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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 3, 1905)
h September 8, 1905. THE OMAHA ILLUSTRATED DEE. j i I! Modern Agricultural Fair Its - - .. . I HiLV- ; v -1 - - - I TTOPSFB ON EXHIBITION AT TirE DALIA. Photo by Stall Artist. riCT Koinniio hutnrv nf thn nr. I ganlzatlon we term the agricul- A I (.ml fair rinton hack Into the eighteenth century, when the prl- mary purpose of the fair was the barter and sale of articles of merchandise fairs are found to have been almost ex- The next fair was held by the Columbian ure tne jocai agricultural school of the anshlp it has assumed in the exhibition, and farm products. Under this system of cluslvely In the Interest of the purchase Agricultural society for the promotion of eommuntty or county In which It Is or- care of agriculture and its kindred In observance and when the ordinary means and sale of live stock, both Improved breeds rural domestic economy at Georgetown, ganized; In the Introduction of the ele- terests and Industries, of communication between countries were and animals to be sold to the feeder to be D. C. This was held In 1810 and large prem- mentary principles and the study of agrl- $ very limited fairs were of great use In the exchange of commodities. In Europe they appear to nave originated In the rhurch festivals, which were found . . A ... . to afford convenient opportunities for com- merclal transactions, the attendance of nennla he nar aueh as tonic nlace unon no other occasion. Some of these festivals, from circumstances of place and season, speedily acquired a much greater commer cial Importance than others, and began, therefore, to be frequented by buyers and sellers even from remote parts of the world, Prlnces, magistrates and governing author!- ties of cities found It to their advantage to encourage them and many privileges were thus granted. At a later date, when the convenience for travel had Improved, when more popu lous towns had come Into existence, with their dealers In miscellaneous wares and other evidences of advancement in trade. the necessity for the ordinary class of lairs aeemed to have passed, and In many enses they degenerated into scenes of merriment. uch as was found at Bartholomew fair, London nons: since extinct), also Green- wlch fair. Glasgow fair and Donnybrook falr. near Dublin. The boisterous merrl- , ment of these fairs were of the old device, employed as most likely to attract a grester concourse of people, hence each fair had Entertaining Little Stories for Little People The Chickens' Napkin. OUR napkin, dear," reminded mamma gently. Bernice across the table, lifted her little bread-and-buttery face, and the tiniest of scowls traveled up and down between her eyes. Napkin were such a bother. She was always drop ping hers. "I wish there weren't any!" she mur mured, getting down from her high chair to pick hers up. "They always drop, an they get all mixed up when you fold 'em up." "When you don't fold them up," corrected Eurl laughing. Bernice turned her dainty, beloved little ring over and over thoughtfully In her small hands. v "Then I wish I was a chicken," she announced slowly. "Oh, chickens use napkins regularly at every meal," said papa. "Chickens!" The word came In an astonished chorus from all the children. "Why, of course. Did you think they haven't any manners at all? I can tell you Mother Biddy Is bringing them up better than that. Alter dinner you shall see. She . teaches them to use their napkins very l carefully." "Only Just one to them all? "Ye-es," papa said a little reluctantly, "only Just one; but then It's plenty large enough." The twinkles In papa's eyes were playing hide-and-seek. It's so large they share It with their rela , tliins, their aunts and cousins and uncles. " "Why, the Idea!" "Oh. my, I don't call that having good manners." cried Bernice scornfully. The children started out with papa to the chicken yard, but mamma had to call Bernice back again to fold her napkin. That happened very often. The chickens' meal was nearlv over hut . they watched them take the last few dainty gacln. "That's the dessert. They eat it slowly because they've eaten all their hungry up." exclaimed Esther. "Where's their napklnH? I don't see any," Bernice exclaimed In disappointment. "Wait," said papa. "Now watch!" he said a minute later, as the downy little fellows finished their lust crumbs. They walked away a few steps, and then every single one of them wlp.'d )i!s bill thls-a-way, that-a-way, very care fullyon the grass. "Oh!" "O-oh!" "Oh. my!" "Well." Bernice added triumphantly, "they didn't fold It up. papa." Papa laughed; "but little girl, must And that', the difference between chicken, ana little girls." Selected. Greedy Toss. Tommy was given a nice piece of plum rake by his mother, who said. "Give some to your .later, Tom." But greedy Tom went away td the barn and climbed lnto the haymow .to eat the treat himself, re lates the Brooklyn Citizen.. 