USA > Pennsylvania > Perry County > History of Perry County, in Pennsylvania : from the earliest settlement to the present time > Part 11
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18
The Agrimona of the Eupatoria tribe, has small yellow flowers, in a long spike, and leaves composed of five or seven leaflets, with smaller ones between.
The Avens genalum, which has three-lobed stem leaves and small white flowers, may be better dis- tinguished by the round green head of fruit which has attached to its seed vessels the bristle jointed styles, the upper joints of which fall off, leaving the under piece, which is hooked, ready to cling to the fleeces of animals, and thus scatter the seed.
The former two of the three last mentioned species are esteemed for their medicinal properties. All are frequently found growing in shaded meadows where the grass is thin.
162
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
The common Cinque-foil (Potentilla canadensis) or five-finger, is found in neglected fields and on hill-sides in abundance. A kindred species, but a coarser plant, with but three leaflets, is often found in gardens and in fields. These two species are the only ones of the genus yet discovered.
The Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) is the only member of the family rosacea, which is a 'native of both Europe and America. It is found growing in neglected fields, and produces a small and sweeter variety of fruit than the cultivated kinds. Strawberry culture is claiming more general atten- tion than formerly, induced, no doubt, by the greater demand for this kind of fruit.
Along fence rows, in the greatest profusion, may be seen the High Blackberry (Rubus vilosus) with its stout, nearly erect stem, and the Dewberry (R. canadensis) an extensively trailing plant, with ear- lier, larger and better fruit.
There are two species of Raspberry, the high (Rubus occidentalis), which is a companion of the high blackberry, and the purple flowering, which is found on our hills and upland slopes. This last variety is readily distinguished by its purple flowers and undivided leaves.
To the division of the Rose family, distinguished for the apple and pear, belong two species of thorn- bush. Each has numerous leaflets and pointed branches or spines. The Scarlet Fruited Thorn (Cratægus coccinæ), a low tree with smooth leaves and a smooth stem, and scarlet fruit. The black or Pear Thorn (Cretagus tomentosa), a higher tree,
163
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
whose young leaves and branches are downy, and whose fruit is dull and yellowish, with whitish spots, is found in thickets and copses. The height of the Thorn-bush is rarely more than fifteen feet.
The June Berry (Amelanchier canadensis) is a small tree, the trunk of which resembles the maple, easily recognized in early spring by its numerous showy white flowers, and by the middle of June by its small red ripe berries. The fruit of the June Berry is delicate to the taste when raw, but when- ever cooked it becomes bitter and unfit for use.
The Wild Cherry (Prunus scrotina) grows to be a fine large tree, valuable both for its wood and bark; also, for its small black cherries, which are crowded along a racemed stem. Thistree is valued for its medicinal properties.
The Wild Plum (Prunus americanus) is a native, and found along creek banks.
Of the Lilacea family, there are Garden Aspara- gus (Asparagus officinalis), Field Garlic, (Allium veneale), the Wild Yellow Lily (Lilium canadensis) which may be seen in our meadows. Of the Sedge family, the Bullrush (Scirpul lacustus) is common along our smaller streams, while along the creeks and rivers, down at the water's edge may be found the River Club Rush (S. fluviatilis).
The Heath family is represented in our woods by the Huckleberry (Grylussacia) of several varieties. The Box-leaved Huckleberry (G. brachysera) is found on the Mahonoy hills, near New Bloomfield. The Blue Tangle (G. frodosa) grows in fence cor-
164
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
ners of cleared fields, and in the edges of woods, where the ground is not too dry.
The Ground Laurel (Epigea), Creeping Winter- green (Gaultheria procumbens), with the several va- rieties of Laurel, the Mountain Laurel (Kalmialati- folia), and the Sheep Laurel (K. angustifolia), are the most common perennials belonging to our woods.
The Black-snake Root (Cimicifuga) belongs to the "butter-cup" family. It grows in moist ground, and is valued for medicinal purposes.
Of Columbines, the crimson and yellow (Aquile- gia canadensis) growing among rocks in craggy places, is one of the prettiest of our early spring flowers.
The Barberry family is represented in the May Apple (Podophyllum petatum), or Mandrake, in the Yellow Pond Lily or Spatter-dock (Nupharadvena) and in the Twin-leaf (Yeffersonia diphylla), which is sometimes called the Rheumatism Root. Of the Composite family, we have the dandelion, thistle, aster, golden rod, or sun-flower; being so com- mon, we omit their scientific names.
