Democratic Sentinel, Volume 11, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 November 1887 — The Cactus. [ARTICLE]

The Cactus.

The prickly pear, despised by foreigners, is, like adversity, not without its uses. Indeed, Ido not know what Mexico would do without it in some instances. In the long, dry seasons, When water is scarce, countless herds of sheep and goats are kept alive by splitting the leaves and allowing the animals to suck the natural moisture contained inside. The chief diet of Mexican donkeys is not tin cans and thistles, as elsewhere, but toasted cactus, which their owners prepare by holding the branches on a stick (it is too Slickly to handle otherwise), over a re till the thorns are burned off. Besides, each variety of cactus bears its fruit—pale green, scarlet, purple or black—all more or less palateable, and good for man and beast. — Cor. Indianapol** Journal.

We take pleasure in calling the attention of oar readers to the following extract from a letter to the Eldredge Manufacturing Co., Chicago, written by an English dealer in Sewing Machines: Gents: I have telegraphed you this day to send on as quickl as possible 50 No. 2 tables and covers. I find I shall be out of these much sooner than the other styles. T e stands and heads you can send at earliest convenience. 1 am veiy much pleased to say that these last hundred machines are highly satisfactory. For finish, smoothness and easy running, i really believe they are unequalled by any o‘her Sewing Machine selling in this country. The- machines require less preparation tor delivery than any other machines i have handled during the whole course of my experience extending over 20 years. lours Truiy,

THOS. RHODES.

Mrs. J. W. McEwen is agent for these machines in this county. — Call and see them before purchasing elsewhere.