Crawfordsville Record, Volume 4, Number 22, Crawfordsville, Montgomery County, 24 October 1835 — Page 4

THE PLANTAIN.

But of all our fruits, whether na,ive or exotic, the most valuable,and "t the same time the most common, ?s the plantain. This may well be said to be the staff of life to a great portion of the Cubians, who take no other bread for months together. And what a stranger would hardly believe, those foreigners, who, when they arrive, can not make a meal without wheat bread, soon come to give the unripe, roasted plaintain, die preierence; and also to consider it much more wholesome. Wc have so many substitutes for bread, that we have come to hold that article in little repute, thinking it dry, tasteless and insipid so greatly does our physical taste change with change of diet. The plantain, of which there are four species is raised from si piece of the root, having nn herbaceous trunk ten or twelve inches in diameter, and so full of juice that some planters keep a patch solely for accidental fires, as it is found nothing will extinguish them quicker than throwing on plantain trees. They grow, in a good sod, eighteen or twenty feet high, with leaves five or six feet long, and from two to three broad. Some writers imagine this to be the fruit which tempted our first parents to transgress the divine command; and others that these were the leaves tlinv sewed together. Hut the leaves are so large that they would not require to be sewed to others, and so tender, the most expert seamstress could not sew them. They come out from the center, rolled up, and erect like a spike, and grow so rapidly, that it is confidently stated in the Hortus Jamaciensis, they inincreasean inch an hour. Like the pine apple, the same plant produces but once. When the raceme of fruit is plucked, the tree that bore it should be cut in pieces, and strewed around the cluster of young plants, which have already appeared, to manure them. A large raceme of plantains will weigh fifty or sixty pounds. The banana, which differs only in the size and flavor of the lruit, is the most delicate and the only one good to cat raw. i nis is very fAcuuuiu tu rn in its natural state; and serves for pies, sweetmeats, &c., and is often dried to carry to sea. They are about three inches long, and an inch and a half in diameter. I know no fruit, the flavor of which is more rich; but it is not thought so valuable as either of the other kinds, which serve both for meat and bread to many. Before they are quite ripe, they are best to roast, and in this state are used as bread. Fried, boiled, stewed, baked, and fricasseed, they are eaten as vegetables. They must be ripe for these; and when baked with sugar, and eaten with milk, are much superior to your sweet apples. Invalids, troubled with long complaints, find this a favorite diet. One half of the living of the negroes and lower class, may be said to consist of plantains, in some form or other. They never tire ofit, but are sure to complain if plantains are denied, let them have what thev will beside. The trees bear ripe fruit in about fifteen months from the time of planting ; and new ones spring up so rapidly, that some must be removed in two or three Years, or the field becomes too crowded. They require to be kept clear of weeds, but need no other care, except pruning the dry leaves. Hence, wherever there is a hut, there arc also plantains around it. The leaves are thatching; and in some of the islands, a sort of hemp is manufactured from the fibres of this plant. It was considered of so much import ance in Jamaica, that their assembly gave a premium of two hundred pounds to the best specimens of hemp from the plantain. But that has not been done in this place. Wo have, it is true, an agricultural society, but its chief business is o write dissertations, not to put any their theories into practice, to encourage practical improveits. the Franciscans dedicate the

C R A

plantain to the muses ; hence the Generic name of Musa. AN AUNT'S LETTER. Gregory Cottage, Nov. '25. My dear George:-! was delighted to hear of your safe arrival at your uncle's. I trust, as this is your first visit from home, and as you .im r.mv homnnirm to assume the character of a man, that you will cease to pursue the frivolous occupations of a boy. Pay particular attention to your carving at table; it

