smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1859

Danger ofstraining the Eyes in Tw Hight.


In the London and Edinburgh Philo-
sophical Magazine for May is an account
ofsudden loss the power OF distinguish
ing colors. produced by overtaxing the
eyes. A sea captain. who was in the
habit, when time hung heavy on his
shoulders, of occupying it'by working At
embroidery, was one afternoon engaged
upon red flower, and being anxious to
finish it, prolonged his labor until twi-
lighl came on, and he found it difficult
to select the suitable colors. To obtain
more light, he went into the companion
way. and there continued his work
While thus taxing his eyes, his power of
distinguishing colors suddenly vanished.


He went upon the deck. hoping that an
increase of light would restore his vision.
In vain. From that time to the present.
more than ten years. he has remained
color blind. Mr.. White Cooper, who
brought this case to notice, says that,
after the great Exhibition of 1851. sew
eral instances came under his notice in
which the sensibility of the retina was
temporarily blunted by the excitement
to which it was exposed in that brilliant
scene.
Year: 1859

even the soft and damp salt rock, which


formed partition. Suddenly l remem.


bered having picked up heavy OK shoe,


on the wagon road, during my Sunday


walk. 1t was still in my pocket. With


what JOY pulled it out, and commenced
my work.


l will not detail the agonies Of those


days and nights worked on in the dark
ness, sometimes encouraged, sometimes
nearly hopeless. l could not find that !
made any visible progress the sounds
were not nearer than at first. and / was
growing hourly exhausted from fatiguing
and burning thirst. The salt air of the
cave inf1amed my eyes. parched my skin,
and excoriated my throat often l had a
horrible idea that should 60 mad, but
worked on. l had wound up my watch
five times, therefore it must have been
the sixth day-deliverance as far off as
ever. had been trying to loosen frag-
ment Of rock which seemed somewhat
detached from the strata (this l only
Judged by my feeling.) If I succeeded
l could much reduce the thickness of the
barrier at that point; but l had to stop
and rest before the final trial. l again
tried my matches. l had constantly
done so hitherto, but with success, and
but few remained but now the third
one that | tried gave forth a light smoke,
then light blue flame, and finally clear
red light. | held it carefully and beheld
plainly the cavern in which l was i'm
INJURED. 1t was small one, and spark
ling from the saline crystals, as if stud
ded with gems. Opposite to me was a
dark object on projection of the shelv-
ing rock, and bearing similarity to the
outline of human figure. l lifted high
the expiring match, and, by its last ray,
| saw human face!


In frenzy of impotence l tried few
remaining matches in vain; the last
one was in my hand more carefully
drew it over the sand paper it burned
only for an instant; but in that instant,
holding it directly even with the body, l
recognized the dead, pale. but unchang-
ed face of my.poor, lost brother Henry


l was again in darkness with the dead
body and my frenzied thoughts. After
time | resumed fercely my labor at the
rock. A few blows loosened it, few
more and the large mass rolled inwards,
and from fssure in the rock which lay
behind it, came in narrow streak of
daylight. Twas all but mad, or would
not have had sufficient strength to effect
my purpose.


By the aid of my OK shoe soon in
creased the hole, till it was large enough
to admit my head. My shouts soon
brought assistance from the works, to
which, as l had supposed, was very
near, and soon from that fearful tomb
were drawn the living and the dead bod
les.


No one knew me till spoke. The
body of poor Henry had been preserved
by the salt, and was also partly petrifed.
That he had been killed by the fall was
evident, and had never removed from the
ridge on which he fell. Inever entirely
recovered from the effect of the salt,
which left my eyes and nose constantly
red, and rendered my flesh ever after
similar to corned pork.
Year: 1859

COUNTY BUsISEss.-The County Supervisors
meet for the transaction of business on Monday
next, Feb. 7Ih. The present is a regular term,
and much business of Importance will come be-
fore the Board. Among other business, the
Board will have to examine the reports, and
settle with the present Board of Overseers, and
appoint suitable persons to fill those Offices for
the ensuing year. The contract for taking care
OF the county INDECENT sick will also be re-let
at this term.
Year: 1859

ROAD OvERsEERs.- have been requested
TO call the attention of Road Overscers to the
fact that their reports should be made out and
handed into the Clerks Office previous to next
Monday. The most of the Ovcrseers, we learn,
have handed in their reports, but number are
still back
Year: 1859

no right to address me in that manner,
when you are to become the husband of
another so soon.'


