smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1874

It was looked upon as healthy feat
ure in March and April that the south
has reduced the area of cotton planting
10 per cent, and devC ted the space and
labor to cereals which thev so much
need. One great eature last year was
that the whole crop By at least 10 per
cent. was lost for want Of picking
Hence a reduction of planting caused
no anxiety. The season, however, had
its first and great drawback in being
three weeks late, and intense anxiety
was felt as TO the probable injury of the
army and boil worm to the young, grow
ing crop. Fortunately, July passed,
ana with very few unimportant excep-
tions the worms spared the growing
crops, although after complaints for
August are not wanting. However, up
to the middle of August an average crop
was fully expected. Unfortunately an
unprecedented drouth set IN through
the whole south, and, although it may
be hoped that the accounts are much ex-
aggerated, yet there can be no doubt
but that the plant received an irrepara-
BILE injury, which viii curtail the sec
ond and third pickings to an immense
degree. During the week Just ended
almost every house connected with the
southern trade has received doleful
news, all in the same strain. The drouth
Will cRrtail the yield immensely. The
unfortunate feature has for the time
paralyzed the southern trade, and much
depressed our prospects for at least an
early opening fall trade with the south
Southern men, who came here two
weeks ago to buy goods, have all at once
become very prudent buyers, while
great houses, whose sales are made 70
the south, have on their part become
very prudent sellers.
Year: 1874

SOME of the regular soldiers sent
west have married squaws and are doing
their best to civilize the poor ignorant
redskins. AS soon as the squaw gets a
pair of army boots and brass chain on
she begins to act refined and lady like.
Year: 1874

An old copy of the English Quarterly Reoie,0 of the year 1919 contains an ac- count of 8 scheme for railroad, on which it is proposed to make carriages run twice as fast as stage coaches. The editor evidently failed to appreciate the idea, or to believe in it's possibility, for he comments upon it thus wise We are not part1sans of the fantastic pro- jects relative to established institu- tions, and we cannot but laugh at an idea so impracticable as that of road of iron upon which travel may be con- ducted by steam. Gan anything be more utterly absurd or more laughable than steam-propelled wagon moving twice as fast as our mail coaches ? It is much more possible to travel from Woolwich to the arsenal by the aid of a Congreve rocket"
Year: 1874

At this season of the year, says 8 fashion journal, plain wool dresses are objects of desire to housewives, other busy women, and school girls. With pure wool merinoes selling for 65 cents yard, empress cloths at the same price, and English serges of single width for 40 cents, women of moderate means can afford to have good supply of these plain and serviceable dresses. The choice this winter is or the dark est shades of positive colors i; thus seal and nut browns are preferred to those with yellow or red tints blue is the pure deep Madonna shades without any purple, gray is clear and dark, or else of the slate hues tinged with blue the deepest shades of rich cardinal red are worn in the house by both blondes and brunettes; green is in great favor when it has no olive tints, and is SO dark as to be scarcely distinguishable from black while black is worn more than all these colors together.

 As wool dresses serve for both house and street, it is we'll to have them com plete costumes, and it is best to trim them with themselves rather than with fringe, braid, velvet, or silk that will not change color precisely as the wool fabric does. The skirt should just touch the floor in the house, but should be provided with a string and rings at the top for drawing it up in the street. Modistes object to lining the skirts of such dresses, but experience proves that they wear better if lined. A prac- tical dress maker suggests that facing of skirt braid should always edge the lowest founce in dress skirts to prevent the founce from fraying. These wool skirts should be trimmed alike all around, or else left without any trim ming, save that of laying the back breadths in box-pleats. As*ylish trim ming for woolen skirts IS two very full puffs, shirred between, yet droopng slightly, and @ close side plating be- low; when completed, this cluster of trimming should cover at least ten inches of the skirt. Another plan is to have two shirred bias ruffles, with 8 plating of the same width between them. The long deep apron is pretty with such suits, and should be edged with a knife plating. Another over skirt will more nearly cover the dress skirt, and requires but little material. The basque for such dresses is the cui- rass shape, or else the plaited waist so becoming to slender ladies. This plaited waist has become so popular that ladies are using it for plain black silk dresses.
Year: 1874

