FOREST AND STREAM 
307 
I have a very dear old friend who does’nt live a thousand 
miles from Philadelphia, and whose gentlemanly qualities 
are only excelled by his skill in angling. This friend usually 
remarks upon whatever I put pen to that “it is found in 
Bethune’s edition of Walton,” or else that “it has no point,” 
I think I see him now with his spectacles and briarwood, 
as well as broad brimmed hat to shade his eyes, busily 
overhauling Bethune to find this about spiders. 
Apropos of spiders—in ransacking everything I could lay 
hands on to learn all possible about spiders, I stumbled 
upon these reported facts, which I greatly condense, hoping 
to amuse and not weary the readers of Forest and Stream. 
Quadremer Disjomval having taken part with the Dutch 
Patriots when they revolted against the stadtliolder, was 
taken by the Duke of Brunswick, tried and condemned to 
(wenty-five years imprisonment in the dungeon at Utrecht, 
served him right for having such a name). Having a great 
liking for pets and fondness for natural history he "soon 
began carefully watching the habits of the spiders which 
were his only companions. He soon remarked that invari¬ 
ably upon the approach of a storm the spider withdrew 
from his cell. A violent neuralgic pain upon one side of 
liis head had called his attention to this action of the 
spiders and the changes of the weather, and he soon found 
that the pain in the head and the withdrawal of the spiders 
was invariably followed by very severe weather. As the 
spiders returned to their webs, so did pains leave him gradu¬ 
ally until fine weather returned. Farther and more care¬ 
ful observation convinced him that spiders were in the 
highest degree sensitive to the approaching changes of the 
atmosphere, and he concluded that their general habits 
w T ere so intimately connected with these changes as to 
make them, of all things, best fitted to announce the ap¬ 
proach of severe weather. So carefully and accurately did 
Disjomval pursue his inquiries that by remarking the habits 
of his spiders he could announce severe weather from ten 
to fourteen days before its approach. 
In December 1794, the troops of the French Republic 
were invading Holland and pushing over the ice, when a 
sudden thaw threatened the destruction of the army unless 
instantly withdrawn. The French Generals were about to 
accept a sum offered by the Dutch and withdraw then- 
troops. Disjornyal thinking that their success would 
result in his release, after desperate efforts finally got a 
letter to the French General in command in January 1795, 
in which he assured him that from the never falling signs 
of spiders he could positively announce that within four¬ 
teen days the weather would be so cold as to make the 
French masters of all the rivers and enable them to com¬ 
plete the conquest they had commenced. • The French 
commander believed it and delayed*tlie withdrawal of his 
troops, although apparent ruin was staring them in the 
face. In twelve days the cold weather came in such in¬ 
tensity that the ice on the rivers and canals would bear 
the heaviest artillery. January 28th, 1795, the French 
entered Utrecht and rewarded Disjomval by a release from 
his dungeon. The French army did delay its withdrawal 
against all seeming reason. The weather did .become so 
cold as to allow of moving the heaviest artillery upon the 
ice, and Disjomval was immediately released. These are 
historic facts; how much the spiders have to do with it, 
the leader’s own credulity must determine. This is notin 
Bethune. A. G. W. 
For Forest and Stream. 
TWENTY YEARS AGO. 
1SJ EARLY a score of years ago, while the deer were yet 
x ^ plenty in the southern part of Wisconsin, the adven¬ 
ture which I am about to relate, happened to one of my 
friends. At that time quite a number of dwellings had 
been erected on the north side of Buffalo Lake,in Marquette 
County, and the place was known by the name of Roxo. 
Deer were then so common that venison was considered no 
rarity, as they ran through the woods in incredible num¬ 
bers. Late in the autumn, one afternoon, a number of 
men were standing on the margin of this lake engaged in 
conversation when a fine buck was seen leaping through 
the underbrush close at hand, and in an instant he had 
plunged into the lake with the evident intention of swim¬ 
ming across, as he headed directly for the opposite shore. 
The lake at this point was about half a mile in width, and 
before the deer had reached one-fourth that distance one 
of the men sprang into a canoe, which lay upon the beach, 
and was soon gaining rapidly on the noble creature. Be¬ 
fore the deer had swam to the centre of the lake the canoe 
was before him and impeded his farther progress, so that by 
suudry splashes of the paddle and waving of the hands, the 
buck was induced to return toward the shore from which 
he started. This was exactly what was wanted, and the 
only man on the shore who possessed a weapon, (an Allen 
six shooter, commonly known as 1 a “pepper box,”) made 
ready to give a warm welcome to the deer. The first shot, 
which was fired at a distance of ten rods, did not seem to 
take any effect, but as he approached closer each -ball was 
planted in his body, without, however, hitting him fatally, 
ttthil he staggered upon the shore and was laid low by a 
well directed shot between the eyes. One of the group im¬ 
mediately sprang forward, knife in hand, to cut his throat, 
but no sooner had he stooped to despatch him, when the 
buck, by a quick movement of his feet, sent the knife spin¬ 
ning into the water some distance away, and the man him¬ 
self dashed violently into the same element, which pro¬ 
ceeding quite cooled the ardor of our friend, who appeared 
very willing that some other person should give the coup 
w grace, as his experience in that line had proved so un¬ 
satisfactory. The buck was by this time placed hors de 
i?!’ a ud when carried through the street the story of 
tne ‘ducking” was related, much to the Amusement of the 
nlagers aud the discomfiture of the victim. 
