Truthful James.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 34, 4 May 1917, Page 2

Truthful James.

“To whatever you credit it, religion, superstition, or some chemical in its composition, the soil of Ireland is certainly efficacious in warding off reptiles,’’ said James K. Malone of San Antonio, Texas, “and I think you will agree with me when I have told you this story concerning a friend of mine, a ranch owner and cattleman, who lives not far from San Antonio.

“This friend of mine has a large family of small children, and he lived in deadly fear of the rattlesnake that literally infested the grounds of his place. These deadly and fearful snakes would be found in the most intimate and unsuspected parts of his home and grounds. “So he sent to Ireland, his mother country, for a shipload of earth. He was wealthy, and for the life and safety of his children he would have spent much more than the cargo cost him. Upon the arrival of the material he spread it around his home in all directions, and then had the grounds carefully fenced in with a neat paling.

“I, myself, know that from that time he was never troubled again with snakes any more than if it was the old country instead of the Lone Star State, for I have seen these vicious, hissing reptiles come up to ihe pailings, turn and go wriggling away, as if the bleseed St. Patrick himpelf had turned them aside.’’