smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1861

Four boxes of earth, alike in quality
and exposure To light and heart, were
planted at the same time with corn from
single ear, and placed recently in a phy-
sicals Office. In one box dry corn was
planted in another the seed was soaked
in clean warm water; in the third the seed
was soaked in solution OF lime water;
in the fourth the seed was soaked in chic.
ride OF lime and copperas water, equal
parts. One week afterwards the box plant
ed with dry corn had not terminated, the
second box had just commenced to germi-
nate, the third box was just showing its
green blades, and in the fourth box the
blades were nearly three inches high.
Copperas Will keep birds and worms from
eating the seed, and one pound will soak
seed enough for 20 acres.
Year: 1861

BEES AND Fruit TREEs-A writer in &.
literary journal of Paris states that the
bees greatly improve the tiuciiication of
fruit trees. Orchards in which several
hives are kept always produce more fruit
than those in which there are none. in
the provinces on the Rhine, the fruits are
more abundant and finer than those in
any part Of Germany, and there it is tho
custom 10 keep large quantities Of bees.
Plants, too, which bees visit, thrive better
in the neighborhoou of hives
Year: 1861

TIE Richmond Wig very pertinently
reminds the Republican journals which
are SO vehementiy protesting against the
conduct OF the secession leaders because
Of their refusal 10 submit the Permanent
Constitution OF the Confederate States to
the approval OF TIE people. that precisely
the same fear of tho honest masses" was
betrayed by the Republican majority of
the last Congress in refusing to submit Ell
ther the Crittenden or Peace Conference
plan of constitutional adjustment 10 the
popular scrutiny.
Year: 1861




Ide House yesterday did good days
work, AID came up nearer to the expecta-
tons OF the people than that body has yet
done. We are sc,Tr to record the TACT
That the Senate spent the day in fooling
over an amendment to the Ten Regiment
bill, and to tue weak elaboration of sundry
sclu''y jokes on The proposition to provide
one bundled nurses fur each regiment
thereby ccyert|y insulting the noble army
Of Rcme who have offered their tender
care to dress the wounds Of soldiers shot
down in brittle, and to off=c sisters con-
solasion to the defenders Of the country in
their hour OF death. We tell these crack
ers OF jokes that The country is in no hui
NOR for Their u'1ing. They are engaged
in weisbtg ma:tezs upon which the homer
Ct the State and the glory Of the flag de-
l:ead. II they are not equal to Tie euer-
gency, let them make proclamation Of tho
fact, aud then their constituents will soon
elect their successors.
Year: 1861

Inc fTealG tnts second cali for vplrO.
teers is AZ canest Of his intention to deal
With the rebe eilion with promptitude and
vigor; and it is, ar the same time an evi-
deuce Of The increasing magnitude and
Importance Of Tho crisis. We should be
glad to see the patriotism snd re-
sources Of the nation drawn upon
to a much greater extent; and to
be assured, by draf! for quarter Of a
million Of men, that tho operations Of the
Government arc to be con iucted upon q
scale That would give assurance that the
supremacy of the law Is to be vindicated
In single campaign. It is in the power
Of The United States TO crush out the trait.
ors and restore the Tu;cn in its integrity
id twelye-monlh. But to accomplish re-
suits of such Magnitude, in a period soslort,
the utmost energy Of Tic Government must
be put forth It is possible, nay probable,
that the force which will soon be collected
is sufficient for the purpose. One hundred
and ix'r-three thousand men organized
IL three divisions, supplied with all the
necessaries Of the military ar;, snd imbued,
as they will BE-, will the lofty patriotism
which does and d.res everything for
the honor uf the old fla and the
vindica ton Of the right Of self-govcrn-
r,eut, would NOW their way to the Gulf
against wnomsoeyer and whatsoever might
cppose. We Eopa that enough are asked
for; but the way to EaTe made assurance
dou51y sure, to have raised 4 ware OF pa!ri-
o:ic enthusiasm that would have sWeptth''
land, to have inspired commercial men and
those in industrial pursuits with the be-
lief that the work is to be short, sharp
and decisive, aad to have stricken terror to
the hearts Of The rebel enemy, twice one
hundred and sixty-three thousand might
hare been invoked, and r',cy would have
gladly and quickly responded. The blood
Of the best and brayest part Of the Re
public is up, The people look for and
wan: fight by which The question that
has fer thirty years poisoned the National
peace ond debauched the National con-
science, may be forever settled They are
willing TO Try titles with the Slave Power
now for The possession oe this land; aud
though the necessities Of the Government
should decimated The population for service
In the armies the Republic, not 9 murmur
~ould be heard. This Government
as it Is, or Dsath in any shape in which it
may come, is the short formula in which
the masses express their devotion to the
holy cause We regret that they are
not, By levy that will reach
down into every neighborhood, perhaps
every family, permitted to enactin glorious
deeds the great ideas with which each
heart is filed.
Year: 1861

