smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1860

A letter from Bermuda saws that I" most sin
gular fish, of the Gymnetrus genus, answering in
very remarkable degree to the accounts of the
Sea Serpent frequently given to the world by nau-
teal men, was captured at Hungary Bay, on the
south side of these islands, on the 22d inst' How
near this singular fish comedies with the accounts
of Sea Serpent frequently given to the world by
nautical men, will be learned by perusa of the
following description, published in the Bermudian,
which furnished by zone of the gentlemen
who discovered and secured this great icthyologi-
cal specimen -


Its color was a bright and shining silver. This
brilliant covering of the skin was, from the strug-
Cling Of the animal, scattered in great profusiOn
about the place. The skin had rough, warty
feeling to the touch, but was destitute of any
scales. There dorsal fin running nearly the
whole length Of the creature, composed of short
slender rays, united by transparent membrane,
and separated at intervals OF less than an inch; in
other words, the slight back fin had number of
regular gaps in it. 1t bad a curiousy shaped
head, the like of which we have not seen in any of
the numerous illustrations of technology we have
examined. From a drawing which is now before
us, (for we had not the good fortune to see the
creature itsel) the conformation of the head, in
profile, is not unlike that of a dog. There is
distinctly defined forehead, with projecting mouth
The eyes large, fat and exceedingly brilliant 1t
had very small pectoral fins, and minute ventral
fms proceeding from the thorax. 1t had large sis
but was, we are told, destitute of teeth.


But its most remarkable feature was beautiful
crestal appendage consisting of eight long spines,
Of rich red color, which sprang from the top of the
head, commencing at the frontal edge of the fore
head and following each other singly about an inch
apart the three first of these spnes being connect
ed halfway upwards from the cranial covering by
gauzy flament, but all the rest were wholly deS-
titute of any membraneous appendage These
delicate crestal spnes which the creature had the
power to raise depress at pleasure, were of Ir-
regular lengths-the longest, growing from about
the centre of the top of the head being three feet
IN length, and the rest ranging from eighteen
inches TO two and half feet. The larger number
of these appendages were flattened at the extreme
end, somewhat like the tip of a spear.


The length of this singular inhabtant of the
briny world was sixteen feet seven inches from the
front edge of the lips to the end of the tail It
was eleven inches deep, measuring through from
the top of the back, about one-third of its length
from the head, and its thickness laterally, was
from five TO six inches at the same distance from
the head. Thence the body tapered gradually un-
til it terminated in a bluntish point of about half
an inch in diameter-the tail having no fnny or
any other apPendage."
Year: 1860

southern journey in August. Judging from
our visitors description. his house was dis
tant from our camp about three miles. Il
could be reached, he said, only By climbing
over the mountain, which was a difficult
undertaking; or by walking along the beach
at low tide. He carried in his hand two
little auks, a bladder filled with oil, coil Of
seal thong, and two or three pieces OF half
putrii walrus flesh. He was on an excur-
sion round the island to set fox traps; and
the flesh was intended for bait. While
talking with Us, he took up one of his auks,
twisted off the head, and inserted the index
hngef OF his right hand under the integu-
ments OF the neck, drew it down the back
and in an instant the bird was skinned.


lie then ran his long thumb nail along the
breast bone, and as quickly produced two
hne lat Jumps of flesh, which he generously
offered to anybody who would take them.


lie evidently intended great courtesy but
the raw meat, coming from such hands and
treated IN this manner, was not to our liking.


Peterson explained to him that we had Just
breakfssted, and begged, most politely. that
he would not rob himself. II did not please
him that we declined his hospitality which
was evidently kindly intended, and was
bestowed in manner which showed plainly
that ne felt the Importance of proprietor
ship. He did not wait for further invitation,
and took his lunch with a gusto quite re-
freshing to see. washing il down with a
drink of oil which in turn, he offered to US
but again we were compelled TO commit the
discourtesy Of declining the proffered atten-
iIon. The remainder of his oil, which
furnished US fuel for cooking two meals, the
other bird. and the coil Of thong, we pur-
chased Of him for three needles. He had,
he said, no stock for his whip, and he begged
for piece Of wood. We gave him splin-
ter from piece Of board, which we carried
TO patch the boat in case of accident. Not
aithsianding his greasy face, matted hair,
ragged dress, and disgusting propensity to
drink oil. he was the most decent looking
native ] had yet seen. Arctic Expedition.
Year: 1860

