Southern world : journal of industry for the farm, home and workshop. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1882-18??, June 15, 1882, Image 12

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1ft M World, jun^ is, 1882. @u r L §omtg jgolhB. Written specially for tin* Southern World. The Insert Assassin. BY R. K. H. It has often t>een observed that among an imals and insects arc found the similitudes of human passions, tliouglits, actions—the gentle housewife in the brooding dove; the selfish tyrant in the mastering beast. I once watched a poor little worm as he crept nearer and nearer to the cunningly disposed web of a spider. This artful insect lay hidden in his hole, like the assassin in ambush, watching his unconscious victim slowly approach the snare. A moment—and the worm lay struggling in a vain attempt to disengage himself from the clinging web- then the spider sprang upon the poor strug gle^ seized him by the head, shook him with all Ids might, and retired to his hole again. The struggles of the worm were now frantic, and seemed to be as much the effect of pain as a desire to escape. The spidcragain sprang upon him, seized and shook him, and aguin retired. After the third repetition of this torture the little worm lay still—I examined him; jie was perfectly dead. Tlio spider was, of course, only providing himself with food in a perfectly natural way; but his apparent cruelty, and stealthy cun ning were suggestive of the assassin. It is the female spider who spins the web, and, I expect, catches most of the prov ender; she only lets the male spider stay with her to keep her from being lonesome, nnd when she is tired of hint, or provisions are scarce,—one, two, three, presto! she ents him up. It is a singular fact, too, that a spider can only spin her web a certain number of times, which, though often computed, must cer tainly differ with the different species. If the lost web be destroyed by storm without or broom within, Madam Spider sets out on ntourof conquest, to win for herself a home. She challenges some other spider to “ tome out and square yourself,” as little Joe says, and then a pitched battle takes place, and the victor takes the web. Once, while gathering Dowers, I came across a most brilliant specimen of garden spider, whose large, bright-green body had markings of gold, red, and yellow. I placed this showy insect in a toy china castle with tur rets and roof forming a lid. Next morning 1 went to examine my captive, when, loI she had dwindled away to half her size, lost all her coloring, and was clutching a large bundle of eggs enveloped in a white, webby cose which she had suspended from the roof of the castle. 1 immediately commenced feeding tier on flies, and it was amusing to see the avidity with which she devoured them, leaving nothing but u small heap of wings and legs in the bottom of her dwell ing. This lasted some time, and my spider throve finely until one unlucky day I left home, giving my remarkable pet in charge of a most forgetful brother, who, with the bqet intentions in the world, let my poor little protege starve to death. In striking contrast to this innocent insect- mother is the deadly Tarantula, one of the lurgest of spiders, which infests Mexico, and is found os fur north as central Louisiana nnd Texas. There is an Indian legend of a maiden who so mourned the death of her lover that she placed in her bosom a Tarantula, and was thus enabled to join her young brave in the happy Hunting Qround. This is only one of the many legends and fables regard ing this frightful-looking spider with its great hairy body and legs—among them might be mentioned the fabulous disease called Tarantism, supposed to be caused by its bite, and thought incapable of cure ex cept by long dnneing to appropriate music. The Kastern Hemisphere produces the Kutips, a murderous spider which builds a subterranean nest in the sands of the sea shore, nnd so fatal is its bite, it has been known to cause death in forty minutes. In deed, the poor people who gather wood drifted in by the tide often fall victims to its venom. Some years ago an entomologist discovered the Katips on the shore of New York harbor. It was thought to have been brought ovor in a vessel—a most disagreeable occupant certainly. Mauy of my little readers have, doubtless, often noticed the spider common to our Southern States, whose thick, horny body so resembles the shell of a turtle as to have given it the popular name of Turtle Spider, This little spider generally spreads its web between the branches qf a tree, and of all the garden spiders its home is most tastefully constructed. Its web is almost always round, and connected with the branches by a series of star-like points which are joined together at the center of the web, and tufted at regu lar intervals, giving it the appearance of being strung with beads. The insect then commences at some distance from the center of its web, and no longer tufting its lines, spins round from one point to another, always approaching the center, which, when it has reached, there quietly rests from its labors, and waits, suspended in mid-air for any chance luck that may fall to its share. A block beetle was once observed to have become entangled in the web of one of these interesting little spiders, who finding the hard shell of the beetle resisted all its attacks seized the web in its claws as one would hold n cloth, nnd shook the unwel come intruder to