smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1874

The tract of country known as the


Slate Range Valley is probably one
of the most curious Southern Cal


ifornia can boast of. It is there the
immense deposits Of borax were dis
covered something like a year ago,
and at that time the whole lower or
central part of the basin was covered
with a white deposits, breaking away
in some places in large soda reefs, in
others resemb bling the waves Of the
ocean, and in still others stretching
out for miles ia one unbroken level,
from which the sun reflected its rays
with a glare almost uncomfortable.
But one ofthe most singular features
in connection with this section was
the absence of rain or moisture; the
days we're ever sunny and hot, the
nights were without dew, and gener-
ally warm. For more than five years,
it is said, by those who claim to know
there had been no rain there, until
some three months since the spell
was broken. Suddenly, and with
scarce any warning, rain commenced
to fall, and for thirty hours it came


down steadily and INCREASINGLY, unac


compsnied by wind, but yet = thor
iOugh drsnshing rain. For two o.
Year: 1874

three days itremained pleasant, when
suddenly q water spout was seen
vending its way through the valley.
It came in a zigzag course across the
upper end Of the lake, striking the
range Of hills on the east side and
coursing rapidly along them. The
Icanons and gorges we're soon flled
with water which poured from them
in fearful volume and spread itself
out upon the bottom. In a short
time it was over, and denizens of the
place now look for another dry seas
en- of five years. The Borax Compa
ny now in operation there are said TO
be doing well, and another set of
works on small scale will probably
60 up within q short time. Thirty
1--we hundred tons Of the refined arti-
Gle we're recently shipped to San
Francisco, and ten tons of crude ma
terial.-Los Angelos Erpress.
Year: 1874

The Augusta (Me.) Journal has the fol-
lowing account of protracted battle be-
tween two oxen in that State Mr. Cory
don Chadwick and Mr. Sullivan Erskine
have pasture in common at South China


which they use for the pasturage OF cattle


They have the present season had several
yokes of cattle in the pasture. Mr.. Chad


wick and Mr. Erskine have each an OK with
a Topped or crooked horn, the right horn
Of one and the left of the other having that
peculiar formation. These oxen were
turned loose into the common pasture, and
it was between them on that spot that the
pitched cattle of which we are to speak
took place For several days these cattle
had been missing when the other cattle
came up these were not among the number.
How many days they had been missing be-
fore search was instituted is not definitely
known, but becoming alarmed the owners
went in quest Of them. Coming to an
Year: 1874

opening in the woods, covering an area of
about half an acre, MIR. Chadwick, who
went in search, came upon sickening
spectacle. The Topped horns of the oxen
were clasped, and the exhausted animals,
united compactly, stood face to face, wait
ing for death, having apparently given up
the struggle. 1t is supposed that while
they were engaged in play their horns be-
came entanged failing to disconnect them
selves, terrible struggle of several days
took place. The open space was literally
torn up, as though it had been plowed with
"a sub-soil plow. When they were turned
into the pasture they were large, fat, seven
feet oxen, but now they had become so
emaciated and furnished that person could
almost clasp them round with his arms.
They were perfectly docile when found,
but Mr. Chadwick could not unite the
knot The horn of each was sunk into the
others head, and it was only by calling
help, and saving the horns off, that a separa-
ton could be effected There were fester-
ing sores where the horns went in. Thus
a mortal conflict, lasting eight days, had
been going on between these oxen, who in
that time had not partaken Of any susten-
ance, and perhaps had not been able to lie
down. Their jaws had to be pried open,
and Cruel administered to them. Their
heads had been united so closely that their
faces were bare to the bone. 1t is possible
the animals may live"
Year: 1874

A fellow who hid under sofa at an informa
missionary meeting says that the thirty five
ladies' spoke twice of the down trodden heather
and more than a hundred times of new kind
of hair dye
Year: 1874

On our way back we crossed the tracks
of the terrible hail storm that had passed
over the country about two miles back Of
Red Wing, about two miles in width. Had
the storm come later in the season it would
have resulted in great damage, but as it
was, the only injury was the smashing in of
numerous and sundry window lights, and
the aenolishing Of early vegetables. We
passed over the tracks of the storm three
hours after it had passed, and then there
were ridges Of hail stone that had been
washed up by the water, as large as hazel
nuts, six or eight inches deep. We were
informed by persons in the tracks Of the
storm. thar the hail stones, when they fell.
were as large as ducks eggs or small wal
nuts. The rains that follow ed the storm
and prevailed throughout the county came


in time to save the crops from all the bad
effects Of the dry weather, and now the
promise Of hounteous harvest was never
better.
Year: 1874