The Arum family is represented in the Indian Turnip (Arisæna triphyllum). It is intensely acrid, as who has not tested ? The swamp, or Chicago Cabbage (Symplocarpus fætidus), belongs to the same family, and is found along creeks, or in marshy meadows. It has a medical reputation for some diseases.
The St. John's Wort family is represented in the common variety (Hypericum perforatum), which is commonly found in pasture fields, and the Daisy
165
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
(Bellis perennis), which is indulged by too many farmers.
The Virginia Snake-root (Aristolochia serpenta- ria), is found growing in our woods. It is found on Forge Hill, and is one of the two representa- tives of the Birthwort family. The other is the Wild Ginger (Asarum canadensis).
The common Poke or Shoke (Shytolacca decon- dra) grows in moist grounds. In early spring it is sometimes eaten as a substitute for asparagus.
There are also represented of Mints all the com- mon varieties, the Tansies and of the Lobelia family, the Indian Tobacco (Lobelia inflata).
" A very common shrub along fence rows, is the Elder (Sambucus canadensis), distinguished by its large flat-topped bunches of small white flowers." The red-berried Elder (Sambucus pubens), with long bunches of flowers and red berries, is rarely found except on the hill slopes.
Growing on banks often near a stream are found the Arrow-wood (Vilburnum dentatum) and the Dock Mackie (V. acerifolium); the former has a sin- gle-toothed leaf to a leaf stem, while the leaf of the latter is three-lobed similar to that of the maple.
The Button-bush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), a shrub common in low meadows, may be readily re- cognized by its white flowers being collected in a perfect ball of about an inch in diameter.
We have of the Mallows family, the Crisp M. (Malva crispa), and the Wood Mallows (M. sylves- tris). Of Sorrels, there are Wood Sorrel (Oxalis ace), and Violet Wood Sorrel (Oxalis violaca).
I66
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
The Smooth Sumac, so common on our hill-sides as to form quite an article of commerce a few years ago, is technically known as Rhus glabra. Its leaves and branches are smooth, which sufficiently distinguish it from the far less common Dwarf Su- mac (Rhus copollino), which has downy branches and winged leaf stalks. Here, too, we place the Poison Joy (Rhus toxicodendron), a shrub or vine with but three irregular leaflets on a leafstalk too common along our fences, for it is so poisonous that even the effluvium is deleterious to some individu- als. The Fragrant Sumac (Rhus aromatica), flowers in April, and is so different from the others as not to be readily recognized.
The Red-root or New Jersey Tea (Ceanothus americanus) is a small bushy shrub about two feet high, whose leaves were used for tea by our ances- tors of Revolutionary memory. Its flowers are white, with white stems in thick oblong clusters at the end of the branches.
Of the Laurel family already spoken of, there re- main yet the Red Bay (Qersea carolinensis) which is hoary when young, with a fine down. It bears a few dark-blue berries on a a red stalk. The Sassa- fras (Laurus sassafras) grows in rich wood soil. It is common, and much prized for its bark and wood. The roots are much sought in the spring of the year for tea. The Spice-bush (Benzoin odoriferum) is found in damp woods. Its scientific name was given it from the supposed resemblance of its aroma to benzine.
The Vine family is represented in the Grape (Vi-
167
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
tis) of which the Northern Fox Grape ( Vitis labrus- ca) is the largest. It is said that this grape improv- ed by cultivation gave rise to the Isabella grape.
The Summer Grape (V. @stivalis) is a small grape rarer than the fox-grape in most localities. It ripens in October.
The Frost or Winter Grape, locally known as the Chicken Grape (V. cordifolia) is very plenty on most of hill slopes. They are very acerb until frosted, after which they ripen and are reckoned pleasant.
Of the forest trees that clothe our hills and form the groves in our valleys are the Pine family, of which there are a number of varieties, such as Yellow (Pinus mitis), Pitch, (P. rigida), Loblolly (P. laeda), found in old fields, White, (P. strobus). The Fir of the last named family is represented in the Hemlock Spruce (Abies canadensis), also in the Norway Spruce (A. excelsa), which is planted for ornament, and found to thrive much better than our indigenous species. The Arbor Vitæ (Thrya oc- cidentalis) is much valued for its perennial green for cemeteries, where it is most frequently found.
The Oak family is represented in the White Oak (Quercus alba), in the Chestnut Oak (Q. montana), in the Black Oak (Q. tinctorum), in the Pin Oak (Q. palustris), also in the Chestnut (Castanea vesca), which stands frequently the sole surviving, the lone Indian of the forest trees on the cleared land, in the Beech (Fagus ferruginea), in the Hazel-nut (Corylus americana), in the Water Beech, or Ironwood (Car- pinus americana), and in the American Hop-Horn-
I68
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
beam, (Ostrya virginiaua). This last representative of the Oak family grows in slender trees with very hard wood, brownish, finely furrowed bark and is locally known as the hop tree.