, r . Fred. Pond. 
Marquette County , Wisconsin. 
Indian Self-Sacrifige. —Six weeks ago, says the San 
ancisco Bulletin , seven male Indians and a young Indian 
Oman started to cross Clear Lake, near the northern end, 
a small boat, which was capsized three miles from land, 
ney righted it, but as the lake was rough they could not 
au it out, and while full of water it would not support 
on°u tllari ° ne P ersoa - The men put the girl in and held 
mi Ul ® e . d S es of the boat, supporting themselves by swim- 
mg till exhausted and chilled through by the cold water, 
sh a n ^ ro PPi n g off and sinking one by one. They 
lowed no thought of disputing the young woman’s ex- 
aa -I e right to the boat. She was saved by their self- 
sacrifice. 
Thig ig a kind of gallantry not usual with Indians. 
JPd? ^jforsq m\d the (fomm. 
Jerome Park Races. —On Thursday last there was 
great disappointment, caused*by the announcement that of 
five races on the programme but two would take place. 
The reasons for the withdrawal of several horses, was 
stated to be, dissatisfaction caused by some complication 
of the rules, which overloaded certain horses. Three races, 
however, took place. 
The First Race —Was for a purse of $500 for maiden three- 
year-olds. Only one horse entered, Kadi, who walked over 
the course. 
Second Race —Purse of $700 for three-year-old colts, 
three quarters of a mile; another walk over, by Whisper. 
Third Race —For a purse of $600 for three-year-old fillies. 
Two horses, Vandalite and Christine contending. Vanda- 
lite winning easy by a half dozen lengths. Distance one 
and a quarter miles" Time 2:17. 
The Fourth Race — A Handicap Steeple Chase —Two and 
a half miles. Tammany, Bullet. Blind Tom, Electric and 
Henrietta entering. Won cleverly by Bullet in the very 
nick of time, through .Midgely’s clever horsemanship. 
Time—4:26. 
—On Saturday, the last day of the spring meeting at 
Jerome Park, took place, and was the most successful of 
the season. 
The first race was a dash of a half mile, for two-year-olds, 
with certain allowances. Willie Burke, Calvin Weasel, 
Littel Victorious and Ino starting. Won by Willie Burke, 
in a canter in 5R. The mile dash for three-year-olds fol¬ 
lowed. The following horses started:—Reform, Macca- 
rooji, Sangamonia, Attela, Henry Felter, Scratch, Aus¬ 
tralian Filly and Erastus Corning. Won by Attela, which 
was a surprise, in 1:44^-. Attela comes from Mr. P. Lord- 
lard’s stables. The third race was a handicap of one and 
an eighth miles Horses starting. Artist, Fadladeen, Min¬ 
nine Mac, Buckden and Minstrel. Won by Fadladeen by 
a length, in 1:57L. The fourth race was a free handicap 
sweepstakes one mile and five eights, with two entries; 
Springbock and Lizzie Lucas; won by the former in a hand 
gallop in 2:53. The two and a half mile race to conclude 
the meeting, was the most exciting, and drew the greatest 
attention. The following horses started: Katie Pease, 
Shylock, Village Blacksmith, Merodac and Fellowcraft. 
Won by Katie Pease in 4:35^. The straggle for the finish 
was a magnificent one and only won by Kate in the last 
few strides, all the other horses being in close attendance, 
save Village Blacksmith. 
The finish for the day was a neat brush for three quarters 
of a mile, between James A. and Hyder Ali, both two- 
year-olds. Won by James A. in 1:19. On the 18tli the 
Ascot races were won by Sir R. Bulkeley’s Leonilus, and 
the Biennial stakes by Mr. J. Johnstone’s Tipster, and the 
gold cup by Mr. Delamere’s Boiard. 
—On Monday last, the Purse Ho. 3 of $500 for horses 
that, had not beaten 2:29, mile heats, best three in five. 
Four horses started, won by Tanner Boy. Time—2:31, 
2:32, 2:38L For the Fourth Purse, for horses that had not 
beaten 2:34, four horses started, best three in five, won by 
Carrie. Time—2:34, 2:33£, 2:334. Third race, mile heat, 
best three in five. Brown George beat Jake. Time—2:40, 
2:40, 2:42i. 
