Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 December 1892 — Page 4

WE AT aRE AT GRANDMOTHER DID. How, my little daughter standing By my chair, is oft demanding, “Tell me, mother, what your grandmother used to do. Did she hare much time for reading, Pauses heeding, And succeeding, WeD with music, draw and paint on ebina, too?” <So, my daring! Grandma never Sad the time for each endeavor, For she worked from morn until the setting sun, jhe would call the cows bo early, •Daisy! Curley! Don’t be surly,’ And the milking then would speedily be dime. ‘She would strain tie milk and churn it; Make a cheese and deftly turn it; Hake soft soap and brew the nicest currant wine, Dip the candles, nightly glowing, Little knowing, And bestowing Jearce a thought on what as future light would shine. “Card and spin the wool nor leave it, Till she into cloth would weave it, And she raised her flax, and wove her linen flue. tn a quilting she delighted, All invited, None were slighted; Or a paring and a husking bee combine. “She raised geese and plucked each feather, Cut cloth and sewed together Every strip, to make a home-made carpet e*y; Bnd ehe knitted every stocking, Meanwhile rocking, Oh, 't-was shocking, All the work that woman went through in a day.”

NAN’S CHRISTMAS GUEST.

A great event occurred in the Curtis household when Nan took summer board•rs. When she first announced this intention the amazement of the assembled family was too great for words. The two smaller children gazed at her in widesyed wonder, and her father, whJI he at length found voice, remarked contemptuously : “tVho’ll come up here in the back woods, I’d like to know?” But Nan was not to be discouraged. ’‘There is the mountain,” she said, stoutly, “and the fine air, and the pine woods; why wouldn't someone like just such a wild, lonely place—someone from the ;ity?”

A newspaper had drifted to the Curtis farm the day before, and Nan, devouring it eagerly, chanced upon the advertisementa for summer boarders set forth in its columns. She noticed that the chief iniucements held out had been invariably the aforesaid pine woods and mountain icenery. These she had to perfection, for the little gray farmhouse clung to the mountain side like the moss to the rifted rock, and the grand panorama of sunrise tnd sunset, of silvery mists rising from the valley, and of purple clouds gathering at evening about the lofty peak, could oe had for the mere exertion of looking nut of the window. She loved these things herself, why should not someone else? She had been a little appalled at her own audacity at first, but now she was resolved to make the attempt at least, being mistress of the house. "I shall write out the advertisement, and yoil shall take it down to the post office when you go to town to morrow,” »he said decidedly and with a businesslike manner that duly impressed the family; and the indulgent father, accustomed to obey this dusky-eyed daughter, whose learning and shrewdness were a source of unbounded awe and admiruction to him, finally acquiesced to the new and startling scheme. He did not, in his own mind, sec why any one should wish to come to their farm in the wilderness, although he admitted that the view was fine, and the little turbulent stream that tumbled over the rocks, clear as crystal. The thought of the stream inspired him with a brilliant idea. “You had better put something in about the fishing,” he said, as he went out, feeling that he too, was something of a business man after all. And Nan, who was diligently copying the model in

the paper, added this last clause with a triumphant flourish. The sun was just going down behind the mountain as Mr. John Raymond, seated in Farmer Curtis’ jolting farm wagon, rode slowly up the narrow road towards the Curtis farm. The great peak stood out in distinct and sombre outline against the crimson sky. The evening breeze, coming from the cool heights, was full of a pinv odor, strangely invigorating, and although he could not see it, the music of swiftly running water told him that a mountain stream was not far away, and made him think involuntarily of the fishing rods in the back of the wagon. Save this and the melancholy note of a whippoorwill, all was perfectly still. The young man, fresh from the city haunts, appreciated the unusual beauty of the scene, and was just congratulating himself that his host had at last relapsed into silence that he might give himself up to the spell which the lonely place was somehow easting upon him, when suddenly in a clump of bushes by the roadside, which they were approaching, becapght a glimpse of a face peering out at them. He was half startled for a moment, but it was only a moment, for upon a second look, he discovered that it was a young girl’s laughing gypsy face, with great dark eyes and a mass of jet black Hair, which evident contact with the bushes had set falling about in a most becoming confusion. The bright lips ha d parted as the wagon approached, and the girl was evidently about to accost the occupants, when meeting the stranger’s eyes bent upon her, surprised, intent and admiring, she looked shyly at him for a moment, and then in confusion turned and disappeared in the wood. John Raymond turned quickly to his companion, an eager question upon his lips, but seeing that the farmer had been utterly oblivious to the little by-play, he changed his mind and remained silent. “ I shall certainly see her again,” he said to himself, “especially if she is in the habit of haunting these woods.” Presently a sharp turn in the road brought them in sight of the low farmhouse, surrounded by sloping, well-tilled fields; and from the increased animation of both horse and driver, the visitor guessed this to be their destination. “Have yon other boarders?”he asked carelessly; it was the first time the question had occurred ta him. “ Yes/’ answered the farmer briskly, “ one more, a young lady up here for her health,—ilM ß *-he mountain air.*’ As they drew near, Raymond sec that there were two young Women upon the brood porch. One, fair-haired and nearing a white dress, was idly