The Walnut family has but two representatives of the same name, the Butternut (Juglans cinerea), and the Black Walnut, (f. nigra). The former may be found on the hill-sides, delighting to grow among rocks and stones where few other trees of equal size can subsist, while the latter, of more use for its wood, is found on the fertile soil of the valleys.
This family is further represented in the Shag- bark Hickory (Carya alba), in the Small Fruited Hickory (C. microcarpa), and the Pig-nut or Brown Hickory (C. amara). The Shag-bark Hickory is much prized for its fruit and wood, while the last variety was, more formerly than now, sought after by the makers of splint brooms.
„The Dogwood family, though not of the most numerous kind of our forests and groves, is still an important member of our flora.
The Bunchberry Dogwood (Cornus canadensis) the Flowering Dogwood (C. florida) and the Red Osier (C. stolonifera), may be distinguished from all the forest trees, the first by its red berries, said, if plentiful, to foretell " a hard winter," the second variety by their large showy white flowers which tell people " it's time to plant corn," and the last by its beautiful branches. This variety propagates its species by prostrate or underground suckers. It is found on wet banks of streams and in thickets.
169
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
The Dogwood family is further represented in the black or sour gum (Nyssa multiflora), a middle- sized tree with branchlets very much like the beech; the wood is close-grained, and very un- wedgeable. The leaves turn a bright crimson color in autumn which distinguishes the tree from other forest trees.
The Plane Tree family has a single American rep- resentative, the Buttonwood or American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). The Common Locust (Robinia pseudacacia) is found growing naturally in the woods. It is also planted for a shade tree along streets and public highways. Its wood is invaluable for many purposes. Its white fragrant flowers help crown the coming Junes.
The Maple family is represented by several varie- ties, the Striped Maple (Acer pennsylvanicum) is a small and slender tree, with light green bark strip- ed with dark lines, bearing greenish flowers and fruit. It is sometimes called striped dogwood.
The Mountain Maple (Acer spicatum), the Red or Swamp Maple and Sugar Maple (A. nigrum and saccharinum) grow naturally everywhere. They are also cultivated for ornamental and shade trees.
The White or Silver Maple (Acer dasycarpum) is a fine ornamental tree.
The False Sycamore and Norway Maple are European species.
The custom of making maple sugar never became popular in Perry county. Occasionally small quan- tities have been manufactured.
We next come to the Willow family, most grace-
170
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
ful in the symmetry and waving branches of all the tree kind.
The first variety that claims notice is the Weep- ing Willow (Salix babylonia), which is held in great esteem for ornamental purposes; growing on the grave of the departed, its drooping branches have doubtless given it the name.
The Shining Willow (S. lucida) may be found along streams. It grows to be a bushy tree of 12 or 15 feet in height, and is the resort of innumera- ble bees during its season of inflorescence. The Black Willow (S. nigra) may be found growing along creeks and larger streams where the water is stagnated or flows very slowly. This species attains a height of 15 to 25 feet.
The Willow family is also represented in the several varieties of the Aspen or Poplar. The latter name is retained from the fact that these trees were anciently used to adorn the public walks.
The Quaking Asp or American Aspen (Populus tremuloides) is occasionally found in the woods. The tree sometimes attains the height of fifty feet, but is more frequently found not to exceed thirty feet. The leaf-stalk is long and compressed at the sides, which accounts for its constant agitation.
The Large-toothed Aspen (P. grandidentata) attains a greater height, and may be distinguished by its smoothish gray bark.
The White Poplar (P. alba) was originally from the Old World, but its capacity to spread by the roots has propagated its species with such rapidity that it has been claimed as indigenous to America.
171
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
The Lombardy Poplar (P. dilatata) has fallen into disfavor with our people as an ornamental tree, and the worms have completed its destruction, Not one is known to be now growing in the whole county. The tall central shaft of its pyramidal form is occasionally relieved by a dead gnarled branch, which is seen without bark or leaf, bearing testimony of its extinct species. It is a European species.
The Elm family is represented in the Slippery or Red Elm (Ulnacea fuloa,) which is a small or me- dium sized tree, frequently found on hill summits. It has a rough reddish wood, and a very mucilagi- · nous inner bark which is valuable as a medicine. The American or White Elm (U. Americana) is a large well-known ornamental tree with spreading branches, and drooping branchlets. This species is found growing in moist grounds along streams of water.
