smithclay/nortonstories huggingface dataset:
Year: 1877

Celia Logan in the New York Dis.
patch: Sol. Smith, the founder of the
brilliant theatrical family of that name,
lived in my fathers house in Cincinnati
one whole summer.


Oh J.! those terrible long summers, how
they were dreaded Salaries during the
winter barely suticed for the current
expenses, and ii was almost impossible TO
put by anything for rainy day." con-
sequently the summer was one continued
night with the wolf al the do0r--he
would enter, he could not he kept out.
There WAS then no "job" acting,
whereby an actor might look forward to
earning few dollars, even in the dullest
time; no snap companies going out for
the fourth, or playing few nights here
and there in the cooler country towns
but when the regular season was over
the actor had to subsist until the follow
ing fall without earning a penny by his
profession. Sol Smith was a kindly
man, with great deal of grim humor
and a brave endurance of the hardest
fate. So tall was he that when he tossed
me up in his arms used to think that
he would throw me into the skies. To
my childish ina agination he seemed many
miles long. That summer his hat COW
cred all he owned His pantaloons were
of some soft wooden material, of light
color, which caused them to soil easily,
and as he was a very clean, particular
man, the pants needed frequent washing,
so he used to lie in bed while they were
rubbed out in soapsuds.


1t seemed to me such strange thing,
that Mr.. Smith would lie abed the whole,
long, lovely summers day on the plea OF
sickness, while at tie same time my In.
ther would sit by his bedside, and they
would crack Jokes together and laugh
till they both cried. And such an om-
niverous appetite! He would rise up in
bed like a steeple, and with the suspicion
of smile fitting over his lips he would
say;


"Bring me another plat, of asparagus,
sissy; poor Sol. s SICK"


1t was singular, too, that the date Of
his recovery was invariably coincident
with that Of the delivery Of his panta.
looms. washed, diied and ironed. Each
time he would unfold them he would ex-
claim with sigh, At least another inch
gone this time"


BY the beginning of August the pan
taloens had shrink 80 that they no longer
reached to the ankle bones.


81 shall save them, Mrs. Logan" he
would say, :" for pair of knee. brceches."
Year: 1877

The Florida Agriculturist, says lake
Okeechobee is about iorty-fve miles long
and twenty-five miles wide. This does
not include the marsh lands surrounding
ii, which must be of still larger dimen-
sions. The wafer Of the lake is very
shallow, seldom over seven feet and in
very few places ten feet deep, and in
most parts boats cannot approach with
in two or three miles Of the shore on ac-
count of the shallowness. No fish live
in the lake = not even an alligator can be
found-as the water is stagnant and very
offensive to the smell. There is nothing
to prevent the draining Of this lake into
the Caloosahatchie river. A canal about
eight miles long will accomplish Il, the
river having sufficient tall to allow of
its being done. At present the outlet
from the lake TO the river is closed up
by saw-grass and lily pads, throwing the
waters Of the lake, in the rainy season,
into the Everglades. What a grand
speculation there could b. made by
draining the lake and cutting the land
into forty.acre farms For several years
il would give the most splendid rice
crops ever seen, and then comes in sugar.
cane, which would almost rattoon for
ever. We have never heard OF any
country possessing such grand belt Of
cane land that could be ~ easily turned
to advantage.
Year: 1877

The influence of man upon climate has been 8 favorite subject of late years, and it is now well known that, by cutting down forests and draining the soil, men can materially change the climate of country. Some recent ex- periments conducted in Germany con- firm this belief, by showing the extent to which woods will affect the rainfall. Two observatories were established for the purposes of comparisOn-one over clump of trees forty feet high, and the other over a bare sandy plain about three hundred yards from the forest. Both observatories were built at the same height from the ground. Twelve months observation showed that of the total rainfall within that period ten per cent more rain fell over the trees than over the bare sand distant three hundred and thirty yards from them. Further, the air above the wood

 was charged with aqueons vapor to the extent of ten per cent in excess of the air over the barren open soil. The ground too, under the trees, retained far more water than the exposed earth, evaporation from the surface, thanks to it's shade of trees and moss, being only one-sixth of that outside their friendly shelter. These results are valuable in that they point out 8 pos sible means of improving the condition of sterile tracts l., e., by planting trees.
Year: 1877