seated in a low chair; the other who, just then, had her head turned away, was standing upon the step, and at her feet was a basket of berries evidently just picked. Hoth were laughing gayly, and as the •wagon drew near and stopped, the girl upon the step, with a" sudden rush of color to her brown cheek, turned slowly towanTthe two men. It was the girl who looked at Raymond from the wood. He could not help betraying his surprise and satisfaction, which increased tenfold as Farmer Curtis. noting his evident admiration, took the young girl by the hand, and with no little pride in his voice, presented, “ray daughter.”

The summer days passed very happily to the little family in the lonely farmhouse. It was certainly a very strange coincidence that Mr. Raymond should discover in Alice Niles, Nan’s other boarder, a familiar city friend. Yes, very strange, too strange indeed to be believed, and Nan for one did not believe it. No, she was quite sure that the one object which this artful young man had in view, when he sought tbe Curtis homestead, was the hope of meeting this interesting invalid. Nan being of an imaginative turn of mind, bad built, up a fine romance about these two, and laughed to herself as she thought how easily she had divined their little intrigue. Thpy were certainly the best of friends, and the gentleman ever attentive to his delicate companion; but then he was almost equally as kind to his little boarding mistress, and Nan recalled with a secret blush his many courtesies. She liked these two, they were a revelation to her, and she delighted to build lovely castles for them to inhabit. They were all very j?ay together, and Nan could not help seeing that they admired her, and pitied her for being condemned to a mountain fastness..

The bracing air was having a wonderful effect upon the city girl, and she was able now to take many a long jaunt with her ever-ready escort. Nan watched them depart, sometimes with a little sigh of envy; he with a fishing-rod over his shoulder, she with her book, both so handsome and happy, and so well suited to one another, as Nan told herself. Oftentimes, however, at Raymond’s earnest request, they made a family party of it, and taking a lunch, had a pleasant day of it in the woods, building a gypsy fire and making merry generally. There was always something in Raymond’s eyes on these occasions which reminded Nan of the first time she had spijp him from her berry-picking in the wood. She could not define the look, exactly, but it. was certainly flattering, at least, and had it been any one but her friend’s admirer, shfl'would havp been somewhat confused. For some strange reason neither had ever spoken of their first peculiar meeting, either to each other or to any one else. To be sure, there was nothing about it. that would greatly impress a disinterested person, but Nan found herself more than once dwelling upon the little episode with a certain romantic satisfaction. And then she sighed when she remembered that the gay summer days were all too quickly passing, and that ere long the pleasant companions would return to the gayeties of their city life, and the little boarding mistress would be forgotten, together with the other pleasant things which had served to amuse them during their holiday. Nan began to question herself now as to whether her summer had been a success or not, since it only served to make the rest of the year seem more gloomy by contrast. It was not, however, until the crickets began their mournful chirpings in the long grass, the nights to close in chill and damp, and the red leaves to appear here and there in the ivy and occasional maple trees, that the two city friends said farewell to their pretty hostess. It was a very sad leave-taking, on Nan’s part at least, and Miss Niles was also sorry to depart, for she had learned to love this shy little mountain flower, blooming so .far away from any companion. She saw the pain which the girl felt, and made a sudden resolve. “I shall come again,” she said decidedly, “be sure of it—in the winter sometime; I long to see you icebound. It will be such a novelty.” Nan smiled gratefully and looked shyly at Raymond, half expecting that lie, too, would announce a similar intention, for she did not like to think that he either would forget her immediately. But he made no such offer, indeed, "so careless and indifferent did he appear that Nan began to grow hurt and angry, and it was a very cold good-bye which she at last accorded him, although she could not admit that he seemed very much impressed by her sudden accession of dignity.