A clergyman writes Did you ever have an eye fght-have some person look at you consistently, catching your eye every time you looked toward him ? Did you ever get annoyed and fix your eyes on him, and struggle and wrestle with him, and finally throw him? I have many time. was once riding in the cars with beautiful young lady who was in my charge. A man sitting near fixed his wicked, greedy eyes on her, and she was greatly annoyed. I got in good range, and fought that mans eyes all the way from Cleveland to Buffalo. His eyes both needed what no minister, what no good Christian, could give them, and, if any wicked man had come into that car and had given him pair of black eyes, 1 should have thanked the Lord.
Year: 1874

Inverness, Scotland, says the Dan bury man in one, of his letters, is valu- able to a tourisE as giving him a good glimpse of Highland life and customs. The Highland women of the lower classes-ana it is these classes you find in abundance in the cities, as there are many poor in Britaln-are of mascu- line cast, and wonderfully healthy in appearance. They are mostly bare armed and you meet them on every street. Their lungs would shame many a bIacksmith-bellows and when one of ttem comes out of close, and calls Sandy" that young man promptly appears. The Scotch are even more strict in parental discipline than are the English, and that seems needless. The juveniles are got to bed at an early hour-those in the better classes re- tiring at eight o'clock in the summer, and even earlier in the winter. And it Is not only the fact that they are got to bed, but they go as promptly and as irresistibly as if fired out of mortar. At the table they ask for what they want, and preserve petrifed tongue throughout the meal, unless spoken to. I have had tie pleasure of being en- tertained by many families in this country, but can recall no act of fret fulness by children at the table.

 An English gentleman-the father of four lovely children-told me if he thought his children should grow up rude and disagreeable he would prefer yielding them to the grave now.

 HAPPINESS. does not con- sist in the abundance that 8 man pos sesses. Many a one who has all that is necessary in life, and even more, is not happy. This blessing has it's seat within us; and though life may have many dark days, yet if we have a happy disposition, the clouds will not long hang over us, but burst, and all will be bright again.

 FoR L1BEL.-Hon. William Pitt
Year: 1874

see that my article in former number


of your paper upon grange arbitration has
called forth few pertinent and compliment
ary remarks from "a Patron" He no doubt
judges truly when he says that three-fourths
of the entire community are in favor Of
arbitration for the settling Of minor differ
ences. If this statement is true, land who
will deny it, why, ask, has it been ignor-
ed by the mass Of the people? Why has it
been left to the Patrons of Husbandry to
bring the matter prominently before the pub
lie? Is it not because the farmers have less
to gain and more to suffer than any othcr
class from the present system? "a Patron
candidly says that if better plan can be
devised than theirs, he is ready to adopt it.
l feel the justice of the remark, and feel
that am in duty bound, as one who thrives
by the plow (if at ally, to either bring for
ward a more feasible plan for the betteriDg
of the condition of the farmer, or to join
hands with the grange and help to bring the
farmer up to level with other professions.
One thing l will freely admit: The day
for prating and sneering at the order is past.
If they are to he put down it must be by
argument, and not by slander and misrepre-
sentation. (As yeti AN OUTSIDER.
Year: 1874

presume your readers have heard enough
about the State Society for one year and
but for single statement of "0nO of Them
in the FARMER Of Jan. 2, l would not troub-
lie you again.


He says that few days after the annual
meeting last year at Montpelier tone of the
said officers" in reply to a question as to
the notice, said, "SOme of us happened to
be here (MOntpslier) and thought it good
time to make up list Of officers" which is
simply a-mistako. No officer or director
Of the Society could have made such state
ment. The time and place Of that meeting
was fixed by vote of the directors at their
last meeting near the close Of the fair at
st. JOhnsbury the September previous, and
upon my motion, and for the reason then
and there stated, that that time and place
would convene greater number and secure
larger attendance than any other. 1t was
the duty Of the secretary to publish the no.
tice and have no doubt but he did SO, al.
though l cannot now state from recollection
in what papers saw it,


Although it will not be likely to have much
weight with "One OF Them" will take thii
opportunity to say that l have been a constant
attendant upon the meetings of the society
and of the directors for many years, and
neither inside nor outside of those meetings
have l ever heard an expression, or even
the faintest whisper of a suggestion of a de-
sire that the meetings should not be largely
attended.