4


In the Homestead. Elihu Burritt gives the
following new method of wedding Carrots


In Williamstown | was told Of plan Of
raising carrots which was quite new, to me
at least. II is coming largely into vogue in
that town and vicinity. Thick sward land !,
meadow or pasture, is turned over carefully
and deeply. A light harrow is then passed
over the surface, and the carrot seed is sown
with fax. As the swald is buried six or
eight inches deep. no grass nor weeds grow
up among the flax to choke that or the car
rots. When the flax comes to the blow it is
pulled, and the process weeds the carrots
just at the time they need it, This is all
the labor requisite for good crop Of these
valuable roots, until they are gathered.up in
the autumn. Thus two crops are obtained
by this method from common piece of
meadow or pasture land. No seed. Of course,
is obtained from the flax pulled in blossom !;
but the lint is as good as if the stalks were
fully seeded. This certainly is labor.
saving method Of raising carrots. when COM
pared with the common sowing and wedding
process.
Year: 1860

rest inert on the surface of cold and un-
disintegraled subsoils Who does not know
that many farms. supposed to be worn out,
have been revived by the increase Of few
inches in depth Of plowings And who will
longer be contented to use pitifu one horse
plough, skating it through the soil like a
harrow with one tooth. and starving on the
continually decreasing producti


Working Farmer.
Year: 1860

HYDRoPHoBIA AND EMpIRICIsM.--The London
Morning Star says:


Some time ago statement appeared in all
the journals that ten persons had been bitten
by mad dog at Author (Eurc-ct-L -Loire) The
Jounal de Chartres now announces the death of
the fourth victim, little girl, who had ap-
pcared quite we'll till three or four days back.
when the dreadful mala1y appeared and car
ried her off in a few hours. The six other per
sons bitten seem to be out of all danger The
same paper then proceeds: Thirty years ago
three persons of that village We're bitten by a
mad dog. Two Of them applied to man who
was said to possess an nfalsblc cure for hydro
phobia, handed down from father to son for
several generations. They both got well, while
the third, who applied to a regular practition-
cr, died few days after. This fact was uni
versally known in the country round
and when the last sad affair occurred, six o
the persons bitten applied to the son of the EN-
piric, who now possesses his fathers secret, the
other four being treated by professional men
The result is that the six survivors are those
who had recourse to the secret remedy while
the four who have died were treated by tn,


faculty. We cannot explain these facts, bu
we can guarantee their Authenticity
Year: 1860

An old Roman story says \ certain vine
dresser had two daughters and vineyard
When his eldest daughter was married, he gave
her third of his vineyard, and raised as much
on what he had left. as he had raised on the
whole. When his youngest daughter was mar
ricd he gave her half of what remained, and
the product of his vineyard remained undimin
ishcd." This was the result of his bestowing rs
much labor on the third part as he had been
accustomed to perform on the whole. A great
majority of farmers would profit by the eXper-
imcnt Of the old Roman. AS a general rule We
need smaller farms. All will agree that
small quantity of land, when properly cultiva-
ted, will produce as much as double the guam
tity improperly or poorly cultivated. We have
heard farmers owning as high as q hundred
acres of tillable lard, say that their lands
didn't pay. and that they must have more land
cleared. Let lis look at his farm, and we will
see clumps Of bushes growing up in the fence
corners, around stumps and in open fields,
growing and gaining ground every year. His
fences are dapidated and going down; gates
and barn doors ure proppcd up, and an ap-
pearance of carelessnGss and neglect pcrvades
the whole farm. He has no time to fix these
things up for he must arork IN his clearing. No
wonder his farm don't pay! He neglccts to
tend properly what he already has, in his hurry
to get new ground ready for wheat, or corn, as
the case may be. IT, instead of clearing SO
much land, he would properly cultivate what
he has, he would find it would pay him, not
only in pecuniary point Of view, but in the
improvement and appearance of the place
Instead of trying to extend the area of his
acres, he should try to increase the products OF
them. Farming is a science, and can be stu
died with as much pl oft and pleasure as any
other science, and it should be done.