carve neauv. iv jiuuu iiumwc,iuiiu B --

George, is merely a combination of modesty and assurance. Always break your eggs on the small end; there is less danger of soiling the shell thus. In your dress, seek what is bccomin2,and never wearanarticlo that is awkward, solely because it is fashionable. In grating a nutmeg begin at the dark end,else you will have a hollow thro' its entire extent. When you carve a pheasant, take off its wing first. I have thought much on this point, and am decidedly of opinion that this is the most correct. True politeness is nothing more than good sense combined with good feeling, and based on utility; il you are ever at a loss on a point of etiquette, just consider a moment, whether it be useful, or agreeable, or ornamental. If it is neither of these, it is contrary to rood sense, and you should never conform to a foolish custom solely because other people follow it. French mustard is very apt to catch you by the nose and bring the tears to your eyes ; when this occurs merely inhale your breath through your nostrils and the irritation ceases in stantly. It is rather early to speak to you about love affairs, but I do sincerely w ish to see you well settled : remember it is quite of fashion now-a-days to be dirty or slovenly when in love; it is much better to be a fop in such a predicament. In scaling your letters never let your wax kindle into a blaze, the camphor which it contains will blacken it; always hold it above the flame till it is melting. In matters of taste il is better to be abusive than Iaudatorv; in the former instance vou may be accused of following fashion, or becoming common-place in your predilections: in the latter even your errors pass for fastidiousnes. When eating preserved plums or damsons, or any similar fruit, never put the stones in your mouth, as vou have to replace them on your plate, and there is always enough to satisfy your appetite without securing the small portion that could adhere to a peach stone. Never be a mere slave to custom ; but remember there is more credit in the judicious infringement of an established rule than in its monotonous obT 1 . .I servance. in nuitins sail on me edge of your plate just touch the spot previously with a little gravy; it w ill prevent its slipping into the center. In cutting a pine, remember that a cross slice is most esteemed. Present my regards to your uncle, aunt, and Maria. Inquire at the arcade the lowest cost ofcreen baize carpet rugs, and let me know, when vou write, for what you can nrocure me a few hundreds of crushed sugar, such as will answer for gooseberry wine. God bless you, my dear, bo attentive to your studies, and believe me your affectionate aunf, 13. G. P. S. I enclose a check for $500. P.P. S. Do not act yet a little, upon my suggestion as to the pheasant's wing, for 1 find 1 still have a d ou b t. Kit icJicrbockcr 1 833. HORSES AND FLIES. It is a sad thing in summer to see a nag, whose natural fly-brush has been taken from hirn, flourishing the stump in empty bravado. He can not sec, poor creature, that the tail which was his inheritance, has been docked, nor does feeling assure him of it, and though his brain may be sadly puzzled to know why it is that the villainous insects still stick to him, the nonexistence of that of which he flourishes the handle, never comes across his imagination, and the shorter the tail,

W F O R D S V I L L K RECORD.

the harder and faster does he throw it to and fro. It w as only the other day that we saw a most pitiable poney, who had heen drawn from his green fields to traverse the dustv paths of the town, and whose switch-tail naa been pruned to a stub. He seemed in danger of insanity; why he ! could not, as of old, drive the c; carniverous or sanguiferous Hies from his sides, was a uef. u..v. rifying mystery to him;-he would pause, turn his stump slowly rou so as to assure himself it was tin ere, A ilinn aiVG it a dctUHy hik riaht and left; but all was in vain; no effect was produced, ana m heart seemed as if it vould break with the sickness of hope deferred. He seemed to doubt his identity ; he felt as a man who should look m the glass and see he had not any hpad his ears drooped and his spir its were bowed down. Thus would we explain the philosophy of the hack-horse character, whicii pre vails among our city nags; it results less from physical labor than mental disquietude: they are not so much broken down as broken Hearted. Let us then reform ; allow nature her defence, and preserve our most valuable and noble domestic from the horrors of a tailless melancholy. Cincinnati Mirror. EDINBURGH (SCOTLAND.) Mr. Crooks, in one of his letters to the Portland Advertiser, presents this general view of Edinburgh : "Anon we were in full view of the Salisbury crags that overlook ih n'tv nnd nf Arthur's seat, that towers-higher still and soon wc were in the streets of Edinburgh, or Edinburough, as all pronounce it here. This singularly-positioned city, so unlike any other I ever saw, makes a strange impression upon the traveler, as he rides along, and crosses a bridge or bridges in the center of the town, with streets yet far under his feet, and men and markets and gardens, there ! What piles of stones, so high, so massive too, in this old town, so black as if they were but hewn sides of the neighboring crags! But what palaces those in the distance, over this deep ravine thus bridged up, as if the sculptor ot the ciins naci jusi ceased his work, and all was fresh as w hen the chisel left it. Every thing is rock, rock, rock, (there is not a wooden dwelling to be seen,) every thing.from Callon Hill crown ed with monuments, to the lofty cas tle on the other side, with its tern ble battlements and frowning walls I felt, at the first sight, all the force of Burns' exclamation: 'Edina! Scotia's darling seat, All hail thy palaces and towers.' "I left the new town and recrossing the bridge went to the old tow n, over the deep valley that divides the two. Here are buildings eleven stories high, many of six, seven, and eight stories, the many erections of the old nobility and gentry who have now deserted them and left them for the multitude and the poor so that it is said, that in no city in the world, are the poor so well housed as they are here. I looket into the wtnds as they are called steep narrow passages leading to the valelhavc spoken of belore,and the closes too, like routes for foot passengers only and indeed in ma ny of them, the air was bad, and the poverty miserable enough. saw the window which John Knox used for his pulpit; and the same house from which he preached to the multitude in the street . above here is standing yet with "God" imprinted upon it,in English,Greek, and Latin. All is bustle here now, and there is much poverty too, for Scotland is poor, very poor; and in Edinburgh the poor can scarce find employ. "After u look at my valise, which I had not seen for many days, and which I therefore hailed as an old friend, and ci change of dress for the better, I began to ramble about this interesting city. Well has it been called a city of palaces,' and well does it deserve the name. The new (own which holds the modern