'There Isn't enough for me and Lucy, too," he said. A. he was thinking how good It would taste he fell fast asleep. A rooster came pecking near him, spied the cake and quickly made away with It while To.n alent on. 'When be awoke no cake was In hi. hands, and he thought he had eaten It, but then remembered he had not. finally, there In the corner, he discovered the old rooster swallowing the last morsel of the cake. Tom ran at him. The rooster hopped to the ground and Tom after him. The rooster icauipered out Into inSSOdll STATE FAm AT SE- lta annrt firs arnerl to be nest adamea TO ITS attendance, foot ball, wrestling, Jumping, sack races. soaDed Digs, wheelbarrow laces, etc . At a still later date many of the British iattenea ror tne Dutcner. . .u o...... First Step la I'nlted States. Ano "r"1 "leP luw otsiiimiiuu tha anennrnirlna and forwardlna- of azrl- the encouraging .nd tohtVTl cl,ty v 1 fnr th nrnmntlnn nf iiririilture in 1784 A MVttantllJw ? taT lBj-JL and South Carolina In 1792. At this time there - was but little conception of how such so cietles were to be operated. They repre- ented a new enterprise, both In this coun try and tn England, where at this date they were Just begun. The first proposi tion was to place the boards under govern ment management and assist them by government aid. Washington was greatly Interested In the subject and was a member of the Phila delphia society. He, John Qulncy Adams nd Thomas Jefferson were practical farm- r On a large scale. Arthur Young and Sir John Sinclair of England were active participants In agricultural organiaatton at this time and In matter of Information 'were esteemed authority. These gentlemen suggested the value of a national board fostered by government appropriation. Washington's Idea was the formation of smaller societies which, would be auxiliary the yard and Tom too. Here he was met by Lucy, who held In her hand a piece of plum cake. "Tom, Tom, stop a minute," she called. "Well, what Is it?" said Tom. "I want to give you a piece of my cake. Mamma gave It to me a minute ago and I want you to have some." Then was not greedy Tom ashamed of himself? Ah, yes, Indeed. Mistress Merry face. Little Mistress Merryface Dances down the way With a fairy's airy grace, Cheerful all the day. In the little songs she sings Sweet the note of gladness lings. Love looks from her eyes; Gentle, Joyful, Jubilant, Kvery sunbeam seems to slant Her way from the skies. Is the world a dismal place Hedged about by woe? Little Mistress Merryface Does not find It so. Every day that follows night Brings new joys she has the right To possess or see; When she laughs all things appear Glad to know that she is near Blessing with her glee. Sadness may not linger where Her sweet song Is heard; Hatred hurries off with care, By her laughter spurred; Grateful, Joyful, Jubilant, All the sunbeams seem to slant Downward but to let IJttle Mistress Merryface Keep the world the fairest place God has made as yet. 3. E. Klser. Indian Babies. Little Indian babies are very dear and cunning, and have Just as many admirers In ,1.. .4 4. - l. tor. and all the relative, and friend, as little white babies have. . .... . , , . . , . . ".I0 'V iuiv h- .,.ii. . i i "' in, .funis, . .1 ' I iiuv im iiauv, ire spread out on the floor or ground, and the baby Is laid on them, her head at one corner, her feet at the one diagonally op- P"u- Tn,,n the folded over and P,nnea; n'n thlrk cord or small rope 1. tied several times around the pack. The co""'r ' h" J"t at the head Is left so that It can be thrown over baby's face to protect It. t'ntll Indian babies are four or five months old they are not carried on their mother's back, but In the arms like other babies. When wrapped in the pack they are an armful, although the baby Itself may be small. But later, what a good time the baby has on its mother's