—On Friday the trotting meeting ofi the Fleetwood Park 
races drew a numerous attendance. The first race for 
$1,000 was for 2:25 horses, best three in five, under har¬ 
ness. Bruno, Crown Prince, Joker, and Barney Kelly en¬ 
tering. Won by Bruno. Time—2:24£, 2:22J, 2:25,2:26, 
2:25f. On the same day a three mile heat was won by 
Tremble. Time—2:40, 2:37, 2:361-. 
On Tuesday there were two trotting races at Fleetwood. 
For the first, mile heats, there were two entries—Goldsmith 
Maid and Judge Fullerton. Purse, $3,500, free for all. 
Won by the Maid, in 2:26, 2:27-£, 2:23. For the second 
race there were ten entries. Purse $500 for horses that had 
never beaten 2:31. TannerBoy won. Time, 2:29L 2:27,2:31. 
—At Prospect Park on Monday" for a sweepstakes, best 
three in wagons. Three horses started, Eastern Boy win¬ 
ning in 2:45L 2:46, and 2:43f. On the same day mile heats 
in wagons, Vulture beat Capt. George. Time—2.50, 2:51, 
2:47f. 
—At the Hudson County Fair Ground (N. J.) Associaiton 
on Thursday, two good trotting races took place. The 
first was for three minute horses, best three in five, in har¬ 
ness, mile heats, won by Adeline. R. Time—2:45, 2:45, 
2:43i. 
Second Race —For 2:45-^- horses, mile heats, best three in 
five in harness, won by Phil. O’Neil. Time—2:44L2:42L 
2:45£, 2:46£. 
—The Monmouth Park A ssociation will begin their an¬ 
nual meeting on July 4th. There will be a grand steeple 
chase and the Jersey Derby. On the 7th of July the Hope¬ 
ful stakes and the Monmouth cup will be run. for. On the 
14th of July the second meeting begins, continuing on 
Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. "The Saratogo meet¬ 
ings commence on July 25th, and continue up to the 20th 
of August. 
—At Utica, at the Utica Park Association the second , 
annual running meeting take place on the 24th, 25th and v 
26tli of this month. The following races were announed 
for Wednesday 24th:— 
No. 1. The Oneida Stakes , for three-year-olds, mile heats, 
to carry one hundred pounds. Fillies and geldings allowed 
three pounds. Closed January 31, with eleven nomina¬ 
tions. 
No. 2. Citizens' Handicap Stakes) for all ages. Two 
miles.- Closed June 4, with eight nominations. 
No. 3. Hurdle Race , welter weights. Two miles, over 
eight hurdles. Closed June 15, with thirteen nominations. 
Thursday. — No. 4. The Ladies' Stakes, for two-year-olds. 
One mile. Closed January 31, with thirteen nominations. 
No. 5. Utica Club Purse. One and a half miles, for all 
ages, closed June 15, with thirteen nominations. 
No. 6. Hotel Purse. Mile heats, for all ages. Entries 
closed June 18, with eleven nominations. 
Friday. — No. 7. The President's Purse. Mile heats, for 
all ages. Closed June 15, with thirteen nominations. 
No. 8. Consolation Purse, $400. One mile and a quarter, 
fur all horses which have run and not won first money 
during the meeting. 
Third Race. — No. 9. Grand International Steeple-Chase 
Handicap , about three miles, over a fair hunting course, 
weights, to appear at 12 o’clock noon the second day of 
the meeting; entries to close June 15. 
Stewards —E. Z. Wright, C. W. Hutchinson, A. M. 
Osgood, T. R. Proctor, I. C. McIntosh. President, Erastus 
Z. Wright, Treasurer, Alexander Buell; Secretary, E. B. 
Graham. 
New Dorp, June 20, 1874. 
Editor Forest and Stream:— 
Enclosed find account of two very interesting trotting events, which 
took place on the Richmond Club Grounds to-day. Purse, $125, best, 
three in five to harness, f mile heats. 
Uncle Bill.12 2 2 
Pauline.2 1 1 1 
New Dorp.3 3 3 8 
Time—2:4}; 2:1; 2:41; 2:31- 
match $3,000. 
P. Duryea’s Red Hot.2 2 10 2 
J. Goff, LaDy Woods.1 12 0 1 
The fourth heat being declared dead’ Time, 1:55}; 1:57; 2:}; 1:57; 1:55. 
W. A. G. 
—General Custer in his last artiole in The Galaxy tells 
of his experience in horse eating. He says:— 
“We moved only a few miles, but even this short dis¬ 
tance was sufficient to demonstrate how weak and famished 
our horses had become, one of them dying from starvation 
before we reached camp, the first day of our return march. 
This circumstance, however, was turned to our advantage. 