The Mulberry is classed with the Nettle family which will not serve to increase it in our estimation. The Red Mulberry (Morus rubra), a tree of low stature, attains to considerable thickness of trunk. Its sweetish black berry-like fruit ripens in July. The Italian Mulberry (Morus multicaulus) was in- troduced from Europe for feeding silk worms. It was sadly remembered by many as the source of their great loss. The Paper Mulberry (Broussou- netia papyrifera) is a native of Japan, and is found growing in our county as a shade tree.
The Olive family is represented in the several varieties of the Ash, of which the White Ash
172
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
(Fraxinus americana) grows to a large forest tree, with gray furrowed bark. Its wood is used in the manufacture of many kinds of implements. The Black or Water Ash (F. sambucifolia) and the Green Ash (F. viridis) are met with occasionally.
Of the Ebony family there is but a single repre- sentative, the Common Persimmon (Dyospyros vir- giniana), which is a small tree with thickish leaves. It produces plumb-like fruit, yellow when ripe. This fruit is so exceedingly astringent or contract- ing in its effect when green that, "to draw your mouth up like a green persimmon" is a common expression ; but it is sweet and edible after exposure to the frost.
Conscious that we have not enumerated the en- tire flora of Perry county, we have intentionally omitted the ferns, mosses and lichens, not that we deem them too unimportant, but simply from the fact that we had not the time to make a sufficiently careful investigation and analysis of them, this chapter is submitted to the general reader in the hope that thereby his attention may be enlisted to further investigate the subject. Remember that every plant here spoken of can be found within the limits of your own county. You will have read of the example of many others in the preceding pages of this book ; go forth like them, assured that that there is a work that you can do. Here is a whole county of nearly five hundred and fifty square miles, the plants of which very little is known. Who will possess the largest "herbarium " of our students of botany.
173
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
CHAPTER III.
NATURAL HISTORY.
At present there is not a scientific association in the county, therefore the following sketch of a subject, containing subjects each of which would be suffi- cient for years of individual investigation, must prove a mere outline; but as such it is given, in the hope that it will induce others to push investiga- tions further and supply what is necessarily omitted.
CLASS MAMMALIA .- Although the deer, bear and wolf have been found in Perry county within a period of less than five years, yet it is evident that all but the former, which is found in his native wildness among the thick woods of the Coneco- cheague Hills, have been driven here by fire or the pursuit of hunters. In 1871, an old bear and cub crossed through Pfoutz's Valley, over the Forge Hill into Wildcat Valley, where some hunters frightened them to return, which they did, and were killed in Juniata county. They had been driven from Shade Mountain by the fires which were burning over them at that season of the year. A pack of wolves were said to infest the woody parts of Buffalo Mountain in the year 1868. from
174
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
whence they came forth, in the night time to plun- der sheepfolds, and make the night hideous with their howls.
The Wildcat or Canada Lynx is occasionally killed in the county. One was so crippled near Millerstown a few years ago, by a passing train, that it was afterward killed. Mr Joshua North is said to have been attacked by one in daylight in Wildcat Valley, many years ago, which he killed with stones, hence the origin of the name of the valley.
Mr. Magee settled at an early day among the hills of Toboyne township. Hearing a screaming one dark night near his cabin, he stepped out of the door with an ax, and killed a panther that was was just ready to pounce upon him.
Of the ORDER CARNIVORA and Family Chieroptera there are the Hoary Bat (Vespertilio pruinosa) and the Brown Bat (V. carolinensis). Of the Family Insectivora, the Mole (Scalops canadensis) is the only representative. Of the Family Carnivora, the Raccoon (Procyon lotor), which has given its name to a beautiful valley of Tuscarora township, the Mink (Mustela lutreola), the Weasel (M. vul- garis), the Skunk (Mephitis americana), the Otter (Lutra brasiliensis) is occasionally caught in the Juniata, the Red Fox (Canis fulvus), the Gray Fox (C. cinero-argentatus), and the Wildcat (Felis cana- densis) are the representatives.
The Opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is the sole representative of the Marsupialia Family.
ORDER RODENTIA, Family Claviculata. - The
175
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
Musk Rat (Fiber zebethicus), Meadow Mouse (Mus musculus), Field Mouse (M. agrarius), Common Mouse (M. musculus), Ground Hog or Woodchuck (Arctomys monax), Fox Squirrel (Sciurus rubrican- datus), Gray Squirrel (S. carolinensis), Red Squirrel, locally known as Pine Squirrel (Pteromys volucella.)
Family Inclaviculata .- The common Hare, which is known everywhere as the Rabbit, authority to the contrary notwithstanding (Lepus americanus), is very abundant.