back, playing horse with her braids of hair. When the Indian baby Is old enough for playthings, bits of bone, little string and the quaint necklace is hung around baby's neck. The babies accompany their parent, to churcji, and often try to Join In the sing ing. The other day I saw a dear little baby girl wrapped In a coyote skin, and I thought of Baby Bunting. f gome of the Thloars I no. When I rlay that I'm a bird. Then I try to fly; Lifting up mv pinafore High. high. hlKh; Spreading out my pinafore Wide, wide wide; Ton might think It was wings, U you truly tried. Whsr, I play that I'm a horse. Then I wear a tail. Eat my luncheon from a bag Irlnk It from a pall. Smashed the cart up t'other day Hal.y in It. too! When he's scared and run. away What', a horse to do? When I play that I'm a wolf. Then I howl and roar. Sniffing here, sniffing there. Bound the nursery dour. Daddy says he'll spank me soon. If I still annoy. Thing perhaps this afternoon, l il be a Utile boy I Laura E. Rlcharda, 1 If TTDGTN'a CATTLE TJT TTIE KEW LIVE to the greater one. Upon this basis so cieties were organized and continued to bo organized In the states with varying re siUts. Held at W'sahinKton ia 1804. The first agricultural fair held in this country was at Washington in 1804, at that lime aescriDea as a ray m wis wuuua. The premium Incentive at this fair for the exhibition of choice produce and live stock was 1100, which was apportioned In the various departments. lums were offered, especially on sneep ana wool. Bezeleel Wells of Stubenville, O.. wag a prominent exhibitor at tnis lair 01 the Rlack-ton Delaine Merino sheen, a well- . . , . . . known type of Bneep at our present day ... , . h m Tn irir tho Maannchimettfl socletv Held a . fa,r at Br,ghton- where Premluin ere offered 'lr a P,?Wlng matCl ' tralnfA,0X team8 - .e8e "C,I. ,mUC" ' 1"7 ana a spim ui cumoi iaiuij uc.cinu, as well as the advantage of acquiring hints for improvement In methods of work. They were also commented upon as good adver- tlBlng mediums for the breeder of good stock, resulting often In a rich harvest In sales. At many of the fairs addresses were made by prominent agriculturists on topics calculated to Interest ard Instruct the people; also papers were read which were collected and afterwards printed for the benefit of the public. For the first forty years of the nineteenth century the organization of county and atata fairs was not marked with much . nut tha nerind he. . . .,, ,, .. i,a numerously formed over the country, 'me Bcarcely an agricultural trt t ythin out national llm'ts has been . h . th rountv or Btate fair until at the present time no less than 2,000 active agricultural fairs are In. organization In the United States - q Offsprlas; of Kdneatlon. The agricultural fair of the present day may very prudently be termed the legltl- Pampered Cow ARIOUB degrees of luxury prevail in Omaha but It Is safe to say v that none of the leading citizens ma regale themselves on more ex- pensive milk that William A. Paxton, wholesale grocer, builder of the office structure that bears his name, and one of the men who established tho stock yards at South Omaha. Mr. Pax ton's supply of milk, served on the table of his handsome residence at Twenty-fifth avenue and Douglas street, costs anywheres from 72 to 17 cents a quart, whichever way you calculate It. The larger figure would hit the price of the Paxton lacteal fluid about right, however, and the Jersey cow that produces It has a right to be the proudest bovine that ever chewed her cud In Omaha. This because she revels, uay, literally wallows in the most expensive eow pasture In these parts. The cow pasture is on the north side of Farnam street, extending from Twenty fifth to Twenty-sixth avenue, and the west half of It clear through to Douglas street. It is this pasture that makes the Paxton milk so costly for the sole and only revenue which this three-quarters of a city block bears to the owner, is the pasturage of said 'c ""J? c,ow- w'thln easy walk of the ........... . and west tnorougnxare ui iuwn, nun "unu.ru on every hand by stately dwellings, on every ... . ,.. , churches ana scnoo . ana " streets and cement sidewalks commanding Its approaches. It is not remarkable that the Paxton property is listed by the tax commissioner at $60,000. This Is for the whole block, which ha. f-v V lT?i i. ' V . Origin, Development and Possibilities H4 1$ tJ.r'- ! F STOCK PAVTLTON AT THE IOWA BTAT E mate offspring of agricultural education, The tendency Is to seek Information for a bettering of farm conditions everywhere, throughout all districts where agriculture forms a part of the business Interests of the Deonle. This desire for agricultural knowledge and training may be seen In the Increased number of agricultural .hnni. in th rtiinmiiini, nf mir Mt ona for jncreagea appropriations for the main- ..4 hatter enuinment nf these schools; In the .