It certainly promised to be a very dreary Christmas for the ' Curtis family. The snow had fallen at intervals during the last few days. The trees were heavy with it yet, and about the mountain top the heavy gray clouds were still hanging with promise of more. Until the last moment almost, Nan had expected her city friend, Alice Niles, to spend the holidays with her; but the alarming accounts of the weather in the North had discouraged that lady in her romantic scheme, and the real oldfashioned country Christmas which she was so anxious to experience was indefinitely postponed. Nan’s disappointment was very bitter. Ever. since the departure of her guests she had felt a loneliness and sadness unexplainable to herself. She said nothing to those about her, but at times it seemed that the monotony of her life was rapidly becoming unbearable. This visit seemed the last connecting link with those brief, happy days, and it was very hard to have it broken. The city girl had been very kind* in her letter, and among other interesting gossip informed Nan that she intended to startle her before long with some delightful news, astonishing as it was delightful. Nan had laughed a little bitterly as she read those words. They were engaged of course, those two, as if she, Nan, had not guessed as much long ago. How stupid Miss Niles must think her, —and why had they made such a tremendous secret of it, anyway, it seemed very ridiculous. Nan was a bit cross for some reason or other; she intended to write directly and tell her friend that her secret was no secret to one observing country girl, at least. And so, on Christmas eve, Nan sat herself down before the glowing fire, feeling very melancholy and depressed indeed. She chose no light but preferred that of the fire, which flared and crackled gloriously, and sent a bright reflection, like a beacon light, far across the untrodden snow. She made a verypretty picture', could she have but known it, her sHtn hands crossed upon her knee, and her eyes fixed sadly upon the glowing logs; and if anyone had chanced to be looking in at the uncurtained window, he must have lingered long and lovingly, despite the snow and the chili north wind. How long she sat there Nan did soot know, but her musthgs did not grow more comfortable, for the tears had just crept into her eyes and one, indeed, had

fallen upon her hand, when a gentle tap upon the door made her start, half alarmed, from her chair. Who could it be, so late in the evening? Had Miss Niles decided to come after all! Possibly she had changed her mind at the last moment. Nan, with a radiant face, flew to the door and opened it wide. At first she saw no one, and coming close to the step, peered eagerly out into the darkness. Then suddenly a great wave of color swept over face and neck, and she started hack with a little gasp of surprise. “Mr. Raymond!” she cried. Her amazement evidently amused that young man, for he laughed gayly. “Yes,” he answered, “I have come up for Christmas, although you did not invite me. Can I come in?” for Nan still staring at him wonderingly, made no move to allow him to enter. “Yes,” she said without any apparent shame at her inhospitality, “but you won’t want to stay—didn’t you know?” She looked so very solemn that Raymond dropped his buoyant manner, and grew serious at once. “Know what'?’’ he asked, anxiously wondering what catastrophe had hapiwned. “Why, that she is not coming after all. I got the letter yesterday. What a pity you should come so far to be disappointed; and yet it is strange she did not tell you!’’ And Nan’s face grew longer. She knew how provoked he would be.

But Mr. Raymond still looked extremely mystified. “I do not understand,” he said. “I did not think or expect that anyone was coming but myself. Why should I be disappointed?” “Why!” cried Nan, aghast. “Weren’t you coming with Miss Niles, or didn’t you expect to meet her here? She said—that is, I thought—l was quite sure that you were ” but here poor Nan grew all at once very red and confused. A sudden amused look in her visitor’s face made her think that possibly she had been mistaken, after all, in her surmises. What if there was nothing l>etween these two but a commonplace friendship. Oh, how foolishly she had acted —like a country girl, indeed. And if he had not come to seeMissNilcs, why had he come? Nan’s heavy lashes drooped upon her cheek to conceal her sudden consciousness. But her guest only laughed at her tell-tale, downcast face. “What was it you thought?” he asked mischievously; but Nan only pouted and would not answer. She did not like to be laughed at. “Well, never mind,” he said at length, drawing her gently into the firelit room, where a moment before she had sat so disconsolately; “but now do you know what I thought ?” And Nan whispered “No,” although in her heart there was a sudden consciousness that she did know well enough. “I thought that you loved me,” he said roguishly; “why else should I be herein spite of your ice and snow?” And although Nan tried to be very angry with this conceited person for having been so sure of a fact which she would never admit herself, she could not, somehow, being a truthful girl, deny that he was right.—[Portland Transcript.

Lessons From Old and New Maps.

Old teachers are sometimes quite a« impressive and instructive as the new ones. Gray hairs covering a sound brain, that has not forgotten how to work along healthy lines, should always secure a respectful and receptive attention from those willing to learn useful lessons. Sometimes they do; quite as often they do not.