houses, and which is. now the fash

ionable part, is beautiiuiiy.-j, n - if.. orrl 111 of StOne U IS JrS such regular blocks of buildings as are seen all oyer me United States, but a regular irregularity an ever-varying front that charms and never fatigues the eye. This house is in front that retreats, as in Regent's park, London. Here is a quadrangle mere a circle almost." The life of Washington, written in Latin by a schoolmaster on the banks of the Ohio, and destined, as it undoubtedly is, if executed in the style represented, to contribute beyond all that has ever been written to diffuse over the world a knowledge ot what he was and what he did, is a literary phenomenon in these times. The use of Latin, as a common medium for the learning of all nations, has been within a short period abandoned, and prolessional men and savatis who de sire to embrace the widest circle of study are now obliged to make acquaintance with several living languages instead of one dead one. Proficiency m Latin is tnereiore nrobablv not so great as it was a hundred years ago. Nevertheless, the class of persons who studied it then continue to do so still: and as tho numbers of that class have greatly increased, the readers of such a work as mat auove namtu will be at least as numerous as of any work ever written in Latin expressly for their benefit. The author is a Mr. Glass, formerly and for many years resident near Philadelphia, "whence he emigrated to the west, where, while engaged under the roof ota log cabin in teaching the simplest rudiments of grammar and arithmetic, he devoted himself with the fine enthusiasm of a scholar, and a noble ambition, to the task of embodying in the language of Tacitus the deeds and character of him who transcends in greatness all whom theRoman historians and poets have celebrated. A New York editor, who speaks with the confidence ofa competent judge, describes his Latin as having been "seldom equaled by the best modern scholars." The work is posthumous, and is edited by a friend of the writer, Mr. Reynolds, author of the account of the Potomac's cruise, who describes Mr. Glass as a man of rare talents and acquirements, and a thorough master of the Latin language.- -lsal timorc American. Drs. T.M. Currey, M. Herndon AVE associated together in the ,prac tice of medicine, surgery, &c; their shop is two doors east of m. Binford s store in the town of Crawfordsville, where they may be found except when absent on profes sional business. They hope by dilligent and unremitted attention to the duties ol then profession to merit and receive a portion of public patronnge. Sept. 1,1835. 15 3m FARM FOR SALE. JTfYHE subscriber offers for sale his farm, LI four miles north of Crawfordsville, on the state road leading to Delphi, which con sists of 1G0 acres of land 50 acres in a good state of cultivation a comfortable hewed log house and stable, with a well convenient to the house. For terms apply to tlie subscri ber on the premises. RAxrii Wheeler. Aug. 31, 1835. 15 -f?p C. GREGORY & CO. take this mt-thod of informing their friends who are in arrears with them, whose notes and accounts arc now due. that they must be paid soon . TST. B. Apology We owe money that must be paid, and we have not the "rino" wherewith lo do it without making collections of our friends. R. C. G. & CO. August 5, 1835. 11 IMPROVED LAND FOR SALE. Ti ff&ffh Acres of ,and (8 mi,es N E 11 vlPVU from Crawfordsville, on the Frankfort road,)on which is a small improve ment, a comfortable dwelling house, and a WELZ, OF WATER convenient to the door, offered for sale on ac commodating terms. Lnquire of the subscriber in Crawfordsville DAVID CLARK. '' June 12, 1835. c 'dTlfh BUSHELS of OATS wanted on subscription, fnr tl,n second, third or fourth volume of thcREUliU. want some vcrv mm-h.