Lucille, whoever told you that, told a
falshood. Say dear one, placing his arm
around her waist as he spoke, will you not
let me love you alone! There is not room
in my heart for any other. Do you not
believe me?'


Believe himl she was but too happy to
do otherwise. AS she looked into bis
glowing eyes, and saw the light of pure de-
votion shining therein, what could she do
but believe him? And she told him so,
with happiness radiating her lovely coun'
tenance.


Two months after there was gay we'd
ding in the village, and during the long
years which followed, Lucille often recall
led to mind how she was cured of her sim
full propensity for coquettry.
Year: 1859

A STORY is told of a doctor ir the good
ly town of B., not hundred miles from
Vermont. The doctor constantly missed
wood from his pile, and kept watch. As
was expected, it proved to be the work OF
near neighbor, who soon appeared, and
carefully culling out all dry wood, started
off with an armful, The doctor hastily
gathered up an armful of green wood, and
followed, tugging as fast as he could, and
just as the man threw down his armful,
the doctor did the same, exclaiming:-
"Therel you must burn green wood part
Of the time! have toi' and departed,
leaving the thief to his own reflections.
Year: 1859




The reader is expected to believe the
following story in every particular; e9


When u young man was travelling in
western New York, and late of stormy
night applied at log cabin for lodging
The occupant, woman refused it, saying
her husband and sons were out hunting,
and if they found me there would murder
me. l preferred the: chance Of being
murdered to braving the wild fury of the
storm, and she consented that I might
lie down before the fire. In the night l
heard them coming, and scrambled up the
chimney. Thinking was safe, when ut
the top, I stepped over the roof and
jumping down at the back OF the cabin,
struck plump into wolf trap A scream
of pain from me brought the men and
boys out, and they declared 1 deserved a
much more severe punishment than death;
so they kept me both in the trap and sus-
pense until morning, and then headed me
up in hogshead. with no light or air, but
the bung-hole, they put nae on q sled,
drove me some four miles up a hill, and
then rolled me off to starye. p This un-
doubtedly should have done, but for q
very singular occurrence. The wolves
smelled me out and gathered around my
prison, when one Of them, in turning
around, happened to thrust his tailinto
the bung-hole. 1t was my only chance.
T caught a firm hold, and held on like
death. to o negro, which frightened the
wolf, of course, and he started down thu
1Thill followed by the hogshead iand nes-
1t was very uneasy2ride, over the stones
and stumps; but I had no idea how long
it was, until the hogshead striking ston'
fairly, the, staves, worn by long travel
were broken in, and I jumped outmant
found myself way down in the lower enf
of c Cattaraugus county, some thirty mile
from the scene of disaster n bn, gglI9si
Year: 1859

LOVE PUzzLE,-The Petersburg (Va,)
Express says love is puzzle enough in it.
self, but when lovers get to puzzling one
another, it is certainly indicative of dull
courtship-cooing and kissing must be
growidg stale. A gentleman who recently
waited upon lady for some time, summed
up resolution enough, finally to ask her if
his attentions were agrecablc.-Sho an
swered him with the ominous word STRIPES
he thought of broom sticks-but she
added, that if he would transpose the let
ters in that word and form another out Of
them, the word so formed would be her
answer. lie did so. Now, fair readers
what was her answer.
Year: 1859

agricultural exchange says:


An experienced agriculturist informs us
that about six years ago he applied lime to
pototsies that were partly rotten, and that
it immediately arrested the decay. Since
apply Stacked lime to his potatoes as he
takes them up. He puts thin layer of
lime upon the floor where the potatoes are
to be laid, and sprinkles some of it over
them about every ten inches, as they are
put down. considers this perfectly pro
tecting them from rotting, as he has never
had rotten potato since he has practiced
it; and he believes, also, that potatoes thus
used are rendered better by the action of
line. We advise the farmers to try this
plan, as it easily can be done by them
all.
Year: 1859