IT is fashionable nowadays for news
papers to announce that it is authorized to
say this or that man is not candidate for
Congress. Are we to presume that every
man is a candidate who does not make an
announcement to the contrary? Would it
not be little more in the spirit of reform
TO let the people choose their own candi-
dates


Coal has been discovered in Freeborn
Lake, ~ miles south of US. Freeborn coun-
ty is jubilant.


Those members of the First Minnesota
who make Saltwater their drilling place,
are taking steps to cooperate in true loyal
style in their grand reunion on the 18th
Of June, at Lake City. They propose to do
their part toward keeping up the Esprit
Of 49,"


The number of Changers now organized
in this State is $50, and they have more
than twenty thousand voters.-Si6ley Co.
Independent.


BISHOP WH1PPLE returned from Wiscon-
sin last week, where he has been temporari-
Year: 1874

Minnesota Wheat-yrowers complain
that they do not get just credit or ade-
quate prices for their wheat Of splendid
quality for -four production, because
when it reaches the Milwaukee anu
Chicago elevators it is mixed with an
inferior article from Wisconsin and ILL
nois. the grade of which is thereby
raised at the expense Of the reputation
Of the Minnesota wheat in Eastern mar
kets and Of Minnesota farmers pockets,
There is much justice in the complaint,
If such are the facts. which seems to be
well established. There seems to be but
one remedy now; and it is pleasant to
see that some of the Changers Of that
State are recognizing the fact: and act
ing with view to an etfectual check
upon this practice to wit The CONVEX
sion Of Minnesota wheat into -four at
home. In some Of the counties Of that
State the Oranges already control -four
ing mills but whether they do Or not,
they should encourage every attempt
to manufacture their unrivalcd wheat
product into flour that shall win a
name for the State in all the markets
where -four is consumed Added to
this incentive for the home manufac-
turc o.! wheat is that Of transportation.
The relative cost Of exporting wheat
con inverted into -four and the raw prod
uct is so disproportionatc that it ought
not to be thought Of Besides it is stat
ed that eastern mills are shipping shorts
back to Minnesota to help feed her stock
probably the product of Minnesota
wheat! Do the Patrons Of Minnesota
know and tolerate such an absurd thing?
1t seems scarcely possible that it can be
true-that State with the water pow
er that State has, with the vigorous en-
terprise for which it's people are noted,
with the sagacity which is at least born
Of necessity should submit to such de-
probation Of her staple product as
above indicated when the remedy is so
easily and surely applied and the saving
and profit Of applying it SO certain and
SO great-Neu YorH: WorlH
Year: 1874

Last week we took trip from Red Wing
east 10 2ambrota, from thence TO Zumbro-
ia village and back by way Of Goodhue and
Featherstone Notwithstanding the dry
weather we found the crops in good condi-
ton, except late sown grain, which had
been sown broadcast instead Of being
drilled IN. we found a very general senti-
ment among farmers that the drilling in
wheat was the much better and safer way
Of seeding. The farmers complain of dry
weather, but many thought it is not much
dryer than at the corresponding time last
year On the way out we stopped at the
Touring mill Of Hack & Meyer on Hay
Creek, one Of some ten water mills that are
clustered around back Of Red Wing on the
various creeks that empty into the Missip-
pl river near this point. This mill was
built SIX years ago the sth Of this month,
IS water mill Of three run of stone, doing
both merchant and custom work 1t is
supplied with all the improved machinery
Of the present day, and the proprietors
are adding the fourth run of stone the pres
ent season, for cracking barley The mill
has turned Off its full share Of -four from
the crop of 1873.


We we're pleased to see large number
OF good barns in process of erection, and
the general appearance Of thrift. A few
more such crops as we had last year will
make our farmers Independent.


At Zumbrota we found everything astir,
business brisk, and considerable excite
ment over the Marrow Gauge The
town votes Saturday on the question OF
subscribing $50, 1000 to the capital stock of
the road


The Methodist Society Of Zumbrota have
their new church up. It is very neat
building thirty by forty feet. The enter
prlslng pastor, Rev. H. Goodsell, and the
society under his charge, are entitled to
great credit for their efforts in building this
church.