BOOKS

AND STATIONARY. TT &, A. S. THOMSON,grateful for that patronage which has enabled them to maintain their enterprise, would still solicit public attention, hoping that they will bo better able than formerly to supply the wants, and answer the expectations of an enlightened community. They still have on hand, and purpose to keep up and increase, an assortment of the latest and best works on Theolooy, Law, Medicine, Arts and Sciences with Greek and Latin Classics, Histories, School Books, and a variety of Miscellaneous works, new and interesting. They have also a good assortment of stationary Ink, wrapping paper, writing and lelter paper of different kinds, &c all of which they will sell as low as they can be obtained any where in the Wabash country. (7-Those whose accounts are due, are respeetfully requested to settle them as soon as possible. Crawfordsvillc, June 12th, 1835, 6tf NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC. Fellow-Citizes : The statements fteretofore given in the several newspapers, of the revolving lever press and scale, constructed by me, and my intention of appropriating the benefits arising therefrom to the support of public schools, is strengthened by further reflection on the subject. Satisfied as I am, and with the opinions of several others, there is an advantage to be derived, and having made several other improvements, I teel it my duty to lay them before the public; believing, that if properly applied, may prove a blessing to future generations. I therefore purpose presenting o the proper authorities ofeaePj and every country within the United States and Territories, three-fourths of all the benefits arising from the following stated improvements, to be applied in the following manner, via: to the support of public schools, indigent females, and needy orphan children. As a tr.inute description of each improvement wilL be too lengthy for a newspaper circulation, I purpose giving to the proper authorities of each and every county, when called for, a printed description with a drawing of each. Suffice it at present to say, the revolving lever embraces the principle and power of action, produced by the wedge and screw the power is given from the center, by a gentle circular motion, increased by a leverage and weight and when worked from a point or center, the power is incalculable. Tlie revolving lever II have applied in various forms and to various purposes. 'The model , now at the Mechanics' Insti title, in Cincinnati, Ohio, for public inspection, is what 1 term a single press or stand, and will serve for pressing oil, cotton, tobacco, dry goods, flour, lard, cheese, &c. Tho impression on coin, and the seals of the several public offices, can be made with tho greatest precision and uniformity. When this press is properly regulated, the impression will be the same every revolution. In common the wheel is not required to perform a full revolution, unless the piston is to be driven out its whole length, and then it may bo done to great advantage on elastic substances, for it moves very quick. As the substances becomes condensed, the pow er can be given from a point or center at any moment. I intend to show the revolving lever used to ad vantage in sawing, morticing, and pumping. Mills of various kinds can be constructed on small streams ; and -with the advantage of revolving lever-pumps, the water can be return ed, and only lost by leakage, absorption or evaporation. A press I am at present construct ing, works twelve pistons, andean be used to great advantage, particularly in pressing ekistic substances. Twelve bales can be pressed atone and the same time, and will be found worthy the attention of the cotton planter. A press for moulding and mating brick, with the mill attached for tempering the clay, is so constructed as to pump water, fill the moulds, raise the valves, and cast off twelve brick fit for the kiln every revolution. The counter scale now before the public for inspection, is plainly constructed; whenr regulated to a certain amount the weight is not required to move, the pointer or hand shows the amount (of the article weighed) on the index. The dilference between the counter scale and the press scale, is, that tho weight of one is stationary on the beam of one and slides on the other. Each can be regulated to weigh to any amount, with the great est precision. Should my fellow-citizens in noticing the foregoing statement, deem it worthy their at tention, and be willing to assist in bringing,' the benefits and advantages (which may befderived lherefrom) to the points and objects stated, 1 shall with pleasure receive and attend to any communication from a respotable source, on the subject: And remain, with sincerity, theirs, &c. CHARLES LESUER. Cincinnati, April 18, 1835, (rEditor3 of newspapers', publishers of periodicals, and printers engaged in the several offices, who vyill take an interest in publishing ahd circulating the feregoing stalemerit, from time to time, for tho term of twe ve months (so that the proper authorities ol the several respective counties may be notified of the same)shall bo entitledto an individual "gin n all the aforementioned and stated improvements, and bv rnmnlvmfr whh tUn. ibove requests, much ohlitra llioir fWnrl nnrl rellow-citizen. F.lIlJfl FOR tPf1fTfa ACRES-ten miles north o QiiUPUV Crawfordsville, on the Lafayette road on which arc 150 acres under fence, and eighty acres in a good stale of cultivation; and a comfortable lorr houe For terms apply to George Miller.Crawfordsvillc, August 10, 18,5, D VANG,r