One would scarcely expect to get much suggestive and Valuable information from an old School-Atlas. Whatever it might have been in its fresh, bright youth, its days Of usefulness are supposed to have passed with its youth, after which it was consigned to the grate or the garret. The latter is where recently wc found one of these teachers that had been consigned to dußt and cobwebs and to a supposed oblivion nearly forty years ago, under a conviction that its days of usefulness were over. But they were not over. They will never be over so long as the Atlas-teacher has bodily form. If any one doubts that this little world of ours is swinging on continually to a brighter destiny, let him give special study for an hour to our Western Hemisphere, and especially to our part of it, and to the African continent, as the conditions, civil and religious, of the two at that time are illustrated by the Atlas of forty years ago. Then we knew little of our own country—in fact we had not any, except in name, beyond the western boundary line of Missouri and Arkansas projected north and south. Then we had a \arge number of slave-holding States. Then the country now occupied by the States of Dakota (North and South), Nebraska and Kansas was designated as “The Great American Desert” and was considered worthless, and the “howling wilderness” extended to the Rocky Mountains. What wc have there now we all know. The march of civil and religious institutions from the Mississippi to the Pacific has been sure; the changes it has wrought are wonderful, although we think little of them in our busy lives. Forty years ago very little was known of Africa inside its coast lines beyond the fact that it furnished an inexhaustible supply of negroes—men, women and children—to be captured, transported and sold as slaves. To furnish these for Turks and Arabs, to say nothing of some Christian nations, was supposed to be its only mission. The ignorance about Africa a generation ago is illustrated by the map-makers of that period in what were supposed to be the real courses of the Congo and the Niger. The advance of the Dark Continent during the last forty years is illustrated by the maps of to-day. Yes; the world has moved very rapidly during all these years—and in healthy directions.—[N. Y. Evangelist.

AROUND THE HOUSE.

Use sal-soda toclcan jugs and pitchers. A little milk added to the dishwater is better to use than soap in cleansing china. Glass in oven doors, which enables cooks to watch the food without opening the door, is a late contrivance. In carrying a lighted match it is much less likely to go out if it is carried with the lighted end away from the person. New earthenware should be soaked for twenty-four hours in cold water before taring, as it will then be less liable to crack. When there is danger of frost in the cellar during cold weather, carry down several pailfuls of hot water and sprinkle the contents all over the floor. Even if -his should form into ice there will be less danger of freezing trait and vegetables, for wafer in freezing takes the frost out of the air.

HE WOULD LIVE WELL.

‘ ‘What would you do if you were as rici as the Vanderbilts?” “I’d have pie with every meal.”

THE JOKER'S BUDGET.

JESTS AND YARN'S BY FUNNY MEN OF THE PRESS. They Pitied Him Letter of the Law— A Different Branch— Regular Record Breakers, Etc., Etc. THEY PITIED HIM. Dimling was stopped by two footpads the other night. One of them covered him with a revolver, and the other said: “Turn over all yourcash, and be quick about it.” “My dear fellows,” said Dimling, in response to their urgent invitation, “I have no cash to turn over. I have just left a church fair.” The footpads first satisfied themselves of the truth of the unfortunate man’s story, and then raised $1.25 between them forhis relief, regardless of the fact that business had not been good with them for some time.—[Harper’s Bazar. LETT Ell OF THE LAW. Boy (on a bridge)—Say, mister, if you don’t look out you’ll be fined. Teamster —Why will 1? Boy—That' sign says “Walk your horses,” don’t it? Teamster—Jesso. Boy—Well, yours are standing still.—[Street A Smith’s Good News. A different branch. Mother (looking over her boy's shoulder) —Your spelling is perfectly terrible. Little Son —This isn’t a spellin’ lesson. It's a composition.—[Good News. HEGL'LAR RECORD-BREAKERS. Miss Gotham—That talk about Philadelphia being so very, very slow, is merely a newspaper joke, isn’t it ? Visiting Minister—Certainly it is. You just ought to see a Philadelphia congregation leaving church.—[New York Weekly. UNSEEMLY HASTE. “I think it is an outrage for Snodgrass to marry again so soon after his wife's death,” remarked Berry, the undertaker. “Six months, isn’t it?” “Well, it isn’t the exact time I object to so much as the fact that he hasn’t paid me yet for her funeral.” —[Judge. NOT TO BE CHECKED. The baggage-man has a ,big contract on his hands when he undertakes to check the cry of a baby on his train.—[Yonkers Statesman. A QUICK VERDICT. “What made the jury render a verdict so quickly?” “Well, you see, one of the jurors began to tell us about the bright sayings of his five-year-old boy.”—[Judge. THE PASTOR’S MISTAKE. Pastoi?—What did I say in my sermon yesterday that you objected to? Mr. Dc Good—You surprise me, my dear air. I did not object to anything. Pastor—But I heard you give a very audible snort at something 1 said. Mr. De Good—Oh, no; no That was only a snore.—[New York Weekly. A SKILLED OPINION. Mrs. Trolley—Do tell me, Mr. Kanvass, which is the greatest work of art! Mr. Kanvass—Selling the paintings, madam.—[New York Sun.