the ground. The spiders in Japan weave their webs across the telegraph poles so thickly as to impede the messages passing over the wires, and men have to be constantly employed in sweeping them away. AH things in the world are said to be of some use, either one way or another, although I know my little readers will agree with me that it is difficult to see of what use noxious insects can be; but almost any young student of history will remember that upon one occasion, at least, the spider played a most important part: When Scotland’s defender, the great Robert IJruce, noting the perseverance with which a spider, in spite of repeated failures, persisted in weaving a line of its web from one place to another, took courage and made thegallant attempt which freed Scotland and won for himself a crown. There is another instance of which I will tell you, although it has a very sad ending: A prisoner of state once placed in solitary confinement, having no human being to whom lie could speak, and nothing to interest him, found amusement in training n spider which had woven its web in his cell. This little creature became so tame it would come to him when he called it by name, and performed many interesting tricks. The prisoner, one day exhibited his little pet before the jailer who, being a monster of cruelty, placed his foot upon the spider, thus crushing to death the unhappy cap tive's only friend. Tiie spider, like the ant, has always been a model for industry and perseverance—thus Solomon, that most ancient of entomologists, places among the ‘‘four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceed ingly wise”—“the spider” who “ taketh hold with her hands, and is in king’s palaces.” Written specially tor theSouthern World. Every Hoy nn Artist—Every Mind n , ('till VHN. Among the many quaint legends of old that are so fascinating from their very wierdness is one of an old castle, in which was a picture gallery, that possesed a strange and wonderful power over all who desired gaze upon its treasures of art. In order to view these wonderful pictures, a crown of leaves was placed upon the head and im mediately, what hnd been to him a bare wall, became a living panorama. Picture after picture passed before his vision of scenes and events associated with the old castle nnd its dwellers. As he looked his eyes would become tired and brain weary, but withul, he hud no desire to remove the crown through whose virtue these scenes of real life were so vividly pictured. With avidity he drank in tiie scenes of mirth and high carnival with which the old house had resounded, turning only to read that amidst it all, dark and bloody tragedies had left their impress, never to be wiped out. Again, he sees the innocent child, the impulsive youth, the wayward son, and a blasted life. Is it possible that here too he must read of confidence misplaced, hopes crushed, and hearts broken ? but true it is. Is it any wonder that at such scenes, he at times would feign lay uside the crown which we call memory. But amidst all this dark ness beautiful and rare gems shine forth, as the golden rays of the sun break through a rift in the clouds, giving brightness and warmth to many a dark recess, and he clings to memorie’s crown as as atisfying pleasure. To the boy or girl whose imagination carries him back to tiie old castle, to wander through this enchanted hall, and test the virtues of such a wonderful crown, I would say.in reality you have a picture gallery of your own, whose walls are being filled day by day,with the impressionsof yourown life. As time rolls on and you wear the crown, whose leaves are the words, scenes or acts, which bring to mind certain events in the pnthway of life, will they recall moments of victory in the hour of temptation? Ad herence to duty, even though sin should allure with the voice of angels, and strew the path to the pit with the flowers of Para dise ? If tuck pictures are upon the walls of your gallery, then indeed you will be loth today aside the crown that reveals so much Brightness, joy and peace, for doing right under all circumstances never fails to bring rest and happiness. Keep your heart pure and Oodwill keep you in the dark niglit of temp tation, under the shadow of which so many fall, the remembrance of which embitter the best hours of life, and fill the lost only with remorse. You do not want the walls of your gallery to be filled with such views. Then avoid the pitfalls of sin that are covered with flowers; heed the warning of those who themselves have been delivered from these snares. In the hour of temptation, “hove the courage to say no, however fascinating the form nnd winning the address with which you are enticed. Be sure the voice which persuades you to lower your standard of duty is not the voice of a friend,” but of that dark and subtle enemy who delights in robbing memory of its rightful pleasures, by beguiling you from the path of “ Honest love, honest sorrow, honest work for the day, honest hope for the morrow.” M. B. B. “Good Luck" cannot be depended upon to always keep you out of accidents and disas ters. “Good Luck” will not prevent trains from running off the track, stcambont boil ers from bursting, machinery from man gling, horses from running and all the other startling and dreadful things that lay people on their backs for weeks at a time, if they haply escape with their lives. And how of ten the*bruises are rendered more painful, the cuts more