We are again in direct communication
with Washington ny telegraph. The lines
leading out Of that city are under control
OF the Government; hence re do mt
know what we shall be permitted 10 recejVe
irom our correspondent now again ut Lis
post, We have directed him to send all
LIE caa OF reliable character, without re-
gard to cost. Our readers will be gratified
py hls account Of the earn estneas with
Which the President and Cabinet are at
work.
Year: 1861

we take it for granted that the hill rovv
before the Legislature, for Reorganization
and drilling in camp of ten regiments Of
ssate troops will become law, It has II.
ready passed the House; an1, unless The
senate should spend the day n mere FOOL
ing, 1t Will set through that bcdy before
n1sne The boys who have been eager
Tor military life, but were not in time for
acceptance in the first six re iments will
now have chance. Let them be Of good
cheer.
Year: 1861

Judgment was rendered IN the Montreal Supe-
ror Court last week by Judge Monk, in the suit of
Morrison against the Grand Trunk Railway. The
appointment of receiver, to work the railway and
receive its revenues, was refused, the Hon. Judge
holding that the law Of Lower Canada does not
sanction the seqnestraton of the property of cor
poraton Incorporated by act of Parliament.
Year: 1861

The muscular strength of the human body
is wonderful. A Turkish porter will trot
a rapid pace with weight of six hundred
pounds. Milo, the celebrated athlete of Gre
tona, in Italy, accustomed himself to carry
the greatest burdens, and became by degrees
monster in strength. Ii is said that he
carried on his shoulders an OK four years
old, and weighing upwards Of one thousand
pounds, and afterwards killed him with one
blow of his fist. lie was seven times crown
cd ut the Pythian gumes, and six ut the
0lympiad. He presented himself the sew
enth time, but no one had the courage to
enter the list against him. He was one OF
the disciple OF Pythagoras, and to his un.
common strength that preceptor and his
pupils owed their lives. The pillar which
supported the roof Of the house suddenly
gave way, but Milo supported the roofof the
building and thus gave the philosopher time
to escape. In old age he attempted to pull
up q tree by the roots and break it. He par
tally effected il, but his strength being
gradually exhausted, the tree where cleft re-
united, and left his hand pinchcd in the body
of it. lie was then alone, and being unable
to disengage himself, died in that position.


Hallar says that he saw man whose fin
gers caught in chain at the bottom Of a
mine, by keeping it forcibly bent, supported,
by that means, the whole weight ofhis body,
one hundred and fifty pounds, until he was
drawn up to the surface distance Of six
hundred feet. A hon is said to have made
the impression of his teeth on a solid piece
of iron. The most prodlgious power of mus
Gle is exhibited by the iish.-The whale
moves with velocity through a dense me-
dium Of wafer that would carry him around
the world in less than fortnight. A sword
fish has been known to strike his weapon
through the thick plank of u ship; spcci-
men Of such plank, with the sword stick
ing in it, may be seen at the British Museum.
Year: 1861

happier. Let her holy presence be as q
charm to keep yon from evil. In all new
and pleasant connections, give hers place in
your heart Never forget what she has been
to you-that she has loved you. BE tender
10 her rmemory.-TNew York Traveller.
Year: 1861

No NEws.-Nothing later from the East than
was published in our last issue had reached Port.
land up to Monday last; and we are therefore
compelled to go to press without our usual news
summary.
Year: 1861

