato crop is in excellent con-
dition, and if the blight does not make
its appearance there should be good
crop. The wellcared for gardens are
looking finely and should be source OF
profit to the owners.
Pastures are in good condition, better
than month ago; still, the yield of milk
is diminishing to some extent and 1T will
not be long before some extra feed will
be required to keep up the flow. Prices
for dairy products are being we'll main
tanned. The output appears to be
promptly taken care of, which is a mat
ter of much consequence. Eggs keep
we'll up in price. Skim milk calves com.
menced to 60 to market quite early and
in considerable numbers. More pains
should be taken with these in order to
produce larger and better conditioned
There will be fair crop of apples,
but in my vicinity not large amount is
raised for the market.-E. r. TOwle in
New England Farmer.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
The Result.

"My first husband" she sobbed, was
q kind, gentle man, always consider.
ate Of me. He always let me have my
own way"
"Yes," growled the second, "and look
ut the result"
"Resut? What result"
"Why. he's deadr'-Cinc!nnat Post.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31

set on high. the outlines Of q native
house. Like all Tahitian houses. II
| was OH the model Of birdcage. and
the oval wall Of bamboo. set side by
side. let through vertical streaks Of
light from the lamp or fire within. Az
the whole party drew nearer they heard
deep below them on the other side the
pleasant sound Of falling water and
realized that the cliff they were mount
ing overlooked little river at its foot
Here in exquisite seclusion Jack Gar
rard had chosen the spot for bis moral
suicide.
Creeping up to the house and looking
through the cracks of the bambVos. his
comrades saw him sitting within dress
ed like native In tapa cloth. with bare
chest and flowers In his tawny hair. He
was sitting in hammock. and with
her head against his knee. beautiful
girl was looking up into his face. one
hand locked In his. In that land Of
pretty women she was the one that
outshone them all. Tehea. the sister Of
the king, for whose sweet favor every
man on board had sought In vain. And
here she was, with her long hair lOos-
ened and her eyes swimming with love.
looking up at the lad who had given
name and honor to win her heart. The
pair were hardly more than children,
and Brady. sentimentalist Of forty.
with red hair, sighed as he peeped
through the caves and thought Of his
own dear girl at home.
Garrard laid down the pipe he had
been smoking and In happy uncon-
sciousness of any audience but the wo-
man at his feet began to sing. His
voice had always been his greatest
charm and the means Of gaining him
the friendship Of men much older than
himself. It had won Hadow.~ 1t had
won Francis.
Jack lay back in the hammock and
with wonderful tenderness and feeling
sang "Flow Gently. Sweet Afton." re-
peating the last verse several times
over. 1t was plain that something In
it-some phrase or line-had deeply
moved him, for he suddenly bent over
and laid his face in his hands, shaking
with a strange emotion. Tehea arose
and, throwing her arms round his neck
and forcing away his hands. pressed
her lips to his wet eyes. Even as she
did so Brady gave the signal for the
whole party to move round to the door.
He entered first. the others close be-
hind him. Jack leaped to his feet,
white and speechless. his wide open
eyes those Of an animal at bay. Brady.
Winterslea. Stanbury-Jones. Hotham,
Hatch, the familiar faces haunted him
like the sight Of ghosts. Friends no
longer. they were now avengers with
the right to track him down and kill
him.
"Jackw cried Brady in a stified voice.
The lad took step back. The girl
moaned and tried to run between
Hatch and Stanbury- Jones. The old
seaman caught and shook her like
dog. tearing away the whistle she put
to her lips and dashing it to the floor.
Jack put up his hand and snatched
pistol hidden In the thatch Of the roof.
Brady on the instant leveled his own
and thundered out:
Drop It, or III shoot"
"Shoot and be hanged" returned
Jack. and with that he turned his pis-
tol OIL himself. and, placing the muzzle
against his forehead. pulled the trigger.
1t missed fire.
Before he could try again Brady had
caught him around the neck. while
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
Causc For Liberality.

An old Georgia darky who had buried
his money forgot to blaze the tree
which stood near the spot. Getting
mixed as to the locality, he knelt down
and asked the Lord to guide him to the
place. While he was praying storm
came up and lightning struck the near
by tree. and he found his cash.
"Dar, nOw." he muttered. look now
Providence answers de righteous!
got a great min ter put nickel In de
collection hat next Sunday!-Atlanta
Constitution.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31

A farm Of $40 acres in Lincoln Is being
operated by two hustling young men,
Charles and William Holmes. About
$50 acres are In . state Of cultivation.
Eighteen or twenty cattle are kept, also
twelve horses, which are being used
largely for numbering operations on the
property; $40 acres mean great oppor-
tunity for work.-Nains Farmer.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31

He that will lose his f.iend for a Jest
deserves to dc Il Lcg;:nr by the bar
gain. Such let thy jeSts be that they
may not grind the credit OF thy friend.
and make not tests so long that thou
becomest onc.--Ful.cr.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
Hogs REQUIRE Shade In Summer.

II the pasture does not contain trees,
a board shed of some kind must be pro-
vided. This can be constructed at very
slight expense and does not need to be
more than or 4 feet high. They must
also have plenty of pure water during the
hot weather. and In no case should the
prevailing idea that they are filthy ami
mails b tolsrated.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
a. American Heaven.

When the average American awakes
In heaven he will be disappointed un-
less he finds an alarm clock and cup
of enthusiastically Evening Post.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31

Mammals the Baby's Best Friend.
Baby thinks good deal Of his dad,
but II takes mammals kiss to cure q
hurt finger. Star.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31

Tommy--Paw, what does the paper
mean by practical Christianity! Paw
Practical Christianity is the kind that
does not interfere with mans busi-
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
Placid and COntcnted.

"Mrs. Burnes Cache seems to have
placid and contented mind"
Undoubtedly she has" replied Miss
Cayenne. "She knows how well her
new gown becomes Ler."-WashlngtOn
Star.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31

I have somewhere seen II observed
that we should make the same use OF
book that tie bee Goes u Il flower.
She steals sweets frO.i II. Lut docs not
injure it.-.CUltvp.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1906-07-31
The Independent shaver.

Two BARRIERS were disengaged when
the customer came In. Both got their
chairs ready, but the newcomer dodged
them.
81 need shave all right" he said to
the proprietor. "but l want to shave
myself. Can you accommodate me
here?'
Certainly" said the proprietor. but
I'll charge you the same as II one OF
my men shaved you"
"Thats all right" said the man. I'm
not kicking about the price. All ! want
Is a chance to do my own barbering."
A tonsorial outfit was speedily pro-
duced. and the self sufficient individual
set to work.
Isn't that a new wrinklc!" asked an
other man who had been m interested
observer OF the proceedings.
Not ut ALL" returned the proprietor.
Every once In awhile we run up
against fellow who prefers To shave
himself. but hasn't the apparatus at
hand. We keep lot Of extra razors In
stock for the accommodation OF just
such independent customers" S. New
York Press.
Famous Baths.
Marie Antoinette's bath, which was
prescribed by her doctor, was COM
pound Of aroplatic herbs mixed with
handful Of salt. She took 1t cold IN
summer and tepid In winter.
Later on Nine. Tallien had brought
every morning to her house twenty
pounds Of Strawberries and two pounds
of raspberrles, which were mashed III
her bath OF warm milk and water. An
other preparation used by the eastern
women Is composed Of barley, rice,
horrage, thyme and marjoram boiled
together and then thrown into the wa
ter.
Ninon de rEnclos took bath every
night in which there were salt, soda
and three pounds Of honey mixed with
milk, all well beaten in tepid rain wa
Tor