Much has been said and written in praise of the savoriness 
of horse flesh as a diet. Our necessities compelled us to 
put this question to practical test, and the animal had 
scarcely fallen, unable to rise again, when it was decided to 
prepare his carcass for food. That evening the men treated 
themselves to a bountiful rejpast made up of roasts, steaks, 
and broils, all from the flesh of the poor animal, whose 
death was attributable to starvation alone. Judging, how¬ 
ever, from the jolly laughter which rang through camp at 
supper time, the introduction of this new article of diet 
met with a cordial reception. 
CORNS IN HORSES. 
A MONG the many trials of the horse-keeper, there is no 
more common and persistent annoyance, than the 
disease called “Corns.” 
The teim itself is an improper one, because the difficulty 
which it is meant to describe, bears no possible analogy to 
the callous growth in the human foot called by that name. 
It may he truly said that in both man and brute, the 
cause of the defect is in the shoeing; and there all compari¬ 
son ends. 
Most all horses condemned to city life, and to the ignor¬ 
ant care of grooms, and their confederates, the equally un¬ 
reasoning shoers, are afflicted with corns. 
It is a disease of which there is no outward visible sign, 
except in the action of the horse. 
It is concealed, by the shoe that causes it. Even when 
the shoe is removed, the corn may not be noticed, because 
the long, hard horn of the heels, which should always in a 
well shod horse he carefully pared away so that it may 
always be lower than the frog, covers the inflamed spot, 
known as a corn. 
The manifestation on the part of the horse, is, however, 
constant. In had cases he is lame in action; but as lame¬ 
ness may be caused by other injuries, it is not a decisive 
symptom. But when a horse occasionally shrinks as from 
a sudden twinge of pain when moving, and when he stands 
uneasily upon his fore feet, frequently shifting his bearing 
and keeping one hoof well out before him, it is safe to ex¬ 
amine for corns. This uneasiness in standing may be 
noticed in many of the finest private carriage horses seen on 
the streets; it is less noticed in the better class of livery 
horses because their owners are generally too shrewd to 
allow ignorant smiths to ruin their property. 
If a horse is supposed to have a corn let the shoe be re¬ 
moved; the inside quarter of one, or both fore feet, upon 
being pared, will .show a streaked, inflamed appearance. 
The horn will be softer, and more spongy than other por¬ 
tions of the hoof. In bad, or long neglected cases, if you 
follow the corn with the knife you will come to suppura¬ 
tion. In all such cases one invariable condition is found, 
the horse stands upon a thick, heeled shoe, and the frog of 
the hoof cannot reach the ground. 
The whole weight of the horse, rests, not upon its 
natural, elastic support, but upon long horny heels, and 
iron. This condition is a violation of natural laws, aud a 
’ corn is lhe first, and most easily managed consequence. 
The smith, whose ignorance of the anatomy of the organ he 
has disabled, is the sole cause of the trouble, “cuts out the 
corn,” and attributes the difficulty to “weak feet,” hard 
pavements, or gives any excuse he thinks may answer for 
the moment; and puts on perhaps, a “bar shoe.” He can¬ 
not tell why he puts on the bar-shoe, but he knows that it 
will give a temporary reliet, and the relief is in this wise. 
The bar must rest upon the frog, and the heels be cut away, 
to allow it to do so. This by a clumsy contrivance of heavy 
iron, is getting a part of the relief that nature demands. 
The true relief is in such a system of shoeing as will pre¬ 
serve the natural action of the foot. The natural action is 
with a low heel, to have the frog of the foot strike full upon 
the ground and press upward against the downward action 
*of the coffin bone; just as a spring acts when a weight is 
^thrown upon it. The horse’s hoof is simply a boot; inside 
of it is the true foot. The frog is the only part of the hoof 
that has a nervous connection with the living tissue inside 
the horn. Just above the frog is the sensible frog, and on 
this rests the coffin hone. This vascular hone is connected 
with the hoof, by elastic laminae and moves in the hoof, by 
the action of the horse, having its natural rest upon the 
frog. If the horse stands upon a rim of iron, the center of 
the foot is unsupported; the points of pressure are under 
each “wing” of the coffin bone. From lack of action the 
frog dries up and loses its function; the sensible frog sym¬ 
pathizes in this condition. Circulation and secretion are 
lessened. There is more or less fever, probably not per¬ 
ceived by the groom; or if perceived, he “stuffs the feet;" 
inflammation begins at the points of pressure under the 
wings of the coffi n bone, and the horse has a corn. 
The cure of this defect is obvious when the cause is 
stated; it is to shoe so that the horse will invariably stand 
upon his frog; this must be secured by the use of a shoe 
that will admit of no other bearing and the method known 
among horse men as the Good-enough System ,—Animal 
Kingdom. 
—The Atlanta and Y r ale boat race has been postponed, 
until after the Saratoga regatta. 