SEcREr STEEL BREAsrPLArE.-A divided breast
plate, composed Of thin spring steel confined be-
tween the cloth and the lining Of common mil
itary vest. was lately exhibited byJ. S. Smith,
On Ingenious inventor and mechanic Of New
York. Il Is composed Of two leaves which lap
over at the edges where the vest is buttoned, so
as to cover the entire chest. Being formed Of
thin spring steel plate, and weighing only 81
lbs, L can be worn with ease by any officer or
soldier during the most active exercise. II is
very strong 10 proportion to its weight as 1t can
resist the thrust Of the bayonet or sword, and il
viii repel the bullets Of muskets and pistols at
ranges which would otherwise be fatal to life
Wssaw Il successfully resist powerful thrust
from heavy stecl-pointed pike. 1t answers
every purpose Of light steel cuirass
Year: 1861

The man that was stuck up with pride
has been taken down. ADD hangs on bi,
own hoek at present 10 ca-s the hook
should give say, let hin lie upon bis Own
liabilities until be is prepared 80 sleep on
a clear conscience.
Year: 1861

y Yankee pedlar who had stopped in a
coffee house to refresh himself one hot day,
heard a very strange old gentleman remark,
in an answer to a friend, who had been re
lating some marvellous story, said to be true,
truth is stranger than fiction So Jon
athan stepping up and slapping the aston
ished gent on the back, said l.


lou're mistaken right thar, old boss,
taint so-and to prove it III wager you
juleps for the crowd that [ can tell you one
fiction thatll just 60 ahead of any truth
you ever heard tell on


Good said the old gentleman, I'D
like to hear any fiction that can 60 ahead
OF Christopher Columbus


'Pshaw, Christopher Columbus amt
a circumstance, said Jonathan, but here
goes.


'Onct 1 was standing by big river in
Sahara desert that was dried up. The sun
shone so all fred hot, that [ was obliged to
tie my handkerchief over my eyes to keep
from bein' blinded and as | was standing
thar, | happened to look down the river,
and seed big boat without any bottom
come tiOatin' up stream, with hull lot OF
tellers on her; one of EN- had 10 eyes,
another no arms, another no legs, and the
last chap, in the stern Of the boat, had no
mouth! Gosh [ never seed such sight
before. | was skeered like blazes-and
Just stood and looked at 'em. Presently
the chap as had no eyes looked down and
saw cent piece at the bottom of the river,
and the teller who had no arms bent over
and picked it up, then handed it to the
chap who had no legs, and he jumped out
OF the boat, waded to the shore, went to a
grog shop that wasn't thar, bought pint
of whiskey and handed it to the feller as
had no mouth, and he drank it up and all
the rest got drunk-and the last seed of
'em the teller as had no mouth was singin'
Hail Columbia, while the chap what had
no legs was dancing; the no eyed chap was
reading a text in the psalm book, and the
feller who had no arms was clapping his
hands and waving his hat like blazes-and
| left just about that time


'Juleps for the crowd, and charge to
me, roared the old gentleman, az he bolted
out Of the back door


1SSE@ Be inst apd faor not
Year: 1861

"A merry heart is n continual feast"


1t is quite fashionable to abuse this life,
by way of manfesting a strong desire to
enter upon the life to come. It is not un-
frequently regarded as clear proof Of
frivolous, if not wholly bad, state Of mind,
to be cheerful and sportivc. 1t is affirmed
that this world is vale Of tears, q
bowling wilderness, sin cursed state,
and we are taught to long for removal from
it, and to regard such longing as evidence
Of pious heart. Against this whole phil
osophy | must earnestly protest, for it
seems to me not only productive Of much
unhappinesS but also ungratetGI to Heaven:
instead OF showing piety, it seems to me
the most clear impiety De we show our
love for friend by depreciating the value
Of his gifts TO Us, by constantly finding
fault with his mode of expressing his IN
terest i'll u.s. If it be ingratitude to re.
quite the bcncicence Of an earthly friend
with complaining criticisms, is it gratitude
to murmur at the state in which our dear
est heavenly Friend has placed us, SO full
Of gifts and mercies that we cannot rightly
know how to enjoy them all? The com
monest comforts Of life, the fresh air, the
warm sunshine, the friends Of the orchard
and the harvcsts Of the field, are not these
good enough to make Us deeply thankful
and wisely glad And, then, the richer
gifts; friends who share our hearts affec-
tionS, doubling our joys and lessening our
griefs the means of intellectual culture,
schools, teachers, books, all science of earth,
and sea, and air, and sky; and above all,
and best Of all, those gifts of love and faith
which draw our souls away from the things
that perish with the using and kindle our
aspirations for whatsoever is pure and good
and true on earth and in heaven and the
unspeakable love which the Glad Tidings
of great joy reveal to man shall not the
thought Of all these make within us
hearty thankfulness, and cause US to be
glad in the conciousness Of being so tender
ly cared for and SO wisely loved