When "One Of Them" says 81 do moi
pretend that the Society is not conducted al
fairly as Others" and that "jockeyism and
fraud are prominent features at all our fairs, u
Year: 1874

l may well be content to leave his charges
of rings and frauds upon the State Society,
to such consideration as the public may
think them entitled to. Tho various agri.
cultural societies now embrace very large
proportion Of the farmers in the states, and
if in this thOir first organized effort to inn
prove their condition, jockeyism and
fraud are prominent features with all of
them, then surely the outlook is very poor
for any hope of reform in state or national
affairs, by or through any farmers move
ment." OLD BLooD.
Year: 1874

The noisy chime Of bells come waited on
the breeze, and as we listen to their glad
music as they bid all a merry Christmas, the
thought comes unbdden, this is the first re-
minder that the year so fraught with changes
to us all is drawing to close. But this,
the anniversary of the birth of the King of
all nations, is day Of rejoicing. Old and
young alike join in the festive lscenes, and
many are the hearts that are gladdened by
some unexpected token of love or kindness.
And, although tho gift may be but trifing,
perhaps useless ornament, the motive that
prompted it makes it precious.


But Christmas, like all other days, soon
becomes portion Of the past, and Dec. 81,
the last day OF the year, will be here. How
few there are that will even think that the
day is more than other days. but there will
be bright anticipations FOR the day that sue
ceeds it, and tomorrow is New Years"
will be often repeated. But on this, the last
day of the year, we have an important duty
to perform. The duty Of retrospection may
be unpleasant, but as we take a backward
glance and note our shortcomings, our failures
and numberless errors, may it be done hum
bly,, and with determination to have bet
ter record the coming year. No time more
appropriate for new and better resolves no
time like this TO commence the work of re.
form. The old year has recorded our mis-
spent time, our follies and mistakes. The
book is soon closed; no pen can erase or
change the record. And as we wish the
editor, contributors and many readers of the
FARMER a merry Christmas and happy
New Year, would also wish them record
for the year to come without one blot to mar
its beauty, and the year as it closes have no
cause to lament.


Hsrk what's this that's DER me stealing


How II swells upon the ear,


Bringing us 4 tale Of sadness


The lament Of the old year,


For II tells of work neglected


And Of duties never done,


And II says, be up and doing,


Soon will come the setting sun.


Soon your days will all be Numbered


And your work on earth DO o'er;


Soon you'll join the dear departed


Loved ones ON the other shore.


There will be no pain or anguish,


Sin never come;


There you'll live through years eternal


In your bright, celestial home.


MATTE l..
Year: 1874

Last spring obtained some of the inn
proved butter carrot seed from the Men,
phremagog Seed Garden, and a use of the
roots the present winter for coloring butter,
has given the best satisfaction. 1t takes
but small quantity for this purpose as the
roots are different from most others in being
of deep orange color nearly to the center,
and besides saving time and labor in prepa.
ration. We have better success with these
carrots than any preparation of annatto we
have tried for coloring butter, beside the
shade is more uniform, and comes nearer to
that produced by good summer pasturage.


would also speak good word for the
improved ruta baga turnip, obtained from
the same source. Last year was poor sea-
son for roots, but l was fortunate in getting
a good yield of large sized turnips, smooth
and solid, first rate for the table, and also
for 4 calves, as indicated by their thrift
and fine growing condition. Il. II. T.


