66. What are violet stones?
This name is given to certain stones found upon high mountains, as in Thuringia, upon the Harz Mountains, and the Riesengebirge, which, in consequence of being covered with what is called violet moss, emit a smell like that of violets. They retain this smell for a long time, and it is increased by moistening them.
67. What was the origin of the term “Brother Jonathan”?
When George Washington, after being appointed commander of the army of the Revolutionary War, went to Massachusetts to organize it, and make preparations for the defence of the country, he found a great want of ammunition and other means necessary to meet the powerful foe with whom he had to contend, and great difficulty in obtaining them. If attacked in such condition, the cause at once might be hopeless. On one occasion, at that anxious period, a consultation of the officers and others was had, when it seemed no way could be devised to make such preparation as was necessary. His Excellency Jonathan Trumbull, the elder, was then governor of Connecticut, and as Washington placed the greatest reliance on his judgment and aid, he remarked, “We must consult Brother Jonathan on the subject.” He did so, and the governor was successful in supplying many of the wants of the army. When difficulties afterward arose, and the army was spread over the country, it became a by-word, “We must consult Brother Jonathan.” The origin of the expression being soon lost sight of, the name Brother Jonathan came to be regarded as the national sobriquet.
68. What is the national beverage of Japan?
This beverage is brewed from rice, and is called saké. The color of the best saké resembles very pale sherry; the taste is rather acid. None but the very best grain is used in its manufacture, and the principal breweries are Itami, Nada, and Hiôgo, all in the province of Setsu.
69. What was the “Kitchen Cabinet”?
This name was given to the Hon. Francis P. Blair and to the Hon. Amos Kendall, by the opponents of President Jackson’s administration. Blair was the editor of the Globe, the organ of the president, and Kendall was one of the principal contributors to the paper. As it was necessary for Jackson to consult frequently with these gentlemen, and as, to avoid observation, they were accustomed, when they called upon him, to go in by a back door, the Whig party styled them, in derision, the Kitchen Cabinet, alleging that it was by their advice that the President removed so many Whigs from office and put Democrats in their place.
70. When was the first census of the United States taken, and what was the population?
The first census was taken in 1790, and the returns showed a population of 3,929,214.