If Il man can stock and carry on a farm pro-
pcrly, making the soil yield its greatest capaci-
ty, there can be no objection to him adding
acre after acre, and thus securing the advanta-
gcs which large farm has over smaller one
The size Of the farm should always be proper
toned to the capital invested otherwise il


uon't pay Let us labor to improve and adorr
| what we already havc.'
Year: 1860

Go haxen- haired and blue-eyed maiden


My German Iebe; hasten through
Yon smoke cloud, and return thou laden


With bread and cheese and bier for two
Limburger suits this bearded fellow


His brow is high his taste severe
But Fam for Schweitzer mild and yellow,
To eat with bread and lager bier
All, yes the Schweitrer hath SAVIOR


OF marjoram and mountain thyme,
An odoriforous, Alphino flavor.


You almost hear the cow-bells chime
While eating it, or, dying family,


The Rdnz-des-rdches entrance the ear,
Until you feel quite Swiss and sanity,


Above your glass Of lager bier.
Here comes our drink froth-crowned and sunllt
In goblets with high-curving arms,
Drawn from newly-opened runlet--


As bier must be, 10 have its charms
This primal portion each shall swallow
At one draught, for pioneer;
And thus a ritual usage follow


OF all who honor lager bier.
Glass after glass, in due succession,


Till, borne through midrif, heart and brair
lie mounts his throne and takes possession,
The genial spirit Of the grainl
Then comes the old Berscrker madness.
To make each man a priest and seer,
And with Scandinavian gladness,


Drink deeper draughts Of lager bier
Year: 1860

IExT.-Many have suffered IN negecunB the hd-


vantages fortune offers them until II IL too late TO


retrieve the opportunity they have lost.--Norfh-


ehoie.


The language of our text is employed
in the moral to the fable of the Delicate
Heron. The heron in question, we are
informed, allowed many chance and rare
fish to pass, without attempting to catch
them but was afterwards glad to meet
with even poor snail.


We can find in the human family, as
did the author of this fable, simile to
this heron. Yes, indeed, there are many
who have allowed opportunities-golden
opportunities--to pass without improving
them. We aie confident that this arises
from want of reflection, and from not
being able to decide ,chen TO commence
When the inquiry is made, why this or
that young man does not commence to
look out for the future, and to lay by
fortune to keep him in after years, when
age shall have deprived him of the pow
er to help himsefY the reply is, that he
has yet to "sow his wild oats" and that
it is not now time to commence prepar-
ing for the future.


The time of sowing wild oats passes,
and with it passes the time for laying
foundation for q future fortune--and
surely there must always be a commence
ment. The young man thinks 1--WE know
only such of his thoughts as are ex-
pressed) that it would be folly to COM
mence to build fortune with only
penny for n beginning. When will he
commence When circumstances per-
nit. Indeed, this young man contends
that circumstances govern the structure
of fortune; aud, too, that no one can
earn fortune with his hands only to
make beginning with. In short, that
fortune visits only favored ones.


"God helps those who help themselves"
and does He help only those? Our
young friend seems to think that he will
be assisted, in spite of the fact that he
will not help himself, nor appreciate the
assistance OF others. By neglecting to
employ the means placed at his disposal,
he is guilty of breach of trust, for does
he not, in reality, "bury his talent in
napkin?"


Ii dollar were laid by every week,
and the money placed at interest at the
end Of each year, in five years the sum
would amount to something like four
hundred dollars But that sum is not
fortune. No; but because we cannot re-
ceive whole loaf, should We refuse a
mouthful, and wait till starvation forced
us to partake? We are forced to admit
that there are many of us too apt to im-
tate the example of the heron, and pass
10y advantages and opportunities that
may never again rocur.


There is q seed-timc and harvest, and
we should not allow the seed-time to pass
without preparations to secure and enjoy
the harvest when it shall arrive nor wait
till the time to gather comes, and discover
when too late that we have only the bit
ter fruits of repentance in store for us.