West Berkshire VI.
Year: 1874

This meeting opened under very unfavor-
able circumstances, heavy thaw having
carried off the snow, leaving the roads in
an almost impossible condition. A sleety
rain also prevailed at the time of opening.
And yet there was a respectable number,
some sixty Or more, in attendance at the
Year: 1874

Our neighbors of Reading, Pa, are suffering
heavy gas bills to eat out their substance The
Da,iy Eagle refers to the gas works of thai city
IS 10 monopoly" and says besides being high in
price the gas. Of poor quality. A project is on
loot TO organize q general movement OF the peo-
pie for reduction of the price Of gas, either by
The purchase Of the gas works by the city, or by
the organization of q new gas company and the
erection Of new gas works. Either Of these plans
are feasible, and one of them should be adopted
There is no reason for our people paying such
immense prices ior such poor quality Of gas,
especially at the present time, when our business
men have use TOR all their surplus funds. At
least one hotel in this city paid $500 for gas for
the last two months, and many business men
complain thet their gas bills are vastly higher
than ever before, while the poor men who own
their own homes, and have gas introduced into
them, complain bitterly of what they denounce
- the outrageous eYtortlon Of the gas company
It is certainly time Tor radical change in this
respect. The argument OF some interested par
ties, TO the effect that IL the city should purchase
the gas works no men could be found TO manage
them as successfully as at present, is nonsensica
The city Is able to manage the water works. and
Is making money by tine operation, and there are
plenty OF men In Reading able to manage the gas
works With equal success. The saving 10 the gas
consumers by such management would be i'm
mense, and II any money was made the taxpayers
would have the benefit of it. Many people con-
slider tie present price OF gas nothing less than
extortion, aud they declare their determination
not TO submit to it any longer"


All gas companies ought to be based upon the
mutual principle. If it will work well in the in
surancs of property, we cannot see why it should
not do SO in the manufacture of gas. Every gas
consumer ought to be an interested party IN the
gas mandatory that supplies his light.
Year: 1874

The attempt which was mado unsuccessful'y
mission appointed to investigate what is called,
tor convenience sake. the labor question, was
removed yesterday by Mr. Hoar, Of Massachu-
sets. He moved that a commission of three be
appointed to report Oh the seneral condition OF
tue 1abo.ins classes, the division Of the products
Of labor between them and capitalists. and how
these are affected by The commercial. financial,
and currency laws of The county. Very much
tue same ground is covered by the Bureau OF
Statistics OF Massachusetts, and Alr. Hoar prob
ably drow the hint for his bill from its opera
tiona
Year: 1874

large demand for just such men in this country
1t the present time, and BY the time be could &C.
auire citizenship and aca1stom himself to the
ways Of the New World, the people would
bo in q mood to appreciate him. There is little
use in man's throwing away life, that might
be 30 useful elsewhere, upon people who can
not understand his high aims and noble pur-
noses. He eau do the cause OF Republicanism
great service in this country, where it needs the
support and counsels Of such as he, wh9le he
can do nothing for it among people Who do
not comprehend it OF want it. CASTELAR, aud
the United States would be mutually benefited
by the change, and Spain would never learn to
know what she had lost.
Year: 1874

Tho unemployed worEngmen Of New York
nade an attempt yesterday to get the ear OF the
municipal authorities, but were not treated Is
defereutiaDv as their brethren Of Chicago. The
grievance Of the New FORK ua1contents Ia that
the public work is done by contract, and not By
davis work About Thousand Of tlzeu1 held a
mass-ueeting, md marched with Committee OF
Five at their head to the City Hall, to interview
The Mayor and the heads Of Departments, but
no one Of the city authorities WAS found to give
them audience.
Year: 1874

Henry C1ews /, Co., whose failure WAS one OF
the earliest and largest in tie panic last SUMMER
ANNOUNCE TINT they are ready to pay all their
OBLIGATIONS in FULL In their circular stating
This thoy attribute their recovery largely to the
forbearance Of their cre1.togg.
Year: 1874

Adiutant-Gcn. Vincent have p1ejudices against
him and are urging his prosecution ON this ac-
count the facts could be- more fully and explicitly
brought out before q court-martla1 than IN my
other way Congress can best satisfy the de-
uands OF Justice BY turning Gen. Howa1d'5 case
oyrr to the regular military court
Year: 1874