-apld growth of the farm- institute, which has become In a meas- cuiture In the public schools. The ten- dency throughout seems to be for more practical knowledge on scientific and prac- ,ii oth. In n nther nernnatlnn nr B. - prf)fe88lon , there BO much ,nteregt m.nl. fMt frm m"nK Cmmn The8" in. rant in irriniil- c,,ucuw:o ...v.. v.. v ture stimulate a disposition to rlvalship Producers, and the agricultural fair 18 tne r:00'1. med ,nr"SnWn lnc amDuious uuer 01 mi sun mm mo Btock grower finds consolation In publicly demonstrating the merits of their , pro- duction and fruits of their work. Thus we find the agricultural fair has become a necessity before the pressing demands of the breeder and producer in his efforts to fill the requirements that agricultural education has, and Is making, for these object lessons that the agricultural fair so perfectly and satisfactorily supplies. fy Scope of the State Fair. The state fair of the twentieth cem- tury measures a higher standard of ex- cellence In moral Influence and educa- tlonal ambition than has ever been pre vlouslv obtained under agricultural orranl- aation. The agricultural fair of today Is as distinctly a part of the agricultural edu- cation of the country as are the Influ- ences which make It possible for a fair to be held and meet the Indorsement of PUD" sentiment. It Is the ambition of the managers of the modern state fair to meet the expectations of the people and satisfy the demands of a higher class of exhibition and entertainment on the fair on Most Expensive Pasture the fine Paxton residence on the northeast corner; also a barn and outbuildings. The improvements and land upon which they stand are chalked up at $25,000 by the com- mlssioner, leaving the estimated value of the cow pasture (35,000. Now a yearly re turn at six per cent, which is low for such valuable real estate, would amount to J2.100. Experts on klne asseverate that the fine, black Jersey that luxuriates In the downtown pasture Is capable of manufac turing on the average eight quarts of milk. more or less enriched with cream, in single day. Ciphering on this basis the Paxton milk Is worth 72 cents a quart net, exclusive of the Indoor feed, the stable that shelters in cold ana inclement weainer and the wages of the hired man who re lieves her of the precious milk. Simply calculating on the basis that Mr. Paxton has to hand over to .the city ana county governments about $500 taxes on the cow pasture, annually, the price of the white fluid drops to about 17 cents. But It must he admitted that the latter way of regard ing the matter Is not founded In correct financial principles. It does not take In the 65 or more cents per quart that might be derived. And It Is to be remembered that the highest price ever gouged by a milk- man In Omaha from his helpless customer. I. cents a auart. thus putting the Paxton , , , cow In a frenzied finance class which even Lawson's subjects cannot approach. And there Is no one .who will say that the proud Jersey's stock Is watered either. Cow Is Dlaconteated It has been rumbled around portentously tor Bom, tlme that Mr. Paxton Is bent r""'' t K ' v . l .V W. A. PAXTON" 8 JXRSBT COW Ilf HI It 'it. 6 , FAIR. Photo by Staff Artist grounds. The successful management of a state fair Is too frequently estimated upon Its ability to make money, regardless of the protection it offers Its patrons, The present tendency among state fairs Is to permanency of location, the beautl- fylng of the grounds by nature's adorn- ments and landscape gardening, the bulld- Ins rnr (tin ruturn and trio kppnln? nf these grounds free from the contaminating Influence of vicious and Immoral shows and concessions. The high moral standing of the state fair makes it worthy the guardi- Amusement Feature Hlsh Clans. The contemplated introduction of a higher class of entertaining features In the .. . . . ... .. . nne or amusements ror state lairs resuitea