LoAFlNG-There is no sight so repul-
siye as an habitual loafor, forever hang
ing around drinking saloons, and wearing
away the golden hours of life in meaning
less phantasy, without thought for any


thing except the qualification OF the beast.
ly appetite. 1t is strange that men will
thus sacrifice time, reputation, friends and
all for that which stultfes them and
makes life only dark and hideous dream,
Year: 1859

fS The Paris correspondent Of the Boston
Transcript says: .... .-r


The war was popular in France and the
peace is doubly 50. France is a very different
country from what she was half a century ago
Her people have not lost their love of In grand
nation, nor their ardor for military glory but
still they do not wish 10 sacrifice too much to
obtain the benefit of the latter. They have
money in the bank. They are interested in
the public funds. And it will not do to triae
with such vital matters as these So a short
war. which they can see the end of, and which
will keep UP the supremacy of France among
the continental powers, is just the thing Ia
crafty their national pride without being dis
agreeably expensive II required great deal
OF foresight to organize the public mind for
this war remarkable military genius to carry
II on so vigorously; wonderful skill 10 localize
II so completely; and pre-eminent self-control
to stop short in the path of victory. And it ID
the possession Of these varied faculties which
makes Louis Napoleon the foremost man Of the
age. a.a
Year: 1859

Too Much REcREATIos.-The Journal Of
Commerce thinks there is much delusion in the
use of this word, and begs leave to suggest
very grave doubts whether, all this pursuit of
health, yigor, and comfort, is not the result of
a fashionable delusiop, producing far more
serious evils than those which it is intended to
remedy" 1t asks:


"Of those who 20 forth from the city, do
more come back with the rich hue Of health on
the cheek, the vigor Of fresh life thrilling
along the veins, and an elastic step which re
newed application to toll cannot soon exhaust,
than bring back the seeds of q new disease, or
an added cause Of weakness, or a fresh symp-
tom of physical decay? We SEQ a few pale in
fants In the group, for whom country air and
diet cannot fail TO be wholesome but we can
scarcely refrain from the conclusion that most
oil the throng OF travellers would be far better
of at home. A change of climate may be
grateful TO an invalid, and an entire exemption
from labor or care may be healthfuI to a wea-
ried body or overtasked brain, but to a large
majority of persons in moderate health period
of total idleness is seldom blessing We be-
lieve that more people are injured than helped
by any considerable intermissiOn Of wholesome
work.


''Care is wearing, but labor
is healthful, and idleness is worse for either
body or mind than both care and labor together


very active, industrious man, who accom-
plishes large amount of both mental and
physical labor, still in the enjoyment of vigor-
Gus health, was told by an idle neighbor that
be would "work himself to death" lie re-
piled, a. never knew but one man who lite
rally worked himself TO death. and he died at
the age OF one hundred and two" If some of
those who now find long intervals of recreatio
so necessary were TO follow the same example,
they might have q better chance Of the same
untimeiy end .
Year: 1859

ALLEGED TEMPORARY INsANITY.-A young
lady, of respectable connexions, whose husband
has been absent in California several years, was
before the Probate Court, yesterday afternoon,
an affidavit alleging that she was insane having
been placed on file by some of her friends. 1t
was stated that she had on one or two occasions
attempted suicide, while absent from the city,
and, after she had been brought back and taken
to her fathers house, had escaped, and in a
state of mind so detected and unhappy as to
create apprehensions for her safety. She is the
mother of fine little boy, about seven years
old, and is possessed of considerable property
in her own right. She was sent temporarily to
the Asylum.
Year: 1859

A RARE OocURRENcE.-Bu one prisoner was
received yesterday at tho County Jail. 1t is
seldom, indeed, a day passes wherein six to
ten persons are not confined in this institution
Why should not the salubrious atmosphere, and
glowing sunshine and clear, blue sky of the
last few days invigorato the moral as well as
physical nature? The Police Court records
would seem to favor such a supposition, for in
them, during the late beautiful weather, bust
ness has been very dull.
Year: 1859

The new English Divorce Act is not work
ing satisfactorily. The number of claimants
far exceed the capacity of the Court to relieve
within the spirit of the statute, and the ex-
penses occasioned by delays and postpone
monts are seriously felt by the litigants. The
opposition of tho clergy to the Court is still
actiye
Year: 1859