A parrot of some note, in Brooks collection, was notoriously dainty. If food was proffered which it's instinct or caprice rejected, it would take it with its foot and throw it down with an eX- clamation which sounded like s"There !' Food to it's liking was carefully examined, tasted, and then conveyed to the birds own tin dish, in which it was packed close by pressure with the bill. If any of the children fell or was hurt, Poll was the first to give the alarm, and did not cease clamoring till the case was attended to. A gentleman taught this parrot to descend from it's perch at the word of command and to stand upon his finger; then, on another order, it turned back downward and hung on the finger by one foot, retaining it's hold all though swung about ever so yiolently.sl It was very vain, and enjoyed showing it's wings. It would walk on the ground backward, if ordered to do so, walking in this direction with the utmost ease. It was extremly fond of music; and with movements of the feet along the perch, danced to all lively tunes, its wings also moving, and it's head moving back ward and forward in correct time. By a peculiar working of, the serratures of file which all parrots have in the upper mandible, against the lower, it diligen- tly stroVe to initiate the noise made by a scissors grinder who weekly visited the street; but finding that this alone did not quite serve the purpose, it had recourse to the expedidnt of striking it's claws against its tin covered perch, and accurately observing the time of the turning of the wheel, effected so exact an imitation once or twice a day that the neighbors said the man had become a perpetual nuisance.
Year: 1877

Yes, we agree with that old poet who said that a low, soft voice was an. Sex cellent thing in woman." Indeed, we he has on the subject, and call it one of her crowning charms. No matter what other attractions she may have; she may be as fair as the Trojan Helen and as learned as the famous Hypatia of ancient times; she may have all the ac- complishments considered requisite at the present day, and every advantage that wealth can procure, and yet if she lacks low, sweet voice, she can never be really fascinating. How often the spell of beauty is rudely broken by coarse, loud talking. How often you are irresistibly drawn to a plain, unas- stunning woman, whose soft, silvery tones render her positively attractive. Besides, we fancy we can judge of the character by the voice; the bland, smooth, fawning tones seem to betoken deceit and hypocrisy as invariably as the musical subdued voice indicates genuine refinement. In the social circle how pleasant it is to hear woman talk in that low key which always char acterizes the true lady. In the sanctuary at home how such a voice soothes the fretful child and cheers the weary hus- band. How sweetly it's cadence floats through the sick chamber and around the dying bed! with what solemn melody do they breathe prayer for the departing soul! An, yes, low, soft voice is certainly San excellent thing in woman." ....-.--.--..,
Year: 1877

The crab is like too many old fogies in this wicked World-they are always travelling backward. They are topics of the anti-progressive ideas which shonld move the age in which they live.

 The fcrab clings to anything which is thrust at him with a grip which noth- ing on earth can sever, and the human crab sticks to old exploded theories and notions which ought to have been for gotten long ago. They can see nothing good in the present, nothing is done as it should be, in these degenrate days!

 The crub is pugnacious; he will fight upon the slightest provocation. There is something peculiarly funny in watch ing fight between two of these species. They walk up to each other tail first, like pair of kicking mules, and pitch in.

 But if the animal crab is warlike, the human crab is doubly so. He will not for a moment endure a wrong to his cherished theories. All the gentility eloquence, manners, everything, are things of the past, They are like some of the lauded men of the past prosy and dull; but no matter. ..r

 Tell the human crab so and he will at once swell up and puff himself like his namsake. His face is of the same color, and launches at your head Patrick Henry Washington (who never told a 1ie), be- cause-but no matter; he is dead now, Jefferson, Joyce Heath, Bunker Hill, Bob Morris and Hail Columbia, and if you are the man you are taken to be he beats you.