organIzatlon of a we8tern Btate falr c,rcult last 'lnter at D" Moln"- This ... ..... association, B.B soon as It K?tS into working condltlon, 'Wlll be able to arrange for ,a, f8 attractlons of a hlKhlyBenter. talning character that could not be had for a Bingje engagement The day has KOneby for the cheap Blae Bn0WB at the gtate fa,r The ppople dg. mnnd more In advantages for recreation and amusement and this calls for the state fair auditorium and theater, where the tired visitor may rest under the Influence of good music and Instructive talent. With the fair visitor the great central at traction Is what he is most interested In. It may be live stock, farm products, fruits, machinery, dairy, bees and honey, mercan tile display, fine arts or the race horses on the track. The race horse has been the means of creating more contention In the agrlcul- turaI 'al thtn .&U other Influences oom- blned- and et h 's a legitimate factor In agriculture, when properly credited and Klven bis natural and Inherited rights as a e and yntrammeled animal. Ttje strictly agricultural fair Is s&vocated by a class of fair patrons as being the only legitimate exhibition, and therefore the only feature that should receive encourage- ment from the fair management. The horse race Is condemned as vicious and damaging in its -influence on the fair visi upon having a greal, modern apartment house erected upon the erstwhile cow pas- ture, and its lone occupant banished to cheaper (though they could not be greener) fields. To date, however, rumor hath not borne fruit. The proud cow, like many other creatures, does not seem at all satis fied In Its gilded cage, which, truth to tell. Is surrounded by an iron fence of the cheapest pattern. One day during the sum- mer she almost strangled herself and Irre parably damaged the fence by trying to get at some rank weeds outside. The tender clover and the green growth from the golden ground were spurned bv this cow, x she wanted was a few common weedBi Bucn as the rangiest maverick of the plains can gobble at will. But no; she was forced to go back to her 11,000 grass or eat nothlng. she went back, but since that dav Bne ha no, shown her old inter- tBt , fe Many hours find her stretched , melancholy posture under the trees that frlns tho KorgPOUB domain. In such ab ject unhapplness she chiws her tasteless cud and contempiates the noisome weeds tha can never be nerg 0ne day BhA near(, a passing high school cadet mumbling his r,nHh ,.,,. ,h- ,. to hi. ,. . Orav's Klcev. and that dav tha mUk thflt tn, prmld vine gave was ... .1 , i..ih .v,. duvh is uc nuaai v.i -,,,.,,,, w.-i pomp of etc,. Meanwhll(, tne lron fence Is rusting away, but as fast as It does it Is reinforced with heavy wooden pieces. And for the proud cow there Is no hope. Like Mary Mcljine, she surveys her $35,000 pasture and cries. "Oh. what a noth- lngness.'1 t 'w " . , . r . 'I ' 'V r I ' ' ' ,: : till '"" C06TLT PASTURE). ANGUS SHOW HERD AT THE NEBRASKA STATE FAIR. Photo by Staff Artist. tors. The encouragement for betting and gambling Is urged as a reason why this source of amusement should be excluded from the fair. Cruelty to dumb brutes Is sometimes set forth In the attempt to make a case against the encouragement of the speed attraction on the fair grounds. Race track gambling, where the horse Is used as the medium for carrying It on, has nothing whatever to do with the exhibition speed attraction of the agricultural fair. It Is proper to encourage the speed feature In horse breeding, because there Is a legiti mate purpose, use and demand for active, sYnart driving horses. They are needed for saddle and light harness use, and the breeding of these horses is a proper and legitimate Industry on the farm. The ra cing feature Is an entirely different proposi tion and has no direct connection with the agricultural fair. Neither the horse nor the breeder of the horse Is responsible for the use to which he is put. Educational Phase of the Fair. The educational feature of the fair should never be lost sight of by the fair manage ment In Its attempt to amuse and entertain. The building of a fair that will at once ap peal to the finer sensibilities of the edu cated and the learned In science and art Is the demand of the times, and should be the aim of those having this work In charge. More refinement, more taste, more arttstlo dl.iplay In decoration and the placing of ex hibits Is the demand at