The Olden Time Series: Vol. 2: The Days of the Spinning-Wheel in New England | Page 5

from which this delicate Tea is gathered, were first discovered by the Aborigines, and from them the Canadians learned them. It soon became into such repute that quantities were sent to France, where I have heard say, it was soon in such demand, as alarmed the French East-India company, and procured an ordinance prohibiting the importation of any more on the pain of death. So little do some politicians regard the health or even the life of man, when either of them appear to be incompatible with their particular interests, views and projects. Before the cession of Canada to Great-Britain, we knew little or nothing of this most excellent herb: but since that we have been taught to find it growing on every hill and dale, between the Lat. 40 & 60. It is to be found all over New-England in great plenty, and that of the best quality, particularly on the banks of Penobscot, Kennebeck, Nichewannock and Merrimac. Immense quantities may be found on the mountains near the great lakes.
Nothing short of the highest degree of infatuation and madness could ever have prevailed with us to introduce unwholesome Exoticks. The voice of reason crys louder than ever for their perpetual banishment; and the further use of them must be accounted for but by the force of invincible prejudice. This indeed sometimes leads to a preference of rank poison if far fetched and dear bought, to the most salubrious draught at hand, with little pains or cost, tho' of inestimable value.
A TEA-DRINKER.
* * * * *
The following items, Sept. 17, 1759, throw some light on the state of the country in some parts of New England, where, even if the "Lyons" once seen at Cape Ann by Wood had departed, there were still some bears, one having been seen within two miles of Boston.
We hear from Brentwood, in New Hampshire Government, as two Children were gathering Beans in a Field, a large Bear came upon them and kill'd them both;--The Bear was pursued, but could not be found.
Also from Chester, in the same Government, that a few Days after the above, another Bear came behind a Woman as she was walking along, not far from her House, and tore off the hind Part of her Gown, which he carried off in his Mouth;--but the Woman happily made her Escape from him.
And from Kingston, in the County of Worcester, we hear, that on Tuesday last as Mr. Stephen Clark of that Town was out a Hunting after Bears, his Next Door Neighbour went out into his Cornfield just at Evening, and seeing something move which he thought was one of those Animals, shott at it, and upon his coming to the place, found it to be Mr. Clark as above-mention'd, shot thro' his Head, to his great surprize.
We hear from Kittery, that in about 13 Days past, seven large Bears have been kill'd within a Mile of the Rev. Mr. Rogers's Meeting House.
It is said some of these voracious Animals have ventured down even to some of the Seaport Towns at the Eastward.--Two of them were seen at Medford last Week; and one of them has been lately killed within two Miles of this Metropolis. Some have weighed above 300 lb. Wt.
* * * * *
Notice to Students of Harvard College:
THIS is to give Notice to the Candidates for their second Degree at Harvard-College this Year, that they attend at the College by the 11th Day of July next, and if any shall neglect their Attendance accordingly, without sufficient Reason therefor, they may not expect their said Degrees this Year. Cambridge, June 9, 1759.
EDWARD HOLYOKE, President.
NOTICE is hereby given to all who desire an Admission into Harvard College this Year, That the President and Tutors have determined to attend the Business of Examination on Friday and Saturday the 19th and 20th Days of July next.
Cambridge, June 9, 1759. EDWARD HOLYOKE, Pres.
* * * * *
When we remember the present condition of the city of Lynn, it is interesting to note how that place stood in reference to the shoe industry in the year 1762. The "Boston Gazette" of November 2 says:--
We are confidently told, that in the Town of Lynn upwards of Forty Thousand Pair of Womens Shoes have been made in one Year, equal in Goodness to any imported from Abroad--It is thought that in a few Years they will be supply'd with Callimanco and other Stuffs manufactured in this Province.
* * * * *
The statement has often been made by connoisseurs that there was no mahogany furniture in America before the Revolution; but this is a mistake, for here, in the "Boston Gazette" of Feb. 5, 1759, is an advertisement announcing the sale of a "Beautiful Mehogany Desk and Book-Case." Probably this was an early specimen of such kind