Al this place We met our old friend Rev.
". c. Rice, one of the old Hamline University
s'"oents' who is now Presiding Elder Of
the Rochester District, and is doing a noble
WORK. Inc Elder and his lady were in
teno'ng TO visit friends in Red Wing but
were prevented by the illness of Mrs. Rice.
which will be greatly regretted by their
numerous friends in this city and vicin-
ity.
Year: 1874

PROBA lLIIikS.


For the New England and Middle
States increasing cloudinesS with rain.
southeast to southwest winds, slight
changes in the temperature and station
ary or falling barometer. For the
South Atlantic States partly cloudy
weather and light rain near the coast,
with northeast to southeast winds, no de-
c:ded change in temperature and station
arv or rising barometer. For the Gulf
States clear or fair weather in The in
terror and light rain near the Eastern
Gulf Coast, south or west winds, continued
high temperature and slight changes in
the barometer. For Tennessee and the
Ohio Valley clear or fair weather. south
west to northwest winds, falling tempera-
ture and rising barometer. For the
Lower Lake region partly cloudy wealth
er and rain, southwest to northwest
winds. followed by lower temperature
and rising barometer For the Upper
Lake Region and the Northwest partly
cloudy weather, northerly winds, shifting
to easterly or southerlv, slight changes
in the temperature and rising barometer
followed BY falling barometer IN the
Upper Mississippi Valley.
Year: 1874

a singular scene occurred when


two burials were to take place On


the same day. Both parties staggered


forward as fast as possible, to cons;on


their respective friend in the first place
to the dust. If they met at the gate,
the dead we're thrown down until the
living decided by blows whose ghost
should be condemned to porter it.'' 1t
was the duty of the spirit of the last
person inferred to stand sentry at the
graveyard gate, from sunset until the
growing of the cock, until regularly re-
lieved. This. sometimes, in thinly in
habited parts Of the country, happened
to be tedious and severe duty; and the
duration Of ''Faire Chlaidth': gaye the
deceased surviving friends more
uneasiness. About thirty years ago
QS49) a young man had an interview
with the ghost Of a noighbor wife while
she watched at the gate Of old Laggan
churchyard. She was clothed in
comfortable mantle of snow-white fan
mel, adorned with red crosses, and ap-
peared now, though very old woman
at her Gecease, in the full bloom of
youth and beauty. She told him that
she enjoyed the felicity of Flathinnis,
and they exchanged snuff-mulls. She
directed him to a hidden treasure, and
desired that it might be added to the
fortune Of her daughter, who, she said,
was to be married on certain day,
which she named, and strange to say,
though the girl was not then courted,
she became wife on the day foretold.
Year: 1874

In reality, these people that I speak Of
live like paupers. They sleep on the
floor the year round, and often on the
kitchen floor at that. This last is con-
venient, as they can get up and put the
coffee over the spirit lamp, and retire
again until it is prepared. Coffee is
taken in bed, Of course.


For the benefit OF the girls'at home,
who may admire and envy this lady OF
luxury that grac;ously asks you into
her boudoir at II O clock, declaring
she has Just arisen, and invites you to
take coffee with her. l will tell you
something of her toilets, and the s1ngu-
lar way iii which they change with the
hours Of the day.


Madame goes to market as early as
possible. Nobody is out early III the
norning--that is to say. nobody before
whom she cares to keep up an appear
ance--and. as the market people always
measure customer before setting a
price. it is wise to so to the market
shabbily dressed. not only because no
one will see her. but as matter of
economy. So the toilet Of the day is
not made until this duty is reformed.
In exchange for the great. airy bath
room, with its abundance Of hot and
cold water, and it's fresh. clean towels.
which Americans cannot do without,
Madame has, in little dark hole be-
tween the kitchen and her bedroom,
a PINT OF WATER


