287
BOB-TAILED NAGS OUT OF FASHION.
I happened to go through the largest stable on the Back Bay a while ago, and in the saddle-horse department I noticed two nags, one with the ugly little banged tail that looks like a worn-out house-painter's brush, and the other with a beautfiul flowing tail, so long that it almost swept the ground. I paused to observe the contrast, and was pleased to hear from my companion, a high authority on matters equine, that bob-tails were going out of fashion and the long, natural tails coming in. The former have been and Anglo-maniac absurdity in this country; they were justified in England for the design was to avoid catching their tails in hedges as they leaped them when hunting, but as we have few hedges in this country, and less hunting- of that kind at least- the docked tail has been simply a silly imitation. Possibly the change of fashion may also be of English origin, for Buffalo Bill and his cow-boys made a great hit in London with their graceful riding. Now, if our horsemen could only adopt, with their handsome steeds with full manes and tails after the Arabian or Mexican mustang style, some costume like the Mexican churro, and substitue a firm seat for the agonizing rise in the saddle now the fashion, what picturesque fellow would be! -N.Y. Corr. Springfield Republican.
288
Husband- This country seems to be well represented abrounf just now. Wife- In what way, John? Husband- Well, there is buffalo Bill and Dirty Dog, who represented the wild and wooley West, while Mr. Lowell and Mr. Sullivan personify the culture and refinement of the enlighteed East- Epoch
289
Buffalo Bill's Christmas Watch.
"It was away out in a Colorado mining camp before many railroads were built, said " Buffalo Bill" Cody in describing his queerest Christmas. "A mile from the mining cmap ther lived a widowed woman with her five children who were in desperate need. On Christmas night I was out Skirmighing trying to locate a gang of thieves."
Ile said he had traveled around in a ciruit of many miles hwne suddenly he saw a light ahead. Ile was so sure that he had located the "gang" that he grasped his pistol and stole quietly up to the log cabin door. What was his surprise to hear the sweet voices of children within. It was the poor widow's cabin, and the children kneeling beside her were asking if Santa Claus would bring them toys and candies in the morning as he used to do in the "States." With a Heavy heart the moter bade the children cheer up, although it was evident that she had not a crust of bread in the house for the morning meal, and not clothes enough to keep herself and little ones warm.
"Then." continued Mr. Cody, "the little ones knelt down and preyed that God would send them toys and thier mamma a shawl. That was too much for me. You see, the contrast between what I expected and what I actually found sort of unnerved me."
Hastening back to camp he told the boys, [?] with his bat he went from one group of poker players to another, and the warmhearted, rough coated miners "chipped in" with a will till a handsome sum was realized. Then they dropped the game and went in a body to the border store and bought food, clothes, blankets, candies-infact, everything they thought would please their own wives and little ones away off in the East.
When they had carried it all to the widow's cabin door they tied a note to it telling her that God had heard her children's prayer.
"Who'lll stand guard till daybreak." said a miner.
"I will," said Cody, stepping out from the ranks, and with his rifle he watched the miners' gifts till daylight.
He saw the widow with tears of joy streaming down her face at the sight of the bounteous Christmas offerings, and then he stole quietly awayt to camp and told the boys.
290
Buffalo Bill and Slugger Sullivan as Social Factors.
The Prince of Wales received a severe wigging from the clergy of the United Kingdom as well as from his august mamma for associating with Sullivan, the great American pirze fighter. Possibly this may be a bad business for a probably king, but was it any worse than the attentions bestowed by the queen and clergy too upon Buffalo Bill, the American showman? Sullivan is simply boss of the prize ring, while Colonel Cody is a boss of the circus ring. Both are actors- nothing more, nothing less. The life of a fladiationr or pugillist is quite as moral and elevating in its tendencies as that of a horse show manage, but by some means or other hte latter has been places on a lofty social piano by the English aristocracy, while the puglilist has been made by them a sort of social outlaw. There can be no dispute about matters of taste, but where the moral and social superiority come in it is difficult to see.