do not forget the countless annoyances
to which all are liable; the petty trials, the
needless vexations, to which the thought
lessness of others may often subject US
Nor do | overlook the weightier burdens
Of sorrow which frequently press all comfort
from the heart, the loss of some dear
friends, the wreck of others, and the self
consciousness of imperfection and sim
These are sad realities; but, in spite of
them all, the sun still shines benignantly
and the showers fall with blessing in their
drops, declaring in unmistakable language
the continued love which yet pervades the
universe and pours out lavish joys.


1t is easy to write thus and to feel thus
in the freshness and new life of Spring; it
seems easier now than at most other seas
ons, to believe in the wisdom and watchful
care Of Heaven, TO have a sunny heart and
cheerful countenance. But every other
season aids to make the Spring so welcome,
just as Spring and Summer combine to
crown Autumn with the golden haryests
and ripened fruit, and the marvellous beauty
Of the visionary tints the year puts on
when the magic wand of the frost waves
Year: 1861

ANUsING.-A conversation of most amusing
character took place yesterday afternoon in


the Exchange Reading Rooms amongst several
gentlemen, whose feelings and prepossessions
are deeply inclined to the cause of tho Seces-
sionists. The Gntn1US of what was said was
that the navigation Of the Potomac river had
been efectually closed by the erection of Con-
federate batteries on the Virginia side of the
river, that the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad
Company was unable to transport the requisite
quantity Of hay and oats for the horses Of the
army. especially as none Of their cars could
carry more than half a ton each, and that con-
sequently the War Department would be com
PEELED to dispense with half OF their stock in
order to prevent them from starving In the
nrst place, the most reliable reports show that
the Potomac is not yet effectually closed against
navigation; secondly, that the aggregate stock
OF horses and mules at and near Washington


does not exceed 20 900, and that the Baltimore
and Ohio road, without any extraordinary ef-
fort, forwarded on Monday evening and night
more hay than these horses and mules could


possibly eat in whole week, They forwarded
70 car loads Of hay, and each car contained
more than three tons, and in a few DAYS notice
was given that they could transport double
that quantity daily. The Government allow
ance for each horse and mule per day is IL
pounds Of hay and Is pounds of oats, and those
interested can make the calculation as to the
number of animals the Government will find


1t necessary to get rid Of on the ground of an
anticipated starvation.-BaH. american, 23d.
Year: 1861

bedroom BArTLI AMONG THE NEWSPAPER
CORRESPONDENTS. The Jefferson City CORES
pondent Of the Gil cinnati Gazette was one of
the "press gang not long since collected at
the Capital to write the history Of the Fremont
campaign. They all lodged in one room of the
hotel, and occasionally diverted themselves by
a species of warfare which is first described by
the Gazette man as follows:


Happening to drop in the other night,
found the representatives of the Missouri Re-
publican, the Cincinnati Commercial, the New
York World and Tribune, engaged in a hot
discussion upon matrimony, which finally run
into metaphysics. Now, it is not to be supposed
that people can long indulge in metaphysical
controversy without coming to blows. So finally
the Republican having plumply disputed an
abstruse proposition of the Tribune, the latter
seized an immense bolster and brought it with
an emphasis upon the glossy part Of his antag
onist.