 My father never did !'' is an un- answerable argument,

 These crabs never seem to think that new priciples are being evolved day by day, and it is running the head against stone walls totry to convince them.

 You can eat the animal crab, but the other kind are too tough for mastica- tion.-iSanitarian. a
Year: 1877

A plant has been newly found out in Lukhipur (Hindostan), the leaves of which turn very much to the shape of a grasshopper in proportion as these grow old, till all the parts of the insects so formed become fully developed and each leaf forming, a separate insect is- sues out in very beautiful appearance. This plant is known to grow by itself, and no second plant has yet been seen to grow from it. A gentleman in whose house that plant was found to grow, noticed it from time to time, and care fully watched the progress of the insects forming out of the leaves. One day seeing certain leaves in form of in sects fly out from the plant, he came to a resolution of getting hold of some of them if possible, in order that he mil ght show them to his friends, who would not otherwise believe him. With this object in view he set about the task in earnest, and in short time succeeded in producing two or three insects to the utter astonishment of his friends.
Year: 1877

Young men in our cities engaged in business, with small capital, or in positions with small salary, wish homes of their own and domestic happiness, but they think, and with reason, too, they cannot afford it. Such is the case. No young man trying to economize can afford to marry, at least, a young lady in the city. Her tastes and ideas are formed in home of luxury, and to come down to housekeeping with but one servant, no carriage, and the many other inconveniences are enough to dis courage her for life, and instead of the smiles happy wife should wear are frOwns of the darkest hue. But, young man. you can have a happy, and a right, willing little woman if you will. The country is full of rosy-cheeked, healthy young ladies, to whom the home you could give would be perfect paradise. The country girl would be as congenial companion as the city belle; some of them are better educated, and their good common sense truly sur prising. They know how to work and and healthy, and fully as good looking. If the little airs and graces of the fash ionable woman are any addition point them out, she. will not be slow in &C., quiring them. Unlike her city sister, the country girl is not wholly engrossed within herself. Her thoughts and cares are for others-taking care of the chill dren, easing the burdens of the mother, adding comfort and sunshine to the household, she has plenty of time for playing the piano, fancy work, oil painting and reading, besides doing her own dressmaking and millinery work

 Young men, take this advice; start out in the country this summer, court and marry a country girl. There are plenty of them; you can take your choice. Court her the same as the city lady, judging of her qualifications and if her tastes agree and are congenial with VOur own.
Year: 1877

s Curious Electrical Erperiment.- an ebonite electrophorus be whipped with fox tail, 1t is negatively excited, and the condenser gives thepositive sparks. If, again, the electrophorus be rubbed with leather on which is some mosaic gold. the ebonite disk is positively ex- cited, and the condenser gives negative sparks. It is stated by M. Schlosser, however (PoggessdOrf's Ann0le1), that if the same ebonite disk be excited on % Vie ae esse rod o1 eaer a tne at any moment obtain from the same disk positive or negative electricity, according as the one or the other sur face of the electrophorus is. used as the source. The most important point in this double excitation is the very much greater length of spark, as is readily observed by the eye. On the other hand, siderably shorter sparks are obtained from the same electro phorus when both aides are similarly excited, for example, whipped with the fox tail
Year: 1877

s How shall know thee. in the sphere which

 keeps Ett tEstEt aTgs, c...g #.. The disembodied spirits of the dead, When all of thee that time could wither sleeps And perishes among the dust we tread P For shall feel the sting of ceaaeless pain. If there I meet thy gentle presence not z, Nor hear the voice love, nor read again '''' In thy serenest eyes the tender thought. Will not thy own meek heart demand me there? That heart whose fondest throbs to me were

 given.