in a basin the size Of a fingcr-bowl. For
water is too precious a commodity to be
used unless sparingly. It has to be car
ricd from the street up five flights of
stairs: and a servant must he paid five
cents an hour to do it. No further ar
guments than these are necessary with
Madame. With the aid of dirty little
towel, for clothes must be washed away
from home-there is neither room nor
water to do it in these papier-mache
boxes-our lady will succeed in making
herself tery tidy. l have really began
to wonder if there is not such thing as
dry wash. At 10 the coitfeur comes,
and Aadames hair is dressed, as,
my dear, you never think Of
having yours dressed, except it
be for ball. If she chance to be
little gray, the hair is powdered after it
has been arraigned in its intricate puft:s,
braids, and frizzes. \ coiffeur costs
but a few sous. and this dressing Of the
hair is, [ believe, the stronghold of
French women. I know that it made
a profound impression upon me. l
shall never forget the feeling of flatter-
ed vanity and unutterable gratitude
| experienced when such a fine lady
invited US to make her house our home.
five could put up with their simplicity
and make ourselves comfortable in her
room, she would gladly move
into another apartment. All this
was to be granted because of the very fa-
vorable impression We have made upon
her. 1t would be so disagreeable for US
to move into an ordinary boarding
house; this should be like home to US.
| FATAL DELUsIoS.


Home indeed! have my doubts if
there be many such things in Paris, ex-
cept where some Americans have made
their nest for few years. This matter
of home, am coming to think, is purely
American. The English cannot make
one; they find such repose only in a
house which their ancestors have occu-
pied. An American will make little
room home in single day.


A. G. W.
Year: 1874

correspondence OF the N. Y. Tribune.


LONG BRANCH, July l9.-The success
of the season here is already assured.
A few weeks ago, when the cottagers
were putting their houses in order, old
patrons Of the hotels were quizzing the
landlords about prices, and suggesting
a reduction from those Of last year.
The times were hard, they said, trade
dull, almost as many as last year going
to Europe to save expense, and unless
content with empty rooms the gushing
hotel keepers must lower their rates.
The latter were not 50 sure about it.
Theirs were the pockets interested, and
they had theory Of their own. New
cottages were building, the President
was coming as usual, and money had
been made since the panic. The class
that spend the summer at the Branch,
they concluded would crowd their
houses this season. Terms, therefore.
for the most part. held their own, and
now the boats from New York
are as heavily loaded as ever,
and last Sunday the crowd
outnumbered that of the corresponding
Sunday of 1873. Many went to the
races at Monmouth Park on Saturday,
and many remained at the Branch over
Sunday, while hundreds besides the
regular guests sought relief from the
discomforts Of the city for single day.
To imagine that any one comes to a
Long Branch hotel for rest or retirement
would be most singular conception.
Such pretense is seldom made. In
general, people come here as they would
go in winter to a continuous Academy
ball-with intermissions Of daylight
for sleep and dress. There is varia-
tion in the hours, to be sure, but only
such as the fashion makes. Those who
do the proper thing, sleep later than in
the city, but they dress oftener, and, il
anything, with greater at.
tempt at display. What
wonder that many sensible
New Workers seek the remote resorts.
such as Rye Beach, the Isle Of Shoals,
and Mount Desert, where they can do
as they please, without diamonds and
in ignorance Of the latest fashions! I
am not saying that there is no enjoy
ment here. A few there are who make
the best of their surroundings, bathe,
romp, dress naturally, and are indie.
pendent; and Of course everybody
drives out every day, for, thanks to
Gen. Grant, or some one else, this is
fashionable. Then there is dancing,
evenings, at the hotels, for which good
music is furnished. The preparations
N the shape of toilets are very elabor.
ate, and occasionally betray signs Of
good taste. Certainly there is no lack
of richness and expense, and what other
considerations are requisite at Long
Branch? Where these are possible, it
is, fortunately, not essential that there
should be any remarkable degree of
beauty intermingled.


ACCOMMODATIONS.


Whoever comes to Long Branch ex-
poets to pay for it, and in this respect
he is not disappointed; nor does he have
his heart set upon anything extravagant
in the way of apartment, while he is de-
termined to be content with whatever
the poor landlord can afford him at the
table at q pittance of SIS per day. He
has the good fortune to get room with
a window, and large enough for wash.
stand, bureau, bed and chair, all we'll
tested by use. A candle gives the best
Year: 1874