We next come to an enumeration of the birds that are found in the county, of which, for want of proper data, we cannot give a complete list.
The name of this science is Ornithology.
ORDER I. RAPTORES -- Family Vulturida-THE VULTURES.
These birds feed on offall and carrion. The Turkey Vulture or Turkey Buzzard ( Cathartes aura) is the only one of the four species known in North America that frequents the county.
Family Falconid@ -- THE FALCONS.
This family are predatory in their habits. They capture their prey, which is small quadrupeds, birds, fish and reptiles. There are forty-one species in North America, of which Perry county has the Sparrow Hawk (Falco hypotriorchis), which feeds on small birds, mice and reptiles, the Sharp-shin- ned Hawk (Accipiter fuscus), the Goshawk (Astur atricapillus).
The American Golden, Washington or Gray Eagle (Aquila canadensis), the imperial bird of
176
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
America, is occasionally met with in the county, though he is becoming rare everywhere. He never feeds upon the fruits of other birds' toil, but "relies upon his own power and energy to strike down for himself the quarry, and devours it while the flesh still palpitates." The White-Headed, or Bald Ea- gle (Helictus leucocephalus) is found near fish bas- kets, where, less dainty than his gray namesake, he lives on whatever will satiate his voracious appe- tite. The Fish Hawk or Osprey (Pandion caroli- nensis), feeds upon fish, and is found along our creeks and rivers.
Family Strigidæ-THE OWLS.
This family like the former one is predatory in its habits and feeds upon quadrupeds, birds and reptiles. There are seventeen known species in North America, of which Perry county has the common or Barn Owl (Strix flammea), the Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) which feeds on poultry and game of all kinds. It is very destruc- tive. The Screech Owl (Scops asio) is common; feeds upon mice, small birds and insects.
ORDER II .- SCANSORES (climbers). Family Ficidade -THE WOODPECKERS.
This family is here represented in the Hairy Woodpecker (Picus vilosus), which is common sum- mer and winter, the Yellow-bellied Woodpecker (Phirapicus varius), the Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), which breeds in the county and was formerly believed to pull up corn, and the Flicker (Colaptes auratus).
177
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
ORDER III .- INCESSORES. Family Trochilidad@ -- THE HUMMING-BIRDS.
These birds feed upon nectar and ininute insects. There are seven known species in North America of which the common Humming-bird (Trochilus colubris) is the only one of which we have positive knowledge.
Family Cypscelide-THE SWIFTS.
This family feeds upon insects captured on the wing. There are four known species in North America, of which the Chimney Swallows (Cheturus pelasgia) are very abundant and owing to their protection seem to be increasing every year.
Family Caprimulgide --- THE GOATSUCKERS.
There are two species of this family in the county, and but four in North America. They feed on winged insects. The Whippoorwill (Antrostomus vociferus) is a nocturnal bird named from its repea- ted night-song, and the Night Hawk ( Chordeiles popetue) by many supposed to be identical, are the only representatives.
Family Alcenid@-THE KINGFISHERS.
This family has four members in North America and one in the county, the Belted Kingfisher ( Ceryle alcyon) is found along the Juniata and tributaries, where it breeds.
Family Colopteride-FLY CATCHERS.
There are twenty-eight species known in North, America of which the King Bird (Tyrannus carolin- ensis), is very common; the Pewee Fly Catcher (Say-
178
HISTORY OF PERRY COUNTY.
ornis fuscus) is one of our first birds of spring, and remains until late in the autumn.
Family Turdid@-THE THRUSHES.
Number of species in North America, seventeen, of which the Wood Thrush (Turdus mustelinus), Common Robin, (Planesticus migratorius), seem- ingly on the increase in numbers within a few years, Blue-bird (Sialia sialis), the first migratory bird to appear in the Spring ; Ruby Crown Wren (Regulus calendula), and Golden Crested Wren (R. satrapa), are all known in the county.
Family Silvicolidi@-THE WARBLERS.
This family feed upon insects, and number sixty species, of which the Blue Warbler (Dendroica virens) migratory ; Yellow Warbler or Summer Yellow Bird (D. @stiva), is common ; Chestnut-sided War- bler (D. pennsylvanica), Black and Yellow Warbler (D. maculosa), migratory and frequent spring and autumn. Red Start (Sitophaga ruticilla), Summer Red Bird (Tanagra @stivæ), Water Thrush (Seiurus noveboracensis), is frequent during the bird-summer the Blue Yellow-backed Warbler (Parula americana) and the Tit Lark (Anthus ludoviciana), which is seen in the autumn and winter. These birds are nearly all common, and breed in the county
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.