 My name on earth was ever in thy prayer And wilt thou never utter it in heaven P The love that lived through all the stormy

 past,

 And neeklywith my harsher nature bore,z E. And deeper grew, and tender to the last, Shall it expire with life and be no more? Shalt thou not teach me- in that calmer home, The wisdom that learned so ill in this The wisdom which is love-tin become Thy fit companion in that land of bliss.
Year: 1877

IN CLEANING up the bottoms of mows let the chatf be spread on the pastures. There will be some first rate seed in it, of sorts which many people can't afford to buy. While spreading the chaff, it may be that thought of sparing this or that odd or end of manure for the pasture may come to mind. Some dry pasture-k knolls would thank fellow for giving them half-day's work in cart ing soil upon them spreading it ever so roughly. You begin that kind of work spending bits of broken days in inn proving the surface and texture of pasture-and I'll risk your ever leaving of. These chaps who wait, thinking they'll make great job of it with the blow by-and-by are very apt never to do anything.
Year: 1877

WHEN you hear d mother calling to her son to "come here and shut the sin utter," and hear him respond, cit IS shut, mother, and I can't shut it any shutter" do you ever pause to analyze the delicate beauties of our language.- Puck,
Year: 1877

PoT RoAsT.-Take any piece of fresh beef, lay it in 8 f1at-bottomed pot with two good sized onions; cover only even with the top of the meat with boiling water; cover very tight, and let stew slowly until the water is exhausted |; turn it over once or twice; when it be- gins to brown watch that it does not burn, and then season with salt and black pepper, and spice, if you choose.
Year: 1877

from the effects of the warm weather and are de-
bilitated, are advised by physicians to take mod
crate amounts of whisky two or three times during
the day. In little while those who adopt this ad


vice frequently increase the number of drinks
and in time become confirmed inebriates bev
ersge which will not create thirst for intoxicating
liquors, and which is intended especially for the
benefit of debilitated persons whether at home or
abroad, is Dr. Schenck's Sea Weed Tonic. Con-
tanning the juices of man. medicinal herbs, this
preparation does not create appetite for the in
toxicating cup. The nourishing and the life sup
porting properties of many valuable nsturBl pro-
ductions contained in it and well known to medi-
cal men have most Strengthening influence. A
single bottle of the Tonic will demonstrate its val


liable qualities. For debility arising from sickness
over exertiOn or from anV cause whatever. q wine
glassful of Sea Weed Tonic taken after meals will
strengthen the stomac6 and create an appetite for
wholesome food. Eo all who are about leaving


their homes, desire to say that the excellent ef-
fects of DR.. Schenck's seasonable remedies, Sea


Weed Tonic, and Mandrake Pills, are particularly
| evident when Iaken by those who are injUrlously
affected by change of water and diet. No person


should leave home without taking supply of these
safeguards along. For sale by all druggists
Year: 1877

From the human system bear the same
relation to it as sewers do to city. They
carry off the waste, the refuse which it is
essential to remove in order to prevent dis
ease, One Of the most salutary effects of
Hostetter's Stomach Bitters is to renew
activity of the bowels when these organs
are derelict in their duty. The bilious and
dyspeptie symptoms which accompany con-
stipation are also remedied by this sterling
Alternative. It's gentle cathartic action
has the effect of removing impurities
whichlwould otherwise poison the system,
and its tonic influence is exhibited in an
increase in vital power. 1t renews appe-
tite, soothes and invigorates the nerves,
prevents and remedies malarial fever, and
is first rate remedy for dependency.
Year: 1877

SALT LAKE. Aug. 20.-The hostile Nez
Perces Indians were reported yesterday as
still camped at Hole in the Rock stage
station. Idaho They have destroyed the
telegraph line in the vicinity and stopped
all travel over the road. For several days
large party of teamsters have been
camped and fortifying themselves short
distance north of Snake river bridge, 1t
is reported the Indians stock is poor and
that they are stopping to recuperate.
They have taken possession of the stage
barns and are using the grain.
Year: 1877

IT Is GENERALLY ADMITTED THAT THERE
cannot be anything more exquisItely deli
cate for perfuming the handkerchief than
MURRY & LANMAN's FLORIDA WATER,
but its great and distinctive property is its
adaptability to the uses of the bath. It is
the only perfume that we know of EspEC-
TALLY AND PARTICULARLY suited to use
IN this way; tie power it has Of importing
to the waters Of the bath great soothing,
refreshing and invigoratiug effects; is
peculiar to itself
Year: 1877