A FOOLISH QUESTION. Noodle—l’ve forgotten something the wife told me to bring home. Friend—What was it ? Noodle—You bally idiot ! If I kriew what it was I shouldn’t have forgotten it, should I?- -[Ally Sloper. A DWARF. Clinker—What do you think of this Prince Albert? It was my brother’s, and I had it made over for me. Calloway—Don’t you think you are too short to look well iu a Prince Albert? Clinker—l am too short to get anything else. —[New York Herald. A WAITING POLICY. Featherstone—l saw Miss Pinkerly going into a candy store yesterday. Ringway—Did you speak to her? F%thcrstone —Not until she came out. —[New York Herald. THE DVSPErric’s SONG. Tliankgiving day has come again; The table groans with toothsome food; And were it not for Friday’s pain, That always treads on Thursday’s train, I should be full of gratitude. —[Harper's Bazar. HE KNEW Ills ARITHMETIC. Young Featherly—Are these vour children?

Mrs. Brand—Oh, yes! the boy is five years old, and this girl seven. Young Featherly—Well, how time flies! It doesn’t seem possible that you have been married twelve years.— [The Million. NATURE ASSERTS ITSELF. Keeper—The ossified man is iu a terrible state to-night. Manager—What is the trouble with him? Keeper—The dog-faced boy has threatened to eat him.—[Truth. WHY HE PURSUED HER. ' “No, I cannot marry you, and you pester me by continually asking me. Why don’t you ask somebody who will have you?” “Bless your heart, I’ve asked every other woman that I know and have been refused. It was only when driven to desperation that I came to you.”—[New York Press. A VILLAGE BENEFACTOR. My neighbor’s cows oft come to graze Upon my lawn. They came around This noon. To-night my neighbor pays Ten dollars to the village pound. —| Harper's Bazar BOTH SATISFIED. Trotter—l hear that Rose de Ninon has married young Clodly. How do they get on together? Cutter—Very well, indeed. He is willing to love her and she is willing to be loved.—[Ally Sloper. PROOF POSITIVE. Sweet Young Thing—And can I really believe, darlieg, that I am the only girl you ever loved? Absent-Minded Lover—Of course, dearest. No girl that I’ve known has ever doubted it yet.—[Ally Sloper. THE BEST THING TO DO. Spiffer—What— er—should you—er—say that the—er—best thing .to do—er when you accidentally tread on a big—er—strong man's favorite corn? Spoiler—Best thing to do? Get out of reach,—lExchange.

FULL, StDEKD. Extract from a sentimental young lady’s letter: “Last night I sat in a gondola on Venice’s Grand Canal drinking it all in, and life never seemed so full before I” —[Scraps. two living. Justice O'Halloran—Have you any children, Mrs. Kelly? Mrs. Kelly—l hov two living, an’ wan married.—[Puck. SURE PROOF. “Sir,” said a fierce lawyer, “do you, on your oath, swear that this is not your writing?” ) “I think not,” was the cool reply. “Does it resemble your writing?” “I can’t say it does.” “Do you swear that it does net resemble your writing?” “I do.” “Do you take your oath that this writing does not resemble yours?” “Y-c-s, sir. ’Cause I can’t write.”— [Exchange. * THE LADY’S ADVANTAGE. Judge—Your age? Lady—Thirty years. Judge (incredulously)—You will have some difficulty in proving that. Lady (excitedly)—You will find it hard to prove to the contrary, as the church register which contained the entry of my birth was burned in the year 1845. [Rare Bits. didn’t appreciate the compliment. Trotter—l can’t imagine why Miss Budd is so angry with me. 1 paid her a compliment. Barlaw—What did you say to her? Trotter—Why, I merely asked her if she had found the Fountain of Youth. —[New York Herald.

AGAINST HIS PRINCIPLES. Kindly Housewife—Here, my poor man, I’ll get you a nice bit of steak if you’ll wait a minute. Husky Horton (thAramp)—Very kind, mum, but it will be impossible for me to accept your offer. I’m a vegetarian, mum, and if you happen to have a little beer or old rye whiskey—both of which are purely vegetable products—l shall be glad to partake of your hospitality.— [Chicago News Record. HER USE OK THE FRANCHISE. “Were you allowed to vote,” said he, As through the sheltered lane they strayed, “What would you vote for—answer me— Protection or free trade?” The gentle maiden hung her head, While to her cheeks the color flew; “I would not care to vote,” she said; “I’d rather pair with you.” FROM A DOCTOR’S POINT OF VIF.W. “Singlejaw was badly hurt in that railway accident, wasn't he, doctor?” “Very. We had to amputate both his legs.” “My! Will he pull through?” “Oh, yes; we'll put him on his feet again in about six months.” —[Harper’s Bazar. A GUIDF.BOARD FOR I.OVERS. . Adlel—What is the course of true love. Miss Kissam? “ Miss Kissam—lt leads along the bridal path, Mr. Adlet.—[Detroit Free Press. THE MERMAID’S PLIGHT. Museum Manager—What’s all this row about? Assistant —The show is over and the freaks are preparing to go home. The mermaid is raising a row because she can’t find her shoes.—[Des Moines Graphic. AMBIGUOUS.