Some work for the unemployed Of this city
nil be furnished By the action OF the Common
Council last evening. They directed the Board
Of Public Works to take the necessary steps for
HE removal Of the Courthouse debris, and au-
:horized the excavation Of the South Branch OF
he Chicago River at Twety-second street, and
.he placing Of tho material e1csvated in those
streets which need it for tho protection Of their
Year: 1874

whether in Congress Or the Legislatures, maJ
expect to hear from al sides for the future,
until tie consummation OF the popular demands
is reached. Men in politics who would escape
should take waning and stand from under.
Year: 1874

"Mother, do mend nv kite. See
here, it's all broken, and Use not got
enough string -,


"Yes, dear, in moment l will,
answered the gentle mother to the
the querulous appeal of the curly
headed boy. The jacket was lain
aside, and the broken rib Of gorgeous
colored kite repaired, to the infinite
satisfaction of the pretty child.


"Mother, you are better than any
one else, and prettier too, and l love
you dearly"


1t was recompense enough for the
loving mother, as she piessed the
shining locks from the white brow,
and her cup was full to overflowlng
with the contentment of her mother
hood.


With tops to wind, and kites to
mend, the days heightened into years,
and manhood's seal was set upon the
boyish form.


She held lock Of bonny hair so
that the dying sunlight might shine
upon and crown it with a glory and
glow of richness. The hand that held
the little curl was wrinkied and old,
and shadows of silver were in the
dark braids of her shining hair. He
was not dead from whom she took
this lock of bright hair; but time
had wrought sad changes, and life
could give 10 her no greater sorrow
than his careless words and needless
will.


No more kites to mend, and the
hands that did the work in the old
days are not so fair and round. Other
faces have greater beauty than hers,
and other voices a need ct sweeter
sound to the curly headed lover of
wears agone. Lines of tender regret,
deeper than if born of tears, gathered
in the ewes and around the mouth, as
she held the little strands Of dark,
bright hair. She folded them up
tenderly, and put them where no
other treasures were. She folded
them close with loving hands, and
mayhap a tear was with them. Other
children had she to cheer her onward
pathway to the grave, but her ten
derest, most sacred love, had been
given to this one wayward son, the
straw lamb of the fold. He had fall
len into no great crime. but the moth.
er's heart yearned for the words that
she might never hear again from the
bright-eyed boy, or bearded lips of
her darling child. Mother, you are
better than any one else, and prettier
too, and l love you dearly" Too
manly now for that is the bronzed
man of the world, while the aged
mother holds longing hands to the
backward years of her life, and the
loving words that were once her all
sufficient crown.


Amandayille, W. Va. June Goth, 1874.
Year: 1874

A PERIIoUs PERFORMANCE. =
Among the attractions at Barnum's


Hippodrome in New York, is the
French 'Queen of the Lofty Wire"
Mile. Victoria, who made her first
appearance Monday night. The lit
tie woman came out dressed in tights
and white satin waist with a pink
band. She first walked across the
wire, which was suspended at the
height of sixty feet, and then made
the return trip with her feet encased
in willow baskets of good size. Then
came her principal and most daring
act-that of riding across the wire On
a velocipede. Her vehicle was a
small one of two wheels, carrying a
little night.lamp in front. She took
her seat as if preparing for trip in
the park, and propelled the veloci-
pedc with her feet, holding the bal
ance- pole with her hands. She ran
across the wire quickly, while the
ring men below watched her anxious
ly, evidently expecting to catch her
in the net which they had spread for
her. Her part was soon over, and
she descended to take her seat in the
carriage and be carried out Of the
ring amid great applause.
Year: 1874

A jury in Truckee, Cal, had been
out four hours when the judge sent
the sheriff to learn whether they were
going to agree. The sheriff put an
eye and then an ear to the key hole
of the room in which they were loca-
ted for deliberation. Then he brought
the judge, and together they opened
the door. On the table in the centre
Of the room stood a big bottle Of
whiskey, and around it the drunken
twelve were hilariously marching in
single file. The foreman carried on
his back a bass drum, upon which
the man behind him was pounding
Next came juror playing a snare
drum, then a shrill whistle initiating
fife, and the rest were singing
eve couldn't agree on a verdict no
how" said the tipsy foreman in reply
to the judges reproot, "an' we didn't
think twas any hurt fur to have a 50.
cial time, s'long's We was a congen1
party"