This instantly broke up the debate in a
row, and q general melee commenced. The
Republican grabbed up towel, and doubling
1t up, aimed stunning blow at his assailant,
whichImissed his and brought up against the
nasal protruberance Of Frank Leslie The
exasperated Frank dealt back a pillow, fol-
lowed by we'll packed knapsack in return.
Then the Missouri Democrat sent a coverlet,
Thich liz upon and developed the knowledge
box of the Herald, who repaid the compliment
with ponderous pair Of saddlebags, which
passed 30 close to the Gazstte's head that in
dOdging it he bumped his head against the
bedpOst, and raised quite respectable organ
where none existed before.


simultaneously the Commercial threw a
hayersack, which hit Harper in the bread
basket, and doubled him into folio, while, at
the same instant, the Chicago Tribune pumped
the New York Times between the peppers with
a ragged copy of Ovid's Art of Love, Just as
the latter gave the Herald heavy side wine
on the mug with a strapped-up India rubber
oyercoat,, which knocked him against the
world, who, that moment, caught pillow on
the leg, ct chair, splitting it and scattering
the feathers through the surging atmosphere,
and as these two worthless went down together
they carried the table with them, spilling the
ink, scattering the literary contents, and put
ting the candles out, which broGght the contest
to sudden close; and, after considerable
delay in feeling round for a stray match,
which at last turned up, a light was struck, ,
the combatants proceeded to adjust their toilets
and repair damages, and having lit the calu-
NETS of peace, gently resigned themselves to
the soothing influence of the weed.
Year: 1861

me uhdefs'ghed Cotton Factors in city New Orleans
in view OF the interests of all recommend to their yari
ons customers and correspondents not to shin apv portio F
their crops Of Cotton to this city to remove it from their
plantations unhl The blockade fully and entirely abandoned
Of which due notice will be given
Year: 1861

they have found that there were those who
were not possessed of the moral courage to
form resolution to lay aside the intoxica-
ting bowl. The drunkard often thought,
when just emerging from drunken spree,
that hew would think no more; but as often
broke over, and there seemed to be no hope
Tor him. What was to be done /? Other States
have dug deep and upturned the roots of this
great evil. They have resorted to the strong
arm of the law, and drove the desolating curse
from their borders. Now no midnight Draw
llngs, prompted by liquor, is heard. Now
prison doors fly open, and within, prisoners
few are found; but from yonder shop there
ylbrates the sound of the hammer, and the
busy hum of industry. Why is it? 1t is
the result of prohibitory liquor law. /
know many question the propriety of passing
sueh law but, sir, it seems to me to be our
duty to pass laws which are calculated for the
greatest good of our countrymen, individually
and collectively. Shall we fa.l to perform our
duty as men? Shall we shrink from the
passage of a law because it affects the pecu-
mary interests of a .feao. while on the other
hand there are thousands who are affected,
morally physically, Intellectually and pecunia-
rlly! Surely not. In the effort for the res
toratlon of health, physicians strive to learn
PlOuuSCS lil6 QSTdDSPIlDII.
ms information being obtained they usual
ly apply or administer remedies for the re-
moVal OF the same. In all cases, first re-
move the cause of disease, then will the eff
fects be removed. And in the case we pre-
sent we must remove the cause We must
drive the use of liquor from our land, which
IS Just, and which our necessities require


But perhaps, at present, it would not be
the best policy to insist upon the passage of
for it requires popularity to sustain such an
enactment. We must therefore press on IN
the strength which we now possess. Let us
90 out to the world with the triangular shield
engraven upon our hearts, around when
should be encircled the bright principles OF
Love, Purity and Fidelity, while the blazing
star of hope sheddeth its beaming rays,
strewing the light which shall emanate from
the glorious principles of the Sons Of Tenn
perance. Brothers, behold our Emblem'-
By it we shall conquer. The day is already


broken, yea, the sun of light is already shl


ming, the misty dews of morn are last dis


appearing. Onward will we labor till oul


dav is closed, and then rest in the arms


sweet contentment with this satisfaction, tina
: we have done our duty in endeayoring to res
cue man from the curse of intemperance.
Year: 1861

What riddle It is the longest and vet
the shortest thing on earth; More desired
and more neglected than any thing else
Reader, do you ever thank Of its importance ?
DO you know you are accountable to God,
for the use OF the time he gives you in this
world? And are you trying to improve Il
for his glory and your own good Stop and
think.


The Poet has well said


"Old time will end our story:


But no time, if we end well, will end j
glory" LIIIN