“Is it becoming to me?” asked she, as she paraded in the costume of one hundred years ago before the man who is not her lord and master, but is her husband. “Yes, my dear,” he said meekly. “Don’t you wish I could dress this way always?” she asked. “No, my dear,” he replied; “but it’s so becoming I do wish, my darling, that you had lived when that was the style.” HE HAD JUST GOT IT OUT. Your coat has a verv strange odor, dear Ned, Said the maid as she tilted her nose; It’s a perfume that’s used by my uncle, he said, To keep away moths from his clothes. —[New York Press. AN IMPOSSIBLE EVENT. “They say Cholly has softening of the brain.” “I cannot conceive it possible.” “Why not?.” “Because his brain cannot become any softer than it always has been.”—[New York Press.

Dogs of Constantinople.

The dogs of Constantinople form a class of as much importance as other Asiatic races. The Europeans have used their influence, backed by money, to destroy these dogs either by killing or by banishing them; but the Turks—from the humblest servant who divides his crust with them, to the Imperial Sultan who has them fed from his palace —shows an affection for them which is surprising. The dogs live in communities of six, eight, or ten, and each set appropriates to itself a certain section of from one to three squares. The most intelligent dog seems to be the president or commander of the group. They are very friendly with all the inhabitants who live in their special locality, while they show no recognition to those who pass along their highway if they- do not reside there. They guard their ground, and do not allow any other dog to intrude. I noticed one stray dog who came around the corner, thereby infringing on the other dog’s territory; he was attacked at once, and barely escaped with his life. These dogs have no special owner—each block or square having its own group of dogs. They seem to know every man, woman and child w’ho lives in their neighborhood, and their tails wag whenever any of these make their apjjearance. I remember coming through one of the narrow streets late one night, and as it was quite warm I suddenly took off my coat and hat; one dog commenced to bark, then another and another followed suit. The guide told me I must put on my hat, as the dogs recognized that 1 was a foreigner, and that they were evidently displeased at my attempt to go through their principality in my shirtsleeves. I took the advice of the guide and the howl of the dogs ceased. ° '

The Lowest Kocks.

Granite is the lowest rock in the earth’s crust. It is the bed rock of the world. It shows no evidence of animal or vegetable life. It is from two to ten inches as thick as the united thickness of all the other rocks. It is the parent rock from which all, other rocks have been either directly or indirectly derived,— [New York Jnnmni.

SOMEWHAT STRANGE.

ACCIDENTS AND IXCIDEXTS OF EVERY DAY LIKE. Queer Facts and Thrilling Adventures Which Show That Truth Is Stranger Than Fiction, An amusing account is given by an Australian correspondent of some experiments in connection with long-distance telephony on the new copper wire between Sydney and Melbourne. The copper wire extended only as far as Albury, a distance of 383 miles, the remaining 190 miles being completed by an iron wire from Albury to Melbourne. The speaking to Albury was remarkably clear, voices being easily recognized; the speaking to Melbourne though perfectly distinct, was, of course, fainter. The Runnings transmitter aud double-pole Bell receivers were used.' Some ludicrous results were obtained by the induction of the main lines from some of the railway telephone lines—telephones connected from signal box and station to station, etc., for railway working entirely, but very often used, especially on Sunday, when there is practically no traffic, for purposes of private conversation. One conversation between a man and a girl was specially amusing. After a few preliminary passages of an interesting nature, the couple, uncouscious of listeners, began “blowing kisses” to each other through the telephone, and afterward describing the effect it produced. First was heard a girlish giggle, followed 1 by a faint smacking sound, aud then a shrill, treble voice, asking with keen solicitude: “Did you get that one? Shall I send you another?” answered by a gruff bass, saying: “Wait a bit till I’ve recovered from the first one,” and so on. The girl then sang “In Old Madrid," which came out remarkably clear, and was as much appreciated, apparently, by the person for whom it was intended as the listeners on the freelist. A statement by the British Vice Consul, Mr. Warburton, at La Rochelle, reminds us of the terrible ravages of the

