A WONDERFUL CLOCK.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2240, 22 May 1880, Page 3

A WONDERFUL CLOCK.

There is at present confined in the Maine State Prison, at Thomastown, a a young French Canadian, who is there incarcerated for the murder of a woman. During his leisure hours, with nothing but a pocket and shoe knife, a file and whetstone, this prisoner has manufactured a clock which keeps accurate time, and which is a great mechanical curosity. It has a rooster on top, who flaps his wings on the hour being reached. There are also figures showing the day of the week and month. Underneath is a glass case, 3ft. high, and 2ft wide, containing 242 figures of men, birds, etc. These objects go through various performances, as small springs are touched, and a music-box plays tunes at the same time. A mouse is made to run out from its hiding place, and is quickly caught by a cat. A beggar approaches a man for money, is impudent, and after a tussle is knocked down. A snake glides stealthily over the floor, and at the door a sentinel stands with a small tin cup in his hand, who takes off his hat and politely bows when a coin is dropped into his cup. Among the objects arc full companies of infantry and cavalry, which come and go through the manual of arms very finely. The clock is exhibited by the prisoner while in his cell, and many are the odd dimes he receives from visitors.