feverish, nnd the sprains and fractures unendurable and tiie bed of conve nience a rock of torture to him who lias earned his living and that of his wife nnd children by daily effort, by personal supervi sion of his business affairs. But to him who receives, during such enforced inactivity, his $25 or $30 per week, honestly provided for in a business way, the season of involun tary vacation may be peacefully if not mildly enjoyable. Any person over eighteen and under sixty years of age of sound mind and body and of temperate habits, can by writ ing an application and investing four dol lars, insure himself a comfortable pension should he be accidentally injured. And all business men, clerical and manual laborers are liable every day to such injury. There were 10,000 members in the United States Mutual Accident Association of the city of New York, at the beginning of the year; its incorporators and officers are the most staunch and honorable business men in this city and they provide to members indemni ty against accidents which cause death or wholly disabling injury. A $5000 accident insurance, a $25 weekly indemnity at an annual cost of ten dollars, is a statement that surprises men who are paying hundreds of dollars annually to other companies fora life policy alone. Do not delay to take a bond of fortune, to secure your family from distress with reference to future contingen cies, and apply, immediately, for membership in the oldest, strongest, largest and best ac cident association. jjvjju ci o mm iperio: i! liberally with responsible Ice generous discounts (or cash. We readers of this paper who write to us and buy direct. Address ItOIlIXKOX A- CO., Itlclimoncl, Inti. Mention Southern World. HULL VAPOR GOOK STOVE. The Pioneer and only Vapor Cook Stovo that has stood the teat of jrcati and BIT- cn entire nnd .’action. Over 75,000 ..... bun, New Patent Bull ovkn lor 1882. Patent removable a«d Interchangeable Jet Orifice, reml rl «r our burner* liu!e*iruolI- ble. New tine V«»l* * Hum* r on two New Stove*. New Safety Reservoir. For Summer n§© these Stores are indispensable. For terms to agents, price list and catalogue, address HULL VAPOR STOVE CO., Cleveland, 0. ANEW BREED! Send for Prim Elat. Descriptive and Illustrated circular of our beauttrul and unrivaled Cheshire Hwlne. W. «. SMITH A-CO., SlmiHlleltl, Ohio. Mention southern World when you write. VimCHASING AGENCY For every description of goods for Lathes or domic men. Artlclcssclectcdwfih taste ami Judgment, an< purchased at loweat rate*. Head for circular. Addrea Mute. KATE M. CANNON, , , P. O. llox 2000 Now York City. . Mention Southern World. THE FOLLOWING ACCIDENTAL LOSSES HAVE RECENTLY BEEN PAID BY THE UNITED STATES MUTUAL ACCIDENT ASSO CIATION, N0.409BR0AD- WAY, NEW YORK. EVANS G. WILEY, Bank Cashier, Urbann, Ohio, $5,000. REAMER F. COPELAND, Com. Traveler, Wnukc8hn,Wis., $5,000. HARRIS I. FELLOWS, Physician, Albany, N. Y., $5,000. Merchant, St. LouisJ Mo., $5,000. JAS, H, SLEDGE, Salesman, LaGrange, Ga., $5,000. $5,000 Insurance and $25 Weekly In demnity seenred nt nn niintinl cost of about $10, it hlcli In one-third of the rate or stock eoiii|>nnles. $10,000 Insurance nt corresponding rates. More titan 10,000 business men in New Y’ork City ami vicinity have policies in this company. More than 1,000 claims have been paid. All vnlld claims pnid nt sight. The Association has an assured income exceeding $100,000 per annum for the pay ment of losses. It lias no claims upon its books unpaid, and lias no debts. BWAItl) OF IHKECTORN: CHAS. n. PEET. of Rogers, Pcet * Co. WM. 11HINCKEltHOFF, of Wm. ItrlnekcrholTACo. E. E. PERRY, Treasurer. WILLIAM E. TEFFT.of Telit, Waller A Co. FERDINAND P. EAKI.E, of Earle's Hotel. DECATUR M. SAWYER, of Gowing, drew it Co. WM. into. SMITH, No. 2» Broadway, New York. E. H. PARKER, of Morohan Ceramic Company. WM. GIBSON, with Morriaon, Herrltnan A Vo. LEOPOLD WORMSElt, of Harlem and Westchester Clothing Company. JAM IS S. LEEDS, Nos. S and 7 Dey street, N. Y. OEOltOE C. CLARKE,of Tetn, Weller* Co. Write for Circular nnd Appllrntlon Itlnnk. Only two minutes’ time required to Insure. UNITED STATES MUTUAL ACCIDENT ASSOCIATION, NO. 409 BROADWAY, NEW YORK. C1IAN. n. PEET, Of Rogers, Pcet A Co., President. JAN. It. PITCHEIt, Nccrctnry. TIIE CELEBRATED A. P. DICKEY FANNING MILLS! Have no canal. They ^obtained the mills are made in nine nixes for farm and Capacity from feeding. They separate oats and f , le. ac., from wheat, barley or rye. They are xpecially adapted for cleaning, separating and grading timothy, clover, red-top, flax, etc,, and clean and separate three ~ ‘ *” alio i mill, get l Champion Vaneless HelMtcgulat- lng WIXimiLK*. If you want the Agency for the beet wind mill, Investigate the merlteof the Champion. Every mill fully warranted, and always gives sat isfaction. 20 yours* experience In the manufacture of pumps and \\l mini ills. Send for Catalogue. 1*0WELL & DOUGLAS, Waukegan, Illinois. FARM, FRUIT AND VEGETABLE DRYER FOR THE MILLIONS. Cullen & Newman, Of Knoxville, Tennessee, ofTcr GUNN’S PATENT FRUIT-DRYER. Perfect In construction, easily operated, attd Olioap onougli for _A.11. Pays for Itself In ten days—can he used as a bake- oven. Write to Cullen .4 Newman, Knoxville, Ten- nessoe, or J. B. Newman, Atlanta Georgia, fur de scriptive circular, or call and aee the Evaporator at either place. HOUTHDOWN NHEEP. CANNIITN M. CLAY, breeder of pure SOUTH- DOWN SHEEP, White Hall, Kentucky,