termites, known as “white ants.” It appears that many of the public buildings and private houses of La Rochelle are being destroyed by these pests. Introduced from some tropical laud about a century ago, the ants had for a long time kept to a particular part of the town, but on the demolition of some of -the houses there the old wood was allowed to be carried away,' and the insects ■ are now found in every part of La Rochelle. In many buildings it is necessary to introduce iron supports to save them from tumbling into ruins. Linnteus spoke of these ants as “the great calamity of both the Indies.” Wood is their favorite diet, and the only timber safe from them is teak wood (tectona grandis) and iron wood (Sideroxylum). They tunnel through the vastest beams of buildings in every direction, leaving a thin layer untouched on the outside and even coating the outside with clay to conceal their ravages in the interior. Humboldt says that in South America it is rare to find papers of any antiquity. In one night everything left exposed, even boots and shoes, disappears. Ships are sometimes reduced to a condition 'sufficient to account for “foundering at sea” during a voyage. The Albion man-of-war had to be broken up, after reaching England. with difficulty by * being lashed together. If they settle elsewhere in Europe as they have done at La Rochelle, a new peril will be added to life and civilization. Captain Leo Vogel, now in the service of the Clyde steamship Company, says of his experience at sea during the Charleston earthquake: “I was going southward in charge of a double-screw steamer, 300 feet long, aud was twentytwo miles south aud fifty east of Charleston. It was the ugliest sky that, I think, I had ever seen, during the afternoon, aud I was really expecting a cyclone. The sky was of a salmon color, with clouds of sulphurous green. It was close and hot and there was a sense of something being wrong. We were on the eight fathom line that night, when suddenly the engines stopped. Wc were shaken from side to side, then the ship seemed to settle, and it was as though the bottom were rubbing against something. The first officer rushed on deck, shouting, ‘We're aground!’ I ran for the chronometer to record, as nearly as possible, the time of the occurrence, and from that I estimate that it took only about five seconds for the shock to reach Charleston. My people were in Charleston then, and my first impulse was to go back, but I remembered that I was responsible for a ship’s cargo and people. On arriving in port I found that the earthquake had really occurred, and it lifted a great load from my mind on the return trip when 1 saw one of my children on the dock aud heard him shout, ‘We’re all right.’ The shock came distinctly from the southeast, and I believe when the ship seemed to settle that either the sea was hollowed for a great area, allowing us to touch bottom, or else that the bottom was heaved up to within a couple of fathoms of the surface.”

A good story is related by the Lewiston (Me.) Journal on an Auburn attorney who went to a livery stable and hired a team for two or three hours, and at the end of that time, in a state of ab-sent-mindedness, left it at another livery stable, where it remained eight days. At stable No. 1 there was no worry about the team. They knew the attorney was perfectly good for the pay. They knew if he kept the team a month that the bill would be paid promptly on presentation. They presumed that he knew what he was about and concluded it was his business and not theirs. At stable No. 2 there was an equal freedom from anxiety. The attorney came there, left the team and wcmt away, saying nothing. They put the horse into a stall and “chalked it down” on the office slate, knowing him to be a business man who paid cash. The attorney and the proprietors of both stables met each other frequently, but nothing was said about the team. All of them were ignorant of the condition of things and all were perfectly at ease. As for the attorney, he never thought of the team again. Discovery came at last, and the attorney was presented a bill from stable-keeper No. 1 for hire of a team for eight days, and later stablekeeper No. 2 came round with another bill for boarding the team the same length of time. To say that the attorney was astonished puts it mildly. The basis of settlement is not officially learned, but it was less than the faces of the bills, which had been made out at the going prices. An elm tree, noted for many years on account of its unusual size, stands on the Fowler farm, at the foot of the Greylock group of mountains in Williamstown, Mass. The trunk is twenty-four feet in circumference at the base, and the first limb was 105 feet from the ground. It was believed that lightning struck the huge tree August 4, aH since that time it has been burning. The tree resembles a tall smokestack. ; The fire broke out greater than ever recently, and a Column