The arrangements making by Mr. La Noun
tain for the manufacture Of the balloon which
he intends to cross the Atlantic are rapidly
progressing to completion. The twine from
which the network is to be made has been
fin shed at the rope and cordage mandatory
ut the Dam, and is believed to he the most
complete article Of the kind ever made in this
country. 1t had been the intention of Mr.. LA
Mountain to build the balloon at Lancaster,
Pa, the home of Mr.. Wise. Recently, how
ever, offers have been made to introduce him
to do the work here, and he has it now in con-
temptation to procure large room at some
convenient location, and proceed with the
work. He has not, as yet, fully determined
upon this point Mr.. 0 p Gager, of Boston,
proprietor of the bennington Pottery, who
has been connected with Mr. La Mountain in
this enterprise from its inception, and who has
the fullest confidence in its success, has made
selection of a superior quality of India silk,
which will probably be employed in the man
ufacture of the balloon. Mr.. Elisha Waters,
of this city, is engaged in getting up an appar-
atus for maintaining the different degrees Of
latitude without swasting gas or discharging
ballast, which is to be attached to the car
The enterprise begins to. assume tangible
form.-1roy Times, II.
Year: 1859

A simple and inexpensive experiment, and
one that is often shown in the Coliseum and
Polytechnic Institution, illustrates the effect
of yellow ray. Spirits of wine poured on
teaspoontul ofcommon salt in vial, we'll shak-
en-, and then put on to lamp cotton or tow and
ignited, will burn with peculiar colored
fame giving out purely yellow rays This
mysterious effect changes the appearance of
all hues-rosy cheeks turn CHASTITY palc-red
cap ribbons become black-in fact, everything
appears different to what it does by the white
light we are familiar to and of all things, the
human face undergoes the greatest change
Very young children should not be shown
this experiment for there will be laughing
lips and dazzling eyes, yet they are of such
an unearthly color that old friends would ap-
pear with new faces, and a child would scarce
ly know its own mamma
Year: 1859

sat beside cottage hearth.
A wheel was standing near;
4 little infant whirled It round,


Then started back in fear
Methought the mystic wheel of life


Was whirled by that fair child,
And first the ever-lengti,ened cord


Was on the spindle piled.
Time stealing near the clicking reed,


Was counting of the chain;
And every month he tied knot


And every year 4 skein.
At first the thread WAS smooth and white
No spot or wrinkle there;
For innocent the wheel did turn,


For life's immortal heir.
Soon coarser grew the rolling thread,
Uneven grew the skein;
And passion with its crimson dye,
Began to leave its stain.
And louder yet the spindle whirled,
And quick the wheel went round;
And fast upon the spool of life,


Her thread the spindle wound.
Year: 1859

Lady! though ne'er have met thee,


l mus! greet thee on this day;
For know thy worth has set thee


In one faithful heart for aye!
When the final word is spoken,


Binding him to thee for life;
Never may the spell be broken


Mayest thou be happy wife!
Down life's path, Gods eye upon thee,
Hand-in-hand together go;
Trust i'm him whose love hath won thee,
Cling to him in veal and woe!
Year: 1859

The ratio Of increase from year to year is
undoubtedly correct: but good judges are ac-
customed to estimate $l00, 900, 900 as nearer
the amount of real and personal property held
in the State.


The movements of vessels upon the Missis-
sippi river is fair index of the progress and
prosperity of a community SO exclusively de-
pendent upon that great highway for travel
and transportation as Minnesota has hitherto
been. The following is statement of steam
Year: 1859

last night has done its work thoroughly IN this
vicinity. Potatoes and all the vines are cat to
the ground. The degree of cold vas SO great as
to form a hard frost on the ground. There were
snow and hail storms yesterday
Year: 1859

We learn from the Fayetteville Observer that
the Wing Executive Committee, appointed by the
Whig members Of the last Legislature, will meet
in Raleigh on the gath inst, to fix upon the time
and place for the meeting Of the Wing State Con
Year: 1859

Again my father do come
Unto thy hallowed house of prayer,
To sit in my accustomed place
With the dear people Of thy care.
And as gratefully recount
Thy mercies manifold TO me,
Who am unworthy of the least,
This is my only cry TO thee:
If have anything of good,
Any least spark of light within,
That is not wholly darkened yet
BY the great blackness Of my sin;
Oh patient and long suffering Lord,
Descend in mercy from above,
And ian it to 4 living flame
With the soft breathing Of thy love-


PHEBE CAR
Year: 1859

SouTH CAROLINA DrNocRAr oN THE
PoLtrGcs OF THE DAY.-The Hon. VIM. W
Boyce, who represented the Fifth District of
South Carolina in the last Congress, and has
his credentials in his jacket for seat in the
next, sends the following letter to Tile CO.
h1njiou Guardian


"SABINE FARM. May II, 1859.


can intelligent correspondent seems anx-
ious to know my opinion on certain points
that he alludes to.