We have no more right to fling an un-
necessary shadow over the spirit of
those with whom we have to do, than
we have to fling a stone and iniure
them. Yet this flinging shadows is a
very common sin, and one to which wo-
men are particularly addicted. Oh,
what blessing is merry, cheerful
woman in household! One whose
spirits are not affected by wet days, or
little disappointments, or whose milk of
human kindness does not sour in the
sunshine of prosperity. Such woman
in the darkest hours brightens the house
like little piece Of sunshiny weather.
The magnetism of her smile, the electri-
cal brightness Of her looks and move.
ments, infect every one. The children
60 to school with sense of something
great to be achieved; her husband goes
into the world in conqueror's spirit.
No matter how people worry and annoy
him at day, far of her presence shines.
and he whispers to himself, AT home
| shall find rest.'' So day by day she
literally renews his strength and ener.
| gy, and if you know man with beam
ing face, kind heart and a prosperous
business, in nine cases out of ten you
will find he has wife of this kind. For
nothing is more certain than that the
man who is married must ask his wife
for permission to be happy and wealthy.
Blessed is he who hath a cheerful wife
the world may be "valley of strife y
to him, but his home is land of Beu-
lab, = haven Of rest and quiet; and his


life is made up Of cheerful yesterdays


and confident .to-morroWs.--Goldez
'Age. .,s:*..'." 49,"
Year: 1874

There stood in garden an apple tree,
White with blossoms as white could be.
There flew in the garden golden bee,
With dear little blossom in love fell he
Both lost their hearts, for the little blossom
Felt stir in the depths OF her pink and


white bosom.
With kiss flew the bee. At his very


next call
The blossom had grown to an apple small.
He grieved, and the peace of the apple
But it could not be helped. The world


would 90 on.
Close under the tree, in his clay built


house,
Dwelt a little soft-hearted mouse.
In secret he sighed: "0h! apple SO fine,
My hole were Heaven if thou wer: mine ="
Again flew the bee, with kiss and VOW,
Returning, the apple hung ripe from the


bough
Both sorrowed. Their summer Of life was


gone,


But it could not be helped. The world


would 60 on.
Close under the caves, like basket, hung
A nest, and in it sparrow sung.
And sighed as he sung: "Oh fruit so fine,
My nest were Heaven if thou vert mine ~
But the bee still sorrowed; hung silent


the fruit,
The mouse struggled bravely, the sparrow


was mute.
But all for nothing. The suitors three
Could not change in the slightest what was
Then the fruit dropped down from its


bough Oh the grass,
And the little mouse died with half.


squeaked ''alasl'
And the sparrow died too, his love uncon .


fessed,
And they found him Christmas, stiff in


his nest.
When the bee was left free the hedges


were bare
And the apple tree boughs stood stark in


the air.
He flew to his hive, crept in through the


cracks.
And at last died, simple maker of wax.
Now all these troubles would never have


been,


Could the bee have turned mouse when


the blossom turned green.
And all would have happily ended, to boot,
Could the mouse have turned sparrow


when the blossom turned fruit.
From the Norwegian of Henrik lbsen.
Year: 1874

White daisies on the meadow green


Present thy beauteous form TO me;
Peaceful and joyful these are seen,


And peace and Joy encompass thee.
watch them where they dance and slime,
And love them-for their besuty's thire.
Red roses o'er the woodland brook


Remind me of thy lovely face;
So blushing and so fresh its look,


So wild and shy its radiant grace.
kiss them in their coy retreat,


And think of lips more soft and SWEET.
Gold arrows of the merry morn


Shot swiftly over eastern seas,
Golden tassels of the bending corn


Thatripple in the August breeze,
Thy wildering smile, thy glorious hair,
And all thy power and State declare
White, red and gold-the, awful crown
OF virtue and of beauty tool
From what height those eyes look down
On him who proudly dares to sue,
Yet, free from self as God from sin
Is love that loves nor asks to win.
Let me but love thee in the flower,


The waving grass, the dancing wave,
The fragrant. pomp of garden bower,
The violet on the namelesss grave,
Sweet dreams by night, sweet thoughts by da,
And time shall tire ere love decay.
Let me but love thee in the glow


When morning on the ocean shines,
Or in the mighty winds that blow,
Snow-laden through the mountain pines
In all that's fair, or grand, or dread
And all shall die ere love be dead.
Year: 1874

GENERAL INTELLIGENCE at a
distance desiring information from this point can
address me. If the subject does not require much
investigation q few postage stamps viii be sufi-
cient remuneration.