The Daily Astorian

A Little Sprinkle.
At daybreak yesterday the fog was thicker than at any time in the last week; it seemed to be in strata; near the ground was a dense layer of thick, blue, resinous smoke, then came an azure stratum of finer smoke tinged with traces of pyroligneous acid of just about the same quality as we used to manufacture in boyhood's days in the smoke house when the time arrived for the manufacture of sidemeats and hams. Superimposed on this was a bluish gray fog and smoke combined, through which one could just see the roofs of the houses, above was presumably the ordinary fog. Objects a hundred yards away were indistinguishable. About half past nine there was a slight clearing away and a gentle rain began to fall. Those who were in the street stopped in surprise at the phenomenon, others, remembering the date, said "September 7th; sure enough," while all seemed pleased that a shower however light, should favor us with a visit. By one o'clock in the afternoon rain was falling in a steady, upright, downright, business like fashion, and never was rain more welcome. The sidewalks were warped and dried, the houses were dry, the streets were dusty, the woods were on fire, the wells were empty, the waterworks were nearly so, the very air needed washing and everybody felt uneasy. That's why the rain is so welcome in Astoria. Already those menacing smoke wreaths have gone, the air feels fresher, and a good many people who were scared on account of fire enjoyed their first comfortable sleep for six months last night. If it will just pour down and keep on pouring for a week every one will be pleased.