of flame was sent up twenty-five feet from the top of the trunk. Gradually the tree has been reduced, until at present it is only about thirty feet high. On invesitgating Mr. Fowler found a strange substance in the trnnk, and it ht now thought the tree was struck by a meteor. A portion of the foreign material has been sent to Williams College for examination. It is light brown aud about the weight of stone. It is owing to the presence of this substance, Mr. Fowler thinks, that the burning has continued so long. In regard to the habit of partridges of flying into civilization aud a popular superstition regarding them, an Augusta, (Me.) man says; “One flew on our premises and was captured. Then came up the question whether wc should kill the bird or allow it to live. At that time there was a popular superstition that if a partridge came to the house where a sick person lay and the bird was killed and the sick person ate the broth, it would effect a cure. There was a girl sick at our house and the doctors had given up her case as hopeless. Some of the family said, kill the partridge and give the sick girl the broth. But the sick girl and others were for permitting the partridge to live. We were equally divided and agreed to let one of the neighbors whom we saw coming to the house decide whether the partridge should be killed or not. He said kill it, and we did, and the sick girl ate the broth and got well.” It is a fact well established by students of. heredity that --are apt to inherit not only the physical, mental, and moral traits of their parents, but tobe influenced by their age as well. Children born of very young fathers : and mothers never attain so vigorous a growth of mind or body as .those -of older men and women, while children of old people are born old. One of the most surprising cases in medical history is that of Marguerite Cribsowna, who died in 1763 aged 108 years. When 941 she was married to a man aged 105. Three children came of this union, but they had gray hair, no teeth, werestooped, yellow, and wrinkled, decrepit in movement, and could eat only bread and vegetables.

Dogs are not partial to muzzles, but an artist recently invented a muzzle for bis dog which in no way disconcerted the the animal. He painted a representation, of a muzzle on the dog's head so cleverly , that all the policemen were deceived by it. The fraud was discovered by an bit! lady whose pug dog bitted a muzzle so much that she allewed jhe- animal to roam about without one. When the police captured her dog, the lady complained that the painter’s dog went about without the customary headgear. The policeman assured her that the artist’s dog was always muzzled, and was petrified with astonishment on learning that the muzzle was simply painted on the dog's head.

Mayor Grant, of New York, has received a curious communication from Offenburg, in the Grand Duchy of Baden. It seems that Mary Engelfried of New York, returning to her native town, where her father, Frederick Engelfried. “the wine .grower,”.- resides, -met and was wooed by Herman Haas, son of Joseph Haas, “the shoemaker.” Herman's proposal of marriage was accepted, and, under the law of the Grand Duchy, proclamation of the intention to marry has to be made at the place of residence of both contracting parties. So young Mr. Haas, who describes himself as a “Freeholder of Offenburg,” requests Mayor Grant to publish the official proclamation in his “official newspaper.”

There is now in the British museum a nickel-in-the-slot machine which dates from a period long before the birth of Christ. It is a combination of jug and slot machine used for the dispensation of holy water. A coin of the value of 5drachmas dropped into the slot opened a valve which allowed a few drops- of the liquid to escape. The most curious aud unique clock in the United States, or in the world for that matter, was constructed by Amos Lane of Amedee during the past summer. Lane’s curious clock, which, by the way, is all face, hands and lever, is attached to a geyser which shoots upward an immense column of hot water every thirtyeight seconds exactly. An inmate of an Armenian convent in Jerusalem died a short time ago at the age of 115 years. The official announcement of her death includes the remarkable statement that she entered the convent at the age of seventeen, and from that time until her decease, a period of ninety-eight years, was never outside the convent walls.

Odd Tooth Filling.

Dr. S. S. Davidson, of Ottawa, Canada, in the Dominion Dental Journal, says: “On June 14, a physician practicing in Ottawrn, and well known for his hunting propensities, came to my office to have a low T er wisdom tooth treated. After this was accomplished he asked o»e If there were any other teeth in that vicinity that required treatment. Examining the second molar, I found what I thought to be an amalgam filling in the grinding surface, which had the appearance of years of service. I remarked that the filling in this tooth was still giving good service. He declared be never had a tooth filled, and never before had required the services of a dentist. Upon closer examination I found the cavity filled with a grain of No. 4 shot. This had been jammed in so hard that it completely stopped the opening to the cavity. Around die edge an oxide had formed, and to all appearance was preserving that tooth as well as the most carefully inserted gold tilling. The only way the worthy doctor could account for it was in eating a tempting morsel of wild duck, of which he is very fond. The shot being embedded in the meat had crowded into the cavity unknown to him and there remained. Strange to say, he would not have it removed and replaced by a more costly filling, remarking ‘That is good enough for me.’ ”

Vanishing Animals.

No one can read a book of travel in wild countries without having brought forcibly before him the grave fact that many of the most interesting forms on this earth are on the brink of extermination. The bison is practically gone as a wild animal from North America. The quagga is not now to be found in South Africa. The harmless and interesting ant-bear appears also to be going the way of the mammoth and the mastodon. The London Zoo cannot get a giraffe. The price of animals in the market has gone up to unprecedented figures. We carefully provide their native majesties of Africa with repeating rifles to accelerate the process of annihilation. Travellers warn us that the dismal slaughter proceeds with an ever accelerated pace so long as animals can be found to be killed. The destruction apparently must soon result in most of the larger wild animals becoming w extinct as the dodo. -