BEAUTIFUL HELEN no doubt had a very
fine complexion. hut it is more than doubt
whether it exceeded in purity the complex
ions of the ladies who use that iuimitable
auxiliary OF female loyeiness, GLENN
SULHHUR SOAP. Sold by all Druggist
HnL'S HAIR AND WHIsKER DYE Black OF
Brown. soc
Year: 1877

A correspondent of an English medl-
cal journal, furnishes the following rec
ipe as new cure for consumption: Put
dozen whole lemons in cold water and
boil until soft (not too soft), roll and
squeeze until the juice is all extracted,
sweeten the juice enough to be palata-
Bile, then drink. Use as many as doz-
en- day. Should they cause pain or
looseness of the bowels, lessen the guam
tity and use five or six day until bet
ter, then begin and use a dozen again.
By the time you have used five or six
dozen you will begin to gain strength
and have an appetite. Of course, as you
get better you need not use so many.
Follow these directions and we know you
will never regret it if there is any help
for you. Only keep it up faithfully.
We know of two cases where both of the
patients were given up by the physicians,
and were IN the last stages of consump-
tion, yet both were cured by simply us
ing lemons according to the directions
we have stated. One lady in particular
was bedridden and very low; had tried
everything that money could procure,
but all in vain. when, to please friend,
she was finally persuaded to use the
lemons. She began to use them in Feb
ruary, and in April she weighed one
hundred and forty pounds. She is a
well woman to-day, and likely to live as
long as any of us.
Year: 1877

brings its own expression over the face.
The worst of it is, that when these pas
sions pull very often, the face does not
return to what it was before, but the
muscles harden and retain that ugly ex-
preston. By indulging in evil passions
people may work their faces up into such
awful faces, that sometimes when you
meet man in the street you can tell,
just by looking at his face, what his
character is. A face that was very low
able when it was that of child, has
had the passion of anger pulling at it.
SO often that it always wears a sullen,
cross, dissatisfied look. Now, dear chill
dren, do you want to have pleasant faces
that everyone will love to look at ? Then
don't let the ugly passions get hold of
the strings. Put them into the hands
of love. and charity and good will and
truth and honesty, and then they will
be beautiful faces. I have seen faces
without single handsome feature, that
were sweeter to look at than the most
perfect features that were ever formed.
And why? 1t is the expression. And
what makes the expression? o, it all
depends upon whether the bad passions
or the lovely graces get hold of the little
strings. Christian at Work.
Year: 1877

What do you think, young friends, of
the hundreds of thousands who are trying
to cheat themselves and others into the
belief that alchoholic drinks are good
for them Are they not to be pitied
and blamed ? Do you want to be one
of those wretched men? If we are to
have drunkards in the future, some of
them are to come from the boys to whom
l am writing; and l ask you again if
you want to be one of them? No? Of
course you don't!


Well, have a plan for you that is
just as sure to save you from such fate
as the sun is to rise tomorrow morning.
1t never failed; it never will fail; it
cannot fail; and l think it is worth
knowing. NeUer touch liquor ia 0ny
form. That's the plan, and it is not
only worth knowing, but it is worth put
ting into practice.


| know you don't drink now, and it
seems to you as if you never would.
But your temptation will come, and it
probably will come in this way:


You will find yourself. some time,
with number of companions. and they
will have bottle of wine on the table.



They will drink and offer it to you.
They will regard it as manly practice,
and, very likely, they will look upon you
as milksop if you don't indulge with
them. Then what will you do? Ell?
What will you do? Will you say, "Boys,
none of that stuff for me know a
trick worth half-a-dozen of that?" Or
will you take the glass, with your own
common sense protesting, and make the
whole draught bitter, and feeling that
you have damaged yourself, and then go
off with het head and a skulking soul
that at once begins to make apologies
for itself-just as the soul of Col. Backus
does, and will keep doing all his life p
H. G.. Holland, IN iScribner.