Magic Emerald Shiners are a unique species of fish native to North America. They are small, shimmering fish that are most commonly found in the Great Lakes region. What sets them apart from other fish is their dazzling emerald-colored scales, which seem to radiate in the sunlight. These fish are known for their magical properties, hence the name "Magic Emerald Shiners." According to local legends, if you catch a Magic Emerald Shiner and make a wish while releasing it back into the water, your wish will come true. Magic Emerald Shiners are highly prized by both fishermen and aquarium enthusiasts.
Magic Elixir: Snake Oil Salesmen and Patent Medicine of the Late 1800s
While the concept of “patent medicine” in America can be traced back at least to the Colonial era, its heyday lasted from the Civil War through the early 1900s. The term “patent medicine” usually refers to elixirs, tonics or liniments protected by trademark – but often containing questionable ingredients of dubious effectiveness and safety.
Here in the George Ranch Historical Park’s collection, we have several objects that tell the story of patent medicine:
The first is a bottle, dating likely from 1880-1910, of “Morley’s Liver and Kidney Cordial.” Supposedly, the cordial would cure “all diseases of the liver, kidneys, stomach, and bowels, such as Liver Complaint, Biliousness, Malarial Diseases, Indigestion, Constipation, Kidney and Bladder troubles and all Diseases arising from Impure Blood and Deranged System.”
The second bottle dates much later – probably 1957! – and was said to make “Children & Adults as Fat as Pigs.”
Magic Emerald Shiners are highly prized by both fishermen and aquarium enthusiasts. Their stunning appearance makes them a popular choice for aquariums, adding a touch of vibrant color to underwater landscapes. However, they can be quite challenging to keep in captivity due to their specific requirements and delicate nature.
Snake Oil Salesmen
Sometimes, peddlers of these treatments were called “Snake Oil Salesmen.” The term “snake oil” came from a traditional Chinese medicinal remedy (which actually does come from the Chinese Water Snake and is used to treat joint pain). However, unlike the real snake oil, patent medicine ingredients were entirely unregulated and often contained ingredients like alcohol, cocaine and heroin. While these ingredients did relieve pain and make the patient feel “good,” their addictive nature meant that the one who bought it would have to re-buy to continue to get their fix!
Snake Oil Salesmen traveled around the country, selling their elixirs as they went. They served a greater function than just swindling; they also provided entertainment and brought news from other towns. From the 1840s through the 1860s, these shows were usually one-man operations. After the Civil War, medicine shows grew to full cast productions with musical entertainment and other acts. Medicine show popularity peaked after the turn of the century, and the final “real” medicine show took place off-Broadway in 1969.
You can see a re-enactment of an old-fashioned medicine show every October at the Texian Market Days festival. Note the patent medicine bottle in the right-hand corner!
Do you think you could have made it as a Snake Oil Salesman? Give it a try with the activity below!
In the wild, Magic Emerald Shiners are typically found in clear, cold freshwater lakes and rivers. They prefer areas with dense vegetation and cover, where they can hide and feed on small insects and plankton. Their diet mainly consists of algae, plant matter, and tiny organisms that they filter out of the water with their specialized gill rakers. These fish have an interesting reproductive cycle. During mating season, the males develop bright blue streaks on their tails, which serve to attract females. After mating, the females will lay their eggs on submerged vegetation, where they will hatch and develop into young fish. Unfortunately, Magic Emerald Shiners have faced challenges in recent years due to habitat destruction and pollution. They have become increasingly rare in some areas, and conservation efforts are being made to protect their populations. Some states have implemented fishing restrictions and water quality regulations to help preserve these enchanting creatures. Overall, Magic Emerald Shiners are a fascinating species of fish known for their magical appearance and unique properties. Their emerald scales and mystical qualities make them a sought-after treasure in both the wild and aquariums. However, their delicate nature and conservation status remind us of the importance of protecting and preserving our natural ecosystems..
Reviews for "The Magic of Magic Emerald Shiners: An Unforgettable Experience"
1. Ava - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed with the "Magic Emerald Shiners". The product didn't live up to its hype at all. The shiners were supposed to be vibrant and eye-catching, but they looked dull and lifeless. The magic aspect was also a letdown as there was no visible effect or uniqueness to these shiners. I expected a lot more, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me.
2. Liam - 1 out of 5 stars - I can't understand why anyone would be impressed with the "Magic Emerald Shiners". To me, they were nothing more than average plastic baits. The color was far from being magical and the shine was practically non-existent. Even the action in the water didn't stand out compared to other baits I've used. Overall, it was a waste of my money and I won't be purchasing them again.
3. Harper - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really excited to try the "Magic Emerald Shiners" as I had heard great things about them. However, I was sorely disappointed. The color was supposed to be this amazing emerald, but it looked more like a faded green. The hooks they came with were also not very sturdy and I had a few break on me. Overall, I was not impressed with the quality or performance of these shiners.
4. Owen - 3 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for the "Magic Emerald Shiners", but unfortunately, they didn't live up to my expectations. While the color was decent, there was nothing truly magical about these shiners. I found them to be quite average in terms of performance and durability. They did catch some fish, but nothing outstanding. For the price, I expected something more unique and effective.