Il utterly repudate Judge Douglas idea
that a Territorial Legislature may discrimi-
nate against Slavery, and nothing could in
duce me to support for the Presidency any
one standing on this platform.


Il consider it as clear as a mathematical
problem, that the South have right to be
protected in their slave property in the Terri
tories. and that Congress. or their iustru-
ments the Territorial Legislatures, should
afford this protection As a question OF prac-
tical action. would not at this time have
originated this issue but having been raised
as Southern Representative | shall demand
the fullest measure of our rights.


"ln reference to the African slave-trade
while the Union lasts it will prove a firebrand
to distract and divide our people. and divert
us from the greater and more important is
sues of safety and independence


"When / have gathered my fodder, de-
sign to visit my constituents in their several
districts. and hope then to be able to give
them at length my views upon the political
complexion Of the times. ! may be permit
ted, however, to say now, that never has the
future looked more gloomy to me. We are
threatened with the greatest possible calam-
ity-the domination Of an imperious North,
and the paralysis of disunited South We
shall need all wisdom and moderation TO
avert the disasters that threaten us, and yet
how marked is the absence of these great
qualities on the part Of many who aspire to
direct public opinion at the South.


at is but too probable that a hostile sec
tonal party North will soon acquire posses
sion Of the Government. In that event, the
South should not remain moment longer in
the Union. Yet who does not feel that the
success Of that movement for independence
depends upon the opinion Of the people of the
South as to how far the success of the sec
tionalizod North was owing to the impolicy
of the South. But how little Difference do
many of the best friends of southern inde-
pendence pay to this truth


IN conclusion, fear the North section
allied will soon take possession of the Gov
ernmcnt. Then go for southern indepen-
dence at all hazards, by a single State leading
off if necessary To make this movement
successful, the South should be made as much
as possible in one sentiment; the North
should be divided as much as possible to
accomplish this, in my opinion, the three
great requirements Of Southern statesmanship
are-moderaton, moderation, moderation


"WULIAM w. BoYcEn
Year: 1859

Such haa been the encouraging advice
given to many n man who has failed in
some attempt. It's utterance calls up i'm
ages Of the log cabin in tho clearing,with
the sturdy pioneer chopping away at some
giant Of the forest, and stopping TO spit
on his hands previous to taking a few
more vigorous strokes. The phrase ~
calls story we once heard Of one Of the
curly settlers Of Cleveland. So Hccus-
toned had he become 10 the axe, and 10
the little peculiarities connected with lts
constant use, that he commenced every
task ns il about TO fell mighty tree
Whether il were TO roll log or write q
letter "a task not often undertakon) he
always spit on his hand before grSspinp
the lever or clutching the old worn goose
quill


Time passed and our pioneer fell in
love aud made up 10 buXom lass.-
Whether his first oculation was prefoced
by the usual expectoration we cannot say
but Ia course of time the eyentful ques-
ton was popped answered in the affirm
atiye, and 'the day fixed. A friend offer
ed to wager dollar with the happy BRIDE
groom on the eventlul morning that he
would spit on his own hand previous to
taking that ofthe bride. The wager was
Indignantly taken. The happy party
drew up before tho Squire. The cere-
mony proceeded. The bridegroom kept
grim watch over himself, and thought oi
the dollar at stake.


At last the important moment arrived
and the Squire ordered the bridegroom "a
take the hand Of his bride so that the
twain be made indissolubly one fesh.--
In the hurry and excitement Of the awful
moment, the bridegroom forgot every
thing but the terrible blow he was about
to give to his bachelor habits, and as pre-
parotory to the stroke, he Of course-spii
in his hand As quick as tightening the
consequences flushed upon his mind, ant
turning to his betting supporter he grave
ly whispered,


1'll owe you that dollarr


Whether the remembrance Of that
dollar tended TO break up his habit, depo-
nent sayetb Clereiaad Herald.