OF those who pass their time in useless
ness, both to themselves and others,


There's nothing better may be taij,


Than they have eaten all thoir bread,


Drank their drink and cone 10 beap'
Year: 1860




MEETING IN SOUTHERN SIERRA.-We extract
the following from letter to the Sierra
Democrat dated Wet Ravine, July 25th;


will give you brief account of a Douglas
and johnson ratification meeting at Alleghe-
ny, last evening, which was uncommouly
spirited and patriotic have rarely seen so
much enthusiasm in so small a community
The hrlng commenced at an early hour, and
was continued at intervals till late in the
evening


After most excellent performance by the
Allegheny brass band, the meeting was call
ed to order by Judge Patterson. After n few
exceedingly appropriate remarks by the
President, Frank Cowdery, Esq. of Downie
vile, was introduced to the audience His
address was brief and was listened to with
pleasure, and heartily applauded. He showed
very conclusively that in the late struggle to
nominate Presidential candidate the dema-
gogues and disunionists in the Democratic
party tried to get the advantage of the people.
He contended that the masses in the South,
as well as at the North, who were really ma
tional Democrats were anxious that nomi>
nation shall be made that they could hope to
see victorious; without reference to what
particular favorite interests the choice of the
nominee would serve. He thought that in
Douglas such nomination had been made
and further, that Douglas was the regular
nominee of the great National Democratic
party-and that all who vote for Breckenridge
are for disunion.


The next speaker introduced was Col. Plat,
of your place, who is well known and has
very many warm personal as well as political
friends in this part of the county He was
received with thunders of applause and in
his usual off hand conversational manner
succeeded most admirably in removing all
doubts, if any existed in the minds of those
present that Douglas is the nominee of the
Regular Democratic National Convention at
Baltimore, and Breckenridge that of the Bolt
er's Convention He showed from the records
(for the Colonel believes in producing the
proof for all his assertions) that Breckenridge
was not in favor of a Pacific Railroad and
also, that his supporters were opposed in 49
and so to the admission of California. lie
handled Mr.. Yancey without gloves.


Mr.. Cossit was then loudly called for, and
took his place on the stand and was voeifer-
ously appauded AS it was getting late, his
speech was brief He said that he should
support Douglas not because he was his
first choice, but because he always believed
in supporting regular nominees.


Altogether it was very successful ana
,credilable ratification of the nominees for the
Presidency and Vice Presidency of the regular
Democratic National party-and will be long
remembered as one Of extraordinary good
feeling


One word about Wet Ravine. ! believe
there is not Breckenridge man in the Ra-
yine If there is, don't know u
Year: 1860

II is said that Garibaldi had news that he
was to receive ten war steamers from the
United States, all equipped, and that he at
tached great Importance TO the news, and had
planned how he would attack Sicily on the
main land.
Year: 1860

The New York Tribune, of this morning, says: The
stock market to-day with greater activity than for some
days past has still had declining tendency The sup
ply Of stocks has been considerable supposed to be
ly from maturing contracts, which being thrown on
dull and unwilling market has in many descriptions
aoshed lower prices The recent decline has brought
in some outside speculative ORDERS and think
the bull obbers rather disposed begin new line
moderately The purchases not, however, sufficient
to sustain and the impression of the
10 DC tat prices may yet touch somew hat lower
The in the money market which we have hith
ero reported continues without abatement Commission
house receivables pass readily at per cent without
reference to date of maturity and acceptances
sell readily at 4H(d4A. Single first class Job
bng paper rules at k6 per long dates while
favorite names of short time have been passed at per
cent Call loans with Government stocks as colIater
dfhcut to place any large amounts at that rate This
plethora OF left in the as at the
commercial centers and to country banks quite
oppressive forcing them to invest their capital State
and Federal stocks Their lines down for want
of commission house paper which they heretofore re-
ceived from the manufacturers whose advances at pres
ent are made in cash.


legal question has arisen between the assessors of
Rochester and the Commercial Bank of that city The
Commercial Bank, it appears, holds 500 900 in United
States stocks deposited in the Bank Department as
curty for its circulation. The banks claim that this
amount should be deducted from their capital and ex-
emped from taxation the ground that United States
stock is not taxable The laid the before
Mr Cook Superintendent of the Bank Department and
he advised them that United States stocks held by
bank as part of its capital aXable and he further
vised them that had arisen between Common
wealth bank of New York and the assessors on this
issue, in which the bank beaten. 1t carried
the Court OF Appeals and still pending there. The
opinions OF Judge Gardner and Henry R. Seldom were
obtained and they concur in saying that United State
stocks held by bank part of its capital cannot be
taxed by the laws OF the State. The have
solved to assess the full capital the OOO-


irrespective of the amount of United States stocks held
hy the institution
Year: 1860