the state fair, and every effort to supply this refining Influence should be exerted. This refining Influence Is not confined to Recent Progress Made in Edison's Motor Battery. iinMia A EniHfiN announces I f that the new storage battery upon a I wliinh ha has been working for almost four years has been fin ished to his satisfaction and that he will at once build a factory for the manufacture of the battery cells for the trade. At various times during the progress of work on the latest of Edison's inventions much has been promised respecting Its decided advance over the storage batteries now In use, consequently expectations have been keyed rather high. If present prom ises are realized in practical operation, tlie Invention will work an epoch In electrical storage batteries. The battery or cell, as now perfected, will, it Is claimed, drive a two-ton truck at the rate of 33 miles an hour, with halt the weight of the old method. A smaller dealer can operate a delivery wagon with Its power at 58 per cent of the cost of maintaining a horse. An or dinary automobile will run 100 miles un der ordinary conditions without recharg ing. Under the most favorable conditions 150 miles can be covered at a speed of 20 miles an hour. "The troubles In the battery I have been trying for two years to remedy have been purely mechanical," said Mr. Edison In an Interview. "They have been greatly due to the swelling of the nickel element. I have succeeded In reducing the weight of the battery from 40 to 45 pounds per horse-power. It has taken time to find out what was needed for this battery, be cause we cannot look ahead and see Just what such a thing is going to do after we have it sketched on paper. In the two years I have been experimenting we have turned out some 14,000 cells of the battery, and have operated 160 auto-vehicles. "I do not pretend to have solved the problem tor touring vehicles. That can only be possible when more charging sta tions are spread about the country. Young Cooper Hewitt of New York has helped solve that problem with his mercury rec tifier, which take, the place of the old transformer and make. It possible to con vert the alternating currents used In small towns so as to make them available for charging the batteries. "With proper motor and wagon equip ment we can take our cells and operate an ordinary delivery wagon for 58 per cent, of the cost of maintaining a horse." Jew I'se for Kleetrtrlty. A practical electrician who at one time acted as selling agent for a firm manufac turing electrical supplies, Including Incan descent lamps, disclosed to the New York Times "a trick of the trade" which, though it has some slightly dubious as pects, is oertainly interesting and entirely novel. While "on the road'' In winter he was often obliged to pass the night in hotels where, though most of the "modern Improvements" were present, the bed rooms were usually very cold and the sheets cften very damp. When It was a hotel that had electric lights lie materially miti gated these woes by extracting from bis "grip" a thirty-two-candle lamp, equlprd with Insulated wires long enough to run from the bed to the nearest fixture and ending In a "plug" that would take the place of a lamp destined for Illuminating purposes. When ready for retirement he would remove the lamp, usually a small one, attach his own big one, and, with the latter for companion, s.k the seclusion of the icy sheets. They never remained Icy long, he declured. for a thlrty-t wo-candlo lump gives out a considerable amount (f heat, mild and continuous. In the circum stances, this would obviously be a simple ... - '; any department or division of the fair and should not be. Throw out the proper en couragement by providing neat and well ar ranged grounds and buildings and the ex hibition artist will bring every feature of display up to It. The work of the artist Is not alone found hanging on the walls of the beautiful and finely decorated buildings on the fair grounds, labeled "Fine Arts," "Mechanical Arts" and "Textile Fabrics," but In the live stock barns as well the artist has been at work, where are found the fine, glossy swine, finished more beautifully than the pencil of the master painter can picture. In the cattle stalls the same artistic work of the caretaker and scientific feeder are ob served, as the massive duke or prince of the herd stands at the head, the proud pro genltor of a long line of