The Ojibwas used for clothing, coarse
woolen and cotton cloths Of English
manufacture These they procured of
their traders in exchange for furs. They
were very scantily and coarsely clad
1t took but small amount of goods to
compose suit The staple articles
for the trade were coarse blue, red and
green broad cloths, coarse prints and
Indian blankets. The common and al
most universal dress Of the men was a
calico shirt, pair of leggins Of woolen
cloth reaching from a little above the
knee to the ankle, and the Indispensable
Indian blanket A few of the richer
ones, in cold weather, were able to
wear over the shirt kind Of coat rude
ly constructed of .sleazy woolen cloth,
without facing or lining. This was al
ways considered an extra, and gave
some additional dignity and Importance
to the person who was able to indulge
IN so great luxury.


The dress of the women was skirt
of blue broadcloth, gathered and fast
ened about the waist, and extending a
little below the knee, the leggins, the
jacket or basque, a garment with sleeves,
and fitted close about the upper part
of the person. and extending to the hips.
This garment was usually made of cot
ton goods, sometimes Of flannel or sat
met. The neck and breast were al
ways covered. 1t was rare thing to
see female indecently expose her per-
son. The Indians always dressed their
feet in winter, with the buck skin moe
ca.in. 10 summer they are usually
seen barefoot


1t is easy to see that this scanty
amount of clothing is insufficient to pro-
tect them properly in so cold a climate
as theirs, especially when so poorly
sheltered in their rude and uncom-
Portable lodges. I have often wonder
ed how they could possibly keep from
freezing during some Of the severe cold
weather they have to encounter every
winter. They usually make their win
ter camps in some sheltered spot near
wood, and bank around the base of ftheir
wigwam with snow, and take care to
provide themselves with dry wood. In
this way they contrive to keep their
habitations more comfortable than one
who has never tried their way of living
would suppose they could be. They
are moreover so accustomed 20 living il
the open air, and exposed to all kind.
of weather and hardships, that they car
endure almost as much as the cattle o
the field. Yet they do suffer immense


ly from this source. rs al asffl


They seldom have more than one sui
of clothes at time, or care for more


while that lasts. They have very littl,
occasion for change, for they seldom
cleanse their garments. When gar


ment is obtained, it is put on and wor,
till it is worn out. Washing and doin.


up clothes forms a very small part of tn,
duties of house-keeper among the Indi
, ans. Hence, not only their person
'are neglected, their hair masted an,
Year: 1860

EeE~ We publish two interesting letters
one from Pike, the other from Dubois coun-
ty. We are glad to get them, and thank
their authors for remembering the readers
of the Journal Other favors of the kind
will be welcome--the more the better. We
should like to have regular correspondent
an each county where we have not already
one or more. We are always ready to pub
lish these Letters from the People
Year: 1860

the old Whig faith and leaders, in favor Of
one who has gained ali the prominence
which he possesses by his abuse Of them
VIII you support men-like John Law
who have turned their backs on old plin-
ciples or will you be true to men who have
been true to themselves? Let Us have your
answer at the ballot-box in October and
November next. We have no apprehension
as to what that answer will be.
Year: 1860

" WIDE AwAKEs." A meeting Of this
Company is called this evening. AS it is
meeting for perfecting the Company in its
drill, it is expected that none but members
or those who design becoming members
of the organization will be present. This
is desired, as all the room in the Hall is
necessary for the Company TO go through
their eyoIutiOns
Year: 1860

asa- We acknowledge the receipt of a
complimentary ticket to the Fair Of the Po-
sey County Agricultural Society, to be held
at New Harmony from the I'd to the 5th of
October. The Secretary of the Society is
Mr.. L. Pelham, of whom any information in
regard to the Fair may be obtained. His
address is New Harmony,
Year: 1860

The Executive Committee take this
occasion to say that an ample supply
of fodder for stock, free Of charge,
will be provided, aoithout .fuM Par
ticular pains will be taken, that in this
respect there shall be no cause of COM
plant.