successful prize winners. And the great, matronly cow, a no less prominent figure In her relation to the show herd, stands quietly by and un consciously defies the picture maker In adding one more touch of the brush or the perfecting of a single line that will make her more acceptable In the eye of the critlo. The state fair Is a presentation to tha public of the work of a great aggregation of artists and scientists, who come from the farm, the feed yard, the orchard, the factory, the workshop, the home and tha school. The best of everything Is collected Into the showrooms and this great state ex hibition at once becomes an Institute of learning, a school for the eye, the ear, tha heart. Men and women are made better In knowledge and better In spirit by attending a good agricultural fair, conducted upon a basis of education and morality. the Field of Electricity and efficient expedient, although we have more than a suspicion that the hotel keep ers would not regard It with approval, and we hav3 more than half a suspicion that practice of the plan would be attended with some danger of accidents of several hinds.. Shoved well down toward the foot of the bed, the light of the lamp would be no annoyance, . while It would make no trouble as long as the Insulation remained perfect and no unguarded movement with a bony heel shattered the fragile globe. That once broken; however, there would be an explosion that would at least give a somewhat painful start to the lamp', bed fellow, and other mishap, might follow, possibly to the Imperiling of the whole house. That Is a quostion for the experts to decide, and a. the expert who made the revelation was not afraid to try the ex periment, presumably the peril Is not ex cessive. At any rate, the Idea Is a queer one and the opportunities for exploiting It, if It is of any value, are not confined to hotels In tho hinterland. Owls Killed Vf Klertrtrlty The temporary suspension of work at thn mine and mill of the nrantte-Blmetalllo Mining company at Phlllpsburg, Mont., was caused by nn owl becoming entangled In the wires. Since the transmission line was put Into commission, nearly four year, ago, relates the Anaconda Standard, twenty-five owls have been electrocuted by coming In contact with the wires, and since November of last year twelve fine specimens of the owl family have gone to owl land over this route. The transmission line is eleven miles In length and furnishes a current of 16.000 volt.. to the mine and mill. No. 4 copper wire being used. The line traverses a wild and unsettled country, the abiding place of all kinds of wild beasts and birds. Shortly after the line was opened there vwas a sudden break In the current one night. The line crew began an Investiga tion at once. A few miles from the power station a monster owl was discovered dead Just be low the pole line. The bird bore every evidence of having been electrocuted. The occurrence was then considered a novelty, and the bird was stuffed by some of the company employes and plscod on exhibi tion. Blnce then, however, the act has been repeated so often and with such serious loss of time to the company's ope rations that the freaks of the owl. have become a serious nuisance. As might be supposed, the break, al way. occur at night. Just at the time they are most difficult to find. In nearly every Instance the wires are burned outright, but in a few cases where the owl fall, to land with both feet on both wires no serious damage Is d ne to the wires, but the bird is always a victim. George T. MacOulre, the electrician at the power house, has a memento of one of these night tragedies in the. si.at of a rubhit s fot, which was found in the talons of an electrocuted owl. A big owl became entangled In the wire, one night, canning the customary sua pension of work at the mine and mill. Mid way between tho station and the mill next day Ir MacCJulrc found the owl sun pend. from the win,., the claws of one foot clutching the wire and the 'other holding fat a rabbit's foot. The rabbit had evidently been killed by tht owl and partly eaten. After making a meal of bunny the owl had carried away the foot for a future repast or perhaps for good luck, and lat.r struck the high voltugt wires with dlatroiis results. The owl had such a death grip on the foot that Mr. Macfiulre was coinja-llc-d to cut away the claws to secure It. and be baa aaxrled the amulet ever aim;. J t I i ft